Grab-ur-lightsaber - I guess this story is for you as much as it is for me.
; ) Well, here's two chapters for you. Thanks for sticking with me. I
really appreciate it!! : D
A/N: Just a reminder, this story has a lot of flash backs. Sorry if there's any confusion. Just remember that flashbacks are surrounded by ~~~~'s. Thank you!!!!!
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"Quite honestly, I'm not entirely sure," the Master healer confessed. "You may as well go and rest for now. These tests will take a couple of hours. When you come back I should hopefully know more."
"I will be back shortly. I need to go and inform the Council what has happened." Obi-Wan retreated into his thoughts for a moment and sighed. Bant watched her friend carefully, automatically reading his body language.
Thoughtfully, she placed a hand on his shoulder, "Try not to worry, Obi. We are doing our best."
Reaching up to cover her hand with his own, Obi-Wan nodded. "I know you will. Thank you." After a moment, he finally broke from her grasp and made his way to the Council Chambers.
Once admitted into the circular room, he quickly recounted the incident on Kenyan. There was a brief pause before the small green Master spoke, "Unfortunate this is. Updates on her condition we need. Thank you, Obi- Wan, for your report we do."
"Master, may I make a request?" The Knight inquired, standing tall amongst the honoured Jedi.
Mace replied, "Of course."
"I have no doubt that the message was meant for me, however I am still unsure as to why Knight MysAri received it. I request that I be privileged to all information in regards to her illness as this might hold the key. And I would also like to assume the mission to search for her cure as she is not well enough to do so herself." He waited, watching the two Masters communicate mentally.
"Granted," Mace announced. "May the Force be with you."
Concealing his relief, Obi-Wan acknowledged their approval with a bow and abruptly exited the chamber. Winding his way through the halls he entered his apartment.
Ever the studious Padawan, Anakin was sitting at a terminal checking the messages they had received during their short absence. Coming up behind the apprentice, Obi-Wan began, "Anakin, I need you to get me as much information as you can find on Ona Nobis' activities within the past few months. Also, access the reports for Knight MysAri's missions for the same time period."
"Master?" Anakin gave Obi-Wan a vexed glance.
Obi-Wan easily read into the tone used. "Just because we are back at the Temple, doesn't mean our mission is over. There are many questions left unanswered and I intend to find them. I'll be in my room meditating for a while. Then I'll be heading back to the Healers."
"Yes, Master." Anakin stated turning back to the comm terminal to begin his search. Satisfied that the boy would carry out his instructions, Obi- Wan started for his room. "Master?"
"Yes, Anakin." He halted in his retreat.
"I, uh, I just wanted to let you know, I'm here, if you need to talk." Tentatively, he made the offer.
The Knight smiled, yet Anakin could see that it was not fully a happy smile. "I know, Anakin. Maybe, later, when I know more, we can talk." The distant pull of memories held the Knight. Continuing on to his room, Obi-Wan closed the door behind him.
Anakin watched his Master withdraw into solitude, disturbed by the man's underlying turmoil. Determined to demonstrate his capabilities to the Knight, he decided to gather the information requested for the past year instead of months. Hoping that the extra work would reward him with his Master's confidence, Anakin diligently sought the required data.
On the other side of the door, Obi-Wan found it difficult to concentrate. Instead, he found himself reliving moments of his past that included the woman he had left in the infirmary.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Having just returned from a mission, Obi-Wan knew his visit would be a surprise. He tapped the keypad next to the entry to Master Uulia Uvontra's and Padawan MysAri's apartment. He had found the perfect birthday present for the younger apprentice on the last planet he visited and was anxious to see her reaction. After the debriefing with the Council, he requested to be excused for the afternoon. Qui-Gon had given him a questioning stare but granted it anyway.
Now he stood, waiting for a response, when Master Uulia finally answered. "Greetings, Padawan Kenobi. I presume you are here to speak with my Padawan, are you not?" The tall Soul Healer remarked taking in the pleasant visage of the young man.
Smiling shyly, he said, "Yes, Master. Is Mys available?" Motioning to enter, Uulia nodded as Obi-Wan made his way inside.
"I will call her for you. Please wait here," she instructed before heading further into the dwelling. Obi-Wan tried to hide his apprehension by playing with the box behind his back. When the young girl rounded the corner, the broad smile that lighted her features was a wonderful sight.
"Obi-Wan, I didn't know you were back in the Temple. How nice it is to see you." She hugged him and he embraced her with one arm. "What brings you here?"
"I only just returned, but I wanted to see you." His smirk was full of mischief and she stared at him puzzled by the cause. Slowly, he brought out the wrapped package and presented to her. Her jaw dropped and not knowing what to say she simply transferred her gaze from gift to gifter. "Happy Birthday," he announced joyfully, pleased with her stunned reaction.
"For me?" She said absently, "Tschüxani, you shouldn't have?" Accepting the box, MysAri carefully unwrapped the parcel. Sifting through the packing, she retrieved a small figure. Placing the container on a nearby table, she held the gift aloft, speechless at its beauty. A hand gently covered her heat and she whispered something he barely caught, 'Luñessa.' Louder she announced, "Precious Heart."
Confused, Obi-Wan asked, "What? What's 'precious heart?'"
"This gorgeous piece you have given me. Its name is 'Precious Heart.'" Raising the sparkling winged creature up to the light she gazed into the colours it reflected, before smiling again at the apprentice. "Thank you so much, Tschüxani. I love it!" She leapt onto the pleased Padawan and hugged him with all her might. That evening she spent with her friends in celebration, including Obi-Wan. She often displayed the crystal beast offered to her earlier. Obi-Wan hated to leave but he had promised Qui-Gon he would not stay out too late. Saying his farewells, MysAri enfolded him once more in thanks, before he departed.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
This was the first of many fond memories that plagued his calming meditation. Deciding it was futile to resist Obi-Wan rose and went back out to the communal room. He found his apprentice still working at the terminal and checked the chrono to see how long he had been in his room. It had only been an hour, but he couldn't stand the wait. "I'm going to the Healers now. Once you've finished retrieving the information, please bring it to me."
"Yes, Master, as soon as I'm done," Anakin answered. Solemnly, he watched the Knight leave, before setting forth to complete the monumental task he set before himself. He had already pulled the past 3 months and downloaded them to two separate pads. Hopefully, he would be finish within the next two hours and impress his Master.
Promptly leaving, Obi-Wan hurried through the halls to find Bant. He entered the reception room to the healers and asked the initiate which room he could find MysAri in. She gave him brief directions, which was more than enough, since the infirmary was practically a second home to him. Passing through the first door he spotted Bant at the end of the hall and after quickly calling her name he jogged up to meet her. "So have you learned anything?" He asked dismissing the pleasantries and getting right to the point.
"Fortunately, one of the first few tests proved fruitful. I'm afraid it doesn't look good," confided the Master Healer. Her eyes trying to convey as much sympathy as she could project.
"Why?"
"The disease has mutated. It's effecting two tissue groups now. We've stabilized her, but." she really didn't know how to finish, and so she didn't. Instead, she kept her watchful gaze on her friend.
"How?" He asked finally, "How and when did this all happen?"
"In all actuality, it began during the incident on Chandrila, 16 years ago," she explained. "Although no one knew it until about a year ago, when she first started feeling the symptoms." Bant motioned for them to move to an empty room. "It was in her paperwork, the unknown molecule in her bloodstream, but the first traces were found after the routine exam following the kidnapping. Since she had been drugged the original Healers assumed it was a side effect from the chemical introduced. As the years went on, no one really bothered to notice the steady, but gradual, increase in volume. About a year ago, something happened. A catalyst appeared and caused a reaction in the previously dormant cells. The mutated cells began to attack the tissues in her joints. Eating away the barriers and creating friction.
"That's when I got involved, about 6 months ago, and we've been searching for a cure since then. Now, however, the situation has become worse. While on Kenyan another catalyst entered her blood, causing a secondary mutation. This second change appears to be attacking the tendonous fibers in her body, slowly causing them to constrict. That's why it's difficult for her to breathe. The ribcage is mostly comprised of tendons, muscles and cartilage. And since my only guess is that the contaminant was an airbourne molecule it began with the closest tissues first." She paused, allowing all this information to sink in before attempting to continue.
He had withdrawn into his mind to consume all the information that she fed him. At the mention of Chandrila, something began to work its way to the surface.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The world around him faded in and out, but he could not mistake the pain that flowed through him. Obi-wan could hear voices close by. He decided it was pointless to move and remained on his stomach. Trying to keep his mind clear he concentrated on what was said.
"This isn't working." Obi-wan recognized his assailant. The words rang loudly in his ears as his mind pushed the haze away.
"Patience, Fiza. Our bluff hasn't completely failed yet. True, this will set back Serrine's influence for a while, but there is still the possibility it will work." Obi-wan cracked his eyes to take in the two before him. Harenti remained calm against Fiza's impatience. The guard paced back and forth, occasionally taking in the sight of the battered prisoner.
"If it weren't for this one, we could have already started." The brut paced up to the prone form and kicked him in the ribs, forcing another cry from the weakened body. "I dislike unnecessary delays. And so does she."
"I am fully aware of that already. Take this one to the Tube and let him stay there the night. That should take out the remainder of his resistance. This isn't over but I sense our time is drawing short." Obi- wan watched as the assistant approached him and looked him over. "Too bad we had to waste the surprise on her. Oh well. Have a good night, little one." Harenti mocked the beaten boy before leaving.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Unable to stand on his own any longer, he sank to his knees. Bant promptly followed him down, concern in the compassionate silver eyes. "He did it," Obi-Wan whispered. "And he knew what he had done." The line replayed over and over in his mind and a new horror birthed in his conscious. "It was meant for me."
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Please review, if you can. I would really appreciate it!!! : D
A/N: Just a reminder, this story has a lot of flash backs. Sorry if there's any confusion. Just remember that flashbacks are surrounded by ~~~~'s. Thank you!!!!!
---------------------------------------------------------------------------- ----------
"Quite honestly, I'm not entirely sure," the Master healer confessed. "You may as well go and rest for now. These tests will take a couple of hours. When you come back I should hopefully know more."
"I will be back shortly. I need to go and inform the Council what has happened." Obi-Wan retreated into his thoughts for a moment and sighed. Bant watched her friend carefully, automatically reading his body language.
Thoughtfully, she placed a hand on his shoulder, "Try not to worry, Obi. We are doing our best."
Reaching up to cover her hand with his own, Obi-Wan nodded. "I know you will. Thank you." After a moment, he finally broke from her grasp and made his way to the Council Chambers.
Once admitted into the circular room, he quickly recounted the incident on Kenyan. There was a brief pause before the small green Master spoke, "Unfortunate this is. Updates on her condition we need. Thank you, Obi- Wan, for your report we do."
"Master, may I make a request?" The Knight inquired, standing tall amongst the honoured Jedi.
Mace replied, "Of course."
"I have no doubt that the message was meant for me, however I am still unsure as to why Knight MysAri received it. I request that I be privileged to all information in regards to her illness as this might hold the key. And I would also like to assume the mission to search for her cure as she is not well enough to do so herself." He waited, watching the two Masters communicate mentally.
"Granted," Mace announced. "May the Force be with you."
Concealing his relief, Obi-Wan acknowledged their approval with a bow and abruptly exited the chamber. Winding his way through the halls he entered his apartment.
Ever the studious Padawan, Anakin was sitting at a terminal checking the messages they had received during their short absence. Coming up behind the apprentice, Obi-Wan began, "Anakin, I need you to get me as much information as you can find on Ona Nobis' activities within the past few months. Also, access the reports for Knight MysAri's missions for the same time period."
"Master?" Anakin gave Obi-Wan a vexed glance.
Obi-Wan easily read into the tone used. "Just because we are back at the Temple, doesn't mean our mission is over. There are many questions left unanswered and I intend to find them. I'll be in my room meditating for a while. Then I'll be heading back to the Healers."
"Yes, Master." Anakin stated turning back to the comm terminal to begin his search. Satisfied that the boy would carry out his instructions, Obi- Wan started for his room. "Master?"
"Yes, Anakin." He halted in his retreat.
"I, uh, I just wanted to let you know, I'm here, if you need to talk." Tentatively, he made the offer.
The Knight smiled, yet Anakin could see that it was not fully a happy smile. "I know, Anakin. Maybe, later, when I know more, we can talk." The distant pull of memories held the Knight. Continuing on to his room, Obi-Wan closed the door behind him.
Anakin watched his Master withdraw into solitude, disturbed by the man's underlying turmoil. Determined to demonstrate his capabilities to the Knight, he decided to gather the information requested for the past year instead of months. Hoping that the extra work would reward him with his Master's confidence, Anakin diligently sought the required data.
On the other side of the door, Obi-Wan found it difficult to concentrate. Instead, he found himself reliving moments of his past that included the woman he had left in the infirmary.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Having just returned from a mission, Obi-Wan knew his visit would be a surprise. He tapped the keypad next to the entry to Master Uulia Uvontra's and Padawan MysAri's apartment. He had found the perfect birthday present for the younger apprentice on the last planet he visited and was anxious to see her reaction. After the debriefing with the Council, he requested to be excused for the afternoon. Qui-Gon had given him a questioning stare but granted it anyway.
Now he stood, waiting for a response, when Master Uulia finally answered. "Greetings, Padawan Kenobi. I presume you are here to speak with my Padawan, are you not?" The tall Soul Healer remarked taking in the pleasant visage of the young man.
Smiling shyly, he said, "Yes, Master. Is Mys available?" Motioning to enter, Uulia nodded as Obi-Wan made his way inside.
"I will call her for you. Please wait here," she instructed before heading further into the dwelling. Obi-Wan tried to hide his apprehension by playing with the box behind his back. When the young girl rounded the corner, the broad smile that lighted her features was a wonderful sight.
"Obi-Wan, I didn't know you were back in the Temple. How nice it is to see you." She hugged him and he embraced her with one arm. "What brings you here?"
"I only just returned, but I wanted to see you." His smirk was full of mischief and she stared at him puzzled by the cause. Slowly, he brought out the wrapped package and presented to her. Her jaw dropped and not knowing what to say she simply transferred her gaze from gift to gifter. "Happy Birthday," he announced joyfully, pleased with her stunned reaction.
"For me?" She said absently, "Tschüxani, you shouldn't have?" Accepting the box, MysAri carefully unwrapped the parcel. Sifting through the packing, she retrieved a small figure. Placing the container on a nearby table, she held the gift aloft, speechless at its beauty. A hand gently covered her heat and she whispered something he barely caught, 'Luñessa.' Louder she announced, "Precious Heart."
Confused, Obi-Wan asked, "What? What's 'precious heart?'"
"This gorgeous piece you have given me. Its name is 'Precious Heart.'" Raising the sparkling winged creature up to the light she gazed into the colours it reflected, before smiling again at the apprentice. "Thank you so much, Tschüxani. I love it!" She leapt onto the pleased Padawan and hugged him with all her might. That evening she spent with her friends in celebration, including Obi-Wan. She often displayed the crystal beast offered to her earlier. Obi-Wan hated to leave but he had promised Qui-Gon he would not stay out too late. Saying his farewells, MysAri enfolded him once more in thanks, before he departed.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
This was the first of many fond memories that plagued his calming meditation. Deciding it was futile to resist Obi-Wan rose and went back out to the communal room. He found his apprentice still working at the terminal and checked the chrono to see how long he had been in his room. It had only been an hour, but he couldn't stand the wait. "I'm going to the Healers now. Once you've finished retrieving the information, please bring it to me."
"Yes, Master, as soon as I'm done," Anakin answered. Solemnly, he watched the Knight leave, before setting forth to complete the monumental task he set before himself. He had already pulled the past 3 months and downloaded them to two separate pads. Hopefully, he would be finish within the next two hours and impress his Master.
Promptly leaving, Obi-Wan hurried through the halls to find Bant. He entered the reception room to the healers and asked the initiate which room he could find MysAri in. She gave him brief directions, which was more than enough, since the infirmary was practically a second home to him. Passing through the first door he spotted Bant at the end of the hall and after quickly calling her name he jogged up to meet her. "So have you learned anything?" He asked dismissing the pleasantries and getting right to the point.
"Fortunately, one of the first few tests proved fruitful. I'm afraid it doesn't look good," confided the Master Healer. Her eyes trying to convey as much sympathy as she could project.
"Why?"
"The disease has mutated. It's effecting two tissue groups now. We've stabilized her, but." she really didn't know how to finish, and so she didn't. Instead, she kept her watchful gaze on her friend.
"How?" He asked finally, "How and when did this all happen?"
"In all actuality, it began during the incident on Chandrila, 16 years ago," she explained. "Although no one knew it until about a year ago, when she first started feeling the symptoms." Bant motioned for them to move to an empty room. "It was in her paperwork, the unknown molecule in her bloodstream, but the first traces were found after the routine exam following the kidnapping. Since she had been drugged the original Healers assumed it was a side effect from the chemical introduced. As the years went on, no one really bothered to notice the steady, but gradual, increase in volume. About a year ago, something happened. A catalyst appeared and caused a reaction in the previously dormant cells. The mutated cells began to attack the tissues in her joints. Eating away the barriers and creating friction.
"That's when I got involved, about 6 months ago, and we've been searching for a cure since then. Now, however, the situation has become worse. While on Kenyan another catalyst entered her blood, causing a secondary mutation. This second change appears to be attacking the tendonous fibers in her body, slowly causing them to constrict. That's why it's difficult for her to breathe. The ribcage is mostly comprised of tendons, muscles and cartilage. And since my only guess is that the contaminant was an airbourne molecule it began with the closest tissues first." She paused, allowing all this information to sink in before attempting to continue.
He had withdrawn into his mind to consume all the information that she fed him. At the mention of Chandrila, something began to work its way to the surface.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The world around him faded in and out, but he could not mistake the pain that flowed through him. Obi-wan could hear voices close by. He decided it was pointless to move and remained on his stomach. Trying to keep his mind clear he concentrated on what was said.
"This isn't working." Obi-wan recognized his assailant. The words rang loudly in his ears as his mind pushed the haze away.
"Patience, Fiza. Our bluff hasn't completely failed yet. True, this will set back Serrine's influence for a while, but there is still the possibility it will work." Obi-wan cracked his eyes to take in the two before him. Harenti remained calm against Fiza's impatience. The guard paced back and forth, occasionally taking in the sight of the battered prisoner.
"If it weren't for this one, we could have already started." The brut paced up to the prone form and kicked him in the ribs, forcing another cry from the weakened body. "I dislike unnecessary delays. And so does she."
"I am fully aware of that already. Take this one to the Tube and let him stay there the night. That should take out the remainder of his resistance. This isn't over but I sense our time is drawing short." Obi- wan watched as the assistant approached him and looked him over. "Too bad we had to waste the surprise on her. Oh well. Have a good night, little one." Harenti mocked the beaten boy before leaving.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Unable to stand on his own any longer, he sank to his knees. Bant promptly followed him down, concern in the compassionate silver eyes. "He did it," Obi-Wan whispered. "And he knew what he had done." The line replayed over and over in his mind and a new horror birthed in his conscious. "It was meant for me."
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Please review, if you can. I would really appreciate it!!! : D