Telos burned. Qui Gon watched grimly the fires as they erupted from buildings in the capital. Mede had made the news public to the populace as Loma fed it to the Senate but what happened next Qui Gon was not prepared for. Instead of surrendering, Crion had turned the Barak army on the people of Telos. He had barricade himself within the Governor's mansion and turned it into a command center. A civil war had broken out with the weak Senatorial forces to one side and Crion's supporters to another. Qui Gon watched as the armies clashed in the streets while looters plundered the rich city. He watched unaware that Nero was constantly in the shadows behind him, watching and writing.
Nero knew that the war was never Qui Gon's intention and it had wounded the Jedi. But he also knew that worst was the betrayal. While Qui Gon commanded the Senate's armies, Xanatos commanded Crion's battle machine. His student had sided with his father and it seemed to cause a light to go out in the Jedi's eyes. Nero had an idea on how the Jedi felt, somewhere in Crion's army Aheme fought.
"Master Jedi- I said it's time you helped."
Nero watched as Qui Gon tore his eyes from the window and turned back the woman. Qui Gon called her Yuri. The woman was wearing a bloodied uniform and she had dirt smeared over most of her exposed skin. She was holding out a dura-sheet to him. "This are my plans for the next strike. We have them cornered in the Governor's district. If we can push them back here and here, their lines will break. They already need food and medicine. It's not likely they'll continue to fight. The only problem after that will be getting to the Demarse in time. I don't know what kind of back up plan they have."
"But you can rest assure they have one." Qui Gon said. "Do it."
"Aye sir...and you?"
"I'm going after the Demarse."
The battle raged till nightfall. Casualties were more then had been expected and it was harder to push back the armies then Yuri had thought. But they were winning, barely. Names were been announced hourly for those killed, missing or wounded. It was hard not to be overwhelmed by the names. But Nero had a mission. Just like Qui Gon had to find his student, he had to find his brother. Following Qui Gon would led him straight to Aheme, he was certain of that. But he wasn't prepared for what he saw.
Aheme had snuck him into the palace enough times for him to know his way around but as Nero crept through the estate, he was overcome by how devastated it was. Like most of Telos, the house was ruined. Bodies laid where they fell and time had already begun to age and eat away at them. The smell was too powerful at times. Nero walked in silence for most of the journey. Then he heard a battle in the distance. Gritting his teeth against the pain, he ran towards it.
"Why so surprised, Qui Gon?" It was Crion's voice loud and deranged. "You taught me the price of leadership! Sacrifices had to be made!"
"They were lives, Crion. Your own people's lives. They trusted you and you betrayed."
"I never asked for their trust, or their love. I was a businessman! I took what I needed from them and from you. You trained my son and now thank you, Jedi because you delivered on your word. Xanatos is an excellent warrior."
"You used him, me and anyone else to achieve your end Crion," Qui Gon's voice betrayed no emotion, but his eyes were dead. It pained him. Even as he fought Crion, Nero saw that he loved him. "And never forget Crion- the price of power!"
Nero watched what happened next. It was like the universe stilled and everything second spread onward towards eternity. With a deft move, Qui Gon sliced through two droids that were protecting the Governor but it was the backstroke that counted. Swiftly and gracefully the green lightsaber slashed through the blaster Crion held. The move was so precise, is sliced through a ring on Crion. The ring flew off the finger and landed near the fire. The green blade found its mark in Crion's chest. Slowly, the man slumped to his knees and collapsed.
And time suddenly sped up. Nero barely heard Xanatos cry out. He saw the Jedi student run to the fallen form of his father. He watched the boy search the floor panicked. Xanatos glimpsed the ring.
"You have stolen him from me Qui Gon." Xanatos said in a dead voice. "You've betrayed me."
"I have served Telos, Xanatos. That's all I could do."
"You killed him!" The boy suddenly shouted. "You've murdered him, and as long I draw breath you will pay." Xanatos reached into the fire and pulled out the ring. He pressed it to his cheek. The sound of burning flesh was the only sound in the room.
And soon it was followed by the smell of charged air and as the two Jedi flew into battle. Nero watched as Qui Gon attempted to reason with Xanatos but it was useless. The Jedi Padawan was consumed with rage. The anger was fed by grief and it made Xanatos strong. Qui Gon on the other hand was being crippled by torn emotions. Nero could see it on his face; the Master did not want to fight his student. Hours seemed to pass but neither waned. Each one was sworn to their duty and as they fought Nero could only witness the events.
It was near morning before anything happened. Finally Qui Gon forced Xanatos' saber from his hand and stood over the boy. His lightsaber was poised over Xanatos' throat. Nero waited but Qui Gon did nothing.
"Can't do it can you?" Xanatos spat as he laughed from under his blade. He turned and suddenly caught sight of Nero. "Very well then. I shall give you something your noble values can do."
It happened fast. Xanatos called a blaster to him using the Force and fired at Nero. The blast hit him in the stomach. Nero swallowed hard, he felt as if he was on fire.
Suddenly Xanatos was standing, and opened to escape. Nero wondered how that was possible but then he turned his attention to the chill he felt engulf him. He was so cold, he shivered.
"Forever the hero, Master." Nero heard Xanatos muttered. "Remember always the price of the hero. We shall meet again." Nero turned his head and wondered where Qui Gon was. This question lasted only a second before he felt the Jedi arms wrap around him and lift him. He could feel the warmth of the Jedi's body against his and he didn't feel cold anymore. Nero smiled at the Jedi and closed his eyes... he was to tired to keep them open...
