Silence echoed eerily between master and apprentice on their journey back to the mansion of Lord Byron and Lady Katrina.
"Qui-Gon did not feel ready to address the subject of Obi-Wan's behavior and Obi-Wan was angry with his father over the harsh words. He found he was not as good at releasing his anger into the force as his dad was. The setting sun brought with it an added chill, although that was not the reason for Qui-Gon to physically shiver while goose bumps formed on him. He shuttered with the thought of Obi-Wan's unintended knowledge.
Very soon the two would be back to the home of the Lady and Lord, with still no resolution to what happened. Jinn glanced down after he put his hands in the widened sleeves of his robe to see Obi-Wan match his moves almost in mirror image of movements.. Not out of any mockery or mimicking, just that his master had a good idea on how to keep his hands warm.
Without looking back down or missing a stride in his steps the master finally broke his silence.
"What transpired today in the cafe is not be discussed. Not only is not to be discussed by you to anyone else, it can not, under any circumstances be mentioned between you and I, no matter how much privacy you think we share."
Obi-Wan got a tingling down his spine. A mystery and I am part of it He wished Master had felt him mature enough to be in his confidence over the mystery, but evidently Qui-Gon thought Obi-Wan couldn't be trusted. Obi felt a twinge of dejection when he realized his father tried to keep the mystery a secret, even from him, his padawan. Was that how a master/apprentice relationship worked? He didn't think so!!!. Had he not stumbled onto it by accident he wouldn't even know about it now. Did that mean Master Dooku was unaware of the meeting too?
"Master, I am not to say anything to my grandfather either?"
"What part of to "not to be discussed", didn't you understand? I guess I should tell you that you should not speak of my meeting *especially* to your grandfather. This extra mission I am on is in the confidence of only a handful of masters at the temple. Had you given me your obedience as other Jedi apprentices afford their masters, you would not know of it. It can be difficult to keep a secret for someone your age, Jedi or not."
"I promise Da…I mean Master, I won't tell anyone, not a soul. Especially not Master Dooku."
"Will this be a promise like the one you made to me earlier; that you would do everything I told you without question. That was what you led me to believe, before we left the temple."
ZINGER That hurt the little padawan. No one likes to be reminded of their mistakes. In particular, an eight year old boy who was trying valiantly to gain his master's trust once again. He needed that trust to find out more about the mystery mission his father had been sent on. The words hurt the child as they were meant to do.
"I'm sorry master I just thought he was a friend of yours. You didn't tell me you had a secret mission. How was I to know?"
"You knew all you were suppose to know. You were also suppose to know not to disobey me. Just do as I say this time or I will have to ship you home understand? It will be hard enough to keep Master Dooku from finding out, if I should have to leave you with him to talk some things over with others, concerning this mission."
Obi-Wan stopped and stared a terrified stare at his father.
"What do you mean? I thought I wouldn't have to stay with him?"
"Things might change Padawan. If you should have to stay with Master Dooku, I will not be there to help ensure you keep your secret. The burden of complete silence will be on your shoulders only."
"I hope I don't have to stay with him, but if I do, I won't betray your trust in me again. I swear Master. Anyway what secret mission? It must be connected with the missing kids and that Senator you spoke of. ?"
"No, Obi-Wan you know too much just by knowing of the mission. I will not tell you all it pertains too. To correct one statement padawan, dead not missing. Do you understand that? I have no wish for that to be your fate, no matter how badly I would like to wring your neck right now. I will hold you to your sworn oath that knowledge of the meeting I had, will go no further than between you and I.. There is little else I can do unless I decide to ship you home tomorrow. I won't though. This is one time our bond, had it been opened, would have been very helpful. We could have communicated mentally to each other and in that way I could have helped you keep the secret by being in constant connection with you. Communicating mentally does have it uses, I suppose in all walks of life."
Another reminder of how he failed his master. Maybe his dad didn't realize it but he kept mounting guilt on the little boy. Guilt that he would not be able to carry, with the bond threatening to reap havoc on his emotional turmoil.
That other thing Qui-Gon said about wringing his neck slid by Obi-Wan without comment. He thought he knew his father was only joking. He deduced that because when his father said the words he took his two large calloused hands, held them in front of him, and mimed the motions of wringing something as if it were Obi's tiny little neck. //a joke of sorts no matter how morbid,// thought the small apprentice.
To get the very important point across that a master needed his apprentice undying loyalty and trust, Qui-Gon knew he would have to be strict and not allow the little Jedi to make even one more mistake. He had to learn and learn right off, that the most important lesson in becoming a Jedi was to learn to take orders. Obi-Wan had failed miserably in that department and much as Qui-Gon already regretted the stand he must take against his own son, he knew he must..
It required the master to undertake the very difficult task of remaining almost cold and indifferent to his imp in his stand against his son's breech of trust between master and padawan. .
Nothing else was said between the two as they continued their walk back to the Lord's home. Qui-Gon did not ask explanations to Obi-Wan actions. There were none, at least that would be acceptable. Maybe as his son there would have been, but there was no room for mistakes when it came to being an apprentice especially an apprentice to Qui-Gon Jinn.
Obi-Wan trailed behind his father. For the first time he was glad he had to stay the three steps back. He didn't think he could look Qui-Gon squarely in the face; in those penetrating azure eyes that could almost tell a story just by a fluttering of an eyelid, a sarcastic roll of them, or by the cold unfeeling stare Obi thought his dad got sometimes. No,…. being behind his master was a good thing. He didn't have to feel those blues orbs bearing down on him as an almost demand for Obi-Wan to tell him why he did what he did..
Once at the ornate black wrought-iron fence, with finely detailed carved and cut granite Gargoyles guarding it, Jinn abruptly stopped and rested his back against the round iron posts of the enormous fence.
Obi-Wan stopped, although he was not sure why and waited for his master to make a move to gain entrance to the mansion property by using the comm voice box on the locked gate's entrance.
Padawan Kenobi, as he was now, waited in front of his master with his head hung low. His hands were still poked into the sleeves of the robe for the warmth provided.
Finally, "Well?"
A one word question that Obi-Wan had no idea what answer his father expected of him.
//What does he mean *well*? What am I suppose to say to *WELL*?//
Obi-Wan did not know the answer, so he did not give his father one, to the extremely short and confusing question.
Qui-Gon checked the time and then spoke again.
"I am waiting padawan. We have forty-five minutes before the reception begins and I await on an answer before I take you in there in the same set of rooms with your grandfather."
"What am I suppose to say Master?"
//Good, I did remember to call Dad *Master*. That should count for something.//
" A response with some truth and honesty might be a good way to start. I have not heard that from you since we have been on this mission."
Whew… That was harsh coming from one's master, let alone, their father. Jinn could actually see Obi-Wan physically flinch at the vindictively cruel words that seemed to come so easily from Qui-Gon. Obi-Wan had no idea it hurt Qui-Gon as bad or more to say them, as it did for Obi-Wan to here them.
Obi-Wan was glad his father hadn't made him look into his eyes, for the child steeled himself to refusing that command, no matter how angry his father became at him. He didn't want to see the disappointment that was most assuredly in his master's eyes, waiting to be looked upon by his son. Obi knew the accusatory stare of a mistake made on his part would be there in his master's glare if he only dared to look up to see it.
"I want to know if you plan to honor my station as your master by doing *everything* I ask of you without question, hesitation, or complaints while on the rest of this mission? It is important I know the absolute truth this time or I will have no choice but to send you home to the temple with your grandmother."
Obi-Wan's mind raced with the horrible visions of the possible repercussions at staying with his grandmother Bruck and Damien. He thought he might rather face the *sith* before he did the three of them combined.
Was that a shiver Qui-Gon watch overtake his son at the mention of staying with Grandma Jinn? Qui-Gon could not be sure in the diminished light of the sun almost settled even with the horizon, but he thought he actually saw the child cringe at just the mention of his mother.
Sadness and sympathy tried to edge in on the master, but he hardened his heart yet again and continued.
"A simple question that needs a simple answer, *NOW*, my apprentice, if indeed that is what you want and plan to be.. Do as I say or go home, which is it?"
Just a low mumbling voice barely audible even for an overly sensitive Jedi auditory system, could be heard as it came from Obi-Wan.
"I will do everything thing you ask of me, Master, without question or complaint."
Qui-Gon uncrossed his legs and stood up from leaning against the gate.
"Very well, let's go in there and at least attempt to look like a master and apprentice pair because right now we certainly don't work together as one……"
Although the zest and zeal over being a Jedi apprentice had been dampened somewhat by his father's rather stinging remarks, Obi-Wan's deepest desire to remain at his father's side and to make him proud had not been thwarted by his father's heartless words callously slung at his son.
It opened Obi-Wan's eyes to the fact that maybe as a son he was making the grade. However as a Jedi apprentice to his master he was probably the most pathetic one his master ever had. One didn't need to be a Jedi or an adult to figure that out. Obi-Wan had done a very good job of realizing his incompetence as an apprentice facts and he was neither, adult or *true* Jedi, or so he thought.
Obi-Wan had been deemed too young to attend the party. It didn't matter about his age because he wouldn't have had the *time* to go. In the privacy without Master Dooku, Qui-Gon had given his son extra meditations to do, a *lot* of extra meditations.
Qui-Gon left the party earlier than Master Dooku. He was not surprised to find that Master Dooku still had the love of parties and drink in his system. He seemed to never tire of them and would stay until the last person left. He enjoyed rubbing elbows with the well-to-do and higher diplomats. His words exactly as Master Jinn remembered them when he was a young apprentice of thirteen and fourteen. Many times had Jinn witnessed his first master come home in a drunken stupor from imbibing too much drink.
That was one of the reasons Qui-Gon had been accepted as Master Yoda's apprentice. While no council member not even Master Yoda would come out and say it, many felt privately, he had lost his edge on his once incredible ability to train apprentices. It went away with the increased use of alcohol and lust for the good-life in his partying ways. While not forbidden some of his actions certainly bordered on questionable conduct for a Jedi master, in particular one with such high stasis as Master Dooku once had.
Qui-Gon Jinn sat leisurely at the desk provided them by Lord Byron. He crossed his legs and rested his feet on top of the desk in front of him. His head was thrown back, resting against his arms, held together by his clamped together-hands. If someone saw the master now, they would not be able to see the true turmoil he was in. No one noticed it during the reception for the impending wedding, not even Master Dooku. The formable Jedi Master Jinn had honed his ability to put on a reserved façade of calm in part, to this upbringing in the Jedi order. Not only that he was trained by the Jedi, there was more to him than that. Qui-Gon Jinn had the uncanny innate ability to listen to the force, do what it told him and in the most difficult of times, reach for and receive the guidance willingly from it. That was something he wanted for Obi-Wan, the ability to trust in the force in all that he was. Qui-Gon felt things would fall into place for his son, no matter how confused he was right now..
The comm rang three times before the master answered it. He regretted having to deliver the news of Obi-Wan's snooping to his master, Master Yoda.
"Knowledge of the kidnappings you have come up with apprentice?"
"Some Master. Some very interesting tidbits of information have found their way to me. However I don't know if it has to do with the children or an unusual coincidence. Senator Palpatine has made three trips here assuming anonymity of course, and never letting any of the Senators here know of his presence. The Lord and Lady certainly did not know of the secretive visits of the Senator from Coruscant."
"Accuse the senator of murder and kidnapping you do? Hearing you right I am?"
"Accuse no one of anything have I. I only stated the facts and the facts are that every time a child came up missing and later found, Senator Palpatine was on the planet Yennix. Ger'lik, my informer thought it was worth mentioning so I in turn thought it was worth mentioning it to you. That is all."
Yoda could not help but notice just a bit of disharmony within his former protégé. Something someone else would not notice but was clearly there for the master who raised him to see.
"Sense I do something other than the mission on your mind there is. Discuss it with me care to do, young one."
Qui-Gon let out one of Yoda's infamous expressions.
"Humph… I don't feel so young right now and yes there is something I need to discuss with you. Obi-Wan happened to stumble onto my other mission. I am concerned that he will not be able to keep a secret from Master Dooku."
"Concerned you should be. Child he is nothing more, nothing less. Burden him with this you should not have done."
"Do you think me totally daft my Master. I did not mean for the child to find out."
Qui-Gon went into great lengths to explain how Obi-Wan came up with such secretive delicate knowledge that the only Jedi on that planet should know about was Qui-Gon Jinn.
Master Yoda twitched his pointed ears and tapped his gimer stick lightly on the floor in from of him, but said nothing until Qui-Gon finished his story.
"Lost your touch to train young ones have you have Master. Control one tiny boy you can not."
Yoda poke in jest hoping to lighten Jinn's load of quilt, nevertheless Qui-Gon took his words to heart much like Obi-Wan had taken his master's words of condemnation.. He found himself feeling quite like his apprentice and son felt earlier when harsh words were mounted on Obi by Qui-Gon himself.
Jinn knew now it must have been extremely difficult for the child to stand there as his master rolled off implied inabilities as a Jedi apprentice to him.
//I feel the same degradation that Obi-Wan must have felt this evening at the gates to the mansion.//
Without moving his head, Qui-Gon raised his eyes and looked at his master on the comm-view. There sat his former master with a look of compassion, where Jinn assumed a look of condemnation would be.
Yoda said what needed to be said to his former apprentice but love and understanding awaited the big master when he looked at Master Yoda's face. There Qui-Gon could almost feel the aura of compassion around his beloved master.
That's what Qui-Gon Jinn wanted the ability to do;// criticize errors but help Obi-Wan rise above them, correct his mistakes, but praise his attempts. Yoda has that knack,// thought the compassionate part of Jedi Master Jinn.
"To be the kind of master you are Master Yoda would indeed be an honor."
"Lived nine hundred years you have not. Until live that long you do, disappointed in yourself you should not be, for I am not. Now the matter at hand should be addressed again."
"I believe Senator Palpatine was here for something other than diplomatic business and that he did not want his presence known. I know he went so far as to use another name the last two times he was here."
"You say Palpatine assumed identity not of his own he did? Believe you do someway involved in kidnapping?"
The little boy in the bed listened even harder. Obi-Wan found himself again eavesdropping on a conversation that was not meant for him. However, he reasoned this could not be called eavesdropping, well not planned eavesdropping anyway..
Obi-Wan just happened to be in the bedroom and his father had not bothered to shut the door that led to common room, where Qui-Gon talked with Master Yoda. Could he help it if he really wasn't asleep as his master thought? He lay very still while his master continued.
"The name you know he uses you do? Look into to that we could Help us a great deal it might."
"Yes I was given the name .. Let's see I have it written down in my data pad. Don't worry, Master Dooku does not have to the code to access any of my notes. Oh, here it is. Syfo-Dyas. Does it ring a bell, Master?"
Qui-Gon could see his former master twitch his ears again and a pensive look shadowed his face.
"Sounds familiar it does but know with certainty I do not. Think on it I will however. Notify you later if come up with anything, I do. Goodnight my friend and Good luck with the little apprentice you have, for need it you will."
A cackle from Yoda came even before Jinn could stop it by disconnecting their communication on the comm. Loved Master Yoda he did, but he wasn't in a mood to listen to the condensing laughter of the little troll.
Yoda wasn't the only one who seemed to recognize the name Qui-Gon quoted, only *NOT* to recognize it, just as Master Yoda had.. Obi-Wan could not understand how it sounded so familiar. While the child lacked mental maturity, he sometimes made up for it with his academic studies which he excelled in. This would be one of those times he made up for anything he lacked. He continued to lay very still on the pretext of sleep and thought.
//S-y-f-o---D-y-a-s… Yes, that is how you would spell it, but why does it sound so very familiar?//
Obi-Wan had almost given up on the mystery name and promised himself he would think on it first thing the next day. From being out in the cold, sleep wanted to overtake the boy and he was more than willing to let it. He was just drifting off to sleep when he heard the door open. Obi-Wan rolled over and wanted nothing more than to let his mind follow his body into a deep sleep when *it* hit him.
He sat up in bed, rubbed the sleep from his eyes, and rethought what had come to him. He wanted to be sure he wasn't just dreaming.
//YES, that's it. That why it seems to be familiar. That. Is. It, in a *backward* kind of way, it is *very* familiar.//
He chuckled quietly at another joke he had created on his own and began to try to figure out how he could tell his master.
//I wasn't actually eavesdropping.//
Obi-Wan finally settled his apprehension by the acceptance that it was his duty as an apprentice to tell his master of his revelation, no matter if he got into trouble or not. He got out of bed and didn't even bother to put his slippers on. He went to the main common room where his fath... his master was, his bare feet pounded rapidly on the floor in his haste to pass on his knowledge. He forgot about the door he heard earlier that signaled the return of his grandfather.
Before Qui-Gon could tell the child to go back to bed, Obi-Wan got the words out. They came in out in a gush of speed and excited shrill voice of the child.
"Master I know why Master Yoda thought that name sounded familiar. It is a jumbled backward form of Dar….."
Qui-Gon realized the child must have heard another conversation, only this one with Master Yoda. He stomped over to where his son stood. He did not want the name to come from Obi-Wan's mouth for Master Dooku to hear. The child had said too much already.
Obi-Wan could not help but see the unforgettable disappointment in his master's face as he seethed and gritted his teeth to hold back his verbal attack on, in his view, a wantonly careless little boy. The anger Jinn held tried to release into the force seemed to spill over into the very air around them. You could feel it.
Obi-Wan realized what he almost had done, betray his father after he promised he wouldn't. It was only then he noticed Dooku as he stepped away from the window and into view.
"What are you doing up?"
The question came out mixed with a harsh tone, accompanied with deadly glare of warning shot in Obi-Wan's direction.
"I'm sorry mas.."
"SORRY, You. Are. Sorry. Obi-Wan? That is all that seems to come from you any more. You seem to think an apology should allow you to do what you want as long as an apology follows your mistakes. Get back to our room and straight to bed."
The only reason Obi-Wan had found out Master Dooku was in the room was the sadistic chuckle that came from his grandfather over Obi-Wan being quite severely disciplined vocally for his conduct.. Dooku had been standing by the large double windows and his presence was partially obscured by the voluptuous drapes covering them.
//It was just a mistake,// thought Obi. //A bad one, but still just a mistake, all the same. My dad can't hold that against me can he? Maybe *Dad* can't, but I bet ya my *Master* can!!! //
The child had risked getting into to trouble because he so much wanted his father to have what he thought was an important piece of information and now Qui-Gon was not going to even give Obi-Wan the chance share it with him.
In the child's exuberant excitement of what he knew, he totally forgot to make sure, very sure that his grandfather was not anywhere in their suite of rooms. It was something he had not done and he then knew why his dad was so angry. Obi-Wan solved the mystery of the name, but his master's anger at him and Dooku's presence kept the boy from revealing what would turn out to be a vital piece to Master Jinn's secret investigation.
Obi-Wan turned and ran to his room. He climbed in bed and pulled the covers over his head.
//I am never, ever, ever coming out from under this blanket. NO WAY, NEVER!!!! //
Master Qui-Gon Jinn and his apprentice, Obi-Wan Kenobi walked solemnly to the little transport ship Lord Byron provided. It was used to carry some of his dignitaries to Coruscant for an important senate meeting. Obi-Wan would be on that ship with those dignitaries. His master stood true to his promise; "Anymore mistakes and I will ship you home."
There had been no big flare-up or reprimands after Obi-Wan's mistake. The only thing the master did was send the boy to bed with the understanding he was not to speak again.
*Yes*, that's right, the only punishment Obi-Wan received was a direct order from his *master* that until he reached the little temple that he and Obi called home, he was not to utter a word. Obi could tell his master meant it and this time Obi-Wan would do as he was told. Whether out of respect for his master and father Qui-Gon Jinn or out of spite because he had pertinent information that required him to talk, but couldn't, the little one was not sure.
Obi-Wan did not speak, but as they walked he became less spiteful and more concerned for his master. He didn't want him hurt or to fail on his mission. He would just have to find a way to let Qui-Gon know what he knew. At first he thought of a note, but then that didn't sound good enough. Well it certainly was dramatic enough for an imaginative mind of someone eight.!!!
His little mind began to work in overdrive and form the most elaborate plan any eight-year-old could come up with. Of course whether his master would kill him or be appreciative of what he was about to do,//[if I can even pull it off] //the apprentice was not sure of.. Because, *talk about disobeying one's master*, his plan would take the prize for that statement!!!
Obi-Wan watched as his master explained to the pilot and one of the senators that Lord Byron had given the Jedi permission to ship one of their own home with them. That one of course was Obi-Wan Kenobi. The little Jedi was glad his master had not gone into elaborate detail of his blandishment. In fact Master Jinn really didn't tell them he was being sent for disobedience. That Obi was grateful for.
Without the captain and others knowing he was willfully disobedient, he managed to walk around the ship freely and almost unnoticed. That was exactly what Obi-Wan wanted. He kept walking until he found the cargo hold which was opened and being loaded with suitcases, valises and some favored import wine the Lord was sending to a couple of his friends on Coruscant.
Obi-Wan hid behind of those cases of wine until the men loading the ship took their forklift back to the hangar to get more things needed to be placed on the transport. When no one was around the little one slipped out and got between two large cargo boxes that had been previously unloaded and was to be placed back in the hangar after this transport ship took off.
There Obi-Wan waited, hidden, until the boxes reached their destination in the isolated storage warehouse of the landing port. Once there he managed to sneak away again unnoticed out of the warehouse and to the streets of the city.
//Now all I have to do is find my way back to the Lord's mansion. //
******At the mansion,.#############
The festivities were already underway. Tonight would be the wedding of the Lord and Lady's daughter with a great many important dignitaries in the mansion to attend.
Qui-Gon kept a watchful eyes on things . He felt better knowing Obi-Wan was on a safe journey back home. That would be one less worry he could put to rest. He did feel bad about how he did it and the harshness of his actions in sending his son home but he felt the he was justified in his actions. He theorized that Obi-Wan would see that, once he released his anger into the force.
It had taken Obi-Wan all day to find his way back to the mansion. Obi-Wan wanted to get into the mansion and sneak to their Jedi rooms. Then he would wait on his dad. He couldn't wait to tell Qui-Gon what he knew or at least thought he knew. Now the ship was gone and Obi couldn't be sent back right away.
At the gate in the shadowed lights, the Gargoyles sat on the wrought iron posts as if on guard against intruders to the mansion.
They looked a lot more menacing without his father with him in the shades of darkness descending on them.
Not only was Obi-wan tired, he was hungry, cold to the bone, and had a headache the size of a sith.
Once at the gate and his fear of the threatening-looking ornate Gargoyles subsided, he tried to reach the comm on the gate. that would allow access to the mansion. Obi-Wan had to find the way to reach the comm. Obi-Wan hadn't realized he would need proper identification to enter. if he ever found a way to reach the comm. It took him over a half of an hour to find something to reach the button on the comm lock, but the robotic guard on duty refused Obi-Wan's entrance because he did not have clearance. Tonight of all nights you would have to have proper clearance because of all the dignitaries in attendance of the wedding.
Obi-Wan sat down and leaned against the gate, ready to give up on his quest for a reunion with his dad. That was all it was now. Of course he wanted to tell him what he knew but he was more anxious for the safety of his dad's presence, some food, and finally sleep in a warm bed, in that order.
Just as the child was about to give up and try to walk somewhere to get a little warmer an entourage of important looking people arrived.
A dignified yet in some way terrifying looking man, sat in the very expensive and large hover craft while he waited for the gate to be opened for him. He had two men on each side of him, bodyguards Obi-wan guessed. There were three armed men in the craft. Obi-Wan could easily tell they were very well armed because of the large blaster guns that had to be stuck up in the air to be able to transport them in the craft.
The window was rolled down and the sleazy-looking important man stuck his head out and spoke to the little one who he recognized as a Jedi apprentice but did not acknowledge his recognition of Obi-Wan's station..
"Can I help you young man? Do you have business with Lord Byron. A touch of humor in his voice before resounding curiosity seem to overtake him. He anxiously waited for an answer from the child.
"I need in there to get to my master, but they won't let me in. Something about a clearance or something for security reasons."
"AH……….. That is because there are a great many dignitaries there and one can't be careful when we are all assembled together."
Obi-Wan's eyes grew wide with excitement. //If he's important then maybe he can get me in if I explain my trouble.//
"Could you help me sir? I mean I very much need in there."
"Oh, but I would have to know with certainty who you are little one. I mean one can't be too careful with so many leaders in the galaxy assembled at the wedding for Lord Byron's daughter."
The evil man's mind started to work overtime.
"Well you can tell I am a Jedi apprentice, a beginner anyway. Look I have the braid."
Obi-Wan grabbed his padawan braid and proudly displayed out for the man to see more easily.
"Why yes I do think you to be an apprentice. May I ask the name of your master? Maybe I am familiar with him. I do know a lot of Jedi."
"Obi's eyes glinted and sparkled with excitement. He thought he surely would be able to get in once he told this man of the important master he had. He could embellish even more by mentioning his famous grandfather even though he didn't care for him. It might aid in his gaining entrance to the mansion..
"My master and father is Qui-Gon Jinn. Oh and my grandfather is the infamous Master Dooku."
Now it was the man in the car's turn to let his eyes light up with the prospect of who he had in his grasp."
"Yes, I do believe I have heard of both. Want to come with me Obi-Wan Kenobi?"
"Hey, how did you know my name?"
"I know a great many things about the Jedi and about you. Now hop in, Obi-Wan."
Obi-Wan was not sure he liked the way the important man seem to be so very familiar with him. Still hesitant, he stayed his distance from the hover car, too leery to venture close.
"Now you know my name. What is yours?"
The door opened and the two men with blasters stepped out."
"Oh, I am Senator Palpatine.You will be quite safe with me.. Now get in."
Obi-Wan's glee at gaining entrance to the mansion turned to terror with the mention of the name Papatine or A.K.A Syfo Dyas. Obi-Wan seemed to notice a physical resemblance to Darth Sidious in the Senator, became even more scared of him. Especially if you put two and two together for Obi-Wan Kenobi knew Syfo Dyas was backward in a pig Latin kind of way of saying Darth Sidious.
Though confused about the three names, and only one person, the child knew by something within him to run as hard as he could. He didn't get a chance though.
Obi only meant to think the name in his mind,Syfo-Dyas but he watched in horror as the evil one in the hover craft ordered the men to physically grab him. He hadn't spoken the name mentally as he thought, he said it out loud and Palpatine knew in some way someone was onto him. Too insure his safety, he had to take Obi-Wan, until he could find out just how much Master Jinn knew.
The Jedi used force-induced gentle mental suggestion to get a person to sleep.. . Palpatine induced a state of unconsciousness with the use of the force of the dark and it was not as pleasant as the Jedi sleep.. It washed over Obi-Wan like a violent wave taking the child under water. When the induced sleep of the Dark one hit him, the little Jedi felt like he had lost his breath and that right before going into unconsciousness was terrifying for a child.
"See that the child does not get away from you until I return from this stupid wedding reception."
###############
"Senator Palpatine. I was afraid you weren't going to make it."
Lord Byron, with Master Jinn stepped up and greeted the Senator. Jinn was glad the Senator was there. Maybe he could find out something about his other mission..
"Master Jinn, what a coincidence!! I was just discussing you with someone earlier. Remind me later, after the ceremony and I will relay what was said about you. I assure you though, it was nothing less than good from my *LITTLE FRIEND*, when he spoke of you.…………."
The trio was interrupted by Byron's wife. Lady Katrina came over, took her husband gently by the arm, and pulled him to the side. It was evident that she wanted to speak alone with her husband.
After having delivered her news, She left the room and the Lord came back to where he too Senator Palpatine and Qui-Gon.
"Master Jinn I need to speak with you, please."
"Oh, I hope something is not wrong M'Lord. There has been no threat made to the dignitaries here has there?"
"No, no, of course not. This pertains to a communiqué for the Jedi, nothing more."
Jinn released some of the tense feeling and worry for his son. His thoughts of Obi's welfare was foremost in his mind. However he wrongly assumed it was from Master Yoda about something.
Master Dooku walked up just as Jinn and Lord Byron started to leave.
"Senator Palpatine it has been a long time. I hoped you would be here."
Dooku carried a drink with him and the way he swayed with the affects of alcohol Jinn suspected he not been nursing that same drink all evening as he claimed he had.
"Well Master Jinn and Lord Byron were just about to leave me alone to see about a communiqué from Master Yoda. Maybe now you can keep me company ."
The knowing look passed between the Jedi and Senator, but the other two there failed to notice it.
"My pleasure, my pleasure indeed."
The older Jedi swayed again but more noticeably as he and the senator walked over to the food buffet..
A deep frowning Lord asked Qui to follow him. Something in that frown told Obi-Wan's master that just maybe the comm was not from Master Yoda; some kind of news more distressing the Jedi master thought.
As soon as the door was closed behind them, Lord Byron delivered the horrific news.
"It seems the pilot has lost your son."
"What do you mean? Obi-Wan couldn't have gotten out of the ship in mid-air. If a door had been opened, the ship would have imploded immediately from the imbalance in air pressure to the cabin of the ship."
Byron was a little put off by Jinn's remarks.
"Master Jinn, I may just be a bumbling fool who only rules a planet for a living, but I also know the aerodynamics of a ship and of flight. I know every well the child didn't get out of the ship while in flight. He must have sneaked off through the back cargo hold. Or at least that is what the captain of the ship thinks. He was not missed until just a bit ago."
The man did not like what he assumed was Jinn' wrong opinion of him; that because of his being only a *dignitary*, he wouldn't know anything about a ship.
"M'Lord, I did not mean to imply your knowledge of the ship was less than mine. Forgive me. Just one observation though, Obi-Wan has been on that ship or was suppose to have been on it for the last eight hours and they just now found him missing?"
Lord Byron was getting more and more upset with this Jedi. He didn't want his daughter's special night to be interrupted and he had to get back to the festivities.
"Master Jinn, you did not specify that I was to have one of my men *baby-sit* the boy. For gracious sakes he is a Jedi; supposedly more than confident to care for himself though he is quite young. No one knew to watch over him minute by minute. They noticed him missing when he didn't report for last-meal on board ship."
"I am sorry Lord Byron but concern for my son has caused me to act in a way not becoming a Jedi."
It was when the planet's ruler thought of how he would feel if it were one of his children that he calmed his attitude and tried to reason with Jinn to do the same.
"Look Master Jinn I am in the middle of my daughter's wedding, best man and all. I will introduce you to my captain in command of my militia and he will help in any way you direct him. It would also be a good idea for me to personally notify the authorities that we have *little* rogue Jedi, sporting a like-wise *little* padawan braid out on the loose somewhere. I am sure it wont take the constables here long to locate your boy. I mean where can a little one like that go? He might even have come here. Maybe you should check the gate. The robotic guard can tell you if he has seen anyone matching the little one's description. I will notify the constables and then I really have to give my daughter away. After the ceremony I will check up on you, see if you have made any progress."
Lord Byron turned to go then turned back to his friend.
"Will that be alright Master Jinn? Just let me give Nireen away and I swear even I will go out searching if you haven't found Obi-Wan yet."
Qui-Gon had to smile at his friend. He couldn't imagine Lord Byron himself out on a mission too find a little boy.
"I am persistent if nothing else Lord Byron. Of course you have done more than enough Now go, give Nireen away to her betrothed."
The Lord walked back and shook Qui-Gon's hand more as a acknowledgement of their friendship.
"I will see you later, to find out if you have found anything. Should I tell his grandfather?"
"No, I will tell him although I don't think Master Dooku is in any shape to take on a search even if it is for his only grandson."
"You have to admit Master Jinn, he is a strange Jedi. Not like the others I have met. No, Master Dooku is a Jedi in his own rights, abiding by his own set of rules, I think and not those of the Jedi order. Certainly not the same rules that govern you. I see two very different roads walked in your lives. His, I think borders non-conformance and yours is strictly dictated by the force itself."
Jinn took that as a compliment, but did not say anything against the other Jedi. Back where the party was Senator Palpatine talked with Master Dooku.
It has been quite rude of you too ignore me of late. Lake I said. Have that package deal and I had hoped you contacted your *friend* about it."
"Oh yes *he* is well aware of your package deal you offered. Actually he considered it and I had planned to let you know *HE* was going to take you up on your offer. However as luck would have it, I stumbled on to a little prize today and won't need to except your ridiculous offer."
Dooku almost choked on his drink. He was not accustomed to being addressed so rudely too. .
" How dare you take such disrespectful stance with me. You are threading on dangerous ground, with your tone to me. What? Have you found another boy to suit your needs? Does he come with the Jedi credentials in his heritage as my grandson?"
"Well they are identical Obi-Wan's Jedi blood-line. You see he *is* Obi-Wan. I have pulled off such a coup against you and Master Jinn. I wanted to gloat a little. In fact, I imagine that was what the message was. Master Jinn probably just found out that his son was missing from the ship. Seems he made it his way off the ship before it departed and then here, but I was lucky enough to find him before he could gain entrance to the mansion grounds. He is now in my custody so I have no need of anything from you but your silence and I am sure I have that. Wouldn't want to be implicated in a plot to kidnap your own grandson now would you? No I could see it now; Master Jinn losing that Jedi calm of his to kill you with his bare hands. Would be a sight though wouldn't it?"
There was not one ounce of concern for his grandson. Why would there be? Master Dooku wanted to be the one to deliver Obi-Wan to the Senator's friend along with him. He wanted to be on the dark side and second high in command for the force of the dark., but it wouldn't happen now. All Master Dooku worried about, was his chance at success within the powers of the dark side was no longer. Palpatine had managed to outsmart him; Not by some cunning maneuver, but by a stroke of luck and nothing more."
" Listen Senator, I suggest you keep your mouth shut about my previous offer."
"How could I not? I mean I don't want anyone to know just as you don't. One more thing Master Dooku, Do. Not. Threaten. Me! You might just find my friend knows where his loyalties lie and nothing will save you if *Darth Sidious* decides to make you his enemy."
The evil one chuckled to himself as he watched Master Dooku,// glow red with anger or flush from obvious drunkenness, one or the other,// he thought.
It was the first time Senator Palpatine dared to utter the name of his *friend*. Now he not only dared to say it, he flaunted it like a prize instead of a beneficial friendship.
//If only the fool knew I have many names but I am one in the same, I *AM* my friend; Master Dooku has been unknowingly graced with the presence of Darth Sidious all along!! //
PEACE ewen
"Qui-Gon did not feel ready to address the subject of Obi-Wan's behavior and Obi-Wan was angry with his father over the harsh words. He found he was not as good at releasing his anger into the force as his dad was. The setting sun brought with it an added chill, although that was not the reason for Qui-Gon to physically shiver while goose bumps formed on him. He shuttered with the thought of Obi-Wan's unintended knowledge.
Very soon the two would be back to the home of the Lady and Lord, with still no resolution to what happened. Jinn glanced down after he put his hands in the widened sleeves of his robe to see Obi-Wan match his moves almost in mirror image of movements.. Not out of any mockery or mimicking, just that his master had a good idea on how to keep his hands warm.
Without looking back down or missing a stride in his steps the master finally broke his silence.
"What transpired today in the cafe is not be discussed. Not only is not to be discussed by you to anyone else, it can not, under any circumstances be mentioned between you and I, no matter how much privacy you think we share."
Obi-Wan got a tingling down his spine. A mystery and I am part of it He wished Master had felt him mature enough to be in his confidence over the mystery, but evidently Qui-Gon thought Obi-Wan couldn't be trusted. Obi felt a twinge of dejection when he realized his father tried to keep the mystery a secret, even from him, his padawan. Was that how a master/apprentice relationship worked? He didn't think so!!!. Had he not stumbled onto it by accident he wouldn't even know about it now. Did that mean Master Dooku was unaware of the meeting too?
"Master, I am not to say anything to my grandfather either?"
"What part of to "not to be discussed", didn't you understand? I guess I should tell you that you should not speak of my meeting *especially* to your grandfather. This extra mission I am on is in the confidence of only a handful of masters at the temple. Had you given me your obedience as other Jedi apprentices afford their masters, you would not know of it. It can be difficult to keep a secret for someone your age, Jedi or not."
"I promise Da…I mean Master, I won't tell anyone, not a soul. Especially not Master Dooku."
"Will this be a promise like the one you made to me earlier; that you would do everything I told you without question. That was what you led me to believe, before we left the temple."
ZINGER That hurt the little padawan. No one likes to be reminded of their mistakes. In particular, an eight year old boy who was trying valiantly to gain his master's trust once again. He needed that trust to find out more about the mystery mission his father had been sent on. The words hurt the child as they were meant to do.
"I'm sorry master I just thought he was a friend of yours. You didn't tell me you had a secret mission. How was I to know?"
"You knew all you were suppose to know. You were also suppose to know not to disobey me. Just do as I say this time or I will have to ship you home understand? It will be hard enough to keep Master Dooku from finding out, if I should have to leave you with him to talk some things over with others, concerning this mission."
Obi-Wan stopped and stared a terrified stare at his father.
"What do you mean? I thought I wouldn't have to stay with him?"
"Things might change Padawan. If you should have to stay with Master Dooku, I will not be there to help ensure you keep your secret. The burden of complete silence will be on your shoulders only."
"I hope I don't have to stay with him, but if I do, I won't betray your trust in me again. I swear Master. Anyway what secret mission? It must be connected with the missing kids and that Senator you spoke of. ?"
"No, Obi-Wan you know too much just by knowing of the mission. I will not tell you all it pertains too. To correct one statement padawan, dead not missing. Do you understand that? I have no wish for that to be your fate, no matter how badly I would like to wring your neck right now. I will hold you to your sworn oath that knowledge of the meeting I had, will go no further than between you and I.. There is little else I can do unless I decide to ship you home tomorrow. I won't though. This is one time our bond, had it been opened, would have been very helpful. We could have communicated mentally to each other and in that way I could have helped you keep the secret by being in constant connection with you. Communicating mentally does have it uses, I suppose in all walks of life."
Another reminder of how he failed his master. Maybe his dad didn't realize it but he kept mounting guilt on the little boy. Guilt that he would not be able to carry, with the bond threatening to reap havoc on his emotional turmoil.
That other thing Qui-Gon said about wringing his neck slid by Obi-Wan without comment. He thought he knew his father was only joking. He deduced that because when his father said the words he took his two large calloused hands, held them in front of him, and mimed the motions of wringing something as if it were Obi's tiny little neck. //a joke of sorts no matter how morbid,// thought the small apprentice.
To get the very important point across that a master needed his apprentice undying loyalty and trust, Qui-Gon knew he would have to be strict and not allow the little Jedi to make even one more mistake. He had to learn and learn right off, that the most important lesson in becoming a Jedi was to learn to take orders. Obi-Wan had failed miserably in that department and much as Qui-Gon already regretted the stand he must take against his own son, he knew he must..
It required the master to undertake the very difficult task of remaining almost cold and indifferent to his imp in his stand against his son's breech of trust between master and padawan. .
Nothing else was said between the two as they continued their walk back to the Lord's home. Qui-Gon did not ask explanations to Obi-Wan actions. There were none, at least that would be acceptable. Maybe as his son there would have been, but there was no room for mistakes when it came to being an apprentice especially an apprentice to Qui-Gon Jinn.
Obi-Wan trailed behind his father. For the first time he was glad he had to stay the three steps back. He didn't think he could look Qui-Gon squarely in the face; in those penetrating azure eyes that could almost tell a story just by a fluttering of an eyelid, a sarcastic roll of them, or by the cold unfeeling stare Obi thought his dad got sometimes. No,…. being behind his master was a good thing. He didn't have to feel those blues orbs bearing down on him as an almost demand for Obi-Wan to tell him why he did what he did..
Once at the ornate black wrought-iron fence, with finely detailed carved and cut granite Gargoyles guarding it, Jinn abruptly stopped and rested his back against the round iron posts of the enormous fence.
Obi-Wan stopped, although he was not sure why and waited for his master to make a move to gain entrance to the mansion property by using the comm voice box on the locked gate's entrance.
Padawan Kenobi, as he was now, waited in front of his master with his head hung low. His hands were still poked into the sleeves of the robe for the warmth provided.
Finally, "Well?"
A one word question that Obi-Wan had no idea what answer his father expected of him.
//What does he mean *well*? What am I suppose to say to *WELL*?//
Obi-Wan did not know the answer, so he did not give his father one, to the extremely short and confusing question.
Qui-Gon checked the time and then spoke again.
"I am waiting padawan. We have forty-five minutes before the reception begins and I await on an answer before I take you in there in the same set of rooms with your grandfather."
"What am I suppose to say Master?"
//Good, I did remember to call Dad *Master*. That should count for something.//
" A response with some truth and honesty might be a good way to start. I have not heard that from you since we have been on this mission."
Whew… That was harsh coming from one's master, let alone, their father. Jinn could actually see Obi-Wan physically flinch at the vindictively cruel words that seemed to come so easily from Qui-Gon. Obi-Wan had no idea it hurt Qui-Gon as bad or more to say them, as it did for Obi-Wan to here them.
Obi-Wan was glad his father hadn't made him look into his eyes, for the child steeled himself to refusing that command, no matter how angry his father became at him. He didn't want to see the disappointment that was most assuredly in his master's eyes, waiting to be looked upon by his son. Obi knew the accusatory stare of a mistake made on his part would be there in his master's glare if he only dared to look up to see it.
"I want to know if you plan to honor my station as your master by doing *everything* I ask of you without question, hesitation, or complaints while on the rest of this mission? It is important I know the absolute truth this time or I will have no choice but to send you home to the temple with your grandmother."
Obi-Wan's mind raced with the horrible visions of the possible repercussions at staying with his grandmother Bruck and Damien. He thought he might rather face the *sith* before he did the three of them combined.
Was that a shiver Qui-Gon watch overtake his son at the mention of staying with Grandma Jinn? Qui-Gon could not be sure in the diminished light of the sun almost settled even with the horizon, but he thought he actually saw the child cringe at just the mention of his mother.
Sadness and sympathy tried to edge in on the master, but he hardened his heart yet again and continued.
"A simple question that needs a simple answer, *NOW*, my apprentice, if indeed that is what you want and plan to be.. Do as I say or go home, which is it?"
Just a low mumbling voice barely audible even for an overly sensitive Jedi auditory system, could be heard as it came from Obi-Wan.
"I will do everything thing you ask of me, Master, without question or complaint."
Qui-Gon uncrossed his legs and stood up from leaning against the gate.
"Very well, let's go in there and at least attempt to look like a master and apprentice pair because right now we certainly don't work together as one……"
Although the zest and zeal over being a Jedi apprentice had been dampened somewhat by his father's rather stinging remarks, Obi-Wan's deepest desire to remain at his father's side and to make him proud had not been thwarted by his father's heartless words callously slung at his son.
It opened Obi-Wan's eyes to the fact that maybe as a son he was making the grade. However as a Jedi apprentice to his master he was probably the most pathetic one his master ever had. One didn't need to be a Jedi or an adult to figure that out. Obi-Wan had done a very good job of realizing his incompetence as an apprentice facts and he was neither, adult or *true* Jedi, or so he thought.
Obi-Wan had been deemed too young to attend the party. It didn't matter about his age because he wouldn't have had the *time* to go. In the privacy without Master Dooku, Qui-Gon had given his son extra meditations to do, a *lot* of extra meditations.
Qui-Gon left the party earlier than Master Dooku. He was not surprised to find that Master Dooku still had the love of parties and drink in his system. He seemed to never tire of them and would stay until the last person left. He enjoyed rubbing elbows with the well-to-do and higher diplomats. His words exactly as Master Jinn remembered them when he was a young apprentice of thirteen and fourteen. Many times had Jinn witnessed his first master come home in a drunken stupor from imbibing too much drink.
That was one of the reasons Qui-Gon had been accepted as Master Yoda's apprentice. While no council member not even Master Yoda would come out and say it, many felt privately, he had lost his edge on his once incredible ability to train apprentices. It went away with the increased use of alcohol and lust for the good-life in his partying ways. While not forbidden some of his actions certainly bordered on questionable conduct for a Jedi master, in particular one with such high stasis as Master Dooku once had.
Qui-Gon Jinn sat leisurely at the desk provided them by Lord Byron. He crossed his legs and rested his feet on top of the desk in front of him. His head was thrown back, resting against his arms, held together by his clamped together-hands. If someone saw the master now, they would not be able to see the true turmoil he was in. No one noticed it during the reception for the impending wedding, not even Master Dooku. The formable Jedi Master Jinn had honed his ability to put on a reserved façade of calm in part, to this upbringing in the Jedi order. Not only that he was trained by the Jedi, there was more to him than that. Qui-Gon Jinn had the uncanny innate ability to listen to the force, do what it told him and in the most difficult of times, reach for and receive the guidance willingly from it. That was something he wanted for Obi-Wan, the ability to trust in the force in all that he was. Qui-Gon felt things would fall into place for his son, no matter how confused he was right now..
The comm rang three times before the master answered it. He regretted having to deliver the news of Obi-Wan's snooping to his master, Master Yoda.
"Knowledge of the kidnappings you have come up with apprentice?"
"Some Master. Some very interesting tidbits of information have found their way to me. However I don't know if it has to do with the children or an unusual coincidence. Senator Palpatine has made three trips here assuming anonymity of course, and never letting any of the Senators here know of his presence. The Lord and Lady certainly did not know of the secretive visits of the Senator from Coruscant."
"Accuse the senator of murder and kidnapping you do? Hearing you right I am?"
"Accuse no one of anything have I. I only stated the facts and the facts are that every time a child came up missing and later found, Senator Palpatine was on the planet Yennix. Ger'lik, my informer thought it was worth mentioning so I in turn thought it was worth mentioning it to you. That is all."
Yoda could not help but notice just a bit of disharmony within his former protégé. Something someone else would not notice but was clearly there for the master who raised him to see.
"Sense I do something other than the mission on your mind there is. Discuss it with me care to do, young one."
Qui-Gon let out one of Yoda's infamous expressions.
"Humph… I don't feel so young right now and yes there is something I need to discuss with you. Obi-Wan happened to stumble onto my other mission. I am concerned that he will not be able to keep a secret from Master Dooku."
"Concerned you should be. Child he is nothing more, nothing less. Burden him with this you should not have done."
"Do you think me totally daft my Master. I did not mean for the child to find out."
Qui-Gon went into great lengths to explain how Obi-Wan came up with such secretive delicate knowledge that the only Jedi on that planet should know about was Qui-Gon Jinn.
Master Yoda twitched his pointed ears and tapped his gimer stick lightly on the floor in from of him, but said nothing until Qui-Gon finished his story.
"Lost your touch to train young ones have you have Master. Control one tiny boy you can not."
Yoda poke in jest hoping to lighten Jinn's load of quilt, nevertheless Qui-Gon took his words to heart much like Obi-Wan had taken his master's words of condemnation.. He found himself feeling quite like his apprentice and son felt earlier when harsh words were mounted on Obi by Qui-Gon himself.
Jinn knew now it must have been extremely difficult for the child to stand there as his master rolled off implied inabilities as a Jedi apprentice to him.
//I feel the same degradation that Obi-Wan must have felt this evening at the gates to the mansion.//
Without moving his head, Qui-Gon raised his eyes and looked at his master on the comm-view. There sat his former master with a look of compassion, where Jinn assumed a look of condemnation would be.
Yoda said what needed to be said to his former apprentice but love and understanding awaited the big master when he looked at Master Yoda's face. There Qui-Gon could almost feel the aura of compassion around his beloved master.
That's what Qui-Gon Jinn wanted the ability to do;// criticize errors but help Obi-Wan rise above them, correct his mistakes, but praise his attempts. Yoda has that knack,// thought the compassionate part of Jedi Master Jinn.
"To be the kind of master you are Master Yoda would indeed be an honor."
"Lived nine hundred years you have not. Until live that long you do, disappointed in yourself you should not be, for I am not. Now the matter at hand should be addressed again."
"I believe Senator Palpatine was here for something other than diplomatic business and that he did not want his presence known. I know he went so far as to use another name the last two times he was here."
"You say Palpatine assumed identity not of his own he did? Believe you do someway involved in kidnapping?"
The little boy in the bed listened even harder. Obi-Wan found himself again eavesdropping on a conversation that was not meant for him. However, he reasoned this could not be called eavesdropping, well not planned eavesdropping anyway..
Obi-Wan just happened to be in the bedroom and his father had not bothered to shut the door that led to common room, where Qui-Gon talked with Master Yoda. Could he help it if he really wasn't asleep as his master thought? He lay very still while his master continued.
"The name you know he uses you do? Look into to that we could Help us a great deal it might."
"Yes I was given the name .. Let's see I have it written down in my data pad. Don't worry, Master Dooku does not have to the code to access any of my notes. Oh, here it is. Syfo-Dyas. Does it ring a bell, Master?"
Qui-Gon could see his former master twitch his ears again and a pensive look shadowed his face.
"Sounds familiar it does but know with certainty I do not. Think on it I will however. Notify you later if come up with anything, I do. Goodnight my friend and Good luck with the little apprentice you have, for need it you will."
A cackle from Yoda came even before Jinn could stop it by disconnecting their communication on the comm. Loved Master Yoda he did, but he wasn't in a mood to listen to the condensing laughter of the little troll.
Yoda wasn't the only one who seemed to recognize the name Qui-Gon quoted, only *NOT* to recognize it, just as Master Yoda had.. Obi-Wan could not understand how it sounded so familiar. While the child lacked mental maturity, he sometimes made up for it with his academic studies which he excelled in. This would be one of those times he made up for anything he lacked. He continued to lay very still on the pretext of sleep and thought.
//S-y-f-o---D-y-a-s… Yes, that is how you would spell it, but why does it sound so very familiar?//
Obi-Wan had almost given up on the mystery name and promised himself he would think on it first thing the next day. From being out in the cold, sleep wanted to overtake the boy and he was more than willing to let it. He was just drifting off to sleep when he heard the door open. Obi-Wan rolled over and wanted nothing more than to let his mind follow his body into a deep sleep when *it* hit him.
He sat up in bed, rubbed the sleep from his eyes, and rethought what had come to him. He wanted to be sure he wasn't just dreaming.
//YES, that's it. That why it seems to be familiar. That. Is. It, in a *backward* kind of way, it is *very* familiar.//
He chuckled quietly at another joke he had created on his own and began to try to figure out how he could tell his master.
//I wasn't actually eavesdropping.//
Obi-Wan finally settled his apprehension by the acceptance that it was his duty as an apprentice to tell his master of his revelation, no matter if he got into trouble or not. He got out of bed and didn't even bother to put his slippers on. He went to the main common room where his fath... his master was, his bare feet pounded rapidly on the floor in his haste to pass on his knowledge. He forgot about the door he heard earlier that signaled the return of his grandfather.
Before Qui-Gon could tell the child to go back to bed, Obi-Wan got the words out. They came in out in a gush of speed and excited shrill voice of the child.
"Master I know why Master Yoda thought that name sounded familiar. It is a jumbled backward form of Dar….."
Qui-Gon realized the child must have heard another conversation, only this one with Master Yoda. He stomped over to where his son stood. He did not want the name to come from Obi-Wan's mouth for Master Dooku to hear. The child had said too much already.
Obi-Wan could not help but see the unforgettable disappointment in his master's face as he seethed and gritted his teeth to hold back his verbal attack on, in his view, a wantonly careless little boy. The anger Jinn held tried to release into the force seemed to spill over into the very air around them. You could feel it.
Obi-Wan realized what he almost had done, betray his father after he promised he wouldn't. It was only then he noticed Dooku as he stepped away from the window and into view.
"What are you doing up?"
The question came out mixed with a harsh tone, accompanied with deadly glare of warning shot in Obi-Wan's direction.
"I'm sorry mas.."
"SORRY, You. Are. Sorry. Obi-Wan? That is all that seems to come from you any more. You seem to think an apology should allow you to do what you want as long as an apology follows your mistakes. Get back to our room and straight to bed."
The only reason Obi-Wan had found out Master Dooku was in the room was the sadistic chuckle that came from his grandfather over Obi-Wan being quite severely disciplined vocally for his conduct.. Dooku had been standing by the large double windows and his presence was partially obscured by the voluptuous drapes covering them.
//It was just a mistake,// thought Obi. //A bad one, but still just a mistake, all the same. My dad can't hold that against me can he? Maybe *Dad* can't, but I bet ya my *Master* can!!! //
The child had risked getting into to trouble because he so much wanted his father to have what he thought was an important piece of information and now Qui-Gon was not going to even give Obi-Wan the chance share it with him.
In the child's exuberant excitement of what he knew, he totally forgot to make sure, very sure that his grandfather was not anywhere in their suite of rooms. It was something he had not done and he then knew why his dad was so angry. Obi-Wan solved the mystery of the name, but his master's anger at him and Dooku's presence kept the boy from revealing what would turn out to be a vital piece to Master Jinn's secret investigation.
Obi-Wan turned and ran to his room. He climbed in bed and pulled the covers over his head.
//I am never, ever, ever coming out from under this blanket. NO WAY, NEVER!!!! //
Master Qui-Gon Jinn and his apprentice, Obi-Wan Kenobi walked solemnly to the little transport ship Lord Byron provided. It was used to carry some of his dignitaries to Coruscant for an important senate meeting. Obi-Wan would be on that ship with those dignitaries. His master stood true to his promise; "Anymore mistakes and I will ship you home."
There had been no big flare-up or reprimands after Obi-Wan's mistake. The only thing the master did was send the boy to bed with the understanding he was not to speak again.
*Yes*, that's right, the only punishment Obi-Wan received was a direct order from his *master* that until he reached the little temple that he and Obi called home, he was not to utter a word. Obi could tell his master meant it and this time Obi-Wan would do as he was told. Whether out of respect for his master and father Qui-Gon Jinn or out of spite because he had pertinent information that required him to talk, but couldn't, the little one was not sure.
Obi-Wan did not speak, but as they walked he became less spiteful and more concerned for his master. He didn't want him hurt or to fail on his mission. He would just have to find a way to let Qui-Gon know what he knew. At first he thought of a note, but then that didn't sound good enough. Well it certainly was dramatic enough for an imaginative mind of someone eight.!!!
His little mind began to work in overdrive and form the most elaborate plan any eight-year-old could come up with. Of course whether his master would kill him or be appreciative of what he was about to do,//[if I can even pull it off] //the apprentice was not sure of.. Because, *talk about disobeying one's master*, his plan would take the prize for that statement!!!
Obi-Wan watched as his master explained to the pilot and one of the senators that Lord Byron had given the Jedi permission to ship one of their own home with them. That one of course was Obi-Wan Kenobi. The little Jedi was glad his master had not gone into elaborate detail of his blandishment. In fact Master Jinn really didn't tell them he was being sent for disobedience. That Obi was grateful for.
Without the captain and others knowing he was willfully disobedient, he managed to walk around the ship freely and almost unnoticed. That was exactly what Obi-Wan wanted. He kept walking until he found the cargo hold which was opened and being loaded with suitcases, valises and some favored import wine the Lord was sending to a couple of his friends on Coruscant.
Obi-Wan hid behind of those cases of wine until the men loading the ship took their forklift back to the hangar to get more things needed to be placed on the transport. When no one was around the little one slipped out and got between two large cargo boxes that had been previously unloaded and was to be placed back in the hangar after this transport ship took off.
There Obi-Wan waited, hidden, until the boxes reached their destination in the isolated storage warehouse of the landing port. Once there he managed to sneak away again unnoticed out of the warehouse and to the streets of the city.
//Now all I have to do is find my way back to the Lord's mansion. //
******At the mansion,.#############
The festivities were already underway. Tonight would be the wedding of the Lord and Lady's daughter with a great many important dignitaries in the mansion to attend.
Qui-Gon kept a watchful eyes on things . He felt better knowing Obi-Wan was on a safe journey back home. That would be one less worry he could put to rest. He did feel bad about how he did it and the harshness of his actions in sending his son home but he felt the he was justified in his actions. He theorized that Obi-Wan would see that, once he released his anger into the force.
It had taken Obi-Wan all day to find his way back to the mansion. Obi-Wan wanted to get into the mansion and sneak to their Jedi rooms. Then he would wait on his dad. He couldn't wait to tell Qui-Gon what he knew or at least thought he knew. Now the ship was gone and Obi couldn't be sent back right away.
At the gate in the shadowed lights, the Gargoyles sat on the wrought iron posts as if on guard against intruders to the mansion.
They looked a lot more menacing without his father with him in the shades of darkness descending on them.
Not only was Obi-wan tired, he was hungry, cold to the bone, and had a headache the size of a sith.
Once at the gate and his fear of the threatening-looking ornate Gargoyles subsided, he tried to reach the comm on the gate. that would allow access to the mansion. Obi-Wan had to find the way to reach the comm. Obi-Wan hadn't realized he would need proper identification to enter. if he ever found a way to reach the comm. It took him over a half of an hour to find something to reach the button on the comm lock, but the robotic guard on duty refused Obi-Wan's entrance because he did not have clearance. Tonight of all nights you would have to have proper clearance because of all the dignitaries in attendance of the wedding.
Obi-Wan sat down and leaned against the gate, ready to give up on his quest for a reunion with his dad. That was all it was now. Of course he wanted to tell him what he knew but he was more anxious for the safety of his dad's presence, some food, and finally sleep in a warm bed, in that order.
Just as the child was about to give up and try to walk somewhere to get a little warmer an entourage of important looking people arrived.
A dignified yet in some way terrifying looking man, sat in the very expensive and large hover craft while he waited for the gate to be opened for him. He had two men on each side of him, bodyguards Obi-wan guessed. There were three armed men in the craft. Obi-Wan could easily tell they were very well armed because of the large blaster guns that had to be stuck up in the air to be able to transport them in the craft.
The window was rolled down and the sleazy-looking important man stuck his head out and spoke to the little one who he recognized as a Jedi apprentice but did not acknowledge his recognition of Obi-Wan's station..
"Can I help you young man? Do you have business with Lord Byron. A touch of humor in his voice before resounding curiosity seem to overtake him. He anxiously waited for an answer from the child.
"I need in there to get to my master, but they won't let me in. Something about a clearance or something for security reasons."
"AH……….. That is because there are a great many dignitaries there and one can't be careful when we are all assembled together."
Obi-Wan's eyes grew wide with excitement. //If he's important then maybe he can get me in if I explain my trouble.//
"Could you help me sir? I mean I very much need in there."
"Oh, but I would have to know with certainty who you are little one. I mean one can't be too careful with so many leaders in the galaxy assembled at the wedding for Lord Byron's daughter."
The evil man's mind started to work overtime.
"Well you can tell I am a Jedi apprentice, a beginner anyway. Look I have the braid."
Obi-Wan grabbed his padawan braid and proudly displayed out for the man to see more easily.
"Why yes I do think you to be an apprentice. May I ask the name of your master? Maybe I am familiar with him. I do know a lot of Jedi."
"Obi's eyes glinted and sparkled with excitement. He thought he surely would be able to get in once he told this man of the important master he had. He could embellish even more by mentioning his famous grandfather even though he didn't care for him. It might aid in his gaining entrance to the mansion..
"My master and father is Qui-Gon Jinn. Oh and my grandfather is the infamous Master Dooku."
Now it was the man in the car's turn to let his eyes light up with the prospect of who he had in his grasp."
"Yes, I do believe I have heard of both. Want to come with me Obi-Wan Kenobi?"
"Hey, how did you know my name?"
"I know a great many things about the Jedi and about you. Now hop in, Obi-Wan."
Obi-Wan was not sure he liked the way the important man seem to be so very familiar with him. Still hesitant, he stayed his distance from the hover car, too leery to venture close.
"Now you know my name. What is yours?"
The door opened and the two men with blasters stepped out."
"Oh, I am Senator Palpatine.You will be quite safe with me.. Now get in."
Obi-Wan's glee at gaining entrance to the mansion turned to terror with the mention of the name Papatine or A.K.A Syfo Dyas. Obi-Wan seemed to notice a physical resemblance to Darth Sidious in the Senator, became even more scared of him. Especially if you put two and two together for Obi-Wan Kenobi knew Syfo Dyas was backward in a pig Latin kind of way of saying Darth Sidious.
Though confused about the three names, and only one person, the child knew by something within him to run as hard as he could. He didn't get a chance though.
Obi only meant to think the name in his mind,Syfo-Dyas but he watched in horror as the evil one in the hover craft ordered the men to physically grab him. He hadn't spoken the name mentally as he thought, he said it out loud and Palpatine knew in some way someone was onto him. Too insure his safety, he had to take Obi-Wan, until he could find out just how much Master Jinn knew.
The Jedi used force-induced gentle mental suggestion to get a person to sleep.. . Palpatine induced a state of unconsciousness with the use of the force of the dark and it was not as pleasant as the Jedi sleep.. It washed over Obi-Wan like a violent wave taking the child under water. When the induced sleep of the Dark one hit him, the little Jedi felt like he had lost his breath and that right before going into unconsciousness was terrifying for a child.
"See that the child does not get away from you until I return from this stupid wedding reception."
###############
"Senator Palpatine. I was afraid you weren't going to make it."
Lord Byron, with Master Jinn stepped up and greeted the Senator. Jinn was glad the Senator was there. Maybe he could find out something about his other mission..
"Master Jinn, what a coincidence!! I was just discussing you with someone earlier. Remind me later, after the ceremony and I will relay what was said about you. I assure you though, it was nothing less than good from my *LITTLE FRIEND*, when he spoke of you.…………."
The trio was interrupted by Byron's wife. Lady Katrina came over, took her husband gently by the arm, and pulled him to the side. It was evident that she wanted to speak alone with her husband.
After having delivered her news, She left the room and the Lord came back to where he too Senator Palpatine and Qui-Gon.
"Master Jinn I need to speak with you, please."
"Oh, I hope something is not wrong M'Lord. There has been no threat made to the dignitaries here has there?"
"No, no, of course not. This pertains to a communiqué for the Jedi, nothing more."
Jinn released some of the tense feeling and worry for his son. His thoughts of Obi's welfare was foremost in his mind. However he wrongly assumed it was from Master Yoda about something.
Master Dooku walked up just as Jinn and Lord Byron started to leave.
"Senator Palpatine it has been a long time. I hoped you would be here."
Dooku carried a drink with him and the way he swayed with the affects of alcohol Jinn suspected he not been nursing that same drink all evening as he claimed he had.
"Well Master Jinn and Lord Byron were just about to leave me alone to see about a communiqué from Master Yoda. Maybe now you can keep me company ."
The knowing look passed between the Jedi and Senator, but the other two there failed to notice it.
"My pleasure, my pleasure indeed."
The older Jedi swayed again but more noticeably as he and the senator walked over to the food buffet..
A deep frowning Lord asked Qui to follow him. Something in that frown told Obi-Wan's master that just maybe the comm was not from Master Yoda; some kind of news more distressing the Jedi master thought.
As soon as the door was closed behind them, Lord Byron delivered the horrific news.
"It seems the pilot has lost your son."
"What do you mean? Obi-Wan couldn't have gotten out of the ship in mid-air. If a door had been opened, the ship would have imploded immediately from the imbalance in air pressure to the cabin of the ship."
Byron was a little put off by Jinn's remarks.
"Master Jinn, I may just be a bumbling fool who only rules a planet for a living, but I also know the aerodynamics of a ship and of flight. I know every well the child didn't get out of the ship while in flight. He must have sneaked off through the back cargo hold. Or at least that is what the captain of the ship thinks. He was not missed until just a bit ago."
The man did not like what he assumed was Jinn' wrong opinion of him; that because of his being only a *dignitary*, he wouldn't know anything about a ship.
"M'Lord, I did not mean to imply your knowledge of the ship was less than mine. Forgive me. Just one observation though, Obi-Wan has been on that ship or was suppose to have been on it for the last eight hours and they just now found him missing?"
Lord Byron was getting more and more upset with this Jedi. He didn't want his daughter's special night to be interrupted and he had to get back to the festivities.
"Master Jinn, you did not specify that I was to have one of my men *baby-sit* the boy. For gracious sakes he is a Jedi; supposedly more than confident to care for himself though he is quite young. No one knew to watch over him minute by minute. They noticed him missing when he didn't report for last-meal on board ship."
"I am sorry Lord Byron but concern for my son has caused me to act in a way not becoming a Jedi."
It was when the planet's ruler thought of how he would feel if it were one of his children that he calmed his attitude and tried to reason with Jinn to do the same.
"Look Master Jinn I am in the middle of my daughter's wedding, best man and all. I will introduce you to my captain in command of my militia and he will help in any way you direct him. It would also be a good idea for me to personally notify the authorities that we have *little* rogue Jedi, sporting a like-wise *little* padawan braid out on the loose somewhere. I am sure it wont take the constables here long to locate your boy. I mean where can a little one like that go? He might even have come here. Maybe you should check the gate. The robotic guard can tell you if he has seen anyone matching the little one's description. I will notify the constables and then I really have to give my daughter away. After the ceremony I will check up on you, see if you have made any progress."
Lord Byron turned to go then turned back to his friend.
"Will that be alright Master Jinn? Just let me give Nireen away and I swear even I will go out searching if you haven't found Obi-Wan yet."
Qui-Gon had to smile at his friend. He couldn't imagine Lord Byron himself out on a mission too find a little boy.
"I am persistent if nothing else Lord Byron. Of course you have done more than enough Now go, give Nireen away to her betrothed."
The Lord walked back and shook Qui-Gon's hand more as a acknowledgement of their friendship.
"I will see you later, to find out if you have found anything. Should I tell his grandfather?"
"No, I will tell him although I don't think Master Dooku is in any shape to take on a search even if it is for his only grandson."
"You have to admit Master Jinn, he is a strange Jedi. Not like the others I have met. No, Master Dooku is a Jedi in his own rights, abiding by his own set of rules, I think and not those of the Jedi order. Certainly not the same rules that govern you. I see two very different roads walked in your lives. His, I think borders non-conformance and yours is strictly dictated by the force itself."
Jinn took that as a compliment, but did not say anything against the other Jedi. Back where the party was Senator Palpatine talked with Master Dooku.
It has been quite rude of you too ignore me of late. Lake I said. Have that package deal and I had hoped you contacted your *friend* about it."
"Oh yes *he* is well aware of your package deal you offered. Actually he considered it and I had planned to let you know *HE* was going to take you up on your offer. However as luck would have it, I stumbled on to a little prize today and won't need to except your ridiculous offer."
Dooku almost choked on his drink. He was not accustomed to being addressed so rudely too. .
" How dare you take such disrespectful stance with me. You are threading on dangerous ground, with your tone to me. What? Have you found another boy to suit your needs? Does he come with the Jedi credentials in his heritage as my grandson?"
"Well they are identical Obi-Wan's Jedi blood-line. You see he *is* Obi-Wan. I have pulled off such a coup against you and Master Jinn. I wanted to gloat a little. In fact, I imagine that was what the message was. Master Jinn probably just found out that his son was missing from the ship. Seems he made it his way off the ship before it departed and then here, but I was lucky enough to find him before he could gain entrance to the mansion grounds. He is now in my custody so I have no need of anything from you but your silence and I am sure I have that. Wouldn't want to be implicated in a plot to kidnap your own grandson now would you? No I could see it now; Master Jinn losing that Jedi calm of his to kill you with his bare hands. Would be a sight though wouldn't it?"
There was not one ounce of concern for his grandson. Why would there be? Master Dooku wanted to be the one to deliver Obi-Wan to the Senator's friend along with him. He wanted to be on the dark side and second high in command for the force of the dark., but it wouldn't happen now. All Master Dooku worried about, was his chance at success within the powers of the dark side was no longer. Palpatine had managed to outsmart him; Not by some cunning maneuver, but by a stroke of luck and nothing more."
" Listen Senator, I suggest you keep your mouth shut about my previous offer."
"How could I not? I mean I don't want anyone to know just as you don't. One more thing Master Dooku, Do. Not. Threaten. Me! You might just find my friend knows where his loyalties lie and nothing will save you if *Darth Sidious* decides to make you his enemy."
The evil one chuckled to himself as he watched Master Dooku,// glow red with anger or flush from obvious drunkenness, one or the other,// he thought.
It was the first time Senator Palpatine dared to utter the name of his *friend*. Now he not only dared to say it, he flaunted it like a prize instead of a beneficial friendship.
//If only the fool knew I have many names but I am one in the same, I *AM* my friend; Master Dooku has been unknowingly graced with the presence of Darth Sidious all along!! //
PEACE ewen