[b]Chapter 20[/b]
"Okay, here is the plan." Obi-Wan explained as they stood outside the giant metallic building on Bastion, where it was felt that the friends were held. "Chloe, you're going to be taking the south side of the building, that's where the force feels the strongest and most likely where Master Yoda and the others are being held. You are to get them out and back to the ship. Don't try to play hero, just get them to safety. Master Black and I will take go after Dooku and try to put an end to this."
"Do you think that is wise Master Kenobi?" Brady said with an air of condescension in his voice. "Splitting up? Didn't you learn your lesson on Geonosis? We're better in numbers. Letting Chloe go off alone is putting her at risk."
"All three of us can't go after Dooku or get Master Yoda. We have to split up so that all of us can get out of here alive. I can't take Dooku alone Brady. I need your help."
"You know what guys, it's fine. I can take care of myself if anything should happen. I'll get them out and keep them safe. You two keep safe as well. Okay?" Chloe asked as she began to walk away from them, hoping that her departure would be able to ease the tension so that they might be able to work together.
"You too." Brady whispered as her form disappeared into the fortress. "You know. You shouldn't have let her go off alone." He said once more turning back to Obi-Wan.
"Well it's done. Our priority is getting Master Yoda out." He said as he began to walk off in the opposite direction as Chloe, a reluctant Brady following.
"What, and Chloe is not a priority? Her sister? Your Padawan? You know something? All you are is a Jedi Knight." Brady said stalking further ahead.
"This coming from Master Brady Black? Who is known to be so bitter and angry that no one was ever willing to work with him. The man who the Jedi kept only because of his skills in the Force but since he had no social ones was sent to the far reaches of the galaxy to live out his bitter existence alone." Obi-Wan said trying to maintain his anger.
"Then why would they give me Chloe? They obviously see something that you don't. And being with her has done me a world of good. And now I see how making the order my life did me no good. I never really lived until her. You've had her all this time Obi-Wan, and you have still yet to live."
"What is that supposed to mean?" He said rushing past Brady and standing in his path, causing him to stop. Crossing his arms across his chest, he stared up at Master Black's who seemed to loom menacingly over him.
"You don't think that I honestly didn't see you when you came to the villa. What went on between you and Chloe? And the other times before, like in the meditation room. You've made a conscience decision to break your vows already Master Kenobi? So, why is the council still coming before her?"
"The council and this order is my life. They will always come first." He said watching Brady's eyes darken.
"And she doesn't know that. Then why start something in the first place. If it were me."
"But it's not you Master Black. Try and realize that." Obi-Wan said.
"I've told you before to stay away from Chloe. And for some reason you just can't seem to listen. You are only going to end up hurting her. You are committed to the order alone. You will always put them first. And if you think that you can have both of them you are sorely mistaken."
"Are you threatening me Master Black?"
"No. I'm saving that for Count Dooku, perhaps you should be focusing on that too." He said pushing Obi-Wan inside and making his way into the building, leaving the older Jedi gaping at him from behind.
* * * * * * * * * * *
"If I were a mego-maniacal maniac where would I keep those I would kidnap?" Chloe asked herself as she continued to search the Sepratists compound. So far she had yet to run into any trouble but it was only a matter of time before her luck runs out. "Come on think. Tune into the Force. Focus your feelings. You can do this." Reaching out with her mind she felt nothing at first. Pushing herself further she felt it. The fear of her sister. The anger of her friend. The worry of the great Jedi Master. "There." She said running full steam down the hall.
* * * * * * * * * * *
"So, is there any other parts to this plan? Or do we just keep wandering around until we find something to attack?" Brady hissed as they continued their trek.
"Pretty much." Obi-Wan whispered back.
"Maybe we should try to find Chloe then, help out?" He asked the elder Master.
"Shhh." Obi-Wan said bringing "I hear something." He said glancing down the hall towards a doorway. "In there." He pointed then began to lead Brady to the room. As they approached the doorway each removed their light saber from their belts, holding it in their hands, the blades not ignited. Nodding his head to Brady, the younger Jedi nodded back pushing the panel to open the door, it's hydraulics pushing open as they entered.
"Well, Masters, what took you so long? We assumed you would have been here hours ago." Count Dooku said facing the blonde Jedis, a Federation Droid on either side of him, his silver hair shining against the light of his red saber blade. With the push of a button both of their blades ignited in a second, their blue colors glimmering in contrast to Dooku's, their humming sound filling the room. Looking around cautiously they could see Anakin and Padme bound behind them, while an unconscious Yoda lay tied on the floor.
"Get them out of here." Obi-Wan whispered to Brady who nodded, moving forward swiftly as the droids lifted their blasters and began firing at the Jedi. Deflecting the blast, Brady quickly took out the droids and headed towards the hostages while Obi-Wan and Dooku battled, their blades clashing in the air. Rushing over to Padme, he undid her bindings and her mouth gag, followed by Anakin's. Helping them both stand up, he handed Anakin a lightsaber.
"Are you both okay?" He asked, watching the young couple embrace.
"Yeah I think so." Padme said pulling away from Anakin and brushing down her elaborate red dress, the one she was surly wearing in the Senate just before she was taken. Looking her over critically Brady tried to see similarities between her and Chloe. Where Chloe was tall in stature; Padme was short. Instead of his Padwan's vibrant blue eyes, Padme's warm chocolate ones were looking over Anakin, making sure he was okay. While they both had similar skin tones and the same long dark curls, there seemed to be no other resemblance. Shaking his head, he got back to the matter at hand.
"Do you know what they gave Master Yoda?" He asked as they both shook their head. "Okay, don't worry about him, I'll take Master Yoda. Anakin, you get her out of here and outside, we have a ship cloaked just beyond the perimeter. Take this." Brady said handing him a small remote. "Start up and wait for us. We'll be out soon."
"Where's Chloe?" Anakin asked, seeing Padme's eyes fill with worry.
"She's here. Don't worry, we'll get her out. Just take care of Senator Amidala." Nodding Anakin grabbed Padme's hands and led her out of the room, past Dooku and Obi-Wan.
"Do you really think that you can defeat me now, Obi-Wan? You couldn't before and there is nothing you can do now." Dooku said as his blade continued to clash with Master Kenobi's. "Surrender the Clone Army to us."
"Never!" Brady said as he rushed the two, attacking Dooku head on, allowing Obi-Wan to hold back and rest for a moment. As he watched the two skillfully duel, Brady blocking each of Dooku's attempts, Obi-Wan made his way towards Master Yoda, untying the small Master and trying gently to wake him, noticing that his vitals were all intact. With no results he turned back towards Brady and Dooku. As Brady stepped back to block one of Dooku's swings, the dark Jedi reached his hand out to the young Jedi and a powerful jolt of electricity emanated from his fingers and plunged Master Black against the wall, writhing in pain.
"No!" An emotion filled voice called from the doorway as Chloe engaged her purple lightsaber and lunging for Dooku.
"Chloe." Obi-Wan whispered torn between protecting Master Yoda and Chloe. With great resolve he stood in front of Yoda and watched the battle, certain that he had made the right decision he watched the two fight.
"Ah, Chloe Amidala. I never would have thought I would have the pleasure, hopefully you will fare better than your male counterparts." Without acknowledging his retorts, Chloe continued to strike harder and faster, placing all over her energy into the duel. "But don't worry I wouldn't dream of hurting you." He said pausing once more as he reached his hand out towards Obi-Wan and Master Yoda, preparing to inflict the same damage he had just done to Brady. Just as the electricity was about to leave his hand, Chloe jumped in front of Obi-Wan and Yoda, receiving the shock. As the bolt coursed through her body both of the blonde Jedi's stared on in shock, Obi-Wan still in front of Yoda, and Brady desperately trying to climb his way up off the floor. As Chloe shook uncontrollably, Dooku took the initiative once more and took his still open blade at plunged it into her lower abdomen, watching as she fell limply to the floor, blooding pooling under her, as a little trickled out from the corner of her mouth.
"No!" Brady screamed pushing himself off of the floor, ignoring the searing pain of his body. But before he could get to Dooku, the dark Jedi was out the door his sinister chuckle echoing in the metal tomb. Crawlling over to Chloe, he watched as Obi-Wan cradled her in his arms, putting pressure on the wound.
"Please don't die. Not like Qui-Gon. Stay with me." He said rocking her back in forth, his face pressed into her dark curls as she gasped for breath.
"Go get help." Brady said through gritted teeth.
"I can't leave her." He said, his robe now soaked in her blood.
"You chose the council once more, protecting Yoda instead of helping her. I can't go, you need to get help, or you will kill her." He said taking her from Obi-Wan's hands and ripping of his own robe to cover her with. "Go! Now!" He screamed as the older Jedi stumbled up from his feet and ran for the door, leaving the unconscious Yoda and the injured Chloe in Brady's arms. "Chloe. Come on."
"Brady." She whispered bringing her hand up to his cheek as her palm left a blood stained print on it, then fell back into his arms as she gasped one last time.
"Okay, here is the plan." Obi-Wan explained as they stood outside the giant metallic building on Bastion, where it was felt that the friends were held. "Chloe, you're going to be taking the south side of the building, that's where the force feels the strongest and most likely where Master Yoda and the others are being held. You are to get them out and back to the ship. Don't try to play hero, just get them to safety. Master Black and I will take go after Dooku and try to put an end to this."
"Do you think that is wise Master Kenobi?" Brady said with an air of condescension in his voice. "Splitting up? Didn't you learn your lesson on Geonosis? We're better in numbers. Letting Chloe go off alone is putting her at risk."
"All three of us can't go after Dooku or get Master Yoda. We have to split up so that all of us can get out of here alive. I can't take Dooku alone Brady. I need your help."
"You know what guys, it's fine. I can take care of myself if anything should happen. I'll get them out and keep them safe. You two keep safe as well. Okay?" Chloe asked as she began to walk away from them, hoping that her departure would be able to ease the tension so that they might be able to work together.
"You too." Brady whispered as her form disappeared into the fortress. "You know. You shouldn't have let her go off alone." He said once more turning back to Obi-Wan.
"Well it's done. Our priority is getting Master Yoda out." He said as he began to walk off in the opposite direction as Chloe, a reluctant Brady following.
"What, and Chloe is not a priority? Her sister? Your Padawan? You know something? All you are is a Jedi Knight." Brady said stalking further ahead.
"This coming from Master Brady Black? Who is known to be so bitter and angry that no one was ever willing to work with him. The man who the Jedi kept only because of his skills in the Force but since he had no social ones was sent to the far reaches of the galaxy to live out his bitter existence alone." Obi-Wan said trying to maintain his anger.
"Then why would they give me Chloe? They obviously see something that you don't. And being with her has done me a world of good. And now I see how making the order my life did me no good. I never really lived until her. You've had her all this time Obi-Wan, and you have still yet to live."
"What is that supposed to mean?" He said rushing past Brady and standing in his path, causing him to stop. Crossing his arms across his chest, he stared up at Master Black's who seemed to loom menacingly over him.
"You don't think that I honestly didn't see you when you came to the villa. What went on between you and Chloe? And the other times before, like in the meditation room. You've made a conscience decision to break your vows already Master Kenobi? So, why is the council still coming before her?"
"The council and this order is my life. They will always come first." He said watching Brady's eyes darken.
"And she doesn't know that. Then why start something in the first place. If it were me."
"But it's not you Master Black. Try and realize that." Obi-Wan said.
"I've told you before to stay away from Chloe. And for some reason you just can't seem to listen. You are only going to end up hurting her. You are committed to the order alone. You will always put them first. And if you think that you can have both of them you are sorely mistaken."
"Are you threatening me Master Black?"
"No. I'm saving that for Count Dooku, perhaps you should be focusing on that too." He said pushing Obi-Wan inside and making his way into the building, leaving the older Jedi gaping at him from behind.
* * * * * * * * * * *
"If I were a mego-maniacal maniac where would I keep those I would kidnap?" Chloe asked herself as she continued to search the Sepratists compound. So far she had yet to run into any trouble but it was only a matter of time before her luck runs out. "Come on think. Tune into the Force. Focus your feelings. You can do this." Reaching out with her mind she felt nothing at first. Pushing herself further she felt it. The fear of her sister. The anger of her friend. The worry of the great Jedi Master. "There." She said running full steam down the hall.
* * * * * * * * * * *
"So, is there any other parts to this plan? Or do we just keep wandering around until we find something to attack?" Brady hissed as they continued their trek.
"Pretty much." Obi-Wan whispered back.
"Maybe we should try to find Chloe then, help out?" He asked the elder Master.
"Shhh." Obi-Wan said bringing "I hear something." He said glancing down the hall towards a doorway. "In there." He pointed then began to lead Brady to the room. As they approached the doorway each removed their light saber from their belts, holding it in their hands, the blades not ignited. Nodding his head to Brady, the younger Jedi nodded back pushing the panel to open the door, it's hydraulics pushing open as they entered.
"Well, Masters, what took you so long? We assumed you would have been here hours ago." Count Dooku said facing the blonde Jedis, a Federation Droid on either side of him, his silver hair shining against the light of his red saber blade. With the push of a button both of their blades ignited in a second, their blue colors glimmering in contrast to Dooku's, their humming sound filling the room. Looking around cautiously they could see Anakin and Padme bound behind them, while an unconscious Yoda lay tied on the floor.
"Get them out of here." Obi-Wan whispered to Brady who nodded, moving forward swiftly as the droids lifted their blasters and began firing at the Jedi. Deflecting the blast, Brady quickly took out the droids and headed towards the hostages while Obi-Wan and Dooku battled, their blades clashing in the air. Rushing over to Padme, he undid her bindings and her mouth gag, followed by Anakin's. Helping them both stand up, he handed Anakin a lightsaber.
"Are you both okay?" He asked, watching the young couple embrace.
"Yeah I think so." Padme said pulling away from Anakin and brushing down her elaborate red dress, the one she was surly wearing in the Senate just before she was taken. Looking her over critically Brady tried to see similarities between her and Chloe. Where Chloe was tall in stature; Padme was short. Instead of his Padwan's vibrant blue eyes, Padme's warm chocolate ones were looking over Anakin, making sure he was okay. While they both had similar skin tones and the same long dark curls, there seemed to be no other resemblance. Shaking his head, he got back to the matter at hand.
"Do you know what they gave Master Yoda?" He asked as they both shook their head. "Okay, don't worry about him, I'll take Master Yoda. Anakin, you get her out of here and outside, we have a ship cloaked just beyond the perimeter. Take this." Brady said handing him a small remote. "Start up and wait for us. We'll be out soon."
"Where's Chloe?" Anakin asked, seeing Padme's eyes fill with worry.
"She's here. Don't worry, we'll get her out. Just take care of Senator Amidala." Nodding Anakin grabbed Padme's hands and led her out of the room, past Dooku and Obi-Wan.
"Do you really think that you can defeat me now, Obi-Wan? You couldn't before and there is nothing you can do now." Dooku said as his blade continued to clash with Master Kenobi's. "Surrender the Clone Army to us."
"Never!" Brady said as he rushed the two, attacking Dooku head on, allowing Obi-Wan to hold back and rest for a moment. As he watched the two skillfully duel, Brady blocking each of Dooku's attempts, Obi-Wan made his way towards Master Yoda, untying the small Master and trying gently to wake him, noticing that his vitals were all intact. With no results he turned back towards Brady and Dooku. As Brady stepped back to block one of Dooku's swings, the dark Jedi reached his hand out to the young Jedi and a powerful jolt of electricity emanated from his fingers and plunged Master Black against the wall, writhing in pain.
"No!" An emotion filled voice called from the doorway as Chloe engaged her purple lightsaber and lunging for Dooku.
"Chloe." Obi-Wan whispered torn between protecting Master Yoda and Chloe. With great resolve he stood in front of Yoda and watched the battle, certain that he had made the right decision he watched the two fight.
"Ah, Chloe Amidala. I never would have thought I would have the pleasure, hopefully you will fare better than your male counterparts." Without acknowledging his retorts, Chloe continued to strike harder and faster, placing all over her energy into the duel. "But don't worry I wouldn't dream of hurting you." He said pausing once more as he reached his hand out towards Obi-Wan and Master Yoda, preparing to inflict the same damage he had just done to Brady. Just as the electricity was about to leave his hand, Chloe jumped in front of Obi-Wan and Yoda, receiving the shock. As the bolt coursed through her body both of the blonde Jedi's stared on in shock, Obi-Wan still in front of Yoda, and Brady desperately trying to climb his way up off the floor. As Chloe shook uncontrollably, Dooku took the initiative once more and took his still open blade at plunged it into her lower abdomen, watching as she fell limply to the floor, blooding pooling under her, as a little trickled out from the corner of her mouth.
"No!" Brady screamed pushing himself off of the floor, ignoring the searing pain of his body. But before he could get to Dooku, the dark Jedi was out the door his sinister chuckle echoing in the metal tomb. Crawlling over to Chloe, he watched as Obi-Wan cradled her in his arms, putting pressure on the wound.
"Please don't die. Not like Qui-Gon. Stay with me." He said rocking her back in forth, his face pressed into her dark curls as she gasped for breath.
"Go get help." Brady said through gritted teeth.
"I can't leave her." He said, his robe now soaked in her blood.
"You chose the council once more, protecting Yoda instead of helping her. I can't go, you need to get help, or you will kill her." He said taking her from Obi-Wan's hands and ripping of his own robe to cover her with. "Go! Now!" He screamed as the older Jedi stumbled up from his feet and ran for the door, leaving the unconscious Yoda and the injured Chloe in Brady's arms. "Chloe. Come on."
"Brady." She whispered bringing her hand up to his cheek as her palm left a blood stained print on it, then fell back into his arms as she gasped one last time.