This is to let you guys know I do plan to post on all my stories I have on the boards.
Maybe I overreacted, but I truly didn't understand how in one breathe you can say you like the story but then proceed to go on and on about how Qui should be.
I am not George Lucas.
I write FF because he forgot to put feeling in our favorite Jedi Qui and Obi, so Ido it for him.
Read these if you enjoy them if not then please don't
Thanx for all the kind responses I received.
PEACE ewen
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Master Riddon and the young knight abruptly stopped their conversation about their head master, when they saw Master Jinn return from his conversation with the mayor of the city.
"Well everything is unloaded. I think we should head back. We might reach home before dark."
The mayor spoke up.
"We would be glad to have you stay."
The other masters and knights seemed to like the idea, as they stood out in the bitter cold. However, Qui-Gon graciously turned the mayor down.
"No, we have to get back, this evening if possible. Thank you for your offer though."
The entire time Jinn spoke with the mayor, he felt a constant nagging tug on his robe. He knew who it was, just not why Obi-Wan would interrupt a conversation he was in, with someone of importance.
Qui-Gon made a mental note to speak to his son about his discourteous actions. The mayor went back in out of the cold and the Jedi loaded up.
Qui-Gon looked down at his little padawan who had yet to release his robe. Obi-Wan seemed permanently attached to his master.
"Obi-Wan Kenobi, just what are you doing? You know not to interrupt me when I am in a discussion with some dignitary."
"I know Dad, I mean master."
Obi shook his head as if to shake the confusion away over what he should call this hulk of a man who towered in front of him.
"Master, I think I have made a very bad mistake."
Jinn bent down to be eye level to his son. Now with their bond totally open, Jinn could easily feel the turmoil the child was in. So much so, he wanted to some way soothe Obi-Wan of his fears for that was what he was getting from Obi, the feeling of sheer fear.
"What is it child?"
Obi-Wan launched into the entire sordid detail of the events of the night before. When he finished he added just one little sentence. Until then, Jinn could have held out hope that the man Obi spoke of was what he appeared to be, just a drifter.
"Master he had a big scar on his right cheek."
Jinn was on his comm before Obi got the last words out. He notified the temple to lock up, keep everyone in, and await for their return. He was assured that so far no one had come to their door. One of the masters told Master Jinn he would go to the barn and retrieve a padawan and Damien, who had gone to the barn to feed the horses.
That was the last time Jinn would be able to reach them on the link. No one at the temple responded again to Jinn's frantic calls.
Jinn told the other masters what had happened and all settled in for a very fast trip back to the temple; one faster than was reasonably safe. They traveled the distance back to the temple in two-thirds the time it took to travel the other way, but the same distance. Jinn had yet to speak to his apprentice again.
Obi knew why he couldn't speak to him. He could feel Jinn's anger and knew well, who it was directed at.
Not a half hour before their arrival, Jinn called Obi-Wan to a small storage area of the ship.
"Just why didn't you tell me of this man when you found him in the barn?"
"Because I thought he was just a drifter. He said he knew your family and he didn't want you to see him in such a poor condition. I believed him."
"Didn't I just go over with you and Damien not a hour before you went out that we would have to be leery of strangers. Sidious has been known to camouflage himself with many identities."
Obi-Wan had no way of knowing the sith used disguises, but he didn't bring that little fact to his dad's attention.
"I'm sorry Dad."
"Right now padawan I am not your father, I am your master who is very disappointed in you. Why couldn't you have just used your head for a moment Obi-Wan? You have put the temple and my family in great deal of danger. Do you realize that? I lost my brother at the hands of Sidious and I may lose the Jedi under my supervision, along with my mother and Damien."
//At times like these I question the wisdom of the force to allow my son to find his way into my life. He has put all things precious to me in danger; the Jedi and my family, because of his stupidity.//
The last words were not spoken only thought. The very worst part of that was Qui-Gon Jinn, in his worry for his family, had forgotten to shield properly and Obi-Wan not only heard the words of condemnation Jinn said to him, but he caught the even more cruel words thought by his master about him, through their bond.
Harsh words for a small child but not a Jedi apprentice. What Qui-Gon did not stop to realize was, the child had not been an apprentice long enough to know all the rules of the Jedi.
//Heck I don't even know the ground rules of being the son to Qui-Gon Jinn let alone a Jedi apprentice to my giant of a master. //
Obi-Wan remained huddled in the back room of the ship, ashamed to come out. The other masters, knights, and padawans alike had been told of Obi's egregious error.
How could his father have shamed him so by telling all of them? Obi-Wan felt he could left out the parts that made him look stupid. However the little apprentice didn't know what part that would be for he thought he acted out of kindness to the old man and he did the right thing; the Jedi thing..
//How was I su'pose to know that the sith are capable of such devious ways of deceitfulness?. //
Jinn kept a little hope that the connection was lost to the temple because of the weather, but he really didn't believe that.
Everything seemed fine as he and the other Jedi walked up to the temple. Things seemed tranquil and quiet even as they entered the door. No sooner had they stepped in the anteroom, all of them, they were surrounded by no fewer than twenty red guards, armed with an arsenal of blasters and sabers.
Out from the dining area stepped Darth Sidious himself, but he was not alone. On each side of him he had a hostage, Damien and Myra, Jinn's mother.
"I call these two here my insurance policy. Insurance needed so I am not immediately killed by you, Master Jinn. Now that I have you hear, I will tell you the offer I have for you. I plan to give these two family members back to you. Would you like that?"
Jinn stood in the anteroom and tried to think what exactly Sidious had planned in his dark evil mind of his.
"You think I could hold a grudge so long that I wouldn't set you free? Well I will, maybe, with a proper payment. Of course I will set these two free also. See if I mention killing you, you won't think me sincere with my offer. I can take care of you another time. But there is something I want more than I want you. Revenge against you will be so much sweeter, the way I have it planned."
Obi-Wan had been pressed securely behind his master's robe when they entered. Jinn had shoved the boy there with a mental command to stay where he was.
He did peek from around his master's large body to get a look of the evil one. He was nothing like Obi-Wan had seen in the barn. This man seemed younger, more vibrant and he certainly didn't walk hunched over like Obi-Wan had seen him do.
//Master will never believe how old and bad the sith looked when I saw him. Dad must think me pretty stupid. //
"I would be willing to trade you, your mother and your poor dead brother's son for that little one you have hidden behind you there. After all if it weren't for his kind help I wouldn't have been able to so easily overtake the Jedi. The great Qui-Gon Jinn betrayed by his very own son and apprentice, Obi-Wan Kenobi. Now what do you think of that Master Jinn?"
Qui-Gon was busy taking in what the dark one had just said. Nevertheless, he could not ignore the little hands that grasped even tighter around the back of his waist. He knew his "little imp" must be terrified right now and he could only send comfort ebbing slowly through their bond. The master would have liked to snuggle his son in his arms to take his fears away.
Guilt successfully attacked the deep inner recesses of the very soul of Master Jinn. He regretted every word said back on the ship now. How could he have not realized the danger he had placed his child in? Qui-Gon Jinn was faced with the very real possibility of losing the one most important thing in his life, his new found-son, Obi-Wan Kenobi…...
It was a stupid action done for the right reason, desperation. Master Riddon stepped away from the others and started to draw his saber. Jinn tried to stop him but he did not heed his head master's command. He was immediately surrounded by red guards and disarmed.
"I guess there are a few stupid ones within your temple here Master Jinn. Better warn them of how quickly and easily I will kill. You just might find your family killed and then I will still take the boy. Now let me show you something."
Sidious pulled the collar of the turtleneck shirt down that Damien wore. There was a ring-like necklace. Jinn knew it was not a force inhibitor because neither his mother, nor his nephew possessed the force. There was only one thing Jinn could think of, mini bombs set to detonate probably by some control Sidious had. It was at that time that the dark one showed Jinn the little mechanism in his hand with one red button on it.
"That's right Master Jinn. I couldn't bring enough force collars however I thought I wouldn't need all of them if I placed these bomb collars on your family. Now I would suggest you have everyone pile their sabers up over there and my men will see that are put in a safe place for you. This is going to me so much fun Qui-Gon."
"How do you expect this exchange to work? What do you have planned?"
"Now now Master Jinn don't be in such a rush . I am certainly not. My men need to rest up. It is quite cold out there. We can all sleep on it. Yes, that's a good idea then tomorrow you can give me your answer, once we have both rested and eaten something. Not that I didn't appreciate the food your little one brought me. It just wasn't enough."
"Just get to it Sidious.""
"Oh no Jinn. Seems to me I am calling the shots right now. I want you to have some time with your son this evening in that big room there, maybe right by the fireplace and you contemplate your families' fate. Yes a little quality time with your son so you be able to make your decision on who you will save. It will be either the little one or these two here beside me."
"What do you mean?"
"Quite simple. I plan to offer the life of your mother and nephew if only you give me the child there. How's that? Never say I'm not fair Jinn. I mean you would not have to let your nephew down like you did his father; his poor dead father."
The smirk of the smile that crept on the evil one's face made Qui-Gon ill at ease and the sight alone of Sidious standing there alive as his brother lay dead, made the master ill, physically. Some one so easily could kill a child or possibly worse yet take him for servitude in the ways of the dark. It seemed incomprehensible to Jinn. However he knew with Sidious, he wouldn't hesitate to take a child's life to suit his purposes as he saw them. His mind was twisted by evil
Jinn would have liked to have gone for the dark one's throat, but he would not jeopardize his family further.
"Now I have instructed the cooks in the kitchen to whip up something good for last-meal. Although I am sure it will not be as savory had your mother helped in the preparation, Master Jinn. Let's a go in and sit down and eat. I am famished and I am sure you are hungry from your long trip."
Sidious made it sound like a party of some kind, not a death sentence for someone in the room. That someone would be related to Jinn in some manner. He would have to make the final choice.
Nothing Jinn had trained for up until now in his life had prepared him for what Darth Sidious asked of him. He would choose which one in his family would be spared death at the hands of the Dark Lord. The one not chosen would surely die before Jinn's very eyes. Sidious' revenge would be complete and utterly gruesome, but somehow the dark one would love it. He had found a way to torture Qui-Gon worse than if he had been sentenced to die; for that was what this would be. His decision would be far worse than facing his own death.
While Jinn couldn't believe what the man asked of him; to choose between his loved ones, he remained calm. He knew that his mother and nephew would not be harmed unless another Jedi tried something.
"Very Well and I would like to appeal to all the Jedi to remain calm and not do anything they might regret later. Shall we eat?"
"Jinn put on a cool exterior as fear for his family and his friends gripped him.
The master had to rip Obi's hands from the back of his waist to get the child off of him. He pulled Obi-wan up into his arms. He was taking no chances with the child right now.
Obi-Wan was unwilling to look into the eyes of the Dark lord. Instead the child buried his head against the chest of his master, and gripped the front of Jinn's robe as hard as he had clung to the back of his father.. Jedi apprentice or not, he was still just a terrified little boy who looked for his father to save him.
"Don't worry Master Jinn. I won't take the boy from you. What fun would there be in that? No I will leave the decision entirely up to you as to who you would spare, these two for him. I don't want the decision quickly. I want you think on it, ponder it, and suffered the agony of your choosing. No this process has to be slow and lingering for me to enjoy it more."
Sidious pointed one end of his red saber at Obi.
"I'd say two for one is a fair, more than fair trade. You just have to decide which you want to save more. Which would you have live? Nice of me isn't it, making it your choice which one will die. Now lets go to the dining room and eat."
Qui-Gon sat the child down to take his place at the table, but Obi-Wan was having none of that he would not leave his master's side to take his chair. He wouldn't until with a motion to his hand Darth Sidious had one of his red guard drag the boy to where he was. He had Jinn's mother move over and sat the little one down right beside him.
"I plan to have you spend a very long time with me . Well a long time if you behave yourself; a lifetime in fact. I think you should sit beside me and get acquainted don't you. You were much nicer when I met you in the barn."
"Obi-Wan's face flushed red at reminded of the mistake he made in trusting this one..
"I didn't know who you were then. I do now."
"Don't let others make you decisions for you child. You don't know me. You thought me friendly enough in the barn. Now your distaste for me is not your own it is your father's. Wait and form your own opinion of me."
Sidious went to touch the boy's cheek and he pulled away only to have the dark lord grab his little cheeks and clinch them together with thumb on one cheek and the rest of the hand on the other. It would most certainly leave a bruise and Obi-Wan fought hard not to yell. He was pretty successful for all he rendered vocally from the abusive act was a slight whimper.
"I thought you wanted to eat, not abuse a little boy; one who can't fight back."
"Yes well you might want to instruct the child to be a little nicer to me. It doesn't matter what you decide you have to know Master Jinn the final decision on who I take will be mine. Of course if you don't decide, I might kill all three of them. Now I know you would want to be able to save at least one and if done the way I want, two loved ones in your life."
"You know I can't choose. Why are you doing this?"
Sidious pulled down large cowl-necked tunic as he let his robe hood languidly slide down the back of his head.
"See this Master Jinn. You have to be paid back for this. Oh, one day I will kill you for it but for now you have to suffer. What better way to suffer than to know you can save some but not all your family. Just like with your brother. Now you will make a choice but it will still leave you withering in agony over you decision. Either way I win and you lose!!! Let me warn you, if you do not choose, then I will have no other course of action but to kill two of them, take the your son, and do away with all the Jedi here at the temple. I might still let you live for you would have to live with the burden of all their deaths on you conscience. You know me well enough to know I will do it.. You can be assured of only on thing. I won't kill Obi-Wan. I have plans for him but I won't hesitate to kill these two. They are not force sensitive and would be added baggage for me to tote around.."
Everyone at the table tried to at least eat a bite or two. Obi-Wan sat in his chair and let his tears flow. He knew to be quiet because the evil one sat beside him. Jinn watched from one family member to the other. What hurt him the most, was to see the tortured look and feel the overpowering guilt the boy felt.
//My imp carries so much guilt on his shoulders for Sidious gaining control of the temple. Heart wrenching agonizing guilt placed there by me back on the ship with my accusatory words to him. Words I would gladly take back now if only I could.//
Sidious sent the Jinns, along with a couple of masters and knights, Riddon included, into the common room. The other knights, masters, and padawans were all congregated in the dining hall. Once there, they were allowed to eat and then make beds in the dining area for sleep.
Sidious planned to retire for the evening. Before he went upstairs to find a room, he handed the leader of his red guard the mechanism that controlled the bombs.
"Now don't hesitate to push that little red button if anyone tries anything. I think Master Jinn knows me well enough to know I will follow through with my threats. Excuse me, I plan to get some sleep. I did not sleep well in the barn last night. My men will see that you have blankets and pillows to use for sleep Master Jinn. The Jedi not in here are under guard in the dining hall, the ones here now will make their beds up in here and sleep. I hope you have time to think on your decision for we will discuss it over break-fast. Now good night."
Guards armed with blasters and sabers stood at the double doors of the common room. The dining hall double doors were guarded by matching red guard posted at its entrance. The leader of the dark lord's guard sat over in a far corner at a small table with three chairs around it. Two other guards sat with him to make sure no one overpowered them and took the bomb detonator. If anyone tried anything Myra and Damien would quickly have their heads blown right off their shoulders.
Obi-Wan had remained at his master's side the entire time Sidious talked with Qui-Gon. After he left Obi was still unwilling to leave his master. Talking though was out of the question for the little one.
As soon as Sidious left Myra and Damien both ran to their protector, Qui-Gon and started talking at the same time. Jinn could not even keep up with what they were saying.
Little Obi was literally shoved out of the way by Jinn's bomb-wired relatives.
"Well I hope you see now what mistake it was to keep the child. Look what he has done."
"Mother please!!! I do not have the time to go into Obi-Wan's mistakes right now. Yes I agree he has greatly compromised the safety of not only you and Damien but everyone of the Jedi I am responsible for, himself included. Nevertheless now is not the time to delve in and discuss Obi-Wan's mistakes, tragic as they are."
Could his father have lain any more guilt on him for the demise of all at the temple? Obi-Wan had tried to remain in very close proximity to his master even when his Grandmother and cousin first attempted to physically push the child from his father. However, now he wasn't so enthused with even being in the room with his father let alone beside him. The small Jedi slinked back in the group around his master and finally found a little corner by the fireplace to sit.
"Qui-Gon what do you plan to do?"
One simple question with an impossible answer for Qui-Gon.
The master looked over at the guards in the corner, engrossed in their own conversation. He noticed one would occasionally look over to see what the group was doing then would quickly go back to their own devices. None of them seemed worried about the Jedi. They had the detonator to the bomb in their possession. That was their safety.
Master Riddon had been one of the masters who stood around Master Jinn as he welcomed his family with opened arms. He did take the time to see Obi in the corner but he really didn't have the time to find out what his problem was.
//Maybe he is just exhausted from the day's traumatic events and has found a place that is warm and quiet. //
Jinn hoped Obi fell asleep there. He would care for his son later.
In a low quiet voice he instructed the others to slowly break up and then one at a time wander over to the sleep couch against the far wall.
"We will be able to better discuss our plan from there. Mother, you and Damien stay here in front of the fireplace and rest. I want Master Riddon, Knight Blen'Lek and Master Delonos over with me. I may have a plan or least a partial plan. I can get your input on it when we are able to not attract so much attention during our conversation. Maybe I will see if the Jedi mind trick will work. Be nice if they would open that Liqueur cabinet and have several stiff drinks. Master Riddon once I have gone to the far wall, you ask them if we might imbibe in a good strong man's drink. That might tempt them enough to do the same."
Myra gave her son an odd look but did not question his plan. She did though want to continue her obsessive criticism of his son.
"Very well Qui-Gon. Damien and I will remain here. I hope you have time for Damien later. You know he must be terrified."
"Yes mother I know and I will do my best to be over there, only later. Get some sleep and I will wake you when we are finished."
"Yes, and when this is settled you must do something about that child of yours. He has put your brother's son in a great deal of danger."
"I don't think Obi-Wan is in much better shape than Damien is right now. Both their lives are in jeopardy."
"Of course he isn't. He is in worse peril, for I am sure if it comes down to it I know perfectly well which one you will choose. But you have to remember, Obi brought it on himself."
Jinn was becoming angry with his mother and he knew he must stay focused in order to complete his plan, if it had a chance at all to work.
"Mother that's enough. You are not talking about a seasoned trained Jedi, you are referring to my son, an eight-year-old child. He deserves nothing that Sidious has planned for him. He is as innocent as you and Damien in this. I am the one Sidious wants."
"Well I think you will be getting off pretty lucky if the only thing he wants is that little brat. Then one never knows, Sidious might bring him back when he finds out what a problem Obi-Wan is."
If his mother said the last words as a feeble attempt at humor, she failed horribly. Jinn didn't find them humorous, he thought them repugnant and offensive. Later there would be much to say to his mother for her overall cruel attitude she had for his son but for now Jinn would have to release all thoughts other than their successful escape, into the force. He made a mental promise to himself that things would change concerning his son once this mess was cleared up.
Qui-Gon's first little plan worked like a charm. Master Riddon was successful in procuring not only he and the other Jedi a good stiff well-deserved drink, the guards wanted several for themselves. They took two or three bottles of very strong liquor back to the table with them.
As the Jedi congregated to their appointed spot far from the red guard, Qui-Gon looked over to see the guards playing some kind of poker game. They relaxed their watch of the Jedi. They thought there would be no way their captives could possibly escape. Jinn condensed his description of the planned attack he had for the captors.
He did not wish to arouse suspicion by mulling together too long. He finished up by having Master Riddon notify the others in the dining area of their plan and the time approximation for it. The master's padawan was in the dining hall and Riddon had established a mind link with him. They were to lay low do nothing but be aware of what the other Jedi were doing and be prepared to help if a problem arose.
Qui-Gon went over to his mother and nephew as promised and talked with them. He did not go over the details of the escape plot because the guards sat too close to them. They continued to drink heavily and make a lot of noise. That was good because that is what Master Jinn wanted.
After having spoken with his mother and Damien he went to the corner of the fireplace where his son was. He was propped very uncomfortably against the brick wall. He used the brick a pillow for his little head. Qui-Gon had brought an extra blanket over. He picked the boy up to lay him beside him for a couple of hours. Jinn wanted to give the guards time to become totally inebriated before they set out with their planned overtaking of the guards.
Obi-Wan woke up and saw his father. His body stiffened at the master's touch and although Obi allowed Qui-Gon to place him beside him to sleep. Things were different.
Qui-Gon became very aware of the tension and rigidity in the boy's body. He touched Obi's mind only to find he really couldn't gain access through the soundly erected shields .
Qui-Gon Jinn knew something was very wrong with he and his apprentice's physical and mental connection. It felt as if they had no connection. He was left with an emptiness that he had not felt since the beginning of their shared link.
Qui-Gon could feel anger and a lack of trust, where faith, loyalty, and love had been before. The barely-opened bond he and Obi shared was now like the burning-out embers that lay in the bottom of the fireplace fighting to stay lit.
Jinn lay beside his son and watched those embers as they threatened to extinguish themsleves.
Jinn was agonized by an almost morbid thought.// If something isn't done soon to rekindle our bond, just like those embers I watch, it could be snuffed out forever.//
PEACE ewen
Maybe I overreacted, but I truly didn't understand how in one breathe you can say you like the story but then proceed to go on and on about how Qui should be.
I am not George Lucas.
I write FF because he forgot to put feeling in our favorite Jedi Qui and Obi, so Ido it for him.
Read these if you enjoy them if not then please don't
Thanx for all the kind responses I received.
PEACE ewen
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Master Riddon and the young knight abruptly stopped their conversation about their head master, when they saw Master Jinn return from his conversation with the mayor of the city.
"Well everything is unloaded. I think we should head back. We might reach home before dark."
The mayor spoke up.
"We would be glad to have you stay."
The other masters and knights seemed to like the idea, as they stood out in the bitter cold. However, Qui-Gon graciously turned the mayor down.
"No, we have to get back, this evening if possible. Thank you for your offer though."
The entire time Jinn spoke with the mayor, he felt a constant nagging tug on his robe. He knew who it was, just not why Obi-Wan would interrupt a conversation he was in, with someone of importance.
Qui-Gon made a mental note to speak to his son about his discourteous actions. The mayor went back in out of the cold and the Jedi loaded up.
Qui-Gon looked down at his little padawan who had yet to release his robe. Obi-Wan seemed permanently attached to his master.
"Obi-Wan Kenobi, just what are you doing? You know not to interrupt me when I am in a discussion with some dignitary."
"I know Dad, I mean master."
Obi shook his head as if to shake the confusion away over what he should call this hulk of a man who towered in front of him.
"Master, I think I have made a very bad mistake."
Jinn bent down to be eye level to his son. Now with their bond totally open, Jinn could easily feel the turmoil the child was in. So much so, he wanted to some way soothe Obi-Wan of his fears for that was what he was getting from Obi, the feeling of sheer fear.
"What is it child?"
Obi-Wan launched into the entire sordid detail of the events of the night before. When he finished he added just one little sentence. Until then, Jinn could have held out hope that the man Obi spoke of was what he appeared to be, just a drifter.
"Master he had a big scar on his right cheek."
Jinn was on his comm before Obi got the last words out. He notified the temple to lock up, keep everyone in, and await for their return. He was assured that so far no one had come to their door. One of the masters told Master Jinn he would go to the barn and retrieve a padawan and Damien, who had gone to the barn to feed the horses.
That was the last time Jinn would be able to reach them on the link. No one at the temple responded again to Jinn's frantic calls.
Jinn told the other masters what had happened and all settled in for a very fast trip back to the temple; one faster than was reasonably safe. They traveled the distance back to the temple in two-thirds the time it took to travel the other way, but the same distance. Jinn had yet to speak to his apprentice again.
Obi knew why he couldn't speak to him. He could feel Jinn's anger and knew well, who it was directed at.
Not a half hour before their arrival, Jinn called Obi-Wan to a small storage area of the ship.
"Just why didn't you tell me of this man when you found him in the barn?"
"Because I thought he was just a drifter. He said he knew your family and he didn't want you to see him in such a poor condition. I believed him."
"Didn't I just go over with you and Damien not a hour before you went out that we would have to be leery of strangers. Sidious has been known to camouflage himself with many identities."
Obi-Wan had no way of knowing the sith used disguises, but he didn't bring that little fact to his dad's attention.
"I'm sorry Dad."
"Right now padawan I am not your father, I am your master who is very disappointed in you. Why couldn't you have just used your head for a moment Obi-Wan? You have put the temple and my family in great deal of danger. Do you realize that? I lost my brother at the hands of Sidious and I may lose the Jedi under my supervision, along with my mother and Damien."
//At times like these I question the wisdom of the force to allow my son to find his way into my life. He has put all things precious to me in danger; the Jedi and my family, because of his stupidity.//
The last words were not spoken only thought. The very worst part of that was Qui-Gon Jinn, in his worry for his family, had forgotten to shield properly and Obi-Wan not only heard the words of condemnation Jinn said to him, but he caught the even more cruel words thought by his master about him, through their bond.
Harsh words for a small child but not a Jedi apprentice. What Qui-Gon did not stop to realize was, the child had not been an apprentice long enough to know all the rules of the Jedi.
//Heck I don't even know the ground rules of being the son to Qui-Gon Jinn let alone a Jedi apprentice to my giant of a master. //
Obi-Wan remained huddled in the back room of the ship, ashamed to come out. The other masters, knights, and padawans alike had been told of Obi's egregious error.
How could his father have shamed him so by telling all of them? Obi-Wan felt he could left out the parts that made him look stupid. However the little apprentice didn't know what part that would be for he thought he acted out of kindness to the old man and he did the right thing; the Jedi thing..
//How was I su'pose to know that the sith are capable of such devious ways of deceitfulness?. //
Jinn kept a little hope that the connection was lost to the temple because of the weather, but he really didn't believe that.
Everything seemed fine as he and the other Jedi walked up to the temple. Things seemed tranquil and quiet even as they entered the door. No sooner had they stepped in the anteroom, all of them, they were surrounded by no fewer than twenty red guards, armed with an arsenal of blasters and sabers.
Out from the dining area stepped Darth Sidious himself, but he was not alone. On each side of him he had a hostage, Damien and Myra, Jinn's mother.
"I call these two here my insurance policy. Insurance needed so I am not immediately killed by you, Master Jinn. Now that I have you hear, I will tell you the offer I have for you. I plan to give these two family members back to you. Would you like that?"
Jinn stood in the anteroom and tried to think what exactly Sidious had planned in his dark evil mind of his.
"You think I could hold a grudge so long that I wouldn't set you free? Well I will, maybe, with a proper payment. Of course I will set these two free also. See if I mention killing you, you won't think me sincere with my offer. I can take care of you another time. But there is something I want more than I want you. Revenge against you will be so much sweeter, the way I have it planned."
Obi-Wan had been pressed securely behind his master's robe when they entered. Jinn had shoved the boy there with a mental command to stay where he was.
He did peek from around his master's large body to get a look of the evil one. He was nothing like Obi-Wan had seen in the barn. This man seemed younger, more vibrant and he certainly didn't walk hunched over like Obi-Wan had seen him do.
//Master will never believe how old and bad the sith looked when I saw him. Dad must think me pretty stupid. //
"I would be willing to trade you, your mother and your poor dead brother's son for that little one you have hidden behind you there. After all if it weren't for his kind help I wouldn't have been able to so easily overtake the Jedi. The great Qui-Gon Jinn betrayed by his very own son and apprentice, Obi-Wan Kenobi. Now what do you think of that Master Jinn?"
Qui-Gon was busy taking in what the dark one had just said. Nevertheless, he could not ignore the little hands that grasped even tighter around the back of his waist. He knew his "little imp" must be terrified right now and he could only send comfort ebbing slowly through their bond. The master would have liked to snuggle his son in his arms to take his fears away.
Guilt successfully attacked the deep inner recesses of the very soul of Master Jinn. He regretted every word said back on the ship now. How could he have not realized the danger he had placed his child in? Qui-Gon Jinn was faced with the very real possibility of losing the one most important thing in his life, his new found-son, Obi-Wan Kenobi…...
It was a stupid action done for the right reason, desperation. Master Riddon stepped away from the others and started to draw his saber. Jinn tried to stop him but he did not heed his head master's command. He was immediately surrounded by red guards and disarmed.
"I guess there are a few stupid ones within your temple here Master Jinn. Better warn them of how quickly and easily I will kill. You just might find your family killed and then I will still take the boy. Now let me show you something."
Sidious pulled the collar of the turtleneck shirt down that Damien wore. There was a ring-like necklace. Jinn knew it was not a force inhibitor because neither his mother, nor his nephew possessed the force. There was only one thing Jinn could think of, mini bombs set to detonate probably by some control Sidious had. It was at that time that the dark one showed Jinn the little mechanism in his hand with one red button on it.
"That's right Master Jinn. I couldn't bring enough force collars however I thought I wouldn't need all of them if I placed these bomb collars on your family. Now I would suggest you have everyone pile their sabers up over there and my men will see that are put in a safe place for you. This is going to me so much fun Qui-Gon."
"How do you expect this exchange to work? What do you have planned?"
"Now now Master Jinn don't be in such a rush . I am certainly not. My men need to rest up. It is quite cold out there. We can all sleep on it. Yes, that's a good idea then tomorrow you can give me your answer, once we have both rested and eaten something. Not that I didn't appreciate the food your little one brought me. It just wasn't enough."
"Just get to it Sidious.""
"Oh no Jinn. Seems to me I am calling the shots right now. I want you to have some time with your son this evening in that big room there, maybe right by the fireplace and you contemplate your families' fate. Yes a little quality time with your son so you be able to make your decision on who you will save. It will be either the little one or these two here beside me."
"What do you mean?"
"Quite simple. I plan to offer the life of your mother and nephew if only you give me the child there. How's that? Never say I'm not fair Jinn. I mean you would not have to let your nephew down like you did his father; his poor dead father."
The smirk of the smile that crept on the evil one's face made Qui-Gon ill at ease and the sight alone of Sidious standing there alive as his brother lay dead, made the master ill, physically. Some one so easily could kill a child or possibly worse yet take him for servitude in the ways of the dark. It seemed incomprehensible to Jinn. However he knew with Sidious, he wouldn't hesitate to take a child's life to suit his purposes as he saw them. His mind was twisted by evil
Jinn would have liked to have gone for the dark one's throat, but he would not jeopardize his family further.
"Now I have instructed the cooks in the kitchen to whip up something good for last-meal. Although I am sure it will not be as savory had your mother helped in the preparation, Master Jinn. Let's a go in and sit down and eat. I am famished and I am sure you are hungry from your long trip."
Sidious made it sound like a party of some kind, not a death sentence for someone in the room. That someone would be related to Jinn in some manner. He would have to make the final choice.
Nothing Jinn had trained for up until now in his life had prepared him for what Darth Sidious asked of him. He would choose which one in his family would be spared death at the hands of the Dark Lord. The one not chosen would surely die before Jinn's very eyes. Sidious' revenge would be complete and utterly gruesome, but somehow the dark one would love it. He had found a way to torture Qui-Gon worse than if he had been sentenced to die; for that was what this would be. His decision would be far worse than facing his own death.
While Jinn couldn't believe what the man asked of him; to choose between his loved ones, he remained calm. He knew that his mother and nephew would not be harmed unless another Jedi tried something.
"Very Well and I would like to appeal to all the Jedi to remain calm and not do anything they might regret later. Shall we eat?"
"Jinn put on a cool exterior as fear for his family and his friends gripped him.
The master had to rip Obi's hands from the back of his waist to get the child off of him. He pulled Obi-wan up into his arms. He was taking no chances with the child right now.
Obi-Wan was unwilling to look into the eyes of the Dark lord. Instead the child buried his head against the chest of his master, and gripped the front of Jinn's robe as hard as he had clung to the back of his father.. Jedi apprentice or not, he was still just a terrified little boy who looked for his father to save him.
"Don't worry Master Jinn. I won't take the boy from you. What fun would there be in that? No I will leave the decision entirely up to you as to who you would spare, these two for him. I don't want the decision quickly. I want you think on it, ponder it, and suffered the agony of your choosing. No this process has to be slow and lingering for me to enjoy it more."
Sidious pointed one end of his red saber at Obi.
"I'd say two for one is a fair, more than fair trade. You just have to decide which you want to save more. Which would you have live? Nice of me isn't it, making it your choice which one will die. Now lets go to the dining room and eat."
Qui-Gon sat the child down to take his place at the table, but Obi-Wan was having none of that he would not leave his master's side to take his chair. He wouldn't until with a motion to his hand Darth Sidious had one of his red guard drag the boy to where he was. He had Jinn's mother move over and sat the little one down right beside him.
"I plan to have you spend a very long time with me . Well a long time if you behave yourself; a lifetime in fact. I think you should sit beside me and get acquainted don't you. You were much nicer when I met you in the barn."
"Obi-Wan's face flushed red at reminded of the mistake he made in trusting this one..
"I didn't know who you were then. I do now."
"Don't let others make you decisions for you child. You don't know me. You thought me friendly enough in the barn. Now your distaste for me is not your own it is your father's. Wait and form your own opinion of me."
Sidious went to touch the boy's cheek and he pulled away only to have the dark lord grab his little cheeks and clinch them together with thumb on one cheek and the rest of the hand on the other. It would most certainly leave a bruise and Obi-Wan fought hard not to yell. He was pretty successful for all he rendered vocally from the abusive act was a slight whimper.
"I thought you wanted to eat, not abuse a little boy; one who can't fight back."
"Yes well you might want to instruct the child to be a little nicer to me. It doesn't matter what you decide you have to know Master Jinn the final decision on who I take will be mine. Of course if you don't decide, I might kill all three of them. Now I know you would want to be able to save at least one and if done the way I want, two loved ones in your life."
"You know I can't choose. Why are you doing this?"
Sidious pulled down large cowl-necked tunic as he let his robe hood languidly slide down the back of his head.
"See this Master Jinn. You have to be paid back for this. Oh, one day I will kill you for it but for now you have to suffer. What better way to suffer than to know you can save some but not all your family. Just like with your brother. Now you will make a choice but it will still leave you withering in agony over you decision. Either way I win and you lose!!! Let me warn you, if you do not choose, then I will have no other course of action but to kill two of them, take the your son, and do away with all the Jedi here at the temple. I might still let you live for you would have to live with the burden of all their deaths on you conscience. You know me well enough to know I will do it.. You can be assured of only on thing. I won't kill Obi-Wan. I have plans for him but I won't hesitate to kill these two. They are not force sensitive and would be added baggage for me to tote around.."
Everyone at the table tried to at least eat a bite or two. Obi-Wan sat in his chair and let his tears flow. He knew to be quiet because the evil one sat beside him. Jinn watched from one family member to the other. What hurt him the most, was to see the tortured look and feel the overpowering guilt the boy felt.
//My imp carries so much guilt on his shoulders for Sidious gaining control of the temple. Heart wrenching agonizing guilt placed there by me back on the ship with my accusatory words to him. Words I would gladly take back now if only I could.//
Sidious sent the Jinns, along with a couple of masters and knights, Riddon included, into the common room. The other knights, masters, and padawans were all congregated in the dining hall. Once there, they were allowed to eat and then make beds in the dining area for sleep.
Sidious planned to retire for the evening. Before he went upstairs to find a room, he handed the leader of his red guard the mechanism that controlled the bombs.
"Now don't hesitate to push that little red button if anyone tries anything. I think Master Jinn knows me well enough to know I will follow through with my threats. Excuse me, I plan to get some sleep. I did not sleep well in the barn last night. My men will see that you have blankets and pillows to use for sleep Master Jinn. The Jedi not in here are under guard in the dining hall, the ones here now will make their beds up in here and sleep. I hope you have time to think on your decision for we will discuss it over break-fast. Now good night."
Guards armed with blasters and sabers stood at the double doors of the common room. The dining hall double doors were guarded by matching red guard posted at its entrance. The leader of the dark lord's guard sat over in a far corner at a small table with three chairs around it. Two other guards sat with him to make sure no one overpowered them and took the bomb detonator. If anyone tried anything Myra and Damien would quickly have their heads blown right off their shoulders.
Obi-Wan had remained at his master's side the entire time Sidious talked with Qui-Gon. After he left Obi was still unwilling to leave his master. Talking though was out of the question for the little one.
As soon as Sidious left Myra and Damien both ran to their protector, Qui-Gon and started talking at the same time. Jinn could not even keep up with what they were saying.
Little Obi was literally shoved out of the way by Jinn's bomb-wired relatives.
"Well I hope you see now what mistake it was to keep the child. Look what he has done."
"Mother please!!! I do not have the time to go into Obi-Wan's mistakes right now. Yes I agree he has greatly compromised the safety of not only you and Damien but everyone of the Jedi I am responsible for, himself included. Nevertheless now is not the time to delve in and discuss Obi-Wan's mistakes, tragic as they are."
Could his father have lain any more guilt on him for the demise of all at the temple? Obi-Wan had tried to remain in very close proximity to his master even when his Grandmother and cousin first attempted to physically push the child from his father. However, now he wasn't so enthused with even being in the room with his father let alone beside him. The small Jedi slinked back in the group around his master and finally found a little corner by the fireplace to sit.
"Qui-Gon what do you plan to do?"
One simple question with an impossible answer for Qui-Gon.
The master looked over at the guards in the corner, engrossed in their own conversation. He noticed one would occasionally look over to see what the group was doing then would quickly go back to their own devices. None of them seemed worried about the Jedi. They had the detonator to the bomb in their possession. That was their safety.
Master Riddon had been one of the masters who stood around Master Jinn as he welcomed his family with opened arms. He did take the time to see Obi in the corner but he really didn't have the time to find out what his problem was.
//Maybe he is just exhausted from the day's traumatic events and has found a place that is warm and quiet. //
Jinn hoped Obi fell asleep there. He would care for his son later.
In a low quiet voice he instructed the others to slowly break up and then one at a time wander over to the sleep couch against the far wall.
"We will be able to better discuss our plan from there. Mother, you and Damien stay here in front of the fireplace and rest. I want Master Riddon, Knight Blen'Lek and Master Delonos over with me. I may have a plan or least a partial plan. I can get your input on it when we are able to not attract so much attention during our conversation. Maybe I will see if the Jedi mind trick will work. Be nice if they would open that Liqueur cabinet and have several stiff drinks. Master Riddon once I have gone to the far wall, you ask them if we might imbibe in a good strong man's drink. That might tempt them enough to do the same."
Myra gave her son an odd look but did not question his plan. She did though want to continue her obsessive criticism of his son.
"Very well Qui-Gon. Damien and I will remain here. I hope you have time for Damien later. You know he must be terrified."
"Yes mother I know and I will do my best to be over there, only later. Get some sleep and I will wake you when we are finished."
"Yes, and when this is settled you must do something about that child of yours. He has put your brother's son in a great deal of danger."
"I don't think Obi-Wan is in much better shape than Damien is right now. Both their lives are in jeopardy."
"Of course he isn't. He is in worse peril, for I am sure if it comes down to it I know perfectly well which one you will choose. But you have to remember, Obi brought it on himself."
Jinn was becoming angry with his mother and he knew he must stay focused in order to complete his plan, if it had a chance at all to work.
"Mother that's enough. You are not talking about a seasoned trained Jedi, you are referring to my son, an eight-year-old child. He deserves nothing that Sidious has planned for him. He is as innocent as you and Damien in this. I am the one Sidious wants."
"Well I think you will be getting off pretty lucky if the only thing he wants is that little brat. Then one never knows, Sidious might bring him back when he finds out what a problem Obi-Wan is."
If his mother said the last words as a feeble attempt at humor, she failed horribly. Jinn didn't find them humorous, he thought them repugnant and offensive. Later there would be much to say to his mother for her overall cruel attitude she had for his son but for now Jinn would have to release all thoughts other than their successful escape, into the force. He made a mental promise to himself that things would change concerning his son once this mess was cleared up.
Qui-Gon's first little plan worked like a charm. Master Riddon was successful in procuring not only he and the other Jedi a good stiff well-deserved drink, the guards wanted several for themselves. They took two or three bottles of very strong liquor back to the table with them.
As the Jedi congregated to their appointed spot far from the red guard, Qui-Gon looked over to see the guards playing some kind of poker game. They relaxed their watch of the Jedi. They thought there would be no way their captives could possibly escape. Jinn condensed his description of the planned attack he had for the captors.
He did not wish to arouse suspicion by mulling together too long. He finished up by having Master Riddon notify the others in the dining area of their plan and the time approximation for it. The master's padawan was in the dining hall and Riddon had established a mind link with him. They were to lay low do nothing but be aware of what the other Jedi were doing and be prepared to help if a problem arose.
Qui-Gon went over to his mother and nephew as promised and talked with them. He did not go over the details of the escape plot because the guards sat too close to them. They continued to drink heavily and make a lot of noise. That was good because that is what Master Jinn wanted.
After having spoken with his mother and Damien he went to the corner of the fireplace where his son was. He was propped very uncomfortably against the brick wall. He used the brick a pillow for his little head. Qui-Gon had brought an extra blanket over. He picked the boy up to lay him beside him for a couple of hours. Jinn wanted to give the guards time to become totally inebriated before they set out with their planned overtaking of the guards.
Obi-Wan woke up and saw his father. His body stiffened at the master's touch and although Obi allowed Qui-Gon to place him beside him to sleep. Things were different.
Qui-Gon became very aware of the tension and rigidity in the boy's body. He touched Obi's mind only to find he really couldn't gain access through the soundly erected shields .
Qui-Gon Jinn knew something was very wrong with he and his apprentice's physical and mental connection. It felt as if they had no connection. He was left with an emptiness that he had not felt since the beginning of their shared link.
Qui-Gon could feel anger and a lack of trust, where faith, loyalty, and love had been before. The barely-opened bond he and Obi shared was now like the burning-out embers that lay in the bottom of the fireplace fighting to stay lit.
Jinn lay beside his son and watched those embers as they threatened to extinguish themsleves.
Jinn was agonized by an almost morbid thought.// If something isn't done soon to rekindle our bond, just like those embers I watch, it could be snuffed out forever.//
PEACE ewen