Thanks for the reviews, esp. Nicole. They were very encouraging!
Qui-Gon stared into the frightened Padawan's eyes, trying to calm her fear.
"What kind of trouble?" he asked.
Leyana shook her head, closing her eyes against his intrusive gaze. "I don't know," she said. "I just felt this sudden pain. Her pain." She looked at him fearfully. "Qui-Gon, I-I can't feel her any more. I can't feel her presence."
Qui-Gon tried not to show the alarm he felt at these words. If Leyana couldn't detect Shara it may mean her Living Force was gone. It may mean that…
"We'll find her," he said, his confident words lending strength to the two Padawans, not to mention himself. He carefully pulled Leyana to her feet, checking her briefly for injury.
"I'm fine," she said, pushing his hands away. "I just need to get dressed." She nodded decisively. "The quicker I do that, the quicker we can find her."
As she left, Qui-Gon turned to Obi-Wan. "I need you to go the metal works and investigate the bomb." Obi-Wan opened his mouth to protest, but Qui-Gon held up a hand. "Please Padawan. I know we have to find Shara, but we must also find those responsible for killing Governor Thelos. It is equally important." He put his hand on Obi-Wan's shoulder. "I know you can discover the source. I have confidence in you."
The words vanished the doubt from Obi-Wan's eyes. He nodded. "I will leave immediately."
He stopped at the door, picking up a brown bag containing the remains of the explosive, and a data pad on the mission. Qui-Gon felt a sudden, strange spark of fear. Obi-Wan was still so young, still so vulnerable. With possible danger abroad, should Qui-Gon really send him off alone? It's the first step to letting go…
"Obi-Wan?"
Obi-Wan turned to face him, waiting expectantly in the doorway.
"Be careful."
The boy smiled and asked, with the slightest trace of irony, "Aren't I always Master?"
"Don't do anything rash."
"Would I ever?" He threw another quick smile, and then exited, leaving the Jedi master alone, staring at the doorway.
***
Through the dim, dankness of the warehouse, a pile of fallen concrete blocks could be seen, creating a strangely beautiful sculpture.
Barely visible beneath the twisting mound of stone was the Jedi Master, but she lay still and unmoving, her purple eyes hidden behind closed lids, showing no sign of life.
***
By the time Obi-Wan reached his destination, he was hot, sweating and exhausted from worry. However, he barely noticed. He was just grateful to be alive.
Piloting a Dingen was a lot harder than it looked. A lot harder. The tiny circular transport may have speed, but it wobbled precariously every time it turned a corner, and several times almost turned upside down. The young Jedi was thoroughly relieved when his feet were once again on solid ground.
The metal works were at least an hour's ride from the city, over to the east. As he had journeyed, Obi-Wan had noticed subtle changes in the landscape around him. The grass became even more lush, the trees taller. There was more wildlife, and far less buildings.
The metal works were situated in the middle of a large, grassy field, surrounded by woodland and lakes. Blue, deer-like creatures ran freely around the edge of the works, going between the woodland and the lakes. It was extremely peaceful.
The building before him was made of a smooth, silver metal, which had a slight transparency to it, in the shape of a huge sphere. The sign above the door read "Mickel's Metalworks" in bright yellow letters. He entered feeling slightly apprehensive, wondering whether this place would really be able to provide him with answers Qui-Gon thought it held.
As soon as he walked through the door, a Seratiniun dressed in a blue worker's suit hurried up to him.
"How may I help you?"
"I'm looking for Mickel…?" Obi-Wan's tone held the slightest question in it.
The Seratiniun bowed, then scurried off, disappearing amongst the many workstations dotted around the dome. It was huge. Obi-Wan could see several transparent catwalks above him, where more workers went to and fro, some carrying large piles of metal, plastic and paper. All around him he could hear the buzz of machines, people running by holding long data sheets, calling out to others as they moved. To his left there were huge, roaring furnaces, and the clank of metal being beaten into shape. Wracks of ready-made objects hung from every high surface, shimmering with the same, slight transparency of the dome itself.
A tall Seratiniun moved through the chaos toward him, distinctive by his casual dress, unlike the workers around him. He smiled as he reached Obi-Wan.
"And you must be the Jedi. I've been expecting you. Cahn called ahead to say you were coming. I'm Mickel. How do you like my metal works?"
Obi-Wan blinked at the sudden onslaught of information, but smiled politely and said, "They're very nice. I'm Obi-Wan Kenobi."
"Always a pleasure to meet a Jedi."
Obi-Wan hesitated, then said carefully, "Did Cahn tell you why I was coming?"
"Some such about a bomb. Linked to the explosion of Governor Thelos's house. "He leaned toward Obi-Wan. "Am I right?"
Obi-Wan nodded. "Unfortunately, yes."
Mickel sighed and waved a hand vaguely through the air. "Then you'd better come inside my office." He led the way, moving deftly between the desks and workers, gesturing Obi-Wan into a small room made of the same transparent material as the catwalks above.
Obi-Wan took a seat, then withdrew the bomb from inside his bag.
"This is it. I was told the metal was distinctive to your works. Though I am not sure how you can tell," he admitted.
Mickel studied the melted heap for a moment, then nodded grimly. "Yeh, this is one of mine. See the way the metal has melted there? Gone all transparent? That's a feature only found in semi-steel, the stuff we make here. And I can guaranty we are the only place on planet who makes it."
Obi-Wan frowned slightly. "How can you be so sure?"
To his surprise, Mickel laughed. "Because I invented it boy, that's why. We've got copyright and all that. In fact, I'm not even sure anyone else would know how to make it." He shook his head sadly. "No. That's one of mine. Which means I've been selling to a murderer." He looked thoughtful. "Or maybe not."
Obi-Wan leaned forward eagerly. "What do you mean?"
"We had a break in, about...hmm…a week ago now. Some steel was stolen, not much, nothing of real value, so we thought nothing of it. Just some kids getting some kicks, but I suppose it would make sense to thieve whatever they wanted to use. Wouldn't be able to trace it."
"Do you have any idea who might have taken it?"
Mickel looked at him. "You're joking aren't you? If I had an idea, I would have pulled their legs off by now."
Obi-Wan smiled slightly. "Would I be able to see records of your sales for the last three months? And a report of the break in?"
"Yeh, course." Mickel stood up. "Always happy to help a Jedi."
They went back out into the buzz of the workhouse, and the Seratiniun led Obi-Wan to a desk near the main doors.
"This is Edetha. She can tell you anything you need to know." Mickel shot a small wink at Edetha, and she laughed, shaking her head. "Flattery will get you everywhere," she said dryly. "What can I do for you Mickel?"
"I need records for all our sales in the last three months. And the report from that break in we had the other week"
Edetha raised her eyebrows slightly. "And what, exactly, do you need those for."
Mickel held up his hands, as if in surrender. "They're not for me," he cried. "They're for Obi-Wan Kenobi." He gestured in Obi-Wan's direction. "He's a Jedi."
"Oh well, in that case," Edetha smiled slightly, "I'm sure it can be arranged. Something wrong?" she added lightly.
"Just an enquiry about the affair at the Governor's house. Seems our metal was found on the site. They think they might be able to trace whoever bought it from the records."
"Well," said Edetha, a little doubtfully. "I'm not sure how much help they'll be, but I'll be happy to oblige." She bustled off, reappearing only moments later holding a large stack of files, which she handed to Obi-Wan.
"As you can see," she said proudly, "We do plenty of business. Which reminds me," she added suddenly, turning to Mickel. "We got the strangest customer in the other week. All dressed up in a black cloak, even though the sun was boiling hot. He wouldn't lower his hood, so I never got to see his face, but he seemed extremely interested in the semi-steel. Asking all these questions he was, about how much heat it could stand and the like."
Obi-Wan fixed her with an intent gaze, his senses alert. "He was asking about heat properties?"
Edetha nodded. "He was awfully interested."
"And did he buy anything?"
Edetha shook her head. "No, he didn't. I remember being surprised at the time, because he'd shown such an interest."
"When was this?"
She looked thoughtful as she considered the question. "Must've been just over a week ago. Yes, it was a Tuesday night, quite late. Me and Elixa wanted to close up early, 'cos there was a parade in the City."
"Last Tuesday." Obi-Wan repeated. "Two days before the break in."
Mickel looked at him. "Do you think there's a connection?"
"I'm not sure." Obi-Wan turned back to Edetha. "Edetha, do you remember anything distinctive about this man? Anything at all?"
"Like I said, he wouldn't take off his cloak, didn't even get a glimpse of his face." She sighed. "I'm sorry I can't be more helpful."
Obi-Wan smiled. "You have already been a great help. I thank you." He turned to Mickel. "I will report my findings to my Master. Hopefully we can solve this mystery."
Mickel placed a many-fingered hand on the Jedi's shoulder. "Always a pleasure doing business with a Jedi. Hey! Would you like some souvenir semi-steel?"
And so it was with his arms heavily weighted by an oddly shaped sculpture, a set of cutlery, a too small helmet and a large clock, that Obi-Wan finally staggered his way back to the Dingen. Mickel waved cheerfully from the doorway of the sphere.
He cupped his hands to his mouth, and shouted his final words to Obi-Wan across the field.
"Always a pleasure giving gifts to a Jedi!"
***
Leyana sighed and brushed a hand through her hair. They had been searching all day, but had come up with nothing. The air around her was beginning to cool, and setting with the sun were Leyana's hopes. Where could Shara be? Why can't I feel her? Is she even alive?
"Do not give up hope yet. There is still time." Qui-Gon did not look at her as he spoke, but his words provided comfort. He was right. There was still time. They would find her.
"I wonder how Obi-Wan is getting on at the metal works." The words slipped absently from her mouth, as she cast around for more pleasant thoughts. She did not notice the sharp look Qui-Gon sent in her direction.
"I'm sure his findings will be of merit," he said quietly.
She nodded, distracted by the memory of Obi-Wan's hand touching her own, and the way he had looked at her. Had that been desire in his eyes? It was almost as if he'd wanted something to happen, as if he had been about to let something happen. She shook her head slightly. But that was ridiculous. Obi-Wan was a Jedi, and such feelings were strictly forbidden.
"All Jedi are human."
Her own words reached her ears, and she realised that yes, all Jedi were human, herself included. After all, hadn't she wanted something to happen? If Qui-Gon hadn't walked in at that precise moment wouldn't she have-
"You must be careful."
"Huh?"
Qui-Gon still wasn't looking at her. His eyes drifted along the streets of Sera, watching for the other Jedi. "You are both young, and it's so easy to take action without much thought to the consequence when one is young."
She shifted. He couldn't, of course, be talking about her and Obi-Wan. Not unless he was a mind reader anyway.
"It's easy to get swept away by your emotions."
Leyana decided to be blunt. "I have no idea what you are talking about."
He turned now to look at her, and his clear blue gaze seemed to read her very soul.
"I know," he said softly. "But you will."
She was about to reply when a sudden, high beeping broke the calm of the night air. Leyana grabbed at her comlink, wondering exactly who could be contacting her, but before she could reach it, a voice blared at them.
"Leyana? Leyana are you there? Leyana?"
It was Shara.
***
When Shara first revived consciousness, it was like swimming up through some very dark, heavy water. She could see the light at the surface, but her arms were so tired. Her whole body ached, and it seemed like more effort than it was worth to continue. She let go, falling back down into the abyss of unawareness, but some part of her mind continued to fight. It pushed its way up, dragging the rest of her with it, finally breaking the surface to slam headfirst into a wall of pain. She gasped, her breath torn from her lungs in shock. It took several moments for her fragmented mind to gather, telling her to accept the pain, to welcome it as a friend so she could begin healing. Accept, welcome, heal. Accept, welcome, heal.
Thousand years old Jedi techniques aided her, and after a moment the pain lessened, allowing her to breath easily.
Where the hell am I?
She appeared to be trapped under some sort of heavy blocks, and the air around her was dim and cold. Using The Force and her own, minimal, strength, she managed to extract herself from the blocks, standing uncertainly in a large, empty building. She had no recollection of ever having been there before, or how she had ended up there. In fact, the last thing she remembered was falling into bed after helping clear the explosion site.
I must have hit my head. Hard.
She reached a hand to touch a bruise above her right temple, and realised she was holding something in it. She frowned, squinting at it in the dark.
It was a picture of her Padawan. Her golden hair was spread out beneath her, and her eyes were closed in restful sleep. Her white night shirt was visible above the sheets.
A finger of ice ran down Shara's spine. The picture must have been taken the night before. Someone had crept into their room and pictured Leyana whilst they both slept, unawares.
There was a note beneath the photograph. I'm watching her.
Disgust welled in her throat. Who could be that twisted? Her thoughts flew to Leyana. Wherever she was, she was oblivious to this new threat. She could be in danger this very instant…
Shara snatched her comlink from her belt, pressing the communication button with urgency. The small device hissed at her, but refused to open the communication line. She gave a yell of frustration, and threw the thing across the room.
"Now that isn't going to help anyone." Her voice echoed around the bare floor, reminding her how alone she was. Shivering, she retrieved the comlink, and stared at it a little more closely. The problem wasn't exactly hard to spot. One of the wires had been ripped out and severed, unabling the thing to function properly.
"The good news is I can fix it."
Thanking her stars she had an interest in engineering back at the Temple, she quickly set about reconnecting the wires.
"And…yes!" The crackling gave way to the smooth silence of connection. "Leyana? Leyana are you there? Leyana?"
***
Watching the Master and Padawan reunite lent a certain warmth to Qui-Gon's heart. He wasn't an openly emotional man, and he and Obi-Wan shared most of their feelings through glances, with only occasional physical contact. But Shara and Leyana were completely different. They embraced openly, holding tightly to one another, exchanging brief kisses. For a split second Qui-Gon felt a yearning fill him. A yearning for a sweet embrace, a soft kiss, a pair of green and gold striped eyes… But as quickly as they had come, the feelings left. He was not one to dwell for long on the past. Tahl would always be in his heart, and that, he found, was enough.
"I was so worried," Leyana cried. "What happened to you?"
Shara pulled away, and Qui-Gon saw her wince as she moved her torso. "I think I may have cracked a rib, or seven." She tried to smile, but the pain got the better of her, and she leaned on Leyana for support.
"What happened?" asked Qui-Gon.
Shara shrugged. "Honestly? I don't know. I can't remember anything." She reached into her robes pocket. "But I did find this."
Qui-Gon frowned as he read the note. I know who destroyed Governor Thelos's estate. Meet me in the abandoned warehouse to the west of Sera, early this morning. I will tell you all I can.
"A set up?" he asked. Again, she shrugged. "I just don't know. I woke up in those blocks over there." She gestured across the warehouse. "I think I must have hit my head."
Leyana winced. "I'm not surprised," she said. "Those blocks look heavy. And painful."
Qui-Gon didn't comment. There was something else going on here, something Shara was not telling him. He noticed the way her eyes kept darting over Leyana, constantly checking her over. She looked up at him, and he knew she had guessed his thoughts.
"There is something else," she admitted. "I found this in my hand." She withdrew two more objects from her pocket. A note and a photograph.
He kept his face perfectly still, his expression unreadable. He did not want them to know his alarm, or disgust. He passed them to Leyana, who, to his surprise, also barely reacted.
"This isn't the first," she said quietly.
Shara looked up sharply. "What?" she snapped.
"I received a note like this last night. It said," she swallowed and looked at Shara, "Did you enjoy the elevator ride?"
"Why didn't you tell me?" Shara was glaring accusingly at her Padawan.
"I was going to, but you had already left this morning when I woke." Leyana's anger flared suddenly. "You should have told me where you were going. You could have been killed!"
"Yeah, well I wasn't, was I?"
"That's not the point! You should have told me! What if you couldn't get your comlink working, what then? We've been looking for you all day, do you have any idea how worried-"
"That's enough." Qui-Gon's quiet voice cut through her tirade. "I'm sure Master Estaan is aware of her foolishness." Shara shot him a nasty glare, which he ignored. "The main thing is that she is safe. We now have two threats to deal with, and neither should be taken lightly, I am sure."
"Do you think they could be connected?"
Qui-Gon turned to the other Jedi Master, meeting her vibrant, purple eyes. "We can't rule out the possibility, but it seems unlikely." He cast a critical eye over her. "Meanwhile, you need some time to heal."
She waved a dismissive hand at him. "I'm fine."
"You're not," he replied shortly. He frowned as he reached for one of her arms. "If I didn't know better, I'd say this burn was made by a lightsaber."
Shara shrugged. "It's probably from my own weapon. Come on, let's get back."
Qui-Gon watched as the Master limped towards the city, supported by her Padawan. He wished he could dismiss the injury so easily, but something told him Shara's explanation wasn't quite satisfactory. There was definitely something odd going on.
I just hope we can work out what it is. Before someone else gets hurt.
***
