Part 5- Choosing the Path

He slowly, gingerly opened his eyes, almost afraid to see what would appear before him. What would Hell look like?

He was surprised to find himself lying in a plain white bed, with only his pants on. The room was well lit, its walls a sickly pale green with no decorations whatsoever.

"You look shocked," a voice commented from the doorway. Obi-Wan turned, chills suddenly running up and down his spine. The voice came from a tall, silhouette of a man.

"Who are you?" Obi-Wan asked, beginning to rise. The pain in his stomach, however, forced him back into the bed.

"A friend, though we have never met, Obi-Wan Kenobi. I am Count Dooku of Geonosis, though I was a Jedi Master."

"Qui-Gon's Master?" Obi-Wan asked, confused. "But why am I here? I thought-"

"You were gravely wounded, young man, by a terrorist by the name of Talon Wessel. I happened to be at the hangar where you were shot." Dooku's face remained neutral, almost harsh. Obi-Wan suddenly saw Qui-Gon in that face. "I recognized you as Qui-Gon's Padawan, and treated you here. I have tried to contact your Master, but he's not responding to my calls. Surely, he is looking for-"

"He's not my Master," Obi-Wan interrupted, his voice cracking as he did so. The words hurt so much. "I left the Order three years ago." Dooku's face softened. Suddenly all signs of severity were replaced by pity.

"I see." Obi-Wan could tell by the count's face that he had connected the Ramming Stone's seizure with Obi-Wan's leaving.

"Then you would not wish to speak with Master Jinn?" Dooku asked carefully. Obi-Wan shook his head, though he wished with all his heart that he could speak with his former Master. He knew it would be too painful for his Master, though.

"I doubt Master Qui-Gon would want to talk to me. Our parting was abrupt, and rather unpleasant." Dooku nodded, as if he understood the pain both Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan had felt.

"What do you plan to do, Obi-Wan Kenobi? Will you continue to chase the Ramming Stone?"

"How did you know?" Obi-Wan asked, startled. Dooku smiled sadly.

"If you are no longer a Jedi, and you were attacked by his crony, I think it's safe to assume that you are out for revenge. I heard that you were hurt by the Ramming Stone three years ago. You want him to feel that same pain, correct?" Obi-Wan merely stared at the wall facing him. He was prepared to hear Dooku's lecture, prepared to hear the man plea for him, prepared to listen, and slip away the moment Dooku was not paying attention.

"But what you fail to understand is that even if you do kill the Ramming Stone, another will take his place and the suffering shall begin again. The Ramming Stone is merely a branch on the tree of evil; if someone must be killed, it must be the one at the very root of the tree!" Obi-Wan was taken aback by Dooku's passion. For a former Jedi Master, his emotions seemed raw and intense, like Obi-Wan's.

"I have seen the same suffering, Obi-Wan, for decades upon decades. I waited for the Order to help the oppressed people of the galaxy, those who that had neither the strength nor the money to place their problems before the Senate. I finally could not bear to be part of an order who could only appease the rich and I left." Dooku's words seemed to be the ones which rested heavily on Obi-Wan's soul.

"That is why I have dedicated the rest of my life to helping the underprivileged. That is why I became duke of Geonosis. Those poor creatures have been terrorized by bounty hunters- their world has been a haven for such lowlifes- but they had no way of contacting the Senate with their problems. I happened upon their world and removed the bounty hunters currently residing there. The Geonosians were so grateful they elected me duke of their world and I have been their leader since. I'd hate to see Geonosis had I not interfered. Overrun with bounty hunters, its inhabitants their slaves."

"Dooku, you said I must attack the root of evil," Obi-Wan interrupted impatiently. "Who is it?"

"You are eager for blood, boy," Dooku laughed mirthlessly. Obi-Wan flushed. "But perhaps if you knew what, or rather, who, you would have to kill, your thirst for justice would suddenly be quenched."

"Who?" Obi-Wan asked firmly, sitting up, ignoring the horrible throbbing of his abdomen. Dooku bent down, his face close to Obi-Wan's, so close Obi-Wan could see a glitter of cruelty in the man's black eyes.

"The Senate." Obi-Wan flinched as cold realization gripped him.

"No," he whispered.

"Yes, Obi-Wan. The Senate has corrupted this galaxy. They have appeased the rich and fortunate and have left the unfortunate nothing! The Senate must be changed. New leaders, strong leaders, must be instated. They must accept all creatures of equal status, and together they will work to perfecting the galaxy. Do you understand what I'm saying, Obi-Wan?" Dooku's confidence suddenly shifted to desperation as he grabbed the youth by the shoulders. "You must help me bring about this new era. Will you help me?" Obi-Wan stared at Dooku, his mouth hanging slightly open. Was destroying the Senate the true way to peace?

Obi-Wan could not simply answer Dooku. It was too great a question, and his answer would change both of their lives. He wasn't willing to alter his fate by answering one question.

"I understand your silence, Obi-Wan," Dooku suddenly said, stepping back from the bed. "I, too, could not bring myself to answer the same question for a long time. It was during that time that I met a young man and raised him as I would a son, that I found the courage to make my decision. When he became old enough to make his own judgments, I realized that the Jedi was raising a generation blind to the corruption. I warned my Padawan of the corruption, and left the Order. To this day, my greatest fear is that Qui-Gon hadn't truly heeded my words. That my last words as a Jedi, as his father, were ignored." Dooku barely noticed how pale Obi-Wan had become.

Obi-Wan had made his decision. He knew that his decision would alter his fate, and ultimately, the galaxy's. He made it thinking of Marla, of Bant, of Dooku, of Qui-Gon, and of himself. Whether it was selfish or selfless, Obi-Wan would no longer linger in the gray areas of his life. He knew what had to be done, and all ethics morals were laid aside as Obi-Wan interrupted Dooku for the last time.

"I'll help you."

***

"Thank you for your assistance," Mace said wearily as he dismissed yet another unhelpful witness. It seemed as if the location of Obi-Wan's body would never be discovered.

"Master Jedi?" A young woman's voice called from behind him. Mace turned, and was surprised to see a young healthy woman, clad in medical attire, holding with one hand two six-year-old boys, and in the other a toddler.

"I'm Doctor Tena Sotlu," she said nodding briskly. Mace bowed politely. "I and a colleague were present when the shooting occurred."

"Did you see what happened to the body?" Mace asked, his hopes rising.

"No," Tena admitted. "But my colleague, Dr. Hetima did. I had my little girl with me," she said, indicating the toddler as her excuse for flight, "I took off the second I heard the shot."

"Why hasn't your colleague come forward, then?" Mace asked, slightly irritated.

"She'll be here in a few minutes. I came for another reason." She paused for a moment, gathering the courage to speak. "I was wondering if you had a picture of the victim."

"Yes," Mace said uncertainly, handing her a holo of Obi-Wan. "It's a little old, though."

He watched as the girl took the holo and activated. Her eyes lit up in recognition as she saw the smiling face of seventeen-year-old Obi-Wan Kenobi. She put a hand to her mouth in shock, momentarily forgetting her children.

"It was him," she whispered, her eyes moist with tears. "He was the boy on the transport three years ago."

"Pardon?" Mace said. Tena glanced back up at the Jedi Master. She wiped her eyes.

"Three years ago I had sold everything I had to get to Centax 2. I was young, with three illegitimate children, and the only ways I could get money would be by begging for it or selling myself. That man gave me all his money and asked for nothing in return. I owe him everything. How can I help?" Mace shook his head.

"I'm afraid there's nothing to do if he's dead. But if he is, by some miracle, still alive, he may be injured and would require your specialties." At that moment, yet another doctor appeared out of the crowd.

"You're Master Windu?" She asked uncertainly. He nodded. "I saw the shooting. The man who fired the blaster was a Clawdite. He changed just a second before he shot…"

"Obi-Wan," Mace finished for her. "What happened after the boy was shot?"

"I can't be sure, but a man stepped out of one of the hangars and caught him. I do remember a man picking the boy up and taking him inside a hangar."

"Can you describe that man?" Mace asked, pleased. Finally, a breakthrough!

"He was tall, very tall, with white hair. He had a white beard, and was dressed in dark clothes. He looked like a senator."

"If you saw a picture of him, could you positively identify him?" She bit her lip in thought.

"I'm fairly sure I can."

"Then come with me. I'll need you to look through holos at the Temple Archives."

***

Tattooine was not a very welcoming planet, to be sure. Its violent and sudden sandstorms, its dry, dust-choked air, and its murderous inhabitants promised Qui-Gon a long and difficult search.

Though most of the shopkeepers in the city of Mos Eisley could speak Basic, many addressed Qui-Gon in a strange Huttese dialect- one that the Jedi could not understand. He soon discovered that a few credits quickly loosened their tongues.

"I am looking for a woman. She's about my height, dark hair, honey skin, and green eyes. She would have two children with her- a boy and girl- about three years old. She's pregnant and blind and is in danger." For the next four hours, Qui-Gon described his family to over fifty shopkeepers. A few vaguely remembered a woman and two children, but could not give him the direction in which they left.

"I do remember seeing something strange," one Toydarian said after receiving a large amount of credits from Qui-Gon. "A few nights ago, a ship landed on the outskirts of the city. It was no Hutt ship; it was too small. I saw four creatures get off it. A man, a woman, and two children. But they didn't come into the city; instead they made for Anchorage, a little town not far from here." He gave Qui-Gon directions for Anchorage.

"Thank you," Qui-Gon said, his hopes rising. The Force was telling him that he was one step closer to finding Tahl and his children.

***

"I'm afraid I haven't seen anybody by that description," a moisture farmer said to Qui-Gon, dashing his hopes. Perhaps the Toydarian had lied to him, just to get some credits.

"Thank you," Qui-Gon said to the farmer, cursing inwardly. Now, he had no way of finding Tahl. He struck his fist against a wall, letting all his frustration out in the one painful blow.

"You are looking for the pregnant woman, aren't you?" A voice asked.

"Who are you?" Qui-Gon asked harshly. The creature raised his hands in a gesture of peace. He was dressed in black tunic and pants, and his face was hidden by a hooded cloak.

"Just a young man with information," he replied, his voice hoarse. "I am Verrat, and I saw the woman you described four nights ago. She had two children, and looked as if she were expecting another. She was in a speeder with a man. The man had a red face, and a temper to match. I know, because he approached me, demanding that I get him food and provisions. I naturally obeyed, but I tracked him, for I could not be sure if he was a danger to myself. He took the woman and children to a cave just north of here. If you would like, I can show you the way."

"And why should I trust you?" Qui-Gon asked. Even though he could not see his face, he knew Verrat was smiling.

"Because I am the only one who can reunite you with that woman. She is your wife, I can tell. Now, will you take my offer?" Qui-Gon hesitated a moment. It could be a trap; Verrat could have been paid to lead the Master to his family only to be ambushed by their kidnapper, or the man was legitimately trying to help. But he was the only chance Qui-Gon had of finding Tahl.

"Very well."

***

Soon after, the two stood before a huge mountain. It was littered with tiny caves, but there was only one accessible entrance.

"The entrance leads to a large cavern deep inside," Verrat stated as Qui-Gon stared at the cave. "It used to be a hideout for Jawas, but once Anchorage was established, they had no need for it. Tahl is most likely in the main cavern, but if she isn't, she is most likely in one of the caves that branch off."

Qui-Gon nodded, though a deep sense of dread filled his heart as he began to enter the cave. The Dark Side was strong, inducing a strange fatigue upon Qui-Gon.

"I bid you farewell," Verrat said, hurrying back to his speeder.

"Thank you for-" Qui-Gon began, but was cut when Verrat ignited his engine and took off. He watched as the still hooded man disappeared into the horizon. Night was almost upon him, and already he could feel a bitterly cold breeze begin.

Moments later, he was enveloped in darkness, feeling his way through the small cave entrance. A man of small stature could have easily made his way through, but Qui-Gon could not be considered a short man. More than once he was on his knees, and more than once he had to crawl on his belly.

Qui-Gon found himself imagining Tahl crawling through the tunnel, her hands and knees raw, trying to keep her enlarged belly from scraping against the ground. He could see her, her jaw set to keep from crying out. Her children could not know her pain, she could not let them see her weaknesses…

He cursed himself, his eyes suddenly misting with tears. Tahl needed him, his children needed him, Obi-Wan had needed him, and all he could do was crawl and weep. He quickened his pace, running when possible, calling on the Force to give him speed. But the Force did little to help; the darkness was too strong.

Qui-Gon fell several times, his knees and hands breaking his fall. He could feel the blood dripping down his legs, beginning to soak his pants at the ankle. His hands were numb to the pain though, and soon he could no longer tell the difference between his blood and sweat.

Fifteen minutes into the endless misery and desperation, Qui-Gon could make out a dim light. The cavern was close, Tahl was close. For the first time in days, he could sense her, and he suddenly felt peace flood through his body as she felt him also.

"Tahl!" Qui-Gon cried out as he entered the cavern. In the far corner of the cavern was a large, metallic cage. A small light at the top of the cage illuminated the still forms of Tahl, Ang-Jir, and Ald-Yen. He ran, ignoring the intense pain in his knees, just as the two children rose, recognizing their father's voice.

"Qui-Gon?" Tahl called out, her voice small, as if she dared not to believe that her husband was present.

"Yes, Tahl, I'm here," he choked out, grasping her hand. She rose to sitting position, her other hand clutching her abdomen. He kissed her hand, tears once again threatening to flow. She was pale and her hands shook, but otherwise she seemed fine.

"Thank the Force," he whispered. "Are you alright?" She nodded.

"I'm fine, and so are the children."

"We're okay too, Daddy!" Ald-Yen exclaimed. "Mommy told stories. We knew you would come."

"Don't worry, children, I'll get you out of there," Qui-Gon assured, igniting his lightsaber. "Back up, please; I'm going to cut through the bars." He let go of Tahl's hand, allowing her to back into the far corner of the cage.

"Hurry, Qui," Tahl urged. "We don't know when he'll be back."

"Did you follow him to the cage, Daddy?" Ang-Jir asked, her voice barely above a whisper. Qui-Gon froze, his lightsaber in mid-cut.

"You shouldn't have followed him, Daddy." Suddenly, Verrat's words came back to him

"Tahl is most likely in the main cavern…"

"Sweet Force," Qui-Gon said in realization.

"What?" Tahl asked nervously.

"Verrat- the man who led me to this cave- he knew your name. I never gave him your name."

"It was careless mistake of mine." A voice said from behind Qui-Gon. The Jedi spun, and recognized the form of Verrat.

"Why did you kidnap my family?" Qui-Gon demanded, his lightsaber a burning emerald. He heard Verrat laugh a dry and mirthless chuckle.

"Orders. I have been waiting for this moment for years. Fight me, Qui-Gon Jinn!" Verrat removed his cloak, inciting a gasp of horror from Ald-Yen and Ang-Jir.

"The red man," Ald-Yen whispered. Verrat's face was covered in strange red and black tattoos, and his eyes were a menacing yellow, glittering like those of a cat during the hunt.

Qui-Gon stared in horror as Verrat drew from his black tunic his weapon. An angry red beam shot out from the lightsaber.

"A Jedi?" Qui-Gon asked confused. Verrat grimaced, almost as the words had hurt him.

"No." Verrat leaped forward, brandishing his saber with both hands. It was a brutish attack, meant to force Qui-Gon back onto the molten bar of the cage.

But Qui-Gon had expected such a move, and avoided blade, while at the same time sending his own blow towards Verrat's shoulder. Verrat parried.

As the fight progressed, Qui-Gon felt his fatigue increase. His knees screamed in pain as he blocked Verrat's powerful onslaughts. The Dark Side pressed its weight down upon Qui-Gon, slowing his movements. Obviously, Verrat was well trained in the Force. Could it be that Verrat was not a Jedi, but in fact a…

Qui-Gon flinched as a Force-blast smashed into him, knocking him to the floor. He saw the ruby blade come down, and with all his strength he threw up his own green blade. The sabers hissed as they made contact, and Qui-Gon withdrew his blade, rolling to the side. The blade missed him by centimeters.

The two stepped back, their energy seemingly spent. Qui-Gon gasped for breath. He was too weak to face another furious offensive. If Verrat attacked once more, he would die in the cave, and so would his family.

"You're good, Jinn," Verrat growled, he too huffing for breath. "But it is time for you to meet your demise." He held his blade directly in front of him, its tip pointing to the ground. There was a hiss as another red ray shot out from his saber.

A double-bladed lightsaber! Qui-Gon realized in horror. Verrat had simply been toying with the Jedi. His energy was renewed, and his malice focused upon Qui-Gon.

Qui-Gon suddenly realized that he would die in the cave, his wound from Verrat hateful. But he would not let his wife and children fall upon that same saber. No, they had to escape.

"Tahl, can you get out of the cage?" He called as he and Verrat circled.

"Yes."

"Then run, Tahl!"

"Qui-Gon?" She called, uncertain. She could not see what he was preparing himself for, could not see that he intended to sacrifice himself for his family.

Run, Tahl. And don't look back. I love you, he said through their bond, knowing he would never hear her thoughts again.

"No! Stop, Qui-Gon!" Tahl screamed, but Qui-Gon did not heed her words. Calling on the Force, he asked for one final burst of energy, and it was granted. He let out a cry, a cry of determination, of desperation, and charged Verrat.

Tahl fumbled though the cage, finding the entrance Qui-Gon had created. She was screaming his name, completely hysterical, forgetting her children. Ald-Yen was crying, upset by his mother's hysteria, but Ang-Jir remained silent, watching her father's hopeless charge. She seemed to know why he ran to meet the man with the double blade. And, suddenly, she realized that her father was going to die.

"DADDY!!!"