Qui-Gon stood for a moment only to stare at the little boy who seemed angry with him yet at the same time seemed not to want to leave him. He gathered the force and used it to buffer the harsh reality around them. Obi-Wan didn't know his midichlorians were increasing. For that matter, he didn't know he *had* midichlorians to increase, so he did not know where the feeling of serenity came from. Nevertheless, it was there all the same, thanks to Mr. Qui-Gon for making sure that feeling of peacefulness was there if only for a short time while they spoke..
Master Jinn also used the gathered force to ward off ears strained to listen to every word spoken between the two.
Qui-Gon knelt before the Obi-Wan to be closer to him for the privacy it afforded. The closer he was to the child, the less the others could here.
"Listen Obi-Wan you must do everything they tell you and things will be fine. This evening you will join us for last-meal and then back to the cell."
"Why should I listen to you?" You tricked me once before Mr. Qui-Gon when you got me to believe you wanted me to return to the temple. Maybe you are with Master Dooku ."
"Obi-Wan, you know better than that. I was on a mission. I knew you were on the ship. I just thought it would be better if we didn't meet. Dooku is not a master for he is not a Jedi. You can't believe I would be on the dark side as he is."
Jinn put a saber-scarred hand on each of Obi's arms. Obi-Wan shut his eyes and bathed in the good feeling he got from having the master so close and actually touch him. However, even over the feeling of calm it brought him, Obi twisted and squirmed from the gentle grasp the master had on him. He wanted to show Master Jinn how he felt about him, or how the thought he should feel. Obi-Wan didn't actually hate his former guardian stooped before him. He couldn't even hold the animosity for the man for long. The serenity he got just from being around Qui-Gon Jinn could wash all his distrustful and angry thoughts away.
//No. I am not going to give in now and let him think he has won. I don't know why I gather so much strength when he is around but I know I have to prove my point. //
After Obi-Wan pulled himself out of the grip Master Jinn had on him, he walked over to the window on the other side of the room. He pretended to watch the activities outside, but he wasn't. He couldn't have seen them anyway, because the tears that had threatened the entire morning finally followed through with their threat, making his vision a blur.
Obi-Wan felt he had to counteract his moment of weakness and blast Master Jinn for what he had done to him. He thought of the most viperous hateful untrue words to come up with and that is what he relayed to his former guardian.
"I don't know what to believe Mr. Qui-Gon . Not anymore at least.. Oh I forgot. Here is that stupid old rock. I was stupid to think it was so important and Owen was even more stupid for trusting you to give him anything force sensitive or otherwise. It is just a rock of no importance. It wouldn't have saved Owen anyway. He believed in myths and magic of the Jedi. See where that got him. Oh, and I know just who lead him to believe all that junk. That junk that ended up taking his life for he thought himself a superman not doubt."
Qui-Gon staggered with the anger that hit him. No one had ever dared called his former apprentice stupid.
Why would the one person who vowed to have cared the most for Owen call him stupid. Jinn, not familiar with the workings of a young one not blessed with the force or in Obi-Wan's case had his force suppressed, didn't know it was a way for the boy to vent his anger and hurt. But in no way did he mean any of what he said about Owen and unbeknownst to Qui-Gon, about him either.
Jinn bounded a crossed the room to where Obi now stood.
"Little you know of your cousin if you think him stupid. Maybe I should not even toy with the idea that I could take you and help you with your problems."
"Problems. The only problem I have is that neither you or anyone else wants me. How can you help? If you don't want me, I can't change that and neither can you Mr. Qui-Gon."
"It is not that I don't *want* you? There are other *things* to be dealt with other than a place to stay. I just can't go into it right now. However, what I will tell you is that no one should ever call Owen stupid. He died as any Jedi, with honor and dignity. Just as your mother. Now I want the foolishness stopped so we can deal with things that are important."
"Mr. Qui-Gon" brought home a point that was valid. Obi knew he didn't mean what he said about Owen. Tears managed to find their way to his eyes once again. The stress on the child was too much, especially since his force abilities still unknown to him were coming back with a vengeance . Until they were under control they could do more harm to the child than good. Another known fact for Obi-Wan was that he knew he didn't mean what he said to "Mr. Qui-Gon" either. Right now the boy wanted to be as close to the master as he could, even though Jinn managed to elicit some harsh thoughts and words from the boy.
After Qui-Gon regained from his anger that he realized was unwarranted. Obi-Wan spewed out anything he thought capable of hurting the master because of his own anger. Master Jinn knelt back in front of where the child now stood.
"Listen Obi-Wan. I have done something of which I did not think through too clearly and I think you have done the same. For instance what you said about Owen. I know how much you really cared for him."
"Obi-Wan stood and fidgeted with his fingers intertwining them only to undo them and start all over.
"Yes well, you are right Mr. Qui-Gon. I cared a lot for Owen and I should never have taken his lucky rock from him. I mean I figured that is why you don't want to keep me."
"Oh, why is that little one?
Jinn could not make any sense from the boy's words. He spoke so rapidly his words were hard to make out. The tears and sobs did not help to clarify his speech either.
"I caused Owen's death. Oh I say you did and I often blame the Jedi, but I know it is my fault that he died. I didn't want him to go and he gave me the rock. He said if I had it hit would mean he would return for he treasured that rock you gave him."
Pain struck the master's heart as if a saber had landed a deathly blow. To remember how much respect and love he gleaned from his apprentice overpowered the master emotionally.
It wasn't just the pain brought on by the memory of his now dead apprentice, there was also pain because he realized Obi-Wan wrongly blamed himself for Owen's death. He knew from personal experience what heart wrenching and devastating result it could be on anyone. However, he imagined it was even worse for a young one to carry such misplaced guilt.
With the sobs that now racked the boy's body along with the rapid speech took all the master's concentration to understand what he was saying. He did not here Dooku call him so when the child was snatched out from under him it startled Qui-Gon..
Jinn's first instinct was to go for the child but was held back with a blaster put to his head by one of Dooku's other guards.
Obi-Wan kicked and screamed. He had more to say to Mr. Qui-Gon that he felt had t be said just in case something happened to him as it had Owen. *Then* would be too late to tell "Mr. Qui-Gon" how he really felt.
"MR. QUI-GON" I DIDN'T MEAN…."
A harsh rough hand clamped over the boy's mouth as one of Dooku's men dragged Obi-Wan off and away from Master Jinn.
The truth of how he felt toward Qui-Gon, was silenced at Dooku's command………..
It had been a grueling day for Selena Lars and Master Jinn. Mr. Lars had been sent back to his cell for he had no force and that was Dooku looked for. First they traveled to the far side of the planet. Qui-Gon become increasingly apprehensive about this; going so far from the child. Not that his closeness could do anything to help Obi-Wan right now, but still he thought he could send some reassurance through the force if he were only in closer proximity of the little future Jedi.
He noticed while he confronted and buffered the reality around Obi-Wan during their ten minutes together, Master Jinn could at least reach for the force and some of it came to him. While not sure what it meant something was either wrong with the force collar he was wearing or if Dooku had them made they were not of a quality he had experienced before. They dimmed the master's abilities but did not deplete them entirely. Jinn wanted to practice with his force and see what powers he had but now was not the time to do it.
//No, tonight in the cell when the lights go out, I will see what I can do then. I will however see if Selena noticed a weak link in her force collar as well. That may be the what we need to get out of here alive. //
Dooku's ship finally landed in a remote area nestled and hidden with trees and shrubs. It looked like someone had intentionally cleared a path of trees and underbrush to form, at best a very primitive landing strip for a ship, Dooku's ship. Whatever plan Dooku had for the Jedi it had been well thought through and acted upon. Jinn knew without a doubt Dooku's men cleared this path for the ship to land, probably unnoticed by the townspeople.
What came next shocked the Jedi Master and Selena both. Not only did it shock him, he realized Dooku planned to make him a criminal a rogue Jedi of sorts until he could notify the temple otherwise they might suspect he had turned to the dark himself.
//I have a couple of friends at the temple Surely Mace, Adi and most of all, Master Yoda will not believe that somehow I turned to the dark side on a way to a mission. A crècheling's fairy tale would be more believable. Plo Koon now that council master is a different story entirely.. He may want to order a "strike to kill warrant" on me or something. Offer a bounty even, whether he believed the accusation of my treason against the Jedi or not. //
Jinn mentally smiled at the thought of Plo Koon printing up wanted poster for him even though he knew it was not a humorous matter.
While in the city close to where they landed Qui-Gon and Selena had their collars removed and with a comm in his hand to reach back home to where Obi and Delon were held, Dooku gave them a command to be followed through or else. The or *else* was the death of the two people held closest to their hearts,. The two Jedi or one Jedi and one force sensitive former Jedi robbed three banks. Luckily the people in the city were smart and with the help of Jedi mind manipulation, Qui-Gon and Selena managed to rob all three without a shot being fired. Of course that is what Dooku wanted. Not that he didn't have the force to do it. He just didn't want to do the dirty work. //I suppose he doesn't want his picture dawning a warrant poster." thought Master Jinn. "He just wants to reap the rewards while we do the *dirty work* for him.// Jinn knew a couple of the people who stood in line. One was a senate diplomat who Jinn helped during a treaty dispute . Now it would only be a matter of hours and he would be a wanted man, until he could clear it up with the temple.
Once their dirty work was done. and the ship on its path home, Jinn went to the fresher on board and washed his hands. *Wash* was a mild word for what he did. He scrubbed his hands using scalding hot water to clean the fifth Dooku had placed there with his demand of him to engage in a robbery of innocent people.
//Of course I had not choice. Dooku would have killed Delon Lars and Obi-Wan if Selena and I did not do exactly as he said. But I feel so demoralized, my Jedi master title tarnished, although I know I had to do it, it was still just as unpleasant. The fear and stunned surprise I saw on the people's faces as they clearly recognized me a Jedi master, guardian of the peace or so they thought, robbing them of their life's saving. //
Master Jinn shook his head as if to shake the terror of his memories right out of his mind. Nevertheless he was unsuccessful and the horrific images of the fear he caused laid there like smoldering embers of a fire within his mind.
It was a disdainful job but one necessary to keep Obi-Wan and Lars alive. Qui-Gon swore to himself when he got all four of them to safety the one thing that would be done by him personally was to see that the people of the community at all three banks got every single credit back due them.
//If I have to call on the council to see it is all repaid I will. If we can manage an escape soon that won't be necessary. Dooku won't have time to spend any of the credits. I think now he wants to collect all he can but for what reason I don't know. I think he has concocted a more gruesome and heinous plan and credits in large quantities are needed. He will be extremely thrifty until then.//
Jinn touched the smooth cold metal force collar on his neck as a reminder that he too might be hold an ace card. Dooku had two hostages in Obi-Wan and Deleon Lars, but if Jinn was not terribly mistaken he had found a weakness in the collar. Enough that he might be able to work around it even deactivate the collar with his powers.
//I will just have to be patient and do some investigating tonight.//
He had managed to talk to Selena enough that he knew she too experienced some of the force bleeding through even with the collar. Qui-Gon recommended she test her abilities with the collar on tonight in her own cell. She just had to be very careful she was not discovered and Dooku did not suspect something. Dooku was far from unwise. However, his one slip up may prove to the collar's inability to block all of the force powers the Jedi possess.
When they got almost back to Dooku's "Den of Thieves" compound it was as if Dooku knew what was on Master's Jinn's mind.
"You will be happy to know that *your* child did not reap any punishment on himself. On the contrary. His guards told me earlier today, the Kenobi child hadn't moved from the position landed in when he threw him to the cot."
First and foremost in Qui-Gon's mind was if Obi-Wan was hurt. He couldn't imagine the guard being delicate when he pitched him to the little cot.
"Don't worry yourself Qui-Gon. The guard assured me the child was not injured when he threw him. Maybe the wind was not knocked of him, nothing more. No, seems he misses you .He just pines away like a love-sick puppy missing his master. Are you the master of that little *pup* Obi-Wan. Is that what is wrong with you?"
Jinn ignored the last remark that oozed with sarcasm. Maybe in someway Obi-Wan with his midichlorian level on the rise and his abilities awakening, he did get a sense of regret that Master Jinn was not there. After all, there was a hint of a connection between the two. Jinn felt it and understood it but Obi while he felt it he did not understand that the connection could bring with it the sense of misery he was going through.
Master Dooku had hoped to goad Master Jinn into an exchange of words and waited, but nothing came from the big master's mouth. He was too absorbed with worried thoughts for the little one back in the cell.
"Alright Qui-Gon have it your way, for now. We will just have to see how the boy is. Then again maybe during last-meal since your are not willing to tell how you and he are connected, with a little *force* behind it I can convince the Kenobi boy too reveal your little secret."
Jinn got the feeling Count Dooku meant to imply two meanings behind the word *force*; *Force* as in the force of which they both were blessed with and *force* as in some violent painful way to extract the truth from the youngest Jedi in the group.........
Qui-Gon hoped to find his former ward in a better mood at last-meal. However he wasn't. If possible he was in a more cranky mood than before. The words lost when the guards took him away were lost for ever. He refused to tell Master Jinn what he started to say "I didn't mean it". He didn't mean the harsh words, but unclear thinking hampered his reasonable "Obi self", if he ever had a reasonable self.
If nothing else Qui-Gon hoped for a peaceful last-meal followed by the privacy of their cell. Maybe then I can speak with the boy. The Jedi master hoped Dooku had forgotten his words that came in a definite threat to Obi-Wan, made earlier on the transport ship..
The only words spoken by Dooku all during last meal was to prod Obi-Wan into eating. The boy still refused . His physical condition eroding as quickly as h is mental condition was. Jinn needed to make mental contact and leaf the child through this difficult time. It would not have presented a problem had his force abilities not been suppressed since almost birth. He would have gradually adjust to their growth but now….
//I am not even sure what might happen to the boy during this transition especially without someone to guide him. //
Selena had her own worries as well for her nephew but her concern her husband and their new child at home waiting for her return superceded any thoughts of Obi-Wan.. She in no way planned to jeopardize her own life not because of herself, but because what the child she had at home. She tried not to look into the pained face of her nephew at the moment. Even if she could she wouldn't help him. She was unwilling to do anything that might result in her or her husband's death.
Count Dooku pushed his chair back, stretched his legs out under the table, and rested both hands on his chest, clasped together. He planted a stare on Obi-Wan and continued it until Master Jinn himself stopped eating. Qui-Gon could not help but think that the former Jedi master was possibly thinking of his words said earlier about Obi-Wan. He knew if Count Dooku decided to follow through with them he certainly had the "guts" to do so.
Dooku finally broke his gaze directed at Obi-Wan to in turn focus his attention Master Jinn.
"Think I should engage in a little investigation with your little *Jedi pup*? He still seems to look a little peaked. Sure the boy hasn't been ill. Maybe as his care givers, you have failed to pay close attention to his health."
Dooku had stumbled on a nickname he evidently thought was humorous and now intended to use it. After all who would dare stop him?
In his most complacent voice, Jinn tried to avert Count Dooku's attention away from Obi-Wan to…anything; anything but the little innocent child who right now was having the most difficult time of handling his own problems within his mind.
"Dooku, leave the child alone. His health has never been overlooked and neither Selena or I have ignore anything about him. Why even taunt him? Obi-Wan doesn't know anything. He isn't even a Jedi. Yes, he was under my care until I gave him back to his aunt. We were not even together on the ship. They had no idea I was even on it. Selena can verify what I have said."
Master Jinn's eyes met Selena's only for a second before she immediately dropped them to stare at her plate before her.. She did not want to be drawn into any disagreement especially between Jinn and Dooku. She did not want to reveal to Dooku the truth about Obi-Wan but on the other hand she did not want to be caught in a lie. A lie that might cost her very life. She would never return home to her new baby.
Dooku got up from his chair and walked over to where Selena was. He put a large hand on each of her shoulders and squeezed very hard.
"Did you not hear me Knight Kenobi.? That was your name in the Jedi wasn't it. If I remember correctly you had a sister, a twin sister who was also a Jedi Knight Kenobi. I assume she was the mother to Obi-Wan, am I correct?
Selena only nodded her head in agreement. Terror filled her because she didn't know what to say lies or the truth. Either way one them, Obi or she could wind up in a great deal of trouble.
Delon Lars jumped up in indignant rage. He would not have his wife harmed by this ruthless rogue Jedi.
As he slammed his napkin to the table and tried to rise from his seat, he was meant with quick resistance in a form of a blaster shot from a crossed the room. Thankfully it only hit his arm, but the confusion an chaos that ensued was more distressing.
Dooku immediately stepped back in shock, still not sure what happened. His guard immediately explained that he thought Delon Lars was going to attack him and did what he thought necessary to stop it.
Dooku gratefully nodded his agreement and looked at the injured man.
"Well you shot him. You take him to the healer on hand here. See that he's fixed up proper. I don't want him dead, at least not right now. After that, see that he is returned promptly to his cell. Wouldn't want to add undue stress to his little wife, Selena now would we. See how congenial I can be Knight Selena Kenob? Only when I want to be. Might serve you well to remember that; "Only when I want to be."
Selena was now gripped with terror. Shivers went down her spine with the repeat of Dooku's words. She had no doubt the man could be as cruel as Jedi were compassionate. All one would have to do is cross him or even give his the perception of betrayal and the *Ax would fall*.
She would have been willing to tell anything to Dooku, if he asked. But after the altercation between his guard and Lars, he seemed to become bored with all of them at his table.
"You may all go back to the cell. I have had enough excitement for today. I need some rest and solitude. However, I have no plans for tomorrow and I will find out what I asked about tonight. Someone better start thinking of who is going to tell the truth. If not, the boy over there will suffer the consequences of your silence. Now take them back, make sure their collars are on properly and that the cell doors are securely locked. I don't need any surprise attacks tonight?"
Selena continued to worry about her husband.
"Can I go to the healers with him?"
"I don't have enough men to spare a couple extra to watch you while you play babysitter to your husband.. As soon as he is patched up he will be retuned to his cell. Don't worry *Knight Kenobi*, I don't plan to inflict any serious torture on him . Oh no, I plan to save all my energies for the child over there, if you or Jinn's tongues don't loosen up enough tomorrow to tell me what I want to know."
With that said, the three were led to their cells and Lars still with no word spoken was taken to the healer on duty. Dooku was plainly taunting Selena Kenobi over her station in the Jedi before she left.
Selena left the dining hall, worried for her husband and also knowing she would reveal Obi' secret in the morning if Dooku asked. She would not take chances on her life or her husband's. She would have liked to have conveyed that to Qui-Gon so maybe he could prepare for it a little but there was no time to do so.
Through all of the mayhem, Obi-Wan had remained totally silent. Confusion replaced reasoning in his little mind. He was unsure what was happening to him.
Qui-Gon had two very prominent problems he knew he must deal with that evening. He touched the collar again as they were being escorted back to their cell in dead silence. He wanted to test the force collar out to see what it lacked and just how powerful it was. The Jedi master also wanted to lend comfort to Obi-Wan and find some way, without being overheard by Dooku, to let Obi-Wan know the confusion he was experiencing right now had a reason and a name; increased force abilities. It was a natural but difficult and even uncomfortable progression of his force abilities and increased midichlorians being too rapidly introduced to his mind and body.
Obi-Wan Kenobi was being transformed into a Jedi, only at an increased acceleration, due to the medication he had been on throughout his life. In more simpler terms, Obi-Wan Kenobi was becoming a Jedi at a rapid and unhealthy speed!!!.
A future Jedi…Well Obi-Wan was equipped for it in that he too possessed the force abilities and ever-growing midichlorians. Jinn just had to lead him down the path through apprenticeship. If that was what Obi-Wan truly wanted, then he was now willing to help him walk that path…….
PEACE ewen
Master Jinn also used the gathered force to ward off ears strained to listen to every word spoken between the two.
Qui-Gon knelt before the Obi-Wan to be closer to him for the privacy it afforded. The closer he was to the child, the less the others could here.
"Listen Obi-Wan you must do everything they tell you and things will be fine. This evening you will join us for last-meal and then back to the cell."
"Why should I listen to you?" You tricked me once before Mr. Qui-Gon when you got me to believe you wanted me to return to the temple. Maybe you are with Master Dooku ."
"Obi-Wan, you know better than that. I was on a mission. I knew you were on the ship. I just thought it would be better if we didn't meet. Dooku is not a master for he is not a Jedi. You can't believe I would be on the dark side as he is."
Jinn put a saber-scarred hand on each of Obi's arms. Obi-Wan shut his eyes and bathed in the good feeling he got from having the master so close and actually touch him. However, even over the feeling of calm it brought him, Obi twisted and squirmed from the gentle grasp the master had on him. He wanted to show Master Jinn how he felt about him, or how the thought he should feel. Obi-Wan didn't actually hate his former guardian stooped before him. He couldn't even hold the animosity for the man for long. The serenity he got just from being around Qui-Gon Jinn could wash all his distrustful and angry thoughts away.
//No. I am not going to give in now and let him think he has won. I don't know why I gather so much strength when he is around but I know I have to prove my point. //
After Obi-Wan pulled himself out of the grip Master Jinn had on him, he walked over to the window on the other side of the room. He pretended to watch the activities outside, but he wasn't. He couldn't have seen them anyway, because the tears that had threatened the entire morning finally followed through with their threat, making his vision a blur.
Obi-Wan felt he had to counteract his moment of weakness and blast Master Jinn for what he had done to him. He thought of the most viperous hateful untrue words to come up with and that is what he relayed to his former guardian.
"I don't know what to believe Mr. Qui-Gon . Not anymore at least.. Oh I forgot. Here is that stupid old rock. I was stupid to think it was so important and Owen was even more stupid for trusting you to give him anything force sensitive or otherwise. It is just a rock of no importance. It wouldn't have saved Owen anyway. He believed in myths and magic of the Jedi. See where that got him. Oh, and I know just who lead him to believe all that junk. That junk that ended up taking his life for he thought himself a superman not doubt."
Qui-Gon staggered with the anger that hit him. No one had ever dared called his former apprentice stupid.
Why would the one person who vowed to have cared the most for Owen call him stupid. Jinn, not familiar with the workings of a young one not blessed with the force or in Obi-Wan's case had his force suppressed, didn't know it was a way for the boy to vent his anger and hurt. But in no way did he mean any of what he said about Owen and unbeknownst to Qui-Gon, about him either.
Jinn bounded a crossed the room to where Obi now stood.
"Little you know of your cousin if you think him stupid. Maybe I should not even toy with the idea that I could take you and help you with your problems."
"Problems. The only problem I have is that neither you or anyone else wants me. How can you help? If you don't want me, I can't change that and neither can you Mr. Qui-Gon."
"It is not that I don't *want* you? There are other *things* to be dealt with other than a place to stay. I just can't go into it right now. However, what I will tell you is that no one should ever call Owen stupid. He died as any Jedi, with honor and dignity. Just as your mother. Now I want the foolishness stopped so we can deal with things that are important."
"Mr. Qui-Gon" brought home a point that was valid. Obi knew he didn't mean what he said about Owen. Tears managed to find their way to his eyes once again. The stress on the child was too much, especially since his force abilities still unknown to him were coming back with a vengeance . Until they were under control they could do more harm to the child than good. Another known fact for Obi-Wan was that he knew he didn't mean what he said to "Mr. Qui-Gon" either. Right now the boy wanted to be as close to the master as he could, even though Jinn managed to elicit some harsh thoughts and words from the boy.
After Qui-Gon regained from his anger that he realized was unwarranted. Obi-Wan spewed out anything he thought capable of hurting the master because of his own anger. Master Jinn knelt back in front of where the child now stood.
"Listen Obi-Wan. I have done something of which I did not think through too clearly and I think you have done the same. For instance what you said about Owen. I know how much you really cared for him."
"Obi-Wan stood and fidgeted with his fingers intertwining them only to undo them and start all over.
"Yes well, you are right Mr. Qui-Gon. I cared a lot for Owen and I should never have taken his lucky rock from him. I mean I figured that is why you don't want to keep me."
"Oh, why is that little one?
Jinn could not make any sense from the boy's words. He spoke so rapidly his words were hard to make out. The tears and sobs did not help to clarify his speech either.
"I caused Owen's death. Oh I say you did and I often blame the Jedi, but I know it is my fault that he died. I didn't want him to go and he gave me the rock. He said if I had it hit would mean he would return for he treasured that rock you gave him."
Pain struck the master's heart as if a saber had landed a deathly blow. To remember how much respect and love he gleaned from his apprentice overpowered the master emotionally.
It wasn't just the pain brought on by the memory of his now dead apprentice, there was also pain because he realized Obi-Wan wrongly blamed himself for Owen's death. He knew from personal experience what heart wrenching and devastating result it could be on anyone. However, he imagined it was even worse for a young one to carry such misplaced guilt.
With the sobs that now racked the boy's body along with the rapid speech took all the master's concentration to understand what he was saying. He did not here Dooku call him so when the child was snatched out from under him it startled Qui-Gon..
Jinn's first instinct was to go for the child but was held back with a blaster put to his head by one of Dooku's other guards.
Obi-Wan kicked and screamed. He had more to say to Mr. Qui-Gon that he felt had t be said just in case something happened to him as it had Owen. *Then* would be too late to tell "Mr. Qui-Gon" how he really felt.
"MR. QUI-GON" I DIDN'T MEAN…."
A harsh rough hand clamped over the boy's mouth as one of Dooku's men dragged Obi-Wan off and away from Master Jinn.
The truth of how he felt toward Qui-Gon, was silenced at Dooku's command………..
It had been a grueling day for Selena Lars and Master Jinn. Mr. Lars had been sent back to his cell for he had no force and that was Dooku looked for. First they traveled to the far side of the planet. Qui-Gon become increasingly apprehensive about this; going so far from the child. Not that his closeness could do anything to help Obi-Wan right now, but still he thought he could send some reassurance through the force if he were only in closer proximity of the little future Jedi.
He noticed while he confronted and buffered the reality around Obi-Wan during their ten minutes together, Master Jinn could at least reach for the force and some of it came to him. While not sure what it meant something was either wrong with the force collar he was wearing or if Dooku had them made they were not of a quality he had experienced before. They dimmed the master's abilities but did not deplete them entirely. Jinn wanted to practice with his force and see what powers he had but now was not the time to do it.
//No, tonight in the cell when the lights go out, I will see what I can do then. I will however see if Selena noticed a weak link in her force collar as well. That may be the what we need to get out of here alive. //
Dooku's ship finally landed in a remote area nestled and hidden with trees and shrubs. It looked like someone had intentionally cleared a path of trees and underbrush to form, at best a very primitive landing strip for a ship, Dooku's ship. Whatever plan Dooku had for the Jedi it had been well thought through and acted upon. Jinn knew without a doubt Dooku's men cleared this path for the ship to land, probably unnoticed by the townspeople.
What came next shocked the Jedi Master and Selena both. Not only did it shock him, he realized Dooku planned to make him a criminal a rogue Jedi of sorts until he could notify the temple otherwise they might suspect he had turned to the dark himself.
//I have a couple of friends at the temple Surely Mace, Adi and most of all, Master Yoda will not believe that somehow I turned to the dark side on a way to a mission. A crècheling's fairy tale would be more believable. Plo Koon now that council master is a different story entirely.. He may want to order a "strike to kill warrant" on me or something. Offer a bounty even, whether he believed the accusation of my treason against the Jedi or not. //
Jinn mentally smiled at the thought of Plo Koon printing up wanted poster for him even though he knew it was not a humorous matter.
While in the city close to where they landed Qui-Gon and Selena had their collars removed and with a comm in his hand to reach back home to where Obi and Delon were held, Dooku gave them a command to be followed through or else. The or *else* was the death of the two people held closest to their hearts,. The two Jedi or one Jedi and one force sensitive former Jedi robbed three banks. Luckily the people in the city were smart and with the help of Jedi mind manipulation, Qui-Gon and Selena managed to rob all three without a shot being fired. Of course that is what Dooku wanted. Not that he didn't have the force to do it. He just didn't want to do the dirty work. //I suppose he doesn't want his picture dawning a warrant poster." thought Master Jinn. "He just wants to reap the rewards while we do the *dirty work* for him.// Jinn knew a couple of the people who stood in line. One was a senate diplomat who Jinn helped during a treaty dispute . Now it would only be a matter of hours and he would be a wanted man, until he could clear it up with the temple.
Once their dirty work was done. and the ship on its path home, Jinn went to the fresher on board and washed his hands. *Wash* was a mild word for what he did. He scrubbed his hands using scalding hot water to clean the fifth Dooku had placed there with his demand of him to engage in a robbery of innocent people.
//Of course I had not choice. Dooku would have killed Delon Lars and Obi-Wan if Selena and I did not do exactly as he said. But I feel so demoralized, my Jedi master title tarnished, although I know I had to do it, it was still just as unpleasant. The fear and stunned surprise I saw on the people's faces as they clearly recognized me a Jedi master, guardian of the peace or so they thought, robbing them of their life's saving. //
Master Jinn shook his head as if to shake the terror of his memories right out of his mind. Nevertheless he was unsuccessful and the horrific images of the fear he caused laid there like smoldering embers of a fire within his mind.
It was a disdainful job but one necessary to keep Obi-Wan and Lars alive. Qui-Gon swore to himself when he got all four of them to safety the one thing that would be done by him personally was to see that the people of the community at all three banks got every single credit back due them.
//If I have to call on the council to see it is all repaid I will. If we can manage an escape soon that won't be necessary. Dooku won't have time to spend any of the credits. I think now he wants to collect all he can but for what reason I don't know. I think he has concocted a more gruesome and heinous plan and credits in large quantities are needed. He will be extremely thrifty until then.//
Jinn touched the smooth cold metal force collar on his neck as a reminder that he too might be hold an ace card. Dooku had two hostages in Obi-Wan and Deleon Lars, but if Jinn was not terribly mistaken he had found a weakness in the collar. Enough that he might be able to work around it even deactivate the collar with his powers.
//I will just have to be patient and do some investigating tonight.//
He had managed to talk to Selena enough that he knew she too experienced some of the force bleeding through even with the collar. Qui-Gon recommended she test her abilities with the collar on tonight in her own cell. She just had to be very careful she was not discovered and Dooku did not suspect something. Dooku was far from unwise. However, his one slip up may prove to the collar's inability to block all of the force powers the Jedi possess.
When they got almost back to Dooku's "Den of Thieves" compound it was as if Dooku knew what was on Master's Jinn's mind.
"You will be happy to know that *your* child did not reap any punishment on himself. On the contrary. His guards told me earlier today, the Kenobi child hadn't moved from the position landed in when he threw him to the cot."
First and foremost in Qui-Gon's mind was if Obi-Wan was hurt. He couldn't imagine the guard being delicate when he pitched him to the little cot.
"Don't worry yourself Qui-Gon. The guard assured me the child was not injured when he threw him. Maybe the wind was not knocked of him, nothing more. No, seems he misses you .He just pines away like a love-sick puppy missing his master. Are you the master of that little *pup* Obi-Wan. Is that what is wrong with you?"
Jinn ignored the last remark that oozed with sarcasm. Maybe in someway Obi-Wan with his midichlorian level on the rise and his abilities awakening, he did get a sense of regret that Master Jinn was not there. After all, there was a hint of a connection between the two. Jinn felt it and understood it but Obi while he felt it he did not understand that the connection could bring with it the sense of misery he was going through.
Master Dooku had hoped to goad Master Jinn into an exchange of words and waited, but nothing came from the big master's mouth. He was too absorbed with worried thoughts for the little one back in the cell.
"Alright Qui-Gon have it your way, for now. We will just have to see how the boy is. Then again maybe during last-meal since your are not willing to tell how you and he are connected, with a little *force* behind it I can convince the Kenobi boy too reveal your little secret."
Jinn got the feeling Count Dooku meant to imply two meanings behind the word *force*; *Force* as in the force of which they both were blessed with and *force* as in some violent painful way to extract the truth from the youngest Jedi in the group.........
Qui-Gon hoped to find his former ward in a better mood at last-meal. However he wasn't. If possible he was in a more cranky mood than before. The words lost when the guards took him away were lost for ever. He refused to tell Master Jinn what he started to say "I didn't mean it". He didn't mean the harsh words, but unclear thinking hampered his reasonable "Obi self", if he ever had a reasonable self.
If nothing else Qui-Gon hoped for a peaceful last-meal followed by the privacy of their cell. Maybe then I can speak with the boy. The Jedi master hoped Dooku had forgotten his words that came in a definite threat to Obi-Wan, made earlier on the transport ship..
The only words spoken by Dooku all during last meal was to prod Obi-Wan into eating. The boy still refused . His physical condition eroding as quickly as h is mental condition was. Jinn needed to make mental contact and leaf the child through this difficult time. It would not have presented a problem had his force abilities not been suppressed since almost birth. He would have gradually adjust to their growth but now….
//I am not even sure what might happen to the boy during this transition especially without someone to guide him. //
Selena had her own worries as well for her nephew but her concern her husband and their new child at home waiting for her return superceded any thoughts of Obi-Wan.. She in no way planned to jeopardize her own life not because of herself, but because what the child she had at home. She tried not to look into the pained face of her nephew at the moment. Even if she could she wouldn't help him. She was unwilling to do anything that might result in her or her husband's death.
Count Dooku pushed his chair back, stretched his legs out under the table, and rested both hands on his chest, clasped together. He planted a stare on Obi-Wan and continued it until Master Jinn himself stopped eating. Qui-Gon could not help but think that the former Jedi master was possibly thinking of his words said earlier about Obi-Wan. He knew if Count Dooku decided to follow through with them he certainly had the "guts" to do so.
Dooku finally broke his gaze directed at Obi-Wan to in turn focus his attention Master Jinn.
"Think I should engage in a little investigation with your little *Jedi pup*? He still seems to look a little peaked. Sure the boy hasn't been ill. Maybe as his care givers, you have failed to pay close attention to his health."
Dooku had stumbled on a nickname he evidently thought was humorous and now intended to use it. After all who would dare stop him?
In his most complacent voice, Jinn tried to avert Count Dooku's attention away from Obi-Wan to…anything; anything but the little innocent child who right now was having the most difficult time of handling his own problems within his mind.
"Dooku, leave the child alone. His health has never been overlooked and neither Selena or I have ignore anything about him. Why even taunt him? Obi-Wan doesn't know anything. He isn't even a Jedi. Yes, he was under my care until I gave him back to his aunt. We were not even together on the ship. They had no idea I was even on it. Selena can verify what I have said."
Master Jinn's eyes met Selena's only for a second before she immediately dropped them to stare at her plate before her.. She did not want to be drawn into any disagreement especially between Jinn and Dooku. She did not want to reveal to Dooku the truth about Obi-Wan but on the other hand she did not want to be caught in a lie. A lie that might cost her very life. She would never return home to her new baby.
Dooku got up from his chair and walked over to where Selena was. He put a large hand on each of her shoulders and squeezed very hard.
"Did you not hear me Knight Kenobi.? That was your name in the Jedi wasn't it. If I remember correctly you had a sister, a twin sister who was also a Jedi Knight Kenobi. I assume she was the mother to Obi-Wan, am I correct?
Selena only nodded her head in agreement. Terror filled her because she didn't know what to say lies or the truth. Either way one them, Obi or she could wind up in a great deal of trouble.
Delon Lars jumped up in indignant rage. He would not have his wife harmed by this ruthless rogue Jedi.
As he slammed his napkin to the table and tried to rise from his seat, he was meant with quick resistance in a form of a blaster shot from a crossed the room. Thankfully it only hit his arm, but the confusion an chaos that ensued was more distressing.
Dooku immediately stepped back in shock, still not sure what happened. His guard immediately explained that he thought Delon Lars was going to attack him and did what he thought necessary to stop it.
Dooku gratefully nodded his agreement and looked at the injured man.
"Well you shot him. You take him to the healer on hand here. See that he's fixed up proper. I don't want him dead, at least not right now. After that, see that he is returned promptly to his cell. Wouldn't want to add undue stress to his little wife, Selena now would we. See how congenial I can be Knight Selena Kenob? Only when I want to be. Might serve you well to remember that; "Only when I want to be."
Selena was now gripped with terror. Shivers went down her spine with the repeat of Dooku's words. She had no doubt the man could be as cruel as Jedi were compassionate. All one would have to do is cross him or even give his the perception of betrayal and the *Ax would fall*.
She would have been willing to tell anything to Dooku, if he asked. But after the altercation between his guard and Lars, he seemed to become bored with all of them at his table.
"You may all go back to the cell. I have had enough excitement for today. I need some rest and solitude. However, I have no plans for tomorrow and I will find out what I asked about tonight. Someone better start thinking of who is going to tell the truth. If not, the boy over there will suffer the consequences of your silence. Now take them back, make sure their collars are on properly and that the cell doors are securely locked. I don't need any surprise attacks tonight?"
Selena continued to worry about her husband.
"Can I go to the healers with him?"
"I don't have enough men to spare a couple extra to watch you while you play babysitter to your husband.. As soon as he is patched up he will be retuned to his cell. Don't worry *Knight Kenobi*, I don't plan to inflict any serious torture on him . Oh no, I plan to save all my energies for the child over there, if you or Jinn's tongues don't loosen up enough tomorrow to tell me what I want to know."
With that said, the three were led to their cells and Lars still with no word spoken was taken to the healer on duty. Dooku was plainly taunting Selena Kenobi over her station in the Jedi before she left.
Selena left the dining hall, worried for her husband and also knowing she would reveal Obi' secret in the morning if Dooku asked. She would not take chances on her life or her husband's. She would have liked to have conveyed that to Qui-Gon so maybe he could prepare for it a little but there was no time to do so.
Through all of the mayhem, Obi-Wan had remained totally silent. Confusion replaced reasoning in his little mind. He was unsure what was happening to him.
Qui-Gon had two very prominent problems he knew he must deal with that evening. He touched the collar again as they were being escorted back to their cell in dead silence. He wanted to test the force collar out to see what it lacked and just how powerful it was. The Jedi master also wanted to lend comfort to Obi-Wan and find some way, without being overheard by Dooku, to let Obi-Wan know the confusion he was experiencing right now had a reason and a name; increased force abilities. It was a natural but difficult and even uncomfortable progression of his force abilities and increased midichlorians being too rapidly introduced to his mind and body.
Obi-Wan Kenobi was being transformed into a Jedi, only at an increased acceleration, due to the medication he had been on throughout his life. In more simpler terms, Obi-Wan Kenobi was becoming a Jedi at a rapid and unhealthy speed!!!.
A future Jedi…Well Obi-Wan was equipped for it in that he too possessed the force abilities and ever-growing midichlorians. Jinn just had to lead him down the path through apprenticeship. If that was what Obi-Wan truly wanted, then he was now willing to help him walk that path…….
PEACE ewen