Chapter 4
Back at Dex's, the four Jedi talk to the big alien. They ask him questions about the comings and goings of his patrons and if had seen anything out of the ordinary. Obi-Wan describes a human male he saw in the alley to Dex. Who immediately identified the individual as Jus Weiss, a local PI. The Jedi split into groups of two. Obi-wan and Tahiri go one way, while Qui-Gon and Anikan go the other. As they run they focus their energy on finding Weiss, while Obi-Wan and Qui-Gon also hoped to learn more about the two young Jedi Knights.
"So tell me Tahiri, hat did you say your masters name was?" Obi-Wan inquired.
"You wouldn't know him." She quickly replied.
"You'd be surprised who I know. Master Jinn is a very notable Jedi."
"Anyone I'd know." She chirped back. She to was on a fact-finding mission.
"Well I've been in the Jedi Council room several times. Master Jinn it seems is always looking for trouble."
"Do you know a Yoda." She politely asked.
"Every Jedi knows Master Yoda. He is responsible for raising most of the younglings in the Bear clan."
"The what clan?"
"You aren't really a Jedi are you?" Obi-wan asked as he slid to a stop in front of her.
She was shocked by the question. She was a Jedi, just not a Jedi from this time. Her mind raced through excuses as Obi-Wan closed his eyes to focus on the other prey they were chasing. She could not tell him the truth he'd never believe her. Right, she thought to her self.
"Oh, I got it now." Obi-wan said as he fixed his gaze on her.
"You know where the orb is?" Tahiri asked in her sweet innocent voice.
"Not exactly. I figured out you and your buddy though."
"What do you mean?" She asked back.
"You should have just been up front. We would have been able to tell if you were lying. Besides you just screamed your thoughts into my head. You are more powerful than you realize." He said.
"I'm sorry. Don't tell An.. Jacen."
"Okay. Lets find the orb and get you home."
_______________________________
On the other side of town, Qui-Gon and Anikan were having a similar discussion. Qui-Gon was a Jedi Master, Anikan knew he could not trick him. Anikan wonder why Master Luke had never discussed him before, Qui-Gon seemed to be a very wise Jedi.
"So Jacen, you don't know of any of us." Qui-Gon asked
"Well I know of same of the old Republic Jedi. But there is a time when the records were destroyed."
"Don't tell me anymore we mustn't change anything with this time travel stuff. The council will decide what you tell us or don't." Qui-Gon said. Could this boy be the one.
They ran down alleys and street as the hover traffic whipped above their heads. Anikan was lost in the maze of streets and avenues that would one day turn into his home planet. It was so confusing to him. Why was he chosen? Why did Tahiri have to come? There were so many unanswered questions, he thought as he was looking for his lost crystal.
"The only question you need to focus on is where is this Weiss with the Orb, okay Jacen." Qui-Gon said in his calmest voice.
"Okay. Now if I were a shady low life where would I go?" Anikan asked jokingly.
"Lets try the entertainment district." Qui-Gon said. "Maybe he is celebrating his victory."
___________________________
Obi-Wan was tired of running, for that matter both of them were. Tahiri's legs felt like mush. They must have walked around the entire planet, she thought.
"Don't you Jedi have a patrol speeder or something." She said with a smirk.
Obi-Wan looked around, when he saw the Comm booth the obvious hit him like a bantha at full speed. He dashed over to the both and started hitting buttons. The small screen quickly displayed a list of PI's n the area. With a few more keystroke he found the one he was looking for, Jus Weiss. Why had they not thought of that sooner he wondered as he waited for the print out to finish. The information he got was the first good news of the day, it quickly went back to bad news as the discovered the office was on the opposite side of town.
"What we need is a ride." Obi-Wan said stating the obvious.
"Really, you think that would help." Tahiri added brushing her hair out of her eyes. It was currently back to blonde and cut very short, just below the ears. She had been trying different things as she matured, hoping that something would spark Anikan. She glanced at a parked speeder that still had the power on. "Come on there's our ride."
"What? We can't steal that speeder." Obi-Wan protested. "I don't know how Jedi in your time operate but we do not go around stealing things."
"We'll bring it back. Come on." Tahiri said with a smile.
After she jumped into the convertible speedster, an antique in her time, Obi-wan followed suit. She had never driven one but she took to it very quickly. Obi-Wan shouted over the rushing wind on where to turn. It was no time before they arrived at the old building where Weiss's office was located. Their legs had time to rest as they flew to the office that taking the stairs to at a time to the fifth floor was no problem. They scanned the room with the Force before kicking in the door. Busting the lock from the frame shattered the wood. They began pulling on file draw, rummaging through the files. They threw things all over the place. They were looking for any clues to the current case that Weiss might have been working on. Paper covered the floor and small desk. They had been in the room about ten minutes when the sudden feeling shot up their spines almost at the same time.
"He's here." Obi-on and Tahiri said together.
______________________________
He beboped into the office building, whistling a little tune he made up as he went along. He played with the purple orb he had found in the alley. As he approached his little office he noticed the door smashed open and pieces of wood spread across the metal floor. What now, he thought to himself as he chanced a peek into the room. It appeared as if someone had flipped the room upside down and then shook it up. "Oh well some much for a filing system." He said aloud to his self.
"Mr. Weiss I presume." The females voice shook him from his skin. He did not even look at her. In one fluid motion he went for the door, only to find his way block by what appeared to be a Jedi.
"I guess I shouldn't try to run, huh?" He said as he calmly walked to
where his desk was sitting on its side. "No, I wouldn't advise that. I just have some question for you." Ob-Wan asked trying to sound as much like a Jedi Knight as possible.
"Alright shoot." The shaggy headed detective said, making a little gun
motion in Obi-Wan's direction.
"Have you found anything unusual today sir? Maybe a purple orb." Obi-
Wan asked.
"Wow, right to the point with you Jedi. No pleasantries or nothing,
not even a smile." He was stalling and Obi-Wan was no idiot, he sensed the man was up to something. When the most unexpected thing happened Weiss turned and lunged out the window. He held his dark blue coat over his face as the glass shattered around him. He was not worried, after all his speeder was right under him. He fell about a story and then slammed into the hood of the waiting vehicle. He quickly rolled into the driver's hatch and brought the hovering speeder up to the floor his office was on. While Obi-Wan and Tahiri watch he slowly raised his hand to show them his hidden prize. Then at was he pushed the throttle to its limits and was gone. "Sith, I'll call Master Jinn." Obi-Wan said.
________________________________
Qui-Gon stopped his walk long enough to finish his conversation with Obi- wan and then they were off again. They were now headed in the opposite direction when the Force smiled upon them. A patrol cruiser sat outside a small eatery, Qui-Gon could only hope he could convince the officers to help him. Even without a nudge form the Force the two patrol sentries were more than eager to help. They were both young and looking for the thrill of adventure. They boarded the craft and begin to head off the wayward Mr. Weiss. As the drove away one a the officers placed an APB for the vehicle Obi-Wan had describe if they did not find him someone else would. Finding him was not much of a problem, however Obi-Wan and Tahiri were both screaming with energy that was easy to find.
Anikan was so lost in the towering maze of building. The speed they were traveling at was not helping his comfort either. The cruiser was one of the most agile vehicles Anikan had ever ridden in and that was saying a lot. The noise and flashing lights were also adding to his confusion, but somehow he quickly sensed their prey he was only three blocks away. Obi-Wan and Tahiri had already caught up with him. As they got closer Anikan could make out the other two speeders as they dodge and weaved through mid day traffic. Which in itself was bad enough on a normal day. Anikan finally recognized where they were it was old 280 section of the downtown area. He was just as shock at what happened next as every one else, as he thought of his home in the future he was quickly brought back to the present by the sight of Obi-Wan reaching up from his speeder to grab onto Weiss's.
_________________________________
Obi-Wan had no idea what was going through his head when he grabbed onto Weiss's speeder, but here he was. He worked his way to the front of the vehicle. With a little lift from the Force he flipped onto the hood. Weiss almost lost control of the vehicle with the sudden shook of seeing the young Jedi clinging to the hood of his speeder, with one hand as his other clutch an ignited lightsaber.
This had gone too far. Stealing was one thing killing a Jedi was a completely different thing altogether. Weiss held his hands up to show that his ran was over. He began to lower the speeder, when the old bird shut down. He had pushed her too hard and he knew it. They plummeted toward the awaiting ground. Gaining speed with each second. The police cruiser that had been in pursuit quickly followed them down. They just could not get close enough. The officers were not as brave as Jedi and pulled back as they entered a thicker stream of traffic. Obi-Wan was on his on at least at first. Suddenly a wave of calmness washed over Qui-Gon as he saw the mammoth fire ship below them. As the falling speeder got closer to the fire ship Obi-Wan could feel the speed begin to slow. It final stopped just short of the street level. Obi-Wan let out a sigh of release almost in unison with Weiss. The speeder was slowly lowered the rest of the way to the ground by the invisible hand of the Force. Obi-Wan looked over in time to see the white headed Master Jerrick hanging from an open hatch on the fire ship. Jerrick waved to Obi-Wan as he hopped off the hovering ship.
Obi-Wan leapt off of the hood of the speeder and run to the door. he grabbed Weiss by the collar, lifting him out of the speeder. Weiss quickly put his arms up over his head. He could fight street thugs but not Jedi.. Jerrick and Obi=Wan sat the wayward detective on a curb as they waited for Qui-Gon and the others.
"Look I know what you want it's in my speeder. I didn't steal it I found it." Weiss pleaded.
"Why'd you run." Jerrick asked his hair was now out of his face. Obi- Wan always admired Jerrick he was a very powerful Jedi as well as a good friend to Qui-Gon.
"I don't know. I just thought I could start over. I guess the thought of being successful just took control of me." Weiss said hoping the Jedi would take pity on him.
"We'll see what Master Jinn has to say, before we decide what to do to you." Jerrick added as Qui-Gon's ride touched down close by.
Qui-Gon Jinn was above all else an understanding man. He was followed by the two time lost Jedi as he approached the source of the trouble. Qui- Gon paused and looked at Weiss. He stared at him calmly, then walked over to the speeder and opened a hidden hatch. Inside he found the purple orb, glowing as the light reflected off it.
"Now Mr. Weiss, what should we do to you?" Qui-Gon spoke not out of anger but from reason.
"Please sir I'm just trying to make a living. I really a good person, I just make bad mistakes." Weiss stated his case to the group of Jedi.
"Now the officers behind us are waiting for you. Do you want to deal with them or us?" Qui-Gon asked.
"I don't know." Weiss said. He really did not know what to do. He knew the officers would take him to jail, however he had no idea what the Jedi would do. "What are you going to do to me?"
"Well I have a deal for you." Qui-Gon said as the other Jedi looked on.
"I'm listening." Weiss said.
"You can trade your jail time into time spent helping us. We sometime run upon matters that Jedi can not handle and someone with your background might be better suited to handle the job. I don't know when we will need you but you would have to be available to us." Qui-Gon offered to Weiss.
Obi-Wan's eyes rolled back in his head, he was doing it again. His master always had a soft spot for strays he thought.
"I don't want to say." Weiss said
"I do." Said Obi-wan as he put his hand out to help Weiss to his feet.
"I'm sure you do." Qui-Gon added with a glare to his young charge.
The three walked over to where Master Jerrick , Anikan and Tahiri stood waiting. They shook hands with Weiss as he apologized for his bad decisions. He was truly a good man and Qui-Gon sensed he had a greater purpose than he knew. They watched as P.I.'s speeder liftoff again.
"Alright Jacen lets get you to the Council." Qui-Gon said.
"Qui-Gon can I have a word with you." Jerrick asked.
The two older Jedi walked to the other side of the street. The others were a still and silent as they could be trying to listen to the two Masters.
"Who are this people you are taking to the Council? Do you think one of them is the chosen one?" Jerrick's questions came rapid fire.
"Look I don't know one of them could be." Qui-Gon said. Now it was his turn to plead.
"I just don't want you to make a fool of yourself again. We both know these two are too old to begin the training." Jerrick said trying to reason with his long time friend.
"They aren't beginners. They are already Jedi Knights. It's hard to explain you just have to trust me, Jeri."
"I do Qui-Gon its just you have been so obsessed with this Chosen One nonsense for so long its an ancient prophecy that will probable never be filled. You need to focus on the here and now." Jerrick said.
"I know what I'm doing." Qui-Gon replied.
"We'll see. Just be mindful of the Force it will lead you if you let it." Jerrick said as he pulled his hood up around his face. "Tell he Council I said hello."
_________________________
Chapter 5
The Jedi Temple was one of the largest buildings on the planet. Its four side towers were home to some of the most legendary people in the known galaxy. The center tower was he tallest and at its peak was the Jedi Council room. Anikan was in awe of everything. He was looking around with is eyes as wide as they would go. Qui-Gon led them to an oval room it was still a couple of levels below the Council's room.
"This is the entrance to the Jedi Library , Obi-Wan will take you guys in here where you can wait for me to return. I must talk with the Council first." Qui-Gon said.
"Thank you Master Jinn." Tahiri responded as Anikan was still in a trance.
The older Jedi turned and left the youth under the watchful eye of Jocasta Nu. They time lost Jedi were swept up in the sea of knowledge. They went from wall to wall looking at everything they could. If it took Qui-Gon a month to get them before the Council they still would not have all the time they needed. They read articles on training methods and Jedi ethics. Anikan would read one article while Tahiri would read another.
"This is incredible." Tahiri said.
"Yeah. No talking read as much as you can." Anikan told her as he read through the data pad in his hand.
"Look Ani... Jacen here is an article about Alderaan."
"Wow. I wish Uncle Luke were here." Anikan added.
It was not long before the Jedi felt a tug at the back of their necks. It was Qui-Gon letting them know he was ready for them. Obi-Wan met them as they walked out of the huge library. He led them the rest of the way to the Council's meeting room.
The doors in the large room swung open as they approached. They were ushered in by Qui-Gon, into the middle of the round room. Anikan was overcome with emotion as he stood before the legendary Jedi Council. Even though the records were destroyed he was still awe struck being in their presence,. He and Tahiri both bowed politely to the great Jedi Masters. Tahiri instantly recognized Master Yoda. He sat with his little legs crossed under his light tan robe. His hair was fuller than Master Luke had told them but he was years before the two would meet. Yoda lifted up his small finger. and pointed it in Anikan's direction.
"Mister Solo, want is this crystal you have us, umm.." He spoke in a gravelly voice.
"It's here Master Yoda. When I touched the crystal it told me to deliver it to a Jedi I was not familiar with, Mace Windu. It said he would know where it belonged." Anikan replied.
Anikan Reached into his pouch and retrieved the orb. It lit up as the sunlight from the afternoon sun hit it. The windows in the oval room allowed for a vast amount of light to enter. Anikan held the crystal in his palm so the Jedi Masters could see it.
"Is Master Windu here." He asked looking around the room at the strange faces.
"I am Master Windu.:" The tall bald headed man said in a deep voice. He stood up to met Anikan in the middle of the room.
Tahiri stood next to Anikan as he handed the orb off to the tall Jedi Master. Anikan and Tahiri both were both surprised at what happened next. Nothing.
"I thought that's all we had to do?" Asked Tahiri. "Me too." Was all Anikan could say in return. "You seem somewhat surprised, young one." Mace asked as the other Jedi looked on. "I don't understand. I thought once we gave you the orb we would return to our time." Tahiri said with a slight concern in her voice. "Don't worry I'm sure the Force will guild you back to where you belong." Windu spoke in a comforting voice. "Master if I may. I have an idea as to why they are still here." Qui-Gon added as he walked toward he center of the room. "Please enlighten us with your ideas, Master Jinn." Said Ki-Adi Mundi. Qui-Gon Jinn was not a very imposing man, but what he was thinking frightened Anikan. Qui-Gon stopped his walk behind the time lost pair of Jedi. He placed his weathered hands on to their shoulders to help comfort them. "Maybe these two were chosen for more than the simple task of delivering the orb to us." Qui-Gon started. "What are you saying." Windu pressed for Qui-Gon to make his point. "What if they are the ones to bring balance to the Force." Qui-Gon said. It was his hope that the chosen one would be found soon and that he would find them. "Master Yoda what do you feel on this matter." Windu said as he leaned back in his round chair. "Much do I sense in these two. Fear, longing and love. Not qualities of the one who would bring balance to the Force." He closed his eyes tight and hopped off his oversized chair. He scuttled over to the young Jedi. His robe drug the ground as he made his way to the center of the room. He reached up and pointed a hand on each of their shoulders. Qui-Gon took a few steps back. "These two will be great legends, but not in our time. They are chosen for different things. I sense a great time of darkness approaching. You will both face a great battle. Both emotionally and physically, rise above you both shall." With that he turned and headed back to his seat. "Master Yoda maybe we are still here to learn about this time. Records of it were lost in a great war." Tahiri said. "Yes, the clo..." Anikan was stopped. "You must not disturb the balance of time, young one. We are aware of a darkness rising in our own time as well." Windu interjected as he rolled the orb in his big hand. "Sorry Master Windu." Anikan apologized. "Seek the place your Master first felt the Darkside. There you will find the records you seek." Yoda said. The Jed Council watched as Anikan and Tahiri began to glow with a blue energy. Once the energy wrapped around them they started to fade from this time and back to a more familiar place. "Gone they are now but much they did say." Yoda said looking at the faces of his fellow Jedi Masters. "Yes, our visions are leading to something." Windu added.
______________________________________
Tahiri looked around. They found themselves once again on the green ground of Yavin 4. The jungle was alive with noise as they made their way back to the temple . it was if they had never left. Classes were just starting in the early morning. "We need to find Master Luke." Tahiri said, stating the obvious. They walked through the massive temple in search of their master. Luke Skywalker sensed them coming as they entered the room. He stood up to met them in the lobby. "Master we need to talk." Anikan said. "I know. I trust your mission was successful." Luke's statement took Anikan and Tahiri by surprise. "How did you know?" Tahiri asked. "I sensed the first rip in the time stream and the one you made when you left. Now fill me in." Luke said as he sat down behind his desk. Anikan and Tahiri told the tale of their adventure in time. Meeting the Jedi Council and other Jedi, including a young Obi-Wan Kenobi. Luke was amazed to hear the story of his former masters. Once the story ended Anikan was the first to ask the question. "Uncle were was the place you first felt the Darkside?" "I would have to say the tree on Dagobah. Why?" Luke followed with his own question. "Master Yoda said we would find the Jedi records at the place you first sensed the Darkside." Tahiri answered. "Then I guess we're going on a road trip." Luke said excitedly. "Sure we'll go pack." Tahiri said. "One more thing, Uncle Luke." Anikan asked as they stood up to leave. "Sure, kid. What is it?" Luke asked. "I thought you always said Yoda trained Obi-Wan?" Anikan asked with a smirk. With that question they ended their journey only to begin another.
Back at Dex's, the four Jedi talk to the big alien. They ask him questions about the comings and goings of his patrons and if had seen anything out of the ordinary. Obi-Wan describes a human male he saw in the alley to Dex. Who immediately identified the individual as Jus Weiss, a local PI. The Jedi split into groups of two. Obi-wan and Tahiri go one way, while Qui-Gon and Anikan go the other. As they run they focus their energy on finding Weiss, while Obi-Wan and Qui-Gon also hoped to learn more about the two young Jedi Knights.
"So tell me Tahiri, hat did you say your masters name was?" Obi-Wan inquired.
"You wouldn't know him." She quickly replied.
"You'd be surprised who I know. Master Jinn is a very notable Jedi."
"Anyone I'd know." She chirped back. She to was on a fact-finding mission.
"Well I've been in the Jedi Council room several times. Master Jinn it seems is always looking for trouble."
"Do you know a Yoda." She politely asked.
"Every Jedi knows Master Yoda. He is responsible for raising most of the younglings in the Bear clan."
"The what clan?"
"You aren't really a Jedi are you?" Obi-wan asked as he slid to a stop in front of her.
She was shocked by the question. She was a Jedi, just not a Jedi from this time. Her mind raced through excuses as Obi-Wan closed his eyes to focus on the other prey they were chasing. She could not tell him the truth he'd never believe her. Right, she thought to her self.
"Oh, I got it now." Obi-wan said as he fixed his gaze on her.
"You know where the orb is?" Tahiri asked in her sweet innocent voice.
"Not exactly. I figured out you and your buddy though."
"What do you mean?" She asked back.
"You should have just been up front. We would have been able to tell if you were lying. Besides you just screamed your thoughts into my head. You are more powerful than you realize." He said.
"I'm sorry. Don't tell An.. Jacen."
"Okay. Lets find the orb and get you home."
_______________________________
On the other side of town, Qui-Gon and Anikan were having a similar discussion. Qui-Gon was a Jedi Master, Anikan knew he could not trick him. Anikan wonder why Master Luke had never discussed him before, Qui-Gon seemed to be a very wise Jedi.
"So Jacen, you don't know of any of us." Qui-Gon asked
"Well I know of same of the old Republic Jedi. But there is a time when the records were destroyed."
"Don't tell me anymore we mustn't change anything with this time travel stuff. The council will decide what you tell us or don't." Qui-Gon said. Could this boy be the one.
They ran down alleys and street as the hover traffic whipped above their heads. Anikan was lost in the maze of streets and avenues that would one day turn into his home planet. It was so confusing to him. Why was he chosen? Why did Tahiri have to come? There were so many unanswered questions, he thought as he was looking for his lost crystal.
"The only question you need to focus on is where is this Weiss with the Orb, okay Jacen." Qui-Gon said in his calmest voice.
"Okay. Now if I were a shady low life where would I go?" Anikan asked jokingly.
"Lets try the entertainment district." Qui-Gon said. "Maybe he is celebrating his victory."
___________________________
Obi-Wan was tired of running, for that matter both of them were. Tahiri's legs felt like mush. They must have walked around the entire planet, she thought.
"Don't you Jedi have a patrol speeder or something." She said with a smirk.
Obi-Wan looked around, when he saw the Comm booth the obvious hit him like a bantha at full speed. He dashed over to the both and started hitting buttons. The small screen quickly displayed a list of PI's n the area. With a few more keystroke he found the one he was looking for, Jus Weiss. Why had they not thought of that sooner he wondered as he waited for the print out to finish. The information he got was the first good news of the day, it quickly went back to bad news as the discovered the office was on the opposite side of town.
"What we need is a ride." Obi-Wan said stating the obvious.
"Really, you think that would help." Tahiri added brushing her hair out of her eyes. It was currently back to blonde and cut very short, just below the ears. She had been trying different things as she matured, hoping that something would spark Anikan. She glanced at a parked speeder that still had the power on. "Come on there's our ride."
"What? We can't steal that speeder." Obi-Wan protested. "I don't know how Jedi in your time operate but we do not go around stealing things."
"We'll bring it back. Come on." Tahiri said with a smile.
After she jumped into the convertible speedster, an antique in her time, Obi-wan followed suit. She had never driven one but she took to it very quickly. Obi-Wan shouted over the rushing wind on where to turn. It was no time before they arrived at the old building where Weiss's office was located. Their legs had time to rest as they flew to the office that taking the stairs to at a time to the fifth floor was no problem. They scanned the room with the Force before kicking in the door. Busting the lock from the frame shattered the wood. They began pulling on file draw, rummaging through the files. They threw things all over the place. They were looking for any clues to the current case that Weiss might have been working on. Paper covered the floor and small desk. They had been in the room about ten minutes when the sudden feeling shot up their spines almost at the same time.
"He's here." Obi-on and Tahiri said together.
______________________________
He beboped into the office building, whistling a little tune he made up as he went along. He played with the purple orb he had found in the alley. As he approached his little office he noticed the door smashed open and pieces of wood spread across the metal floor. What now, he thought to himself as he chanced a peek into the room. It appeared as if someone had flipped the room upside down and then shook it up. "Oh well some much for a filing system." He said aloud to his self.
"Mr. Weiss I presume." The females voice shook him from his skin. He did not even look at her. In one fluid motion he went for the door, only to find his way block by what appeared to be a Jedi.
"I guess I shouldn't try to run, huh?" He said as he calmly walked to
where his desk was sitting on its side. "No, I wouldn't advise that. I just have some question for you." Ob-Wan asked trying to sound as much like a Jedi Knight as possible.
"Alright shoot." The shaggy headed detective said, making a little gun
motion in Obi-Wan's direction.
"Have you found anything unusual today sir? Maybe a purple orb." Obi-
Wan asked.
"Wow, right to the point with you Jedi. No pleasantries or nothing,
not even a smile." He was stalling and Obi-Wan was no idiot, he sensed the man was up to something. When the most unexpected thing happened Weiss turned and lunged out the window. He held his dark blue coat over his face as the glass shattered around him. He was not worried, after all his speeder was right under him. He fell about a story and then slammed into the hood of the waiting vehicle. He quickly rolled into the driver's hatch and brought the hovering speeder up to the floor his office was on. While Obi-Wan and Tahiri watch he slowly raised his hand to show them his hidden prize. Then at was he pushed the throttle to its limits and was gone. "Sith, I'll call Master Jinn." Obi-Wan said.
________________________________
Qui-Gon stopped his walk long enough to finish his conversation with Obi- wan and then they were off again. They were now headed in the opposite direction when the Force smiled upon them. A patrol cruiser sat outside a small eatery, Qui-Gon could only hope he could convince the officers to help him. Even without a nudge form the Force the two patrol sentries were more than eager to help. They were both young and looking for the thrill of adventure. They boarded the craft and begin to head off the wayward Mr. Weiss. As the drove away one a the officers placed an APB for the vehicle Obi-Wan had describe if they did not find him someone else would. Finding him was not much of a problem, however Obi-Wan and Tahiri were both screaming with energy that was easy to find.
Anikan was so lost in the towering maze of building. The speed they were traveling at was not helping his comfort either. The cruiser was one of the most agile vehicles Anikan had ever ridden in and that was saying a lot. The noise and flashing lights were also adding to his confusion, but somehow he quickly sensed their prey he was only three blocks away. Obi-Wan and Tahiri had already caught up with him. As they got closer Anikan could make out the other two speeders as they dodge and weaved through mid day traffic. Which in itself was bad enough on a normal day. Anikan finally recognized where they were it was old 280 section of the downtown area. He was just as shock at what happened next as every one else, as he thought of his home in the future he was quickly brought back to the present by the sight of Obi-Wan reaching up from his speeder to grab onto Weiss's.
_________________________________
Obi-Wan had no idea what was going through his head when he grabbed onto Weiss's speeder, but here he was. He worked his way to the front of the vehicle. With a little lift from the Force he flipped onto the hood. Weiss almost lost control of the vehicle with the sudden shook of seeing the young Jedi clinging to the hood of his speeder, with one hand as his other clutch an ignited lightsaber.
This had gone too far. Stealing was one thing killing a Jedi was a completely different thing altogether. Weiss held his hands up to show that his ran was over. He began to lower the speeder, when the old bird shut down. He had pushed her too hard and he knew it. They plummeted toward the awaiting ground. Gaining speed with each second. The police cruiser that had been in pursuit quickly followed them down. They just could not get close enough. The officers were not as brave as Jedi and pulled back as they entered a thicker stream of traffic. Obi-Wan was on his on at least at first. Suddenly a wave of calmness washed over Qui-Gon as he saw the mammoth fire ship below them. As the falling speeder got closer to the fire ship Obi-Wan could feel the speed begin to slow. It final stopped just short of the street level. Obi-Wan let out a sigh of release almost in unison with Weiss. The speeder was slowly lowered the rest of the way to the ground by the invisible hand of the Force. Obi-Wan looked over in time to see the white headed Master Jerrick hanging from an open hatch on the fire ship. Jerrick waved to Obi-Wan as he hopped off the hovering ship.
Obi-Wan leapt off of the hood of the speeder and run to the door. he grabbed Weiss by the collar, lifting him out of the speeder. Weiss quickly put his arms up over his head. He could fight street thugs but not Jedi.. Jerrick and Obi=Wan sat the wayward detective on a curb as they waited for Qui-Gon and the others.
"Look I know what you want it's in my speeder. I didn't steal it I found it." Weiss pleaded.
"Why'd you run." Jerrick asked his hair was now out of his face. Obi- Wan always admired Jerrick he was a very powerful Jedi as well as a good friend to Qui-Gon.
"I don't know. I just thought I could start over. I guess the thought of being successful just took control of me." Weiss said hoping the Jedi would take pity on him.
"We'll see what Master Jinn has to say, before we decide what to do to you." Jerrick added as Qui-Gon's ride touched down close by.
Qui-Gon Jinn was above all else an understanding man. He was followed by the two time lost Jedi as he approached the source of the trouble. Qui- Gon paused and looked at Weiss. He stared at him calmly, then walked over to the speeder and opened a hidden hatch. Inside he found the purple orb, glowing as the light reflected off it.
"Now Mr. Weiss, what should we do to you?" Qui-Gon spoke not out of anger but from reason.
"Please sir I'm just trying to make a living. I really a good person, I just make bad mistakes." Weiss stated his case to the group of Jedi.
"Now the officers behind us are waiting for you. Do you want to deal with them or us?" Qui-Gon asked.
"I don't know." Weiss said. He really did not know what to do. He knew the officers would take him to jail, however he had no idea what the Jedi would do. "What are you going to do to me?"
"Well I have a deal for you." Qui-Gon said as the other Jedi looked on.
"I'm listening." Weiss said.
"You can trade your jail time into time spent helping us. We sometime run upon matters that Jedi can not handle and someone with your background might be better suited to handle the job. I don't know when we will need you but you would have to be available to us." Qui-Gon offered to Weiss.
Obi-Wan's eyes rolled back in his head, he was doing it again. His master always had a soft spot for strays he thought.
"I don't want to say." Weiss said
"I do." Said Obi-wan as he put his hand out to help Weiss to his feet.
"I'm sure you do." Qui-Gon added with a glare to his young charge.
The three walked over to where Master Jerrick , Anikan and Tahiri stood waiting. They shook hands with Weiss as he apologized for his bad decisions. He was truly a good man and Qui-Gon sensed he had a greater purpose than he knew. They watched as P.I.'s speeder liftoff again.
"Alright Jacen lets get you to the Council." Qui-Gon said.
"Qui-Gon can I have a word with you." Jerrick asked.
The two older Jedi walked to the other side of the street. The others were a still and silent as they could be trying to listen to the two Masters.
"Who are this people you are taking to the Council? Do you think one of them is the chosen one?" Jerrick's questions came rapid fire.
"Look I don't know one of them could be." Qui-Gon said. Now it was his turn to plead.
"I just don't want you to make a fool of yourself again. We both know these two are too old to begin the training." Jerrick said trying to reason with his long time friend.
"They aren't beginners. They are already Jedi Knights. It's hard to explain you just have to trust me, Jeri."
"I do Qui-Gon its just you have been so obsessed with this Chosen One nonsense for so long its an ancient prophecy that will probable never be filled. You need to focus on the here and now." Jerrick said.
"I know what I'm doing." Qui-Gon replied.
"We'll see. Just be mindful of the Force it will lead you if you let it." Jerrick said as he pulled his hood up around his face. "Tell he Council I said hello."
_________________________
Chapter 5
The Jedi Temple was one of the largest buildings on the planet. Its four side towers were home to some of the most legendary people in the known galaxy. The center tower was he tallest and at its peak was the Jedi Council room. Anikan was in awe of everything. He was looking around with is eyes as wide as they would go. Qui-Gon led them to an oval room it was still a couple of levels below the Council's room.
"This is the entrance to the Jedi Library , Obi-Wan will take you guys in here where you can wait for me to return. I must talk with the Council first." Qui-Gon said.
"Thank you Master Jinn." Tahiri responded as Anikan was still in a trance.
The older Jedi turned and left the youth under the watchful eye of Jocasta Nu. They time lost Jedi were swept up in the sea of knowledge. They went from wall to wall looking at everything they could. If it took Qui-Gon a month to get them before the Council they still would not have all the time they needed. They read articles on training methods and Jedi ethics. Anikan would read one article while Tahiri would read another.
"This is incredible." Tahiri said.
"Yeah. No talking read as much as you can." Anikan told her as he read through the data pad in his hand.
"Look Ani... Jacen here is an article about Alderaan."
"Wow. I wish Uncle Luke were here." Anikan added.
It was not long before the Jedi felt a tug at the back of their necks. It was Qui-Gon letting them know he was ready for them. Obi-Wan met them as they walked out of the huge library. He led them the rest of the way to the Council's meeting room.
The doors in the large room swung open as they approached. They were ushered in by Qui-Gon, into the middle of the round room. Anikan was overcome with emotion as he stood before the legendary Jedi Council. Even though the records were destroyed he was still awe struck being in their presence,. He and Tahiri both bowed politely to the great Jedi Masters. Tahiri instantly recognized Master Yoda. He sat with his little legs crossed under his light tan robe. His hair was fuller than Master Luke had told them but he was years before the two would meet. Yoda lifted up his small finger. and pointed it in Anikan's direction.
"Mister Solo, want is this crystal you have us, umm.." He spoke in a gravelly voice.
"It's here Master Yoda. When I touched the crystal it told me to deliver it to a Jedi I was not familiar with, Mace Windu. It said he would know where it belonged." Anikan replied.
Anikan Reached into his pouch and retrieved the orb. It lit up as the sunlight from the afternoon sun hit it. The windows in the oval room allowed for a vast amount of light to enter. Anikan held the crystal in his palm so the Jedi Masters could see it.
"Is Master Windu here." He asked looking around the room at the strange faces.
"I am Master Windu.:" The tall bald headed man said in a deep voice. He stood up to met Anikan in the middle of the room.
Tahiri stood next to Anikan as he handed the orb off to the tall Jedi Master. Anikan and Tahiri both were both surprised at what happened next. Nothing.
"I thought that's all we had to do?" Asked Tahiri. "Me too." Was all Anikan could say in return. "You seem somewhat surprised, young one." Mace asked as the other Jedi looked on. "I don't understand. I thought once we gave you the orb we would return to our time." Tahiri said with a slight concern in her voice. "Don't worry I'm sure the Force will guild you back to where you belong." Windu spoke in a comforting voice. "Master if I may. I have an idea as to why they are still here." Qui-Gon added as he walked toward he center of the room. "Please enlighten us with your ideas, Master Jinn." Said Ki-Adi Mundi. Qui-Gon Jinn was not a very imposing man, but what he was thinking frightened Anikan. Qui-Gon stopped his walk behind the time lost pair of Jedi. He placed his weathered hands on to their shoulders to help comfort them. "Maybe these two were chosen for more than the simple task of delivering the orb to us." Qui-Gon started. "What are you saying." Windu pressed for Qui-Gon to make his point. "What if they are the ones to bring balance to the Force." Qui-Gon said. It was his hope that the chosen one would be found soon and that he would find them. "Master Yoda what do you feel on this matter." Windu said as he leaned back in his round chair. "Much do I sense in these two. Fear, longing and love. Not qualities of the one who would bring balance to the Force." He closed his eyes tight and hopped off his oversized chair. He scuttled over to the young Jedi. His robe drug the ground as he made his way to the center of the room. He reached up and pointed a hand on each of their shoulders. Qui-Gon took a few steps back. "These two will be great legends, but not in our time. They are chosen for different things. I sense a great time of darkness approaching. You will both face a great battle. Both emotionally and physically, rise above you both shall." With that he turned and headed back to his seat. "Master Yoda maybe we are still here to learn about this time. Records of it were lost in a great war." Tahiri said. "Yes, the clo..." Anikan was stopped. "You must not disturb the balance of time, young one. We are aware of a darkness rising in our own time as well." Windu interjected as he rolled the orb in his big hand. "Sorry Master Windu." Anikan apologized. "Seek the place your Master first felt the Darkside. There you will find the records you seek." Yoda said. The Jed Council watched as Anikan and Tahiri began to glow with a blue energy. Once the energy wrapped around them they started to fade from this time and back to a more familiar place. "Gone they are now but much they did say." Yoda said looking at the faces of his fellow Jedi Masters. "Yes, our visions are leading to something." Windu added.
______________________________________
Tahiri looked around. They found themselves once again on the green ground of Yavin 4. The jungle was alive with noise as they made their way back to the temple . it was if they had never left. Classes were just starting in the early morning. "We need to find Master Luke." Tahiri said, stating the obvious. They walked through the massive temple in search of their master. Luke Skywalker sensed them coming as they entered the room. He stood up to met them in the lobby. "Master we need to talk." Anikan said. "I know. I trust your mission was successful." Luke's statement took Anikan and Tahiri by surprise. "How did you know?" Tahiri asked. "I sensed the first rip in the time stream and the one you made when you left. Now fill me in." Luke said as he sat down behind his desk. Anikan and Tahiri told the tale of their adventure in time. Meeting the Jedi Council and other Jedi, including a young Obi-Wan Kenobi. Luke was amazed to hear the story of his former masters. Once the story ended Anikan was the first to ask the question. "Uncle were was the place you first felt the Darkside?" "I would have to say the tree on Dagobah. Why?" Luke followed with his own question. "Master Yoda said we would find the Jedi records at the place you first sensed the Darkside." Tahiri answered. "Then I guess we're going on a road trip." Luke said excitedly. "Sure we'll go pack." Tahiri said. "One more thing, Uncle Luke." Anikan asked as they stood up to leave. "Sure, kid. What is it?" Luke asked. "I thought you always said Yoda trained Obi-Wan?" Anikan asked with a smirk. With that question they ended their journey only to begin another.
