//Swamp Rat. He certainly has picked up a nickname that best describes himself or his choice of living conditions.. How does he live in the backwater of Dagabah? Not that the cities here are much better, but there are walkways to walk over the swampy marsh and not through them. I am soaked.//
From behind him, he could here Mr. Lars mumble a few choice words that were probably learned while being a dignitary. The diplomatic and so-called dignified people could spout out some of the most crude remarks.
Selena tried to quiet her husband and warn him that Dooku might grow weary then angry with his constant complaints. After all she reminded him, she herself had grown a little tired of listening to his rants.
Obi trudged forward ahead of Jinn and his aunt and uncle. He was placed right beside Dooku and as Jinn watched him make his trek with the evil Jedi deep into the marsh lands he also noticed how difficult it was for the child to keep up. His waterlogged legging weighted him down to where it had become impossible or nearly so for the boy to pick his legs up and walk, let alone keep up with the fast pace Dooku had set for them. Qui-Gon decided he would voice his concern. What harm would come to him for that?
"Count Dooku could you slow up. The boy is tired and his clothes have weighted him down as they have sponged up and held a great deal of water. Dooku stopped and turned to face his former apprentice.
"Why Master Jinn, is that a note of concern I hear in your voice for the boy? Am I right? Is there some kind of connections?"
"Dooku quit jumping to conclusions. I only mention the boy because I can see how tired he has become. I am sure you other captives are just as tired, but as adults they can carry themselves a little better through this muck. Well except for Mr. Lars."
"Yes I have heard him voicing his disdain with a great many *descriptive* words Hutts even hesitate to use. Too bad he is not force sensitive. Even with your powers gone, I get the feeling you and Selena are trained to handle a situation like this more easily.. I'll grant you, for a young one it is a difficult trip, however he will survive, no doubt Master Jinn. Besides we have less than a mile and all of you can rest . We will be at my quaint little home where I will offer you all the amenities that any host would offer his guests. Including clean dry clothes and a bath followed with food. You might not like the choice of clothing but I have them there for you. Personally I think it will be interesting to see you dressed in what I have for you."
Although it was very difficult to trudge through the swampy terrain, Selena hastened her pace and momentarily left her husband's side to speak with Qui-Gon.
"Seems we are in quite a pickle right now. Wasn't very witty comment was it? I thought and thought about some amusing antidote to break the ice between you and I. I had thought to bring up the fact that your former master must indeed live a boring life if a change of clothing could render so much amusement from him."
She finally managed to crack the hard exterior of Master Jinn and actually illicit a partial laugh and an out and out smile.
"Yes, well Master Yoda would hastily remind us we've been in worse predicaments before, and survived This journey will be no different."
" I hope you are right Qui-Gon. I have a little one at home I need to care for. I wish now I had never left my home world, never put myself in this position and never taken Obi-Wan in the first place."
"We both seem busy trying to blame our woes on the little one Selena, it won't work. We as adults have to shoulder most of the burden of blame for this situation. I went back and forth wanting the child then not wanting him. What kind of signals did I send Obi-Wan with that? You….. I am not sure the extent of your quilt. While you only followed the wishes of your sister, Obi's mother, you saw with your own eyes what the force suppressant medicine was doing. I think maybe you knew to stop it, but was unwilling to complicate your life with dealing with Obi when his medicine was removed."
Laced with anger and sarcasm Selena launched her own verbal attack.
"You know nothing of my reasons for what I did what I did where Obi-Wan is concerned, so don't try to quote your Jedi wisdom to me. I have known since even before Owen died that Obi-Wan was to be you apprentice. The force sent me that vision and I agonized over it. I always thought you would find out about him and take him only after Owen left the order for that is what he intended to do Jinn. Seems you shirked your duty toward him as well. You ignored the edicts of the force itself when you swept the feelings of a bond under the rug as soon as you felt them, when Obi-Wan was injured."
She hoped the knowledge that Owen planned to stay with his family and let Jinn return to the temple alone after his last trip home would in some way hurt Jinn. She didn't know he already knew of Owen's plans.. Selena wanted to also let Jinn know he was derelict in his duties when it came to Obi-Wan, his *should be* apprentice
" I knew Selena. I always in a way knew Owen would never be a knight. However I, like you assumed it would be because he returned home and you don't know how many times I have wished that it had been that reason; not the way it was, his death. As for Obi-Wan I did not know of his destiny to be with me even when I healed his injuries. Only later, Selena…only later did I realize I had ignored the calling of the force to take the child. You have had almost *his* lifetime to correct your mistakes with him."
Selena calmed and withdrew some her hatred for Qui-Gon. They both knew it was not really hatred but confusion that fueled her spitefully cruel words.
'Master Jinn I don't know what to do about Obi. I hoped that if he were back on my home world that Delon would allow me to one day to keep him, bring him home. If he could not be where he should be and that is with you then I thought he should be with me, the only family he has. I certainly didn't want to leave him on Coruscant where he had no one. Now… now… I don't know what I want for him. "
"Maybe you don't know what you want for him Selena, but I certainly do. I was headed for a mission here on Dagabah for one reason, I think. Master Yoda sent me here to think things through and hopefully get it right this time. You see I had changed my mind, even went to the orphanage, and found you already had taken Obi. I am willing to train Obi-Wan in the ways of the Jedi. I want him as my apprentice. Master Yoda encouraged me to rethink things through. While I have been buried knee deep in swamp muck I have thought of little else except maybe what Dooku has planned. If we get out of this mess and I pray we will, I want Obi-Wan Kenobi as my apprentice."
There were no other words needed. Selena smiled at Master Jinn and slowed her pace to a snail's speed, so her husband could catch up with her.
############################
At the cabin of Dooku's, after they were rested, Dooku brought out their clothing.
I see you do have a sense of humor Dooku. Why do you think for a second we will wear the uniform of the red guard, Sidous' men?"
"Because of that little one in front of the fireplace. I plan to reap havoc on several planets in disguise as Sidious. I hope the rile up the citizens enough they will at least attempt an uprising against him. If I am lucky they will help me overthrow the dark lord and take his place. It will only enhance my scheme if my front men, my guards are Jedi, with powers of their own. If my demands aren't met, the child over there dies. Doesn't look like he is far from it anyway. Don't you ever feed that boy? Look, he is positively green around the gills with illness right now."
Jinn and Selena both focused on the child and he did look very ill at the moment.
"Like, I said, my front body guards will be two very competent force sensitives, one, a most prominent master. That would be you .. Qui-Gon. See I don't doubt your station within the Jedi order. On missions for me, your collars will be removed with the knowledge that if you don't do what I say, Obi-Wan and of course Mr. Lars, will die before you even have time to make it back here to save he and Obi."
Mr. Lars reached for his wife's arm and looked pleadingly directly in Selena's eyes. He had no desire to meet with what ever heinous plans Dooku could come up with for his demise. Dooku watched the interaction between husband and wife with a little smirk on his face. He finally continued his demands.
"I have only readied two cells for your extended stay here. two cells. Jinn you can put the boy with you in your cell after you have eaten. I know he is your nephew Selena and if you prefer you can keep him, but there are only two little cots in each cell. If you think the rats are big down in the bowels of Coruscant, you should see the real swamp rats of Dagabah. Yes, I think it would be wise to sleep in the bed instead of on the floor. At least that way you will have fighting chance if the rats decide they are hungry and single you out as their meal………………..…..
Obi-Wan sat through the meal without putting a bite of food to his lips. Selena once tried to encourage him to eat but all she got for her efforts was to be pushed away with a not-too-soft shove with Obi's arm.
The boy hadn't spoken. While Qui-Gon couldn't see any marked difference Obi-Wan, other than maybe he had a stubborn streak equal to his because he sure seemed intent on exhibiting it.
In the cell it was no different. He did not speak to Master Jinn.
Qui-Gon, the forever Jedi he was meditated on their situation for well into the darkness of night. Dooku at least left them alone that evening to rest up. Jinn really couldn't rest. He found the collar distracted him even where his meditations were concerned. He rose from the floor to find Obi-Wan still in the same position on the cot provided him; he nervously wrung his hangs together as they lay in his lap. You could tell the boy was in some agitated state.
So much so Qui-Gon didn't know if he should speak to him or not. Finally he needed to break the constant silence of the tiny cell, if only to hear his own voice. He was not exactly sure Obi-Wan would answer him back. He was not sure how the boy would react because he could not *feel* through the force how quickly the midichlorian level was rising . He of course had be rendered without his force and would not be able to aid or support the boy with his rapid increase of his force abilities.
"I couldn't help but notice you didn't touch your meal. Are you well?"
Jinn waited and got no response.
//I am sure he is confused over the conversation with Dooku. Does he know he might have force abilities? Is he aware that is what has caused his sudden onslaught of illness and confusion?//
"Too angry with me to speak or is it you just don't want too?"
The master waited and waited and…
"I don't have anything to say to you Master Jinn. I think you said enough in the courtroom for the *both* of us."
Obi stopped again. He bit his lip as if he was determined not to say more to the master, that right now he was very angry with and then…
"I think you said it all when you let me willingly go with my aunt and uncle and just stopped fighting for me to stay. Although you led me to believe otherwise the day before."
Qui-Gon saw Obi's break in silence as an opportunity to launch into his explanation. An explanation which would be hard for an adult to understand what going on, but for a child who was confused with a mind altering increase of his midichlorian level, his understanding might be impossible
"Child it was not my intent to hurt your feelings.."
//Good Jinn…. real good. Now what are you going to tell him? You refused him because he is force-enabled. No, can't do that. I have to break the news about his capabilities, although he must suspect something is going on. Is it my place to explain all that to him; what his family, mother and aunt felt compelled to do once they realized of his force? I have created a mess now. What if he asks about Dooku's words?//
"You didn't hurt my feelings. I just don't like you and I don't even want to talk with you. I would have rather braved the Swamp rats on the floor of my aunts cell to keep from being in here with you. No matter, I guess if I had the chose of the two evils my time here with you or in the other cell with my uncle, it would be a toss up as to which would be worse."
//Ouch that hurts. I think of Mr. Lars as being insensitive to any of Obi's needs and he has just compared me to him.//
"You don't understand Obi-Wan and I don't think I should go into it with you. That might be the job for your aunt. She should be the one to explain the situation to you."
Obi-Wan did want to know if there was any truth about him having a midichlorian count and force powers.
Obi sat on the bed and in a mocked gesture looked around him as if he was looking for someone or something else in the cell.
"No I don't see her here and it is unlikely Count Dooku will bring her to us in the middle of the night, so I suppose it *has * to be your job to explain. Am I force sensitive?"
There it was the question Jinn hoped not to be asked. He had tiptoe through the conversation between them just for that reason fear of being asked and now… The truth. Should he tell him the truth or do as he had been doing insist he wait on Selena to tell the boy what she wanted him to know.
//Though I think it will be quite evident something is going on in his body if it isn't already, he already seems confused disorientated. It can only get worse until someone takes hold of the situation and guide him through it. There is no someone to do that with these blasted collars on both Selena and I. //
"Look Ob-Wan I can understand how you might not trust me or even feel a little hatred for me right now for what I did in the courtroom. You would have to hear why I did what that day."
"So are you going to explain the *why* Master Jinn? I can't think of a reason that you could tell me why you abandoned me and I would still understand or change my views about you."
Jinn decided he would take it upon himself to explain what neither Obi's mother or his aunt had ever wanted told.
"Listen Obi I will tell you something that should have been told to long before this and for a reason other than you are going to find out. You should because it affects you and will for the rest of your life."
Now Master Jinn said something Obi-Wan wanted to hear or thought he did. Qui-Gon had piqued the child's interest in that he wanted to know what the big mystery was about him.
Just as the Jedi readied himself to launch into the conversation with Obi-Wan that would tell him of the powers he had but had been denied he saw a glint. It was light that reflected from a movement of something. //But what is moving in here?// Jinn surveyed the tiny cell. There in the corner where the light fixture was something else. Hardly noticeable except for that catch of light. It was a small rotating camera imbedded in the lighting fixture and with it. Jinn felt certain there was be a microphone as well.
He studied it for a moment but as he did he stepped back where in the only place in the cell one could not be seen. That seemed to be where the small fresher was.
//Well at least the man had no kinky ideas in that department and provided the necessary privacy needed. Now though what will I tell Obi. I can't very well tell him what I meant to tell Dooku would know of the entire story of Obi's predicament and only use it to advance his ideas on Selena and I in some manner. No now is not the time to tell him.//
Jinn also had another problem. He did not want to tell the boy of his discovery for Obi-Wan might make it obvious they knew and for now Jinn wanted Dooku to think they had not discovered his little bugging device. He would have to just *Clam* up and not even tell Obi-Wan why. That in its self would more than likely cause even more hard feelings between them , however it had to be done. Qui-Gon would have to make it sound like he did not just shut up abruptly Dooku would be smart enough to suspect something.
It was and lie, a façade, note worthy performance in acting talents, but what Jinn did next to keep his discovery to himself brought he and Obi-Wan's relationship to absolute shambles. His plans for escape now counted on Dooku not suspecting he had discovered the camera and microphone.
"Mr. Qui-Gon I'm waiting. You said you had something to say."
"Never mind Kenobi.. I am tired of trying to right all your problems… I will tell you later what I have to say. It was about the wishes your mother had for your future with the Lars. I hope you didn't believe Dooku and his theory about you having any force abilities. No great revelation anyway, just a way to past the time in an amusing way. Were you amused? //Of course he is not amused. I brought him to the brink of knowing the truth as it is and then stopped to feign some idea about a trumped up future.….// For now, I think some sleep would be in order, DON'T YOU?…………."
"Mr. Qui-Gon's" abrupt change in words and attitude confused Obi-Wan. It did more than confuse him it made him angry and hurt. Was Mr. Qui-Gon making fun of him?
//Sure seems that way. //
Qui-Gon watched with remorse-filled eyes as Obi stretched out on the little cot and turned his back toward the Jedi master who just before seemed to be making head-way with the child. Now Jinn could feel the turmoil and confusion that coursed through Obi-Wan's mind as he valiantly tried to hold in his anger along with his tears.
//Great now I have alienated him again. I am surprised he didn't launch into an all out physical attack on me for what he must have been to him taunts made by me to him. I can't say I would much blame him even if he weren't in such a metaphysical state with the rapid return midichlorians. That can only cause increased agitation.//
*Metaphysical* was the only word Qui-Gon thought could best describe the mystical force of the Jedi
Qui-Gon walked over and got on his little cot. As he lay in the darkness and if he could strain to listen, he swore he could here the buzzing noise of the camera as it made it sweep of the little cell. On the other end of the camera, the picture was transmitted straight to the main room of Count Dooku's swelling. There the dark Jedi sat in a red leather easy chair encased in gold trim. With one hand busy with a cup of tea and the other with a control modular for the camera that swung it around the room a couple of times.
He hadn't even bothered to check on the Lars', Selena and Deleon. He hoped to glean some information from Jinn or the boy Kenobi. He seemed most interested in the boy.
//There is something they are hiding from me and maybe from the child himself and I want to know what. I will wait. Jinn hasn't discovered my little camera yet. //
Dooku being the confident person he was, felt with assuredness that had Jinn found the camera he would have made a big production of it in front of him with the camera on. He did not know Qui-Gon wanted him to believe he hadn't found it. It was Dooku who was falling into a trap and not Qui-Gon Jinn. The only problem with that was how he had to bring mental harm to Obi in order to be successful with the escape plans.
Dooku finally sat the tea down to in turn seek rest himself.
//They are more than likely both quite sound asleep after the day they have had. I will try tomorrow. Maybe I can find out something from one of them without watching that confounded camera the entire evening, tomorrow night.//
Master Dooku had all of his *guest at the table for break-fast. Everyone seated noticed the disheveled look of the only child there, Obi-Wan. They could not help but see it.
Dark circles ringed the red-spider-veined eyes of the child. It was evident he had cried the good portion of the night.
"Well? Kenobi is it? You look like you ran into to a swamp rat. Didn't you sleep?"
Obi was too fearful of the dark Jedi not to answer him.
"I guess not sir. "
"So polite…. how nice. Well maybe you couldn't sleep but I have to insist you eat. Can't have one of my prize captives get sick on me can I? Although I am not sure you aren't already. Is he Selena?"
"Is he what?"
Selena knew what Dooku meant . She just didn't care to answer anything he asked.
"Don't get snippety with me Selena. I plan to use your little Obi here to exact my punishment on when you and Jinn don't do what I ask of you."
Dooku reached over and with his fist landed an almost bone crunching blow to the boy's hand, that rested on the table. While not that painful, at least no actual broken bones., it got the point across visually instead of just verbally.
Obi, too shocked to really realize what happened, snatched his hand back and cradled it in his other one, as he pulled it close to his rest to nestle in the folds of his robe.. He bowed his head but said nothing.
"Very Well Dooku. I did not know you had acquired the nasty little habit of abusing children as one of your pastime favorites. Obi-Wan is not sick that I am aware of . Are you Qui-Gon?"
"No, however, I suppose we are not in the best situation to be in and the child is in turmoil over it."
He knew Dooku knew of the little rift they had last night in the cell, but he did not intend to mention it unless he did. Of course Dooku wouldn't because he wouldn't want Jinn to find out about the camera, he already knew about..
"Well if neither of the adults seem to know about the child in their care, I suppose I have to ask Obi-Wan himself. Look at me BOY"
*BOY* came out as a shout which made Obi instantly jerk his head up to look at Dooku but not before he shot daggers at both his aunt and Mr. Qui-Gon as he referred to the Jedi master as.
"NO, I am fine."
"Then I will expect to see some of that food eaten before you do become ill. I am afraid there are no healers around and if you have no force then you are or will be out of luck. We force sensitives at least can heal our ills and injuries. Now if things have to become rougher on you child, you can blame "Mr. Qui-Gon" and your Aunt Selena for it. It will mean they aren't following my orders as they should. When you have finished eating, one of my guards will take you to a very special place in the cellar."
Dooku mimicked Obi's name for Jinn, "Mr. Qui-Gon."
"Why can't he stay with us? I can keep him in line."
Jinn was fearful to have the boy leave their side, and the swift show of concern proved it to Count Dooku.
"Oh so you are concerned somewhat for the boy's well being, good very good. Maybe it will entice you more to do as you are told when I decide what I want from you. As an extra bonus at last-meal the child can join us and if he wishes he may go back to the cell with Master Jinn at night."
Obi-Wan flinched when Count Dooku reached toward him again, as did Jinn with the prospect he would be strike again. Dooku only meant to tip the boy's dimpled chin up so Obi could look in the dark one's face."
"Would you like that little one? Do you want to spend the evenings in the master's company in his cell or where I plan to put you through the day?"
Now Obi-Wan was more than angry with Jinn. He was infuriated by the treatment he received from his former guardian but he wasn't stupid. No one his age wanted to spend the night alone in a damp and possibly darkened cellar.
"I would rather go back to Mr. Qui-Gon at night."
Jinn released a sigh of relief. At least he could see to Obi's care in the evening.
"Well then that will give you more incentive to be a good little boy while in the cellar now won't it? I suggest we finish eating. We have a long hard day ahead of us."
####################
Obi-Wan started to struggle when one of Dooku's men went to lead him away. The fear had had mounted through break-fast had grown to terror and although he did want to be hit, he didn't want to face the cellar alone. //Even being in the presence of Mr. Qui-Gon would be better than that!!!!.//
Obi, with fear-filled eyes, outstretched his free left hand as if he tried to grab for Master Jinn. Dooku signaled his man to stop.
''Very well I will grant you just a few minutes with the child. It seems he wants to speak with you more than his aunt. Five minutes to get him calmed down Master Jinn or he won't being having a very pleasant day down in the cellar. Not very pleasant at all if I have to go down there to control him. You know me well enough to know, I mean every word I say………….
PEACE ewen
From behind him, he could here Mr. Lars mumble a few choice words that were probably learned while being a dignitary. The diplomatic and so-called dignified people could spout out some of the most crude remarks.
Selena tried to quiet her husband and warn him that Dooku might grow weary then angry with his constant complaints. After all she reminded him, she herself had grown a little tired of listening to his rants.
Obi trudged forward ahead of Jinn and his aunt and uncle. He was placed right beside Dooku and as Jinn watched him make his trek with the evil Jedi deep into the marsh lands he also noticed how difficult it was for the child to keep up. His waterlogged legging weighted him down to where it had become impossible or nearly so for the boy to pick his legs up and walk, let alone keep up with the fast pace Dooku had set for them. Qui-Gon decided he would voice his concern. What harm would come to him for that?
"Count Dooku could you slow up. The boy is tired and his clothes have weighted him down as they have sponged up and held a great deal of water. Dooku stopped and turned to face his former apprentice.
"Why Master Jinn, is that a note of concern I hear in your voice for the boy? Am I right? Is there some kind of connections?"
"Dooku quit jumping to conclusions. I only mention the boy because I can see how tired he has become. I am sure you other captives are just as tired, but as adults they can carry themselves a little better through this muck. Well except for Mr. Lars."
"Yes I have heard him voicing his disdain with a great many *descriptive* words Hutts even hesitate to use. Too bad he is not force sensitive. Even with your powers gone, I get the feeling you and Selena are trained to handle a situation like this more easily.. I'll grant you, for a young one it is a difficult trip, however he will survive, no doubt Master Jinn. Besides we have less than a mile and all of you can rest . We will be at my quaint little home where I will offer you all the amenities that any host would offer his guests. Including clean dry clothes and a bath followed with food. You might not like the choice of clothing but I have them there for you. Personally I think it will be interesting to see you dressed in what I have for you."
Although it was very difficult to trudge through the swampy terrain, Selena hastened her pace and momentarily left her husband's side to speak with Qui-Gon.
"Seems we are in quite a pickle right now. Wasn't very witty comment was it? I thought and thought about some amusing antidote to break the ice between you and I. I had thought to bring up the fact that your former master must indeed live a boring life if a change of clothing could render so much amusement from him."
She finally managed to crack the hard exterior of Master Jinn and actually illicit a partial laugh and an out and out smile.
"Yes, well Master Yoda would hastily remind us we've been in worse predicaments before, and survived This journey will be no different."
" I hope you are right Qui-Gon. I have a little one at home I need to care for. I wish now I had never left my home world, never put myself in this position and never taken Obi-Wan in the first place."
"We both seem busy trying to blame our woes on the little one Selena, it won't work. We as adults have to shoulder most of the burden of blame for this situation. I went back and forth wanting the child then not wanting him. What kind of signals did I send Obi-Wan with that? You….. I am not sure the extent of your quilt. While you only followed the wishes of your sister, Obi's mother, you saw with your own eyes what the force suppressant medicine was doing. I think maybe you knew to stop it, but was unwilling to complicate your life with dealing with Obi when his medicine was removed."
Laced with anger and sarcasm Selena launched her own verbal attack.
"You know nothing of my reasons for what I did what I did where Obi-Wan is concerned, so don't try to quote your Jedi wisdom to me. I have known since even before Owen died that Obi-Wan was to be you apprentice. The force sent me that vision and I agonized over it. I always thought you would find out about him and take him only after Owen left the order for that is what he intended to do Jinn. Seems you shirked your duty toward him as well. You ignored the edicts of the force itself when you swept the feelings of a bond under the rug as soon as you felt them, when Obi-Wan was injured."
She hoped the knowledge that Owen planned to stay with his family and let Jinn return to the temple alone after his last trip home would in some way hurt Jinn. She didn't know he already knew of Owen's plans.. Selena wanted to also let Jinn know he was derelict in his duties when it came to Obi-Wan, his *should be* apprentice
" I knew Selena. I always in a way knew Owen would never be a knight. However I, like you assumed it would be because he returned home and you don't know how many times I have wished that it had been that reason; not the way it was, his death. As for Obi-Wan I did not know of his destiny to be with me even when I healed his injuries. Only later, Selena…only later did I realize I had ignored the calling of the force to take the child. You have had almost *his* lifetime to correct your mistakes with him."
Selena calmed and withdrew some her hatred for Qui-Gon. They both knew it was not really hatred but confusion that fueled her spitefully cruel words.
'Master Jinn I don't know what to do about Obi. I hoped that if he were back on my home world that Delon would allow me to one day to keep him, bring him home. If he could not be where he should be and that is with you then I thought he should be with me, the only family he has. I certainly didn't want to leave him on Coruscant where he had no one. Now… now… I don't know what I want for him. "
"Maybe you don't know what you want for him Selena, but I certainly do. I was headed for a mission here on Dagabah for one reason, I think. Master Yoda sent me here to think things through and hopefully get it right this time. You see I had changed my mind, even went to the orphanage, and found you already had taken Obi. I am willing to train Obi-Wan in the ways of the Jedi. I want him as my apprentice. Master Yoda encouraged me to rethink things through. While I have been buried knee deep in swamp muck I have thought of little else except maybe what Dooku has planned. If we get out of this mess and I pray we will, I want Obi-Wan Kenobi as my apprentice."
There were no other words needed. Selena smiled at Master Jinn and slowed her pace to a snail's speed, so her husband could catch up with her.
############################
At the cabin of Dooku's, after they were rested, Dooku brought out their clothing.
I see you do have a sense of humor Dooku. Why do you think for a second we will wear the uniform of the red guard, Sidous' men?"
"Because of that little one in front of the fireplace. I plan to reap havoc on several planets in disguise as Sidious. I hope the rile up the citizens enough they will at least attempt an uprising against him. If I am lucky they will help me overthrow the dark lord and take his place. It will only enhance my scheme if my front men, my guards are Jedi, with powers of their own. If my demands aren't met, the child over there dies. Doesn't look like he is far from it anyway. Don't you ever feed that boy? Look, he is positively green around the gills with illness right now."
Jinn and Selena both focused on the child and he did look very ill at the moment.
"Like, I said, my front body guards will be two very competent force sensitives, one, a most prominent master. That would be you .. Qui-Gon. See I don't doubt your station within the Jedi order. On missions for me, your collars will be removed with the knowledge that if you don't do what I say, Obi-Wan and of course Mr. Lars, will die before you even have time to make it back here to save he and Obi."
Mr. Lars reached for his wife's arm and looked pleadingly directly in Selena's eyes. He had no desire to meet with what ever heinous plans Dooku could come up with for his demise. Dooku watched the interaction between husband and wife with a little smirk on his face. He finally continued his demands.
"I have only readied two cells for your extended stay here. two cells. Jinn you can put the boy with you in your cell after you have eaten. I know he is your nephew Selena and if you prefer you can keep him, but there are only two little cots in each cell. If you think the rats are big down in the bowels of Coruscant, you should see the real swamp rats of Dagabah. Yes, I think it would be wise to sleep in the bed instead of on the floor. At least that way you will have fighting chance if the rats decide they are hungry and single you out as their meal………………..…..
Obi-Wan sat through the meal without putting a bite of food to his lips. Selena once tried to encourage him to eat but all she got for her efforts was to be pushed away with a not-too-soft shove with Obi's arm.
The boy hadn't spoken. While Qui-Gon couldn't see any marked difference Obi-Wan, other than maybe he had a stubborn streak equal to his because he sure seemed intent on exhibiting it.
In the cell it was no different. He did not speak to Master Jinn.
Qui-Gon, the forever Jedi he was meditated on their situation for well into the darkness of night. Dooku at least left them alone that evening to rest up. Jinn really couldn't rest. He found the collar distracted him even where his meditations were concerned. He rose from the floor to find Obi-Wan still in the same position on the cot provided him; he nervously wrung his hangs together as they lay in his lap. You could tell the boy was in some agitated state.
So much so Qui-Gon didn't know if he should speak to him or not. Finally he needed to break the constant silence of the tiny cell, if only to hear his own voice. He was not exactly sure Obi-Wan would answer him back. He was not sure how the boy would react because he could not *feel* through the force how quickly the midichlorian level was rising . He of course had be rendered without his force and would not be able to aid or support the boy with his rapid increase of his force abilities.
"I couldn't help but notice you didn't touch your meal. Are you well?"
Jinn waited and got no response.
//I am sure he is confused over the conversation with Dooku. Does he know he might have force abilities? Is he aware that is what has caused his sudden onslaught of illness and confusion?//
"Too angry with me to speak or is it you just don't want too?"
The master waited and waited and…
"I don't have anything to say to you Master Jinn. I think you said enough in the courtroom for the *both* of us."
Obi stopped again. He bit his lip as if he was determined not to say more to the master, that right now he was very angry with and then…
"I think you said it all when you let me willingly go with my aunt and uncle and just stopped fighting for me to stay. Although you led me to believe otherwise the day before."
Qui-Gon saw Obi's break in silence as an opportunity to launch into his explanation. An explanation which would be hard for an adult to understand what going on, but for a child who was confused with a mind altering increase of his midichlorian level, his understanding might be impossible
"Child it was not my intent to hurt your feelings.."
//Good Jinn…. real good. Now what are you going to tell him? You refused him because he is force-enabled. No, can't do that. I have to break the news about his capabilities, although he must suspect something is going on. Is it my place to explain all that to him; what his family, mother and aunt felt compelled to do once they realized of his force? I have created a mess now. What if he asks about Dooku's words?//
"You didn't hurt my feelings. I just don't like you and I don't even want to talk with you. I would have rather braved the Swamp rats on the floor of my aunts cell to keep from being in here with you. No matter, I guess if I had the chose of the two evils my time here with you or in the other cell with my uncle, it would be a toss up as to which would be worse."
//Ouch that hurts. I think of Mr. Lars as being insensitive to any of Obi's needs and he has just compared me to him.//
"You don't understand Obi-Wan and I don't think I should go into it with you. That might be the job for your aunt. She should be the one to explain the situation to you."
Obi-Wan did want to know if there was any truth about him having a midichlorian count and force powers.
Obi sat on the bed and in a mocked gesture looked around him as if he was looking for someone or something else in the cell.
"No I don't see her here and it is unlikely Count Dooku will bring her to us in the middle of the night, so I suppose it *has * to be your job to explain. Am I force sensitive?"
There it was the question Jinn hoped not to be asked. He had tiptoe through the conversation between them just for that reason fear of being asked and now… The truth. Should he tell him the truth or do as he had been doing insist he wait on Selena to tell the boy what she wanted him to know.
//Though I think it will be quite evident something is going on in his body if it isn't already, he already seems confused disorientated. It can only get worse until someone takes hold of the situation and guide him through it. There is no someone to do that with these blasted collars on both Selena and I. //
"Look Ob-Wan I can understand how you might not trust me or even feel a little hatred for me right now for what I did in the courtroom. You would have to hear why I did what that day."
"So are you going to explain the *why* Master Jinn? I can't think of a reason that you could tell me why you abandoned me and I would still understand or change my views about you."
Jinn decided he would take it upon himself to explain what neither Obi's mother or his aunt had ever wanted told.
"Listen Obi I will tell you something that should have been told to long before this and for a reason other than you are going to find out. You should because it affects you and will for the rest of your life."
Now Master Jinn said something Obi-Wan wanted to hear or thought he did. Qui-Gon had piqued the child's interest in that he wanted to know what the big mystery was about him.
Just as the Jedi readied himself to launch into the conversation with Obi-Wan that would tell him of the powers he had but had been denied he saw a glint. It was light that reflected from a movement of something. //But what is moving in here?// Jinn surveyed the tiny cell. There in the corner where the light fixture was something else. Hardly noticeable except for that catch of light. It was a small rotating camera imbedded in the lighting fixture and with it. Jinn felt certain there was be a microphone as well.
He studied it for a moment but as he did he stepped back where in the only place in the cell one could not be seen. That seemed to be where the small fresher was.
//Well at least the man had no kinky ideas in that department and provided the necessary privacy needed. Now though what will I tell Obi. I can't very well tell him what I meant to tell Dooku would know of the entire story of Obi's predicament and only use it to advance his ideas on Selena and I in some manner. No now is not the time to tell him.//
Jinn also had another problem. He did not want to tell the boy of his discovery for Obi-Wan might make it obvious they knew and for now Jinn wanted Dooku to think they had not discovered his little bugging device. He would have to just *Clam* up and not even tell Obi-Wan why. That in its self would more than likely cause even more hard feelings between them , however it had to be done. Qui-Gon would have to make it sound like he did not just shut up abruptly Dooku would be smart enough to suspect something.
It was and lie, a façade, note worthy performance in acting talents, but what Jinn did next to keep his discovery to himself brought he and Obi-Wan's relationship to absolute shambles. His plans for escape now counted on Dooku not suspecting he had discovered the camera and microphone.
"Mr. Qui-Gon I'm waiting. You said you had something to say."
"Never mind Kenobi.. I am tired of trying to right all your problems… I will tell you later what I have to say. It was about the wishes your mother had for your future with the Lars. I hope you didn't believe Dooku and his theory about you having any force abilities. No great revelation anyway, just a way to past the time in an amusing way. Were you amused? //Of course he is not amused. I brought him to the brink of knowing the truth as it is and then stopped to feign some idea about a trumped up future.….// For now, I think some sleep would be in order, DON'T YOU?…………."
"Mr. Qui-Gon's" abrupt change in words and attitude confused Obi-Wan. It did more than confuse him it made him angry and hurt. Was Mr. Qui-Gon making fun of him?
//Sure seems that way. //
Qui-Gon watched with remorse-filled eyes as Obi stretched out on the little cot and turned his back toward the Jedi master who just before seemed to be making head-way with the child. Now Jinn could feel the turmoil and confusion that coursed through Obi-Wan's mind as he valiantly tried to hold in his anger along with his tears.
//Great now I have alienated him again. I am surprised he didn't launch into an all out physical attack on me for what he must have been to him taunts made by me to him. I can't say I would much blame him even if he weren't in such a metaphysical state with the rapid return midichlorians. That can only cause increased agitation.//
*Metaphysical* was the only word Qui-Gon thought could best describe the mystical force of the Jedi
Qui-Gon walked over and got on his little cot. As he lay in the darkness and if he could strain to listen, he swore he could here the buzzing noise of the camera as it made it sweep of the little cell. On the other end of the camera, the picture was transmitted straight to the main room of Count Dooku's swelling. There the dark Jedi sat in a red leather easy chair encased in gold trim. With one hand busy with a cup of tea and the other with a control modular for the camera that swung it around the room a couple of times.
He hadn't even bothered to check on the Lars', Selena and Deleon. He hoped to glean some information from Jinn or the boy Kenobi. He seemed most interested in the boy.
//There is something they are hiding from me and maybe from the child himself and I want to know what. I will wait. Jinn hasn't discovered my little camera yet. //
Dooku being the confident person he was, felt with assuredness that had Jinn found the camera he would have made a big production of it in front of him with the camera on. He did not know Qui-Gon wanted him to believe he hadn't found it. It was Dooku who was falling into a trap and not Qui-Gon Jinn. The only problem with that was how he had to bring mental harm to Obi in order to be successful with the escape plans.
Dooku finally sat the tea down to in turn seek rest himself.
//They are more than likely both quite sound asleep after the day they have had. I will try tomorrow. Maybe I can find out something from one of them without watching that confounded camera the entire evening, tomorrow night.//
Master Dooku had all of his *guest at the table for break-fast. Everyone seated noticed the disheveled look of the only child there, Obi-Wan. They could not help but see it.
Dark circles ringed the red-spider-veined eyes of the child. It was evident he had cried the good portion of the night.
"Well? Kenobi is it? You look like you ran into to a swamp rat. Didn't you sleep?"
Obi was too fearful of the dark Jedi not to answer him.
"I guess not sir. "
"So polite…. how nice. Well maybe you couldn't sleep but I have to insist you eat. Can't have one of my prize captives get sick on me can I? Although I am not sure you aren't already. Is he Selena?"
"Is he what?"
Selena knew what Dooku meant . She just didn't care to answer anything he asked.
"Don't get snippety with me Selena. I plan to use your little Obi here to exact my punishment on when you and Jinn don't do what I ask of you."
Dooku reached over and with his fist landed an almost bone crunching blow to the boy's hand, that rested on the table. While not that painful, at least no actual broken bones., it got the point across visually instead of just verbally.
Obi, too shocked to really realize what happened, snatched his hand back and cradled it in his other one, as he pulled it close to his rest to nestle in the folds of his robe.. He bowed his head but said nothing.
"Very Well Dooku. I did not know you had acquired the nasty little habit of abusing children as one of your pastime favorites. Obi-Wan is not sick that I am aware of . Are you Qui-Gon?"
"No, however, I suppose we are not in the best situation to be in and the child is in turmoil over it."
He knew Dooku knew of the little rift they had last night in the cell, but he did not intend to mention it unless he did. Of course Dooku wouldn't because he wouldn't want Jinn to find out about the camera, he already knew about..
"Well if neither of the adults seem to know about the child in their care, I suppose I have to ask Obi-Wan himself. Look at me BOY"
*BOY* came out as a shout which made Obi instantly jerk his head up to look at Dooku but not before he shot daggers at both his aunt and Mr. Qui-Gon as he referred to the Jedi master as.
"NO, I am fine."
"Then I will expect to see some of that food eaten before you do become ill. I am afraid there are no healers around and if you have no force then you are or will be out of luck. We force sensitives at least can heal our ills and injuries. Now if things have to become rougher on you child, you can blame "Mr. Qui-Gon" and your Aunt Selena for it. It will mean they aren't following my orders as they should. When you have finished eating, one of my guards will take you to a very special place in the cellar."
Dooku mimicked Obi's name for Jinn, "Mr. Qui-Gon."
"Why can't he stay with us? I can keep him in line."
Jinn was fearful to have the boy leave their side, and the swift show of concern proved it to Count Dooku.
"Oh so you are concerned somewhat for the boy's well being, good very good. Maybe it will entice you more to do as you are told when I decide what I want from you. As an extra bonus at last-meal the child can join us and if he wishes he may go back to the cell with Master Jinn at night."
Obi-Wan flinched when Count Dooku reached toward him again, as did Jinn with the prospect he would be strike again. Dooku only meant to tip the boy's dimpled chin up so Obi could look in the dark one's face."
"Would you like that little one? Do you want to spend the evenings in the master's company in his cell or where I plan to put you through the day?"
Now Obi-Wan was more than angry with Jinn. He was infuriated by the treatment he received from his former guardian but he wasn't stupid. No one his age wanted to spend the night alone in a damp and possibly darkened cellar.
"I would rather go back to Mr. Qui-Gon at night."
Jinn released a sigh of relief. At least he could see to Obi's care in the evening.
"Well then that will give you more incentive to be a good little boy while in the cellar now won't it? I suggest we finish eating. We have a long hard day ahead of us."
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Obi-Wan started to struggle when one of Dooku's men went to lead him away. The fear had had mounted through break-fast had grown to terror and although he did want to be hit, he didn't want to face the cellar alone. //Even being in the presence of Mr. Qui-Gon would be better than that!!!!.//
Obi, with fear-filled eyes, outstretched his free left hand as if he tried to grab for Master Jinn. Dooku signaled his man to stop.
''Very well I will grant you just a few minutes with the child. It seems he wants to speak with you more than his aunt. Five minutes to get him calmed down Master Jinn or he won't being having a very pleasant day down in the cellar. Not very pleasant at all if I have to go down there to control him. You know me well enough to know, I mean every word I say………….
PEACE ewen