Thank You!!!! : D I'm so happy people are reading.
Jessica, I'm glad you like it. I wanted to concentrate on the main characters most. Hopefully, I'll be able to get into the others in different works. And I will let you know when I update.
JediKnightBalthasar, I doubt I'm that good. In fact, I usually feel far from it. Um, I never had a teacher exactly like that, maybe elements of a couple, but that was so long ago, I don't really think about them any more. Don't worry, that poor little girl will be taken care of. They all will, you'll just have to wait to find out how. ; )
Liyanette, Thank you. I think my writing style changed in the middle of this, but for the better. Hope the rest keeps up with my new standard. : D
Anyway, here's the next chapter....
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"Wait. We cannot afford to pursue a lead if it could take us in the wrong direction and waste time. It's possible that they could communicate with us again. With new information we can devise a plan to rescue them." Mace spoke to the assembled Masters. Qui-gon did his best to contain his frustration. He could sense that Xichu and LaMinott were also trying to maintain the calm composure of a Jedi Master. MiraCyn fidgeted by Qui- gon's side.
"Master, the four of us could break into two teams to search our two choices." Qui-gon reasoned.
"Divide you should not. Errors we can not afford. Danger I sense in a foolhardy mission. Plan carefully we must. The Force will guide us." Yoda interjected.
Qui-gon respected the small green Jedi, yet he feared that with each passing hour the students were slipping steadily from their grasp. He wanted to act now. He had been concerned about the entire situation, shortly after the last contact the gleam in MiraCyn's eyes had dulled. The girl had not been able to reach her sister. All she could sense was confusion as a range of emotions melded from one to another. With the link drawn and hazy, Qui-gon feared that there would be no other communication from the lost Jedi. They had gotten only one chance and it ended before they could finish. He couldn't just sit around and wait. "May I at least secure transportation. I want to be ready to go whenever possible."
Mace and Yoda both nodded in agreement. With the discussion over the group left. Outside the Council room, the Jedi lingered. MiraCyn broke the silence, "They will not be contacting us again. It's up to us now."
She spoke aloud what they all felt. Qui-gon agreed, "They had their chance and took it. The option is no longer available to them. We should prepare ourselves. If we do not hear anything by tomorrow, I suggest we break into teams and search for them anyway."
"Our options are limited, I do not want to oppose the Council, but I fear that we are already losing this battle. If what I feel is actually happening, the longer they are held the more we are going to lose them for good. I will be ready when the time comes, Qui-gon." LaMinott caught the tall Jedi with his eyes. The conviction behind them gave Qui-gon the strength he needed.
Xichu concurred, "I am ready now."
"Then be ready to depart at this time tomorrow. I will go and secure ships." Qui-gon nodded and the group disbanded. MiraCyn followed behind him.
*****
Realization threatened him as Obi-wan guessed how long his condemnation would be. Over the past day Serrine's lectures had been lengthy and vital to their reformation. Judging how their minds worked, Obi-wan gathered their punishments would be just as prolonged. At that moment he knew this sentence would last all of Serrine's class. The orations usually lasted several hours. Dread swept in and he almost cried out for release. But that too, would cost him. His body was taut in anticipation and apprehension. The muscles straining to remain still, fighting not to break the rules set before him. How long had he been there already? He didn't know. Time was fleeting as his concentration had careened from thought to thought. Obi-wan's emotions crashed into each other. Despair, hope, fear, heartache and even hate coursed through him. They were battling for his mind and they were winning. He could not let them win.
*****
"Where are we going?" MiraCyn asked the Jedi Master.
"I'm going to find us some ships. You should stay and rest." Qui-gon stated as he moved through the Temple.
"I want to come with you. I'm fine now. It wasn't my pain anyway. But because I know it is real I can not sit and wait. I'm going with you." She decided as her voice gained conviction as she spoke.
Qui-gon paused for a moment. "You must stay with me at all times. We will be going to places that are not exactly pleasant."
"That's alright. As long as we can bring them home safely. I miss having the evening meal with Mys. I never realized how much her company meant to me." MiraCyn remained next to Qui-gon as her memories weighed on her.
Qui-gon wished the same. He had promised Obi-wan a good meal when they returned. He thought it would have been nice to visit Didi and Astri Oddo. Of course, Didi! Why hadn't he thought of them earlier? He knew they would want to help once they learned what happened. Obi-wan had saved them previously, as well as Qui-gon. Didi and Astri had gotten into a bit of a fix when Qui-gon and Obi-wan came to their aid. Qui-gon had been captured and Didi had been shot with an infected blaster bolt. Obi-wan saved the Jedi Master and brought back antidote for Didi. Astri had also assisted with the rescue but she could not have pulled it off without Obi-wan. Qui- gon now realized how restless Obi-wan must have been during his captivity. MiraCyn stared at him. He smiled at her. "We're going to make one stop first."
*****
It felt like days had passed. When are they going to let me out? Obi- wan reveled in his misery. Finally, he heard the door open. His body shook with anticipation. Someone was tapping a keyboard and he felt the platform hum to life. Slowly, Obi-wan was extracted from the tube. As soon as the platform touched the ground, Obi-wan's muscles relaxed and he collapsed. He gasped for fresh air, relishing its coolness. Over the course of his reprimand, the tube's temperature steadily rose due to his constant exhalation and body heat. His depleted form trembled from the experience and he decided to remain on the floor until someone told him to do otherwise.
Harenti condoned, "Do you feel sorry for what you've done?"
"Yes," Obi-wan breathed.
"Will you do that again?" Harenti stood over him.
"No." Obi-wan looked up at the man. He was grateful to finally be free but hate swelled in him now. No, hate will only lead to the darkside. If I submit to that, not only will they win, but will have destroyed me completely. He pushed himself up on his hands and knees. His body rebelled and muscles screamed for relief. The door opened again. Obi-wan spied Antina walk in.
"Harenti, Is the shipment ready? I have a delivery to make." She was disgusted with herself. She didn't know how she got mixed up with this group. Now all she wanted was to finish what she had started and get out. Once that transaction was complete she was free to go. She had become anxious when she realized the goal of this group and wanted nothing to do with it. She glanced at the weakened boy and then quickly turned back to Harenti. Obi-wan's worn face and trembling body ripped into her. /They/ had brought children here. What these people were doing was cruel and she tried her best to ignore it and not get involved.
"Don't worry. You'll get the last of it before you go tomorrow. But we'll discuss that later. I must talk to Serrine. Escort this student back to his quarters." Harenti shuffled out before she could argue.
There was an awkward silence between them. Antina said, "Alright, kid, let's go." She motioned for him to get up. Obi-wan nodded. Dizziness edged into him. He reached back to grab at the platform for support. Pulling himself up, Obi-wan's muscles shuddered in protest. He took another moment to steady himself before taking a step. Antina turned away, the sight made her nauseous. Children are not meant to suffer. "Come on, Hurry up. I'm sure you don't want to be punished again."
"I'm coming." Obi-wan replied. He thought quickly. She might be heading back to Coruscant. I have to take that chance. Obi-wan purposefully walked slowly. He gathered the last of his waning strength. Mustering what Force he could, Obi-wan placed a mental trace on Antina. Every ounce of energy left in his body was directed to this effort. He stumbled momentarily and caught the wall to brace himself. Antina shot a hand out to help but withdrew it quickly. She accessed the entry to his cell. Obi- wan slid in happily to his tiny cubby. This hole was better than the coffin he had just left. Completely spent, Obi-wan melted into the darkness as the door closed behind him.
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Well, don't forget to review. I really appreciate the comments. ; )
Jessica, I'm glad you like it. I wanted to concentrate on the main characters most. Hopefully, I'll be able to get into the others in different works. And I will let you know when I update.
JediKnightBalthasar, I doubt I'm that good. In fact, I usually feel far from it. Um, I never had a teacher exactly like that, maybe elements of a couple, but that was so long ago, I don't really think about them any more. Don't worry, that poor little girl will be taken care of. They all will, you'll just have to wait to find out how. ; )
Liyanette, Thank you. I think my writing style changed in the middle of this, but for the better. Hope the rest keeps up with my new standard. : D
Anyway, here's the next chapter....
---------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------
"Wait. We cannot afford to pursue a lead if it could take us in the wrong direction and waste time. It's possible that they could communicate with us again. With new information we can devise a plan to rescue them." Mace spoke to the assembled Masters. Qui-gon did his best to contain his frustration. He could sense that Xichu and LaMinott were also trying to maintain the calm composure of a Jedi Master. MiraCyn fidgeted by Qui- gon's side.
"Master, the four of us could break into two teams to search our two choices." Qui-gon reasoned.
"Divide you should not. Errors we can not afford. Danger I sense in a foolhardy mission. Plan carefully we must. The Force will guide us." Yoda interjected.
Qui-gon respected the small green Jedi, yet he feared that with each passing hour the students were slipping steadily from their grasp. He wanted to act now. He had been concerned about the entire situation, shortly after the last contact the gleam in MiraCyn's eyes had dulled. The girl had not been able to reach her sister. All she could sense was confusion as a range of emotions melded from one to another. With the link drawn and hazy, Qui-gon feared that there would be no other communication from the lost Jedi. They had gotten only one chance and it ended before they could finish. He couldn't just sit around and wait. "May I at least secure transportation. I want to be ready to go whenever possible."
Mace and Yoda both nodded in agreement. With the discussion over the group left. Outside the Council room, the Jedi lingered. MiraCyn broke the silence, "They will not be contacting us again. It's up to us now."
She spoke aloud what they all felt. Qui-gon agreed, "They had their chance and took it. The option is no longer available to them. We should prepare ourselves. If we do not hear anything by tomorrow, I suggest we break into teams and search for them anyway."
"Our options are limited, I do not want to oppose the Council, but I fear that we are already losing this battle. If what I feel is actually happening, the longer they are held the more we are going to lose them for good. I will be ready when the time comes, Qui-gon." LaMinott caught the tall Jedi with his eyes. The conviction behind them gave Qui-gon the strength he needed.
Xichu concurred, "I am ready now."
"Then be ready to depart at this time tomorrow. I will go and secure ships." Qui-gon nodded and the group disbanded. MiraCyn followed behind him.
*****
Realization threatened him as Obi-wan guessed how long his condemnation would be. Over the past day Serrine's lectures had been lengthy and vital to their reformation. Judging how their minds worked, Obi-wan gathered their punishments would be just as prolonged. At that moment he knew this sentence would last all of Serrine's class. The orations usually lasted several hours. Dread swept in and he almost cried out for release. But that too, would cost him. His body was taut in anticipation and apprehension. The muscles straining to remain still, fighting not to break the rules set before him. How long had he been there already? He didn't know. Time was fleeting as his concentration had careened from thought to thought. Obi-wan's emotions crashed into each other. Despair, hope, fear, heartache and even hate coursed through him. They were battling for his mind and they were winning. He could not let them win.
*****
"Where are we going?" MiraCyn asked the Jedi Master.
"I'm going to find us some ships. You should stay and rest." Qui-gon stated as he moved through the Temple.
"I want to come with you. I'm fine now. It wasn't my pain anyway. But because I know it is real I can not sit and wait. I'm going with you." She decided as her voice gained conviction as she spoke.
Qui-gon paused for a moment. "You must stay with me at all times. We will be going to places that are not exactly pleasant."
"That's alright. As long as we can bring them home safely. I miss having the evening meal with Mys. I never realized how much her company meant to me." MiraCyn remained next to Qui-gon as her memories weighed on her.
Qui-gon wished the same. He had promised Obi-wan a good meal when they returned. He thought it would have been nice to visit Didi and Astri Oddo. Of course, Didi! Why hadn't he thought of them earlier? He knew they would want to help once they learned what happened. Obi-wan had saved them previously, as well as Qui-gon. Didi and Astri had gotten into a bit of a fix when Qui-gon and Obi-wan came to their aid. Qui-gon had been captured and Didi had been shot with an infected blaster bolt. Obi-wan saved the Jedi Master and brought back antidote for Didi. Astri had also assisted with the rescue but she could not have pulled it off without Obi-wan. Qui- gon now realized how restless Obi-wan must have been during his captivity. MiraCyn stared at him. He smiled at her. "We're going to make one stop first."
*****
It felt like days had passed. When are they going to let me out? Obi- wan reveled in his misery. Finally, he heard the door open. His body shook with anticipation. Someone was tapping a keyboard and he felt the platform hum to life. Slowly, Obi-wan was extracted from the tube. As soon as the platform touched the ground, Obi-wan's muscles relaxed and he collapsed. He gasped for fresh air, relishing its coolness. Over the course of his reprimand, the tube's temperature steadily rose due to his constant exhalation and body heat. His depleted form trembled from the experience and he decided to remain on the floor until someone told him to do otherwise.
Harenti condoned, "Do you feel sorry for what you've done?"
"Yes," Obi-wan breathed.
"Will you do that again?" Harenti stood over him.
"No." Obi-wan looked up at the man. He was grateful to finally be free but hate swelled in him now. No, hate will only lead to the darkside. If I submit to that, not only will they win, but will have destroyed me completely. He pushed himself up on his hands and knees. His body rebelled and muscles screamed for relief. The door opened again. Obi-wan spied Antina walk in.
"Harenti, Is the shipment ready? I have a delivery to make." She was disgusted with herself. She didn't know how she got mixed up with this group. Now all she wanted was to finish what she had started and get out. Once that transaction was complete she was free to go. She had become anxious when she realized the goal of this group and wanted nothing to do with it. She glanced at the weakened boy and then quickly turned back to Harenti. Obi-wan's worn face and trembling body ripped into her. /They/ had brought children here. What these people were doing was cruel and she tried her best to ignore it and not get involved.
"Don't worry. You'll get the last of it before you go tomorrow. But we'll discuss that later. I must talk to Serrine. Escort this student back to his quarters." Harenti shuffled out before she could argue.
There was an awkward silence between them. Antina said, "Alright, kid, let's go." She motioned for him to get up. Obi-wan nodded. Dizziness edged into him. He reached back to grab at the platform for support. Pulling himself up, Obi-wan's muscles shuddered in protest. He took another moment to steady himself before taking a step. Antina turned away, the sight made her nauseous. Children are not meant to suffer. "Come on, Hurry up. I'm sure you don't want to be punished again."
"I'm coming." Obi-wan replied. He thought quickly. She might be heading back to Coruscant. I have to take that chance. Obi-wan purposefully walked slowly. He gathered the last of his waning strength. Mustering what Force he could, Obi-wan placed a mental trace on Antina. Every ounce of energy left in his body was directed to this effort. He stumbled momentarily and caught the wall to brace himself. Antina shot a hand out to help but withdrew it quickly. She accessed the entry to his cell. Obi- wan slid in happily to his tiny cubby. This hole was better than the coffin he had just left. Completely spent, Obi-wan melted into the darkness as the door closed behind him.
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Well, don't forget to review. I really appreciate the comments. ; )