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The ship has come from hyperspace and was approaching its destination quickly. The three Jedi gathered at the viewport watching as the planet loomed before them. The system had two suns. One of them was a large yellow star. The other was smaller and rotated around the first. The planet always stayed in between them. Both suns illuminated it from the opposite directions.
The planet's surface combined different colors: mostly brownish gray - the cities - but there were also blue spots of seas and small dots of greenery. The planet was heavily urbanized. There was little of wild nature left. Clouds covered both of planets' poles. They were so thick that prevented an observer from getting any idea of what lay beneath them.
The ship started to descend and as it did so one of the brown-gray spots started to grow. Soon the Jedi could see that it was a huge city, which expanded as they were getting closer and finally consumed the horizon. The city was not unlike Coruscant, but it could not compete with the capital of the Republic neither in its size, nor in its volume of traffic.
The ship zipped past the lines of traffic and landed on the docking platform of one of the buildings. The ramp lowered and the Jedi stepped outside.
Two people were waiting for them. A man about forty had a heavy complexion. His face looked like it was used to wear a smile, but at the moment it was lined with concern and worry. His gray eyes looked at the Jedi with hope that didn't go unnoticed.
Beside him stood a young woman. She appeared to be no more than twenty five years old. She bore some resemblance to the man next to her, perhaps, they were relatives. What impressed Obi-Wan most of all about her were her eyes. They were blue like sky above their heads. The irises were larger than normal and it looked like they occupied the largest part of her eyes. Her gaze was intense but not unpleasant. And it held hope, too. The Jedi neared them and bowed.
"Welcome, honored Jedi," the man spoke. "I am Tarnos Imata, representative of the High House Imata on this dispute. This is my niece Namira Tolla Imata. She is also a representative of our House," He motioned to his companion. She inclined her head politely.
"I am Qui-Gon Jinn. This is my Padawan learner Obi-Wan Kenobi and this is Padawan Kamon Turnell. We will be glad to be of service," Qui-Gon replied.
"I suggest you rest after your journey. Follow me, please." Tarnos Imata turned and headed to the doors at the end of the platform. Jedi and his niece on his heals. "It is almost night," he continued. "The briefing will start tomorrow morning."
Obi-Wan looked at the sky confused. Then he exchanged glances with Kamon. The other Padawan was as confused as he was. The sun was just starting to set. There was no expecting of darkness falling any time soon.
They entered the building and proceeded few stories up.
"Representatives of the High House Arones will arrive tomorrow," Imata explained as they walked up the stairs. Namira has kept quiet all the while. At last they stopped. "I must leave you now," Imata said, looking at them almost apologetically. "My niece will show you to your rooms." With that he left.
"This way, please," Namira spoke up for the first time.
They followed her and soon stopped once again in a hall. The three doors lined up one wall. The other one had large windows all over it.
Namira showed each Jedi his room. They were furnished and decorated in the same style. Each had a common room, a bedroom and a 'fresher. The decoration of the rooms was intricate, but not intrusive, made in blue-white gamma. The furniture was made of wood which was rare on the planet due to disappearing of forests. Only rich people could afford to have wooden furniture. All three rooms were connected by a large balcony that gave a spectacular view upon the city below.
"If you need anything, press the yellow button on the comm unit. The servant will answer your call. If you wish to talk to me or my uncle, press the blue button," Namira explained.
"Thank you, miss Imata," Qui-Gon replied.
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After Namira had left the Jedi gathered in Qui-Gon's room to review the general information on this mission once again.
"There were three largest Houses that imported metals," Kamon started. "But five months ago one of the houses stopped its business and passed its segment of market to its former rivals."
"That left the High House Imata and the High House Arones," Obi-Wan continued. "They started to argue on who will control that segment. But in five months they didn't reach an agreement."
"Not quite." Qui-Gon corrected him. "They reached an overall agreement. But Imata refused to sign the treaty without the third party being present."
"This is what we do: watch as treaty is signed and make sure everyone plays fair." Kamon stated.
"I don't understand, then," Obi-Wan put in. "If they had reached the agreement and the matter is only in signing it, why did both representatives hold such hope? It was evident in their eyes."
"Good point, Padawan. But I suppose we'll have to make it clear tomorrow. Now I suggest you go and take some sleep." Qui-Gon said.
Taking the dismissal for what it was the boys left for their respected rooms.
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It wasn't too late yet. In fact it was just 11:00 p.m. But the Jedi had already retired. They tried to get as much sleep as possible on their missions because they knew full well that they might not get more in some time. Obi-Wan was twisting in his bed restlessly, trying to fall asleep. To no avail. Finally realizing that all his efforts were futile he got up. Dressing, he looked grimly out the window and was greeted by the sun still pretty high in the sky.
How am I supposed to sleep when the
sun is shining that bright? There are
no curtains either.
He sighed and walked to the window. He knew that the sun was not the only
reason he couldn't sleep. Rather, it was that unsettling
feeling. Try as he might, he couldn't get rid of it. It pushed
its way back to the front of his mind insistently. It refused to be stuffed away
and forgotten.
He sighed again, lowering himself onto the windowsill, drew his
knees to his chest and put his chin on them. He stared at the city outside,
not really seeing anything. Frustration crept over him. That vague feeling of
trouble was gnawing at him, not letting him rest.
He could tell Qui-Gon but what would that
accomplish? He will no doubt receive yet another reminder to be aware of here
and now. He could stand that, but what will he say?
"Master, I have a bad feeling..." Obi-Wan laughed bitterly at how
hollow and incoherent it sounded. Even to himself.
If only he could figure out what this feeling meant. But no, it stayed just out
of his grasp. Taunting him from a safe place almost within his reach... Almost
but not quite.
Maybe he should tell Qui-Gon anyway? Just to put some of the burden onto
another's shoulders. But Obi-Wan was never the one to do this. If a burden was
placed on his shoulders he would carry it as long as needed.
Obi-Wan was reluctant to tell Qui-Gon about the feeling because he was certain it would go unheeded. The Master never took his Padawan's words seriously, though the warnings proved to be useful more than once. Qui-Gon preferred to look it as an unnecessary distraction.
Obi-Wan knew that he could trust his Master with his life; he did,
almost on every mission. But feelings. They were completely another matter. Could he trust a man he
saw as his father, his mentor and friend with his feelings? This question
unsettled Obi-Wan even more. He knew that distrust between Master and Padawan
could lead to dire consequences.
Perhaps, he didn't need to voice his worries. He could simply use the bond to
let Qui-Gon see what he is feeling. But to do that he'll need to separate the
feeling. To make it strong enough for Qui-Gon to grasp. And how was he going to
do it if he couldn't grasp it himself?
He wished Yoda were here. The little Jedi Master always helped him with sorting out his feelings. This time Obi-Wan will have to deal with it on his own.
He seated himself in a meditation posture and let his thoughts slip away. He let the peace wash over him, feeling the Force envelope him in a warm embrace. Feeling himself centered, he reached for that illusive feeling. Nope. It struck its tongue at him. He wanted to jump up in frustration but forced himself to sit still.
This time he started from distance. Carefully he reached his awareness towards the feeling of restlessness. Grasped it. Then moved to its reason. It was almost in his grasp… when the door chime ringed. He ignored it desperately trying to stay focused. But the person at the door wasn't going to give up.
With a growl, Obi-Wan pulled himself out of his meditation. He scrambled onto his feet and went to the door. He pushed the door open.
"What are you doing here?" he blurted out , surprised.
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