Author's Note: Apologies for the shortness of this! Had to work for longer than I anticipated today.  Much more tomorrow, I promise…I have a whole day off!

Chapter Thirteen - A Shadow in the Dark

            Obi-Wan yawned loudly. He had been travelling for two days now, the Force as his guide, but no Sith had been found and his patience was wearing thin.

            "R2, find us a safe place to land for the night."

            The perky little droid beeped in compliance and sent co-ordinates through to Obi-Wan's flight monitor. When the Senator had heard of his mission she had immediately sent her best droid to hand. The Jedi was grateful for the droid's presence.

            Landing his starfighter swiftly, the Jedi climbed out of his cockpit and surveyed his surroundings. As far as his co-ordinates informed him, he was on the planet of Korriban, just outside of the Outer Rim territories. It was a desert planet, with a relentlessly hot sun and mile upon mile of dusty, barren desert stretching into the horizon.

Obi-Wan yawned again, his body aching for rest.

Settling underneath his thermo-blanket his thoughts turned to Anakin. No word had reached him of how his apprentice was coping, but the Force told him as much as he needed to know. Every now and then he would feel a sharp pain transmitted through their Master-padawan bond. It took his breath away, so intense, so excruciating - a constant reminder and motivator for him to keep searching. His apprentice was dying. Dying slowly and painfully, and if he did find the cure soon…

            The Jedi shuddered involuntarily.

Do not focus on the negative. Be mindful of your thoughts. Anakin needs you.

A slight dry breeze caressed Obi-Wan's face as his eyelids grew heavy. The warmth created by his blanket drew the exhausted Jedi into a grateful and undisturbed sleep.

A dark figure lay crouched behind a mound of earth, watching, waiting. The Jedi appeared completely oblivious to her presence. Fingers curling around the tip of her lightsaber hilt, she crept forward. Quiet snores left the man's lips as he turned over in his sleep. A smile crept across her lips.

This should be easy.

Author's Note: As usual, please review, I do take note!