Standard disclaimers apply. I wanted to say thank you again
for faithfully following and enjoying this story. I loved writing it. I added
four twist in honor to my Master Darth_Solent.
I also wanted to tell everyone the name "Kobe"
that Qui keeps using for Obi means "Warrior of the Light."
Chapter Ten Resolutions and Ramifications pt. 1
Dismissing the Council, Master Yoda hobbles down from his chair and begins the long walk to the Celestial Gardens. These gardens have the strongest concentration of the Living Force. His favorite Padawan disappears to this garden when he feels frustration. Now it's a diminutive green Master's turn to seek solace under the purple leaves and golden trunk of the Jaffi tree that he and his Padawan had planted on the day of their bonding.
Yoda, resting on his walking stick, sighed. Obi-Wan had called the Temple two days ago with transportation difficulties. Relying on a vision from the Force, Yoda had the young Knight called back to the Temple. The other Council Members eyed him speculatively but complied. No explanation was required. Closing his eyes, Master Yoda reached into the Force, and with ears drooping against his head, he reminds himself to be patient. All events happen according to the will of the Force.
Moondrifter
Sitting straight up in a chair was his least favorite arrangement for sleeping. Yet Obi-Wan knew his position was not the reason for his loss of sleep. His churning emotions were causing his discomfort.
Sorting through his emotions one by one just might be the only way to resolve his inner turmoil. The conflict within him would have Master Yoda scowling for at least two weeks. His strongest emotion was elation. He had his Qui-Gon back and the rift between them never existed.
Obi-Wan examined his next emotion…. humiliation. That one brought a bitter taste to his mouth. He was given a simple mission. Go to Bakura and bring back two small children. There was no danger involved; certainly, this was something that a former Padawan of the Great Qui-Gon Jinn could do. "Yeah but if you had continued with the mission you wouldn't have found Qui-Gon," argued a little voice in his head. No, I wouldn't have found him. How am I going to be a good Master for Anakin if I can't complete a simple mission like the one to Bakura he retorted?
I know the mantra; I have repeated it everyday since Naboo. Fear leads to anger and anger leads to the dark side, but this is the good kind of fear right? Isn't this the kind of fear that keeps me alert? He would fail Anakin and bring shame to Qui-Gon, and the Jedi. Obi-Wan realized that he needed to probe his fears as they related to the training of Anakin. Eradicating his fears was the only way to fulfill his promise to help Anakin to become a Jedi.
"I can't believe this is what the Force wants. I was knighted and became a Master in the same instant," he mumbled. Obi-Wan's mouth formed a perfect "O." In that soul shaking second he realized that what he was feeling deep down, buried beneath the pain was something darker and much more sinister than anguish. He was feeling perfectly disguised anger since Tatooine. He rose unsteadily to his feet and stumbled back to the galley for a cup of tea.
Yes, warm righteous anger. I lost the Master, I fought so hard to get. I was unable to tell my Master from the fake, so my knighting must be in error. The clone caused most of his anger but after he died, Obi forgave him. All the anger and hurt he was feeling now belonged to only one person, Jenna Zan Arbor. Perhaps I can talk to Qui-Gon and between the two of us we can figure a way to release my anger to the force. A noise in the sleeping area startled him. He reached out for the Force and found Qui-Gon in the fresher.
Blinking rapidly, Qui-Gon rolls over in bed and rubs the sleep from his eyes. Stretching a leg over the end of the bed, he learns why it's hazardous for a tall man to sleep on the bottom bunk. Muttering under his breath, "Everything is made to accommodate midgets," he slings the other leg over the side and unsteadily crawls out of bed. Holding his throbbing head, he stumbles to the galley, stopping for a few brief minutes in the fresher.
Qui-Gon entered the galley and stood watching the young man. Obi continued his internal debate on how to discuss with his Master, the recent discovery of his deep-seated anger. Qui-Gon is impressed by the man Obi-Wan had become in such a short period of time. Sitting down in the chair gently, he groaned in pain at the numerous injuries and abuse his body had taken this trip. Even the Force was unkind last night as its wave after wave of burning energy flooded through his body. He shuddered. He would not like to repeat these last few weeks and he was very grateful that the Force was once again a part of his life.
Obi, at last, noticing that he is no longer alone says, "Master."
Qui-Gon chuckled and replied, "Kobe, you really must stop calling me that, now that you have your own Padawan."
"Sith Master! ….Yes, I said Master," Obi saw the tall man wince but he continued, "All you need to do is just listen to me. I mean is it really so hard to stop lecturing, shut up and listen to someone else for a change?" He grabbed the cup of tea he was toying with, tossed the contents back in one gulp, and began to choke. Qui-Gon attempted to come to the aid of his strangling companion and received a glare from Obi-Wan that pinned him to his chair.
"Obi-Wan," Qui-Gon said and then he stopped, as Obi pushed past him leaving the room. The tall Jedi Master, unsure where all the anger was coming from, picked up his tea and followed his former Padawan from the room.
Sitting down just inside the door of the Cargo bay, Obi-Wan removes his shoes and socks and sets them aside. He stands up and strips off his tunics; folding the shirts carefully he places them on top of his boots and strides to the center of the room. Exhaling, he begins a warm-up sequence to loosen his muscles for the extremely difficult workout he planned. He bends his knees and pushes away all negative emotions as he takes a defensive stance. Taking a step backward he centers his weight, turns and back flips, missing a sweeping attack by an imaginary opponent.
A smile tugs at the corner of his mouth as he remembers what the imp did last night, using a Force suggestion to put Him to sleep. Qui-Gon strolled over and stood leaning against the wall watching Obi-Wan work on the eighth kata they were using in their training sessions before the mission to Naboo. He watched the young man, who had grown to become everything he wanted in a son, wrestle his emotions the same way he battled his invisible opponent. Unsure how to begin or what to say, he watched Obi-Wan's movement for errors. Finding none, he felt a wave of satisfaction and pride flow through him.
Continuing the Kata in the middle of the room, Obi-Wan's head jerked up stopping his workout. Qui-Gon had just broadcast feelings of pride through the bond. Obi had assumed the bond was severed and he was aggravated with himself for not realizing earlier that it was still intact.
{Master}
It was Qui-Gon's turn to be startled, but he quickly regained his composure {Yes, Kobe}.
{It's like old times, isn't it Master?} Obi was elated for several seconds and then sobered instantly. Straightening up he said, "Qui-Gon, I'm sorry for my outburst. As a Jedi Knight, my Master trained me to control my temper, but I fear this time it was in complete command of me."
Qui-Gon was relieved to see Obi conducting himself like a Jedi again. He was, however, concerned about the danger that lurked just below the surface. Who or what could cause Obi-Wan this much anger. Mentally sorting through all the known reasons, he couldn't come up with anything that would cause a reaction like the one in the galley. By all accounts, his boy should be enthusiastic. He was a Knight, just as he had worked, planned, and dreamed all of his life. He would have told you, Fool, if you had just given him a chance. Determined to heal the rift he had caused, Qui-Gon placed the cup on the steel deck and walked over to stand in front of the hurt youth. Placing his hands on Obi-Wan's shoulders he said, "Kobe, don't apologize."
"But"
Holding up his finger to signal wait a moment, he continued. "While the actions you displayed in the galley were less than acceptable for a Knight of your caliber, your words were perfectly correct."
Obi –Wan gaped in surprise. To say he was dumbfounded was an understatement. In all of the time he was a Padawan to Qui-Gon, he was always allowed to speak his mind, but never with insolence. He didn't know how to apologize for the disrespectful way he had treated Qui-Gon.
The Jedi Master watched in confusion, as guilt and shame passed though expressive blue-green eyes before a mask of calm slipped back into place. Did I teach him that well Qui-Gon wondered? A hint of a smile briefly played touched his lips before he became serious again. "You came as a Knight to discuss something you felt was important, and other than the word 'Master', I didn't allow you to speak. My choice of words should have been more accurate. I once again fell into the teacher mode and that was unfair to you. You have worked very hard to get where you are today. I'm sorry Knight Kenobi." Removing his hands from Obi-Wan's shoulders, he stepped back and inclined his head to the Knight.
Obi-Wan smiled brightly; it was all he could do not to laugh at his Master. Qui-Gon was trying so hard to treat him like a Knight that he didn't realize he had just given in to the Master complex. It was like Qui-Gon to take the blame and teach a lesson at the same time. Obi realized how much he had missed their friendship and he was glad that they had another chance.
"Master," he smiled daring Qui-Gon to call him on his word usage.
Groaning Qui-Gon thought, I'm really going to regret losing his unique sense of humor and companionship. He controlled the grin that threatened to escape and said with mock exasperation, "Yes Imp."
"Speaking of old times you would have assigned me extra Kata practice for not cooling down properly. Master Jinn," Obi-Wan said with phony seriousness, "When did you last spar? I'll bet the entire time you were gone, you didn't pick up your saber once."
Qui-Gon sobered immediately. His saber had been taken by the clone and probably destroyed when his body was burned. He would have to assemble a new one on his return to Coruscant.
Obi, sorry to see the jovial mood disappear asked, "Did I say something wrong Qui-Gon?"
Smiling to reassure his former Padawan, Qui-Gon shook his head and said," Knight Kenobi, it would be my honor to spar with you." He patted his belt with both hands, shrugged, and said, "Alas, my saber has vanished."
Realization hit Obi-Wan like a speeder, Qui-Gon's distress was explained. He laughed at the Jedi Master and said, "Hmm. No lightsaber. Huh? Well Master Jinn, I think I might be able to help you."
Turning on his heel, he ignored Qui-Gon's startled expression and walked over to where his belongs were stored. Removing the silver cylinder from the top of the bag Obi speculated, just how much should I make him squirm before I return it?
Standing before the tall Jedi, Obi-Wan looked into the sapphire eyes and decided a little more ribbing was in order. "One question, Master Jinn. What would the Jedi Council do to their best swordsman for losing his weapon?" Smiling at the sound of Qui-Gon's indignant snort, he continued, "Never mind Master Jinn, I was correct, I can help you. You see once upon a time in a galaxy far, far away, there was a very careless Jedi Master who could not hang on to his property. His ever-faithful Padawan was constantly running behind picking up after him. Well this time he misplaced his saber and I found it. The decision to keep it safe until time to return it to the Force was an easy one." With these words, Obi-Wan handed the silver cylinder to Jedi Master Jinn.
Taking the weapon in his hands almost reverently, Qui-Gon thumbed the power switch and an emerald blade extended from the silver handle with a hiss. A quick flick of his wrist sent the green blade arcing though the air. Qui-Gon thumbed the power switch again and the sword was no more than a silver handle. He cleared his throat and said, "Thank you Kobe, I don't know how you got this but you took excellent care of it. As a Padawan, you also took excellent care of me. Now as to that spar, give me a moment to disrobe and I will show you how rusty I am."
Qui-Gon began to remove his tunics. Obi- Wan, using the Force, took the garments and placed them on top of his.
{We can't have you too tired to spar now can we Master Jinn} he cheekily sent into the bond.
{I think, young one that I'm not so old and crippled that walking a few feet would do any harm to my stamina level.}
Obi-Wan and Qui-Gon entered the area designated for sparing from the right. They take one-step back from each other and the two opponents bow. Reaching across their bodies, they pull their sabers one emerald and one azure blade, igniting them on the lowest setting. The two men take a fighting stance. Obi- Wan places both hands on the handle and raises it over his head with the blade flat. Qui- Gon falls back into his more traditional stance with his saber handle resting parallel to his cheek and the blade raised straight into the air. They begin the match by circling, one mirroring the movements made by the other. Obi- Wan establishes a rhythm and begins the attack. He swings his saber down and to the left. Qui- Gon, knowing his opening move, compensates, lowering his emerald blade sideways to successfully block the strike.
Lying in bed, Dakota listened as the sound of crackling energy was punctuated by grunts and laughter. Her curiosity peaked; she slid noiselessly out of bed on her stomach and crept down the hall toward the cargo bay. Placing herself at the entrance to the room, she stands quietly watching the two half clad men spar. Wow, I would never have guessed what they are hiding under those tunics. Watching Qui-Gon intently, she appreciated the graceful way he moved. Does he have a wife or lover? What would I have to do to get the job? Taking a deep breath, she turned to leave before she is noticed.
Obi-Wan back flips away from Qui-Gon who steps forward closing the distance and holding his saber over his head he slashes straight down. Obi-Wan turns his saber sideways and pulls it straight up, blue blade clashing with green, a flick of the wrist separates the blades again. These steps are repeated over and over; every thrust is blocked and all strikes are foiled. Qui-Gon retreats several steps and Obi-Wan advances twirling his lightsaber in a circle. Smiling triumphantly Obi-Wan pushes his advantage aware that Qui-Gon is beginning to tire. He swings his saber down in an arc to the right. Again Qui-Gon is ready for him. Thrusting up and to the left, he scores the killing blow. The two men bow to each other and exit the sparring area.
"A little overconfident aren't we?" Qui-Gon chided, handing Obi-Wan a towel.
"No Qui-Gon, I saw an advantage and took it. This time it failed. Next time, we'll see." Obi –Wan replied nonchalantly.
"Let's go get something to eat. We can discuss the next time and why you feel that an advantage will be there." Qui-Gon said placing a hand on Obi-Wan's shoulder.
Studying the tall man he smirked, "It might be better if we put our shirts on first. Dakota almost had a heart attack just a few moments ago. I wonder if she knows that she was broadcasting her thoughts. Every where we go you have some female chasing you."
Qui-Gon swiveled around, looked at his former apprentice, and snorted, "This coming from the young man whose life was constantly in jeopardy due to over eager females. One of the more serious times was when the Representatives daughter for the planet Iruth believed herself in love with you and refused to marry her betrothed. That incident nearly triggered a civil war if I remember correctly." Pausing for a moment he pointedly said, "No Kobe, she doesn't know and I don't need to tell you not to inform her. There's no reason for her to be embarrassed ."
"Besides we have something more important than Dakota's thoughts to discuss. I waited for you to begin the conversation because of my earlier mistakes, but you didn't. We need to have a discussion about the anger you haven't released to the Force."
Grinding his teeth together, Obi-Wan groaned. Looking at the Jedi Master, he knew Qui-Gon was not going to be dissuaded. He would have to talk soon or later. Lowering himself to the floor, he signaled his former Master to join him.
Getting right to the point he said, "Qui-Gon, beginning this trip, I was angry with you. Your duplicate was a real gem. Do you remember the boy, Anakin Skywalker?" Obi said pausing to acknowledge Qui-Gon's confused nod. "In front of the entire council he set me aside to take Anakin as his Padawan. Then he died. Master I'm not too proud admit that I thought he was you. He never said goodbye, his only words for me were, 'Train the boy. He is the chosen one'."
Breathing deeply, he continued the tale. "All in one day I lost my Master, I became a Knight and a Master… to my replacement no less. I care for him Qui-Gon, but I'm not ready for this much responsibility. Before tonight I was buried under the pain and grief, I felt at your death. Then to top it off, I failed my first mission as a Knight. The anger just broke loose and bubbled over."
Obi- Wan continued telling Qui-Gon in detail all of the events that happened since his disappearance on Tatooine. Qui-Gon listened with a heavy heart. He was glad that his shields were strong enough that Obi-Wan didn't feel his churning emotions. Putting aside the feelings of betrayal that could be worked out later in mediations, Qui-Gon took a deep breath and sent a promise to Zan Arbor through the Force.
"Obi- Wan first of all, you did not fail your first mission. There was a reason that your transport's engine failed. You were to find and release me. The Force created a situation that would allow this to happen.
"Next Kobe, Anakin Skywalker while indeed strong in the Force and might be the chosen one, may not be a Jedi. We all walk the path as the Force directs us. Sometimes, I think the Council forgets this. I find it hard to believe they would saddle you with the responsibility of a Padawan so soon, after your knighting. Most Jedi Knights are given ten or more years before the council even permits the joining.
One question, Obi-Wan in your entire apprenticeship, have I ever given you reason to believe I would abandon you for another?" Qui-Gon asks.
Obi- Wan surprised at the hurt in Qui-Gon's voice, hastened to explain why even the council believed the clone was Qui-Gon.
"Master, I know you must be thinking we all should know that you would never do anything like that. You're perfectly right to think so, but every time your doppelganger began to act strangely there was a perfectly logical explanation for his actions. Your double and I had several disagreements concerning Anakin and we spent most of the trip back to Naboo not speaking. The battle with the Sith where your clone died and the confusion with the Gungans were all contributing factors. All questions about his behavior were swept aside in order to resolve the seemingly more important issues. I am sorry my Master. I didn't mean to hurt your feelings.
"Kobe, we have much to meditate on before we get to Coruscant. Right now my stomach thinks I am starving it intentionally." Qui-Gon grinned at Obi-Wan's startled expression.
Obi-Wan a smirk on his lips said, "Qui-Gon, where did this obsession with food come from? In all the years I was growing up, I don't think the words, 'I'm hungry ever passed your lips.' Maybe, the fascination isn't with the food, but with the cook, Master."
Qui-Gon paused a moment, what were his feelings for Dakota? This was something else he needed to meditate on before returning to the Temple. "Ribbing a Master will still get you extra sparring practice, my young Knight. Right now you need a shower and I'm going to get something to eat." Getting to his feet and pulling his shirt over his head, Qui-Gon headed for the galley leaving a grinning Obi-Wan behind.
"Good morning Kota, I hope Obi-Wan and I didn't wake you." Softly smiling as she shook her head he continued, "Something smells good. May I join you for the morning meal?"
Dakota feeling a reprieve that he didn't mention her spying on them in the cargo bay, blushed and said, "No. Help yourself."
Now is an excellent time to ask him about that blasted nickname she thought, gathering her courage to speak just as Obi-Wan enters the room. Feeling uncomfortable speaking in front of Obi about something so personal, Dakota chose to wait until later.
Sitting down and dishing himself a plate of food, Obi-Wan smiles and begins to eat. "Captain Rains, I must contact the Jedi Temple to let them know about recent developments. May I use your ship's communication equipment?"
Dakota merely nodded her assent and went back to eating.
"Qui-Gon, would you like to be present while I send a message to the Council?
Finishing his last bite Qui-Gon says, "Yes Kobe. I would like that"
Leaving Dakota in the galley, Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan walked through the cargo bay and into the flight cabin. Dropping into the co-pilot's seat, Obi-Wan punched in the codes for a Comm. link to the Jedi Temple on Coruscant. He turned around and looked back at Qui-Gon who had come to stand behind him. His armed draped across the back of Obi-Wan's chair, Qui-Gon appeared to be paying more attention to the stars that raced by than what was happening in the ship.
"This is Jedi Padawan Tiffany Gannet, Temple communications on Coruscant. How may I help you?"
"Obi-Wan Kenobi here; I need to speak with the Council."
"Very well Master Kenobi, one moment. I'll transfer you to Council Chambers.
"Thank you Padawan Gannet, your help is appreciated."
Obi-Wan waited through several clicks and a buzz before hearing the voice of a green Jedi Master bidding him a good morning.
{It's good to hear his voice again. I was beginning to miss the improper syntax.}
{Do that for you, I could. Mmm, Master. Ask me, you should.}
"Good morning Masters," said Obi-Wan.
{I wonder who will answer you first. Windu or Mundi} Qui- Gon questioned.
{Master Yoda}
"Knight Kenobi. What do you have to report?" Mace inquired.
Qui-Gon beamed. {Told you so, I did.}
Obi-Wan grinned back at him {Don't let Master Yoda hear you imitating him}
Hearing a snort, Obi-Wan turned around to look at Qui-Gon. {Master Yoda and the Jedi believe I'm dead so he will never know. Now will he, Padawan.}
"I'm on my way back to Coruscant as requested. Did the Council find another team to retrieve the children?"
Despair began to seep back into Obi-Wan. Qui- Gon placed his hand on Obi-Wan's shoulder and squeezed, {Kobe, keep your focus in the here and now. The Force caused you to find me. Life surprises you. Accept the gift. You will be a great Knight.. Foresaw this, I did.}
Obi-Wan smiled at the brief attempt at humor but he listened to the message Qui-Gon was trying to convey.
"Another Master/Padawan team has been sent to Bakura. They arrived last night and will return in two days." Mace replied.
{Just wait until I tell them about you Master. I wish we could wait until we get back to the Temple so I could see their expressions.}
{Kobe, they ought to know already. I'm no longer cut off from the Force. They should have felt my presence and began to ask questions. You should have no problem telling them.}
Obi held his breath and said, "Masters, I'm returning to Coruscant by freighter and I'm bringing Qui-Gon with me…"
Mace interrupts, voice thundering in disbelief, "Impossible Obi- Wan, we all know Qui-Gon died two months ago on Naboo. Have you lost your mind?"
Obi-Wan grunted. {Leave it to Master Windu to be dense. After his error with the Sith you would think he would be less apt to jump to conclusions and be a little more accepting.}
Qui-Gon shook his head confused by Obi-Wan's comment. {What do you mean error about the Sith?}
"Know this for a fact, you do?" Yoda asked.
{He doesn't sound surprised does he? It didn't take much to convince him, Master. What do you think?}
The only answer from Qui-Gon was a shrug of his shoulders.
"Yes Master Yoda, he is Qui-Gon. I have no doubts about his identity. The Qui-Gon Jinn that died on Naboo was a clone created by the scientist Jenna Zan Arbor. There are, however, some other serious matters for the Council to consider."
"When do you expect to be here for these matters to be considered?" Mace queried.
"We will arrive in about four standard days," Obi-Wan replied.
"Very well Knight Kenobi, may the Force be with you," the Council replied.
Ending the conversation, Obi-Wan flipped the switch to turn the equipment off and said, "Now that I have that done, I'm going to take my shower, I stink." Looking down the hallway toward the galley and chuckling he said, "Try to keep out of trouble Master."
Qui-Gon, shaking his head at Obi's teasing, headed back to the cargo bay for some much needed meditation.
Jedi Temple
With the communication terminated, Jedi Master Windu looked around the room seeing ten identical looks of confusion and disbelief. Not missing the amused expression on Yoda's face, he asked the question that all in the room wanted to ask., "Is Master Jinn really alive? If he is alive then someone was able to clone a Jedi and we had no knowledge of it. We must know for sure."
"One way to know, there is." Eleven sets of eyes focus on the tiny green Master.
"To planets having the technology of cloning, send Masters we must." Yaddle said.
Ki-Adi-Mundi considered for a moment and said, "There are three planets known for their cloning abilities, Kamino, Khomm, and Lur."
"Yes, we can send Master Dooku to Kamino, Knight Pablo-Jill to Khomm, and Master Trebor to Lur," Windu said.
Declaring the Council session at an end, Master Yoda got into his hover chair and made a short trip to his quarters. Picking up the comm. link, he waited for the operator to answer his summons.
"Yes Master Yoda, How may I help you?" Padawan Gannet asked.
"Request communication with Master Kodiak, I do."
"Yes Master Yoda. When the connection is made, would you like it patched to your quarters?"
The green-skinned Master considered for a moment and replied, "Like that I would."
He was grateful to the Force for sending Obi-Wan to Bakura. It would bring his favorite Padawan home early and the weight of training Anakin would be lifted from his grand Padawan's shoulders.
The young girl in the communication room signaling his connection completed, interrupted Master Yoda's musing.
"Master Yoda, what can I do for you," Barauga growled.
"Confirmed it is, alive Qui-Gon is." Master Yoda paused, and waited for Barauga to stop roaring. "To Simpla-12, go you must. A laboratory, find you will. Information on the cloning of Jedi, discover you will. To the temple, bring it you must. Here in four days, Qui-Gon will be. Miss him you won't."
"Thank you Master Yoda; I will locate the information and return to the Temple with it. If I encounter the scientist do I bring her as well?" was the growled reply.
"Necessary that is."
"Very well Master Yoda. I'll see you in four days. May the Force be with you."
When the conversation was finished Barauga showed his teeth in what his Padawan liked to think was a smile. Roaring his happiness again for good measure, he busied himself with the upload of data from Master Yoda. Watching her Master, Élan was thankful for the difference in him. Thank the Force he's happy again. I was beginning to fear he would never smile again.
After the death of Master Jinn, she had thought her Master might follow him into the Force. One night after she went to bed Master Yoda came and talked with her Master. They stayed up discussing something in hushed tones most of the night. She had found it odd that neither Master Yoda nor her Master ever spoke of Master Qui-Gon in the past tense. I bet they knew all along that Master Jinn wasn't dead.
Simpla-12
The cruiser Knight's Quest smoothly set down on the rooftop-landing pad. Two Jedi exited the craft and entered the solid black building. Barauga lowered himself on to all four feet and sniffed the air. He preferred to use his animal senses before resorting to using the Force, after all a Jedi was taught to work with the physical strengths. They entered the lift and programmed it take them down to the sub-levels.
"There is no one in the building. I want you to find her office and link her computer to KQ's computers. I'll find the lab and make sure that if and when she returns, she will have nothing left to work with."
"Yes Master, I can start the link here, but I will need to return to the KQ to complete it." Élan said.
"Very well, Cub. When you are finished stay aboard the ship. I don't want to worry about your location when I destroy the building."
The giant bear sniffed the air and began to pad his way down the hall away from his apprentice. Lacking the nose of her Master, Élan chose to follow the map she had retrieved from old mission logs. Finding the scientist's office wasn't difficult and the 18-year-old apprentice was busily hacking her way past the security systems in less than ten minutes. Her Master always allowed her to do the computer work, because his paws constantly hit the wrong buttons. In Élan's opinion, he knew the thrill she received in being able to get past the electronic barriers without relying on the Force.
Sitting down at the big wooden desk, she turned on the computer terminal. Laughing softly she began to sort though the encryption-protected files sending them to the computer aboard the KQ. I was wrong. I will upload from here. Thank you Arbor for making it so easy. Pulling open the drawers and looking through them, she saw several data pads; stacking them in a pile, she continued searching the drawers. The last drawer held a surprise, 24 holo-vids. Picking up two or three of them, she searched them for markings and finding none, she put them back in the drawer.
{Master}
{Yes Cub}
{Do you think she would keep anything important to her work in her living quarters?}
{I don't think so. Have you returned to the KQ yet?}
{No Master. I am finishing up now.}
{Cub} Barauga let his annoyance filter through their bond {what is taking you so long?}
{Master I will be onboard the ship in less than 20 minutes. Can you say the same?}
Chuckling Barauga shook his head {Touché Cub. Finish what you are doing quickly. It seems our rogue scientist is creating several plagues as well as Jedi clones. She is a busy girl. I don't want you in the building when I destroy these.}
Frowning she replied {Yes Master. One thing, please be careful Master. }
Opening the cloth bag she had brought with her, she dropped the data pads into it and started for the door. Hesitating, she turned around, walked back to the desk, yanked open the bottom drawer, and emptied it into the bag. Satisfied that she had everything important she slung the bag over her shoulder and headed out the door, down the hall to the lift and back to the roof.
Halfway to the lift Padawan Ryos was knocked off her feet by the pain that radiated though the bond from her Master. Pulling herself back to her feet, her teeth clenched tight against the pain, she reached into the bond and felt Barauga's presence.
{Master?}
{Yes cub?}
{Master, please don't act as if I'm brainless. You're hurt and you need help.}
{Élan I'm ok. There was a flash fire as I destroyed one of the chemicals. I will be fine. I'm on my way to the ship now and you better be there, ready for take off.}
Élan knew better than to disobey when her Master called her anything other than Cub or Padawan but worry caused her to falter. Knowing that she was pushing it, she asked anyway, {Master are you positive you don't need my help.}
{Padawan Ryos obey me now. I have set detonators in the lab that will implode the building in 20 minutes.}
She shook her head. She could almost hear him growl his last order and that only happened when he spoke aloud. You did it this time girl. Running toward the lift, she made up the time she had wasted by arguing with her Master. Entering the KQ, she went straight to the co-pilots chair and began the lift off sequence. The Force swirled around her as she felt her Master enter the craft. The light that signaled an open door went out and she hit the pressures seals, and began the assent into Simpla-12's atmosphere. The explosion of the building rocked the small craft and she sent a thank you to the Force for their safe escape from the planet. Concerned that Barauga had not joined her in the flight area, she put the KQ on autopilot and went to find her Master.
The site that greeted the Padawan was horrific. Her Master's beautiful white fur had been burned away in large patches leaving angry blackened and blistered skin in its place. Numerous cuts had bled and were matted with soot becoming nasty scabs. His snout had been split open and the tissue underneath was bleeding back into the nasal cavity. Her Masters right paw was mangled next to his claws and his fur was burned away.
"Oh Master, why did you tell me you were ok when you're not?"
Waves of pain radiated off the large Master as he looked at his student. This was not the first time she had questioned his orders, but this time it had put her in danger. I must work on that after I wake up he thought sliding into unconsciousness.
Lifting the two-thousand-pound Jedi Master even with the help of the Force put a strain on his Padawan. Focusing all her attention on the Force, she lifted the giant bear off the main deck and laid him in the specially designed med-bed. By the time Élan had finished moving him into the med bay she was plastered with sweat. Master if you ask me to do any Force lifting for the next month I will remind you of today. Rummaging though the supplies, she pulls out bacta patches and begins to apply them to the worst of his injuries. Oh Force, why couldn't I have been a healer; I could help him more. Giving her patient a large dose of pain medication she says, "I'm sorry my Master this is the best I can do until we get back to the Temple."
Setting the equipment to alert her in case her Master woke up, she turned down the lights and headed back to the flight deck to review the information gathered from the destroyed lab. She needed to report Master Barauga's injuries and inform the council that for at least the past month Zan Arbor hadn't used anything in her lab.