yaebginn - Thank you very much. I appreciate the thoughts. And no I don't hear it all the time, but even if I did, I would enjoy hearing it still. I started reading your story about sending Qui and Obi to Ord Mandel, just haven't had the change to review yet. :8} Sorry, my bad. Unfortunately, I don't have much time to read any more but I do try and read. I'll try and get you that review as soon as I can. ;)

K-rock - My friend, I'm glad you didn't, I know a few others thought it was very sad. I just wanted to warn you in case. Not everyone gets emotional from reading. I on the other hand tend to cry a lot. Not just in reading but at the movies as well. Which I find to be rather ironic since I dislike sap so much. And I'm not one to go see the 'chick-flicks.' This particular fic has developed into something I had not really intended. The closest I ever wanted to get to romance was Interlude. Did I forget to mention that this is really just a sequel to Iedos, but part of a series? The time line really goes from Iedos - Don't Cry - Interlude - Catch me - If Only by One. I do have two other stories that fall between Iedos and Don't Cry, one I wasn't planning on ever posting and the other is still in the development stage. Mys makes reference to it later. I'll let you know when. ;) Oh, one more thing, if you haven't read any of the others yet, you might want to hold off on If Only until this is finished. Just a thought. But if you have, oh well. I hope you enjoyed them. Thanks again! I appreciate your support!! :D

abbey-wan - Thank you very much!! I'm glad you are enjoying!! :D

Well, folks, I've caught up to what I had done. I have roughs of some of the rest. But I must admit that I was bad again, I began writing an original story. I'll let you all know when I post it at FictionPress.net (I think that's what ff.n's counterpart is) in case you are interested. Anyway, here's that chappie for you. :D

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"It's not time yet. She's only just woken up, I have not completed my assessment of her condition." Obi-Wan quickly retorted. He wanted, needed to prolong their time together. He needed to speak with her, and he knew that if he lost this chance there would be so much left unspoken.

"You are delaying the inevitable. You have had ample amount of time to determine if she has improved." The arrogant Scientist strode in confidently.

Obi-Wan rose to his feet, gently squeezing MysAri's hand as he did so. "You are rushing. Your desire for revenge is making you hasty. Perhaps you should…."

"Perhaps you should stop stalling and taking me for a fool. Don't think that your Jedi skills have not catalogued enough improvements to validate my cure." Jenna cut the Knight off. She knew she was correct in her assumptions and pressed her point further. "You have seen her move. You have heard her speak. From what I remember, she was unable to do either before. And to be quite frank, she's either very stubborn or very strong willed to have awoken this early. The sedative I gave her should have kept her out for hours longer."

Under different circumstances, Obi-Wan would have enjoyed confirming both aspects of his dear friend. A number of memories popped into his mind supporting the allegation. Quickly he pushed them away to focus on the problem here and now. "Yes, I have noticed them," he affirmed. "But you are still hurrying them out. How can I be sure that these are not temporary improvements? I need more time."

Jenna laughed, and for the first time there was a hint of actual amusement in it. "You wouldn't be able to tell in a matter of hours if the cure I provided is permanent or not. You would need days, at least." Her tone sobered quickly. "And that is something you have only a few left of. You are correct, I want my revenge. You and that annoying Master of yours put me in a penitentiary for 15 long years. The only thing that kept me going was the thought of my revenge. Since he is dead, you will have to pay for the both of you."

The mention of his beloved Master, brought up deeply rooted pain from loss. His only consolation was that his Master would not be put through the torment that was surely to come. Memories surfaced and he recalled vividly the reason for her imprisonment which he believed, was completely justified. "You deserved to go to prison. You held two Jedi Masters prisoner. You started a plague just so you could make a profit on a previously formulated cure. Your greed harmed thousands of innocent lives."

She smiled at the recollection of her accomplishment, yet there was a hint of malice in the kindly gesture. "Greed is no longer my driving force. Only revenge."

And for the first time he saw the lustful driving need to extract her revenge from him. That nothing else mattered, to her except his pain. Suddenly, he had a very real urge to get his Padawan and his friend away as quickly as possible. He needed to be sure that they were safe from this wanting beast, away from the pain. His face set in a determined yet calm visage and he squared his shoulders. "I see, if that it the way it must be." The Knight stood ready and waiting, accepting the fate that has befallen him.

Anakin recognized the change as it occurred. Desperately, he called out, "Master, no."

But Obi-Wan had made up his mind. In a collected tone he commanded his charge, "Anakin, you will take MysAri back to the Temple. Miss Arbor said that the illness has been stopped but she will need the Healers to reverse all the damage."

He felt the hand in his tighten weakly. Unshed tears were in the dark green eyes. Softly, she whispered, "Tschüxani, please don't."

Finally breaking his gaze from the sight of his captor, Obi-Wan regarded the ailing woman. Grinning, he tenderly replied, "It's time for you to go. You still need medical attention."

MysAri couldn't believe that this was happening. That she was witnessing self-sacrifice in its purest form and there was nothing she could do to prevent it. Her voice hitched, "But."

"Oh stop it." Jenna unceremoniously barged into their conversation. "If you don't leave soon, then you can all stay and suffer as well."

Fear gripped his heart for a brief moment before conquering it. This is what he suspected she would try to do if they lingered too long. Time grew short. "No, they are leaving."

The prospect of further pain didn't deter her, she wanted to stay. MysAri used the only bargaining tool at her disposal to prolong these last few moments. "I can't. I am still unable to walk. How can I leave?" It was desperate she knew, what else could she do? But this attempt would fall short like the others.

"I think your Knight here should be able to carry you." Jenna stated matter-of-factually. "I will permit him to accompany you to your ship. I'll even let you say good-bye. But don't expect much else since we'll be with you too."

On the verge of departure, Obi-Wan recalled another factor almost overlooked. Glaring at the scientist again he demanded, "Then you will remove the inhibitor from my Apprentice now."

Shaking her head, Jenna declined, "Not yet. It will be removed once he's on board and we have our assurances that you will not go back on your word."

"I am a Jedi, I will remain your prisoner as long as they are released."

"That may be so, but there is no harm in being safe than sorry. Now are you ready to leave or do you want them to join you?" A wicked sparkle lit her clear blue eyes.

Carefully, Obi-Wan reached down, gathered the folds of his robe around MysAri and lifted her in his arms. Standing there, he looked his captor in the eye, "We are ready now." Jenna smiled malevolently and then turned to lead the way.

From behind, Anakin argued, "Master, I can not allow you to do this."

"It's too late, Anakin. And you have your orders." He knew his Padawan was passionate. And deep down he appreciated the loyalty and affection that permeated over their bond from the youth. But he also wished there was time for him to teach that he needed to accept this allow the anger that flowed go.

Through clenched teeth, the stubborn boy persisted, "But we can still fight them."

"No we can't. Without our sabers, there is precious little we can do. Even if we had them, I would not be able to protect both you and MysAri while you still have that cuff on. This is the only way."

It was true, without their lightsabers they didn't stand much of a chance. And with MysAri incapacitated and the inhibitor blocking his connection to the Force, it was even less likely. Still, he felt that something could have been done besides allowing this to happen without a fight. "You're wrong Master," he uttered under his breath.

"Come along Anakin. You need to fly Mys home." Unable to persuade his Master to see the light, Anakin reluctantly followed along.

Ona Nobis was waiting in the doorway. Always the quiet Bounty Hunter, she watched and waited patiently for them to move. Her leery gaze was trained on them for the entire trek to the small craft just beyond the mountain cottage. The anticipation growing inside her was only present in her eyes as a sadistic twinkle.

As they walked, MysAri suggested, "Perhaps you could still get away, if you left me here." The thought of him enduring anything similar to her own condition plagued her. If this was a way to save him from it, she had to try.

Keeping his eyes forward, he walked along , "Not after I found you again. And we found you a cure. It's a small price I pay for that."

"It's not small to me," she protested. "Not at all. Please, please, don't do this. I'm not worth it."

"That's not true. All life is precious to me, especially yours. There is nothing I wouldn't give to protect those I care for." His thoughts trailed back to the brooding presence behind him. There were few he cared for so deeply, but of those few two were right there with him. Now, he wondered if he would make it back to them or not. His sense of pending reality suggested he should prepare for either possibility. "Take good care of my Padawan. He's head strong and reckless. Perhaps you would make a better Master for him than I would."

"Don't say such things. You are a wonderful Master." She studied him carefully. She could see the worry deep in the turbulent seas and she knew even he was uncertain of the future. If this was the only comfort she could grant him in their last moments, she would give it gladly. Softly, Mys added, "I will take care of him as best as I can, until you return."

"Thank you." Sad gratitude poured from the words.

At the hatchway, Jenna stopped to regard them, "Now make this quick."

Obi-Wan glanced back toward his Padawan. Understanding the unspoken direction, Anakin moved forward and opened the ship's entry. The small party headed inside, following the Knight into a modest cabin. Carefully, he moved to rest MysAri on the bunk. Slowly, he began to rise when he was stopped by the tugging of his tunic. Looking down he saw a frail shaking hand holding desperately onto the cloth.

His vision traced the arm all the way up to her eyes, which were dark and rimmed with barely contained tears. Then a single word drifted on the air and formed in his ears. "Please." Gazing into the deep jaded eyes, he could see the mixed emotions swirling in them, but one emotion caught him completely unaware; fear.

MysAri held onto to him with every last shred of strength in her body. Fear gripped her and she held onto him in hopes to purge it. Staring up at the condemned man, she felt that if she let go, she would never see him again. The sympathy and regret in his seachange gaze both warmed and haunted her. His hand covered hers and slowly worked it from his tunic. "You must go. Don't worry, the Force will always keep us together."

"Don't close yourself to me," she pleaded. "Give me a way to find you. I will not let you go so easily."

"I know." She held her breath as his face drew ever closer, just before they touched she closed her eyes. Soft lips kissed her forehead for long moment before pulling away again. Step by step he drew further away from her. Her hand stretched out in one last attempt to pull him back to her. Lingering in the doorway, Obi-Wan glanced back and smiled. MysAri quickly burned the image into her memory, and then he was gone.

Just beyond the cabin, in the cockpit, stood the two conniving women and a Master and a Padawan. Obi-wan's features turned from their gentle undertones to a hard glare. "Now you will remove the inhibitor from my Apprentice." His powerful voice commanded.

One quick nod of the head and Jenna agreed, "Of course. But we require insurance."

Not entirely certain of what they intended, Obi-Wan warned, "I will not allow you to put one on me until they have left."

"Fair enough. But that isn't what we had in mind." Jenna turned back toward Ona, who stepped forward with a wicked grin on her face. Neither Jedi liked that look. "We will remove his binder at the same time we guarantee your submittal."

"And how do you propose that?"

In a clear voice, Jenna asked, "Do you swear on your oath as a Jedi that you will not fight back and allow us to do what ever we wish as long as your Padawan and friend are released?"

"Master, no!" Anakin protested vehemently.

But Obi-Wan already knew what his answer would be. "Yes."

"Then raise your arm and lift your sleeve." Obi-Wan complied still unsure of what was to come. Ona moved closer to him, grinning. Jenna moved toward Anakin. The two women locked gazes for a moment and nodded slightly.

That was when their intent was revealed. Ona brought up a long needle, not one for injections but one more like a slender spike. The Bounty Hunter watched her prey as she placed the dull point in the middle of his forearm.

Obi-Wan stiffened slightly, before finding his calm center in the Force. He needed to be strong right now, for his Padawan's sake. He braced himself for the coming pain, but no matter how much you prepare you cannot stop it from assaulting you. His eyes widened momentarily and he grunted from the initial shock, but was able to quickly replace it with the calm facade everyone was accustomed to seeing. Blue-green eyes locked with shocked clear cerulean. Obi-Wan drew his strength from his Padawan, maintaining the image of serenity as the vicious woman twisted the needle slowly through his arm.

Appalled, Anakin shouted his anger at his Master's treatment, but Jenna held fast. When the needle had been driven almost all the way through, did she access the control switch that released Anakin's cuff. The Scientist quickly collected the bind and instructed, "Now leave, you have 5 minutes to lift off or else we will take action against you."

Anakin stood dumbfounded. His vision still full of the horrific scene before him. He could see the older Jedi's face pale and sweat bead his brow. The man's shields were quickly fastened into place before anything could be transmitted over the bond. But Anakin knew that the Knight was expending an exorbitant amount of energy in his quest to show strength. When the needle protruded from both sides of Obi-Wan's arm, Anakin could see him take a deep steadying breath. With a voice used for gentle instruction, he heard his mentor speak, "Go now. Take her home."

"Master."

"Go." Before he could say anything else, Ona quickly jerked the needle from his arm. Unprepared, he grunted from the abrupt withdrawal and the new flash of pain it caused. Carefully, he drew the arm to him. The Bounty Hunter rounded behind him and pushed him toward the hatch. Reluctantly, he obliged, wishing he could say so much more to his pride and joy. He could only hope that his Padawan would understand one day why he was allowing this to happen. Walking out of the craft he stopped far enough away to give them clearance but close enough he could still see his apprentice's face.

Anakin prepared for take off. He was fuming internally, searching frantically to find a way to rescue his Master and get them all away safely. But he was still too inexperienced to find a way. His thoughts careened on what to do. If he defied his Master and attempted to rescue him, he feared his Master's disapproval if they all became prisoners. Yet he refused to abandon his mentor to the pain that was surely to follow. He stood staring from the cockpit as the engines fired, and he made a decision. Vowing to the Force and himself, he mentally cried out, Hold on, Master! I will come back for you! Wait for me.

Obi-Wan watched the ship lift off the ground and head toward the vastness of space. A biting wind had picked up and swirled around them. The cold helped numb the pain in his arm. Despite the shields constructed to prevent them from feeling his pain, he could still hear his Apprentice's promise. Hoping that he would be able to do what was asked of him, he answered mentally, I'll be waiting.

Thoughtful speculation was rudely interrupted by the feel of cold metal and the clicking of a lock. Almost immediately a new sensation bombarded his entire body. His insides were lit by a burning blaze of unknown fire. Crumbling to the ground by the onslaught, the bleached surroundings could do nothing to quell the flames. As he fought for control, a sultry voice barely made it through the haze of his mind, "You're ours now."

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Watch out, cliffie ahead! :p

You know I like the reviews, don't you? And you know you want to leave one. So go to it!! Danke! Gracias! Prego! Arigatou! :D