The Bounty Huntress
Evil Today; Memories from Yesterday
Author's Note: To clarify for some readers, please note that ***** indicates that a new scene is taking place. I've had some comments that the jumping back and forth has been confusing for some people. Please let me know how to make things clearer for some of you out there. I'm not trying to confuse anyone. Just remember that the characters of Sim and Orion are past Padawan friends of Obi-Wan. Hope that helps some.
*****
Obi-Wan sat up startled. Outside he could hear children laughing. He tried to focus on his surroundings and realized he could barely see. Vomit rose to his mouth and he began to retch over the side of the bed he laid upon. His head was pounding and dizziness made it difficult to keep his balance. Why was he thinking of Simi and Orion? What had happened to his two friends? He felt a great sadness wash over him. He laid back into the bed. He heard the continued laughter of children coming from somewhere and then darkness gripped him and he was out.
*****
"Emperor, you called for me." Anakin/Darth Vader bowed low before the hologram.
"Yes, this news of your old Master's escape bothers me."
"Sir...."
"No. Commodore Romeroon was a fool. I'm surprised he managed capturing him in the first place. I have other things on my mind and you will take care of them for me." The Emperor stood still, unflinchingly watching his protege.
"The Rebellion leaders have been quiet for too long and the latest shipment of Clones will be ready soon. You have never been to Kamino. Travel there. See how our army is produced. Guard against any intrusion. With this shipment of 2 million, I dare say we will never have another problem with those ridiculous Rebels ever again." The Emperor sounded pleased as he ended these instructions.
"I will do my duty."
"Yes, I know you will. And do it well, I am sure." With that the hologram flickered out. Anakin/Darth Vader was left alone. He looked out the viewport, taking in the stars. 'Where are you, Obi-Wan?' he wondered. He would never have admitted it to the Emperor, but the last thing he cared to do was go to Kamino. He could care less about the Clones or Imperial StormTroopers as they were often referred to now. It was Obi-Wan Kenobi he wanted. Sighing to himself, 'I will find you. I will. And that is for certain.' Then he proceeded to give out orders to head for the planet Kamino.
*****
"Obi-Wan, it's so good to see you! Where have your travels taken you for so long?" Orion was excited to see his childhood friend. Though they had competed continuously against one another over the years, their relationship had never suffered. Obi-Wan and Orion, Orion and Obi-Wan, through years of training one had bested the other and vice versa until they had been hand-picked by their respective Masters to become Jedi apprentices-on the same day. Now the contest generally was observed only in telling whose adventures had been most dangerous, exciting or arduous. Neither knew a new contest was about to begin.
"Oh, the usual," began Obi-Wan. But he couldn't even begin his story when his friend interrupted him.
"Come on, you've got to see Simi, she's unbelievable; and Master Windu is with her now." Orion dragged his friend toward the center of the Jedi lightsaber training arena. Obi-Wan looked with concern at the brightness to his friend's green eyes. The two teenaged Padawans stood shoulder to shoulder.
"Has she grown up any?" Obi-Wan asked sarcastically.
"What? Oh, yeah-no. I mean...Simi's really developed a great fighting style." Orion shook his head, pulling his thoughts together. "Not everything is a game to her, ya' know." he said defensively. Obi-Wan simply raised his eyebrows. They were seventeen now, well on to becoming Jedi. Sim, as Master Devos had said, still seemed to lack determination. Everyone believed she could have already become a knight if she were only more serious.
"Just watch this." Orion stated.
Obi-Wan started to speak but was waved off. He frowned.
Sim stood in a neutral stance eyeing Master Windu. But soon they were engaged. Their lightsabers struck, a parry one moment, contact the next. Using the Force, Sim flew over the top of Master Windu's head and landed perfectly, then had to sai (jump from being attacked at the legs). She flipped over backwards and made a jung move readying herself for the next move. Master Windu was glaring at her as if by sheer staring power he could weaken her resolve. He had no doubt that she was up to something, she rarely lasted this long in engagement with him and he could tell she was growing weary.
"Concentrate, use the Force." he growled at her, slashing onward while giving advice.
Sim didn't respond but continued blocking his moves, losing ground within the circle of their fighting area. As she reached the blue line of the circle, she dropped on one knee holding off Master Windu's lightsaber with both hands. Master Windu felt satisfied, it had been a good fight, no games. 'Perhaps this Padawan really is beginning to change.' he thought. Suddenly his lightsaber fell forward and Sim was flying over his head. He only managed a half turn when a hit to his ribs sent him sprawling outside of the training circle. Every Master and Padawan stopped and stared as Master Windu's lightsaber clattered to the floor. Obi-Wan forced himself to blink he was so shocked. In mid-air coming down beside Master Windu, Sim had kicked her legs out knocking him to the ground. Now she laid spawled out on the ground herself and looked in pain.
"Oh, boy," breathed Orion.
With a swift motion, Master Windu had his lightsaber in hand, ignited, and stood behind Sim, his lightsaber close to touching her neck. She rolled over with a moan. Obi-Wan could see Master Windu's nostrils flaring.
"What have you learned today?" he snarled at Sim. Obi-Wan felt himself wanting to give a warning shout. Suddenly, Master Windu was thrown on his back, his lightsaber clattering away a second time. Sim now was standing and had her lightsaber pointing at him after having kicked his legs out from under him.
"I have learned, Master Windu, that one should never underestimate one's opponent." With that said she clicked off her lightsaber and bowed low. "As always, I appreciate your time and training."
Master Windu stood, looked at the others, some who stood with their mouths gaping wide. No one had ever seen a Padawan so clearly get the best of the greatest Jedi warrior who had ever lived.
"Back to your lessons, NOW!" he ordered. And movement was restored to the training arena.
*****
"Ya' know Simi, if you were a man I'd say you had some really big..." began Orion.
"Shut up!"
"Well, no one has ever seen Master Windu so angry."
"He wasn't angry. Jedi Masters do not get angry." stated Sim. Obi-Wan followed along to the meditation gardens. He had thankfully not been ordered to attend his Master's call before the council for yet another transgression against a Council's mandate on their latest mission. Yet, he felt slightly as if he still wasn't in the best of company.
"So, Master Qui-Gon is in trouble again?" Sim's eyes shined mischievously. Obi-Wan wondered how they had ever become friends after their first meeting.
"You still use the same tricks." he said flatly not wanting to explain his Master's newest predicament. Sim was laughing now.
"Oh, I did badly. I've landed that move a few times now." She leaned in close to Obi-Wan. "You know they'll name it after me. Right, Or?" She turned to Orion now and draped a hand through his arm. He simply shook his head.
"I thought perhaps by now you would've matured some." Obi-Wan started.
"Who? Me?" asked Sim in mocked surprise. "I wouldn't dream of doing such a thing. Mature, grow-up? I'm only 15, why should I?"
"What will Master Devos say?"
"He'll take my lightsaber away and make me meditate for hours on end." She flashed an amazing smile at Obi-Wan and he didn't like the way it made him feel warm.
"Well, I suppose if you like meditating..."
"As it happens, I do," Sim said shrugging her shoulders, "It gives me time to think on other things. Life, for example, husbands-children." She was laughing again, but Obi-Wan saw the look on Orion's face. Sim handed Obi-Wan her newest lightsaber and a glance at it told him it was perfect.
"Here, we'll meditate here." she announced.
"Sim's been given a chance to work on some droids and a fighter jet." Orion said proudly, the serious expression he wore before dropping away.
"I programmed one of the little buggers to blow up if anyone tried to change it's programming and..."
"And, let's not go there." Orion said rubbing his slightly scarred hands.
They had seated themselves before one of the many reflecting pools in the garden and Obi-Wan looked worriedly at his friend's hands.
"Just some burns that's all."
"Well, if you had listened to me.." Sim said irritably.
"Maybe you shouldn't go around programming things to blow up!" shouted Obi-Wan astounded at her audacity.
"Maybe you shouldn't go around so stuck up and serious." Sim shot back. "You don't think for yourself, you're all...you're all, all white and black, good and bad. You can go on forever on every Jedi rule and law like a regulations droid. It's tiresome and obnoxious."
"I'm obnoxious?" Obi-WAn said increduously.
"Hey, are we going to meditate or not?" Orion cut in. "She's right, I shouldn't've messed with the droid. It was my fault."
"Your only fault is always taking up for her." Obi-Wan said miffed.
"I think you're just jealous that you weren't hurt and didn't have me as your full-time nurse for 2 weeks." Sim said smuggly, laughing. Obi-Wan opened and closed his mouth. Orion was grining, looking at Sim's dark head as she began opening boxes with meditating crystals inside."
"I'd probably wish the droid blew me to pieces first."
Sim handed him some of the crystals, "I know Obi-Wan. The perfect are hard put to have to tolerate the imperfect in life."
Obi-Wan sighed slowly, took the crystals and wondered why Sim always managed to irritate him so. He watched as she gave several crystals to Orion as well. 'She always sits between us.' he thought. Orion immediately used the Force to lift his crystals into the air, Sim looked at Obi-Wan. A few strands of hair had come loose from her braid, they stroked across her face as the wind blew. Obi-Wan glanced past her to Orion who had his eyes closed. Sim didn't even bother closing hers, using the Force she lifted all the remaining crystals into the air. She had them alternately bouncing up and down in the air. Then moving in a circle as if crowning Obi-Wan's head. He felt himself blushing.
"Stop it!" he mouthed at her. The crystals reflected lights all about his face, he felt ridiculous and worried if someone should happen by. He couldn't even begin to let himself think it, but hearing that Orion and Sim had spent 2 weeks together as someone's idea of punishment had made him jealous. And now she sat cross-legged on the ground next to him being silly, making him want to laugh.
"You're smiling Obi-Wan Kenobi," she mouthed back, "are you sure your face won't break?" With that she lined her crystals horizontally before her and closed her eyes to meditate. Obi-Wan just sat, his crystals on the ground and looked at the softness that came across her face. He knew in his heart he had fallen in love with this impossible girl just as much as he knew he would never speak of it and he felt an almost unbearable hurt come over him.
Author's Note: To clarify for some readers, please note that ***** indicates that a new scene is taking place. I've had some comments that the jumping back and forth has been confusing for some people. Please let me know how to make things clearer for some of you out there. I'm not trying to confuse anyone. Just remember that the characters of Sim and Orion are past Padawan friends of Obi-Wan. Hope that helps some.
*****
Obi-Wan sat up startled. Outside he could hear children laughing. He tried to focus on his surroundings and realized he could barely see. Vomit rose to his mouth and he began to retch over the side of the bed he laid upon. His head was pounding and dizziness made it difficult to keep his balance. Why was he thinking of Simi and Orion? What had happened to his two friends? He felt a great sadness wash over him. He laid back into the bed. He heard the continued laughter of children coming from somewhere and then darkness gripped him and he was out.
*****
"Emperor, you called for me." Anakin/Darth Vader bowed low before the hologram.
"Yes, this news of your old Master's escape bothers me."
"Sir...."
"No. Commodore Romeroon was a fool. I'm surprised he managed capturing him in the first place. I have other things on my mind and you will take care of them for me." The Emperor stood still, unflinchingly watching his protege.
"The Rebellion leaders have been quiet for too long and the latest shipment of Clones will be ready soon. You have never been to Kamino. Travel there. See how our army is produced. Guard against any intrusion. With this shipment of 2 million, I dare say we will never have another problem with those ridiculous Rebels ever again." The Emperor sounded pleased as he ended these instructions.
"I will do my duty."
"Yes, I know you will. And do it well, I am sure." With that the hologram flickered out. Anakin/Darth Vader was left alone. He looked out the viewport, taking in the stars. 'Where are you, Obi-Wan?' he wondered. He would never have admitted it to the Emperor, but the last thing he cared to do was go to Kamino. He could care less about the Clones or Imperial StormTroopers as they were often referred to now. It was Obi-Wan Kenobi he wanted. Sighing to himself, 'I will find you. I will. And that is for certain.' Then he proceeded to give out orders to head for the planet Kamino.
*****
"Obi-Wan, it's so good to see you! Where have your travels taken you for so long?" Orion was excited to see his childhood friend. Though they had competed continuously against one another over the years, their relationship had never suffered. Obi-Wan and Orion, Orion and Obi-Wan, through years of training one had bested the other and vice versa until they had been hand-picked by their respective Masters to become Jedi apprentices-on the same day. Now the contest generally was observed only in telling whose adventures had been most dangerous, exciting or arduous. Neither knew a new contest was about to begin.
"Oh, the usual," began Obi-Wan. But he couldn't even begin his story when his friend interrupted him.
"Come on, you've got to see Simi, she's unbelievable; and Master Windu is with her now." Orion dragged his friend toward the center of the Jedi lightsaber training arena. Obi-Wan looked with concern at the brightness to his friend's green eyes. The two teenaged Padawans stood shoulder to shoulder.
"Has she grown up any?" Obi-Wan asked sarcastically.
"What? Oh, yeah-no. I mean...Simi's really developed a great fighting style." Orion shook his head, pulling his thoughts together. "Not everything is a game to her, ya' know." he said defensively. Obi-Wan simply raised his eyebrows. They were seventeen now, well on to becoming Jedi. Sim, as Master Devos had said, still seemed to lack determination. Everyone believed she could have already become a knight if she were only more serious.
"Just watch this." Orion stated.
Obi-Wan started to speak but was waved off. He frowned.
Sim stood in a neutral stance eyeing Master Windu. But soon they were engaged. Their lightsabers struck, a parry one moment, contact the next. Using the Force, Sim flew over the top of Master Windu's head and landed perfectly, then had to sai (jump from being attacked at the legs). She flipped over backwards and made a jung move readying herself for the next move. Master Windu was glaring at her as if by sheer staring power he could weaken her resolve. He had no doubt that she was up to something, she rarely lasted this long in engagement with him and he could tell she was growing weary.
"Concentrate, use the Force." he growled at her, slashing onward while giving advice.
Sim didn't respond but continued blocking his moves, losing ground within the circle of their fighting area. As she reached the blue line of the circle, she dropped on one knee holding off Master Windu's lightsaber with both hands. Master Windu felt satisfied, it had been a good fight, no games. 'Perhaps this Padawan really is beginning to change.' he thought. Suddenly his lightsaber fell forward and Sim was flying over his head. He only managed a half turn when a hit to his ribs sent him sprawling outside of the training circle. Every Master and Padawan stopped and stared as Master Windu's lightsaber clattered to the floor. Obi-Wan forced himself to blink he was so shocked. In mid-air coming down beside Master Windu, Sim had kicked her legs out knocking him to the ground. Now she laid spawled out on the ground herself and looked in pain.
"Oh, boy," breathed Orion.
With a swift motion, Master Windu had his lightsaber in hand, ignited, and stood behind Sim, his lightsaber close to touching her neck. She rolled over with a moan. Obi-Wan could see Master Windu's nostrils flaring.
"What have you learned today?" he snarled at Sim. Obi-Wan felt himself wanting to give a warning shout. Suddenly, Master Windu was thrown on his back, his lightsaber clattering away a second time. Sim now was standing and had her lightsaber pointing at him after having kicked his legs out from under him.
"I have learned, Master Windu, that one should never underestimate one's opponent." With that said she clicked off her lightsaber and bowed low. "As always, I appreciate your time and training."
Master Windu stood, looked at the others, some who stood with their mouths gaping wide. No one had ever seen a Padawan so clearly get the best of the greatest Jedi warrior who had ever lived.
"Back to your lessons, NOW!" he ordered. And movement was restored to the training arena.
*****
"Ya' know Simi, if you were a man I'd say you had some really big..." began Orion.
"Shut up!"
"Well, no one has ever seen Master Windu so angry."
"He wasn't angry. Jedi Masters do not get angry." stated Sim. Obi-Wan followed along to the meditation gardens. He had thankfully not been ordered to attend his Master's call before the council for yet another transgression against a Council's mandate on their latest mission. Yet, he felt slightly as if he still wasn't in the best of company.
"So, Master Qui-Gon is in trouble again?" Sim's eyes shined mischievously. Obi-Wan wondered how they had ever become friends after their first meeting.
"You still use the same tricks." he said flatly not wanting to explain his Master's newest predicament. Sim was laughing now.
"Oh, I did badly. I've landed that move a few times now." She leaned in close to Obi-Wan. "You know they'll name it after me. Right, Or?" She turned to Orion now and draped a hand through his arm. He simply shook his head.
"I thought perhaps by now you would've matured some." Obi-Wan started.
"Who? Me?" asked Sim in mocked surprise. "I wouldn't dream of doing such a thing. Mature, grow-up? I'm only 15, why should I?"
"What will Master Devos say?"
"He'll take my lightsaber away and make me meditate for hours on end." She flashed an amazing smile at Obi-Wan and he didn't like the way it made him feel warm.
"Well, I suppose if you like meditating..."
"As it happens, I do," Sim said shrugging her shoulders, "It gives me time to think on other things. Life, for example, husbands-children." She was laughing again, but Obi-Wan saw the look on Orion's face. Sim handed Obi-Wan her newest lightsaber and a glance at it told him it was perfect.
"Here, we'll meditate here." she announced.
"Sim's been given a chance to work on some droids and a fighter jet." Orion said proudly, the serious expression he wore before dropping away.
"I programmed one of the little buggers to blow up if anyone tried to change it's programming and..."
"And, let's not go there." Orion said rubbing his slightly scarred hands.
They had seated themselves before one of the many reflecting pools in the garden and Obi-Wan looked worriedly at his friend's hands.
"Just some burns that's all."
"Well, if you had listened to me.." Sim said irritably.
"Maybe you shouldn't go around programming things to blow up!" shouted Obi-Wan astounded at her audacity.
"Maybe you shouldn't go around so stuck up and serious." Sim shot back. "You don't think for yourself, you're all...you're all, all white and black, good and bad. You can go on forever on every Jedi rule and law like a regulations droid. It's tiresome and obnoxious."
"I'm obnoxious?" Obi-WAn said increduously.
"Hey, are we going to meditate or not?" Orion cut in. "She's right, I shouldn't've messed with the droid. It was my fault."
"Your only fault is always taking up for her." Obi-Wan said miffed.
"I think you're just jealous that you weren't hurt and didn't have me as your full-time nurse for 2 weeks." Sim said smuggly, laughing. Obi-Wan opened and closed his mouth. Orion was grining, looking at Sim's dark head as she began opening boxes with meditating crystals inside."
"I'd probably wish the droid blew me to pieces first."
Sim handed him some of the crystals, "I know Obi-Wan. The perfect are hard put to have to tolerate the imperfect in life."
Obi-Wan sighed slowly, took the crystals and wondered why Sim always managed to irritate him so. He watched as she gave several crystals to Orion as well. 'She always sits between us.' he thought. Orion immediately used the Force to lift his crystals into the air, Sim looked at Obi-Wan. A few strands of hair had come loose from her braid, they stroked across her face as the wind blew. Obi-Wan glanced past her to Orion who had his eyes closed. Sim didn't even bother closing hers, using the Force she lifted all the remaining crystals into the air. She had them alternately bouncing up and down in the air. Then moving in a circle as if crowning Obi-Wan's head. He felt himself blushing.
"Stop it!" he mouthed at her. The crystals reflected lights all about his face, he felt ridiculous and worried if someone should happen by. He couldn't even begin to let himself think it, but hearing that Orion and Sim had spent 2 weeks together as someone's idea of punishment had made him jealous. And now she sat cross-legged on the ground next to him being silly, making him want to laugh.
"You're smiling Obi-Wan Kenobi," she mouthed back, "are you sure your face won't break?" With that she lined her crystals horizontally before her and closed her eyes to meditate. Obi-Wan just sat, his crystals on the ground and looked at the softness that came across her face. He knew in his heart he had fallen in love with this impossible girl just as much as he knew he would never speak of it and he felt an almost unbearable hurt come over him.