Chapter 5 – My Mistake, His Suffering

I, of course, was not there when it happened. I did question the Guards and witnesses later, though, and got a full account, which I will now tell you.

It happened in Otoh, a small town in Gunga. Two horses pulled a cart carrying five prisoners. The cart was being taken to the execution block. The people on that cart had been found guilty in a legal court and had been rightfully sentenced. Spectators lined the route from the prison to the block. Some cheered, others threw rotten food, many were simply silent and sullen.

The cart itself was secure; the prisoners were tied to the railing and there were twelve Guards escorting them. At their destination, another six Guards waited along with a priest and the hooded executioner. It was broad daylight. Nothing could possible happen.

I'd laugh at the Guards' optimism if I were not so angered by their stupidity. The Jedi is clever and will always do what is not expected of him and we knew by then how much he enjoyed a challenge. Guards, witnesses, daylight, the last opportunity for the Fallen; I doubt the Jedi could resist it. In retrospect, it was only a matter of time before he did something so obvious.

There was a sound of breaking glass as windows were smashed in the houses' top floors surrounding one of the streets of the route. The League had picked the widest piece of road to attack. There was plenty of space between the road and the cart's escort to get a clear shot. At the sound of the smashed glass, the wagon stopped and the guards raised their weapons, not knowing what to expect.

Shots were fired and men went down. The bystanders cried out, women were screaming and people scattering causing chaos. More shots rang out and more of the Guards fell wounded or worse. Amongst the confusion, five masked men ran out of the crowd towards the cart. They drew their swords and fought their way to the prisoners. The Guards had little choice but to raise their own swords and try to beat off the new attack.

The Jedi League did not kill if they did not need to. My men were merely incapacitated; hit over the head, wounded in their legs or arms. The Jedi was there, I am sure of that. The one who appeared to be the leader pulled the Guard driving the cart into the crowd and took control and stopped the horses by pulling on the reins and. Seeing that they had control of the wagon, the other masked men scattered, leaving their victims dazed in the street.

The shooters, by this time, had already fled, disappearing into the crowd. The masked men ran behind the retreating cart still loaded with prisoners. Some Guards and newly arrived soldiers tried to give chase but the Jedi had chosen his retreat well. He and his men fled down a narrow alley, and from behind a large gate just within the alleyway a burning wagon was pushed, out blocking the path of those that pursued. They were all gone. The prisoners, the Jedi and his League, and the only thing they had left was a burning wagon and another message.

-

As I have said, I had not seen Obi-Wan for a few days before I left for Naboo. While I was still in Beli'ay we had continued to communicate through letters. Obi-Wan had not expected to be away long, however, one of his responsibilities was to attend the prince when Xanatos ordered it. I am not sure if it was an effort on Xanatos' part to try and keep Obi-Wan and I apart or just to try to talk some sense into his friend, but while I was still in the city, I received a letter from Obi-Wan telling me that Prince Xanatos had gone to his country home for a few days and once his business had been attended to, he would be joining him at the prince's request.

I left strict instructions with Travin to do nothing until he heard from me. I did not want the little spy to interfere with the nobility and ruin all my hard work. He had reluctantly agreed that I had made progress and would wait for further instructions. I left Coruscant as soon as I was able after hearing the news of the latest Jedi rescue and my thoughts were of Obi-Wan as I made my hasty arrangements. I realised my instructions to Travin had a lot to do with my desire to keep him away from the young lord. I feared that whatever Xanatos was telling Obi-Wan, Travin would only confirm by doing something in his usual insensitive manner.

The journey over the sea was calm and short this time. The wind and tides were in our favour. The coach ride to the Palace was less than enjoyable. Maul had been awaiting my arrival at the docks. He all but sneered at me as I descended the gangplank. He did not like me, nor did he trust me; he did not trust anyone, which was why Palpatine employed him.

"The King awaits your arrival." It was a polite order; I suspected it was Palpatine's exact words. Maul was rarely polite. It was not a request, either. I would go and Maul had been sent to make sure of it. If Maul bears the message, that in of itself is a warning.

I was not kept waiting, as was usual, which I will admit caused a spark of fear within me.

"Well?" The King stared at me intently.

"Do you wish to know about the new escape or Coruscant, your Majesty?"

"Both."

"Things go well in Beli'ay, Your Majesty. The Nobles are beginning to trust me and have started to open up."

"Amidala?"

"I have spoken to her. Once I reminded her of her other family here she became most keen to assist and tell me of her escape. I instructed her to think of some more and to contact the embassy if she thinks of anything more."

"Which she will."

"Of course." I paused a moment before going on with a different part of my investigation. "I have not yet had an opportunity to go to the scene of the latest escape, so I have nothing to say on that matter."

"It happened in the region of Gunga." My King told me. "Which is very close to the coast and to Coruscant. The voyage over the sea between them is less than a day. Whoever the Jedi is, he sees you as a threat, Qui-Gon, for that you must be congratulated. The Jedi knew he would be missed by you if he was gone, which is why he chose Gunga." Palpatine looked at me, licking his lips in thought, his eyes squinting a little in warning.

"Notice anyone gone for a couple of days, Qui-Gon?"

Obi-Wan.

"The Prince took several of his friends to the country. Someone could have easily lied and said they were attending when they were actually not."

"Do you have names?"

"Of course, Sir."

"Good. Be careful, Qui-Gon, I have received some distressing letters implying you may have been distracted from your task by a young lord. Is this true?"

Palpatine watched my reaction to his words and I tried not to show any. I knew who it was who had sent those letters, there was only one person; Travin. Many people in Naboo fear the King but they do not know the fear that is felt when those eyes bore into your own. They have never felt the icy cold stare and know that you could condemn your self with your next words.

"Distracted? No, the Lord you refer to is one of the more powerful noblemen. I am using him to get to the others who follow his lead." I had never lied to my King, yet it is something I found myself doing more and more. I had outlined my plans and action in a report that Palpatine undoubtedly read but he was a man of lies and liked to hear the words for himself to judge if there were lies within them.

"Very well, you may go."

I strolled from the room greatly relieved but unfortunately, Maul had followed me out.

"I am watching you, Lord Jinn," he growled. Maul is not as tall as I am, not many people are, but he is very good at intimidation. I was aware of his efforts it that task, and it angered me.

"You watch, Maul. There is nothing to see except a man doing his job. Good day to you." I loathed that man, yet he was not to be underestimated. He was dangerous even to a man such as myself. Palpatine had him on a leash but our King had been known to let the chain out a long way. Maul would bite quickly and painfully and in all honesty, most people never see it coming. I did not fear the King's rabid animal, but that did not mean I relished the idea of meeting him in a dark alley.

-

It didn't take long to get to Gunga, and Otoh, the town where the escape had occurred. It was right on the coast and was a fairly large fishing town. I went first to the prison where the Fallen had been held to await their execution. I didn't yet know the names of those who had escaped, nor their importance.

The prison was like many others in Naboo. It smelt of humans. The smell of fear and sweat mingled in the air with the smell of gunpowder and hay. It was filthy and over crowded. Every prison in Naboo was; a day did not go by without more prisoners and accused arriving.

The main entryway was wide, big enough for a horse and cart. The condemned were loaded onto the cart from within the prison. It was safer. The corridors were narrow and the doors thick, strong oak with iron bolts. Every window was barred, every door required a key and there were plenty of armed guards patrolling the corridors. The Jedi had broken into prisons in the past, usually at night when those that were rescued would not be missed for hours.

I looked in one of the cells, now empty waiting for my arrival and inspection. The reason I was asked to view the cell was apparent the moment I walked through the door. On the wall opposite the door, so it would be seen when the cell was entered, was a message written in charcoal. The letters were a foot high and went across the entire wall. It read: 'Knowledge over…'

Where was the rest? I turned to look at the other walls but they were bare. Where was the rest? I strode from the cell, yelling for the warden and the other NIA agent who had accompanied me to Gunga.

"Take me to the execution block along the route the prisoners were taken," I ordered, not frantic, just desperate to find the other half of the message. The Jedi had split the message and the Jedi never did anything without a reason.

The journey from the prison to the block was fairly short and very straightforward. The largest roads were used using the most direct way. MacLeane, who had become my lieutenant on my posting to Coruscant, I had made him a deputy so that I could keep an eye on him, was other NIA agent, walked a couple of feet behind me, not in my space, but close if I needed him. He knew almost as much about the Jedi as I did and had been in the NIA almost as long as I. He was young and keen. I told him to look out for writing on the walls. Neither of us saw anything. We reached the place of the escape and continued on to the block. There was no sign of the rest of the message. We returned to the place of the attack where some Guards still stood waiting for my investigation to be over.

The message bothered me a great deal. Not just because it was split and I could not find the other half, but because the Jedi had attacked the cart carrying the prisoners and not the prison itself which meant he had broken into the prison for the sole purpose of leaving me his calling card.

MacLeane interviewed the guards. I was sure they would be unable to tell us anything new. It had been inconceivable that the Jedi would attack during broad daylight, totally unexpected, which it exactly why the Jedi had done it.

There was no writing, either. Not in the street or up the alleyway the Jedi had escaped up. I wasn't looking in the right place.

I hurried over to MacLeane and the guards.

"You, take me to the rooms the shooters were hiding in." The prison guard looked bewildered but he did as I ordered.

"What are you looking for, Sir?" MacLeane asked me.

"A clue." There was nothing in the rooms on the east side of the street, however on the west side I found what I was looking for. Across a wall was written; '…Ignorance.'

I stayed alone in the room for awhile, windows still broken, with the writing on the wall. He'd been there. I knew that. He may not have been one of the shooters but he has waited in that room until the cart had approached the ambush area.

He was trying to tell me something. Who he is? No, something bigger and more important.

-

I glanced out the window, which was when I saw him. The watcher. He crouched on the roof across the street. He was cloaked in black with a black hat pulled low and a black handkerchief tied around his head concealing his face. I stood perfectly still for a fraction of a second before running out of the room and down into the street. He hadn't moved. He remained on the roof. He raised his hand in greeting before standing and disappearing from site. MacLeane and I raced across the street and down the alleyway left of the building he had been perched on. We got there just in time to see him disappear around the corner at the end of the alley.

We gave chase.

He remained in front of us, however, he was always in sight. We did not lose him, or should I say, he did not lose us? The chase didn't last long, although it did take us down all the narrow cut-throughs and tiny back streets until finally we came to a dead end and he was gone.

"He's certainly well prepared. He knows his way around."

"Yes, Sir but he's becoming too cocky. We saw him."

"You mean he allowed us to see him." I pointed to a wall. "He led us here purposely."

On the wall was a message. The words were new, something had changed. What was he telling me now?

'Strength over fear.'

"What do you think, MacLeane?"

"It's different."

"But why?"

MacLeane shrugged; if I didn't know, then he certainly wouldn't.

"Send a message to the King. Confirm it was the Jedi and that he left a message again. Do not tell him it was different. I want to tell him myself."

"Yes, Sir." MacLeane left, he was one of my own and I knew I could trust him to do exactly as I ordered.

I stared at the new words for a long time pondering their meaning. The Jedi could have written them in place of the old ones, so why hadn't he? Because this way was more fun; the chase was more intermit this way. I had seen the Jedi, if only from a distance, and because he allowed it, he was drawing me in. He was perhaps telling me it would end soon, one way or the other.

-

I called the prison guards, the Guards, any soldiers and NIA agents that were available to the square to brief them on the situation.

"The Jedi and his League have once again successfully freed enemies of Naboo. It happened two days ago, however, a man dressed in black, who we suspect to be the Jedi, was seen running through the back streets a short time ago. He must have a bolt hole around here somewhere, a place he feels safe. He knows the area well, so he must have been here awhile and therefore have a dwelling of some sort.

"Our enemy is out there, Gentlemen, and he is laughing at us. You are to search the town and stop anyone and everyone. Talk to them; ask them if there have been any new tenants in town. This is a small town; everyone knows everyone else's business.

"If you suspect you have him or have reliable information, report to me immediately. The Jedi is dangerous and is my responsibility. Find him."

I watched the assembled men break up into groups of three and spread out, disappearing down the small streets that led onto the square.

"Think we will find him?" The prison warden asked me from behind me. I didn't turn when I answered.

"The prisoners will have long gone, but he, he is still here."

-

"You are sure?" NIA agent Sebulba stood talking to a Mr. Panaka in the street. His impatience growing alongside his excitement.

"Yes, Sir. About three weeks ago I was approached by a gentleman concerning property on Lesant Street. We agreed on a price and he's been there ever since. He was average height and build, his hair was light, I think."

"Was he foreign?"

"If he was, he hid it well."

-

Later that afternoon I found myself making my way to the centre of town, which was also one of its busier areas. Sebulba sent for me and I met him in front of the house on Lesant Street.

"Has anyone left or entered the house?" I asked him when I arrived.

"Not since I've been watching, my Lord." Sebulba had sat outside the house for an hour by the time I arrived. It had taken some time for the messenger to find me. As ordered, Sebulba had done nothing without me.

I nodded to the Guards who were carrying a small battering ram. Within seconds the door was forced open and we were in the house.

There was nobody there.

The fire was still smoking from being hastily put out and the candle wax had yet to set. They had left the house, but they had managed to do it as we had been watching. Under a half empty glass of wine, a note was written in the Jedi's distinctive handwriting.

I apologise for leaving so quickly and for not greeting you personally but

I had some matters of some emergency to attend to.

Yours sincerely,

The Jedi

P.S. please be sure to avail yourself of my wine in the cellar.

I took the stairs to the cellar as the Jedi had indicated I should do. Instead of wine, I found a wall knocked through, leading to the house that opened onto the market street, which ran parallel to Lesant Street. Seeing us descend upon his house, the Jedi had escaped into the crowd by using the passageway. As we entered he left.

He knew we would find that dwelling eventually.

When we finally found the owner of the other house, he said he had been renting it to a tall, dark, middle-aged man. The Jedi could have been either of the men described or neither; they could just as easily been other members of the League. I felt frustrated; despite everything on that trip, I had learnt nothing, not even a vague description of my nemesis. It was then that I learnt the identity of one of the escaped prisoners, Lady Ally Naberrie, Amidala's sister.

I was angry and I was determined to find someone who knew something.

-

I dare say you are wondering what happened to Obi-Wan while I was back in Naboo chasing my demons. When he returned from his business he found me gone and Travin in my place. I realise now I should have taken Travin with me to Naboo but I didn't think he would disobey me so openly. It was my mistake and my Obi-Wan suffered for it and I think I only added to it by remaining away so long and not sending him any letters or any other sort of communication. After the Jedi had escaped me again, I did not return to Coruscant, instead I remained to do some digging I could have easily left to one of my subordinates. I did not to this because I was frustrated and needed something to do other than attending parties of the Proud.

Obi-Wan did not tell me what happened when we next met, but others did and eventually, when all our secrets were exposed, he told me everything. For the time being though, I shall tell you what Travin and Lady Jezzie told me.

-

About the time I was working my way through Naboo's population, Obi-Wan returned from his errand for the Prince. He was exhausted from boring days and long nights. He returned to find my letter; he was heart broken, though he did not show it. Obi-Wan is a strong man and one well accustomed to hiding himself behind a mask.

A week later I had yet to return or send any word to him. I can't imagine the betrayal he felt or the sense of abandonment. If the first Jedi rescue after Obi-Wan and I met was a test, I failed it.

"Obi-Wan?" Prince Xanatos was holding one of his grand affairs. His friend appeared to be enjoying himself, however, Xanatos knew Obi-Wan far more intimately than most others.

"Your Highness?"

"You are well?"

"Of course." The nobility that attended court had noted the lack of my presence, as had the recent Jedi rescue; they were waiting for the inevitable arrival of the escaped prisoners. It was only a matter of time before they arrived in Coruscant. Those that did not know Obi-Wan as well as they thought they did assumed by his lack of reaction that our affair had been little more than a casual fling for the young lord and they assumed I had been using him. Xanatos knew better; Xanatos knew of the masks Obi-Wan wore and most importantly the Prince could see behind them.

"I'm sorry he hurt you."

Obi-Wan didn't bother to fake his ignorance as to what his friend was talking about.

"Aren't you going to say 'told you so?'" Obi-Wan asked.

"No. I only do that when the outcome is funny. This situation is anything but."

"I was foolish though, I knew he would go back. I knew he would leave."

"Yes, which is why you will take him back," Xanatos said with such certainty that for the first time in a long time Obi-Wan looked him in the eye.

"What makes you so sure?"

"You forgave Travin, it's in your nature, but he had lied to you, so you no longer trusted him. Has Qui-Gon been revealed as a liar, did he deceive us with his intentions when he came amongst us?" Xanatos did not get an answer, so he continued to speak. "I imagine from your silence you agree with me. I know you love him, Obi-Wan."

"I'm sorry." Both men stood silently in their grief. "I love you dearly, Xan, but you are my prince."

"I know Ben, and I wish you all the happiness in the world. Do you think you can find it with Lord Jinn? Don't answer me now, just think about it." Xanatos left Obi-Wan to ponder his words. Did he love me? Was it enough? Did I return his feelings?

"Hello again, Lord Kenobi, it's been awhile."

Obi-Wan was dragged from his thoughts by an unwelcome face and voice. The young lord could feel his throat closing up and in the split second his mask slipped the speaker saw his panic.

"Travin, why are you here?"

"Filling in for Lord Jinn, or course."

"Of course." Obi-Wan's voice was laced with sarcasm.

"Seeing you again, I must admit, is a pleasure." Travin stepped closer, invading Lord Kenobi's personal space. Obi-Wan looked around but saw that he had been left alone in the small room when Xanatos had left. Travin reached out to him and ran a finger down Obi-Wan's cheek. "I remember our nights together, how you screamed my name, begging for more. I remember how you trusted and I remember three little words being whispered in the dark. Do you remember, Obi-Wan?"

As Travin spoke, his voice became quieter until it was almost a whisper, he was so close to Obi-Wan that his breath brushed the other man's face.

"You said 'I love you.'"

"That was before…"

"Ah yes, I know, before I showed them what a whore you are. Tell me 'Ben' do you still let the Prince use you, too, or do you just like the enemy from Naboo? I bet Qui-Gon is amazing in bed, a powerful man like that, all muscle. Did he make you scream, too? Did you whisper 'I love you' to him as well?"

With a violent shove Obi-Wan pushed Travin away from him.

"Get away from me!" he yelled. "You are half the man Qui-Gon is, do you hear me?"

"You know he is using you?"

"Yes."

Travin had not expected that answer and although Obi-Wan is a master at hiding his feelings deep within his eyes, Travin saw the truth in his words. Obi-Wan did know, he realised why I had courted him, Travin was floored; he could not think of anything to say.

"Go back home, Travin. You cannot terrorize me. I will not allow it."

Travin did leave, because there was nothing else he could do. With his enemy gone and I no longer there, Obi-Wan allowed his emotions to crash into him. He crumpled to the floor and sobbed his grief. After the party, Xanatos found him sleeping in the same room. He put him to bed in one of the guest rooms in the royal residence.

I did not return to Beli'ay for sometime and Obi-Wan stayed with the prince until he had wept all the tears he had for the anguish that I had caused.