Author's note: Is anyone still reading? Please leave me a review if you
are so I know whether or not to continue this story. Thank you.
CHAPTER 13: ARRIVALS
A large airship negotiated it's way through the packed airlanes in a seedy piece of Courascant. The ship was a troop transport, on loan from the Senate's security offices. It was designed to transport several-dozen officers. Today, it transported, several dozen Jedi. Any Jedi that was fit for fighting, had been summoned to this task of infiltrating the Sith lair.
The ship's design was so basic, it suggested that it had been mass- produced rather than carefully crafted. The inside was just a hollow shell with two long benches that ran along the sides, and a loading ramp in the rear. The cockpit was nothing more than two un-padded seats in front of the controls. Obi-Wan was giving directions to Garen Muln who was flying the lumbering beast.
Garen and Obi-Wan used to be friends when they were both students at the Temple. They had both been pleased to see each other this morning. After Obi-Wan had left the Jedi, Garen had exercised his piloting skills and was now helping develop a Jedi starfighter fleet.
Garen controlled the unfamiliar ship with great ease, he was an excellent pilot. Obi-Wan's voice echoing inside of the huge innards of the mechanical beast, was the only sound that could be heard, everyone else was silent. They were preparing mentally for the task to come. Qui-Gon Jinn was among the silent crowd, he was lost in his thoughts.
The Jedi left Naboo shortly after Sypho-Dias' funeral. The Queen had a tearful good-bye with both Obi-Wan and Anakin; Qui-Gon could tell she had feelings for both. Xanatos and Siri managed to sneak off together before departure. To where? Qui-Gon didn't know. He had decided not to get involved. He wished he could tell Master Yoda about his lack of involvement, seeing as how Master Yoda had called him a "meddler," but Qui- Gon felt if he told Yoda about it, that in it's own way would be meddling.
They had returned from Naboo late last night. Master Yoda suggested a period of rest and meditation before infiltrating the Sith Lair. All seemed to agree that was a good idea. The trip to Naboo had been emotionally draining for several of the Jedi. Qui-Gon had not slept the entire night. A great foreboding feeling prevented him from finding any rest, and he was more in touch with the living force, he could only imagine the feeling those more in touch with the unifying force had.
Upon arrival at the Temple, Obi-Wan was placed in isolation, due to a strong urging by Master Windu. And Windu himself had volunteered to keep watch over him. One thing was certain, Mace Windu did not trust Obi-Wan.
Anakin had been shown to his new quarters, the boy tried to hide his delight due to the severity of the other current events, but Qui-Gon couldn't blame the boy for being excited. Qui-Gon was also happy that the boy understood why he could not come along on the mission today, he had not had enough training for something so dangerous.
"There." Obi-Wan said, pointing out to a building straight ahead. "That's it."
Garen landed the ship a few meters away from the actual building, under Master Yoda's advisement. The large ramp lowered and everyone waited for Masters Windu and Yoda who were seated near the cockpit to lead the way. Instead, they instructed Obi-Wan to lead the way, which he did. They also instructed Garen to stay with the ship.
Obi-Wan passed the rest of the Jedi on board the ship and headed for the ramp. Just before he reached the ramp, Xanatos stopped him by extending his arm so it was blocking Obi-Wan's way. Obi-Wan said nothing but gave Xanatos a curious glance.
"Just in case." Xanatos said, bringing out Obi-Wan's lightsaber from beneath his robe and offering it to him. Obi-Wan took it and clipped it to his belt. "And just so there's no confusion as to who's side your on, I changed the color of your crystals from red to blue."
"Thank you." Obi-Wan said with sincerity. Qui-Gon just smiled, he knew Xanatos well enough to know the gesture was his way of saying he supported Obi-Wan.
The precession of some fifty Jedi, led by Obi-Wan, headed down the street toward the towering, seemingly abandoned building. They stopped at the front entrance and Obi-Wan punched a code into the keypad and the doors hissed open. The group headed inside and they took a look around.
The first floor was empty but Obi-Wan assured them that was normal, he said the Sith only dwelled on the top two levels. The top level was completely dedicated to training areas and the next level down was where the quarters, hanger, dining hall and comm rooms were located.
The group squeezed onto the turbolift which was surprisingly large enough to fit them all. It was an freight turbo lift and was designed for cargo, the building had obviously been some sort of warehouse. They reached the second to last level, and prepared to exit the turbolift, which emptied into the dining hall.
Obi-Wan opened the doors with caution, the dining room was the main place to congregate, he expected many people in there. He slowly opened the doors and stepped into the dining hall, followed by the rest of the Jedi.
"There's nothing here." Xanatos remarked.
"Thank you for the observation, Xanatos. The empty room didn't tell us that, we needed you to inform us." Ki Adi Mundi said with a rare flash of sarcasm.
"I knew it." Mace said with a scowl, talking to no one in particular "He led us here for nothing."
"They were here I assure you." Obi-Wan said jumping to his defense.
"Quit playing games Kenobi, why did you bring us here?" Mace said with a hardened tone.
"My intentions were pure, they must have known we were coming." Obi- Wan offered, it was the only explanation he could think of.
"How would they know that unless you tipped them off?" Mace asked.
"Perhaps they realized he had left and decided to prepare." Adi Gallia suggested, trying to be fair and examine all possibilities.
"Or perhaps Darth Maul returned and warned them of Obi-Wan's betrayal." Qui-Gon said, he wouldn't allow his friend to stand alone.
"Impossible." Siri scoffed. "Xanatos killed Darth Maul." She said assuredly, in her mind it was absolute fact.
Several of the Jedi Masters who knew the true story glared at Xanatos. They were trying to make him feel guilty and force a confession.
"Well," Xanatos began and then paused.
"What do you mean 'Well'?" Siri asked with fire in her eyes.
"I may have embellished the story a little, there's a possibility he might have lived." Xanatos said sheepishly.
Siri glared at him and many of the Jedi chuckled to themselves. Xanatos' bragging finally caught up with him.
"You lied to me?-" Siri began, and then was interrupted.
"Feel that, do you?" Yoda said, cautiously.
"Yes." Mace answered as the Jedi all reached for their lightsabers.
They all felt it, a tremor in the force. Something was warning them of danger. Before they could do anything, lazer walls activated covering all points of escape, they were trapped.
"What's happening?" Siri wondered.
A loud banging could be heard on the floor above. That foreboding sound echoed through the halls of the empty chamber. Obi-Wan sighed, he was the only one who knew what that sound meant.
"What's that?" Mace asked, he seemed a bit startled.
Obi-Wan did not shift his gaze toward any of them, he kept his eyes on the turbolift doors. He knew what it was and he tried to describe it the best way he could. He ignited his lightsaber in preparation, took a few steps toward the turbolift, and said: "Hell has been unleashed."
Anakin Skywalker wandered the halls of the Jedi temple. He couldn't believe his eyes. It was grand yet gave a feeling of humility. It was in the middle of the largest city in the galaxy and yet there was an overwhelming feeling of warmth and security. Outside these gilded walls, crime ran rampant yet this mere barrier kept it all away.
Anakin wasn't sure how he felt about that. The Jedi kept themselves safe, yet they shielded themselves from the problems of this city. Anakin figured that for the Jedi, this was an excusable action. They went on missions and spent most of their time right in the middle of the problems plaguing the Galaxy, the Temple was their sanctuary, but he had seen others who had contributed nothing to the galaxy hiding behind their walls.
The Galaxy was filled with injustice, as a slave Anakin had learned this from early on. The rich did not share their wealth, they did not concern themselves with the problems of others. The wealthy made profits off the Poor's labor, and then justified not sharing their wealth by saying one must obtain profits though self-exertion.
Anakin wondered how the Jedi obtained the money to build this Temple. Most likely, the people of the Galaxy paid for it through taxes, but Anakin didn't see this as unjust. The Jedi repaid their debt to society and then some.
Such thoughts would have ordinarily bored a ten-year-old, but Anakin was already bored. Everyone he knew had left the Temple and there wasn't a whole lot to do in his quarters. The Temple was empty, he had been searching for something to do for nearly an hour and still hadn't seen anyone.
He wanted to talk to Padme, but wasn't sure if she would want him to contact her. "She's probably busy." He thought, justifying his nerves with self-imposed logic. His thoughts, as they always seemed to do, drifted back to the Naboo Queen as he continued down one of the vast corridors in the Temple.
Soon he saw a young Teevan boy and a young human girl heading down the same hall, toward him. The girl boldly walked right up to him and said: "Hi, I'm Darra and this is Tru. I haven't seen you around, who are you?"
"Anakin Skywalker." He answered with a smile.
Tru gasped, "It's him."
"Who?" Darra asked.
"I'm Qui-Gon Jinn's padawan." Anakin added, hoping that may clear up some confusion.
"Oh," Darra said with realization on her face, "this is the kid that stopped the Trade Federation?"
"Sort of." Anakin said, trying to be modest.
"There you are." One of the many Temple instructors said as she walked over to the group of kids. "We were wondering where you'd run off to. Shouldn't you be in class?"
"Yes." Tru and Darra said sheepishly, they had obviously snuck out.
"Who's this?" The instructor asked, motioning to Anakin.
"I'm Anakin Skywalker, Qui-Gon Jinn's padawan." Anakin answered, beaming with pride.
"Oh, the boy who saved Naboo?" The instructor asked, impressed.
"Apparently word travels quickly in the Temple." Anakin said with a light chuckle.
"Yes, why don't you join us in class?" The instructor said, now honored she'd be teaching the "chosen one."
"Alright." Anakin said with very little enthusiasm. He figured the class was boring and that's why Darra and Tru had bailed, but they were heading there and at least Anakin wouldn't have to be alone and bored.
The four began to head toward the class, then suddenly Anakin stopped in his tracks.
"Anakin, are you all right?" Darra said turning back to look at him.
Anakin had a far off look in his eyes as he dropped to his knees. He was pale and looked as though he would pass out. Tru, Darra, and the instructor rushed to his side and knelt beside him.
"Anakin, can you hear me? What's wrong?" The instructor asked.
"I-I-" Anakin seemed unable to speak.
"Tru get the healer." The instructor said and the boy took of faster than pod out of the starting grid.
"Anakin, what's wrong?" Darra demanded.
"I feel something-something's not right." Anakin tried to explain.
"Is it a vision." The instructor asked curiously.
"Impossible," Darra scoffed, "he's too young and he's had no training. No one this young has ever had a vision."
"Anakin's a special boy." The instructor said to Darra in a whisper. "Anakin what do you see?"
"Master-My Master-The rest of the Jedi - I see death-I feel cold-" Anakin said with long pauses and deep breaths between each phrase, and then before he could speak another word, he passed out in the instructor's arms.
CHAPTER 13: ARRIVALS
A large airship negotiated it's way through the packed airlanes in a seedy piece of Courascant. The ship was a troop transport, on loan from the Senate's security offices. It was designed to transport several-dozen officers. Today, it transported, several dozen Jedi. Any Jedi that was fit for fighting, had been summoned to this task of infiltrating the Sith lair.
The ship's design was so basic, it suggested that it had been mass- produced rather than carefully crafted. The inside was just a hollow shell with two long benches that ran along the sides, and a loading ramp in the rear. The cockpit was nothing more than two un-padded seats in front of the controls. Obi-Wan was giving directions to Garen Muln who was flying the lumbering beast.
Garen and Obi-Wan used to be friends when they were both students at the Temple. They had both been pleased to see each other this morning. After Obi-Wan had left the Jedi, Garen had exercised his piloting skills and was now helping develop a Jedi starfighter fleet.
Garen controlled the unfamiliar ship with great ease, he was an excellent pilot. Obi-Wan's voice echoing inside of the huge innards of the mechanical beast, was the only sound that could be heard, everyone else was silent. They were preparing mentally for the task to come. Qui-Gon Jinn was among the silent crowd, he was lost in his thoughts.
The Jedi left Naboo shortly after Sypho-Dias' funeral. The Queen had a tearful good-bye with both Obi-Wan and Anakin; Qui-Gon could tell she had feelings for both. Xanatos and Siri managed to sneak off together before departure. To where? Qui-Gon didn't know. He had decided not to get involved. He wished he could tell Master Yoda about his lack of involvement, seeing as how Master Yoda had called him a "meddler," but Qui- Gon felt if he told Yoda about it, that in it's own way would be meddling.
They had returned from Naboo late last night. Master Yoda suggested a period of rest and meditation before infiltrating the Sith Lair. All seemed to agree that was a good idea. The trip to Naboo had been emotionally draining for several of the Jedi. Qui-Gon had not slept the entire night. A great foreboding feeling prevented him from finding any rest, and he was more in touch with the living force, he could only imagine the feeling those more in touch with the unifying force had.
Upon arrival at the Temple, Obi-Wan was placed in isolation, due to a strong urging by Master Windu. And Windu himself had volunteered to keep watch over him. One thing was certain, Mace Windu did not trust Obi-Wan.
Anakin had been shown to his new quarters, the boy tried to hide his delight due to the severity of the other current events, but Qui-Gon couldn't blame the boy for being excited. Qui-Gon was also happy that the boy understood why he could not come along on the mission today, he had not had enough training for something so dangerous.
"There." Obi-Wan said, pointing out to a building straight ahead. "That's it."
Garen landed the ship a few meters away from the actual building, under Master Yoda's advisement. The large ramp lowered and everyone waited for Masters Windu and Yoda who were seated near the cockpit to lead the way. Instead, they instructed Obi-Wan to lead the way, which he did. They also instructed Garen to stay with the ship.
Obi-Wan passed the rest of the Jedi on board the ship and headed for the ramp. Just before he reached the ramp, Xanatos stopped him by extending his arm so it was blocking Obi-Wan's way. Obi-Wan said nothing but gave Xanatos a curious glance.
"Just in case." Xanatos said, bringing out Obi-Wan's lightsaber from beneath his robe and offering it to him. Obi-Wan took it and clipped it to his belt. "And just so there's no confusion as to who's side your on, I changed the color of your crystals from red to blue."
"Thank you." Obi-Wan said with sincerity. Qui-Gon just smiled, he knew Xanatos well enough to know the gesture was his way of saying he supported Obi-Wan.
The precession of some fifty Jedi, led by Obi-Wan, headed down the street toward the towering, seemingly abandoned building. They stopped at the front entrance and Obi-Wan punched a code into the keypad and the doors hissed open. The group headed inside and they took a look around.
The first floor was empty but Obi-Wan assured them that was normal, he said the Sith only dwelled on the top two levels. The top level was completely dedicated to training areas and the next level down was where the quarters, hanger, dining hall and comm rooms were located.
The group squeezed onto the turbolift which was surprisingly large enough to fit them all. It was an freight turbo lift and was designed for cargo, the building had obviously been some sort of warehouse. They reached the second to last level, and prepared to exit the turbolift, which emptied into the dining hall.
Obi-Wan opened the doors with caution, the dining room was the main place to congregate, he expected many people in there. He slowly opened the doors and stepped into the dining hall, followed by the rest of the Jedi.
"There's nothing here." Xanatos remarked.
"Thank you for the observation, Xanatos. The empty room didn't tell us that, we needed you to inform us." Ki Adi Mundi said with a rare flash of sarcasm.
"I knew it." Mace said with a scowl, talking to no one in particular "He led us here for nothing."
"They were here I assure you." Obi-Wan said jumping to his defense.
"Quit playing games Kenobi, why did you bring us here?" Mace said with a hardened tone.
"My intentions were pure, they must have known we were coming." Obi- Wan offered, it was the only explanation he could think of.
"How would they know that unless you tipped them off?" Mace asked.
"Perhaps they realized he had left and decided to prepare." Adi Gallia suggested, trying to be fair and examine all possibilities.
"Or perhaps Darth Maul returned and warned them of Obi-Wan's betrayal." Qui-Gon said, he wouldn't allow his friend to stand alone.
"Impossible." Siri scoffed. "Xanatos killed Darth Maul." She said assuredly, in her mind it was absolute fact.
Several of the Jedi Masters who knew the true story glared at Xanatos. They were trying to make him feel guilty and force a confession.
"Well," Xanatos began and then paused.
"What do you mean 'Well'?" Siri asked with fire in her eyes.
"I may have embellished the story a little, there's a possibility he might have lived." Xanatos said sheepishly.
Siri glared at him and many of the Jedi chuckled to themselves. Xanatos' bragging finally caught up with him.
"You lied to me?-" Siri began, and then was interrupted.
"Feel that, do you?" Yoda said, cautiously.
"Yes." Mace answered as the Jedi all reached for their lightsabers.
They all felt it, a tremor in the force. Something was warning them of danger. Before they could do anything, lazer walls activated covering all points of escape, they were trapped.
"What's happening?" Siri wondered.
A loud banging could be heard on the floor above. That foreboding sound echoed through the halls of the empty chamber. Obi-Wan sighed, he was the only one who knew what that sound meant.
"What's that?" Mace asked, he seemed a bit startled.
Obi-Wan did not shift his gaze toward any of them, he kept his eyes on the turbolift doors. He knew what it was and he tried to describe it the best way he could. He ignited his lightsaber in preparation, took a few steps toward the turbolift, and said: "Hell has been unleashed."
Anakin Skywalker wandered the halls of the Jedi temple. He couldn't believe his eyes. It was grand yet gave a feeling of humility. It was in the middle of the largest city in the galaxy and yet there was an overwhelming feeling of warmth and security. Outside these gilded walls, crime ran rampant yet this mere barrier kept it all away.
Anakin wasn't sure how he felt about that. The Jedi kept themselves safe, yet they shielded themselves from the problems of this city. Anakin figured that for the Jedi, this was an excusable action. They went on missions and spent most of their time right in the middle of the problems plaguing the Galaxy, the Temple was their sanctuary, but he had seen others who had contributed nothing to the galaxy hiding behind their walls.
The Galaxy was filled with injustice, as a slave Anakin had learned this from early on. The rich did not share their wealth, they did not concern themselves with the problems of others. The wealthy made profits off the Poor's labor, and then justified not sharing their wealth by saying one must obtain profits though self-exertion.
Anakin wondered how the Jedi obtained the money to build this Temple. Most likely, the people of the Galaxy paid for it through taxes, but Anakin didn't see this as unjust. The Jedi repaid their debt to society and then some.
Such thoughts would have ordinarily bored a ten-year-old, but Anakin was already bored. Everyone he knew had left the Temple and there wasn't a whole lot to do in his quarters. The Temple was empty, he had been searching for something to do for nearly an hour and still hadn't seen anyone.
He wanted to talk to Padme, but wasn't sure if she would want him to contact her. "She's probably busy." He thought, justifying his nerves with self-imposed logic. His thoughts, as they always seemed to do, drifted back to the Naboo Queen as he continued down one of the vast corridors in the Temple.
Soon he saw a young Teevan boy and a young human girl heading down the same hall, toward him. The girl boldly walked right up to him and said: "Hi, I'm Darra and this is Tru. I haven't seen you around, who are you?"
"Anakin Skywalker." He answered with a smile.
Tru gasped, "It's him."
"Who?" Darra asked.
"I'm Qui-Gon Jinn's padawan." Anakin added, hoping that may clear up some confusion.
"Oh," Darra said with realization on her face, "this is the kid that stopped the Trade Federation?"
"Sort of." Anakin said, trying to be modest.
"There you are." One of the many Temple instructors said as she walked over to the group of kids. "We were wondering where you'd run off to. Shouldn't you be in class?"
"Yes." Tru and Darra said sheepishly, they had obviously snuck out.
"Who's this?" The instructor asked, motioning to Anakin.
"I'm Anakin Skywalker, Qui-Gon Jinn's padawan." Anakin answered, beaming with pride.
"Oh, the boy who saved Naboo?" The instructor asked, impressed.
"Apparently word travels quickly in the Temple." Anakin said with a light chuckle.
"Yes, why don't you join us in class?" The instructor said, now honored she'd be teaching the "chosen one."
"Alright." Anakin said with very little enthusiasm. He figured the class was boring and that's why Darra and Tru had bailed, but they were heading there and at least Anakin wouldn't have to be alone and bored.
The four began to head toward the class, then suddenly Anakin stopped in his tracks.
"Anakin, are you all right?" Darra said turning back to look at him.
Anakin had a far off look in his eyes as he dropped to his knees. He was pale and looked as though he would pass out. Tru, Darra, and the instructor rushed to his side and knelt beside him.
"Anakin, can you hear me? What's wrong?" The instructor asked.
"I-I-" Anakin seemed unable to speak.
"Tru get the healer." The instructor said and the boy took of faster than pod out of the starting grid.
"Anakin, what's wrong?" Darra demanded.
"I feel something-something's not right." Anakin tried to explain.
"Is it a vision." The instructor asked curiously.
"Impossible," Darra scoffed, "he's too young and he's had no training. No one this young has ever had a vision."
"Anakin's a special boy." The instructor said to Darra in a whisper. "Anakin what do you see?"
"Master-My Master-The rest of the Jedi - I see death-I feel cold-" Anakin said with long pauses and deep breaths between each phrase, and then before he could speak another word, he passed out in the instructor's arms.