SEE DISCLAIMERS ON CHAPTER ONE, PURDY PLEASE!!!
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Chapter 7: Revelations
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Yoda gazed at Anakin, sympathy and understanding in his eyes. "Now, Young Skywalker, tell us what you remember." His large eyes glanced momentarily at the warbling Jedi propped up on the bed. "Try to tune Kenobi out, you must. Serious, this is."
As if requested, Bant got up from her seat and glided over to Obi Wan. Her smooth hand slid through his hair and she murmured softly in his ear. The man quieted and smiled at her with a slight nod. Returning to sit, Bant smiled and chuckled softly. "He should be quiet, for a while at least. I told him we were playing a game, and the person who can be quiet the longest wins a prize." The others stared at her. "He will forget within a few minutes, but at least for now he's stopped singing."
Yoda nodded. "Hurry then, we should. Anakin?"
The boy seemed calmer than before. His eyes closed as he concentrated. "I remember, crawling into bed with Master Obi Wan. The next thing I know, Bant was yelling and he . . . He looked . . . Dead." His eyes were large and sorrowful as they turned to the floor.
"Dead, he was, Anakin," Yoda said bluntly. "Now, think harder, you must. Look deep within, and try to see yourself from a distance, during that time. Feel anything, do you?" Yoda sent calmness to the boy, hoping the serenity would help him.
Anakin's forehead creased as his eyes shut tightly. "I remember, flashes. I see myself. Getting up. Looking at Obi Wan. Going to the medicine cabinet. I try to stop, I'm yelling in my mind, but it's like . . . It's like . . . Someone else is there. Someone else is controlling me!" Agitated, the initiate shifted in his chair as a tear leaked from his eye. "I don't want to hurt Obi, but I can't stop! I tell myself to wake up, to stop what I'm doing. Whoever is in control, they aren't listening to me. They want to kill Kenobi. He's just in the way. The one who is doing this yells at me, tells me to shut up . . . " The blue eyes open, watery and confused. "That's all. Nothing more until Bant woke me." Miserable, Anakin hung his head and snuffled softly.
Mace and Yoda exchanged glances. "Anakin, it is good you remember that much." Mace patted the boy's shoulder. "That means whoever is invading your mind has begun to lose some of their control. He is no longer able to subjugate your consciousness completely. You must continue to fight him. Perhaps you will wrest control from him, next time, if you are vigilant." Windu knew the boy would take his words to heart and try to make them reality. Anakin only nodded and wiped his nose. "You think there will be a next time?" His voice was scared. The boy's nerves and composure suffered with each incident.
Yoda nodded. "Until the entity decides he will not succeed in this endeavor, a next time, there will be. Perhaps next time will also be last time." The ears perked up. "Now, tell us Anakin, why was this instance different? Why did you see, even though control, you could not?"
Anakin's face paled. "I. . .I. . .I think I know. But I promised Master Obi Wan that I would not tell anyone." A miserable look crossed the boy's features.
Just as Mace was about to reprimand the initiate, Bant spoke up. "I think I know what Anakin means." She turned to the boy, speaking to his shocked expression. "Anakin, Obi Wan told me about it. He had intention to tell Master Yoda as well, as soon as he woke up and requested a meeting. I am sure he would want you to answer the Master's questions." The boy still looked doubtful. "It is commendable that you are loyal to your promise. If Obi Wan has a problem with you talking about it, I will tell him I gave permission based on what he and I spoke of earlier. I will take responsibility. OK, Anakin?" She patted his hand, impressed with Anakin's determination to keep his vow to her friend.
Ani nodded slowly. "Yes, OK, if you think that is what he would want." His gaze shifted to the Councillors before him. "I think I was able to remember the . . . presence . . . in my head because . . . Master Obi Wan and I. Well, we formed a.. He called it a 'bond' . . . "
Mace drew in a breath, a distinctly surprised look crossing his normally placid face. Yoda only nodded, as if this news confirmed a suspicion he already had. "Continue." Mace prodded.
"Well . . . I think that my connection to Master Kenobi makes me want to protect him. When he feels bad, I want to make him feel better. When he is hurt, I want to help him. I mean, yes I wanted those things before the bond, but it's different now. Now, it's almost like a.. Well, it's just really important that I take care of him. I don't know how to explain it . . . " His voice trailed off, confused.
Yoda nodded. "Doing well, you are. Understand what you are trying to say, I do. In addition, I believe this bond strengthens you, lends you some of Obi Wan's Force strength. This, combined with your concern and drive to protect him, allowed you to rouse your consciousness even though previously you were not able to. With a short amount of time this will become stronger, and you will be able to drive this presence out, or at least dominate it, keep it from hurting your friend." The small Master's tone of voice was such that this statement was to be taken as fact.
Anakin visibly relaxed. "Yes, Master. I feel what you are saying. I have felt the Force stronger since this bond showed up. Not my Force strength, but something that feels distinctly like Master Kenobi. I can also feel Master Obi Wan's emotions . . . like right now, he's amused and . . . Well, like Orick said earlier, 'fried'."
The assembled beings all smiled at this. "Study this bond, we must." Yoda sighed. "Very unusual, this is. Tell me, young Anakin, can you and Obi Wan speak through this bond?"
"Yes, Master." A nod.
"Takes much concentration, it does?" A questioning look.
"No, Master. It's just like talking with my voice. We had a conversation while Master Obi Wan was in the bacta tank. It felt just like I am talking to you now. I hear his voice just as if he were speaking, but he isn't. Not with his mouth, anyway."
As if on cue, a wobbly voice emanated from the bed. " 'd I win th' prize?" Slurred but comprehendible.
Bant smiled. "Yes, Ballea. You won the prize. I'll give you a lollipop later."
"Red'n?" Hopeful.
"Yes, Obi. A red one." Bant got up and checked his vitals again.
"Mmmm . . . Like red'ns . . . " His eyes slid to half mast as Bant continued her ministrations.
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A gentle knock on Chancellor Palpatine's door roused the man from his concentration. "Enter," slightly frustrated at being interrupted.
Kristoph walked silently into the room, closing the door behind him. "I have a report from our connection inside the Temple, sir." The young man carefully sat in the chair before the large desk. "I thought you might want to hear it right away."
Palpatine gave his assistant full attention, other business forgotten. "Yes, yes, tell me."
A bemused smile flitted across Alistair's face as he relayed the new information. "Well it seems another accident has befallen your pet Jedi."
The Chancellor's face clouded. "What kind of 'accident'?" The last word was spat out with vehemence.
"Evidently, someone tried to overdose him on Phylerol. A rather large amount. The fish woman managed to save him in time, although he did die, technically." The young man said this in a supremely bored tone.
Palpatine's hand clenched and the veins in his forehead popped out as his temper took hold of him. "Do they know WHO did this?"
Kristoph made a show of examining his manicured fingernails. "No, my contact doesn't know. He suspects that Yoda and Windu know, but it's being kept very quiet." A small chuckle. "Wouldn't want people to think the revered Jedi order is vulnerable, would they?"
The Chancellor gave his assistant a withering glare. "Remember your place, my apprentice. My displeasure could very well be taken out on YOU."
Kristoph sobered at the thought. His Masters' wrath could be very painful to bear the brunt of. "My apologies, Master." His head bowed deferentially.
"I am going down there. Is Kenobi awake?" Palpatine got up from his chair and straightened his clothes.
Kristoph rose as well. "Awake, yes. Coherent? Not very. Evidently he has been serenading everyone within hearing range."
"Excellent." Palpatine smiled. "He may be in a susceptible frame of mind then. This could turn out to be a blessing in disguise, my dear Kristoph. Let us go and . . . See what we can see."
The two men strode out of the room, the elder with a determined step and amused expression. His young associate followed, doing his best to hide a glaring scowl.
"One moment, Master . . . " The young man withdrew a small package from his desk. "Skywalker didn't show up this week, so I will take his berries to him."
"Yes, yes . . . " Palpatine replied, absently. "Capital idea . . . "
They strode from the Senate office and made their way toward the Jedi Temple.
***************
Room 1A may have been aggravating, but at least it was not boring.
Obi Wan's back had healed enough that he could lounge upright in bed, so Bant adjusted the mattress to allow him to sit and gaze around the room. Staring was his dominant activity, but he allowed himself some mumbling or singing every few minutes. His conversational skills, usually formidable, had retreated to those of a three-year old.
Masters Yoda and Windu had taken their leave, deciding Anakin had been through enough for one day. They retreated to the Council chamber to apprize the other members of the new developments.
Bant and Orick, busily rewiring the medical equipment that Ani had evidently dismantled in order to keep the patient's alarm from going off when he had been overdosing, muttered curses at random. Neither were overly proficient in technical matters. Anakin had offered to help, and was promptly but politely turned down.
Boredom was settling in for Anakin. He was too wound up to study or meditate. The boy sat in a chair next to Kenobi's bed, staring at the wall, the floor . . . And occasionally the man himself.
Glancing up furtively, Anakin caught the Jedi's gaze. Obi Wan's eyes shone grayish green, clearer than they had been a few minutes before. The man still looked dazed, but less insensate than the previous hour.
His wobbly stare turned to Bant, who worked studiously on the other side of the bed. "Where'd the Lil fella go?" Obi Wan's voice was soft, his accent a bit pronounced. But at least it was a complete sentence.
Bant stopped in her work and looked up at him, hiding a smile. "Master Yoda is not . . . a 'little fella'." Reflection. "Ok so he is, but it's still improper to call him that." Her smile won out and she relaxed for the first time in hours. "The Councillors left, Obi Wan. It's just you, me, Orick, and Anakin now."
Obi Wan lolled his head the other direction, gazing at Anakin with a slightly hostile look.
"Lil orphan Ani . . . Qui Gon'd be so PROUD of you . . . " The tone was disdainful and hurt.
Anakin's skin went white, and he seemed to crumple in on himself under Obi Wan's steady, if somewhat glazed, scrutiny.
The healer abandoned her work with a gasp and rushed to Anakin, placing her hands on his shoulders. "Anakin, he's delirious, he doesn't know what he's saying." She studied the boy, sympathetically. "Perhaps it would be better if you helped Orick with his duties." She gave Obi Wan a warning glance, but the Jedi was too disoriented to see it.
"Orick, take Anakin out on your rounds with you. He can carry your supplies and you can show him how we take vitals." Her look had turned into a glare.
Obi Wan's eyes followed the boy as he and Orick headed from the room. As the door slid shut, Kenobi cried suddenly, "Tell Orick t'watch his back!"
A sob from Anakin, and the entrance to the room closed softly.
The Mon Calamarian placed her hands on her hips and stared at her friend. His expression faded into sadness and his eyes closed. "'S tryin' to kill me, Bant. Why's he tryin' to KILL me?" Obi Wan looked miserable, his earlier anger dissipated.
"Oh, my Ballea . . . " Bant sat on the side of the bed and pulled him up to hug him closely. "It isn't him, Obi Wan. It's something controlling him. And you're to out of it to have this conversation right now." She petted his hair softly.
He nodded. "Feel weird, Ballea. 'M not m'self . . . " His words slurred pronouncedly and his head lolled back bonelessly. His eyes closed.
Bant took his face in one hand and squeezed. His eyes flew open, indignant. "No, Obi Wan, you cannot fall asleep. That's right out of the question." She shook him a little bit, making her point loud and clear. He pouted at her pathetically.
"This is going to be the longest few hours of my life" She muttered, releasing him. "I'm going to give you something to keep you from falling asleep." She used her commlink to softly direct to Orick what she needed, then turned back to Obi Wan. "I hate to give you any more drugs, but until the stims kick in . . . You just can't fall asleep." She sat back on the bed and watched as his eyes fluttered sleepily.
A few moments of quiet mumbling later, Orick returned with a hypospray, followed by Anakin. The boy hung his head and avoided Obi Wan, choosing instead to lean against the counter, as far from the bed as possible.
Orick administered the hypospray as Bant joined Anakin, patting his shoulder and giving him some words of reassurance.
Suddenly the door swished open, admitting Chancellor Palpatine and his assistant.
Anakin's eyes brightened and he smiled at the Chancellor. "Hello, Chancellor! Coming to visit Master Kenobi, like you said you would?" Anakin rejoined the group by the patient's bedside.
Bant followed warily. "Greetings, Chancellor. I am afraid Knight Kenobi is not in the best of states for visitors. Perhaps if you come back tomorrow . . . ?" A hopeful look.
Palpatine looked at Obi Wan, who stared back vacantly. "He seems to be awake, healer. And yes, Anakin, I always keep my promises." The man ruffled the boy's hair and smiled down at him. "I see you have kept up your vigil as well?"
Anakin mumbled something back and shrugged. Kristoph grinned at the boy and held out a small package. "Here, Anakin, since you didn't make it to see us last week, I brought the falla berries I was going to give you then with me." Anakin reached out and took the bag.
"Thank you, sir! I admit I missed the berries this week!" The boy held the package reverently.
Palpatine turned his winning smile on the patient. "Well, young Kenobi, it is awfully good to see you awake and out of that bacta tank."
Kenobi's stare clouded, his brow creasing with attempted concentration. Then he smiled brilliantly, glad with himself for finally remembering who this man standing next to his bed was. "Oh, yeah chasnlor Palptine! Meesa r'member you, hokeeday?" A spurt of maniacal laughter followed this epiphany.
Palpatine, a shocked expression taking over his face, leaned toward Anakin. "What's wrong with him?" His inquiry was soft, almost drowned out by Obi Wan's enthusiastic giggling.
Ani met his eyes, and gravely replied, "He's fried, sir." The Chancellor's eyebrows rose. "It's a technical term." The boy said, all concern and seriousness.
Bant glared at Kenobi. "Obi Wan!" The giggling stopped abruptly. "I'm sorry." She turned to Palpatine. "Kenobi is reacting to some drugs he was given. He will not be himself for quite a few hours yet. Perhaps, as I suggested earlier, visiting tomorrow would be more enlightening for you?" The healer busied herself with fixing Obi Wan's blanket, which had somehow gotten tangled around his legs.
The Chancellor smiled. "Maybe I will come back tomorrow. But I would like to visit now as well, since I am already here." He smiled at Bant. "Why don't you go tend to your other patients, and Anakin and I can have a nice little chat?" She gave him a dubious look. "I assure you we will call if anything untoward happens."
Bant looked at Anakin. He shrugged. The healer nodded, uncertain but loathe to deny the Chancellor this small request. "All right. I will be back in a few minutes." She turned to Obi Wan and smoothed his hair back. He smiled guilelessly at her. "I'm going to leave for a few minutes, but I'll be back soon, okay, Obi?"
"Sure, s'okay." His face clouded a bit and he glanced at Anakin. "Be back soon, 'k?" The stim she had given him was quickly pulling him out of his stupor. He would not be falling asleep any time soon.
The healer nodded, smiled, and motioned for Orick to come with her as she left the room.
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Chancellor Palpatine turned to Kristoph. "Would you be so kind as to get us two more chairs, Kristoph? No need to stand the entire visit." His assistant nodded as Anakin piped up.
"I can sit on the bed with Master Obi Wan, that way you only need one chair." The boy glanced shyly at Kenobi, seeking a reaction. Obi Wan nodded and reached out to hold the boy's hand.
"S'okay, Ani. 'M sorry 'bout what I said b'fore. I know you din't mean it." The Jedi patted Anakin's hand and closed his eyes, resting his head on the pillow behind him.
Kristoph's look hardened at this exchange, then melted back into an easy- going smile. "One chair, then. Coming right up!" He exited the room as Palpatine settled down next to the bed.
"So, Anakin, You have been in the Healing Center all this time?" Palpatine's eyebrow lifted, inquisitive.
The boy nodded. "Yes, sir. I've been keeping Master Kenobi company. He's had a rough few days." Anakin's eyes trailed to Obi Wan's face, a soft look of affection and worry. "My last few days have been kinda bad, also." His eyes turned to the floor.
Kristoph returned with the chair and placed it by the bed near the foot. He sat and crossed his legs, posture relaxed. "My apologies for not sending those berries earlier, Anakin. I'm afraid they aren't as fresh as usual, but I'm sure they have a couple of good days left in them." He smiled.
"Oh, yes, sir." Anakin nodded. "Thank you again. I love falla berries. I'm so used to you giving me some each week. I missed them." The boy opened the package and popped a small blue berry into his mouth. "They taste just fine." He smiled.
Palpatine cleared his throat. "Yes, well. So, Obi Wan, are you feeling better?" His tone was pleasant and conversational.
Kenobi opened one eye briefly then closed it. "Better'n what? Better'n dead, yeah." He smiled. Ani grinned at him. "I think . . . I think 'm coming around a bit." He sat up a bit, head spinning. Quickly Obi Wan fell back onto the pillow and grimaced as the pain in his back flared. "Nope . . . I w's wrong . . . "
Anakin and Palpatine shared a grin, while Kristoph gazed around the room, supremely bored.
Palpatine scooted his chair a bit closer to the bedside. "So, Obi Wan, I have been wanting to talk to you about something for quite a while now. Would you come visit me at my office when you are out of the Healing Center?" The Chancellor used his best wheedling voice, throwing a bit of Force suggestion into the words.
Kenobi opened his eyes and stared at Palpatine, a small look of confusion flittering briefly across his face. "Visit, your office. 'k." A small giggle "Whatcha wanna talk t'me 'bout?"
Still smiling, Palpatine patted Kenobi's hand. "Let's leave that until you're more able to talk comprehensibly, shall we?" Obi Wan looked at the hand patting his as if it were a snake. But he didn't move or protest. He just nodded.
Anakin watched this exchange, fascinated. "Chancellor Palpatine, sir, can I come with Master Kenobi when he visits you?" His look was hopeful. He enjoyed his visits with the Chancellor. They usually involved falla berries and games of sabaac.
Palpatine shook his head and gave the boy a gentle smile. "No Anakin, I'm afraid I need to speak to Obi Wan by myself. But you may come and keep Kristoph company while Kenobi and I meet, if you like." Both Palpatine and Anakin turned their eyes to Alistair.
"Yes, Anakin, that would be fine with me. We could even go get some lunch or something, get out of the Senate building and go somewhere interesting for a change." Palpatine gave his assistant an approving look at this suggestion.
"Great!" Anakin exuded pleasure at the idea. He hopped up and down on the bed a bit, causing Obi Wan to moan with the sudden movement. The bouncing stopped abruptly. "Oh! I'm sorry Master, I forgot about your back!"
** 'sokay, Anakin. No harm done. **
The clarity of this communication surprised Anakin. It was sluggish but not nearly as foggy as the man's speech was.
** Master? **
** Be still, Anakin. Don't want the Chancellor to know I 'm not so out of it as he thinks I am. He's up to something, and I'd prefer him t' underestimate my cog. . . . nizance. **
Obi Wan smiled lazily and mumbled a bit. "Tired. Need 't rest . . . " His eyes closed and he snuggled his head down into the pillow, turning away from his company in favor of sleep.
** So this has all been . . . An act? ** Anakin made sure his outward appearance remained nonplused.
** No, I'm still not m'self. I've only felt better th'past few minutes, came on very quickly. Just decided, might be bene . . . ficial t'let Palpatine think what he will. Don't trust the man. **
Palpatine smiled at Anakin and rose from his chair. "Well, it appears we have been dismissed. Come, Kristoph, we should let Obi Wan get his rest." Kristoph got to his feet and stretched languorously. "Keep taking good care of him, Anakin. I hope to see you next week."
The two men started for the door just as Bant returned to the room. Kristoph waved at the boy. "Bye, Anakin. See you later." Anakin waved back, then turned his attention to Bant.
The door had barely closed behind the Chancellor and his assistant when Bant realized Obi Wan appeared to be sleeping. "He is not supposed to sleep, Anakin, you knew that!" Bant said sharply as she went to his bedside and began to shake him awake.
Anakin sprang off the bed to stand next to her. "But, Bant . . . " He began just as Obi Wan burst into low chuckles.
"'m not asleep, Ballea, 'm fine. Now stop shaking me, please." He opened his eyes and gazed at his friend warmly. "K so 'm not totally BETTER but . . . gettin there."
Bant took his hand and sighed. "You gave us quite a show there for a while, my friend. You were quite . . . Amusing." She laughed.
Obi Wan groaned. "Ohhhh . . . No. What'd I . . . No . . . Don't wanna know, do I?" His grin was embarrassed.
"Well other than calling Master Yoda 'Lil fella', it wasn't all so bad." Anakin said seriously. Obi Wan blanched and his mouth fell open. "And the singing was quite good, I thought . . . " Anakin nodded, pleased with his assessment of the situation.
Bant laughed at her friend's look of total dismay. "This little episode is going to be very hard to live down, I suspect." She grinned. "But then, all involved know you couldn't help it, so it'll be all right."
Obi Wan looked unconvinced. Then a growing look of horror. "Oh, please, please . . . Tell me I din't say anything rude to Windu. Please, for th love of th Force, tell me that . . . "
Bant laughed even louder. "No, Ballea, you didn't say anything strange to Master Windu. You giggled hysterically at him, but that's about all. Now lean forward. It's time to change your bandages again."
Obi Wan sighed. "Well thank th Force for small favors." He followed Bant's direction and propped himself up on the tray table once more. "I'm feeling a lot better. Seems like I feel clearer by th minute . . . "
"Good, it's probably the stim I gave you to keep you from falling asleep. It's quickening the reaction to the earlier stimulants," the healer replied as she began to change Kenobi's wound dressing. "They're taking over and rapidly usurping the effect of the tranquilizers. I better get this done fast, in a while you'll be bouncing off the walls." She worked rapidly.
Kenobi blinked and wrinkled his nose. "Come to think of it, I am starting to feel a bit . . . restless . . . " Anakin moved to sit at the foot of the bed. "When will I feel NORMAL, Ballea? This altered state thing is getting kind of old." His tone was grousy and petulant, but his words were no longer slurred.
Bant finished up her bandaging and stepped back to look at her patient. His eyes were wide, pupils smaller than normal. He had begun to sweat a bit, even in the coolness of the room.
~~ Yes, the stims are starting to kick in. Faster than I expected. ~~
"Oh, a few hours, Obi Wan. You're going to be hyper and talking too much, wanting to move around, who knows, you may even get a bit obnoxious." She puttered around him, taking his vitals. His heart rate was up, as well as his blood pressure. "I'll need to monitor you frequently until the stims wear off. Don't want you stroking out on me."
Kenobi stared at her. "Yes, that sounds distinctly unpleasant." He glared. "And I am never obnoxious. YOU may think I can be obnoxious, but I assure you, my friend, I am not. Obnoxious. I'm not." His speech was noticeably faster than his usual calm, steady pace.
Bant just smiled indulgently. "Whatever you say, Ballea . . . Whatever you say."
"Obnoxious." Kenobi muttered. "YOU'RE the obnoxious one, Bant . . . "
Anakin sat on the bed and watched the two friends settle into their usual banter, hyped up several notches due to Obi Wan's excited state. He could almost see Obi Wan thrumming with energy as the minutes passed.
~~ This could get very interesting, ~~ the boy thought with a smile.
**************
Kristoph slammed the door to his quarters with a Force push. He growled to himself, flinging his body down on his sleep couch and covering his eyes with his arm.
"That stupid brat!" He raged. "He's fucking everything up!" His thoughts turned to Kenobi. His hatred for the man ran deep. Did Sideous really think he would sit idly by while his Master courted his replacement? Especially when that would mean Kenobi killing Kristoph in order to take his place. That was a fight Alistair knew he could not win. Better to just eliminate the competition and move on, before Kenobi suspected anything. Catching him unawares was the only chance at victory. He would eliminate the young Knight, or die trying.
~~ As if Kenobi could replace ME, anyway. Powerful, he may be, but Sideous is blind. Kenobi will never turn. I know the man, or at least knew him, before . . . This is a waste of time, time that we don't have to spare. ~~
Kristoph looked disdainfully on Sideous' foolish fantasies of taking Kenobi from the Jedi order. His Master had fixated on the man ever since Kenobi had killed Maul. Losing him to the Sith would be a huge blow to the Jedi, and a personal victory to Sideous. Gloating rights. His Master was so arrogant. His selfishness on this matter was getting in the way of other endeavors. Sideous had a one track mind, and it lead directly to the young Jedi.
Kristoph turned his anger toward the boy. How had Skywalker discovered his intrusion? Months of careful suggestion and conniving, slowly infiltrating the boy's subconscious, and the brat had failed him. His control over the boy should have increased, and instead it had floundered.
His rage at Kenobi, the boy, his Master, and most of all, his own failure, drove Kristoph into a dark state of mind. His thoughts spun rapidly, considering scenarios, rejecting them.
~~ I WILL find a way. ~~ He vowed to himself. ~~ I MUST find a way . . . ~~
Suddenly his commlink beeped into life. Sideous.
Kristoph answered quickly. "Yes, my Master?"
The slimy voice sounded tinny over the commlink. "Talon . . . Meet me in my private study. We must talk." The connection was broken.
"Yes, Master," Darth Talon whispered into the darkness, as he prepared to do his Master's bidding once more.
************************
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Chapter 7: Revelations
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Yoda gazed at Anakin, sympathy and understanding in his eyes. "Now, Young Skywalker, tell us what you remember." His large eyes glanced momentarily at the warbling Jedi propped up on the bed. "Try to tune Kenobi out, you must. Serious, this is."
As if requested, Bant got up from her seat and glided over to Obi Wan. Her smooth hand slid through his hair and she murmured softly in his ear. The man quieted and smiled at her with a slight nod. Returning to sit, Bant smiled and chuckled softly. "He should be quiet, for a while at least. I told him we were playing a game, and the person who can be quiet the longest wins a prize." The others stared at her. "He will forget within a few minutes, but at least for now he's stopped singing."
Yoda nodded. "Hurry then, we should. Anakin?"
The boy seemed calmer than before. His eyes closed as he concentrated. "I remember, crawling into bed with Master Obi Wan. The next thing I know, Bant was yelling and he . . . He looked . . . Dead." His eyes were large and sorrowful as they turned to the floor.
"Dead, he was, Anakin," Yoda said bluntly. "Now, think harder, you must. Look deep within, and try to see yourself from a distance, during that time. Feel anything, do you?" Yoda sent calmness to the boy, hoping the serenity would help him.
Anakin's forehead creased as his eyes shut tightly. "I remember, flashes. I see myself. Getting up. Looking at Obi Wan. Going to the medicine cabinet. I try to stop, I'm yelling in my mind, but it's like . . . It's like . . . Someone else is there. Someone else is controlling me!" Agitated, the initiate shifted in his chair as a tear leaked from his eye. "I don't want to hurt Obi, but I can't stop! I tell myself to wake up, to stop what I'm doing. Whoever is in control, they aren't listening to me. They want to kill Kenobi. He's just in the way. The one who is doing this yells at me, tells me to shut up . . . " The blue eyes open, watery and confused. "That's all. Nothing more until Bant woke me." Miserable, Anakin hung his head and snuffled softly.
Mace and Yoda exchanged glances. "Anakin, it is good you remember that much." Mace patted the boy's shoulder. "That means whoever is invading your mind has begun to lose some of their control. He is no longer able to subjugate your consciousness completely. You must continue to fight him. Perhaps you will wrest control from him, next time, if you are vigilant." Windu knew the boy would take his words to heart and try to make them reality. Anakin only nodded and wiped his nose. "You think there will be a next time?" His voice was scared. The boy's nerves and composure suffered with each incident.
Yoda nodded. "Until the entity decides he will not succeed in this endeavor, a next time, there will be. Perhaps next time will also be last time." The ears perked up. "Now, tell us Anakin, why was this instance different? Why did you see, even though control, you could not?"
Anakin's face paled. "I. . .I. . .I think I know. But I promised Master Obi Wan that I would not tell anyone." A miserable look crossed the boy's features.
Just as Mace was about to reprimand the initiate, Bant spoke up. "I think I know what Anakin means." She turned to the boy, speaking to his shocked expression. "Anakin, Obi Wan told me about it. He had intention to tell Master Yoda as well, as soon as he woke up and requested a meeting. I am sure he would want you to answer the Master's questions." The boy still looked doubtful. "It is commendable that you are loyal to your promise. If Obi Wan has a problem with you talking about it, I will tell him I gave permission based on what he and I spoke of earlier. I will take responsibility. OK, Anakin?" She patted his hand, impressed with Anakin's determination to keep his vow to her friend.
Ani nodded slowly. "Yes, OK, if you think that is what he would want." His gaze shifted to the Councillors before him. "I think I was able to remember the . . . presence . . . in my head because . . . Master Obi Wan and I. Well, we formed a.. He called it a 'bond' . . . "
Mace drew in a breath, a distinctly surprised look crossing his normally placid face. Yoda only nodded, as if this news confirmed a suspicion he already had. "Continue." Mace prodded.
"Well . . . I think that my connection to Master Kenobi makes me want to protect him. When he feels bad, I want to make him feel better. When he is hurt, I want to help him. I mean, yes I wanted those things before the bond, but it's different now. Now, it's almost like a.. Well, it's just really important that I take care of him. I don't know how to explain it . . . " His voice trailed off, confused.
Yoda nodded. "Doing well, you are. Understand what you are trying to say, I do. In addition, I believe this bond strengthens you, lends you some of Obi Wan's Force strength. This, combined with your concern and drive to protect him, allowed you to rouse your consciousness even though previously you were not able to. With a short amount of time this will become stronger, and you will be able to drive this presence out, or at least dominate it, keep it from hurting your friend." The small Master's tone of voice was such that this statement was to be taken as fact.
Anakin visibly relaxed. "Yes, Master. I feel what you are saying. I have felt the Force stronger since this bond showed up. Not my Force strength, but something that feels distinctly like Master Kenobi. I can also feel Master Obi Wan's emotions . . . like right now, he's amused and . . . Well, like Orick said earlier, 'fried'."
The assembled beings all smiled at this. "Study this bond, we must." Yoda sighed. "Very unusual, this is. Tell me, young Anakin, can you and Obi Wan speak through this bond?"
"Yes, Master." A nod.
"Takes much concentration, it does?" A questioning look.
"No, Master. It's just like talking with my voice. We had a conversation while Master Obi Wan was in the bacta tank. It felt just like I am talking to you now. I hear his voice just as if he were speaking, but he isn't. Not with his mouth, anyway."
As if on cue, a wobbly voice emanated from the bed. " 'd I win th' prize?" Slurred but comprehendible.
Bant smiled. "Yes, Ballea. You won the prize. I'll give you a lollipop later."
"Red'n?" Hopeful.
"Yes, Obi. A red one." Bant got up and checked his vitals again.
"Mmmm . . . Like red'ns . . . " His eyes slid to half mast as Bant continued her ministrations.
******************
A gentle knock on Chancellor Palpatine's door roused the man from his concentration. "Enter," slightly frustrated at being interrupted.
Kristoph walked silently into the room, closing the door behind him. "I have a report from our connection inside the Temple, sir." The young man carefully sat in the chair before the large desk. "I thought you might want to hear it right away."
Palpatine gave his assistant full attention, other business forgotten. "Yes, yes, tell me."
A bemused smile flitted across Alistair's face as he relayed the new information. "Well it seems another accident has befallen your pet Jedi."
The Chancellor's face clouded. "What kind of 'accident'?" The last word was spat out with vehemence.
"Evidently, someone tried to overdose him on Phylerol. A rather large amount. The fish woman managed to save him in time, although he did die, technically." The young man said this in a supremely bored tone.
Palpatine's hand clenched and the veins in his forehead popped out as his temper took hold of him. "Do they know WHO did this?"
Kristoph made a show of examining his manicured fingernails. "No, my contact doesn't know. He suspects that Yoda and Windu know, but it's being kept very quiet." A small chuckle. "Wouldn't want people to think the revered Jedi order is vulnerable, would they?"
The Chancellor gave his assistant a withering glare. "Remember your place, my apprentice. My displeasure could very well be taken out on YOU."
Kristoph sobered at the thought. His Masters' wrath could be very painful to bear the brunt of. "My apologies, Master." His head bowed deferentially.
"I am going down there. Is Kenobi awake?" Palpatine got up from his chair and straightened his clothes.
Kristoph rose as well. "Awake, yes. Coherent? Not very. Evidently he has been serenading everyone within hearing range."
"Excellent." Palpatine smiled. "He may be in a susceptible frame of mind then. This could turn out to be a blessing in disguise, my dear Kristoph. Let us go and . . . See what we can see."
The two men strode out of the room, the elder with a determined step and amused expression. His young associate followed, doing his best to hide a glaring scowl.
"One moment, Master . . . " The young man withdrew a small package from his desk. "Skywalker didn't show up this week, so I will take his berries to him."
"Yes, yes . . . " Palpatine replied, absently. "Capital idea . . . "
They strode from the Senate office and made their way toward the Jedi Temple.
***************
Room 1A may have been aggravating, but at least it was not boring.
Obi Wan's back had healed enough that he could lounge upright in bed, so Bant adjusted the mattress to allow him to sit and gaze around the room. Staring was his dominant activity, but he allowed himself some mumbling or singing every few minutes. His conversational skills, usually formidable, had retreated to those of a three-year old.
Masters Yoda and Windu had taken their leave, deciding Anakin had been through enough for one day. They retreated to the Council chamber to apprize the other members of the new developments.
Bant and Orick, busily rewiring the medical equipment that Ani had evidently dismantled in order to keep the patient's alarm from going off when he had been overdosing, muttered curses at random. Neither were overly proficient in technical matters. Anakin had offered to help, and was promptly but politely turned down.
Boredom was settling in for Anakin. He was too wound up to study or meditate. The boy sat in a chair next to Kenobi's bed, staring at the wall, the floor . . . And occasionally the man himself.
Glancing up furtively, Anakin caught the Jedi's gaze. Obi Wan's eyes shone grayish green, clearer than they had been a few minutes before. The man still looked dazed, but less insensate than the previous hour.
His wobbly stare turned to Bant, who worked studiously on the other side of the bed. "Where'd the Lil fella go?" Obi Wan's voice was soft, his accent a bit pronounced. But at least it was a complete sentence.
Bant stopped in her work and looked up at him, hiding a smile. "Master Yoda is not . . . a 'little fella'." Reflection. "Ok so he is, but it's still improper to call him that." Her smile won out and she relaxed for the first time in hours. "The Councillors left, Obi Wan. It's just you, me, Orick, and Anakin now."
Obi Wan lolled his head the other direction, gazing at Anakin with a slightly hostile look.
"Lil orphan Ani . . . Qui Gon'd be so PROUD of you . . . " The tone was disdainful and hurt.
Anakin's skin went white, and he seemed to crumple in on himself under Obi Wan's steady, if somewhat glazed, scrutiny.
The healer abandoned her work with a gasp and rushed to Anakin, placing her hands on his shoulders. "Anakin, he's delirious, he doesn't know what he's saying." She studied the boy, sympathetically. "Perhaps it would be better if you helped Orick with his duties." She gave Obi Wan a warning glance, but the Jedi was too disoriented to see it.
"Orick, take Anakin out on your rounds with you. He can carry your supplies and you can show him how we take vitals." Her look had turned into a glare.
Obi Wan's eyes followed the boy as he and Orick headed from the room. As the door slid shut, Kenobi cried suddenly, "Tell Orick t'watch his back!"
A sob from Anakin, and the entrance to the room closed softly.
The Mon Calamarian placed her hands on her hips and stared at her friend. His expression faded into sadness and his eyes closed. "'S tryin' to kill me, Bant. Why's he tryin' to KILL me?" Obi Wan looked miserable, his earlier anger dissipated.
"Oh, my Ballea . . . " Bant sat on the side of the bed and pulled him up to hug him closely. "It isn't him, Obi Wan. It's something controlling him. And you're to out of it to have this conversation right now." She petted his hair softly.
He nodded. "Feel weird, Ballea. 'M not m'self . . . " His words slurred pronouncedly and his head lolled back bonelessly. His eyes closed.
Bant took his face in one hand and squeezed. His eyes flew open, indignant. "No, Obi Wan, you cannot fall asleep. That's right out of the question." She shook him a little bit, making her point loud and clear. He pouted at her pathetically.
"This is going to be the longest few hours of my life" She muttered, releasing him. "I'm going to give you something to keep you from falling asleep." She used her commlink to softly direct to Orick what she needed, then turned back to Obi Wan. "I hate to give you any more drugs, but until the stims kick in . . . You just can't fall asleep." She sat back on the bed and watched as his eyes fluttered sleepily.
A few moments of quiet mumbling later, Orick returned with a hypospray, followed by Anakin. The boy hung his head and avoided Obi Wan, choosing instead to lean against the counter, as far from the bed as possible.
Orick administered the hypospray as Bant joined Anakin, patting his shoulder and giving him some words of reassurance.
Suddenly the door swished open, admitting Chancellor Palpatine and his assistant.
Anakin's eyes brightened and he smiled at the Chancellor. "Hello, Chancellor! Coming to visit Master Kenobi, like you said you would?" Anakin rejoined the group by the patient's bedside.
Bant followed warily. "Greetings, Chancellor. I am afraid Knight Kenobi is not in the best of states for visitors. Perhaps if you come back tomorrow . . . ?" A hopeful look.
Palpatine looked at Obi Wan, who stared back vacantly. "He seems to be awake, healer. And yes, Anakin, I always keep my promises." The man ruffled the boy's hair and smiled down at him. "I see you have kept up your vigil as well?"
Anakin mumbled something back and shrugged. Kristoph grinned at the boy and held out a small package. "Here, Anakin, since you didn't make it to see us last week, I brought the falla berries I was going to give you then with me." Anakin reached out and took the bag.
"Thank you, sir! I admit I missed the berries this week!" The boy held the package reverently.
Palpatine turned his winning smile on the patient. "Well, young Kenobi, it is awfully good to see you awake and out of that bacta tank."
Kenobi's stare clouded, his brow creasing with attempted concentration. Then he smiled brilliantly, glad with himself for finally remembering who this man standing next to his bed was. "Oh, yeah chasnlor Palptine! Meesa r'member you, hokeeday?" A spurt of maniacal laughter followed this epiphany.
Palpatine, a shocked expression taking over his face, leaned toward Anakin. "What's wrong with him?" His inquiry was soft, almost drowned out by Obi Wan's enthusiastic giggling.
Ani met his eyes, and gravely replied, "He's fried, sir." The Chancellor's eyebrows rose. "It's a technical term." The boy said, all concern and seriousness.
Bant glared at Kenobi. "Obi Wan!" The giggling stopped abruptly. "I'm sorry." She turned to Palpatine. "Kenobi is reacting to some drugs he was given. He will not be himself for quite a few hours yet. Perhaps, as I suggested earlier, visiting tomorrow would be more enlightening for you?" The healer busied herself with fixing Obi Wan's blanket, which had somehow gotten tangled around his legs.
The Chancellor smiled. "Maybe I will come back tomorrow. But I would like to visit now as well, since I am already here." He smiled at Bant. "Why don't you go tend to your other patients, and Anakin and I can have a nice little chat?" She gave him a dubious look. "I assure you we will call if anything untoward happens."
Bant looked at Anakin. He shrugged. The healer nodded, uncertain but loathe to deny the Chancellor this small request. "All right. I will be back in a few minutes." She turned to Obi Wan and smoothed his hair back. He smiled guilelessly at her. "I'm going to leave for a few minutes, but I'll be back soon, okay, Obi?"
"Sure, s'okay." His face clouded a bit and he glanced at Anakin. "Be back soon, 'k?" The stim she had given him was quickly pulling him out of his stupor. He would not be falling asleep any time soon.
The healer nodded, smiled, and motioned for Orick to come with her as she left the room.
*******************
Chancellor Palpatine turned to Kristoph. "Would you be so kind as to get us two more chairs, Kristoph? No need to stand the entire visit." His assistant nodded as Anakin piped up.
"I can sit on the bed with Master Obi Wan, that way you only need one chair." The boy glanced shyly at Kenobi, seeking a reaction. Obi Wan nodded and reached out to hold the boy's hand.
"S'okay, Ani. 'M sorry 'bout what I said b'fore. I know you din't mean it." The Jedi patted Anakin's hand and closed his eyes, resting his head on the pillow behind him.
Kristoph's look hardened at this exchange, then melted back into an easy- going smile. "One chair, then. Coming right up!" He exited the room as Palpatine settled down next to the bed.
"So, Anakin, You have been in the Healing Center all this time?" Palpatine's eyebrow lifted, inquisitive.
The boy nodded. "Yes, sir. I've been keeping Master Kenobi company. He's had a rough few days." Anakin's eyes trailed to Obi Wan's face, a soft look of affection and worry. "My last few days have been kinda bad, also." His eyes turned to the floor.
Kristoph returned with the chair and placed it by the bed near the foot. He sat and crossed his legs, posture relaxed. "My apologies for not sending those berries earlier, Anakin. I'm afraid they aren't as fresh as usual, but I'm sure they have a couple of good days left in them." He smiled.
"Oh, yes, sir." Anakin nodded. "Thank you again. I love falla berries. I'm so used to you giving me some each week. I missed them." The boy opened the package and popped a small blue berry into his mouth. "They taste just fine." He smiled.
Palpatine cleared his throat. "Yes, well. So, Obi Wan, are you feeling better?" His tone was pleasant and conversational.
Kenobi opened one eye briefly then closed it. "Better'n what? Better'n dead, yeah." He smiled. Ani grinned at him. "I think . . . I think 'm coming around a bit." He sat up a bit, head spinning. Quickly Obi Wan fell back onto the pillow and grimaced as the pain in his back flared. "Nope . . . I w's wrong . . . "
Anakin and Palpatine shared a grin, while Kristoph gazed around the room, supremely bored.
Palpatine scooted his chair a bit closer to the bedside. "So, Obi Wan, I have been wanting to talk to you about something for quite a while now. Would you come visit me at my office when you are out of the Healing Center?" The Chancellor used his best wheedling voice, throwing a bit of Force suggestion into the words.
Kenobi opened his eyes and stared at Palpatine, a small look of confusion flittering briefly across his face. "Visit, your office. 'k." A small giggle "Whatcha wanna talk t'me 'bout?"
Still smiling, Palpatine patted Kenobi's hand. "Let's leave that until you're more able to talk comprehensibly, shall we?" Obi Wan looked at the hand patting his as if it were a snake. But he didn't move or protest. He just nodded.
Anakin watched this exchange, fascinated. "Chancellor Palpatine, sir, can I come with Master Kenobi when he visits you?" His look was hopeful. He enjoyed his visits with the Chancellor. They usually involved falla berries and games of sabaac.
Palpatine shook his head and gave the boy a gentle smile. "No Anakin, I'm afraid I need to speak to Obi Wan by myself. But you may come and keep Kristoph company while Kenobi and I meet, if you like." Both Palpatine and Anakin turned their eyes to Alistair.
"Yes, Anakin, that would be fine with me. We could even go get some lunch or something, get out of the Senate building and go somewhere interesting for a change." Palpatine gave his assistant an approving look at this suggestion.
"Great!" Anakin exuded pleasure at the idea. He hopped up and down on the bed a bit, causing Obi Wan to moan with the sudden movement. The bouncing stopped abruptly. "Oh! I'm sorry Master, I forgot about your back!"
** 'sokay, Anakin. No harm done. **
The clarity of this communication surprised Anakin. It was sluggish but not nearly as foggy as the man's speech was.
** Master? **
** Be still, Anakin. Don't want the Chancellor to know I 'm not so out of it as he thinks I am. He's up to something, and I'd prefer him t' underestimate my cog. . . . nizance. **
Obi Wan smiled lazily and mumbled a bit. "Tired. Need 't rest . . . " His eyes closed and he snuggled his head down into the pillow, turning away from his company in favor of sleep.
** So this has all been . . . An act? ** Anakin made sure his outward appearance remained nonplused.
** No, I'm still not m'self. I've only felt better th'past few minutes, came on very quickly. Just decided, might be bene . . . ficial t'let Palpatine think what he will. Don't trust the man. **
Palpatine smiled at Anakin and rose from his chair. "Well, it appears we have been dismissed. Come, Kristoph, we should let Obi Wan get his rest." Kristoph got to his feet and stretched languorously. "Keep taking good care of him, Anakin. I hope to see you next week."
The two men started for the door just as Bant returned to the room. Kristoph waved at the boy. "Bye, Anakin. See you later." Anakin waved back, then turned his attention to Bant.
The door had barely closed behind the Chancellor and his assistant when Bant realized Obi Wan appeared to be sleeping. "He is not supposed to sleep, Anakin, you knew that!" Bant said sharply as she went to his bedside and began to shake him awake.
Anakin sprang off the bed to stand next to her. "But, Bant . . . " He began just as Obi Wan burst into low chuckles.
"'m not asleep, Ballea, 'm fine. Now stop shaking me, please." He opened his eyes and gazed at his friend warmly. "K so 'm not totally BETTER but . . . gettin there."
Bant took his hand and sighed. "You gave us quite a show there for a while, my friend. You were quite . . . Amusing." She laughed.
Obi Wan groaned. "Ohhhh . . . No. What'd I . . . No . . . Don't wanna know, do I?" His grin was embarrassed.
"Well other than calling Master Yoda 'Lil fella', it wasn't all so bad." Anakin said seriously. Obi Wan blanched and his mouth fell open. "And the singing was quite good, I thought . . . " Anakin nodded, pleased with his assessment of the situation.
Bant laughed at her friend's look of total dismay. "This little episode is going to be very hard to live down, I suspect." She grinned. "But then, all involved know you couldn't help it, so it'll be all right."
Obi Wan looked unconvinced. Then a growing look of horror. "Oh, please, please . . . Tell me I din't say anything rude to Windu. Please, for th love of th Force, tell me that . . . "
Bant laughed even louder. "No, Ballea, you didn't say anything strange to Master Windu. You giggled hysterically at him, but that's about all. Now lean forward. It's time to change your bandages again."
Obi Wan sighed. "Well thank th Force for small favors." He followed Bant's direction and propped himself up on the tray table once more. "I'm feeling a lot better. Seems like I feel clearer by th minute . . . "
"Good, it's probably the stim I gave you to keep you from falling asleep. It's quickening the reaction to the earlier stimulants," the healer replied as she began to change Kenobi's wound dressing. "They're taking over and rapidly usurping the effect of the tranquilizers. I better get this done fast, in a while you'll be bouncing off the walls." She worked rapidly.
Kenobi blinked and wrinkled his nose. "Come to think of it, I am starting to feel a bit . . . restless . . . " Anakin moved to sit at the foot of the bed. "When will I feel NORMAL, Ballea? This altered state thing is getting kind of old." His tone was grousy and petulant, but his words were no longer slurred.
Bant finished up her bandaging and stepped back to look at her patient. His eyes were wide, pupils smaller than normal. He had begun to sweat a bit, even in the coolness of the room.
~~ Yes, the stims are starting to kick in. Faster than I expected. ~~
"Oh, a few hours, Obi Wan. You're going to be hyper and talking too much, wanting to move around, who knows, you may even get a bit obnoxious." She puttered around him, taking his vitals. His heart rate was up, as well as his blood pressure. "I'll need to monitor you frequently until the stims wear off. Don't want you stroking out on me."
Kenobi stared at her. "Yes, that sounds distinctly unpleasant." He glared. "And I am never obnoxious. YOU may think I can be obnoxious, but I assure you, my friend, I am not. Obnoxious. I'm not." His speech was noticeably faster than his usual calm, steady pace.
Bant just smiled indulgently. "Whatever you say, Ballea . . . Whatever you say."
"Obnoxious." Kenobi muttered. "YOU'RE the obnoxious one, Bant . . . "
Anakin sat on the bed and watched the two friends settle into their usual banter, hyped up several notches due to Obi Wan's excited state. He could almost see Obi Wan thrumming with energy as the minutes passed.
~~ This could get very interesting, ~~ the boy thought with a smile.
**************
Kristoph slammed the door to his quarters with a Force push. He growled to himself, flinging his body down on his sleep couch and covering his eyes with his arm.
"That stupid brat!" He raged. "He's fucking everything up!" His thoughts turned to Kenobi. His hatred for the man ran deep. Did Sideous really think he would sit idly by while his Master courted his replacement? Especially when that would mean Kenobi killing Kristoph in order to take his place. That was a fight Alistair knew he could not win. Better to just eliminate the competition and move on, before Kenobi suspected anything. Catching him unawares was the only chance at victory. He would eliminate the young Knight, or die trying.
~~ As if Kenobi could replace ME, anyway. Powerful, he may be, but Sideous is blind. Kenobi will never turn. I know the man, or at least knew him, before . . . This is a waste of time, time that we don't have to spare. ~~
Kristoph looked disdainfully on Sideous' foolish fantasies of taking Kenobi from the Jedi order. His Master had fixated on the man ever since Kenobi had killed Maul. Losing him to the Sith would be a huge blow to the Jedi, and a personal victory to Sideous. Gloating rights. His Master was so arrogant. His selfishness on this matter was getting in the way of other endeavors. Sideous had a one track mind, and it lead directly to the young Jedi.
Kristoph turned his anger toward the boy. How had Skywalker discovered his intrusion? Months of careful suggestion and conniving, slowly infiltrating the boy's subconscious, and the brat had failed him. His control over the boy should have increased, and instead it had floundered.
His rage at Kenobi, the boy, his Master, and most of all, his own failure, drove Kristoph into a dark state of mind. His thoughts spun rapidly, considering scenarios, rejecting them.
~~ I WILL find a way. ~~ He vowed to himself. ~~ I MUST find a way . . . ~~
Suddenly his commlink beeped into life. Sideous.
Kristoph answered quickly. "Yes, my Master?"
The slimy voice sounded tinny over the commlink. "Talon . . . Meet me in my private study. We must talk." The connection was broken.
"Yes, Master," Darth Talon whispered into the darkness, as he prepared to do his Master's bidding once more.
************************