Book III: Return

Obi-Wan kneeled in his room, trying to calm his breathing.  A pang of guilt flashed through him at the thought that Qui-Gon was disappointed.  But he just couldn't tell Qui-Gon!  His mind immediately flashed to the letter once more.

Revenge is sweet.  A letter signed in blood.  Obi-Wan read it and shivered, his hands shaking violently.  A wave of cold swept over his senses once more.  Fear.  Fire.  Darkness.  His fingers lost their grip and the letter fell to the floor.

"What's happening to me?" Obi-Wan murmured softly.  His master, his friends, everybody knew something was wrong.  Reflecting back to the fight with Aalto, Obi-Wan forced his racing mind to absolute concentration.  Why had he felt so cold?

Because it had been Bruck's friend he had fought?  Because it had brought back memories of Bruck?  Or because...he had sensed Bruck in the room?  Obi-Wan took in deep breaths, remembering the jolt of familiarity he had felt when Alto had first drawn his lightsaber.  Obi-Wan had been frozen in fear.

But why?  In all the nineteen years he had used a lightsaber, he had never choked up at the sight of an opponent!  Had all his training in controlling his emotions betrayed him at the worst possible time?  Obi-Wan sighed and drew his cloak tighter around him.  He was tired.  That was all.  Just tired.

A sharp rap on the door drove him out of his rest.  A quick call to the Force told him Reeft was on the other side.  "Come in," he called, straightening himself.

Immediately, Obi-Wan found his childhood friend squatting next to him.  "You lost to Aalto?"

"Yes," Obi-Wan muttered.

"What happened?"  Reeft was incredulous.  "Aalto isn't – difficult."

"You don't need to remind me of my failures!" Obi-Wan snapped sharply.  "You're just glad that I finally lost a match because you've been jealous all this time of my skills!"

His friend paused, hurt, before continuing.  "What is going on, Obi-Wan?"

"Stop it!" Obi-Wan growled, "Won't people just leave me alone?"

"We want to help."

"Well don't."  Obi-Wan twisted away from Reeft, glaring hazily down at the floor.  A moment later, guilt seized him.  "Please just go," he whispered, "I already have enough inner demons to fight without having to deal with the outside world as well."

Reeft stood up and regarded Obi-Wan steadily.  "So in hopes of minimizing the conflict you close yourself off to the people who only want to help you," he said.  "You've almost turned into Bruck!"  Wheeling, he stormed out of the apartment.

***

"I'm worried about Obi-Wan," Bant admitted softly.

Reeft looked up from his dinner, still smarting from Obi-Wan's earlier comments.  "He doesn't want help.  He told me so himself."

"I don't think so," Trox said softly, causing everyone at the table to look up in surprise.  Trox Vad was twenty, but in all those twenty years it was rumored he had only spoken a handful of times.

"Why not, Trox?" Siri asked, her eyes interested.

A faint smile graced Trox's handsome features.  "Because he is Obi-Wan."

Siri nodded, "It's just a stubborn phrase, then.  He'll outgrow it."  She helped herself to another piece of bread before noticing Bant's worried look.  "Don't be so concerned.  So he's had a bad vision.  We all have, at some point."

"No.  Qui-Gon was really concerned about him."  Bant protested.

"Qui-Gon is always concerned about even a cough from his apprentice," Reeft said sulkily, earning a sharp look from Bant.  "Look, I don't mean to sound bitter, but face it.  He practically yelled at me when I asked him what was wrong."

"So what did you do?" Siri asked.

Reeft dropped his gaze.  "Um . . . I accused him of acting just like Bruck."

A snide laugh came from behind him.  "Good job."

"I didn't ask you, Aalto," Reeft said slowly, taking another bite of his food and chewing deliberately.  "We're having a private conversation."

"Wonderful.  Worried about your little friend?"

"As a matter of fact, yes," Garen suddenly interjected, "You wouldn't know anything about it though.  Or at least, you shouldn't."  His eyes narrowed.  "Unless you somehow are responsible."

Aalto laughed.  "Be careful what you accuse me of."

Garen gazed narrowly at Aalto.  "I will," he said, sitting back down, though obviously still infuriated.  His suspicions however, had shed new light on the situation.  Trox rose slightly, his eyes challenging out Aalto to address the accusation.

"You have no proof," Aalto sneered.  "It's not my fault Qui-Gon came running to my master regarding the problem."

"Did he?" Garen demanded, sharply.

"I was there," Aalto said smugly, "You, Padawan Muhl, were not."

Trox's eyes blazed out a challenge once more.  Were you really?  The slight push of the Force was felt by everybody in the room.  Aalto paused as every eye turned to him.  "Yes, I was, you stupid-never-speaking-freak," he snapped.

There was total silence before Siri spoke up harshly.  "What did you call him?"

"You heard me," Aalto said lazily.  "A stupid-never-speaking – whoa!"  He was suddenly hurled off his feet and slammed across the room, hitting the wall with a loud thud!

"Sorry," Siri said, "he just got on my nerves."

The initiates and padawans in the dining hall laughed then returned to their normal conversations. 

***

You've almost turned into Bruck!  The words rang sharply in Obi-Wan's mind.  With a grunt, he flipped over, sighing softly into his pillow.

"Obi-Wan?"  Qui-Gon's voice still was gentle, but was gathering a slight edge.  "Are you feeling better?"

Resigned, Obi-Wan sighed.  "Yes, Master."

Qui-Gon entered the room, his footsteps making no sound.  "Are you really sick?" he asked, holding a bowl of soup to Obi-Wan's mouth.  The other hand gently brushed Obi-Wan's brow.

"No, Master," Obi-Wan mumbled.  "I'm not sick."

Qui-Gon sat on Obi-Wan's bed, drawing one knee up to his chest.  "Then why did you say you were?"

"I didn't mean to lie to you," Obi-Wan muttered, "but I just couldn't face my friends."

"Perhaps they only wanted to help."

"I know that," Obi-Wan said.  "Reeft...Reeft accused me of acting like Bruck."

Qui-Gon's expression softened considerably.  "I can see why you wouldn't want to face him, then."  Seeing his apprentice frown, he pressed on, "Do you think it's true?"

Obi-Wan laughed mirthlessly.  "I hope not."

"Perhaps it is because Bruck's mother is visiting the Senate.  Does that account for the things you've sensed?"

The young man's expression was confused.  "Bruck's mother?  No, Master, I've never heard of her before."  He looked down at his hands.  "Maybe it was Aalto."

"I spoke with Master Yoda and Master Plak today."

Obi-Wan's eyes widened fearfully.  "Aalto's Master?"

"Yes."

"About what?"

"You," Qui-Gon said, holding up one hand for Obi-Wan to relax.  "Padawan, whether you like it or not, you have been releasing a few of these private feelings along our bond.  I don't know exactly what the details are, but I sense darkness and shadows at the core."

"I see," Obi-Wan said flatly.  "You're spying on me again."

"I'm not and that's the last thing I want to do."  Obi-Wan pouted slightly as Qui-Gon finished, "You are my apprentice and one of my jobs is to protect you from darkness.  Both from outside forces and from within."

Obi-Wan's eyes flew open.  "You see the Dark Side emanating from me?"

"Being put into you," Qui-Gon corrected.  He put one warm hand on Obi-Wan's freezing cold ones.  "You're so cold," he whispered, sliding a blanket up to Obi-Wan's chin.  "Why don't you ever tell me?"

Obi-Wan didn't reply.  Concerned, Qui-Gon tucked the blanket tighter around his apprentice and sighed, brushing the sleeping boy's spiky hair backwards.  "Sleep well," Qui-Gon sighed, moving upwards to get a chair from Obi-Wan's desk.  Settling down in it, Qui-Gon sat and kept a careful eye on his apprentice.

***

It began as a slow dribble, slowly crawling along his veins and body but then intensified to an ongoing stream of pure blood.  Obi-Wan felt his stomach lurch over as the red liquid covered his arms and bathed them in blood.

I was always better than you.  The words hit Obi-Wan hard.  And now I'm even stronger.

Suddenly he was back in that battle, coming at Bruck as fiercely as he could.  The shock when the two lightsabers crossed shot through his arms.  His arms . . . they were still covered with blood.

Bruck came at him steadily, his eyes glaring as fiercely as a hawk.  "Hello, Kenobi," he sneered, his red lightsaber humming by his side.  Without warning, he lunged and kicked Obi-Wan swiftly across the chest.

"Bruck!" Obi-Wan cried out.  "What are you doing?"  He dodged another swipe and held his lightsaber outwards from his body in a peaceful gesture.

Bruck smiled, "You thought I was dead, Kenobi.  But with some – help – I've been able to come back at you again."

"You are dead!"  Obi-Wan parried a vicious thrust and swiped his blade to the left to Bruck's unprotected side.  "And this is a dream – nothing more!"

"If it were a dream, it wouldn't hurt," Bruck laughed, suddenly extending out one hand and hurling Obi-Wan backwards.  Pain exploded along his back as he hit the far wall.  "Did that hurt, Kenobi?"

In just seconds he was standing in front of a dazed Obi-Wan.  "Six years I've waited for this moment," Bruck laughed snidely, "All your Jedi training seems to have betrayed you now.  Six years I've been waiting to come back alive."  He smiled.  "You see, Kenobi, I needed someone to – draw strength from.  Thank you."  Triumphantly, he raised his lightsaber –

Only to be blocked by Obi-Wan's blue blade.  "What have you done to me?" he asked.

"Become you executioner!" Bruck shouted, "Your strength is mine!"  He drove his blade downwards once more, kicked out with one foot, and then slashed blindly with his blade.  Startled, Obi-Wan backed up, but not before feeling the intense red blade slashing across his arm.  The smell of burning flesh filled the air; Obi-Wan vomited at the smell.

He could see Bruck, smiling.  "Your dream was not a dream.  And you were a fool to tell no one."  Bruck twirled his lightsaber gently through the air.  "Everything you have is mine," Bruck whispered, "Now, farewell, Kenobi."

"This is a dream!" Obi-Wan shouted after him. 

Bruck turned back, smirking, "Yes, but only one will wake and go to reality.  The other will be stranded for all eternity."  With another smile, he spoke low words under his breath, his body fading as he returned back to the real world in the place of Obi-Wan Kenobi.

***

"I realize this is deeply disturbing to you," Qui-Gon Jinn said softly to Sarra Chun.  "But in order to find out the details of your son's death, we must know a few things."

Sarra nodded reluctantly.  "I don't really know how it happened so fast.  Bruck had leapt off a ride and told me Tino was by the railroad tracks.  I just raced there and yelled a warning.  Vox heard me and tried to reach Tino, but he was merely five feet away when the train hit – " Sarra dissolved into sobs.  "I was just a few feet away too.  The horror of watching your own child – " she broke off once more.

Jas'n looked sympathetically at her.  "It must have been difficult."

Sarra sighed wistfully.  "Bruck probably did the best he could.  He used the 'Force' and leapt inside the train, trying to use the brakes.  Apparently there was a brake malfunction."

Qui-Gon frowned, deep in thought.  "Why was Tino near the tracks?"

"He was chasing a balloon.  He loved balloons."

Jas'n frowned slightly.  "Sarra, I know this is hard for you and your family.  But was your other son, Kad, anywhere near when it happened?"

"I heard him shout something to Bruck."  Sarra's face fell.  "But I was too distracted to hear exactly what was exchanged between the two of them."

Jas'n pressed on, ignoring Qui-Gon's look of warning.  "Do you believe either of the boys were responsible?"

Sarra's eyes snapped open with a fury.  "They're just boys," she said tightly.

Qui-Gon nodded, shooting a meaningful look at Jas'n before unfolding a piece of paper from his tunic.  "You sent out this message to all your relatives," he said, "Why did you say you might be prepared for the Último Sacrificio?"

Sarra sighed.  "Ancient magic," she said.  Seeing Qui-Gon make no reaction, she continued.  "The Chun family delves very strongly into the arts of magic.  This particular spell, also called the Último Sacrificio, is a way for someone to be brought back alive."

"At what cost?" Jas'n asked.

"The spirit of the dead being haunts a world.  We can't quite explain what the world is as no one has fully been there and back.  However, it is believed when a person dreams, they go to that world as well.  However, they are protected there, separated from those who will never awaken.  Unless - " Sarra swallowed hard.  "A portal is opened up between a sleeping person's and one-who-will-never-awaken."

"What happens then?" Jas'n asked.

"The dead person's soul will wake up in the body of the living.  They become fully alive once more.  But the real inhabitant of the body will be trapped in the land of the dead.  Último Sacrificio."

Qui-Gon frowned.  "If that was the case, wouldn't many dead simply do this process so they will come back alive?"

Sarra sighed.  "It takes an outside person to open the portals."

"And you are prepared to do so," Jas'n summarized.  "But what would Tino be able to do in a grown woman's body?"

Tears sprang to Sarra's eyes. "What else can I do?  It is better to be alive than dead!"

"Sometimes it is better to be dead," Jas'n said softly, but Qui-Gon shook his head firmly.  Clearly the followers of this ancient magic believed life was the only worth.  Not like the Jedi who welcomed death when it came.

"I'm sorry once more for your loss," he said and stood up.

Jas'n followed him out of the house.  "Qui-Gon, what now?"

Qui-Gon gestured towards their transport.  "We need to solve a mystery."

"Of what?"

With a momentary pause, Qui-Gon pointed towards the sky.  "In my experience, balloons go up, up, and away.  This one did not and blew off to the west."

"I see.  Have you ever heard about wind, Master Jinn?"

"The weather reports say there was no wind that day," Qui-Gon said.  "But the balloon was still blowing west.  So – something was manipulating it."

Jas'n paused, horrified.  "You don't think it was Force-pushed?"

"I can't honestly say I don't."

"But only one person could have done it then."  Jas'n met Qui-Gon's eyes, trying to see the truth within them.  "You're not accusing a Jedi of doing something like this."

Qui-Gon sighed.  "We must return to the Temple immediately to speak with Bruck," he said.

Book IV: Death

The slight stirring of Obi-Wan's body brought Qui-Gon back to attention.  "Padawan?" he asked softly.

To his surprise, Obi-Wan/Bruck shot him a huge grin.  "I'm awake, Master."

"Are you feeling better?"

"What?"  Bruck grinned slightly.  "Oh yes, Master, I'm fine."

Qui-Gon smiled, ruffling Bruck's hair.  "It's good that you're feeling better.  I think tomorrow you should be excused from your classes so you can fully recover."  Qui-Gon dropped his fatherly tone, switching into "teacher" mode.  "What has been bothering you, Padawan?  One moment you're sick and the next you're all better?"

Bruck shrugged.  "I guess sleep did a miraculous thing, Master."

Qui-Gon nodded, accepting the answer.  "It's almost time to get up anyway. Why don't you shower and get dressed and we'll be down in a training room for quick morning exercises?"

"Morning exercises!" Bruck whined incredulously.

Qui-Gon shot him a stern look and Bruck immediately back-tracked.  "But I'm not feeling very well, still, Master," he said, faking a cough.

Qui-Gon frowned and Bruck felt the Jedi Master probing at his shields.  No!  Bruck immediately slammed his shields upwards, blocking the Jedi from reading his Force signature.  "Really, can I stay here?" he asked.

Narrowing his eyes, Qui-Gon nodded.  "I don't know what's wrong with you, Obi-Wan Kenobi.  You should know if you don't wish to work out a bit after breakfast, you don't need to lie and fake a relapse of your illness to do so."

"Yes, Master."

Qui-Gon shot him a confused look before going to the main room to prepare breakfast.

***

Qui-Gon looked up across the table and saw his padawan eating breakfast eagerly.  A faint smile touched his lips, masking a greater conflict within him.  For starters, Obi-Wan wasn't acting like Obi-Wan.  Qui-Gon assumed a portion of it was due to his padawan's inner conflicts at the moment, but something was very different.

Their bond, too, was closed.  Well, not entirely closed, Qui-Gon admitted.  He could vaguely sense the boy across the table from him, but it was so murky he couldn't feel anything from the young man.  With a soft sigh, he put down his spoon.  "Master Yoda wanted you to attend a session with him today."

Bruck's head jerked up.  "W – why?"

"Nothing in particular.  Just your pre-trials training."

"Pre-trials?" Bruck asked, "I'm only nineteen, Master!"

Qui-Gon shrugged indifferently.  "The pre-trials are normally taken at twenty-one, but the Council and I agree that your skills and talents allow you to take them at an earlier stage."  He smiled fondly at Bruck.  "Obi-Wan, you have passed all the previous tests Master Yoda set before you.  I'm sure today won't be any different."

Bruck's face shadowed.  "Yes, Master," he said quietly. 

He is not me! 

Qui-Gon stiffened as the cry came through the Force, loud and clear.  "Obi-Wan," he murmured softly, glancing across the table at the man before him.  What do you mean?

***

"Bruck, look at me."  Qui-Gon softened his tone and glanced at the nervously shifting ten-year-old.  He shot Jas'n a pleading look.  When he had requested to talk to this boy, he hadn't expected to encounter so many difficulties.  "Bruck, I just want to ask you some questions."

"I didn't do it!" Bruck shouted, "I didn't kill Tino!  That's what you're going to ask me, isn't it!  I saw the look in my father's eyes!  He hates me because of you!"

"Calm down!" Jas'n said sharply.  "We never said anything to your father."

"He hates me and I don't care."  Bruck suddenly lifted his chin defiantly.  "Go away."

"Bruck . . . "

The moment Qui-Gon spoke, Bruck suddenly hurled his training lightsaber straight at the Jedi Master.  Only lightning reflexes allowed him to catch it centimeters from his face.  Startled at the boy's anger, he reached out one hand and secured Bruck's hand by his side.  "Stop," he said, his voice gaining a commanding tone. 

Bruck subsided, fuming.  "Get away from me."

"Qui-Gon, maybe we should discuss this another time," Jas'n said, "When the timing is a bit – better."

Qui-Gon nodded with great reluctance and handed Bruck his training 'saber back.  "Keep an eye on it, young Bruck," he advised, "One day you'll need it."  Without looking back at the young Jedi who had looked up in wonderment, he headed for the door.

He had only just closed it when a new voice spoke up.  "Difficulties, Master?"

"I never knew initiates were so difficult," Qui-Gon sighed. 

"I wasn't like that when I was ten," Xanatos said.  "I never threw a lightsaber at you."

"Yes," Qui-Gon agreed.  "You were a perfect apprentice."

***

He was, utterly, alone.  Obi-Wan found himself in a beautiful garden, but not a living creature was in sight.  Well, he wasn't really alive himself.  Obi-Wan frowned, studying his surroundings.

The faint burn on his arm stung fiercely, but the pain seemed to have been mysteriously absorbed by this universe.  There is no death; there is the Force.  If that were true, then perhaps he was "in" the Force, or whatever people chose to call this place.

But he was still alone, with his own mind his only companion.

How had Bruck managed it?  This no longer seemed like a dream to Obi-Wan – rather a permanent dream he would be forever trapped in.  If Bruck hadn't "died", if he had gone to this place, then there must be someway that he had managed to get to Obi-Wan.

"But how?"

The sound of his own voice reassured Obi-Wan's tense feelings.  His mind was swarming with possibilities, but none of them seemed right.  As he always did when he was confused, Obi-Wan automatically opened up his bond with Qui-Gon – only to find it rapidly dissolving.

Suddenly, he was back.

He saw Qui-Gon through his own eyes and could feel himself alive once more. 

"Yes, Master," he heard his voice say.

Obi-Wan struggled in the mental cage he had found himself in.  The Force suddenly was a presence around him, bidding him for an order.  Obi-Wan barely recognized a touch of darkness in it, but he reached out a sliver of himself open to it, directing it to his control.

He is not me! he sent viciously towards Qui-Gon.

The Jedi master's head snapped up and he shot Obi-Wan a most peculiar look before frowning.  Obi-Wan tried once more to reach out towards Qui-Gon, but he found himself locked down, his strength suddenly gone.

"Obi-Wan," Qui-Gon said softly.

A stronger push this time was sent towards Obi-Wan.  What do you mean?

Obi-Wan struggled to override his mental cage, but another mind was fighting to lock him back down.  Exhausted, Obi-Wan sank into himself, folding his thoughts around himself once more.  Only then did he recognize Bruck's touch.

***

You!

Obi-Wan felt the Force suddenly surge and batter his mind before Bruck's voice echoed once more in his mind.  "What in the name of Sith!"

Obi-Wan fought Bruck's mental attack, "What are you doing?"

"Get out, Kenobi!"  Bruck sounded furious and the emotion must have showed on his face because Qui-Gon frowned from across the table. 

"Padawan?"

With an effort, Bruck schooled his face back to a more pleasant countenance.  "Yes, Master?"

The Force was surging strongly around the apprentice and Qui-Gon couldn't help but feel slightly uneasy.  There was a disturbance here.  He tried once more to touch Obi-Wan's mind with his own, and to his surprised he could clearly sense the young man before him.  But a barrier was also between them, one that Qui-Gon couldn't force his way around.

Bruck smiled slightly at him.  "Master?  Is something wrong?"

"I think I should be asking you that very question," Qui-Gon said, steepling his fingers together.  "You should get on to class, Obi-Wan.  It's late.  Tonight I want you in the training rooms after your evening class.  We need to work out a few moves."

A quick surge of pride through the Force before it went silent once more.  "Yes, Master," Bruck said, unable to stop a wild grin from escaping his features.  "Consider it done."

***

The moment the door hissed closed behind Qui-Gon Jinn, Obi-Wan felt the tight mental barriers against him weaken slightly.  "What is happening, Bruck?"  He understood very little about this.  Bruck must have altered something in the Force to come back alive – in his body!  But something must have gone wrong to explain Bruck's pure anger that Obi-Wan too clearly felt.  It disgusted him to be so close to such darkness.

"What do you think happened?" Bruck goaded, deliberately using Obi-Wan's voice to speak.  "I'm in total control so don't bother fighting."

"How did you manage this?"

"Yeah, Kenobi, like I'll tell you," Bruck laughed.  "You took away my wishes that day.  You somehow managed to please Qui-Gon before he could see me at my greatest.  But now, let's just say I'm taking back what's mine."

"This will never work," Obi-Wan said grimly, fighting furiously at his mental restraints.  "You don't know my Master.  You can't pretend to be me for very long."

"You can't overpower me," Bruck laughed, "I took away all your strength before I tried to get to your body.  You're a weakling now, Kenobi.  This little setback of you somehow getting back in your own mind won't stop me."

"I'm not the one who performed whatever you did wrong."

"It's called the Último Sacrificio, Oafy," Bruck taunted.  "That's all you'll ever get from me."  Obi-Wan felt Bruck tilt his head towards the door.  "And now we're going to pay a little visit to an old friend."

***

"Obi-Wan!"  Jas'n hid the surprise in his voice well.  "What are you doing here?"

"Seeing Aalto," Bruck replied smoothly, ignoring Obi-Wan's sudden flash of indignation.  "Tell him that an old friend wants to visit.  He'll understand."

"An old friend?"  The Jedi Master furrowed his brow but stepped back.  "I'll go tell him.  Make yourself comfortable, Padawan."

Bruck swaggered inside and relaxed back on the couch.  "These quarters are much better than mine used to be," he said, "Master/Padawan apartments are double the size of initiate ones."

"That's to be expected."  Jas'n suddenly cast Bruck a stern look.  "Aren't you supposed to be in class?"

"Qui-Gon gave me the day off," Bruck yawned.  "Can you get Aalto now?"

Jas'n nodded, retreated to another room, and a moment later Aalto appeared.  "Bruck," Aalto laughed, "I knew you'd come eventually.  We did everything correctly."

Bruck suddenly leapt to his feet and punched Aalto across the nose.  "Not here, you idiot," he hissed viciously before jerking the other apprentice to his feet.  "Anywhere with privacy."

Stumbling in surprise, Aalto nodded.  "Follow me."

Obi-Wan fought Bruck's reaction, but Bruck easily shoved him aside mentally and used Obi-Wan's legs to move.  Frustrated, Obi-Wan relaxed back in his mental cage.  He was unable to do anything besides feel the Force and even that connection was weakened.  He could sense Bruck gaining more and more strength with every second he remained in the living world.

"Don't fight, Kenobi.  It's pointless.  I own you."  Bruck was all but giggling.

"Shut up." Obi-Wan returned pointedly.  He felt weak, but Bruck didn't have to know that.  He could present the illusion of strength, at least.

"Not even that will be granted you, Oafy," Bruck laughed once more before speaking to Aalto.  "You did it wrong, you brain-dead idiot!  You forgot to complete the spell so now Oafy is stuck in here too.  But," he drawled, "it's all for the better.  Keeping one's enemies close is rather satisfying."

With that, he laughed once more and even Aalto shrank back.

***

"Master, you should look at this."  Qui-Gon crossed the room to where Xanatos was crouched over his notes.  "See.  There was no wind that day.  And if you read the midi-chlorion test taken at the site, the Force was at work."

"But what if Bruck is right," Qui-Gon mused, "and he was using the Force to save Tino?"

"Obviously failing at the attempt," Xanatos noted, a hint of pride in his voice.

"We already tried questioning him," Qui-Gon admitted, "that didn't go too well.  And Sarra Chun and Vox have flatly refused to allow any Jedi to question Kad Chun."

Xanatos sighed.  "This crisis happened on Telos," he said reverently.  "Master Qui-Gon, my father could get some of the information that the Chun flatly refuse to let us know."

Qui-Gon wheeled sharply on his apprentice, "That goes against the Code."

"I know it does," Xanatos said patiently, "But consider our chances of how much faster we could get this mission solved if we just got Kad Chun to speak against his brother!  We'd be done and hailed as the solvers of a great mystery."

"There is a story behind all this," Qui-Gon insisted.  "Kad is involved, but it goes deeper."

"Spare it, Master."  Xanatos's blue eyes burned fiercely with excitement.  "Who cares how deep down the truth lies or how far back in time the signs of Bruck's anger became!  We know he did it.  Nobody else could have.  But the only way to accuse and convict him is if we get proof."

"We shouldn't be so eager to convict a ten-year-old Jedi of murder.  That would make the Order look bad, Padawan.  Fame should not be bought at such a price."

"But we know we have the right answer!" Xanatos pleaded.  "Don't you see how easy this all can be?  We don't have to do it the long way."

Qui-Gon rested on hand on Xanatos's shoulder.  "I must speak with Master Park about our next step.  Continue with your research.  Patience, Padawan, and this will be resolved.  It will be more ethical if we gather proof besides a six-year-old's testimony against his own brother."

"But – "

"No buts," Qui-Gon said firmly.  "I will consider it."  His tone indicated he would do anything but.  "Do you understand me?"

"Yes, Master," Xanatos muttered lowly.

Qui-Gon breathed a sigh of relief and released Xanatos's shoulder, "Then you should start."

***

"All right," Bruck said, making Obi-Wan's voice sound snaky, "Tonight I need you to close the portal.  That will ensure that Kenobi here is never able to go back."

Aalto hesitated just for a fraction of a second.  "Consider it done."

Bruck slapped Aalto hard across the face.  "Address me correctly!" he snapped.

Aalto faded back from the blow and glanced at Bruck in disbelief.  "You're not Bruck!" he shouted, "you've turned into some sort of Sith Lord!  That defies everything in the Jedi Order."  His tone turned more rational.  "You can't do this."

"I can and I will.  Whether you help me is an entirely different matter," Bruck sneered.  "Have you been playing good Jedi too long, Aalto?  Don't want to finish off a meddling fool?"  He raised both his arms and pointed them at Aalto.  The Force was flowing in sharp rapid bursts as he seized it roughly with his mind and controlled it.

"I will finish him off then," Bruck's voice rang out swiftly, "but first you are betraying me.  I don't take kindly to that."

Aalto drew his red lightsaber.  "You fool," he growled out.  "No one else in the Temple will help you!  Force, I won't even help you kill a Jedi.  Not even if it's Obi-Wan Kenobi."

He had just declared his defiance when Bruck threw a lightning bolt at him.  Aalto screamed and dropped to the floor, trying to stave off the fierce attack as white-hot electricity danced across his chest and head.

From where he was trapped, Obi-Wan fought the Force too, but his power was limited as Bruck continued to draw from his energy to kill Aalto.  Desperately, Obi-Wan broadcast a help call to his Master before Bruck's mind crushed down on his and a blinding pain rushed through his entire body, throwing him towards blackness.

Satisfied, Bruck stepped backwards, seeing Aalto draw in ragged breaths.  The Jedi's eyes were unfocused and his limbs were jerking uncontrollably.  "Goodbye, Aalto," Bruck laughed maliciously.  "You'll never even know how hard Kenobi tried to save you."

Aalto drew in one last breath and then his head tilted backwards.  His lightsaber hilt clattered onto the floor, only to be picked up by Bruck.  "Better décor," Bruck commented, hooking it to his belt.

He took one step towards the door before it blew open. 

Qui-Gon Jinn stood there, his lightsaber drawn.  The moment he saw the boy he believed to be Obi-Wan, he deactivated it and stepped forward.  His breath came sharply as he noticed Aalto and most likely felt the dark Force flowing around Bruck.  "Padawan – what happened?" he asked darkly.

***

What in the name of the Force is going on here? Qui-Gon wondered.  He stared at Bruck and then at the still body.  In two steps, he had reached Aalto's side, feeling his vitals with one hand.  Bruck watched him, emotionless.

"What happened?" Qui-Gon repeated.

Bruck stared at Aalto.  "I'm not sure, Master."

Qui-Gon expelled a deep breath, standing up and walking closer to Bruck, who barely resisted the urge to take a step backwards.  "Seriously!" he stammered.  "I just walked in here because I felt the Force and – "

"Your lightsaber hilt?" Qui-Gon asked.

Bruck's hand fell on it.  "I can explain that, too," he said weakly.

"Save it.  Save it for the Council."  Qui-Gon eyed his apprentice warily.  Without taking his eyes off of Obi-Wan, he reached for his comlink, first pressing the buttons for the Council.  "Master Yoda?  There's something here you need to see."

"Master," Bruck pleaded.

Qui-Gon ignored him.  "Master Jas'n.  Come down to training room i892 immediately."  He switched off the comlink, staring at Bruck with an incredulous expression on his face.  His padawan had gone and done odd things before, but never once had he found his padawan the suspect of a murder.  "All right," he heaved a sigh.  "I hope you have a good explanation for this."

***

Xanatos strode purposefully down the hall when he suddenly saw the flash of white hair.  He paused, interested.  Qui-Gon's description of Bruck flashed in his mind as he rounded the corner and came upon the boy.  "Bruck Chun," he smiled.

The boy stared up at Xanatos and his eyes widened.  "You're his padawan."

Xanatos smiled lazily.  "Yes.  We've been looking for you."

"Why?" Bruck asked, drawing his shoulders together and straightening, although he hardly came to the eighteen-year-old padawan's chest.  "It's about Tino, isn't it?"  Xanatos caught a quick flash of hatred and satisfaction as Bruck said those words.

He smiled.  "I know you did it, Bruck.  I have the information that can get you kicked out of the Temple once and for all."

Bruck's eyes widened fearfully as he stumbled backwards.  "You can't prove anything!  You can't get me sent to Agri-Corps!"

"Oh trust me, once they hear my evidence, they'll do worse then send you to be a farmer on some distant Outer Rim planet," Xanatos drawled.

To his credit, Bruck managed to draw himself up and fake nonchalance.  "Being a Jedi is stupid anyway.  They have so many rules and regulations...they don't even understand the best part about the Force."

Xanatos arched one eyebrow.  Now here was a kid he could relate to. "Nice speech.  I like you, kid.  So I'm willing to make you a deal.  I get you out of this mess...and you help me accomplish something."

Bruck furrowed his brow.  "What?"

A faint smile touched Xanatos' lips.  "When I need you, I will tell you."  Without another word, he wheeled and strode away.

Book V: The Requirements

You don't know how much of the good life you live, Kenobi, Bruck thought.  He was standing in a Council meeting, yet for the first time in his life, a master was defending him.  Qui-Gon refused to back down, insisting that there was something going on, that Obi-Wan should not be cast out of the Temple so soon.

Qui-Gon was fighting to save him, Bruck thought.

No, not you, Obi-Wan thought bitterly.  He's fighting to save me.

Oh c'mon, Oafy.  If I had been his padawan to start with, he would have loved me more than he loves you right now.  Bruck worked hard to keep a smile from appearing.  He stood, head bowed, looking contrite.

"Something amuses you, Padawan Kenobi?" Mace's voice cut in.

"No, Master," Bruck said calmly.

Mace regarded him before nodding.  "Tell the Council what happened."

"I was ready to do some pre-trials training down in a training hall when Aalto suddenly charged in and drew his lightsaber.  We're old rivals, you know.  I think he wanted to settle the score.  I defended myself as to the best of my abilities."

"Are you lying?" Mace demanded sternly.

"Are you accusing me of lying?"

With a drawn out sigh, Ki-Adi-Mundi broke in.  "It just so happens that we had no Advanced Jedi Training Droid in the room where it happened."  He eyed Qui-Gon.  "Do you vouch for him, Master Jinn?"

With a wary look at Bruck, Qui-Gon said, "Masters, I am not quite sure I understand what is going on.  But if my padawan says he was acting in self-defense, I believe him."

"Wait," Master Jas'n interrupted, looking up for the first time throughout the questioning.  "Padawan Kenobi here had requested to speak with Aalto before the incident.  How do we know it's not Kenobi who provoked the fight to get back at my padawan for his loss earlier?"

You lost to Aalto?  Your skills are worse than I thought, Bruck sneered.

It was thanks to you I lost, you Sith-spawned – Obi-Wan went on from there.  Bruck angrily tamped down on Obi-Wan's mind, forcing the Jedi to snap off his diatribe to defend himself from the attack.

"I know it is not the Jedi way to seek revenge," Bruck said serenely, seeing several masters nod in his favor.

From your mouth to the Force's ear, Obi-Wan snapped.

***

Qui-Gon Jinn sat in deep meditation, forcing himself to relax.  But his mind continually fought him with worries over his padawan.  What was happening?  Obi-Wan wasn't acting like Obi-Wan.  He was acting like Xanatos...

No, Qui-Gon thought.  It was impossible.

Último Sacrificio.  Xanatos had been there at the time.  Had it been possible that he had learned that magic and managed to hold the soul of Obi-Wan?  What if it was true?  What if Xanatos was now in Obi-Wan's body, controlling his very thoughts?  The possibility chilled Qui-Gon to the bone.

But wait...his mind reflected.  Xanatos had been smart, brilliant even.  But his former apprentice had had no connection to Padawan Aalto Lon.  But one other person had.  One other person had known the spells.  One other person would want revenge.  It was impossible though, Qui-Gon fought back.  Wasn't it?

There was only one way to find out.

***

"Sarra Chun, I must speak to you."

Sarra looked up and her eyes cooled slightly when she saw him.  "Qui-Gon Jinn.  I should have expected you."

"No hard feelings, I hope," Qui-Gon said softly.  "Nine years ago, I asked you about the Último Sacrificio."

"I have no information to give to the master of my son's murderer."

Qui-Gon paused.  "I'm sorry," he said regretfully, "but you must understand one thing.  I am not just Obi-Wan's master, I'm his father."

Sarra's face remained a mask.

"You know what it's like to have a son," Qui-Gon said, "And something deep is bothering Obi-Wan."  He paused, "You told me years ago that all members of the Chun family knew deep magic.  I ask you now: did Bruck know how to cast the Último Sacrificio?"

Sarra shook her head shortly.  "No."

"I have reasons to believe – "

Sarra glared at him.  "Listen, Master Qui-Gon Jinn.  My son is dead.  Don't go around accusing him and dishonoring his name.  Thanks to the Jedi I only have one son left now, and he is deeply upset by what Obi-Wan said to him six years ago."

"He said nothing to Kad."

Sarra was silent for a long time before speaking, "Please leave, Master Jedi."

Qui-Gon crossed his arms.

"I'll have security throw you out," Sarra said firmly, walking towards the intercom.  She hesitated as Qui-Gon tapped one finger on the hilt of his lightsaber. 

"Listen," Qui-Gon pleaded, "I cannot even begin to fathom what it is like to lose a son.  But I am very close to having that happen.  If you have information that may help me prevent it, I beg that you share it.  The past must be put behind us.  Obi-Wan is my future."

"I never knew Jedi were so greedy," she said after a silence, but something in her eyes had changed.  "What do you need to know?"

"This Último Sacrificio.  What happens to the one who is banished to the world of the dead?"

Sarra shrugged.  "They will be forever trapped there unless an outside being casts the spell to release them and restore things to their rightful way.  Unless the spell is cast incorrectly."

Qui-Gon hesitated.  "Is it, however impossible, that a dead being may cast that spell to trade lives with a living being?"

"Impossible," she broke in. "It must be done by a living person.  She stared at him.  "Why are you so curious about ancient spells?"

Qui-Gon paused delicately.  "No particular reason," he said.

Sarra frowned, perhaps aware that the Jedi was evading the truth, but she continued speaking, "The Último Sacrificio can be performed by any outside person.  However, it is very difficult to accomplish.  The dead being must make a connection with the person's body that they will steal.  So in order for the Último  Sacrificio to work correctly, the dead person and the person they wish to inhabit must be related so they can put a bit of themselves in each other."

Qui-Gon froze, suddenly flashing back to the countless times the days before where Obi-Wan had been listless then suddenly shivering.  The bad dreams and Obi-Wan's frightened words.  It's something that's already happened.  And of course, there was the plain fact that all Jedi were related through the Force . . . was that enough family for the Último Sacrificio's requirements to be satisfied?

He turned keen eyes towards the woman.  "And your own attempt failed because Tino could not hear and respond to your call."

Sarra sighed sadly, "The person is taken while they are dreaming.   Whichever one leaves first is the one that wins.  The other is banished forever in the world of the dead."

"Is there any way to contradict those results?" Qui-Gon asked desperately.

She laughed mirthlessly.  "Not that I know of."

***

He stood before the Council again the next morning.  Qui-Gon bowed low, relaying his findings and suspicions before the Council.  Yoda spoke first.  "Believe you do, the boy is Bruck?" he asked.

"Yes, Master," Qui-Gon said, waiting to hear the familiar intense questioning from Mace Windu.  However, the senior Jedi only wore a thoughtful expression on his face.

"That begins to explain many things," Mace admitted.

"How can we be certain?" Adi Gallia asked incredulously.

"We could test him," Qui-Gon said, "There are certain...issues...only Obi-Wan would know.  They are things I have only entrusted to him.  If it is Bruck or even anybody else other than Obi-Wan, they will not know the answers."

Mace Windu rested his chin on his knuckles.  "We could have a Force probe."

"No," Qui-Gon said hastily.  "That could damage his mind permanently."

"But what if he passes your questioning?" Mace asked, "What if he has access to Kenobi's memories and thoughts?"

"And even if the boy is Bruck, you said the mother stated there is no known cure."  Ki-Adi-Mundi had never been one to beat around the bush.  "What would you be willing to do then, Master Qui-Gon Jinn?"

"I don't know," Qui-Gon paced restlessly, "I have to know first."

Yoda and Mace Windu exchanged looks.  At last, Windu sighed, "Test him, then."

"Report back, you will," Yoda added.  "Come with me outside, you shall, Master Qui-Gon."

"Yes, Master."  Qui-Gon wheeled and began following the diminutive Jedi Master out of the Council Chambers.

***

"Trembling, you are," Yoda noted keenly.  He rested one hand on Qui-Gon's knee.  The much taller Jedi Master had taken a squatting position next to Yoda.  "Worry not, you should."

"Worry not?" Qui-Gon repeated incredulously.  "This is my padawan's life!"

"Come to care much for young Kenobi, you have."

"Yes," Qui-Gon whispered.  "He's the heart of my being.  I look at him and see somebody with the potential for being a great Jedi Master.  He had the skill, the talent..." his voice drifted off, "And I loved him," his voice cracked on those words.  "Never got to tell him how much."

Yoda waited patiently.

"He always wanted to please me, you know," Qui-Gon continued, lost now in the memories.  "I only remember all those times he proudly displayed a new maneuver he had picked up or recited some new lesson from history."  Qui-Gon twisted his hands together, staring down at his fingers, "I would reprimand him for his pride.  I would say it was not Jedi like to feel such pride.  Yet I felt that pride myself.  I felt it every second of my life while he was there."

"He's become a man so quickly," Qui-Gon said dully.  "He had his nineteenth birthday a while back.  I told him a happy birthday, but I could tell he had expected something more.  A gift, perhaps."  He focused bleary eyes on Yoda.  "It is not Jedi like to give gifts."

"Failed Obi-Wan, you have not," Yoda keenly analyzed.  The guilt rolling from the tall Jedi master stunned him.

"No, Master, it's not quite that," Qui-Gon said, averting from the truth, "But looking back at those six years we've been together, how many times have I failed to meet his expectations?"  He glanced at Yoda, seeing those sensitive large ears tip forward.  "He was the perfect padawan.  He deserved a master who could be perfect in return."

"Not dead, is Obi-Wan," Yoda said.

"He is banished forever into the land of the dead."  Qui-Gon stretched out his legs.  "Oh Force, Windu was right.  What if the boy does turn out to be Bruck?"

"Trust your feelings," Yoda ran one gnarled finger up Qui-Gon's chin.  "Find a way, we shall."

"How can you be so sure?" Qui-Gon dared to ask.

Yoda gestured around the room.  "This room, four walls and a door, it has," he said.  He pointed to Qui-Gon's heart.  "After Xanatos, four walls your heart had."

Yoda hobbled closer to Qui-Gon, placing one hand over his heart.  "With Obi-Wan, four doors, it has now."

Book VI: Dark Workings

"Hi, guys," Bruck laughed.  He entered the dining room.  Conversation at the table immediately halted as Bruck sat down.

"What's up?" Bruck took a bite of his food.

Bant was the first to speak up, "Obi-Wan, so you're feeling better?"

"Much," Bruck gazed around the table.  "All right, let me guess.  You guys heard through the Temple grapevine that I killed Aalto, correct?"  He gave a shrug.  "The Council has already cleared me of that suspicion.  Although," he added, "They destroyed my lightsaber before the trial."  He shrugged.  "I had to rebuild it."

Meanwhile, Obi-Wan fell backwards against the walls of his mental cage.  After countless attempts to break it down, he only felt – if possible – more exhausted and drained.  He had a clear picture of what had gone on, now.  Somehow, Bruck had traded lives with him.  Yet Aalto had done the spell wrong, which explained why he was still in here with Bruck instead of back in that meadow of the Force.

Very good, Bruck told him.

Stop reading my thoughts.  Obi-Wan took in deep breaths, struggling to gain the energy to build up a considerably strong shield against Bruck's penetrating mind.  Before he managed to construct the first wall, Bruck knocked it down.

Save your energy, Kenobi, he gloated, you cannot possibly win.

Worry about your own ass, Obi-Wan snapped before circling his small dimension to rest his mind.  He could feel the Force surrounding him in waves, but each time he touched out a finger to swirl it, it leapt nimbly away.  It felt so...frustrating to be so close and yet so far!

Breathe, Obi-Wan reminded himself.  He couldn't let anger pierce him.  He had to concentrate.  Clearing his mind, he turned his attention back to the conversation Bruck had going with Garen.

"So, Garen," Bruck was saying, "What level are you on now in Dimension?"

Garen raised speculative eyes.  "Dimension is so old now," he said.

"What?" Bruck dropped the sandwich.  "Dimension is the coolest game!"

"Join this decade!" Garen laughed, "Dimension is so out.  Besides, none of us really have time to play holo-games anymore, with all the studying for our trials and exams.  I heard we have to complete the Meui-Feit movement to pass."

"Nonsense," Trox informed him softly, "Individual trials for individuals."

Obi-Wan threw himself at the mental cages again.  Bruck batted him back.

"I do wonder when we'll be ready," Bruck said.

Reeft frowned at him, "We'll be ready when we are," he quoted, "Why the sudden enthusiasm to pass your trials?  It's great to be a padawan."

"Well...yes," Bruck said slowly, "But it would be cool to be a Jedi Knight, wouldn't it?  I mean, it is what we've all trained so long and hard for."

Oh, good answer, Obi-Wan said sarcastically, Now that really sounds like me.

"Perhaps," Reeft said.  He looked back down at his food.

Bruck turned, seeing Bant staring at him.  He gave a mocking chuckle.  "Is there mustard on my tunic?"

"No," Bant said.  Her scrutinizing silver gaze never wavered.  "I'm just thinking random thoughts."

"Think random thoughts with me," Trox spoke up, gently tugging the young Calamarian girl off to one side.  Bruck narrowed his eyes.

***

"I'm worried about Obi-Wan," Bant said in a hushed voice.  Trox nodded solemnly, making a go-on gesture with one hand.  "He's acting...ill?  Strange?  He nearly collapsed in training earlier and now he's all better again, but he's just making all these weird answers."

Trox looked back towards the dining room, where Bruck was engaged in conversation with Garen.  Bant went on, "He sounds so impatient now.  Maybe it's just a phase."  She grimaced, "Force, I hope it's just a phase!"

"Teenage boys do go through an awful lot of strange things and Obi-Wan definitely holds the record," she continued, "I don't think I've ever seen anyone else engage in so many debates with the Temple instructors!  He gets it from Qui-Gon, I can tell.  The legendary stubbornness passed on."

Smiling faintly at her, the older padawan concentrated further on Bruck's new lightsaber.  There was something different about it.  The hilt was shaped differently and the Force signature was darker, more intense.  Gently touching Bant's shoulder, he pointed it out.

Bant gasped.  "No," she whispered.  Taking a deep breath, she strode over to the table, smiling sweetly at Bruck as she came to his side, "Obi, can I borrow your 'saber for just a moment?  I need to get through one training maneuver."

Reeft and Garen gave her questioning looks, but one look from Bant stilled them.

Bruck wavered, one hand leaning on the 'saber hilt.  "Can't you borrow Garen's?"

"Come on, Obi.  You always let her borrow yours!" Garen quickly leapt in.

Bruck weighed the paths he could take before sighing, "Take it," he said grudgingly, handing the distinctly different hilt over to Bant.  She smiled.

"Thank you, Obi!"  Scooping the hilt in both hands, she hastily made her way over to where Trox had been slinking back in the shadows.  "Come with me, Trox," she said abruptly.  The two rushed along the Temple corridors until they came to the large Council chambers.  Without knocking, something quite opposite to the normally respectful and soft-spoken Bant, she threw the large doors open and walked in. 

Mace Windu looked up in surprise.

"Master," Bant said, "I need your help and I need it now.  I'm not at liberty to explain why but I just need you to get me access into the Jedi Archives holding chambers.  I need to find Bruck's lightsaber."

"Padawan Eerin," Mace said, still stunned.

"Master, time is of the essence!" Bant pleaded.

Mace looked at Trox.  "Is she all right?"

Trox shrugged.  "Give her what she needs," he suggested.

Mace sighed heavily, lacing his arms together under his cloak.  "Bant, Bruck's lightsaber was returned to his family nearly six years ago.  We don't have it anymore."

"Blueprints, pictures, anything!" Bant demanded desperately.

Mace shook his head, "I'm sorry."

Without another word, Bant stormed back out of the Council chambers, headed towards the turbolift.  Ignoring Trox's call of "Bant, wait!" she hit the button for the hanger floor.  The doors sprang open and she walked out hastily.  Making her way over to a young Jedi pilot by the name of – Raja, she recalled, she said, "Raja, my name is Bant.  I need your help."

Raja blinked.  "I don't even know you."

"My name is Bant," Bant repeated tersely.  Seeing the look of surprise on Raja's face, she made a conscious effort to temper down her impatience.  "Please, I need you to drive me to the Senate chambers.  I'll make it up to you."

"Bant!" Trox had finally caught up.

Raja's eyes filled with relief.  "Trox, thank the Force you're here.  Can you tell this Bant to – "

Trox placed one hand on Bant's shoulder.  "Do what she needs," he said, with authority.  No extra words were needed to get the point across.

Looking from Bant to Trox, Raja finally relented.  "Get in," she sighed.

"I wish you would tell me what this is about," Trox muttered, swinging in next to Bant.  The unspoken part of his sentence pulsated between them.  Because I can't keep supporting you if I don't know what I'm doing.

"I'll explain.  Later," Bant said, watching the buildings of Coruscant go zooming by.

Trox grunted and settled back into his seat.  Raja gave him a wary look.  "So Trox, a year since I've last seen you and this is a fine way to be reunited," she offered a faint smile.  He returned a tight one.  "Still not speaking much, I see," Raja shrugged, realizing her attempt at defusing the tension in the landspeeder was fruitless.

The landspeeder paused outside the Senate building.  Bant got out without a word and began storming towards the entrance.  Trox started to follow.  Raja sighed, "Trox, think with what you're doing.  You're ruining your chances of being a Knight by following that girl."

Trox gave her a piercing stare.  "I do what I must," he said before rushing to catch up with Bant, who had used a convenient mind trick to get past the guards.  When he finally caught up again, Bant was speaking with carefully controlled irritation to one of the Senate aides.

"I need to speak with the Senator from Telos," Bant repeated, clenching her hands in an effort to avoid the urge to slap the aide.  Trox tapped her shoulder warningly.  It is not like a Jedi to feel impatience.

Bant took several deep breaths.  Her next words were even.  "May I see the Senator?"

"He's busy – "

Trox stepped forward and waved his hand, "He would be pleased to see us."

"He would be pleased to see you," the aide popped her head into the office.  "Senator, I'm sorry for the interruption, but there are two young people here demanding to see you."  But Bant hadn't waited for the introduction.  She slid in, Trox desperately trying to keep a hold on the younger Jedi.

"Senator, I need you to connect me with a member of the Chun family."

"I'm a member of the Chun family," Sarra spoke up from her position in one of the guest chairs.  She gave Bant a calculating look before turning to the rather stunned Senator.  "Senator, please excuse me while I speak with this Jedi."

Leading Bant off to one side, she whispered, "What do you need?"

"I need Bruck's lightsaber," Bant said firmly, "Please do not ask questions."

"Bruck's lightsaber?  But – " Sarra straightened when she caught sight of another man walking their way.  Trox turned as well, his eyes widening. 

"Um, Master Jinn," he said, blushing furiously at being caught out here instead of at Temple classes.  Qui-Gon gave him a startled look. 

"Trox?  Bant?" he blinked.

"Master Jinn, are these Jedi under your orders to get Bruck's lightsaber?" Sarra demanded, rising to her full height.  Although she only came to Qui-Gon's shoulder, an authoritative air was around her.

"No," Qui-Gon quickly took in the scene.  "Padawan Eerin, what is going on?"

"Just let me see it!" Bant wheedled, ignoring the question.  Qui-Gon reached out one hand, forcibly turning the young girl around.  There was a frantic look in Bant's eyes that he hadn't seen since Tahl's death.  The look cut him deeply. 

"Let her see it, Sarra," he said quietly.  "Please."

With a sigh, Sarra reached into her pocket bag, withdrawing a slender cylinder.  Bant took one look at it and grimaced, murmuring under her breath, "I thought so."

Seeing the questioning looks from everybody in the room, she said,  "Now I'll give the explanation."  She pulled the lightsaber she had taken from Bruck off her belt.  "This is a 'saber I borrowed from 'Obi-Wan' earlier this morning."

She laid it side by side with Bruck's original lightsaber.

The two hilts matched perfectly.

***

Bruck lit up the training lightsaber, experimentally flashing it through the air.  The blade hummed with fierce intensity.  Stooping low, Bruck activated the training probes.  He was, immediately, in fight mode.

Lasers flashed around him.  Twirling in the crowded space, Bruck wove a series of lightning fast parries through the air, the blade slicing and cutting a line of fire, volleying the blaster bolts safely aside.

"Stop," Qui-Gon entered the room.

"Master," Bruck nodded, sending the training droids away with a sweep of his hand.  He mopped his face with a towel.

"Padawan," Qui-Gon's voice sounded even, "The Council needs to brief you on Aalto's death."

Bruck looked confused.  "But I was already cleared - !"

"New issues have come up," Qui-Gon walked closer to him, probing gently at the mental shields.  Obi-Wan's signature was there; he could feel it!  Nothing made sense.  "The Council is waiting," he said.

Bruck shrugged, replacing the training 'saber on the wall.  "Yes, Master."  He followed Qui-Gon down the hallway. 

Once out of earshot of any other Jedi, Qui-Gon drew Bruck closer to him, "Tell me the code to enter our quarters," he said.

"Why?" Bruck asked.

"Do it, Padawan," Qui-Gon's voice adopted a stern tone.

Bruck shrugged.  "N-193, 382, 210," he said flawlessly.

"Your personal identification number," Qui-Gon pressed.

"J89109210TT9291," Bruck repeated, again without hesitation.  The personal identification was a personal number all Jedi initiates were given, a number they had repeated so many times it was engrained in their bones.  Furthermore, only Jedi padawans and masters shared numbers; nobody else should be able to find out another's number.

Qui-Gon paused thoughtfully as the turbolift began the long ascent to the Council chambers.  Here was the moment of truth.  He would now know everything.  "What is my number?" he asked.

Slowly, Bruck said, "P9302SJ92901A."

Qui-Gon blinked.  It was right.  It had been said perfectly.

What was going on?  Had Bant been mistaken?  Was this truly his Padawan?

***

Obi-Wan lay limply across the floor of the mental cage Bruck had built for him.  His energy was completely spent and taken.  Bruck continually withdrew energy from him, so his strength never had time to build.  Every time he gained just a shard of strength, Bruck stole it.  He was drained.  Beyond exhausted.

And Bruck easily withdrew answers from his mind.

Obi-Wan struggled to build up considerable shields, so that Bruck would no longer have access to his every thought and memory, but it was futile.  Bruck easily melted his walls down and sent crushing blows to Obi-Wan, blows that knocked him to unconsciousness.

He suspects you, Obi-Wan said firmly.

Bruck's voice laughed in his mind.  It reverberated throughout Obi-Wan, chilling him to the bone with the deep cruelty behind that laugh.  Thanks to you, Oafy-Wan, and your feeble attempts at shielding, he doubts his suspicions, now.

You won't get away with this.

You're in a fine position to threaten me, Oafy, Bruck's mental voice diminished as he entered the Council rooms, following Qui-Gon's large frame.

"Master Jinn, Padawan Kenobi," Mace nodded.

"Good evening, Master," Qui-Gon said firmly.  The words sent the hidden message to the Council.  If Qui-Gon had said, "Masters," instead of "good evening" it would have been the sign that Obi-Wan had failed the test.  But Obi-Wan had passed...

The thirteen members exchanged looks before Windu spoke, "Padawan Kenobi, we have a visitor to see you today," he said.  Sarra Chun stepped into the room.

Bruck nodded, "I see," he said, his outward emotions revealing nothing.

"Hello, Padawan Kenobi," Sarra said, her voice cracking.

"Padawan Kenobi, this is Sarra.  She is visiting the Senate."

"Hi, Sarra," Bruck said, taking a step towards her.  A moment later, he hesitated, wavering on the yellow tile.  Should he go forward?  A moment later, he smiled.  This was a test.  Of course.  The Council was checking his reaction.  Well he wouldn't fall to their trick.

Bruck faced the Council.   "For what purpose did you bring Bruck's mother here?" he asked calmly.

"Merely to observe," Windu said carefully.

Qui-Gon was staring at Obi-Wan with a look of near horror.  A quick look from Yoda snapped his features back to neutralism.  Obi-Wan had failed the test.  There was no way Obi-Wan could have known this woman unless he was Bruck.  All the proof they needed was present.

"Observe what?" Bruck asked curiously.

"This present meeting," Plo-Koon rasped out.  "The Council realizes that tomorrow will be the anniversary of the day you struck down Bruck.  We believe that your mind may be subconsciously inclining towards distraction and darker thoughts because of that."

"I assure the Masters my mind is functioning properly," Bruck said.

"We would still like you to visit a healer," Ki-Adi-Mundi said.  "That is if Master Jinn consents."

Qui-Gon cleared this throat.  "As the Council wishes."

"May the Force be with you," Mace Windu nodded.  "Qui-Gon, stay behind.  We need a word."

Bruck left the Council room without a look back, a smile appearing on his face.  It had been so easy to put one over the Council.  The moment the doors hissed closed, Mace Windu turned to Qui-Gon.  "Well you were correct," he sighed heavily.  "Congratulations."

"The fact does not please me," Qui-Gon said evenly.

"That boy is my son?" Sarra interrupted, her face unmistakable delight.  "Bruck is alive?"

"It can't be this way," Mace Windu said firmly.  "Mrs. Chun, you have moved on with his death.  Everything must be restored."

Sarra blew out a breath.  "All right," she said slowly, "I lied earlier when I said there was no known cure.  There is one."

Qui-Gon's eyes lifted.

"And I will help you," Sarra finished.  "I will help."