1 Chapter III: The Plot Thickens
Hyperspace was always the most boring part of space travel. This was what all the Jedi in the recreation quarters of the Republic Cruiser, that is, everyone except Obi-Wan. His opinions on space travel were known, and hyperspace was his favorite part, because of there being no trouble.
Since leaving, the four Jedi Knights remained in the recreation quarters, catching up with their pasts, as well as, in Raza's case, getting to know each of them.
"Tell me Luminara," began Obi-Wan, taking a sip of java juice before continuing. "How are you doing?" This question was deeply sincere. It was common knowledge that Obi Wan cared for Luminara, Anakin especially could see the light in his former Master's eyes whenever he saw the yellow faced Jedi Knight. And when Obi-Wan's eyes met the large ocean blue eyes of Luminara, Anakin could feel his comrades presence calm immediately, similar to that of the oceans of Naboo.
"I will not lie Obi-Wan," started Luminara. "I have been better. But I am recuperating nonetheless. Barriss' loss deeply effected me, she was so much more than a Padawan to me. She was a daughter to me, and more importantly, a close friend."
"Although I did not know Barriss well Jedi Luminara, I did know of her reputation. And all of my comrades respected her greatly, as did I," spoke the level alien Jedi Knight Raza.
In the short time they were on the ship, all for a two hours, the other three began to enjoy Raza's presence. For it was a calm presence, but not without a sense of comfort and humor in it. They did not find out what he did for the Council, or whether the rumors about him were true, but frankly, none of them cared, Anakin included.
Anakin had grown to tolerate the alien, mainly because in his eyes, Raza reminded him of a younger Qui-Gon. What really reminded Anakin of Qui- Gon's presence, was Raza's inability to be intimidated or controlled. He had heard some of the stories from around the Temple, and knew that Jedi Dactari often debated with Yoda himself on certain issues, as well as on some occasion as not even doing what he was told; even if this was a direct order from the Council. Because from what Anakin could understand, Raza did things only in which his moral allowed him too. And if his morals did not coincide with a mission, then he would not do it. And that, is what Anakin, and he sensed that the rest of the Jedi, respected Raza for.
"Thank you Jedi Dactari. That means a lot to me."
"Please, call me Raza. All of you, we are friends and therefore should refer to each other as such." All agreed with a nod of the head.
Silence soon overcame the four, not out of boredom, but rather out of a feeling of content. Each one sat in his own section of the Recreation Quarter, contemplating on the mission, or some other private matter. Anakin was thinking about where this mission would take him.
He had not seen his wife since they were married five years ago. He had of course talked to her, but his commitment to the Order, as well as Padme's responsibilities to the Senate, did not allow them much time together. Therefore, Anakin was beyond excited, for he knew that he was going to see his love again. His thoughts continued on the current path, thinking of a future where they would beyond the problems of the Republic, and together forever, with their own family and living happily.
Meanwhile, because Anakin was in such deep thought about his future with his wife, he failed to realize something. He failed to realize that Raza Dactari was staring at him across the room, almost in a "dreamy eyed" manner, but yet with enough control to make it seem as if he were analyzing the Young Jedi. However, had Anakin been paying attention, he would have noticed the seductive smile, and wink that Raza tossed towards Anakin.
On the not so distant world of Alderaan, two figures met. The two met in a dark part of the Capital City, specifically in a secluded place where no one would interfere.
One was cloaked in a night colored cloak, it concealing his face, the other, garbed only in tight fitting pants w. a halter top. However, around this one figure in the halter-top, was a series of weapons, ranging from small wrist sized blasters, to three meter rifles. And if one were to look closely, one could see a lightsaber cylinder hanging from her left side.
"You have my instructions My Apprentice?" asked the cloaked figure in a tone, which magnified his dark presence ten fold.
"Yes My Master," the other figure nodded, the figure's hair falling over its shoulder.
"Then go, and do not fail me my Young Apprentice. Or you will die," finished the Cloaked Figure, turning about to disappear into the shadowed alleyways of the Alderaanian Capital.
Before the Apprentice could respond, the Cloaked Figure was already gone, leaving the Apprentice to execute its plans.
Hyperspace was always the most boring part of space travel. This was what all the Jedi in the recreation quarters of the Republic Cruiser, that is, everyone except Obi-Wan. His opinions on space travel were known, and hyperspace was his favorite part, because of there being no trouble.
Since leaving, the four Jedi Knights remained in the recreation quarters, catching up with their pasts, as well as, in Raza's case, getting to know each of them.
"Tell me Luminara," began Obi-Wan, taking a sip of java juice before continuing. "How are you doing?" This question was deeply sincere. It was common knowledge that Obi Wan cared for Luminara, Anakin especially could see the light in his former Master's eyes whenever he saw the yellow faced Jedi Knight. And when Obi-Wan's eyes met the large ocean blue eyes of Luminara, Anakin could feel his comrades presence calm immediately, similar to that of the oceans of Naboo.
"I will not lie Obi-Wan," started Luminara. "I have been better. But I am recuperating nonetheless. Barriss' loss deeply effected me, she was so much more than a Padawan to me. She was a daughter to me, and more importantly, a close friend."
"Although I did not know Barriss well Jedi Luminara, I did know of her reputation. And all of my comrades respected her greatly, as did I," spoke the level alien Jedi Knight Raza.
In the short time they were on the ship, all for a two hours, the other three began to enjoy Raza's presence. For it was a calm presence, but not without a sense of comfort and humor in it. They did not find out what he did for the Council, or whether the rumors about him were true, but frankly, none of them cared, Anakin included.
Anakin had grown to tolerate the alien, mainly because in his eyes, Raza reminded him of a younger Qui-Gon. What really reminded Anakin of Qui- Gon's presence, was Raza's inability to be intimidated or controlled. He had heard some of the stories from around the Temple, and knew that Jedi Dactari often debated with Yoda himself on certain issues, as well as on some occasion as not even doing what he was told; even if this was a direct order from the Council. Because from what Anakin could understand, Raza did things only in which his moral allowed him too. And if his morals did not coincide with a mission, then he would not do it. And that, is what Anakin, and he sensed that the rest of the Jedi, respected Raza for.
"Thank you Jedi Dactari. That means a lot to me."
"Please, call me Raza. All of you, we are friends and therefore should refer to each other as such." All agreed with a nod of the head.
Silence soon overcame the four, not out of boredom, but rather out of a feeling of content. Each one sat in his own section of the Recreation Quarter, contemplating on the mission, or some other private matter. Anakin was thinking about where this mission would take him.
He had not seen his wife since they were married five years ago. He had of course talked to her, but his commitment to the Order, as well as Padme's responsibilities to the Senate, did not allow them much time together. Therefore, Anakin was beyond excited, for he knew that he was going to see his love again. His thoughts continued on the current path, thinking of a future where they would beyond the problems of the Republic, and together forever, with their own family and living happily.
Meanwhile, because Anakin was in such deep thought about his future with his wife, he failed to realize something. He failed to realize that Raza Dactari was staring at him across the room, almost in a "dreamy eyed" manner, but yet with enough control to make it seem as if he were analyzing the Young Jedi. However, had Anakin been paying attention, he would have noticed the seductive smile, and wink that Raza tossed towards Anakin.
On the not so distant world of Alderaan, two figures met. The two met in a dark part of the Capital City, specifically in a secluded place where no one would interfere.
One was cloaked in a night colored cloak, it concealing his face, the other, garbed only in tight fitting pants w. a halter top. However, around this one figure in the halter-top, was a series of weapons, ranging from small wrist sized blasters, to three meter rifles. And if one were to look closely, one could see a lightsaber cylinder hanging from her left side.
"You have my instructions My Apprentice?" asked the cloaked figure in a tone, which magnified his dark presence ten fold.
"Yes My Master," the other figure nodded, the figure's hair falling over its shoulder.
"Then go, and do not fail me my Young Apprentice. Or you will die," finished the Cloaked Figure, turning about to disappear into the shadowed alleyways of the Alderaanian Capital.
Before the Apprentice could respond, the Cloaked Figure was already gone, leaving the Apprentice to execute its plans.