Title: Hidden Shadows Seeking Light
Rating: I wish I knew. I am putting it at PG-13 just because I don't know any better and would rather err on the safe side.
Genre: Drama/Mild Angst
Feedback: I would love to get feedback on this story. I would appreciate it if everyone would put down their flame throwers though because this is only my second time out and I know I made mistakes on the first story and have no doubt I will make many on this one. I need constructive criticism so that I will get better not mean comments that will only serve to make me cry. I thank each and every one of the readers who take the time to review this story. I love fan fiction and hope to write stories that can entertain others as much as their stories have entertained me.
Disclaimer: I own none of the characters in this story. They are, were and will always belong to Mr. George Lucas creator of an amazing universe. Not only does this story contain elements of the universe that Mr. Lucas created but also the Alternate Universe (AU) found in a wonderful story called An Untimely Frost by CYNICAL21.
Just to a little guide as to what things mean:
/-/ Bond thought //-// Private thought "-" Speaking aloud
************************************************************
Anakin stared up searching his Master's eyes. He wanted to memorize the way the man looked at him now. He feared that once he revealed all that he had been withholding from the man that he would never again see the affection that he found now as his Master gazed down upon him. Qui-Gon could sense the boy's apparent apprehension and wanted to encourage as well as comfort him, but knew that it was past time for either. He knew that this was a defining moment for the boy. It was important that he reveal all that he had to share and be willing to face whatever consequences might come. It was only when he was willing to expose himself and become vulnerable that he could ever learn to trust.
Anakin took a deep breath trying to figure out the best way to start. He realized that there was no good way to divulge this information so he just decided to come at it straight on.
"Master I have been tainted by darkness." He stopped watching for Qui-Gon reaction. When he saw none he faltered a moment then continued. "It has been going on for some time. I believe that it is why the sith targeted me." He stopped and waited. Qui-Gon nodded thoughtfully.
"Why have you opened yourself to the darkness Anakin?" He began. "We have had many conversations over the last year discussing its dangers." Anakin looked to the floor. How could he make Qui-Gon understand?
"I thought that the darkness would scare me but instead if comforted me." He admitted not looking up from the floor. Qui-Gon decided to let it go for the moment.
"Comforted you how?" He was curious now.
"I was never like you. I was never like Obi-Wan. I always felt anger, hatred, bitterness, and fear. They are a part of me. I can't remember a time when they weren't. They saved me when I was with Watto and even before. They warned me and protected me. Suddenly when I became your padawan I was asked to forsake them and yet the harder I tried the more they called to me. They accepted me when you could not." His voice was soft but on his final words he managed to look up into his Master's eyes.
"I always accepted you." Qui-Gon defended.
"You accepted me but never for what I was only for what you thought I could become." Qui-Gon knew that this was true on more than one level. He nodded accepting the boy's words.
"Anakin we can be only that which we have the potential to become and sometimes we do not even manage that much." He watched as the boy seemed to wince at his words. He had not meant them to add to the guilt the boy was experiencing. He reached out and lifted Anakin's face until they were looking into each other's eyes. "You have a destiny Anakin. You may feel that it lies only in darkness but I can assure you that there is good in you. I am glad you are my padawan Anakin. I see such potential in you, but you have to want to be a Jedi. Do you remember on the transport when I asked you if you wanted to be a Jedi?" Anakin nodded remembering his meditation and even then knowing that the darkness was calling to him. "Why did you want it then?"
"I wanted to free my Mother. I wanted to be powerful. I wanted others to fear me as I had feared so many other beings who had owned me or ordered me around. I wanted to be in control." His voice held a confidence that he didn't feel.
"So it wasn't about serving others but serving yourself?" Qui-Gon asked softly.
"Well I wanted to free my mother that was to serve someone else." Anakin defended.
"But you wanted to free your mother because of your own desire not any leading from the Force." Qui-Gon added. Anakin nodded looking down to the floor.
"Maybe the Force is wrong sometimes. Maybe we can't always trust it." It was hard for Qui-Gon to make out his words he was speaking so softly.
"It all comes down to trust Anakin. You either trust the Force or you don't." Qui-Gon stated emphatically.
Anakin reached out for a moment and called the Force around him. He felt it move around him and fill him. It surrounded him and comforted him. It spoke to him like an old friend. He could feel its leading and its power.
"I want to trust it, but trusting doesn't seem to come as easily for me as it does for you or for Obi-Wan." He glanced up releasing his tight hold on the Force.
"There is wisdom in your words Anakin but just because it is more difficult for someone to trust doesn't mean that they can't learn to trust. Think about Obi-Wan for a moment. You know what happened between the two of us, but still he trusts me."
"Not as much." Anakin piped in causing the Master to wince a bit in the face of such honesty.
"I'm sure you are right and yet he continues to try. And because he chooses to dwell on that which is good instead of that which is not, he succeeds. Your focus determines your reality. A Jedi doesn't give in to the temptation of the darkness. He cannot be lured by its promises of power, riches, and glory. A Jedi does not crave these things. We don't seek personal acclaim. We are satisfied to serve unnoticed trusting that our existence does in fact make a difference even though we may never see that difference with our own eyes."
"I want to be a hero." Anakin firmly announced.
"Then you will never be a true Jedi. There are many Jedi who are heroes but none who would ever consider themselves to be so or even yearn for the title. Anakin I am going to ask you to spend some time in meditation when we get to the Temple. I will be leaving you in Master Yoda's charge for a short time. You must consider if you truly want to be a Jedi." Qui-Gon's expression was solemn but kind.
"What will happen to me if I choose not to become one? What will become of my mother?" He asked.
"Anakin I will not leave you. I will make sure that you are safe whatever you decide. I promised your Mother that I would take care of you. A Jedi honors his promises." Qui-Gon paused remembered vividly the ones he had broken to his ex-padawan. "As for your Mother perhaps we could work something out for her. I really can't make any promises, but your decision must be about the Force's will and not your own. This has to be about you and not your Mother. " Anakin nodded. It was then that they heard the signal alerting the passengers that the ship was leaving hyperspace.
"Are we back on Coruscant?" Anakin asked wondering once more about his future.
"Yes. We will be landing very shortly. I am going forward to check on matters in the cockpit. I'm going to have to reattach your collar just until we reach the Temple." Qui-Gon moved to replace the collar.
"Please don't." Anakin raised his hand to stop the Master. "It feels like a slave collar." He stated. Qui-Gon hated putting the boy through this but he couldn't risk Anakin sensing the sith and giving them away. He also didn't feel comfortable having him so near a sith after the boy's admission. He clicked the collar into place.
"I'm sorry Anakin I really have no choice." Anakin followed his Master from the medical bay to the cockpit area feeling a slave to the Force.
****************************
Something was missing. He searched his mind for what it was. He could feel the answer sitting on the tip of his brain and yet he couldn't seem to grasp it. He ran through all the things it could be. He could be hurt. His head was a bit sore but it wasn't serious. He could be lost. He didn't feel lost. He was on a ship he knew that. It was then that he realized that the sound of the hyperdrive was missing. They must be in system now. He swallowed wetting his parched throat as he opened his eyes. The bright lights of the medical bay blinded him for a moment.
Kial was sitting in the far corner watching him. They regarded one another for a long moment before the sith spoke.
"Your finally wake." He sneered his eyes filled with contempt.
"I bet nothing gets past you." Obi-Wan returned sarcastically wanting to rub the back of his head but refusing to give the sith the pleasure.
"You won't be so smart once Lord Sidious is finished with you." Kial said menacingly. Obi-Wan wanted to show a little more false bravado but realized he was in fact too concerned about Sidious to pull it off. He decided to remain silent.
He felt comforted knowing that the tracking signal should be reaching the Jedi Temple soon if it hadn't already been picked up. Where ever the sith were taking him it wouldn't be a secret for long. Obi-Wan wondered if the Sith was still on board the Jedi's ship and if they had confronted him yet. He wondered what Qui-Gon's plan would have been once he had realized that the man was an imposter. He hoped that his ex-Master would have relayed the message to Adi. The threats of the sith concerning the woman still fresh in the Knight's mind.
He pushed thoughts of the woman immediately from his mind. He knew that his concern for her safety would be his undoing. He still had so much ahead of him. He couldn't risk any distraction. He heard the sith's boots scrape across the flooring. Looking up he now found himself face to face with the evil being. Leaning in Kial was cautious to keep his eyes trained on the Knight's hands. He didn't want any further surprises.
"You will turn Obi-Wan Kenobi or Sidious will grant you a slow and painful death." His breath was rancid and Obi-Wan flinched at the smell of it. He refused to look away from the sith's eyes. Obi-Wan had somehow always been aware that he would one day face this moment. All his life he had trained to remain anchored to the light. He tightened his grip on it with determined resolve.
He watched as Kial exited the room. As he heard the door swish closed he reached into his boot and held fast to the collar. Reaching out to the Force he sought out the strength he would need to face the challenges before him. He felt the Force sing around him the strange powerful humming bringing a smile to his face. Deepening his hold on the connection he sought the courage that he knew he would need to face his death as a true Jedi Knight.
*************************
The ship was finishing up its landing procedures when Qui-Gon noticed a movement down the main corridor. Realizing who it was immediately he called out, "Obi-Wan." He waited as he watched the sith stiffen then plaster a pleasant smile upon his face before turning to regard the Master.
"Yes Master?" He replied feeling pressure to get off of the ship and away from these meddling Jedi as soon as possible. He could barely tolerate listening to their blasted Council meetings he secretly taped. This close contact had proven to be too much.
It felt like Festival to the old man. He had a special gift waiting for him at his real home. A gift that would one day be more of a son to him than any other had been, he could hardly wait to break the Knight and claim him as his own.
"I'm sure the Council will be wanting to meet with us once we arrive." Qui- Gon watched the other man closely. "We haven't checked the communication cue yet but I'm sure we will have a few hours yet before we get a chance to relax a bit. Master Yoda will be taking Anakin to the Healers. I'm afraid you, Adi and I will be in that Council Chambers for quite a while." Sidious stiffened at the revelation.
"Master I understand of course the need for my presence but isn't there some way that this could be postponed?" Qui-Gon had the opportunity he needed. He paused and realized perhaps he had missed his calling in theater arts as he did so. After what appeared great consideration he spoke to the Knight.
"I'm sure that the Council will not allow us to postpone." He paused again as if working it out. "But surely after all you have endured they would be willing to hear our report before yours. I don't see why you can't return to your quarters for a short time." He smiled brightly at the Knight as if finally pleased with his solution. "Yes. You will go to your quarters and rest until summoned. I believe you will have an hour or so before the Council will summon you. I will see to that." He winked then turned away feeling his heart clinched. He hated this sith. He hated pretending that he was his precious Obi-Wan. He glanced once more over his shoulder fighting the urge to kill the being where he stood.
Qui-Gon knew that if he gave into his personal desires to separate the sith from his head, they might never find Obi-Wan. It was a risk he was not willing to take. Taking a deep breath he made his way to where Adi was waiting. They would both leave the ship and set up a point of surveillance. Once the sith departed the vessel they would follow him. They had to find the knight before more harm came to him.
Qui-Gon pushed away the conflict he felt. He knew that Anakin needed him now as well. He was just a boy and once examined would be questioned further by Yoda. Qui-Gon knew that Yoda would be firm but fair to the boy. Even if he accompanied his young Padawan, Qui-Gon knew he would not be admitted during the questioning, but somehow felt that his presence outside the room would be comforting to the boy anyway.
Looking up he saw Adi standing at the hatch waiting for him. She raised his pack and stared out at him with grim and determined blue eyes.
Qui-Gon felt buoyed to be fighting for Obi-Wan standing next to one who obviously cared for him so deeply. He felt embarrassed that he had at first harbored immature feelings of envy at their relationship. He had made so many mistakes when it came to the Knight. It was a wonder that the man tolerated him at all and yet he did and he always would.
"Where is he?" Adi asked softly as they started down the ramp.
"I'm sure in his cabin reveling in our stupidity as he boldly walks into our trap." Qui-Gon smiled and Adi smiled back. She couldn't wait to exact a bit of pay back from the sith for all the pain he had inflicted upon not only Anakin but her beloved Knight as well. She got a bitter taste in her mouth as she remembered their few shared kisses. She had a bit of pain to inflict on her own behalf as well.
"Then let's get out of sight. I'd hate to disappoint the man." She quipped.
***************************
"What kind of signal?" Mace asked sounding both confused and frustrated as he stared at the Padawan assigned to the Temple communications center. He was fairly new to the center but being a Dolphitric, a marine based species from a watery planet on the other side of the galaxy, the padawan brought to the center a unique set of skills that made it hard for the Master to question what the young man was telling him.
"It isn't on the screen yet Master Windu but I can assure you that I am personally picking up a definite signal being transmitted on our exclusive frequency." Dolphitrics, like most marine life, possessed an inborn natural radar that gave them a distinct advantage even over the most sophisticated scanning equipment.
Mace furrowed his brow. Who would need to use a Jedi signally device on Coruscant? He couldn't imagine. He wasn't aware of any missions that were even ongoing on planet. They used a different frequency for diplomatic distress calls so that eliminated any of the political officials. He was just about to ask the communications manager to up the power to the communications grid when his comlink came to life.
Hearing the sound of Yoda's voice he suddenly knew who was sending the signal.
"Once the signal stabilizes pinpoint its exact location and notify me immediately." He threw over his shoulder as he rushed out the door heading toward the Healers. "Nice work Padawan Qrrqui." He threw over his shoulder missing the smile that suddenly appeared on the Dolphitric's face.
Mace respected Master Yoda's request to keep his return confidential until they spoke privately. Mace had felt the need to alert the Council immediately but knew that he had very limited information concerning the situation with the sith. He would have to trust the old Master. It bothered him though that the older Master wanted to keep things from the Council. This did not sound like the Yoda he had worked with all these years. This sounded more like something that Qui-Gon would desire. Mace hoped that Jinn hadn't led the older master astray.
Shaking his head he realized how ridiculous that thought was to even consider. Of course Yoda would never be led astray. He never acted without full confirmation from the Force. That thought brought Mace more discomfort than his previous one. If Yoda was acting in conjunction with the Force than perhaps there was a problem with the Council. Could a sith have infiltrated their governing body? Mace paused at the lifts waiting. He ran through the faces of his fellow Council members. He could never suspect any of them of any darkness. He reached out himself to the Force hoping to learn what it was that the other Master already knew.
The lift doors opened and Mace broke his connection. He would know soon enough. He would have to trust Yoda. It wasn't a hard thing to do. He had never known the Master to be wrong. He knew that in the dark days that were coming, Yoda's connection to the light and the Force would be needed more than ever. In the dark hours of evening Mace at times found himself filled with trepidation at the thought of the Jedi losing Master Yoda. He wondered who it was that they would be able to turn to for guidance in the absence of one so strong in the Force. It had only been a few months ago that during mediation the Force itself had revealed who possessed such ability.
Mace had not been surprised to learn that the Force was leading him to Kenobi. He was young but had always stood out as a future leader of the Jedi. He had always had quite the fan club in the Temple. He smiled in spite of the situation remembering all the mooning females and beaming Masters. His smile faded realizing that Yoda had been headed to the Healers. Obi-Wan had been taken by the sith. As the pieces of the puzzle began to take form, Mace quickened his steps. He had a very bad feeling about this.
*****************
Well it is going better. I appreciate all the reviews and emails expressing your support. You really can't know what that means to me. It is a relief to know that you all want this story to be as good as I hope it will turn out. Now that we are finally off those ships and on Coruscant things should pick up. I will try to get a post up next Saturday. Hope you all enjoy this one. It is a bit of a transition but they have to happen or else well we'd never have left Coruscant in the first place right? And what fun would that have been? Have a great week and thanks again for the reviews. They really are helpful to me!!!
Rating: I wish I knew. I am putting it at PG-13 just because I don't know any better and would rather err on the safe side.
Genre: Drama/Mild Angst
Feedback: I would love to get feedback on this story. I would appreciate it if everyone would put down their flame throwers though because this is only my second time out and I know I made mistakes on the first story and have no doubt I will make many on this one. I need constructive criticism so that I will get better not mean comments that will only serve to make me cry. I thank each and every one of the readers who take the time to review this story. I love fan fiction and hope to write stories that can entertain others as much as their stories have entertained me.
Disclaimer: I own none of the characters in this story. They are, were and will always belong to Mr. George Lucas creator of an amazing universe. Not only does this story contain elements of the universe that Mr. Lucas created but also the Alternate Universe (AU) found in a wonderful story called An Untimely Frost by CYNICAL21.
Just to a little guide as to what things mean:
/-/ Bond thought //-// Private thought "-" Speaking aloud
************************************************************
Anakin stared up searching his Master's eyes. He wanted to memorize the way the man looked at him now. He feared that once he revealed all that he had been withholding from the man that he would never again see the affection that he found now as his Master gazed down upon him. Qui-Gon could sense the boy's apparent apprehension and wanted to encourage as well as comfort him, but knew that it was past time for either. He knew that this was a defining moment for the boy. It was important that he reveal all that he had to share and be willing to face whatever consequences might come. It was only when he was willing to expose himself and become vulnerable that he could ever learn to trust.
Anakin took a deep breath trying to figure out the best way to start. He realized that there was no good way to divulge this information so he just decided to come at it straight on.
"Master I have been tainted by darkness." He stopped watching for Qui-Gon reaction. When he saw none he faltered a moment then continued. "It has been going on for some time. I believe that it is why the sith targeted me." He stopped and waited. Qui-Gon nodded thoughtfully.
"Why have you opened yourself to the darkness Anakin?" He began. "We have had many conversations over the last year discussing its dangers." Anakin looked to the floor. How could he make Qui-Gon understand?
"I thought that the darkness would scare me but instead if comforted me." He admitted not looking up from the floor. Qui-Gon decided to let it go for the moment.
"Comforted you how?" He was curious now.
"I was never like you. I was never like Obi-Wan. I always felt anger, hatred, bitterness, and fear. They are a part of me. I can't remember a time when they weren't. They saved me when I was with Watto and even before. They warned me and protected me. Suddenly when I became your padawan I was asked to forsake them and yet the harder I tried the more they called to me. They accepted me when you could not." His voice was soft but on his final words he managed to look up into his Master's eyes.
"I always accepted you." Qui-Gon defended.
"You accepted me but never for what I was only for what you thought I could become." Qui-Gon knew that this was true on more than one level. He nodded accepting the boy's words.
"Anakin we can be only that which we have the potential to become and sometimes we do not even manage that much." He watched as the boy seemed to wince at his words. He had not meant them to add to the guilt the boy was experiencing. He reached out and lifted Anakin's face until they were looking into each other's eyes. "You have a destiny Anakin. You may feel that it lies only in darkness but I can assure you that there is good in you. I am glad you are my padawan Anakin. I see such potential in you, but you have to want to be a Jedi. Do you remember on the transport when I asked you if you wanted to be a Jedi?" Anakin nodded remembering his meditation and even then knowing that the darkness was calling to him. "Why did you want it then?"
"I wanted to free my Mother. I wanted to be powerful. I wanted others to fear me as I had feared so many other beings who had owned me or ordered me around. I wanted to be in control." His voice held a confidence that he didn't feel.
"So it wasn't about serving others but serving yourself?" Qui-Gon asked softly.
"Well I wanted to free my mother that was to serve someone else." Anakin defended.
"But you wanted to free your mother because of your own desire not any leading from the Force." Qui-Gon added. Anakin nodded looking down to the floor.
"Maybe the Force is wrong sometimes. Maybe we can't always trust it." It was hard for Qui-Gon to make out his words he was speaking so softly.
"It all comes down to trust Anakin. You either trust the Force or you don't." Qui-Gon stated emphatically.
Anakin reached out for a moment and called the Force around him. He felt it move around him and fill him. It surrounded him and comforted him. It spoke to him like an old friend. He could feel its leading and its power.
"I want to trust it, but trusting doesn't seem to come as easily for me as it does for you or for Obi-Wan." He glanced up releasing his tight hold on the Force.
"There is wisdom in your words Anakin but just because it is more difficult for someone to trust doesn't mean that they can't learn to trust. Think about Obi-Wan for a moment. You know what happened between the two of us, but still he trusts me."
"Not as much." Anakin piped in causing the Master to wince a bit in the face of such honesty.
"I'm sure you are right and yet he continues to try. And because he chooses to dwell on that which is good instead of that which is not, he succeeds. Your focus determines your reality. A Jedi doesn't give in to the temptation of the darkness. He cannot be lured by its promises of power, riches, and glory. A Jedi does not crave these things. We don't seek personal acclaim. We are satisfied to serve unnoticed trusting that our existence does in fact make a difference even though we may never see that difference with our own eyes."
"I want to be a hero." Anakin firmly announced.
"Then you will never be a true Jedi. There are many Jedi who are heroes but none who would ever consider themselves to be so or even yearn for the title. Anakin I am going to ask you to spend some time in meditation when we get to the Temple. I will be leaving you in Master Yoda's charge for a short time. You must consider if you truly want to be a Jedi." Qui-Gon's expression was solemn but kind.
"What will happen to me if I choose not to become one? What will become of my mother?" He asked.
"Anakin I will not leave you. I will make sure that you are safe whatever you decide. I promised your Mother that I would take care of you. A Jedi honors his promises." Qui-Gon paused remembered vividly the ones he had broken to his ex-padawan. "As for your Mother perhaps we could work something out for her. I really can't make any promises, but your decision must be about the Force's will and not your own. This has to be about you and not your Mother. " Anakin nodded. It was then that they heard the signal alerting the passengers that the ship was leaving hyperspace.
"Are we back on Coruscant?" Anakin asked wondering once more about his future.
"Yes. We will be landing very shortly. I am going forward to check on matters in the cockpit. I'm going to have to reattach your collar just until we reach the Temple." Qui-Gon moved to replace the collar.
"Please don't." Anakin raised his hand to stop the Master. "It feels like a slave collar." He stated. Qui-Gon hated putting the boy through this but he couldn't risk Anakin sensing the sith and giving them away. He also didn't feel comfortable having him so near a sith after the boy's admission. He clicked the collar into place.
"I'm sorry Anakin I really have no choice." Anakin followed his Master from the medical bay to the cockpit area feeling a slave to the Force.
****************************
Something was missing. He searched his mind for what it was. He could feel the answer sitting on the tip of his brain and yet he couldn't seem to grasp it. He ran through all the things it could be. He could be hurt. His head was a bit sore but it wasn't serious. He could be lost. He didn't feel lost. He was on a ship he knew that. It was then that he realized that the sound of the hyperdrive was missing. They must be in system now. He swallowed wetting his parched throat as he opened his eyes. The bright lights of the medical bay blinded him for a moment.
Kial was sitting in the far corner watching him. They regarded one another for a long moment before the sith spoke.
"Your finally wake." He sneered his eyes filled with contempt.
"I bet nothing gets past you." Obi-Wan returned sarcastically wanting to rub the back of his head but refusing to give the sith the pleasure.
"You won't be so smart once Lord Sidious is finished with you." Kial said menacingly. Obi-Wan wanted to show a little more false bravado but realized he was in fact too concerned about Sidious to pull it off. He decided to remain silent.
He felt comforted knowing that the tracking signal should be reaching the Jedi Temple soon if it hadn't already been picked up. Where ever the sith were taking him it wouldn't be a secret for long. Obi-Wan wondered if the Sith was still on board the Jedi's ship and if they had confronted him yet. He wondered what Qui-Gon's plan would have been once he had realized that the man was an imposter. He hoped that his ex-Master would have relayed the message to Adi. The threats of the sith concerning the woman still fresh in the Knight's mind.
He pushed thoughts of the woman immediately from his mind. He knew that his concern for her safety would be his undoing. He still had so much ahead of him. He couldn't risk any distraction. He heard the sith's boots scrape across the flooring. Looking up he now found himself face to face with the evil being. Leaning in Kial was cautious to keep his eyes trained on the Knight's hands. He didn't want any further surprises.
"You will turn Obi-Wan Kenobi or Sidious will grant you a slow and painful death." His breath was rancid and Obi-Wan flinched at the smell of it. He refused to look away from the sith's eyes. Obi-Wan had somehow always been aware that he would one day face this moment. All his life he had trained to remain anchored to the light. He tightened his grip on it with determined resolve.
He watched as Kial exited the room. As he heard the door swish closed he reached into his boot and held fast to the collar. Reaching out to the Force he sought out the strength he would need to face the challenges before him. He felt the Force sing around him the strange powerful humming bringing a smile to his face. Deepening his hold on the connection he sought the courage that he knew he would need to face his death as a true Jedi Knight.
*************************
The ship was finishing up its landing procedures when Qui-Gon noticed a movement down the main corridor. Realizing who it was immediately he called out, "Obi-Wan." He waited as he watched the sith stiffen then plaster a pleasant smile upon his face before turning to regard the Master.
"Yes Master?" He replied feeling pressure to get off of the ship and away from these meddling Jedi as soon as possible. He could barely tolerate listening to their blasted Council meetings he secretly taped. This close contact had proven to be too much.
It felt like Festival to the old man. He had a special gift waiting for him at his real home. A gift that would one day be more of a son to him than any other had been, he could hardly wait to break the Knight and claim him as his own.
"I'm sure the Council will be wanting to meet with us once we arrive." Qui- Gon watched the other man closely. "We haven't checked the communication cue yet but I'm sure we will have a few hours yet before we get a chance to relax a bit. Master Yoda will be taking Anakin to the Healers. I'm afraid you, Adi and I will be in that Council Chambers for quite a while." Sidious stiffened at the revelation.
"Master I understand of course the need for my presence but isn't there some way that this could be postponed?" Qui-Gon had the opportunity he needed. He paused and realized perhaps he had missed his calling in theater arts as he did so. After what appeared great consideration he spoke to the Knight.
"I'm sure that the Council will not allow us to postpone." He paused again as if working it out. "But surely after all you have endured they would be willing to hear our report before yours. I don't see why you can't return to your quarters for a short time." He smiled brightly at the Knight as if finally pleased with his solution. "Yes. You will go to your quarters and rest until summoned. I believe you will have an hour or so before the Council will summon you. I will see to that." He winked then turned away feeling his heart clinched. He hated this sith. He hated pretending that he was his precious Obi-Wan. He glanced once more over his shoulder fighting the urge to kill the being where he stood.
Qui-Gon knew that if he gave into his personal desires to separate the sith from his head, they might never find Obi-Wan. It was a risk he was not willing to take. Taking a deep breath he made his way to where Adi was waiting. They would both leave the ship and set up a point of surveillance. Once the sith departed the vessel they would follow him. They had to find the knight before more harm came to him.
Qui-Gon pushed away the conflict he felt. He knew that Anakin needed him now as well. He was just a boy and once examined would be questioned further by Yoda. Qui-Gon knew that Yoda would be firm but fair to the boy. Even if he accompanied his young Padawan, Qui-Gon knew he would not be admitted during the questioning, but somehow felt that his presence outside the room would be comforting to the boy anyway.
Looking up he saw Adi standing at the hatch waiting for him. She raised his pack and stared out at him with grim and determined blue eyes.
Qui-Gon felt buoyed to be fighting for Obi-Wan standing next to one who obviously cared for him so deeply. He felt embarrassed that he had at first harbored immature feelings of envy at their relationship. He had made so many mistakes when it came to the Knight. It was a wonder that the man tolerated him at all and yet he did and he always would.
"Where is he?" Adi asked softly as they started down the ramp.
"I'm sure in his cabin reveling in our stupidity as he boldly walks into our trap." Qui-Gon smiled and Adi smiled back. She couldn't wait to exact a bit of pay back from the sith for all the pain he had inflicted upon not only Anakin but her beloved Knight as well. She got a bitter taste in her mouth as she remembered their few shared kisses. She had a bit of pain to inflict on her own behalf as well.
"Then let's get out of sight. I'd hate to disappoint the man." She quipped.
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"What kind of signal?" Mace asked sounding both confused and frustrated as he stared at the Padawan assigned to the Temple communications center. He was fairly new to the center but being a Dolphitric, a marine based species from a watery planet on the other side of the galaxy, the padawan brought to the center a unique set of skills that made it hard for the Master to question what the young man was telling him.
"It isn't on the screen yet Master Windu but I can assure you that I am personally picking up a definite signal being transmitted on our exclusive frequency." Dolphitrics, like most marine life, possessed an inborn natural radar that gave them a distinct advantage even over the most sophisticated scanning equipment.
Mace furrowed his brow. Who would need to use a Jedi signally device on Coruscant? He couldn't imagine. He wasn't aware of any missions that were even ongoing on planet. They used a different frequency for diplomatic distress calls so that eliminated any of the political officials. He was just about to ask the communications manager to up the power to the communications grid when his comlink came to life.
Hearing the sound of Yoda's voice he suddenly knew who was sending the signal.
"Once the signal stabilizes pinpoint its exact location and notify me immediately." He threw over his shoulder as he rushed out the door heading toward the Healers. "Nice work Padawan Qrrqui." He threw over his shoulder missing the smile that suddenly appeared on the Dolphitric's face.
Mace respected Master Yoda's request to keep his return confidential until they spoke privately. Mace had felt the need to alert the Council immediately but knew that he had very limited information concerning the situation with the sith. He would have to trust the old Master. It bothered him though that the older Master wanted to keep things from the Council. This did not sound like the Yoda he had worked with all these years. This sounded more like something that Qui-Gon would desire. Mace hoped that Jinn hadn't led the older master astray.
Shaking his head he realized how ridiculous that thought was to even consider. Of course Yoda would never be led astray. He never acted without full confirmation from the Force. That thought brought Mace more discomfort than his previous one. If Yoda was acting in conjunction with the Force than perhaps there was a problem with the Council. Could a sith have infiltrated their governing body? Mace paused at the lifts waiting. He ran through the faces of his fellow Council members. He could never suspect any of them of any darkness. He reached out himself to the Force hoping to learn what it was that the other Master already knew.
The lift doors opened and Mace broke his connection. He would know soon enough. He would have to trust Yoda. It wasn't a hard thing to do. He had never known the Master to be wrong. He knew that in the dark days that were coming, Yoda's connection to the light and the Force would be needed more than ever. In the dark hours of evening Mace at times found himself filled with trepidation at the thought of the Jedi losing Master Yoda. He wondered who it was that they would be able to turn to for guidance in the absence of one so strong in the Force. It had only been a few months ago that during mediation the Force itself had revealed who possessed such ability.
Mace had not been surprised to learn that the Force was leading him to Kenobi. He was young but had always stood out as a future leader of the Jedi. He had always had quite the fan club in the Temple. He smiled in spite of the situation remembering all the mooning females and beaming Masters. His smile faded realizing that Yoda had been headed to the Healers. Obi-Wan had been taken by the sith. As the pieces of the puzzle began to take form, Mace quickened his steps. He had a very bad feeling about this.
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Well it is going better. I appreciate all the reviews and emails expressing your support. You really can't know what that means to me. It is a relief to know that you all want this story to be as good as I hope it will turn out. Now that we are finally off those ships and on Coruscant things should pick up. I will try to get a post up next Saturday. Hope you all enjoy this one. It is a bit of a transition but they have to happen or else well we'd never have left Coruscant in the first place right? And what fun would that have been? Have a great week and thanks again for the reviews. They really are helpful to me!!!
