Obi-Wan had just returned from a small trip to one of the
exotic gardens on Coruscant. There he'd sought the comfort only the purest form
of the Force could offer. Coruscant was thriving, buzzing with life, but there
was little comfort in the almost overwhelming roar in the Force the planet
created. For a fleeting moment, he wished he could visit Alderaan, or any
desolate and peaceful planet. There was so much to think of, to consider. He
needed the peace, but the Republic needed him, so he had to take what
little he could find here on the capital.
He sighed. Sure, it'd been soothing, and yes, he felt better. Still...
Even if he spent years in the garden, his pain would not go away.
He rounded the corner and ran straight into Senator Kayla. She gasped for air
and gave him a very serious glance.
"Jedi Kenobi. We've been looking for you."
Her tone...whatever she wanted, it wouldn't be good.
"Senator Amidala of Naboo has been kidnapped."
---
As they walked down the corridors towards the conference room where the Jedi
Council and Bail Organa was waiting, she told him what little she knew.
"The Senator was late for an appointment with the Imperial Trade
delegation. Senator Mon went over to her apartment, but found the door open,
and Senator Amidala missing. The room was in a mess, but security found a small
holoproj with Imperial signs. The recording – voice only - says she won't be
released until we turn over Lord Vader to them. Further instructions will
arrive later this evening."
Obi-Wan was still stunned by the news. Padmé - kidnapped. It seemed impossible...
As the couple entered the conference room heads were turned in their direction.
Mace Windu, next to Bail Organa at the end of the table, nodded lightly to
Obi-Wan.
"Obi-Wan. I'm relieved to see you. Has Senator Kayla informed you about
the present situation?"
Obi-Wan nodded.
"Yes. What are we going to do?"
Bail sighed.
"We don't know. Senator Amidala has been one of our leading forces. I
don't know if we could have made it through this latst days without her, or if
we will make the coming ones. And then I don't include our personal
relationships to her. But we can't give them Vader."
"You are right, Chancellor. Maybe we'll have to sacrifice the
senator."
Bail gave Glam, an aged Jedi, a pained glance and shook his head.
"We cannot do that either. We..." he shook his head. "I don't
know."
"I suggest that we'll wait with our decision until we receive more
information." Mace Windu's voice was calm, as always.
Bail looked at the head of the Council, then nodded.
"I think that's our best option. Until they make contact, we will resume
our normal activities. The loss of Senator Amidala is devastating, but we can't
allow it to stun us."
He rose, and nodded at them.
"Back to work, gentlebeings."
---
Amidala was angry, but still not afraid. She'd awoken in a cell about half an
hour ago and she didn't know where she was.
On a ship of some kind, she guessed, an Imperial one. At least if she was to
judge from the strict, cold design.
Suddenly the door slid open and revealed a cloaked alien. He was dressed in
blue and red armour, and had a small black breathing-mask covering parts of his
face. She recognized him as a Kel Dor.
He gave her a small nod.
"Senator Amidala. I am happy to see that you are awake."
"Where am I?" she asked calmly, no emotion in her voice.
"On the Dread, an Imperial Cruiser. I am Korlon Eysh, Imperial
Commander." She imagined a small smile on his lips, even though she could
not see it. "And soon to be the undisputed ruler of this galaxy."
"So. You are the one leading the Empire now." Her voice still showed
no emotion, save for perhaps a small hint of sarcasm. She wouldn't allow him to
see any signs of worry or fear. "I thought the Empire disliked
aliens."
The lines in his face hardened and he curled his fingers into a fist.
"Yes. And that is why I, despite my superior cunning, only held the rank
of a Commander. In my Empire, talents won't be wasted because of specie."
"But because of opinions."
He made a small gesture with his right arm, more at ease now. Once again, his
voice was soft and in control.
"Isn't it the same with your Republic? Or do you show any mercy to those
who stay loyal to the Empire?"
She met his gaze, and answered coldly.
"The Empire wants to destroy everyone standing in their way. We do not
punish people because of their opinions, but because of their actions."
She made a pause. "Why have you brougth me here?"
He made another casual gesture.
"You will serve as a...ah, guarantee. The Republic has something I want,
and you will help me make sure I get it."
"And that is? A throne?"
"In time, yes. Before that happens, however, there are a few things to
settle. This is one of them." He shrugged. "That is not your problem,
though. You will not live to see it."
"I see. Once you've got what you want, you'll kill me."
"You are a traitor, Senator."
He looked around in the small cell.
"I'm afraid this isn't one of our most comfortable rooms, but it will have
to do. After all, you won't stay here for long. And now, I have to leave you.
But I think we'll see each again at your execution. I wouldn't want to miss
that."
He bowed curtly and turned. She stared at the shut door for a furious moment,
then reached for the bottle of water standing on the small table next to her.
She would find a way out of this.
At least she hoped so.
---
"Chancellor, you have a call waiting."
Bail turned, as did Obi-Wan. This had to be it, he could feel it...
"Who?" Bail demanded.
"I don't know, sir. He says he is calling from an Imperial Cruiser."
The Chancellor and the Jedi exchanged glances. Then Bail looked back to the
aide.
"I'll take it in the Conference room. Find the Jedi Council and the High
Senate, and send them there immediately."
"Yes, sir!"
The aide left and Bail and Obi-Wan hurried towards the room. They found four of
the seven senators and five Jedi waiting for them. The aide had done a good
job.
Together they entered the room and seated themselves around the long, dark
table. Bail took a deep breath, then turned on the wall-wide holoscreen.
It was filled with the image of an alien in strange red and blue patterned
armour -
"Greetings, traitors", he said, his voice deep and soft.
Bail Organa stood, unaffected by this opening speech.
"Who are you?" he demanded.
The being bowed his head mockingly.
"High Commander Korlon Eysh, the new ruler of the galaxy."
"Really? I must have missed the appointment. And most of the people did
too, I'm afraid."
"Don't be stupid, Chancellor", Eysh purred. "I will be acknowledge,
all in due time. And then no one will doubt or question my superior power. If
you are wise, you won't either."
"I don't believe that, Commander Eysh. Why don't you tell us what you
want?"
"I want Vader, I've already told you that."
"I don't think the people would allow that."
"You are a fool, Chancellor, who doesn't know how to use your power."
"The power was given to me by the people, and shall be used to their
benefit. I tell you, we cannot give you Vader."
"Would it be easier if I told you that I don't intent to use him in the
war?" The alien laughed. "I assure you, Chancellor, I want him only
for the pleasure of witnessing his slow execution."
Bail frowned, and glance at Obi-Wan who stood just as puzzled.
"Why would you do that?", the dark-haired politician asked.
"We all know about the Dark Lord's hunger for power. I do not believe he
would let me rule the Empire as I liked, if he had a chance to intervene."
"He won't be able to do it now either."
Eysh's eyes narrowed.
"True", he said quitely. "There's other reasons as well, but
they are...personal."
"Either way, I'm afraid it's impossible."
It could have been a cold smile behind that mask.
"Nothing is impossible for the one who holds the power. Think about it,
Chancellor. I'll give you one day. In twenty-four standard hours, Senator
Amidala will be executed if I've not received word that you are ready for the
exchange."
The pictured disappeared as the screen went black.
Bail turned to look at the rest of them.
"So. What do you think?"
Ki-Adi Munid frowned.
"He's a Kel Dor. I thought the Emperor disliked aliens."
"Which can explain his bitterness towards Lord Vader", Mace Windu
remarked, "though I don't believe Vader really had anything against other
species. Anyhow, I believe he's telling the truth. He only wants to kill
him."
Obi-Wan and several of the other Jedi nodded in agreement. Bail shrugged
uneasily.
"The doesn't change much. We can't do it. The political effects would be
disastrous. Besides, we cannot send anyone to his death like that. Not even
Vader."
"And instead Senator Amidala will die", Senator Mon of Malastere said
quietly.
Bail sighed.
"There's got to be a way out of this. Maybe we could buy some more
time."
"What about a rescue?", Jedi Kiara, the slender replacement for
Saesee Tiin, wondered.
"That wouldn't work. We have no idea where they might be."
"Track down the transmission."
"It came from a starship. When we arrive to the place, it's already
left."
"What then?"
Silence followed the last question. Then, Mace Windu broke it.
"Whatever we do, I strongly recommend that Vader is moved to Arkana II
immediately."
Bail nodded.
"I'll take care of that as soon as this meeting is over." He looked
at Obi-Wan. "Would you care to accompany Vader and the guards to make sure
nothing happens, General Kenobi?"
Obi-Wan sighed inwardly. He didn't really want to, but he'd learned to accept
his assignments. And besides, even if Bail had asked him as a Chancellor, he was
his friend. Even though it annoyed him to be sent away from Coruscant in time
of such crisis...
"As you wish, Chancellor. If you agree, masters?" he added with a
glance at the Jedi.
"Mace Windu looked down at Yoda, who remained quiet. The bald Jedi nodded.
"Go, Obi-Wan. But hurry back."
"Yes, master Windu."
"Well. We all need some time to think, I believe", Bail said, and
pressed his hands against the table, as if he prepared to rise. "We'll
have a new meeting in twelve hours. Pray that we have a solution by then."
He nodded and they rose as he did the same. Obi-Wan felt the frustration fill
him as he left the room. Another meeting? They were holding meetings while
Padmé was captured, and awaiting her execution. He sneered. Suddenly he seemed
to remember why he didn't have much faithin politicians.
He pushed that away. It wouldn't help him.
He doubted anything could.
---
Vader blinked as the door slid open. It was still in
the middle of the night and the breakfast shouldn't arrive in hours. He frowned
as he spotted Obi-Wan and the two guards enter the cell. The armoured guards
pointed their blasters at him.
Vader sat up in the bed and raised his eyebrows.
"I really thought I'd seen the last of you, Kenobi. What's now?"
"You're going to be moved."
"Now? It's in the middle of the night, old man."
Obi-Wan merely nodded.
"Get dressed and pick up your things."
Vader gave him an angry glance, but rose and went over to the table where his
clothes laid. He put them on quickly; just trousers, a shirt, a jacket, socks
and dark boots. Then he turned.
"Don't move", one of the guards ordered and stepped towards him. "Give me your
hands."
Vader detested letting Obi-Wan see him getting chained, but there was nothing
he could do with those blasters aimed at him. Maybe it would be worth an attack
on his former master. If he moved quickly he could break the man's neck before
they shot him…
He offered his hands and the guard put the manacles on. Vader gave Obi-Wan a
cold smile as the guard kneeled to chain his feet.
The guard rose and aimed his weapon at him as the other one opened the cage
with the Ysalamir. He fastened in a harness and went over to Vader.
"Lift your arms", he instructed. Vader did so, and gritted his teeth as he felt
the thongs around his chest. He now carried the loathsome creature that blinded
him to the Force on his back.
Being blind to the Force…It was something that almost made him wish he could
take his life. Not that he would give the Jedi that satisfaction. But it was as
if they'd deprived him of both hearing and seeing and feeling at the same time.
Numb…completely numb.
Obi-Wan looked at him and Vader stared back. If that damned Jedi dared to say
anything –
But he didn't. Instead, he just turned and walked out of the cell. One of the
guards gestured with his blaster to make Vader move.
It was the first time in three days he'd been outside the cell. On Arkana II, a
planet designed for keeping very special prisoners, he would have the
opportunity to get out every day, but here on Coruscant they didn't dare to
take that risk. Every time he'd been outside, he'd been guarded by at least one
Jedi.
He turned to look at Obi-Wan, who'd been waiting patiently for them to join
him,
"Care to tell me about this sudden hurry?"
The Jedi hesitated then shrugged.
"Why not. I won't matter." He gave Vader a quick glance. "Padmé has been
kidnapped by this new Imperial leader."
Vader stopped short.
"What?! How could that happen?" He stared at Obi-Wan. "What kind of security do
you have, can't you even protect your own senators – " He cut himself off,
realizing he was letting too much out.
"Move on", one of the guards ordered and he started to walk again, feeling
stunned. Obi-Wan eyed him closely. He hadn't expected Vader to react so
strongly. He would almost seem as if he…cared?
"Not this night, but the one before, someone broke into her apartment and left
with her, leaving a message. This evening we got a call from this Imperial who
told us that he wanted you in exchange for her."
Vader, still shocked, gave him a disbelieving stare.
"What? You can't tell me you'll do as he wants?"
"Of course not. But we wanted to move you where you would be safely kept."
Vader snorted.
"Safely kept indeed." He paused. "Do you know who he is by now?"
Obi-Wan nodded.
"Ever heard of someone called Korlon Eysh?"
Vader gasped.
"For Force's sake!" he whispered through clench teeth.
Obi-Wan raised his eyebrows.
"You know him then?"
Vader met his gaze, and Obi-Wan thought he could see a faint hint of fear in
that glance. But no, that would be ridiculous…
"You bet I do", the Dark Lord told him. "He's twisted. A lunatic. Longs for
power, hates the Emperor because he didn't like aliens, has been planning to
take over the Empire ever since the start."
"Why did you keep him?"
"He was no real threat, and he was useful. No moral, no aversions whatsoever.
He enjoys tormenting his victims. Some of the things he's done…Damn, Kenobi,
tell me it's not true."
Obi-Wan swallowed. This just got even better…now Padmé's kidnapper wasn't only
evil, he was insane as well.
He could see Vader was thinking the same. The former Jedi seemed distant, as if
he wasn't really present in the room.
They continued in silence, both lost in thought.
A few minutes later the little group reached the hangar. Only one ship waited
there, a small anonymous craft. But even though it looked fragile it had more
than enough firepower and the shield was almost unbreakable.
Vader gave it an appraising look. He wouldn't mind a trip in that model. Well.
At least not if he'd been the pilot. As it was now, it didn't seem quite as
fun.
Korlon Eysh.
He would kill her. There was no doubt about that. Even if the Republic agreed
on his conditions and he got what he wanted, he would never let her go. And he
would make sure that her end was painful, too.
Suddenly, he couldn't stand that thought.
For Force's sake, not Padmé! His wife…his beloved wife.
Beloved…still
A sudden flash of incredible pain, almost to much to bear, rippled through his
body.
She really loved me.
He looked at Obi-Wan. The Jedi seemed preoccupied.
The guards stopped outside the ship, and with them the two other men.
"We need to check with the controls. You can take care of him for a minute?"
Obi-Wan nodded.
The guards turned and walked over the platform and out through the small door.
Vader glanced at Obi-Wan. The man was deep in thought.
Padmé…
He'd only got one chance.
Vader took a step towards the ship as if he wanted to have a look at it.
Obi-Wan didn't react. Vader took a deep breath. Then he turned and slammed
himself backwards against the edge of the ramp.
He could hear the Ysalamir crush. And felt the Force coming back to him. Like
one, glorious wave it washed over him. Once again, he was alive, whole –
He turned and faced Obi-Wan. Before the Jedi had a chance to understand what
was going on, Vader used the Force to slam him against the wall. The Dark Lord
waved his hand and the chains fell to the floor.
He rushed up on the ramp and into the ship.
Guards came running over the floor. He didn't care about them. Ten seconds
later the ship lifted.
People screamed in the comm, ordering him to turn back. When he didn't, they
fired at him. He avoided the fire easily and one minute later he entered
hyperspace.
TBC
