Part 3- Knowing and Proving
For the second time that week, Qui-Gon stood before the Council. Most of the Jedi seemed quite awake and composed, save for Mace Windu, who almost constantly hid or stifled yawns. He was not a morning person.
"Sifo-Dyas? That is almost as preposterous as Master Windu!" Plo Koon protested.
"There is evidence pointing to Sifo-Dyas' involvement. For instance, he was never examined by the Healers. I find it quite strange for a man to live so long with a blaster wound without ever having been examined by a Healer."
"Master Sifo-Dyas did complain of chest problems," Adi Gallia reminded him.
"Master Di Uni declares that he never had his chest examined at any period of time," Qui-Gon stated firmly.
"Perhaps the medical database is malfunctioning," Mace suggested. Qui-Gon shook his head.
"Both Master Di Uni and Miro Daroon have checked the database for any evidence of tampering and malfunction. The results have been negative." Qui-Gon made eye contact with Yoda, who in turn sighed.
"Reluctant I am to so quickly believe a traitor, Sifo-Dyas was."
"Master Yoda, this man is guilty of treachery. He is also partially responsible for the death of two children. The evidence against him is solid. You cannot let him get away simply because we once trusted him. He must be brought to justice."
"Justice, say you? What kind of justice, hmm?" Yoda asked.
"He must be taken back to Coruscant and put on trial. You do understand that by colluding with the Ramming Stone he has also betrayed the Senate."
"Hmm." Yoda bowed his head in thought.
"Master Yoda, he must be apprehended swiftly, for his own safety. If I have easily discovered this information, then-"
"Your former Padawan certainly could," Mace finished for him. Qui-Gon nodded, sickened. He felt ashamed by the fact that he believed his Padawan could be capable of murder.
"Believe Obi-Wan has turned, do you?" Yoda asked quietly. Qui-Gon chose his words carefully.
"I believe that my- I mean, Obi-Wan, has been deeply hurt. Without proper guidance, he may feel entitled to give Sifo-Dyas justice." Yoda nodded.
"Then hurry, we must. Qui-Gon, to Edeth you will go. Apprehend Sifo-Dyas, you must."
"Thank you," Qui-Gon bowed and left the Council Room.
***
"I should be back in less than two weeks," Qui-Gon said to Tahl as he finished packing his bag. "Edeth is about three days' travel from here." Tahl nodded, avoiding his eyes.
"Tahl, everything is going to be alright. Sifo-Dyas is an old man. He hasn't used his lightsaber in years." Tahl looked up at him, her sightless eyes glistening.
"He knows how to use the Force. And he knows the Ramming Stone. And you're…" her voice trailed off.
"What? And I'm what?"
"You're getting old, Qui." Qui-Gon smiled and gently kissed her on the top of her head.
"Don't worry. I have the Force with me, and good is always greater than evil." Tahl smiled faintly.
"Just come back. Ald-Yen, Ang-Jir, your father's leaving," Tahl called. Her face had returned to its normal serene composure, but her voice betrayed her, shaking slightly.
"Where you going, Daddy?" Ald-Yen asked, his innocent eyes staring up at his father. Qui-Gon picked both children up.
"I'm going to the planet Edeth. I'm taking someone there back to Coruscant."
"Who?" Ang-Jir asked.
"Master Sifo-Dyas. He's been very bad, and he needs to tell Master Yoda what he did."
"Daddy, don't let him take you to the cave," Ang-Jir said, her deep brown eyes full of concern.
"What do you mean, sweetheart?" Qui-Gon asked her, confused. He had never heard his daughter speak so anxiously.
"Just don't let him, Daddy," Ang-Jir urged.
"Whatever you say, Ang-Jir." Qui-Gon already knew there would be no arguing with the child. He put both kids down, and turned to Tahl.
"Now it's time to say goodbye to the newest edition to the family," He said, gently pressing his large hand against Tahl's swelling abdomen. He sent calming waves to the child within, then looked into Tahl's eyes.
"May the Force be with you, Qui-Gon," she whispered.
"And you," he replied before kissing her hard on the lips.
***
Before leaving Coruscant, Qui-Gon made a quick stop at Dex's Diner. He needed information on Talon Wessel, and had a strange feeling that if he did not speak with Dex before he left on his mission, he would never be able to again.
"Hello, Dex," he said, greeting the chubby creature.
"Qui-Gon! How are you doing, eh? You want information, don't you?" Dex said, his eyes narrowing.
"Perhaps we could have a seat before we speak," Qui-Gon suggested. Dex smiled.
"Of course. You know Qui-Gon, ever since Didi and I dissolved our partnership, this place has gotten better. And he thought I was incompetent!"
"I heard Didi thought very highly of you," Qui-Gon replied. Dex shrugged.
"Whatever. So, what information do you need?"
"I need to know about a Clawdite. He goes by the name of Talon Wessel." Dex closed his eyes for a moment.
"Hmm. Talon Wessel. Did that job at the Temple three years ago, right?"
"How did you know?" Qui-Gon asked, surprised. Dex laughed.
"Things like that have a way of reaching my ears. Let me think. Last time I saw him was about a year ago. He had his little girl with him- what was her name- Zam, that's it. He was looking for Didi. Thought maybe he could take the girl, you know, adopt her."
"Hold on, when was this? Last year?" Dex nodded.
"And you didn't bother to contact the Temple? He is responsible for the death of a nine-year-old girl!"
"Hey, chill! I didn't know about that!" Dex cried defensively.
"Sorry." Qui-Gon paused a moment, allowing Dex to nurse his ego. "Let's get back to the subject. Is Talon a bounty hunter?"
"He used to be. Then about six years ago, he pretty much disappeared. Until the Temple job."
"So where is he now?" Qui-Gon asked. Dex shrugged again.
"He disappeared again. Unusual, don't you think?"
"Not particularly," Qui-Gon commented. "Most lowlifes do tend to disappear after killing a little girl." Dex shook his head.
"No, you don't understand, Qui-Gon. To high-living people such as yourself, they do disappear. Now, to creatures such as myself, these people are common visitors. You remember Azlash Bazurka, the guy who knocked off three Senators in three days?"
"Yes."
"Well, he just got married to a hooker who lives down the street. You know, he still pulls jobs? Sometimes for Senators!" Dex let out a loud, long, and hearty guffaw.
"Where does he live?" Dex laughed again.
"Qui-Gon, do remember that Azlash was released because he had an alibi and there was no evidence pointing to him? I see that you do. What makes you think that you could do anything?"
"But everyone knows-" Qui-Gon began. Dex cut him off.
"My dear Master Qui-Gon, of course everyone knows that Azlash killed those Senators. But they would not ever be able to prove it. Surely an experienced Jedi like yourself would understand that there is a huge difference between knowing and proving." Qui-Gon leaned back.
"I have proof that Talon is guilty of murder and terrorism. If you see him, contact the Temple. I've stayed too long. I have a transport to catch. Goodbye, and thank you."
***
Obi-Wan leaned forward in his seat, watching the Ramming Stone's ship amidst a herd of transports. He felt incredibly conspicuous, for his ship was the only X-wing class present.
"He looks as if he's heading for Coruscant," Obi-Wan murmured to himself. "That would be the first time in three years. Why the change? Do you have enough money? And for what, I might ask? Oh, Sith, I'm talking to myself again." Obi-Wan closed his eyes, annoyed at himself.
I can't do this anymore. I'm going insane. I need to talk to- Obi-Wan cut off when he realized the Ramming Stone's ship was separating from the rest of the group, which would produce a problem for Obi-Wan.
He's trying to flush me out. Well, I'm not falling for it. You're going back to Coruscant, and I'll be there to stop you from your next endeavor. Reluctantly, Obi-Wan remained with the transports, knowing that the Ramming Stone would arrive at Coruscant, long before Obi-Wan would.
***
The Ramming Stone smiled as the old X-wing continued with the rest of the ships. The terrorist would now be far ahead of the boy, which would give him enough time to regroup with Talon Wessel- and lay a trap for Obi-Wan Kenobi.
After Obi-Wan was taken care of, the Ramming Stone could turn his attentions to a more important matter: the Senate. The Senate had become far too corrupted in the past years. Chancellor Valorum was too weak to stop the corruption and did not heed the advice of the few good Senators left.
The Senate had to be silenced in order for those who had been oppressed could taste freedom.
And after the Senate was properly treated, the Ramming Stone knew that his next step would be the one place he had failed to destroy: the Jedi Temple.
***
Edeth was a beautiful planet, completely green, without one building. Its inhabitants resided in the naturally warm caves on the southern hemisphere of the planet. With moderate rain and temperature all year round, it was the perfect world for retirement.
Qui-Gon noted Sifo-Dyas' cave. It was large, far larger than most of the caves the three other retired Jedi were situated in. It also seemed darker than the others, but perhaps it was the Force that gave Qui-Gon that impression.
"Qui-Gon Jinn! What in the name of the Force are you doing here?" Sifo-Dyas asked kindly, just outside of the cage.
"You seem to have quite an estate, Sifo-Dyas, " Qui-Gon commented. " Wherever did you get the money? Never mind. I came here on the behalf of the Jedi Council."
"Oh?" Sifo-Dyas seemed warm and nonchalant, but Qui-Gon noticed a slight shift in the retired Jedi's body posture. "What do they want?"
"They would like to speak with you concerning the unfortunate event in which you were a victim three years ago. They have some very important questions." Qui-Gon watched as Sifo-Dyas blinked. He knew that he had been discovered.
"When do they expect me?" He asked quietly.
"Three days from now." Sifo-Dyas closed his eyes, massaging his temples.
"Then allow me to gather some things of mine. Would you care to join me?" Sifo-Dyas asked, beckoning towards his cave. A shiver ran down Qui-Gon's back as he remembered his daughter's words:
"Daddy, don't let him take you to the cave."
"Master Sifo-Dyas, you and I both know what you're planning. I hate to do this, but I must ask you to come with me right now."
"Then, you'll not let me get my things?" Sifo-Dyas asked, more afraid than disappointed. How had Qui-Gon known that a trap had been laid inside the cave?
"No. Come along, Sifo-Dyas. We have a long journey."
***
"Master Qui-Gon, I demand that you release me. You will not even tell me what I have been accused of doing!"
"Silence! You know very well what you have done. How long have you been in league with the Ramming Stone, traitor?" Qui-Gon asked sharply, satisfied by Sifo-Dyas' flinch.
"Six, long and bitter years," Sifo-Dyas finally mumbled. "I resent every moment of them, but it was necessary."
"Necessary!" Qui-Gon spat. Sifo-Dyas nodded, his head bowed with shame.
"Yes, necessary. It was the only way I could save the children from death. If I had not offered my services, the Ramming Stone would have destroyed the Temple, and all the children inside."
"Why didn't you tell the Council, then?" Qui-Gon accused, and Sifo-Dyas fell silent. Qui-Gon paused for a moment, as a new train of thought had come to him. He turned to the fallen Master
"Tell me, Sifo-Dyas, what happened when the Ramming Stone infiltrated the Temple? What went wrong?" Knowing that he was caught and there was no chance of escaping the truth, Sifo-Dyas sat back, rubbing his eyes.
"Everything was going beautifully up until the Council decided to trick the Ramming Stone by sending out the false messages. The Ramming Stone lost control of his anger and left himself open to attack. Obi-Wan attacked him." Sifo-Dyas settled back, allowing the past to sweep through him.
***
"What do you mean, something's wrong?" The Ramming Stone hissed at Tod.
"The codes are all wrong on these outgoing messages," Tod said. "It's not the regular code the Jedi use."
Obi-Wan glanced up from his spot on the floor. He suddenly realized that Yoda had not been true to his word, and the children would pay for it.
Unless…
"Could it be the emergency code?" Tod shook his head.
"No." The Ramming Stone cursed angrily.
"The fools! Apparently, they want to lose a child today," he made his way to a corner of children, his path leading him right next to Obi-Wan's seemingly unconscious body.
Before anyone could move, Obi-Wan sprang up, grabbing the Ramming Stone's blaster and jamming it into the terrorist's throat. Talon hand went to his blaster, but a gurgle from his boss stopped him.
"No one move, or he dies," Obi-Wan growled. "Open the doors." A collective sigh of relief echoed through the room.
Sifo-Dyas lay quietly against the wall, his eyes partially open. After he had been shot, the children had seemingly forgotten him, for which he was very grateful. It gave him freedom to watch the children, waiting for a rebellion.
He should have known that Kenobi would have fought back. He was much like his Master, impulsive to a degree that he could almost be called pugnacious.
Sifo-Dyas waited for a moment before attacking Obi-Wan with the Force. Caught by surprise, the boy lost his grip on the Ramming Stone and fell to the ground. All eyes turned to Sifo-Dyas. He watched as the children stared at him, his betrayal striking them like a lightsaber at full intensity.
The Ramming Stone rose, his face deadly pale. His eyes flashed as he drew his blaster. Obi-Wan slowly got up, glaring at Sifo-Dyas coldly. He had never been so betrayed.
"Now, you die, boy," The Ramming Stone growled leveling his blaster at Obi-Wan's chest. The teenager faced the terrorist, his icy blue eyes hard and fearless. Talon drew his blaster also, pointing it at the boy.
"No!" Marla screamed, dashing from her corner, throwing herself in front of Obi-Wan.
The fanatical gleam in the Ramming Stone's eyes died when the girl stepped in front of his blaster. He lowered his gun, unwilling to shoot the girl.
But Talon did not.
The bolt slammed inexorably into Marla's chest, ripping through skin, muscle, and bone, striking the tiny heart.
The Ramming Stone watched in horror as the girl fell, screaming her name.
Grief suddenly turned to anger. The Ramming Stone spun around, facing Talon. He screamed at him, as if the girl had been an angel, unjustly taken.
Talon took no offense; he had done his duty. The Ramming Stone could rant all he wanted.
Suddenly anger exploded into a cold fury. The fiery light in the Ramming Stone's eyes ignited again, brighter than before.
"Kill him," The Ramming Stone ordered loudly. Then he added softly, almost tenderly, "He killed Marla." Obi-Wan's blue eyes widened in sudden realization. Sifo-Dyas saw the guilt in the boy's eyes, even more terrible than what the old Master was feeling.
Obi-Wan believed that by his foolish escape attempt, he was responsible for her death. If he had remained silent and still, Marla would not have sacrificed her life for his.
***
"But it wasn't his fault," Qui-Gon murmured. "He couldn't have known that you had betrayed us." Before he could say more, his comlink beeped. It was Mace Windu, and by his slow and deep tone, Qui-Gon knew something was wrong.
"Hello, Qui-Gon."
"What's wrong?" Qui-Gon asked, forsaking formality.
"Tahl and your children were kidnapped last night. We've received a message from her captors. Get back to the Temple as soon as possible. Windu, out."
