Rating change for this chapter alone; Instead of PG we are moving to R. It
is for one word only and shouldn't offend anyone; atleast I hope not. If
so, I do apologize, but I found it completely necessary. With that said,
please enjoy.
Anakin Skywalker closed his data pad. He was too excited to study. He couldn't wait to get to Naboo and see Amidala. It had been a year since he had seen her in person.
He had commed her a few times and they had spoken mostly of the temple and how he was adjusting to his new life as a padawan.
He thought it was curious that she had never mentioned Obi-Wan. ~Probably because it wasn't worth mentioning. They're just friends~ he thought. Yet, he couldn't quite control the flicker of jealousy that was beginning to burn within him.
He checked his chrono again. They would be coming out of hyperspace soon. His excitement was building. Not only was he going to see Amidala again, but also this was his first official mission.
The fact that the mission was to find HIS masters former reject of a padawan only slightly dimmed his excitement. He could care less about Obi- Wan.
However, he did care about how distracted his master has been recently. Qui- Gon had always been openly affectionate with him. Always offering encouragement with a smile, a hand on his shoulder, or a ruffling of his hair. He had caught the surprised glances from council members like Mace Windu and others at such displays, but he could never understand what the deal was. He simply took Qui-Gon's actions for granted since they had always been so freely given. He had no way of knowing that such actions were not 'normal' behavior for his master.
Qui-Gon was not ignoring him by any means, but there was a noticeable decrease in the attention he was used to receiving from his master.
It also had not gone unnoticed that the master had erected some heavy duty shielding as of late. This too was somewhat unusual. Though Qui-Gon had always maintained the light shielding that all Jedi do, he had always allowed Anakin access to his mind. Another trait not granted to previous padawan's that Anakin took for granted. All he had to do was ask.
However when Anakin had curiously prodded those shields, they had remained firmly in place. If Qui-Gon noticed his confusion at this he gave no indication.
Yes. His master was distracted and he didn't like it one little bit. It also confused him somewhat. He knew that Obi-Wan had been Qui-Gon's padawan before him. He also remembered that what little time he had spent in company with the two as master and padawan that they seemed to be at odds. ~Oh yes, I'm dangerous~ he thought mockingly with a roll of his eyes.
His thoughts turned to the Queen again. He knew he was too young now, but he also knew that one day.... someday, she would be his. And if Obi-Wan Kenobi even thought about getting in his way, he would show him just how dangerous he could be.
"Anakin" the apprentice was so lost in his thoughts that he hadn't felt his master's approach. "Strap yourself in, we're coming out of hyperspace and will be landing shortly."
"Yes Master" was the dutiful response. Yet letting a little of his excitement of seeing the Queen again get the better of him he could not stop the smile that formed on his lips.
Qui-Gon noted it also. "Padawan. I realize you are anxious to see the Queen, however you mustn't lose site of why we are here. The mission comes first. We are here to work, not to socialize."
"Of course, master." Qui-Gon had spoken matter of factly with no harshness or reprimand in his voice. Still Anakin tightened his shields slightly at the resentment he couldn't help feeling. It was not directed at his master however. It was directed at the person who seemed to keep intruding in HIS life.
His master, his Queen, and his first mission all seemed to be revolving around one person. Obi-Wan Kenobi.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Shar'tel readjusted the weight he had flung over his shoulder. The tunnel he was traversing was dark and littered with debris. Only the torch of his guide kept the shadows from swallowing him. His mind was alert, memorizing every turn incase he needed to make a hasty escape. He was not at all sure he wanted to deal with his dark benefactor in person.
Finally the narrow tunnel emptied into a large antechamber. Torches placed at regular intervals lit the dingy stone walls. Numerous boxes were in various stages of unpacking. A metal table with manacles places at both ends was the only noticeable piece of furniture.
Shar'tel stopped just inside the chamber; he did not like this at all. Not only were the hairs on the back of his neck standing on end, every nerve ending in his body was screaming for him to run.
"Ahhhhh.... Shar'tel" an oily voice hissed from the shadows. "You have done well. Place him on the table and we shall settle your fee."
Shar'tel moved toward the metal table making sure to not turn his back to the rooms other two occupants. He bent slightly and gently laid the Jedi on the table.
Without thinking he adjusted dangling arms to rest at the young mans sides and brushed the ginger hair back from the achingly innocent face.
The unconscious gentleness of his actions did not go unnoticed. He did not have time to comprehend the lapse in his demeanor; his hand frantically grasped at his throat as he found his air supply being slowly constricted.
Shar'tel fell to his knees still gasping for air. His eyes locked with the vile yellow eyes of the cloaked figure. His mind worked to grasp exactly what was happening. As if his thoughts had been read, the cloaked figure smiled, and Shar'tel knew. ~Force sensitive. FUCK! ~
His vision became spotted with white lights and darkness hovered at the edges. A chanced glance at the unconscious Jedi on the table before him sparked a memory.
Before the thought could even register, his instincts kicked in and he reached into his pocket and flipped the switch on the force disrupter he had all but forgotten about.
The result was immediate. He was on his feet and into the tunnel as he took his first gulping breaths of air.
He did not stop for fear of the scream of pure rage that echoed in the chamber behind him. He spared a moments thought to the young man he left behind as he ran, though he did not slow his pace ~Sorry kid. ~
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Qui-Gon and Anakin descended the loading ramp to the Queens awaiting entourage. Qui-Gon noted the distress on the Queens painted face as she came forward to greet them.
"Master Jinn, Padawan Skywalker," she said formally, keeping her eyes locked with the master's. Her voice betrayed nothing of the worry the master felt emanating from her.
"Your Highness," spoke Qui-Gon
"Please, follow me. We have much to discuss." She lead them back to the palace and into a large ornately decorated conference room.
Qui-Gon noted the array of various holos and paperwork spread across the table.
"I realize the Jedi-You, Master Jinn, will be conducting your own investigation. However I would like you to know that my security team is at your disposal." She eyed him as she walked around the table toward the holos. She had still yet to look directly at Anakin.
"Captain Panaka has already taken into custody 3 bounty hunters that are currently wanted in other systems. These," she gestured toward the holos, "are others that are currently on planet. All flights have been grounded pending your investigation."
Qui-Gon was silently impressed. Anakin was disappointed. The Queen hadn't even looked at him.
A knock at the door brought everyone's attention on Sabe, one of the Queens handmaidens.
"Pardon me your Highness," spoke the handmaiden with a slight bow of her head. "Chancellor Palpatine is requesting an audience with you."
"The Chancellor is here?" asked Qui-Gon
"Yes. He arrived a couple of days ago. He thought it fitting to return to his home planet to convene a special summit regarding the changes within the trade federation over the past year."
"If you'll excuse me, Sabe will show you to your rooms," she spoke as she moved toward the door. "I have arranged for a private dinner at 18th hour, we can continue our discussion then."
Before she could leave Qui-Gon spoke, "I appreciate any helpful information you can provide your Highness; however, as you stated, this is a Jedi investigation. I do not think it would be....." He did not get a chance to finish.
"Master Jinn," there was no mistaking the ice in her tone as Amidala spoke. "Obi-Wan is a man before he is a Jedi. He is also a friend to many here." She seemed to compose herself as she continued, "And he is much more to me. Make no mistake, I will be involved in this investigation."
A/N Sorry if the use of language offended anyone. But this is a bounty hunter we're talking about here. I wanted to be true to the character, and also it was a moment of stress. It would be even more natural for such an utterance. And to be honest, if you could indeed picture yourself in such a situation…..I'm sure most of us would utter more than an 'oh dear' or some such thing as poodoo :) Sorry you had to wait so long for this post. Site problems, as I'm sure everyone must be aware by now. Don't forget to review please, I live for it :)
TBC
Anakin Skywalker closed his data pad. He was too excited to study. He couldn't wait to get to Naboo and see Amidala. It had been a year since he had seen her in person.
He had commed her a few times and they had spoken mostly of the temple and how he was adjusting to his new life as a padawan.
He thought it was curious that she had never mentioned Obi-Wan. ~Probably because it wasn't worth mentioning. They're just friends~ he thought. Yet, he couldn't quite control the flicker of jealousy that was beginning to burn within him.
He checked his chrono again. They would be coming out of hyperspace soon. His excitement was building. Not only was he going to see Amidala again, but also this was his first official mission.
The fact that the mission was to find HIS masters former reject of a padawan only slightly dimmed his excitement. He could care less about Obi- Wan.
However, he did care about how distracted his master has been recently. Qui- Gon had always been openly affectionate with him. Always offering encouragement with a smile, a hand on his shoulder, or a ruffling of his hair. He had caught the surprised glances from council members like Mace Windu and others at such displays, but he could never understand what the deal was. He simply took Qui-Gon's actions for granted since they had always been so freely given. He had no way of knowing that such actions were not 'normal' behavior for his master.
Qui-Gon was not ignoring him by any means, but there was a noticeable decrease in the attention he was used to receiving from his master.
It also had not gone unnoticed that the master had erected some heavy duty shielding as of late. This too was somewhat unusual. Though Qui-Gon had always maintained the light shielding that all Jedi do, he had always allowed Anakin access to his mind. Another trait not granted to previous padawan's that Anakin took for granted. All he had to do was ask.
However when Anakin had curiously prodded those shields, they had remained firmly in place. If Qui-Gon noticed his confusion at this he gave no indication.
Yes. His master was distracted and he didn't like it one little bit. It also confused him somewhat. He knew that Obi-Wan had been Qui-Gon's padawan before him. He also remembered that what little time he had spent in company with the two as master and padawan that they seemed to be at odds. ~Oh yes, I'm dangerous~ he thought mockingly with a roll of his eyes.
His thoughts turned to the Queen again. He knew he was too young now, but he also knew that one day.... someday, she would be his. And if Obi-Wan Kenobi even thought about getting in his way, he would show him just how dangerous he could be.
"Anakin" the apprentice was so lost in his thoughts that he hadn't felt his master's approach. "Strap yourself in, we're coming out of hyperspace and will be landing shortly."
"Yes Master" was the dutiful response. Yet letting a little of his excitement of seeing the Queen again get the better of him he could not stop the smile that formed on his lips.
Qui-Gon noted it also. "Padawan. I realize you are anxious to see the Queen, however you mustn't lose site of why we are here. The mission comes first. We are here to work, not to socialize."
"Of course, master." Qui-Gon had spoken matter of factly with no harshness or reprimand in his voice. Still Anakin tightened his shields slightly at the resentment he couldn't help feeling. It was not directed at his master however. It was directed at the person who seemed to keep intruding in HIS life.
His master, his Queen, and his first mission all seemed to be revolving around one person. Obi-Wan Kenobi.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Shar'tel readjusted the weight he had flung over his shoulder. The tunnel he was traversing was dark and littered with debris. Only the torch of his guide kept the shadows from swallowing him. His mind was alert, memorizing every turn incase he needed to make a hasty escape. He was not at all sure he wanted to deal with his dark benefactor in person.
Finally the narrow tunnel emptied into a large antechamber. Torches placed at regular intervals lit the dingy stone walls. Numerous boxes were in various stages of unpacking. A metal table with manacles places at both ends was the only noticeable piece of furniture.
Shar'tel stopped just inside the chamber; he did not like this at all. Not only were the hairs on the back of his neck standing on end, every nerve ending in his body was screaming for him to run.
"Ahhhhh.... Shar'tel" an oily voice hissed from the shadows. "You have done well. Place him on the table and we shall settle your fee."
Shar'tel moved toward the metal table making sure to not turn his back to the rooms other two occupants. He bent slightly and gently laid the Jedi on the table.
Without thinking he adjusted dangling arms to rest at the young mans sides and brushed the ginger hair back from the achingly innocent face.
The unconscious gentleness of his actions did not go unnoticed. He did not have time to comprehend the lapse in his demeanor; his hand frantically grasped at his throat as he found his air supply being slowly constricted.
Shar'tel fell to his knees still gasping for air. His eyes locked with the vile yellow eyes of the cloaked figure. His mind worked to grasp exactly what was happening. As if his thoughts had been read, the cloaked figure smiled, and Shar'tel knew. ~Force sensitive. FUCK! ~
His vision became spotted with white lights and darkness hovered at the edges. A chanced glance at the unconscious Jedi on the table before him sparked a memory.
Before the thought could even register, his instincts kicked in and he reached into his pocket and flipped the switch on the force disrupter he had all but forgotten about.
The result was immediate. He was on his feet and into the tunnel as he took his first gulping breaths of air.
He did not stop for fear of the scream of pure rage that echoed in the chamber behind him. He spared a moments thought to the young man he left behind as he ran, though he did not slow his pace ~Sorry kid. ~
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Qui-Gon and Anakin descended the loading ramp to the Queens awaiting entourage. Qui-Gon noted the distress on the Queens painted face as she came forward to greet them.
"Master Jinn, Padawan Skywalker," she said formally, keeping her eyes locked with the master's. Her voice betrayed nothing of the worry the master felt emanating from her.
"Your Highness," spoke Qui-Gon
"Please, follow me. We have much to discuss." She lead them back to the palace and into a large ornately decorated conference room.
Qui-Gon noted the array of various holos and paperwork spread across the table.
"I realize the Jedi-You, Master Jinn, will be conducting your own investigation. However I would like you to know that my security team is at your disposal." She eyed him as she walked around the table toward the holos. She had still yet to look directly at Anakin.
"Captain Panaka has already taken into custody 3 bounty hunters that are currently wanted in other systems. These," she gestured toward the holos, "are others that are currently on planet. All flights have been grounded pending your investigation."
Qui-Gon was silently impressed. Anakin was disappointed. The Queen hadn't even looked at him.
A knock at the door brought everyone's attention on Sabe, one of the Queens handmaidens.
"Pardon me your Highness," spoke the handmaiden with a slight bow of her head. "Chancellor Palpatine is requesting an audience with you."
"The Chancellor is here?" asked Qui-Gon
"Yes. He arrived a couple of days ago. He thought it fitting to return to his home planet to convene a special summit regarding the changes within the trade federation over the past year."
"If you'll excuse me, Sabe will show you to your rooms," she spoke as she moved toward the door. "I have arranged for a private dinner at 18th hour, we can continue our discussion then."
Before she could leave Qui-Gon spoke, "I appreciate any helpful information you can provide your Highness; however, as you stated, this is a Jedi investigation. I do not think it would be....." He did not get a chance to finish.
"Master Jinn," there was no mistaking the ice in her tone as Amidala spoke. "Obi-Wan is a man before he is a Jedi. He is also a friend to many here." She seemed to compose herself as she continued, "And he is much more to me. Make no mistake, I will be involved in this investigation."
A/N Sorry if the use of language offended anyone. But this is a bounty hunter we're talking about here. I wanted to be true to the character, and also it was a moment of stress. It would be even more natural for such an utterance. And to be honest, if you could indeed picture yourself in such a situation…..I'm sure most of us would utter more than an 'oh dear' or some such thing as poodoo :) Sorry you had to wait so long for this post. Site problems, as I'm sure everyone must be aware by now. Don't forget to review please, I live for it :)
TBC