Chapter 7 – Unseen Dangers
"I still don't sense or see anything Master. Maybe this wasn't such a good idea after all."
Obi-Wan continued to drive the snow sled forward without acknowledging his Padawan's remark. He thought there might be some truth to what Anakin said though. They'd been driving for over an hour now. Of course, this answered the question of how far the range was on the sonic pulse – quite far – but they still should have found something by now it seemed. Obi-Wan was about to remark on this point when he suddenly noticed a large mountain in the distance. He felt Anakin's excitement through the Force and had to admit that he was almost as elated. Unlike Anakin however, Obi-Wan knew that he needed to temper his excitement. They still hadn't found the scientists yet. Getting overly excited might only lead to more heartbreak later if they didn't find anything. Obi-Wan fought the urge to accelerate the snow sled, instead choosing to proceed cautiously. He felt something slight in the Force but couldn't discern whether it was a warning or not.
"Do you feel that?" Anakin asked.
"I do," Obi-Wan replied. "We must proceed with caution."
Obi-Wan parked the snow sled a few feet from the mountain. He and Anakin dismounted and began a slow search for a cave opening.
"It has to be here," Anakin exclaimed, clearly becoming frustrated with the whole process.
"Patience," was all Obi-Wan said in response. This was of course the most frequent word he uttered to the young Padawan.
"There Master," Anakin said after a few moments.
Obi-Wan turned to see Anakin pointing to a small gleam on the mountain's surface. The odds of this sort of gleam being naturally produced were very slim. Anakin hadn't seen a cave so much as deduced that something unnatural lay that way. Odds were this something unnatural belonged to the missing scientists, as there was no record of living beings on this world. Obi-Wan smiled inwardly at the depth of his Padawan's thinking as he sprinted to catch up with Anakin, who had immediately bolted in that direction. As they moved closer Obi-Wan could see that they were in fact approaching a cave. A water bottle lay on the outer edge of the cave, along with a burned out heat stick, and a heavy cloak. The two Jedi entered the cave to find some electronics components scattered toward the back. Otherwise, they saw no sign that the scientists were still here. The cave had a deserted feel to it, and Obi-Wan felt Anakin's disappointment long before he felt his own. He didn't have long to wallow in disappointment however, as Obi-Wan felt a sudden ping of warning in the Force.
"Go," he yelled to Anakin, but the Padawan was already sprinting out of the cave.
They both ignited their lightsabers, both a brilliant shade of blue, and scanned the area for danger. At first they saw nothing, then Obi-Wan felt a tiny ice ball hit his shoulder. He looked up and saw that an avalanche had started at the mountain's peak and was now moving swiftly toward them. The snow sled seemed too far away, so Obi-Wan simply turned on his heals and took off. Anakin followed. The avalanche sprayed ice balls and sharp shards of ice as it came. Lightsabers still ignited, the Jedi were able to repel most of the ice as they ran, but one shard did get through to slice Anakin's cheek. He didn't even cry out in pain, as running to survival was the only thing that occupied his thoughts.
"Slide," Obi-Wan yelled, realizing there was no way they could outrun this avalanche with the icy terrain beneath their feet.
Anakin sprinted ahead and then leapt, coming to skid across the icy surface of the planet. He was like a rocket, almost losing his balance several times because he was going so fast. Obi-Wan was right behind. The avalanche seemed to barely miss them at every turn, until finally they were clear of the falling ice and snow. Obi-Wan reached out with the Force and Anakin smacked right into an invisible barrier, landing him on his butt. Obi-Wan came to a screeching halt next to him and reached down to help the Padawan up.
"There had to be a better way to stop me than that," Anakin said. His tone was extremely terse.
"Perhaps. But even a Jedi Master must have fun sometimes."
Obi-Wan's slight smile diffused Anakin's anger. Anakin reached out his hand and was helped to his feet. Both Jedi turned back to regard the cave they'd just left. The entrance was completely covered.
"It seems my prediction about this mission becoming difficult is coming true," Anakin said. "What do we do now Master?"
"We were on the right track Padawan. The scientists were definitely there. The question is, were they coming back or had they left for good? My guess is they were intending on coming back."
"So, we should try and clear away the ice and snow until they come back."
"Normally I would agree with you Padawan," Obi-Wan responded, "but in this case I think we should try and track their movements. We could have a hard time clearing the cave. Plus, I think we should take a more proactive approach in finding them. This mission is feeling more and more perilous by the moment. I wish to get away from here as quickly as possible."
"Wow. If I said something like that you'd tell me – patience!"
"Tell you what then. Next time you suggest a plan like this I promise I won't say patience," Obi-Wan replied.
"What will you say?" Anakin asked, catching the playfulness in Obi-Wan's tone.
"I don't know. But I promise it won't be patience."
"Well I guess that's something," Anakin said to close out the exchange, though he wasn't entirely sure he was as amused by the whole thing as Obi-Wan.
The two Jedi just stood there for a long moment before speaking again.
"I'm waiting," Obi-Wan said.
"Waiting for what?" Anakin replied.
"You to start tracking them. I know that opportunities to practice your tracking skills have been few and far between. This will be good practice for you," Obi-Wan stated.
"Always time for a lesson," Anakin remarked dryly.
"Always time for a lesson," Obi-Wan repeated, though his tone was very somber.
Anakin didn't even want to guess what that was about. Obi-Wan just sometimes shifted into a somber and serious mood for no reason that Anakin could fathom. Anakin proceeded back toward the cave, reaching out with the Force to get a sense of which way the scientists may have gone.
"I'd say up Master. There doesn't appear to be any other shelter close by and if the mountain had one cave it is possible it had another."
"I agree. Continue Padawan."
Anakin unhooked his cable launcher and fired it up the side of the mountain. He heard a distant "clank" and pulled tightly to make sure his cord was secure. Obi-Wan had also fired his launcher and now they both began to scale the mountain. It wasn't nearly as difficult as one might have thought given the large degree of ice, which was a good sign in Obi-Wan's mind. If Jedi had trouble climbing the mountain the idea of the scientists having done it became more unlikely. Eventually, there were many natural hand and footholds, to the point where the Jedi barely needed their cables anymore. They both saw a point in the mountain that appeared different somehow from the rest, and proceeded to climb toward it. As they got closer both Jedi could see that this was in fact another cave. Anakin reached the cave first and reached a hand back to help Obi-Wan.
"Who knew age caught up with you so fast," Anakin remarked.
"The swiftness of the young is often a sign of impatience and carelessness," Obi-Wan responded as he took Anakin's hand. "Besides, who says age is catching up with me."
"Certainly not me Master."
"Glad to hear it. I just forgot some extra lessons I was going to give you."
"Then today has been a good day after all."
"Let's make it even better by finding those scientists," Obi-Wan said, as he turned to regard the cave seriously for the first time.
It lacked the lived in feel of the first cave, and at first Obi-Wan wondered if the scientists had been here at all.
"They were here. I see a used heat stick," Anakin said, picking up on Obi-Wan's thoughts through their Master-Apprentice Force bond.
"Good work Padawan. Do you see anything else?"
Obi-Wan could see the heat stick now, along with some scrapings on the cave walls, but nothing else to indicate anyone had been here.
"Nothing," Anakin responded. "Perhaps they moved on rather quickly before making much of an impression."
"Doubtful," Obi-Wan responded. "The previous cave we saw had a very lived in feel to it, as though they left only recently and would return. I doubt they would have had much time or inclination to move again."
"Then where are they?" Anakin asked.
As if in response to his question Anakin felt a tremor in the Force a split second before a large metal pole came crashing toward his head. He ducked and rolled away from the attack but some of the pole still caught him on the shoulder as he dodged. Sensing the danger at the same time as Anakin, Obi-Wan also ducked out of the way of a metal pole. The attacker missed him completely and he managed to give a swift back kick as he came up out of his crouch. Obi-Wan's lightsaber flashed to life with the familiar snap-hiss, and he held the brilliant blue blade out in front in a totally defensive posture.
"Enough Cranner," a slight voice called, though the strain in that voice was evident.
Anakin hadn't managed to ignite his lightsaber, but was all ready to defend against the next attack that never came. Obi-Wan held his lightsaber even higher and gazed on the face of Saya Vil.
"It's alright Anakin. We've found the missing scientists," Obi-Wan said. "Dr. Zib, you can come out. As I'm sure you've discovered, we mean you no harm."
Cranner Zib stepped out of the shadows carrying a heavy metal pole.
"How would I know that? Just because you look the part of a Jedi?
"No," Obi-Wan responded. "Because we acted the part of a Jedi. My Padawan could have drawn his lightsaber and killed you easily, but he exercised remarkable restraint. That is the part of a Jedi."
Obi-Wan felt Anakin's eyes regarding him intensely for a long moment. They both knew that Obi-Wan had just stretched the truth somewhat. Obi-Wan didn't care about that though. He'd sensed Anakin's shame at not having anticipated the attack sooner, and hoped to help the Padawan. He also sensed that Cranner Zib didn't trust them, and hoped to squelch that feeling as quickly as possible. Obi-Wan figured this might just be the easiest way to accomplish both things at once. They certainly didn't need anymore obstacles on this mission than were already present. Obi-Wan reached out a hand and helped Saya Vil to her feet.
"I am Obi-Wan Kenobi and that is my Padawan learner, Anakin Skywalker."
"You'll have to excuse Cranner Master Jedi," she said. "He has a hard time trusting anybody."
"Understandable," Obi-Wan replied, "but unhelpful in a rescue situation. At any rate, my apologies to you Dr. Vil."
"Understandable, given that I was swinging a metal pole at your head. I'm already impressed by the legendary Jedi reflexes," she responded. "And please, call me Saya. If you are to be our saviors then I think we can dispense with the formalities."
"As you wish Saya," Obi-Wan replied, having instantly taken a liking to this woman.
Looking at her again though, Obi-Wan realized all this woman had been through. All that she had lost. She was clearly strong. But beneath that strength must lay terrible pain.
"I am sorry about Dr. Lytner," Obi-Wan remarked. "If you wish to take his…remains, then we should get them now. For some reason I feel it would be in our best interests to leave this place quickly."
"No remains to take. We buried Pollo," Saya Vil remarked. There wasn't a trace of tears in her eyes. She hadn't even flinched when Obi-Wan had mentioned Pollo's name.
Strong indeed, Obi-Wan thought. But that sort of strength has a limit. Everyone has a limit.
As if sensing the tone of this exchange, Cranner Zib moved closer to Saya Vil, offering up support in a way that only close friends could. Obi-Wan noticed all this in the blink of an eye. He had been determined to find these people. And now that he had, Obi-Wan was glad. There was a depth and strength to these people that needed to stay alive.
"Then, we should move," Obi-Wan finally said.
"I'd like to get our supplies if possible," Cranner Zib remarked.
"That may be difficult," Anakin said, joining the conversation for the first time.
"Then, there was an avalanche," Cranner Zib responded. "Which means that Master Kenobi may be more right than he knows about us needing to get out of here quickly."
"What do you mean?" Obi-Wan asked.
"You saw the other cave we assume," Saya Vil remarked. When Obi-Wan nodded she continued. "Well, Cranner here rigged up a few parts and took some seismic readings on this planet."
"We kept trying to figure out how we ended up crashing here. We were very careful about our distance to the asteroid belt. It just didn't make sense that we were hit by one of the asteroids. That is, until I took the seismic readings," Cranner Zib said.
"This planet is breaking apart," Saya Vil continued. "We need to leave here as soon as possible."
"Any idea how long we have?" Obi-Wan asked.
"Difficult to pinpoint with the equipment we have," Cranner Zib responded.
"Your best guess then, as a resourceful man of science."
Obi-Wan had just thrown down a challenge to Cranner Zib's ego and they all knew it. Still, Cranner Zib simply smiled and responded.
"A few days, 4 maximum I should think."
"Then we need to make haste," Obi-Wan said. "It's getting dark, so we'll move in the morning. Let's get down to the other cave and round up your supplies."
The scientists moved toward the back of the cave to grab what few supplies they'd brought with them and proceeded to the entrance of the cave. Obi-Wan drifted back and gently touched Anakin's arm to get his attention.
"When we get inside the cave, I want you to help Cranner with that seismic scanner of his. We need a more precise estimate than a few days. If this planet starts breaking up I don't want to be on it."
"Understood Master," Anakin replied. "But are you sure we'll be able to clear the other cave."
"We'll clear it Anakin," Obi-Wan replied. "That's going to be the easy part."
Anakin gave him a quick look of disbelief but said nothing. Obi-Wan walked to the cave entrance and observed the scientists as they began their descent to the base of the mountain. The two Jedi followed behind, the cable launchers they'd used to climb still firmly planted where they'd been left. After a short walk the scientists stopped in front of the cave they had once inhabited. Anakin was already surveying the situation when Obi-Wan stepped up to his side.
"We may not be able to get the supplies after all," Saya Vil said.
"Yes. You didn't tell us the avalanche had buried the cave so thoroughly Master Jedi," Cranner Zib remarked, picking up on Saya Vil's words.
"No I don't suppose I did," was all Obi-Wan said in response.
"Then why did you have us come down here then," Cranner Zib said, clearly becoming frustrated with Obi-Wan.
"You lack the patience I would expect from a scientist Dr. Zib," Obi-Wan remarked coolly, though he really wasn't angry with Cranner Zib. The man had been stranded on a far away planet, one of his best friends killed.
He should be frustrated by this point, Obi-Wan thought.
"My apologies for being short with you Master Kenobi. But the question still remains," Cranner Zib said after taking a calming breath.
"If you'll stand aside, we'll clear the cave entrance," Obi-Wan said.
"I'll love to see this. Are those lightsabers of yours such remarkable weapons as all that?" Cranner Zib remarked, his scientists curiosity peaked at the boldness of Obi-Wan's declaration.
"They are indeed remarkable tools," Obi-Wan replied, subtly altering Cranner Zib's use of the word weapon in his reference to a lightsaber, "but we have a greater tool at our disposal."
Saya Vil looked like she was about to ask a question but restrained herself. Obi-Wan was grateful to get a respite from the questions as he silently motioned for Anakin to join him. He sent a brief pulse through their Force bond and Anakin regarded him with genuine surprise.
I didn't know we could do such a thing.
Obi-Wan nodded slightly and waited. Anakin wanted to speak, but finally exercised greater discipline than he usually exhibited. Instead of saying anything he simply nodded in response. Obi-Wan placed his right hand on Anakin's shoulder and raised his left hand toward the cave entrance. The constant trickle that was the Force suddenly became a rushing torrent, threatening to overwhelm Obi-Wan. He often felt this way when he connected to Anakin in the Force, but the boy lacked the control necessary to perform this sort of channeling. Obi-Wan's strength and connection to the Force were amplified by Anakin's considerable power. Ice and snow began to tremble and move from the cave opening. Large chunks of ice were lifted into the air and set delicately to the side. Much of the rest of the snow and ice was gently tipped to one side or the other. When it was all over, Obi-Wan exhaled deeply and tried to refocus his vision. The effort of focusing the power of two Jedi was exhausting, which was why Obi-Wan hadn't tried before with Anakin. Still, the moment had called for such drastic action. The cave wasn't completely clear, but they could easily gain entrance to it now.
"Remarkable," was all Cranner Zib could say.
"Indeed," Saya Vil concurred. I have always heard tales of the Jedi, tales that have earned my curiosity. But today, you have earned my respect."
"Who knew that a rescue mission could turn into a PR moment," Anakin remarked.
The scientists gazed at him briefly for a moment before starting to laugh uncontrollably. A wide smile spread across Obi-Wan's face as he turned to regard his Padawan. Anakin's ability to joke so often lightened the mood. Judging from the way the scientists were laughing, these were people long in need of a lightened mood. They all moved toward the cave and proceeded inside, as twilight took hold of the planet behind them. Obi-Wan activated some heat sticks and scattered them about the cave. He glanced briefly at Anakin, and then turned to regard Cranner Zib.
"Dr. Zib…Cranner, I realize you must be quite tired, but we need your services I'm afraid," Obi-Wan said.
"What do you need?" Cranner Zib replied, though he'd deduced what the Jedi was going to say from observing the padawan moving toward the seismic scanner.
"My Padawan is quite good with machinery and circuitry. We need a better estimate of how long this planet has. I thought he might be able to help you get us that better estimate," Obi-Wan said.
Cranner Zib looked at Anakin skeptically for a moment, trying to envision the boy as being good with machinery and circuitry. He didn't see it at all, but arguing with the Jedi seemed a losing proposition.
"I welcome his assistance, though I'm not sure what more can be done," Cranner Zib said. "The problems with the scanner are more the availability of certain parts than the ability to put those parts together."
Obi-Wan nodded briefly in understanding, and turned to regard Anakin.
"Perhaps these will help," Anakin said, holding out some parts in his hand.
Before leaving the scientists' wrecked ship Anakin had torn out some of the components of the computer console that hadn't been fried using the sonic pulse. Cranner Zib quickly scanned the parts in Anakin's hand and a broad smile broke out on his face.
"I think this young man may be of some assistance after all. These parts just might do the trick," Cranner remarked.
"Then I'll leave you to it," Obi-Wan said.
Cranner and Anakin both attacked the project with the same passion. Obi-Wan observed them briefly as he moved away. They both looked in their element, and Obi-Wan had no doubt they would become fast friends. He moved to sit next to Saya Vil, who had moved to the far end of the cave away from where the 3 men had been talking.
"May I join you?" Obi-Wan asked.
"Certainly," Saya responded. "I think Cranner's made a new friend."
"Indeed," Obi-Wan said. "Anakin is most happy when tinkering with some machine."
"Same for Cranner."
"And you," Obi-Wan remarked, "when are you most happy?" He was being more talkative, more inviting than normal. Something about these people, this woman, had gotten under his skin. He wasn't acting entirely like himself. Judging by the sadness that had just washed over her face, he wished he had been more like himself and never asked the question.
"I'm sorry to cause you pain," Obi-Wan said quickly.
"No, you do not cause me pain," Saya Vil responded, a slight tear on her cheek as she turned away from Obi-Wan. "It is with joy that I choose to remember the past. To remember Pollo. He was never one to show much affection but I knew how he felt. Those were my happiest moments. A smile from him, or a gentle touch, something that showed how much he cared. Yes, it is those moments that I treasure most of all."
"I see," was all Obi-Wan could say in response.
"You are kind to discuss this with me. Cranner and I have been so worried about surviving that we haven't really had time to…mourn."
"You did well to survive. And mourning, that will come in its own good time. I once lost someone very close to me, not the same as losing a husband, but as close as a Jedi can have. I still feel sadness whenever I think of my Master, Qui-Gon, but it quickly passes when I remember all the joy that we shared together. The sadness is never stronger than the joy."
"I will try to remember that," Saya Vil responded, though she still wasn't looking at Obi-Wan.
"I hope they can make it work," Obi-Wan said, changing the subject as he turned to regard Anakin and Cranner Zib working feverishly to assemble various parts.
"If anyone can it is Cranner, and with your Padawan I'd say we're in good hands," Saya said. "I must ask this, scientist's curiosity and all that."
Obi-Wan faced Saya Vil and waited for the question he knew would be coming. It was basically the question that those who were not Jedi always asked.
"How did you clear the cave entrance? I mean I know it was the Force, but I didn't know that it was so powerful."
"I could not have accomplished such a task alone," Obi-Wan said, as he turned to regard Anakin once again. "Anakin and I share a special bond, and he is stronger in the Force than almost anyone else I know. When the need presents itself two Jedi can join together in the Force."
"So you joined in the Force, amplifying each other?"
"Something like that," Obi-Wan said with a smile.
"Amazing. What a great responsibility you carry," Saya said.
"Yes," was all Obi-Wan said in response.
Saya sensed that something had changed in the Jedi's tone. He was suddenly more somber and serious. She didn't know exactly what she'd said. She was about to speak again when an excited Anakin called out to them.
"I think we've got it Master."
"Excellent Padawan," Obi-Wan said, the somberness gone from his voice as he moved toward the excited Padawan.
Saya Vil followed behind, and chose to stand a distance away from the 3 men. Obi-Wan knelt down beside Cranner Zib.
"Activate it," Obi-Wan said.
Cranner Zib somehow found a button to push among the mishmash of wires and electronic parts, which caused a subtle whirring sound to be emitted from the makeshift device.
"Well?" Obi-Wan said, his uneasy feelings pushing him toward impatience.
"Not good," Cranner replied. "It looks like we've got 2 days, no more. I hope your ship isn't far."
"It's not," Obi-Wan responded. "We should have enough time. Better get some rest so we can get out bright and early. This pleasure trip just got serious."
"And here I was having such a good time too," Cranner cracked, but no one laughed.