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
************************************************************
The Jedi had followed the signal at Yoda's command. The message had gone out from the medical bay ordering them to descend upon the long forgotten transport station to intercept the sith. Even though the revelation of their enemy had come as a shock, the knights and masters had relied upon their training, setting aside their own misgivings and instead trusting the Force without question. Yoda had instructed them to take what prisoners they could but to eliminate any that resisted. A nervous energy flowed over the group as they moved into position.
Very few of the knights had ever traveled to this level of Coruscant. It was a grim, filth covered pit of crime as sub-species struggled to maintain some level of existence. Each Jedi moved, keeping his or her senses on high alert not only to the threat of the sith, but also the threat of attack coming from the inhabitants of this level.
Apparently the location of the station had been pinpointed using a tracker which had been attached to the Chancellor's new ship. How the Chancellor's ship had been linked to the sith had not yet been revealed but there was great speculation. It was equally surprising to find that the signal had been traced to a remote transport station long forgotten by the republic or at least that was what the Jedi had believed. Now though the individuals taking up position realized that it was indeed a different story. The station was up and completely operational with the latest repair and launch technologies. There were several ships located within the facility which were newer models.
Once the Jedi had successfully deactivated the hyper-drives on each of the ships, they then set up a surveillance net and defense parameter hoping to catch as many of the sith as possible as they entered the structure and allowing none to escape.
Glancing from side to side, Plo Koon found himself amazed at the number of knights and masters assembled. He wondered why Master Yoda had directed them here to the transport station instead of the base which had to exist somewhere near by.
Reaching out the Master sensed nothing, but of course he found himself hesitant to rely completely on what he had always felt in the Force. He had felt something tremendous pass through him only a short time before. He realized that all those around him must have experienced the same phenomena. It had begun like a slight tremor but had grown in intensity. He wondered if the sith had caused it but somehow couldn't believe that anything that bright and powerful could come from the dark side of the Force. When the call had come from Yoda he had expected it to be a call for a Council meeting in order to examine what had transpired in the Force. Instead now he found himself heading up a group of Jedi, rushing into battle in order to head off a faction of sith that he had failed realize existed.
His thoughts were interrupted by the sound of foot steps drawing nearer. As they all paused listening, each Jedi sensed as much as heard the solitary set of steps quickly evolve into two then three and finally into what sounded like a thundering multitude of individuals coming their way. It was alarming that there were so many and yet each Jedi knew that this was their moment to stop this threat in its tracks.
This was not what Plo had expected and glancing at his fellow defenders he saw the same surprise registering in their expressions as well. How could there be so many? How could he have not sensed them? As the first individual entered the chamber it was obvious that the sith had sorely out maneuvered the Jedi over the past few years. As the rest of the beings raced into their trap, the Jedi ignited their sabers in unison. The sith halted immediately moving into a defensive stance. If the Jedi's presence had come as a surprise to the apprentices, they had failed to revealed that fact.
Plo noticed the youth of the beings before him. It was obvious that these were students. He wondered how many years they had been training for this day. He wondered where the masters and experienced members of the sith order were. He couldn't imagine these students lasting long against the Jedi assembled before them.
Plo watched as one Knight charged out to confront a Twi'lek only to be bested in eight moves. The Twi'lek moved without hesitation and his aim was sure and true. It was painful for the Jedi to witness one of their members fall, but the lesson was well learned by the others. They could not be fooled by the age of their opponents. These were sith. They had learned to win without regard for any ideas of fair play. They were treacherous calling upon the darkness to empower them to dispel the light. They were ruthless and vicious. Plo reconsidered his earlier assessment of their foes and reached out to the Force drawing it in for strength and protection. Something told him there would be few prisoners this day but very many casualties.
"Drop your sabers and surrender." Ki Adi Mundi's voice echoed through the bay. There was an intense moment of silence as all the occupants of the station waited with rapped attention for the first saber to fall. It never did. The battle was on.
**************************
"We need to get Mace to the Healer's Wing." Qui-Gon announced as his friend finally succumbed to his body's desires and lost consciousness.
"I have to find Adi." Obi-Wan declared meeting the man's eyes. Qui-Gon recognized the urgency in the Knight's plea.
"I can take him up the lifts we arrived in." Bant declared. "I'm not sure exactly how to find the way, but-
"I can show you." Pratell declared. "I can lead you to the top floors and help you get this man to your healers." Obi-Wan nodded.
"Thank you Pratell." He smiled sincerely, "Bant." He said turning to his friend. "You must protect Pratell. I'm not sure what exactly is occurring but I feel a great disturbance in the Force. I believe our Knights are attacking the fleeing sith. I don't want anyone misunderstanding Pratell's allegiance in all of this." Bant nodded.
"Perhaps she shouldn't go alone." Siri confided. In all honesty she was still struggling with the idea of trusting the Twi'lek. She hated the idea of Bant being alone with the sith let alone struggling with an injured Master as well. Obi-Wan felt Siri's conflicted feelings and understood.
"Garin go with them. We have trusted Pratell and she has proven herself worthy, now it is our turn to show that her trust is well placed in us." Fully aware of what his friend would soon face, Garin hesitated for a moment not wanting to leave Obi-Wan's side. Seeing the Knight's resolve though he finally nodded and moved toward Bant, Obi-Wan registered the emotions that had swept across his friend's face. "We'll be okay." He reassured his friend. Siri and Qui-Gon matched his confidence with similar nods of assurance.
Levitating the Master from the floor, Obi-Wan easily transferred his efforts to Bant. She continued to keep the Master afloat while Pratell quickly rushed down the corridor leading them to the distant lifts.
"Garin help me." Bant called struggling slightly to keep the Master aloft. Garin immediately added his talents to the task. Once he saw that the Master was stable, Garin, ignited his saber and rushed along side Bant ready for any attack that might be launched their way. He fought the urge to turn and take one last look back at the group they were leaving behind. He didn't want to think about the fact that he may never see them again. He released his anxiety into the Force and continued on determined to protect the sith as well as to get the Master to the Healer's Wing. It was what Obi-Wan had asked him to do. He would not fail him.
Obi-Wan and Qui-Gon stood watching their friends disappears down the corridor they had all just moments before raced down themselves.
"I have a bad feeling about this." Siri stated causing them both to turn and consider her.
"Good then were perfectly safe." Obi-Wan joked. "You're feelings have never been right."
"Have too." Siri declared. "I'm always right."
"Never." Obi-Wan commented with complete confidence. "The only time you have ever been right was when you felt certain we would fail our astronavigation final and we all did. But I do believe the fact that none of us had found the time to study for the test may have influenced the accuracy of your prediction."
"That's not true-" She began but was interrupted.
"Can we postpone this argument until after we have managed to capture the dark lord?" Qui-Gon asked sounding a bit frustrated with the situation. He felt anxious for his padawan and vulnerable now that they were down to three in their party.
"How are we going to find Dooku and Adi?" Siri asked. "With Pratell gone it could take us days."
Obi-Wan closed his eyes reaching out. He had felt her before and knew now what he was looking for. He sent out his awareness down the various corridors and behind the myriad of doors until he found the one he was looking for. He was getting better at this. He could tell. Each passing moment increased his skill and confidence level.
Qui-Gon and Siri watched him with undivided attention. They realized what he was doing but marveled at the ease by which he accomplished it. It was amazing to see. He fairly glowed with the Force as he touch and manipulated it.
Qui-Gon knew the moment that the knight found Adi. Obi-Wan smiled in spite of their circumstances. It was the same smile that the Master had seen back on Tiress. He then watched as the Knight's face grew grave and then resolved. A moment later Qui-Gon found himself staring into the determined green eyes he had come to love.
"We don't have to worry about Dooku anymore." He announced. "He's dead." Siri felt her throat tighten. She wanted to believe that Master Galia had managed it but knew from the way Obi-Wan was acting that it had been the other one.
"He has her?" Qui-Gon asked. Obi-Wan nodded slightly obviously struggling to remain calm in the face of this new revelation.
"Let's move." Obi-Wan announced.
"What will you do?" Siri asked as she fell in behind her friend struggling to keep up with his pace.
"I've no idea." He announced sounding more like the Knight she loved than the mythical Chosen One. She had to laugh at that.
"Well it won't be the first time we've flown by the seat of our pants." She announced.
"The Force will guide us." Qui-Gon assured them both. He felt it. He hoped that they did as well. The Force was guiding them. They just had to trust it.
******************
Pratell quickly led the two Knights to the hidden lifts. She was surprised that this had been the way that they had managed to enter the secure area. She had always been told that even though they led to the active level of the Senate Building, no one was aware of their existence any longer. She was beginning to get real glimpses of Sidious and Dooku's arrogance. She wondered how much their arrogance and under estimation of the Jedi had led to this entire debacle. It had earned her the freedom that she had sought but at the same time no doubt would in the end cost many their lives.
She had never allowed herself to form any close ties to her fellow students. For one reason such attachments were highly discouraged. Feelings of companionship only made beings weak. She had heard that so many times in her days spent in the training facility. The other reason she had not formed any friendships had been the character of most of the individuals which she came into contact with. On a rare occasion she would come across a being that like her had been lured here under false pretenses and now felt trapped in a life that they didn't want.
Most of these individuals though failed some test early on and disappeared. She envied them at first but later on when the true treachery of the dark lord had been revealed she found that she sympathized for them instead. Most of the students seemed to embrace the teachings. They seem either oblivious to its evil intent or merely passive towards it. It was confusing and alarming all at the same time. How could anyone really remain passive or apathetic when faced with evil? She had tried to escape so many times but now finally, because of the Chosen One, she had succeeded. She was free of this place and the dark lord once and for all.
She heard a muffled moan coming from the Master who lay suspended in mid air between the two Knights.
"What do you think they did to him?" Bant asked.
"Burned him." Garin said softly. "Shocked him." He shook his head wondering for a moment about the well being of both Siri and Obi-Wan. He had a sudden flash seeing them both on the floor as they had just found Master Windu. They were both burned and unconscious, Garin shuddered at the image.
"Garin!" Bant called.
"Hm?" Garin replied pulling himself out of his thoughts his eyes though remained still slightly unfocused.
"I was trying to get your attention. Where did you go?" Bant asked her irritation evident.
"No where what did you want?" He asked swallowing his concern forcing his voice to sound stronger than he felt.
"I said that we are here. How do you think we should proceed to insure Pratell and Master Windu's safety?" Garin looked over and met the sith's stare. She was honestly the least of his concerns at the moment. He was far more concerned about depositing Master Windu in the Healer's Wing safely then getting back to his friends as quickly as possible.
Just as he was about to voice his thoughts he considered Obi-Wan's words. Pratell had trusted them. She had turned on all that she had ever learned to help them in their pursuit of the sith. It was time that the Jedi show this sith the honor of the Order. He wondered how many times she had been deceived or betrayed in her life. He refused to be the first to undermine her new found faith.
"Pratell." He addressed her. She stiffened but continued to meet his gaze. "Bant will lead us. Master Windu will follow then you will be in front of me. That way it is obvious that you are coming along voluntarily and pose no threat." Pratell nodded falling back in position behind the Master's body. "It also allows me a better position to protect you if need be." He added softly as she glanced back over her shoulder smiling slightly at his remark.
"I can take care of myself." Pratell responded sounding slightly defensive.
"I'm sure you can and you may just have to, but for now it would be best if you kept your saber in your belt and tried to look harmless." He suggested. Pratell smirked but obeyed. She had expected to be left behind at the lifts. She had expected that once they were out of the sight of the Chosen One that the Knights would turn on her or give her over as a prisoner, but now she saw that the Jedi operated differently than what Dooku and Sidious had claimed.
She had felt betrayed by the Jedi when they had not returned for her as a child. It had made it easier to believe the lies that she had been told upon reaching the training facility. Now though she saw them for what they were. It had all been lies. The Jedi were a noble lot who kept their word and truly did strive to serve with honor and justice.
As they passed several other Jedi having entered the Temple complex, Pratell felt her mind racing and her eyes darting nervously about. She could feel the subtle probes against her shields and wondered how long it would take before they were breached.
Bant set the pace. It was somewhere between a walk and a jog. She was concerned about jostling the Master too much in his already fragile condition. Pratell found herself wishing that they were going faster but knew that had she been asked to lead she too would have set a similar pace out of concern for the injured man. The probing continued causing the young Twi'leks anxiety to grown.
She suddenly felt a comforting hand on her waist and knew it was the Knight jogging behind her.
"They are all just curious. There is no threat. Relax. All will be well." His voice was deep and comforting. Even though she was suddenly running down the halls of the very Temple she had been trained to fear and destroy, Pratell found herself incredibly calm. Something about the Jedi's voice convinced her. As long as she remained with him all would be well.
******************************
"He is on his way you know." Sidious hissed running his thin finger along the young woman's jaw. She jerked her head away in spite of the searing pain the movement caused through her damaged shoulder. Sidious grabbed her chin and held it tightly in his grip forcing her to meet his gaze. "What do you think he will do?" He asked taunting her.
"We both know what he will do." She spat back. "Do you think he will choose you?" He mocked. She tried to look away but he refused to let her. Instead he brought his mouth up suddenly and covered her lips. Adi clenched her jaw struggling to pull away from the evil man. He pushed her away as violently as he had taken her moments before. She gasped then spat in his face. Sidious sneered as he raised his hand to wipe the woman's spittle from him face.
"You are a challenge." He hissed a note of admiration in his voice. He regarded her for a moment the leer in his eye unnerving her a bit. "I love a challenge though. I would enjoy nothing more than breaking your spirit bit by bit until you were once and for all mine." His putrid breath caused the young woman to gag reflexively. The evil one merely laughed at her discomfort.
"You are beaten Sidious." She announced gaining her full attention again. She had found her center and refused to be bullied anymore. "He will beat you."
"It will cost him your life." He quipped bitterly.
"I can't think of a better reason to die." She stated smugly. Her confidence was unnerving the dark lord. He didn't want to admit it but he could see that unless this matter was handled perfectly he would lose everything. Perhaps this was not the time for this confrontation. Perhaps it would be best to take the Master and flee. He could then lure Kenobi into a trap instead of relying on his feelings for the woman alone to be his undoing.
"What's the matter Sidious or should I just call you Palpatine? Seeing the writing on the wall?" Adi smiled in spite of her pain. She could see the man beginning to unravel. She might not be able to save herself or prevent the confrontation that was coming but she could inflict this bit of damage and buy Obi-Wan some advantage.
"Shut up." He hissed turning away from the Master to consider his situation more clearly.
"It's over. You've lost. Do you really think that the Senate won't find out who has been serving at its helm? Do you really think that the Jedi won't revise their candidate search procedures? Do you really believe your students will escape? Your time is over before it began." Adi continued driving in the nails of the doomed man's coffin.
"With the Chosen One I will be unstoppable." Sidious hissed back at the Master.
"But you will never have him." She declared confidently.
"And neither will you." He screamed throwing his hand out before Adi could steel herself against the assault. She felt the wave of energy burn through her flesh, stealing the breath from her lungs and numbing her injured body. She knew this was her end. She knew there would be no saving her now. In the last moments before the darkness took her she managed to realize that her plan had worked. Obi-Wan would no longer have to make the choice. She had made the decision for him. She would not be the cause of his death or his fall. He was safe.
************************************************************************
Thanks to my son who is a wonderful and invaluable technical advisor in all things Star Wars. He has the memory that I so desperately need. We are finally getting close. I want to thank all of you for the reviews. Wow it was so great to get so many. I know a few of you are experiencing some problems accessing the story and leaving reviews. I have brought this to the attention of fanfiction but so far nothing has been resolved. I appreciate your patience and determination to not let it deter you from seeking out the story though. Wish I had a good solution, but I don't. So far I have only gotten a couple of negatives to the sequel idea. It will be a while before it happens but I am thinking that the way the story is setting up to end there will be room for one. Yes I think I have it figured out now much to my own relief. Thanks again for your loyalty. It is such a pleasure to write for such a great group. Until next week..Jesse
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
************************************************************
The Jedi had followed the signal at Yoda's command. The message had gone out from the medical bay ordering them to descend upon the long forgotten transport station to intercept the sith. Even though the revelation of their enemy had come as a shock, the knights and masters had relied upon their training, setting aside their own misgivings and instead trusting the Force without question. Yoda had instructed them to take what prisoners they could but to eliminate any that resisted. A nervous energy flowed over the group as they moved into position.
Very few of the knights had ever traveled to this level of Coruscant. It was a grim, filth covered pit of crime as sub-species struggled to maintain some level of existence. Each Jedi moved, keeping his or her senses on high alert not only to the threat of the sith, but also the threat of attack coming from the inhabitants of this level.
Apparently the location of the station had been pinpointed using a tracker which had been attached to the Chancellor's new ship. How the Chancellor's ship had been linked to the sith had not yet been revealed but there was great speculation. It was equally surprising to find that the signal had been traced to a remote transport station long forgotten by the republic or at least that was what the Jedi had believed. Now though the individuals taking up position realized that it was indeed a different story. The station was up and completely operational with the latest repair and launch technologies. There were several ships located within the facility which were newer models.
Once the Jedi had successfully deactivated the hyper-drives on each of the ships, they then set up a surveillance net and defense parameter hoping to catch as many of the sith as possible as they entered the structure and allowing none to escape.
Glancing from side to side, Plo Koon found himself amazed at the number of knights and masters assembled. He wondered why Master Yoda had directed them here to the transport station instead of the base which had to exist somewhere near by.
Reaching out the Master sensed nothing, but of course he found himself hesitant to rely completely on what he had always felt in the Force. He had felt something tremendous pass through him only a short time before. He realized that all those around him must have experienced the same phenomena. It had begun like a slight tremor but had grown in intensity. He wondered if the sith had caused it but somehow couldn't believe that anything that bright and powerful could come from the dark side of the Force. When the call had come from Yoda he had expected it to be a call for a Council meeting in order to examine what had transpired in the Force. Instead now he found himself heading up a group of Jedi, rushing into battle in order to head off a faction of sith that he had failed realize existed.
His thoughts were interrupted by the sound of foot steps drawing nearer. As they all paused listening, each Jedi sensed as much as heard the solitary set of steps quickly evolve into two then three and finally into what sounded like a thundering multitude of individuals coming their way. It was alarming that there were so many and yet each Jedi knew that this was their moment to stop this threat in its tracks.
This was not what Plo had expected and glancing at his fellow defenders he saw the same surprise registering in their expressions as well. How could there be so many? How could he have not sensed them? As the first individual entered the chamber it was obvious that the sith had sorely out maneuvered the Jedi over the past few years. As the rest of the beings raced into their trap, the Jedi ignited their sabers in unison. The sith halted immediately moving into a defensive stance. If the Jedi's presence had come as a surprise to the apprentices, they had failed to revealed that fact.
Plo noticed the youth of the beings before him. It was obvious that these were students. He wondered how many years they had been training for this day. He wondered where the masters and experienced members of the sith order were. He couldn't imagine these students lasting long against the Jedi assembled before them.
Plo watched as one Knight charged out to confront a Twi'lek only to be bested in eight moves. The Twi'lek moved without hesitation and his aim was sure and true. It was painful for the Jedi to witness one of their members fall, but the lesson was well learned by the others. They could not be fooled by the age of their opponents. These were sith. They had learned to win without regard for any ideas of fair play. They were treacherous calling upon the darkness to empower them to dispel the light. They were ruthless and vicious. Plo reconsidered his earlier assessment of their foes and reached out to the Force drawing it in for strength and protection. Something told him there would be few prisoners this day but very many casualties.
"Drop your sabers and surrender." Ki Adi Mundi's voice echoed through the bay. There was an intense moment of silence as all the occupants of the station waited with rapped attention for the first saber to fall. It never did. The battle was on.
**************************
"We need to get Mace to the Healer's Wing." Qui-Gon announced as his friend finally succumbed to his body's desires and lost consciousness.
"I have to find Adi." Obi-Wan declared meeting the man's eyes. Qui-Gon recognized the urgency in the Knight's plea.
"I can take him up the lifts we arrived in." Bant declared. "I'm not sure exactly how to find the way, but-
"I can show you." Pratell declared. "I can lead you to the top floors and help you get this man to your healers." Obi-Wan nodded.
"Thank you Pratell." He smiled sincerely, "Bant." He said turning to his friend. "You must protect Pratell. I'm not sure what exactly is occurring but I feel a great disturbance in the Force. I believe our Knights are attacking the fleeing sith. I don't want anyone misunderstanding Pratell's allegiance in all of this." Bant nodded.
"Perhaps she shouldn't go alone." Siri confided. In all honesty she was still struggling with the idea of trusting the Twi'lek. She hated the idea of Bant being alone with the sith let alone struggling with an injured Master as well. Obi-Wan felt Siri's conflicted feelings and understood.
"Garin go with them. We have trusted Pratell and she has proven herself worthy, now it is our turn to show that her trust is well placed in us." Fully aware of what his friend would soon face, Garin hesitated for a moment not wanting to leave Obi-Wan's side. Seeing the Knight's resolve though he finally nodded and moved toward Bant, Obi-Wan registered the emotions that had swept across his friend's face. "We'll be okay." He reassured his friend. Siri and Qui-Gon matched his confidence with similar nods of assurance.
Levitating the Master from the floor, Obi-Wan easily transferred his efforts to Bant. She continued to keep the Master afloat while Pratell quickly rushed down the corridor leading them to the distant lifts.
"Garin help me." Bant called struggling slightly to keep the Master aloft. Garin immediately added his talents to the task. Once he saw that the Master was stable, Garin, ignited his saber and rushed along side Bant ready for any attack that might be launched their way. He fought the urge to turn and take one last look back at the group they were leaving behind. He didn't want to think about the fact that he may never see them again. He released his anxiety into the Force and continued on determined to protect the sith as well as to get the Master to the Healer's Wing. It was what Obi-Wan had asked him to do. He would not fail him.
Obi-Wan and Qui-Gon stood watching their friends disappears down the corridor they had all just moments before raced down themselves.
"I have a bad feeling about this." Siri stated causing them both to turn and consider her.
"Good then were perfectly safe." Obi-Wan joked. "You're feelings have never been right."
"Have too." Siri declared. "I'm always right."
"Never." Obi-Wan commented with complete confidence. "The only time you have ever been right was when you felt certain we would fail our astronavigation final and we all did. But I do believe the fact that none of us had found the time to study for the test may have influenced the accuracy of your prediction."
"That's not true-" She began but was interrupted.
"Can we postpone this argument until after we have managed to capture the dark lord?" Qui-Gon asked sounding a bit frustrated with the situation. He felt anxious for his padawan and vulnerable now that they were down to three in their party.
"How are we going to find Dooku and Adi?" Siri asked. "With Pratell gone it could take us days."
Obi-Wan closed his eyes reaching out. He had felt her before and knew now what he was looking for. He sent out his awareness down the various corridors and behind the myriad of doors until he found the one he was looking for. He was getting better at this. He could tell. Each passing moment increased his skill and confidence level.
Qui-Gon and Siri watched him with undivided attention. They realized what he was doing but marveled at the ease by which he accomplished it. It was amazing to see. He fairly glowed with the Force as he touch and manipulated it.
Qui-Gon knew the moment that the knight found Adi. Obi-Wan smiled in spite of their circumstances. It was the same smile that the Master had seen back on Tiress. He then watched as the Knight's face grew grave and then resolved. A moment later Qui-Gon found himself staring into the determined green eyes he had come to love.
"We don't have to worry about Dooku anymore." He announced. "He's dead." Siri felt her throat tighten. She wanted to believe that Master Galia had managed it but knew from the way Obi-Wan was acting that it had been the other one.
"He has her?" Qui-Gon asked. Obi-Wan nodded slightly obviously struggling to remain calm in the face of this new revelation.
"Let's move." Obi-Wan announced.
"What will you do?" Siri asked as she fell in behind her friend struggling to keep up with his pace.
"I've no idea." He announced sounding more like the Knight she loved than the mythical Chosen One. She had to laugh at that.
"Well it won't be the first time we've flown by the seat of our pants." She announced.
"The Force will guide us." Qui-Gon assured them both. He felt it. He hoped that they did as well. The Force was guiding them. They just had to trust it.
******************
Pratell quickly led the two Knights to the hidden lifts. She was surprised that this had been the way that they had managed to enter the secure area. She had always been told that even though they led to the active level of the Senate Building, no one was aware of their existence any longer. She was beginning to get real glimpses of Sidious and Dooku's arrogance. She wondered how much their arrogance and under estimation of the Jedi had led to this entire debacle. It had earned her the freedom that she had sought but at the same time no doubt would in the end cost many their lives.
She had never allowed herself to form any close ties to her fellow students. For one reason such attachments were highly discouraged. Feelings of companionship only made beings weak. She had heard that so many times in her days spent in the training facility. The other reason she had not formed any friendships had been the character of most of the individuals which she came into contact with. On a rare occasion she would come across a being that like her had been lured here under false pretenses and now felt trapped in a life that they didn't want.
Most of these individuals though failed some test early on and disappeared. She envied them at first but later on when the true treachery of the dark lord had been revealed she found that she sympathized for them instead. Most of the students seemed to embrace the teachings. They seem either oblivious to its evil intent or merely passive towards it. It was confusing and alarming all at the same time. How could anyone really remain passive or apathetic when faced with evil? She had tried to escape so many times but now finally, because of the Chosen One, she had succeeded. She was free of this place and the dark lord once and for all.
She heard a muffled moan coming from the Master who lay suspended in mid air between the two Knights.
"What do you think they did to him?" Bant asked.
"Burned him." Garin said softly. "Shocked him." He shook his head wondering for a moment about the well being of both Siri and Obi-Wan. He had a sudden flash seeing them both on the floor as they had just found Master Windu. They were both burned and unconscious, Garin shuddered at the image.
"Garin!" Bant called.
"Hm?" Garin replied pulling himself out of his thoughts his eyes though remained still slightly unfocused.
"I was trying to get your attention. Where did you go?" Bant asked her irritation evident.
"No where what did you want?" He asked swallowing his concern forcing his voice to sound stronger than he felt.
"I said that we are here. How do you think we should proceed to insure Pratell and Master Windu's safety?" Garin looked over and met the sith's stare. She was honestly the least of his concerns at the moment. He was far more concerned about depositing Master Windu in the Healer's Wing safely then getting back to his friends as quickly as possible.
Just as he was about to voice his thoughts he considered Obi-Wan's words. Pratell had trusted them. She had turned on all that she had ever learned to help them in their pursuit of the sith. It was time that the Jedi show this sith the honor of the Order. He wondered how many times she had been deceived or betrayed in her life. He refused to be the first to undermine her new found faith.
"Pratell." He addressed her. She stiffened but continued to meet his gaze. "Bant will lead us. Master Windu will follow then you will be in front of me. That way it is obvious that you are coming along voluntarily and pose no threat." Pratell nodded falling back in position behind the Master's body. "It also allows me a better position to protect you if need be." He added softly as she glanced back over her shoulder smiling slightly at his remark.
"I can take care of myself." Pratell responded sounding slightly defensive.
"I'm sure you can and you may just have to, but for now it would be best if you kept your saber in your belt and tried to look harmless." He suggested. Pratell smirked but obeyed. She had expected to be left behind at the lifts. She had expected that once they were out of the sight of the Chosen One that the Knights would turn on her or give her over as a prisoner, but now she saw that the Jedi operated differently than what Dooku and Sidious had claimed.
She had felt betrayed by the Jedi when they had not returned for her as a child. It had made it easier to believe the lies that she had been told upon reaching the training facility. Now though she saw them for what they were. It had all been lies. The Jedi were a noble lot who kept their word and truly did strive to serve with honor and justice.
As they passed several other Jedi having entered the Temple complex, Pratell felt her mind racing and her eyes darting nervously about. She could feel the subtle probes against her shields and wondered how long it would take before they were breached.
Bant set the pace. It was somewhere between a walk and a jog. She was concerned about jostling the Master too much in his already fragile condition. Pratell found herself wishing that they were going faster but knew that had she been asked to lead she too would have set a similar pace out of concern for the injured man. The probing continued causing the young Twi'leks anxiety to grown.
She suddenly felt a comforting hand on her waist and knew it was the Knight jogging behind her.
"They are all just curious. There is no threat. Relax. All will be well." His voice was deep and comforting. Even though she was suddenly running down the halls of the very Temple she had been trained to fear and destroy, Pratell found herself incredibly calm. Something about the Jedi's voice convinced her. As long as she remained with him all would be well.
******************************
"He is on his way you know." Sidious hissed running his thin finger along the young woman's jaw. She jerked her head away in spite of the searing pain the movement caused through her damaged shoulder. Sidious grabbed her chin and held it tightly in his grip forcing her to meet his gaze. "What do you think he will do?" He asked taunting her.
"We both know what he will do." She spat back. "Do you think he will choose you?" He mocked. She tried to look away but he refused to let her. Instead he brought his mouth up suddenly and covered her lips. Adi clenched her jaw struggling to pull away from the evil man. He pushed her away as violently as he had taken her moments before. She gasped then spat in his face. Sidious sneered as he raised his hand to wipe the woman's spittle from him face.
"You are a challenge." He hissed a note of admiration in his voice. He regarded her for a moment the leer in his eye unnerving her a bit. "I love a challenge though. I would enjoy nothing more than breaking your spirit bit by bit until you were once and for all mine." His putrid breath caused the young woman to gag reflexively. The evil one merely laughed at her discomfort.
"You are beaten Sidious." She announced gaining her full attention again. She had found her center and refused to be bullied anymore. "He will beat you."
"It will cost him your life." He quipped bitterly.
"I can't think of a better reason to die." She stated smugly. Her confidence was unnerving the dark lord. He didn't want to admit it but he could see that unless this matter was handled perfectly he would lose everything. Perhaps this was not the time for this confrontation. Perhaps it would be best to take the Master and flee. He could then lure Kenobi into a trap instead of relying on his feelings for the woman alone to be his undoing.
"What's the matter Sidious or should I just call you Palpatine? Seeing the writing on the wall?" Adi smiled in spite of her pain. She could see the man beginning to unravel. She might not be able to save herself or prevent the confrontation that was coming but she could inflict this bit of damage and buy Obi-Wan some advantage.
"Shut up." He hissed turning away from the Master to consider his situation more clearly.
"It's over. You've lost. Do you really think that the Senate won't find out who has been serving at its helm? Do you really think that the Jedi won't revise their candidate search procedures? Do you really believe your students will escape? Your time is over before it began." Adi continued driving in the nails of the doomed man's coffin.
"With the Chosen One I will be unstoppable." Sidious hissed back at the Master.
"But you will never have him." She declared confidently.
"And neither will you." He screamed throwing his hand out before Adi could steel herself against the assault. She felt the wave of energy burn through her flesh, stealing the breath from her lungs and numbing her injured body. She knew this was her end. She knew there would be no saving her now. In the last moments before the darkness took her she managed to realize that her plan had worked. Obi-Wan would no longer have to make the choice. She had made the decision for him. She would not be the cause of his death or his fall. He was safe.
************************************************************************
Thanks to my son who is a wonderful and invaluable technical advisor in all things Star Wars. He has the memory that I so desperately need. We are finally getting close. I want to thank all of you for the reviews. Wow it was so great to get so many. I know a few of you are experiencing some problems accessing the story and leaving reviews. I have brought this to the attention of fanfiction but so far nothing has been resolved. I appreciate your patience and determination to not let it deter you from seeking out the story though. Wish I had a good solution, but I don't. So far I have only gotten a couple of negatives to the sequel idea. It will be a while before it happens but I am thinking that the way the story is setting up to end there will be room for one. Yes I think I have it figured out now much to my own relief. Thanks again for your loyalty. It is such a pleasure to write for such a great group. Until next week..Jesse
