Qui-Gon stepped back out of the way after he readjusted Obi-Wan's stance and hold on his saber.
"There now child. Let us try again. Only this time really reach for the force to help you. Don't worry about anything else around you."
Obi-Wan listened intently to what Master Jinn was saying. He then tried to do exactly as the master instructed.
Jinn parried forward with a lunge. It was not as quick a movement as he would normally make in practice, but he wanted to give the child a fighting chance.
Obi-Wan, with the help of the force, anticipated the master's movement and halted his attack. The sabers connected indicating that Kenobi had successfully deflected the blow.
Initiate Kenobi was very pleased with himself but he did not lose focus. The mock duel continued between the two. Qui-Gon accelerated his speed. Now he was up to what he would normally be if he were actually training Obi-Wan. Obi-wan successfully dodged every blow. He remembered what Qui-Gon had told him.
It was not necessary to win or lose. He was there to defend himself. That was what this exercise was for and when finally concluded, both master and initiate were pleased.
Qui-Gon was happy with such quick progress and Obi-Wan was just as happy over finally being able to use a light saber correctly, as it should be.
"See little one. All you needed was some concentration and learning how to call on the force. I have no doubt that you will do nothing but get better and better if you use the force as it was intended to be used."
"I never had anyone tell me to reach for the force. I guess I should have known without being told."
Jinn wondered why Knight Crion did not tell the boy to use the force. Then Jinn realized that Obi-Wan finally had spoken two entire sentences without stuttering one time.
//He must be feeling more comfortable around me. //
The child was no longer afraid of Master Jinn, but then again Qui-Gon realized that maybe that was not such a good idea.
//Now he will be expecting me to take him as my padawan, especially now that he knows he can trust me and he is aware of the bond forming.//
Jinn let the thoughts go for now. He was just too pleased with Obi-Wan's progress to let other things clutter his mind.
"I say we go have a drink and a snack of something to celebrate your progress. How does that sound?"
"That sounds good to me Master."
Was Jinn crazy or did it feel exceptionally good to be called Master by Obi-Wan?
Jinn's heart sung with happiness and he did not care if it did. He was feeling more and more relaxed with this little one, even though he tried not too. For now, he let all thoughts that were negative go and focus on the child before him.
Xanatos noticed the difference in both Jinn and Kenobi when they came back in. He did not want to confront them about it. He really did not care now. If the two he hired did what they were suppose too, it would not matter even if Master Jinn decided to take Obi-Wan as his apprentice. They would lay on the pyre together just as all good Jedi did once they were "one with the force".
Qui-Gon noticed the smile on Xani's face and wondered what the knight was thinking about that made him so happy. He did not for a second think it was he and Obi-Wan's impending demise that had brought such a smile to Knight Crion's face.
The next day brought with it plenty of sunshine and no rain delays. They met with the Hutts and had everything just about ironed out by the time they left that evening. Qui-Gon felt they would only need one more day of meetings and their work would be completed. They could go back to the temple, their mission a success.
Xanatos was worried. He had not seen or met with Maul and most importantly there had been no attempt on Qui-Gon or Obi-Wan's lives. The knight was beginning to think he had been taken for the first half of the credits and that the men he hired was content on only receiving half the credits. Maybe they would not even bother killing the two for the other half.
On the way back to their quarters, Jinn was once again plagued with the thought or feeling that someone was following them. He instructed Xanatos to take the boys on home. He was going to back track and get to bottom of who was following them.
"Do you think that is wise Master. I mean shouldn't I go with you. Bruck can show Obi-Wan back to the house. Surely he won't get lost."
Jinn knew his statements were met to belittle Obi-Wan, but he let them slide.
"I am sure Obi-Wan could find his own way back without Bruck's help. I just think they need an adult with them, both of them. Now go do as I say. I will be fine."
Had Jinn not thought the situation was serious, he would not have left Obi-Wan for a second in Xanatos' care. He was sure they were being followed and had to find out who it was. He did not want to put Kenobi or Chun in any danger. That's why he sent them on ahead to their quarters.
Jinn started off down the street to where he saw the "shadows" following him. He stopped and turned around when he heard a little wisp of a voice in his mind.
//Be careful master.//
There before him Obi-Wan had turned around to watch the master leave. The sad little puppy dogs eyes said all that needed to be said. Obi-Wan was bonding with his master and his fear for him was as much as it would have been if the initiate himself was going off to face the danger.
Jinn lingered a few more minutes, sending waves of comfort to the little one. He abruptly turned and disappeared down the street..
Shadows were casting eerie shapes on the side of the walls of the alley Jinn went down to search for his stalkers. The sun was quickly descending and nightfall was just about on him. He knew someone was sneaking up behind him trying to go unnoticed.
The two unsavory characters that Xani hired thought they had at last captured one of their intended targets, Master Jinn. They slowly crept up on the big master thinking to surprise him. It was they who were surprised when Jinn abruptly stopped, wheeled on around, and drew his saber on the two who hoped to kill the Jedi master.
"Just what is the meaning of this? I have no quarrel with you. Why would you be following the Jedi?"
Silence was all that was heard.
"I won't ask you again."
"We have no argument with you. We just plan to kill you Master Jedi. It is our job."
"Your job. Did someone send you to take out the Jedi on this planet?"
"No, not all the Jedi, just two and you just happen to be one of them. How lucky can we get to have you trapped here alone? Two against one. I think you should lay your weapon down."
Qui-Gon had to suppress the smile threatening to form on his face. The day that two common thieves could do away with a Jedi master, him being the master, was the day Jinn thought he would have to hang up his saber for unworthiness. No, these two could not handle any master successfully and Jinn was just about to prove that to them.
Back at the house the other three Jedi waited on Jinn's return. Xanatos was afraid to start on Obi-Wan for fear that he just might tell Qui-Gon about it once he returned, if he returned. If he did not then he would personally hand the boy over two the ones he hired and they could dispose of the boy and his body, and then be on their way.
A quick rap to the door and it opened to reveal a man in a red and black mask carrying a double-edged saber of red.
There was no mistaking his identity. He was the apprentice to the dark one, Darth Maul. Xanatos was gripped with fear at facing this one. His looks were enough to scare one let alone his obvious power he possessed with the help of his dark master.
"I have come for the boy. The one named Obi-Wan. Which one is he?"
Obi-wan tried to slink back behind the others but Bruck was too quick and pointed him out without any hesitation. Xanatos grabbed the little one by the arm and shoved him forward.
Maul shot Xani a look of disgust.
"I see what my master means about you Knight Crion. You have no patience or finesse. The boy is not to be harmed, so I would suggest you not put your hands on him again. You might find out what one of these blades feel like. "
Maul nodded to the saber he was holding. He took Obi-Wan by the arm. The child was valiantly trying to struggle to get away. Maul touched his forehead and Obi-Wan slumped into some kind of forced sleep Maul used on him.
"See there is no need for violence. The boy will be no trouble now that he is asleep. Do I have to worry about Jinn trying to track me down? If so I can do away with him before I go."
Xanatos had hoped to do away with Obi-Wan and Qui-Gon but he knew not to try to get Kenobi away from the apprentice to the dark one. He would have to settle for the way it was.
"No Jinn will not be a problem. I will see to it."
"I hope so. Your credits are waiting for you in your name in a trust account of Telos. That is all the information I have been given by my master. Now if you will excuse me, my master wants the boy as soon as possible."
Xani and Bruck immediately left to see what happened to Master Jinn. They hoped he had been killed by now and they too could leave the planet and head for Telos.
Back in ally Jinn was in the middle of a battle with the two hired to kill him. He was more or less toying with them. Once both were laid on the ground with the saber threatening them, Jinn asked them who had sent them.
Before an answer could be gotten from either, Bruck and Xani ran up on them. The two managed to get up because Jinn had been startled for a moment and turned to see who was coming.. As the supposed hired assassins began to run away, Xanatos used his saber to cut both of them down. Now they would never be able to tell Qui-Gon who hired them.
Jinn was at first concerned as to why Xani was so quick to kill them then he realized Obi-Wan was not with them.
"Where is Obi-Wan, Xani? Did you leave him alone at our quarters?"
"Well that is why we came here. You see….. Well you see Obi-Wan is….. or has been kidnapped……."
Qui-Gon could not believe he was hearing things correctly.
"What do you mean he was kidnapped? By who, when? How could you have let that happen? It was your job to protect the children. You let someone walk right in and take Obi-Wan."
Jinn did not give Xanatos a chance to explain. He didn't want to hear any excuses. There could be no excuse for a Jedi knight or master to allow something to happen to a youngling without putting up some kind of resistance. Xanatos did not look like he had engaged in any battle to protect the child.
"Qui-Gon if you would just slow down. I will try to tell you what happened."
"Please do. I would very much like to hear what happened. In the mean time Bruck you get the proper authorities to see to these two. I think we could have learned much more had you let them live long enough to tell us who hired them."
Jinn's words were spoken with a sarcastic tone. He was not pleased that the two had been sliced down by his former apprentice but he was even less pleased that the Initiate Kenobi had been kidnapped.
The police on that planet came and took the report while Jinn waited impatiently for them to finish. While he waited, Xanatos told an elaborate story of how he tried to defend the three against Maul but Obi-Wan was still taken. Jinn was not sure he was buying the entire story, but there was little to do now, but try to find Obi-Wan.
Having finished telling what happened the Jedi were freed to go. Jinn headed to the only transport landing on the planet of Cirrus. It was quite hard to get off the planet. One must have the proper papers to land on this planet and then wait for clearance to leave.
Jinn walked faster than he had ever done in his life.
"We might be able to catch them at the transport landing. Maybe they have not had time to leave."
"It's highly unlikely that we will be able to catch up with them Qui. Maybe he snuck his way in."
"It's impossible. This is the only place to land a commercial vehicle. IF one tries to land somewhere else he would have been blown out of the air. Do you have another suggestion Xani? If so I truly would like to hear it. If not, follow me and walk faster. I still don't know how he could have overpowered you and Bruck. I mean Obi-Wan is not good with the saber, but Bruck is almost equal to you."
Once at the landing port, it was quite difficult to even see what was going on. There were lines of people coming and going. All of them waited at various checkpoints, before being allowed to come or go.
"What did he say he looked liked?"
Xanatos was clearly getting nervous. It did not take bond to know both he and Bruck was hiding something. Jinn did not know what. In his darkest dreams he could not imagine Xanatos just willingly giving Obi-Wan over to the dark apprentice.
"Well he had a mask on. At any rate, his face was covered with black and red paint or a mask, something like that. He also had small horns on his head."
"You have to be kidding me, horns?"
"Yes Qui, that is exactly what they were. He carried a double-edged red saber."
"That is Darth Sidious' signature saber, so I assume he was his apprentice. Why would he want Obi-Wan? Did he call the boy by name?"
Jinn remembered once before Obi-Wan had confronted by the dark lord. It was when he was younger and his parents were killed. Twice now meant that indeed the dark one wanted Obi-Wan Kenobi for something, but for what?
Xanatos lied to his former master.
"I don't think he used Obi-Wan's name."
He looked to Bruck Chun to verbally back up his lie.
"No, I agree with you, Knight Crion. I did not here the dark apprentice use Obi's name.
Qui-Gon was not sure what if any truths were coming from the two.
He was beginning to trust the two Jedi he was with, less and less. He let his eyes continually scan the landing port, looking for a man dressed as a "devil of ancient myths". Qui-Gon could only shake his head at the thought of hunting a man in an "All Hallow's Eve costume".
Qui-Gon went up to two of the soldiers at the check point and gave them the description of the one they were looking for. He was not sure he was taken seriously at first when he described the outfit, but the soldiers listened because they knew a Jedi master would not lie to them. They too started looking for him at the checkpoints.
Jinn knew that Maul could easily use a mind whammy on them just as a Jedi could, so he could just as easily slip off the planet, by convincing the soldiers he should be allowed too. That was probably how he got on the planet in the first place, by using a mind suggestion.
Qui-Gon sent Xanatos and Bruck to check the perimeter of the landing port. They both seemed, at all times to be lurking way behind the older Jedi and really were not aiding in the finding of the child.
//They are not even trying to find my padawan.//
Jinn thought again. Then he realized he just called Obi-Wan his padawan.
He knew now it was the will of the force to take Obi-Wan as his padawan. Now he needed to find the child to tell him just that.
###
In the meantime, Maul was lurking behind a warehouse waiting for an opportunity to jump on his land speeder and escape. He had not seen the Jedi yet, but he did not have papers to leave, so his escape would have to be quick. The only problem was he could do nothing with any great speed dragging a sleeping child with him. He could see his land speeder; he just could not get to his speeder at the moment.
Obi-Wan lay on the ground beside him and moaned. The child was starting to wake up from his sleep and that was what Maul wanted. It would be easier if he did not have to drag Obi-Wan across the transport landing in order to get to his transportation.
Maul decided he could wait no longer.
Without doing any real harm to the child, he shook him roughly to wake him up.
"Come on little one. It is time to wake up. My master is awaiting you and he is a very impatient man. We must go now."
Obi-Wan still groggy from the force induced sleep, shook the cob webs from his mind. He looked up to see the man in the mask cast an angry look at him. Obi-Wan stumbled to his feet, still dizzy with sleep. He was disorientated and did not know what the dark apprentice wanted him to do. He stood and then staggered forward trying to follow the man, so as not to give him any reason to harm him.
Maul had to take Obi-Wan's arm and literally guided him to where they were going, ever closer to where his speeder bike was parked.
Maul led Obi-wan out into the middle of the transport landing pad. He could see all the soldiers checking the various papers needed by the travelers to get on or off the planet. He planned to use mind thought to convince these soldiers he should be permitted to leave.
He was just about to step up to a set of soldiers when three men clad in beige and brown outfits with dark brown robes caught his eye just to the left of him behind some other travelers. He knew immediately who they were. They were the Jedi. He then recognized Xanatos and Bruck and he assumed the other to be Master Jinn. His master had told him to be weary of the master, because of his powers.
Maul jerked Obi-Wan with him as he ducked down behind some boxes waiting to be loaded on a freighter.
So Knight Crion did not do as he promised. He said he would get rid of Master Jinn. Now it seems he is helping him find me. I guess he switches loyalties quite easily. He will soon find out he has a made a fatal mistake in betraying my master and I. It will be my pleasure to do away with him and his little friend. First though I have to deal with the more powerful one, Master Qui-Gon Jinn……….
"There now child. Let us try again. Only this time really reach for the force to help you. Don't worry about anything else around you."
Obi-Wan listened intently to what Master Jinn was saying. He then tried to do exactly as the master instructed.
Jinn parried forward with a lunge. It was not as quick a movement as he would normally make in practice, but he wanted to give the child a fighting chance.
Obi-Wan, with the help of the force, anticipated the master's movement and halted his attack. The sabers connected indicating that Kenobi had successfully deflected the blow.
Initiate Kenobi was very pleased with himself but he did not lose focus. The mock duel continued between the two. Qui-Gon accelerated his speed. Now he was up to what he would normally be if he were actually training Obi-Wan. Obi-wan successfully dodged every blow. He remembered what Qui-Gon had told him.
It was not necessary to win or lose. He was there to defend himself. That was what this exercise was for and when finally concluded, both master and initiate were pleased.
Qui-Gon was happy with such quick progress and Obi-Wan was just as happy over finally being able to use a light saber correctly, as it should be.
"See little one. All you needed was some concentration and learning how to call on the force. I have no doubt that you will do nothing but get better and better if you use the force as it was intended to be used."
"I never had anyone tell me to reach for the force. I guess I should have known without being told."
Jinn wondered why Knight Crion did not tell the boy to use the force. Then Jinn realized that Obi-Wan finally had spoken two entire sentences without stuttering one time.
//He must be feeling more comfortable around me. //
The child was no longer afraid of Master Jinn, but then again Qui-Gon realized that maybe that was not such a good idea.
//Now he will be expecting me to take him as my padawan, especially now that he knows he can trust me and he is aware of the bond forming.//
Jinn let the thoughts go for now. He was just too pleased with Obi-Wan's progress to let other things clutter his mind.
"I say we go have a drink and a snack of something to celebrate your progress. How does that sound?"
"That sounds good to me Master."
Was Jinn crazy or did it feel exceptionally good to be called Master by Obi-Wan?
Jinn's heart sung with happiness and he did not care if it did. He was feeling more and more relaxed with this little one, even though he tried not too. For now, he let all thoughts that were negative go and focus on the child before him.
Xanatos noticed the difference in both Jinn and Kenobi when they came back in. He did not want to confront them about it. He really did not care now. If the two he hired did what they were suppose too, it would not matter even if Master Jinn decided to take Obi-Wan as his apprentice. They would lay on the pyre together just as all good Jedi did once they were "one with the force".
Qui-Gon noticed the smile on Xani's face and wondered what the knight was thinking about that made him so happy. He did not for a second think it was he and Obi-Wan's impending demise that had brought such a smile to Knight Crion's face.
The next day brought with it plenty of sunshine and no rain delays. They met with the Hutts and had everything just about ironed out by the time they left that evening. Qui-Gon felt they would only need one more day of meetings and their work would be completed. They could go back to the temple, their mission a success.
Xanatos was worried. He had not seen or met with Maul and most importantly there had been no attempt on Qui-Gon or Obi-Wan's lives. The knight was beginning to think he had been taken for the first half of the credits and that the men he hired was content on only receiving half the credits. Maybe they would not even bother killing the two for the other half.
On the way back to their quarters, Jinn was once again plagued with the thought or feeling that someone was following them. He instructed Xanatos to take the boys on home. He was going to back track and get to bottom of who was following them.
"Do you think that is wise Master. I mean shouldn't I go with you. Bruck can show Obi-Wan back to the house. Surely he won't get lost."
Jinn knew his statements were met to belittle Obi-Wan, but he let them slide.
"I am sure Obi-Wan could find his own way back without Bruck's help. I just think they need an adult with them, both of them. Now go do as I say. I will be fine."
Had Jinn not thought the situation was serious, he would not have left Obi-Wan for a second in Xanatos' care. He was sure they were being followed and had to find out who it was. He did not want to put Kenobi or Chun in any danger. That's why he sent them on ahead to their quarters.
Jinn started off down the street to where he saw the "shadows" following him. He stopped and turned around when he heard a little wisp of a voice in his mind.
//Be careful master.//
There before him Obi-Wan had turned around to watch the master leave. The sad little puppy dogs eyes said all that needed to be said. Obi-Wan was bonding with his master and his fear for him was as much as it would have been if the initiate himself was going off to face the danger.
Jinn lingered a few more minutes, sending waves of comfort to the little one. He abruptly turned and disappeared down the street..
Shadows were casting eerie shapes on the side of the walls of the alley Jinn went down to search for his stalkers. The sun was quickly descending and nightfall was just about on him. He knew someone was sneaking up behind him trying to go unnoticed.
The two unsavory characters that Xani hired thought they had at last captured one of their intended targets, Master Jinn. They slowly crept up on the big master thinking to surprise him. It was they who were surprised when Jinn abruptly stopped, wheeled on around, and drew his saber on the two who hoped to kill the Jedi master.
"Just what is the meaning of this? I have no quarrel with you. Why would you be following the Jedi?"
Silence was all that was heard.
"I won't ask you again."
"We have no argument with you. We just plan to kill you Master Jedi. It is our job."
"Your job. Did someone send you to take out the Jedi on this planet?"
"No, not all the Jedi, just two and you just happen to be one of them. How lucky can we get to have you trapped here alone? Two against one. I think you should lay your weapon down."
Qui-Gon had to suppress the smile threatening to form on his face. The day that two common thieves could do away with a Jedi master, him being the master, was the day Jinn thought he would have to hang up his saber for unworthiness. No, these two could not handle any master successfully and Jinn was just about to prove that to them.
Back at the house the other three Jedi waited on Jinn's return. Xanatos was afraid to start on Obi-Wan for fear that he just might tell Qui-Gon about it once he returned, if he returned. If he did not then he would personally hand the boy over two the ones he hired and they could dispose of the boy and his body, and then be on their way.
A quick rap to the door and it opened to reveal a man in a red and black mask carrying a double-edged saber of red.
There was no mistaking his identity. He was the apprentice to the dark one, Darth Maul. Xanatos was gripped with fear at facing this one. His looks were enough to scare one let alone his obvious power he possessed with the help of his dark master.
"I have come for the boy. The one named Obi-Wan. Which one is he?"
Obi-wan tried to slink back behind the others but Bruck was too quick and pointed him out without any hesitation. Xanatos grabbed the little one by the arm and shoved him forward.
Maul shot Xani a look of disgust.
"I see what my master means about you Knight Crion. You have no patience or finesse. The boy is not to be harmed, so I would suggest you not put your hands on him again. You might find out what one of these blades feel like. "
Maul nodded to the saber he was holding. He took Obi-Wan by the arm. The child was valiantly trying to struggle to get away. Maul touched his forehead and Obi-Wan slumped into some kind of forced sleep Maul used on him.
"See there is no need for violence. The boy will be no trouble now that he is asleep. Do I have to worry about Jinn trying to track me down? If so I can do away with him before I go."
Xanatos had hoped to do away with Obi-Wan and Qui-Gon but he knew not to try to get Kenobi away from the apprentice to the dark one. He would have to settle for the way it was.
"No Jinn will not be a problem. I will see to it."
"I hope so. Your credits are waiting for you in your name in a trust account of Telos. That is all the information I have been given by my master. Now if you will excuse me, my master wants the boy as soon as possible."
Xani and Bruck immediately left to see what happened to Master Jinn. They hoped he had been killed by now and they too could leave the planet and head for Telos.
Back in ally Jinn was in the middle of a battle with the two hired to kill him. He was more or less toying with them. Once both were laid on the ground with the saber threatening them, Jinn asked them who had sent them.
Before an answer could be gotten from either, Bruck and Xani ran up on them. The two managed to get up because Jinn had been startled for a moment and turned to see who was coming.. As the supposed hired assassins began to run away, Xanatos used his saber to cut both of them down. Now they would never be able to tell Qui-Gon who hired them.
Jinn was at first concerned as to why Xani was so quick to kill them then he realized Obi-Wan was not with them.
"Where is Obi-Wan, Xani? Did you leave him alone at our quarters?"
"Well that is why we came here. You see….. Well you see Obi-Wan is….. or has been kidnapped……."
Qui-Gon could not believe he was hearing things correctly.
"What do you mean he was kidnapped? By who, when? How could you have let that happen? It was your job to protect the children. You let someone walk right in and take Obi-Wan."
Jinn did not give Xanatos a chance to explain. He didn't want to hear any excuses. There could be no excuse for a Jedi knight or master to allow something to happen to a youngling without putting up some kind of resistance. Xanatos did not look like he had engaged in any battle to protect the child.
"Qui-Gon if you would just slow down. I will try to tell you what happened."
"Please do. I would very much like to hear what happened. In the mean time Bruck you get the proper authorities to see to these two. I think we could have learned much more had you let them live long enough to tell us who hired them."
Jinn's words were spoken with a sarcastic tone. He was not pleased that the two had been sliced down by his former apprentice but he was even less pleased that the Initiate Kenobi had been kidnapped.
The police on that planet came and took the report while Jinn waited impatiently for them to finish. While he waited, Xanatos told an elaborate story of how he tried to defend the three against Maul but Obi-Wan was still taken. Jinn was not sure he was buying the entire story, but there was little to do now, but try to find Obi-Wan.
Having finished telling what happened the Jedi were freed to go. Jinn headed to the only transport landing on the planet of Cirrus. It was quite hard to get off the planet. One must have the proper papers to land on this planet and then wait for clearance to leave.
Jinn walked faster than he had ever done in his life.
"We might be able to catch them at the transport landing. Maybe they have not had time to leave."
"It's highly unlikely that we will be able to catch up with them Qui. Maybe he snuck his way in."
"It's impossible. This is the only place to land a commercial vehicle. IF one tries to land somewhere else he would have been blown out of the air. Do you have another suggestion Xani? If so I truly would like to hear it. If not, follow me and walk faster. I still don't know how he could have overpowered you and Bruck. I mean Obi-Wan is not good with the saber, but Bruck is almost equal to you."
Once at the landing port, it was quite difficult to even see what was going on. There were lines of people coming and going. All of them waited at various checkpoints, before being allowed to come or go.
"What did he say he looked liked?"
Xanatos was clearly getting nervous. It did not take bond to know both he and Bruck was hiding something. Jinn did not know what. In his darkest dreams he could not imagine Xanatos just willingly giving Obi-Wan over to the dark apprentice.
"Well he had a mask on. At any rate, his face was covered with black and red paint or a mask, something like that. He also had small horns on his head."
"You have to be kidding me, horns?"
"Yes Qui, that is exactly what they were. He carried a double-edged red saber."
"That is Darth Sidious' signature saber, so I assume he was his apprentice. Why would he want Obi-Wan? Did he call the boy by name?"
Jinn remembered once before Obi-Wan had confronted by the dark lord. It was when he was younger and his parents were killed. Twice now meant that indeed the dark one wanted Obi-Wan Kenobi for something, but for what?
Xanatos lied to his former master.
"I don't think he used Obi-Wan's name."
He looked to Bruck Chun to verbally back up his lie.
"No, I agree with you, Knight Crion. I did not here the dark apprentice use Obi's name.
Qui-Gon was not sure what if any truths were coming from the two.
He was beginning to trust the two Jedi he was with, less and less. He let his eyes continually scan the landing port, looking for a man dressed as a "devil of ancient myths". Qui-Gon could only shake his head at the thought of hunting a man in an "All Hallow's Eve costume".
Qui-Gon went up to two of the soldiers at the check point and gave them the description of the one they were looking for. He was not sure he was taken seriously at first when he described the outfit, but the soldiers listened because they knew a Jedi master would not lie to them. They too started looking for him at the checkpoints.
Jinn knew that Maul could easily use a mind whammy on them just as a Jedi could, so he could just as easily slip off the planet, by convincing the soldiers he should be allowed too. That was probably how he got on the planet in the first place, by using a mind suggestion.
Qui-Gon sent Xanatos and Bruck to check the perimeter of the landing port. They both seemed, at all times to be lurking way behind the older Jedi and really were not aiding in the finding of the child.
//They are not even trying to find my padawan.//
Jinn thought again. Then he realized he just called Obi-Wan his padawan.
He knew now it was the will of the force to take Obi-Wan as his padawan. Now he needed to find the child to tell him just that.
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In the meantime, Maul was lurking behind a warehouse waiting for an opportunity to jump on his land speeder and escape. He had not seen the Jedi yet, but he did not have papers to leave, so his escape would have to be quick. The only problem was he could do nothing with any great speed dragging a sleeping child with him. He could see his land speeder; he just could not get to his speeder at the moment.
Obi-Wan lay on the ground beside him and moaned. The child was starting to wake up from his sleep and that was what Maul wanted. It would be easier if he did not have to drag Obi-Wan across the transport landing in order to get to his transportation.
Maul decided he could wait no longer.
Without doing any real harm to the child, he shook him roughly to wake him up.
"Come on little one. It is time to wake up. My master is awaiting you and he is a very impatient man. We must go now."
Obi-Wan still groggy from the force induced sleep, shook the cob webs from his mind. He looked up to see the man in the mask cast an angry look at him. Obi-Wan stumbled to his feet, still dizzy with sleep. He was disorientated and did not know what the dark apprentice wanted him to do. He stood and then staggered forward trying to follow the man, so as not to give him any reason to harm him.
Maul had to take Obi-Wan's arm and literally guided him to where they were going, ever closer to where his speeder bike was parked.
Maul led Obi-wan out into the middle of the transport landing pad. He could see all the soldiers checking the various papers needed by the travelers to get on or off the planet. He planned to use mind thought to convince these soldiers he should be permitted to leave.
He was just about to step up to a set of soldiers when three men clad in beige and brown outfits with dark brown robes caught his eye just to the left of him behind some other travelers. He knew immediately who they were. They were the Jedi. He then recognized Xanatos and Bruck and he assumed the other to be Master Jinn. His master had told him to be weary of the master, because of his powers.
Maul jerked Obi-Wan with him as he ducked down behind some boxes waiting to be loaded on a freighter.
So Knight Crion did not do as he promised. He said he would get rid of Master Jinn. Now it seems he is helping him find me. I guess he switches loyalties quite easily. He will soon find out he has a made a fatal mistake in betraying my master and I. It will be my pleasure to do away with him and his little friend. First though I have to deal with the more powerful one, Master Qui-Gon Jinn……….