"Forgive me Senator for not being in the mood to exchange pleasantries with you but I do thank you for finding my son. Now if you will excuse me, I think the child could do with some rest."
//Sure, I will give him rest, more than he knows what to do with. Dooku is going to love this. Just a strong enough mark against Obi-Wan for him to take over while we are here. The child was warned, now he will have to face the consequences. //
"I'm sure I will see you later tonight Master Jinn. I am just glad the child was found."
Of course nothing in what the senator said was the truth. He hoped to keep the child and not have to deal with Master Dooku and his *two-for-one* deal.
//I suppose I will have to deal with Master Dooku after all, to get Obi-Wan. Had not Master Jinn noticed the child, I could have kept him, but he was up on me so fast I didn't have a chance to hide the boy. The only thing I could do is what I did, partially mind swipe the brat so he wouldn't remember his capture by my men and I, then hand him to Jinn as if we had just found him. //
Senator Palpatine thought back on his conversation with Master Dooku and a smile pressed to his lips.
//It was priceless to see the look on the old Jedi's face when I told him I wouldn't need him for I already had his grandson. When he helps me to finally regain the custody of the little one, I will just do away with the arrogant Master Dooku.. He surely knows I don't care to keep him by my side for any reason. I think I have made myself quite clear about that. Of course he doesn't know I am me[i][Darth Sidious]!?//
Jinn excused he and his apprentice and left tugging Obi-Wan with him.
Obi-Wan wasn't in much better shape than when Senator Palpatine had him. He fought to get his toes to touch the grounds while Jinn took his turn at pulling the child along with his feet only occasionally being able to touch the earth under him.
"Master what is wrong? What have I done.?"
Jinn stopped and pulled the child toward him so they both faced each other eye-to-eye.
"You are kidding me right? You are standing right there and trying to make a fool out of your father, your master. That trick you pulled sneaking off the ship has caused a deal of trouble. Then you used our bond to contact me and tell me you were kidnapped. Jinn touched Obi-Wan's mind just enough to find the impenetrable shields up."
//They are up when he wants them up and down when he wants them that way. My son must have been lying to me about being able to control his shielding. I can't believe he would lie about something so important to him; to us. It is almost unbelievable that he would go so far and feign being kidnapped to get the attention drawn from the trouble he was really into over leaving the ship but to find out he has lied about our bond??? //
The level of which he thought his son had betrayed him was almost unforgivable, in Qui-Gon Jinn's eyes. Had Obi-Wan been a little older, the master was sure without a doubt it would have always caused ill-will between the two. Only because of Obi's young age did Jinn think he could eventually forgive what the boy had done, but certainly not before Obi-Wan admitted his guilt and understood how egregious it was; especially damaging to their master/apprentice bond not to mention the love they shared as father and son.
"Master, wait I don't know what you are talking about? What ship? Dad, the only thing I remember is Senator Palpatine having me by the scruff of my neck and now you are doing the same thing. What's wrong with all the adults around here? You keep using my collar like a dog's collar attached to a leash. I have feet you know, if you'd only let me use them."
"Adults around here; you are actually trying to laugh yourself out of this mess? I will tell you Obi-Wan Kenobi exactly what is wrong. You sneaked off the ship that was to take you home to Coruscant and then became lost here . We have had all the police and guards available from Lord Byron aiding in the search for you and you *still* insist on playing games. If that was not enough to cause you to be buried in Bantha poodoo over the trouble you were in, you made it doubly worse. You went so far as to contact me through our normally closed bond to tell me you had been kidnapped. Of course the bond faded out when I asked you by whom. Lies, Obi-Wan, all of them lies to offset the trouble you were really in. Does any of this ring a bell?"
Obi-Wan did not know what to think of what his father had just rattled off to him. He couldn't have possibly done that many wrong things today and not remember a single-one of them. //Could I? //
Obi-Wan stood before his father, grateful that he finally got to touch real ground under him and not feel open air when he swung his feet.
"To be truthful Dad, none of what you have just said makes any sense to me. I have forgotten what happened to day and there's more missing like little chunks cut out from my short-term memory."
"Obi-Wan Kenobi, stop right therer. That is the most ridiculous tale you have ever tried to get over on someone; I suppose made up to get yourself out of all the other trouble you have managed to make for yourself.. I won't stand for you lying to *me*. "You don't remember what happened today and chunks of the past are missing." Very convenient young man. What you won't think convenient is if your Grandfather decides he wants to take over your control. He can use his own discretion now whether he wants to oversee you until this mission is finished. You may have seen to it, the instructions of your apprenticeship are taken right out of my hands because of your insolent and disrespectful actions today. You have gone far beyond disobedience and to stand there and lie to me after you have been caught, is incomprehensible."
"Master, please, I am not lying."
A third and even angrier, more accusatory voice interrupted the father/son conversation.
"Certainly sounds like you have told a great many mistruths; the one about your shared bond with your master not working because you couldn't control your shields is enough to have you brought before the council. Serious error on your part my grandson, serious and not without grave consequences I am afraid."
Much like Qui-Gon had done to the Senator earlier Master Dooku walked out of the shadows and dark that afforded him enough coverage to stand unnoticed against the wrought iron fence and listen to the conversation between master and apprentice.
He was mildly shocked at seeing the child because he thought Palpatine had custody of his grandson, but in listening to the conversation Dooku realized Obi-Wan had somehow escaped and somehow even more confusing, had forgotten the events of the entire day.
Dooku did not want Jinn to become aware of the fact that the child was indeed telling the truth. He was however, delighted that Senator Palpatine's kidnap caper had been foiled. Master Dooku was once more back into control of the dealings when it came to seeing Obi-Wan go to the dark one as his new apprentice.
//And once again, I am assured a place at the dark one's side, no matter how much he objects to me being there. He will quickly learn to appreciate my knowledge of the Jedi and the force that sanctions them. Dark Sidious just has to be shown that I am more than worthy to be with him .//
"Master Jinn I hope there will be no nasty confrontation between you and I when I tell you what I have decided to do next. I have stood over there in the cover of the dark and listened to you literally list one by one, by one, the out-and-out lies spun by Obi-Wan and I have to say there were many, *too many*"
"Save your breath!!!"
With only three words spoken in his thickest natural-born accent, acid-laced with disgust and contempt for his very own apprentice and son, Qui-Gon shoved the child in Dooku's direction. It was not a push to cause harm but to make a point, a statement of fact, strong enough for Obi-Wan to understand.
Qui-Gon knew it was too late to take back his words. He desperately needed time to investigate what Senator Palpatine was up too coming here under an assumed name. The master wanted nothing more than to quickly finish his mission Yoda sent him on and return with Obi-Wan to their home, to deal with Obi-Wan there in the sancity and safety of their shared home.
However, with the bizarre behavior of his son's lately, he certainly didn't want the added responsibility of Obi-Wan or the possibility of his mission becoming common knowledge. An idea came to the master's mind and at the time, *seemed* like a good one too!! It would speed up his investigation on his *private* mission, without Obi-Wan to deal with.
"I do not wish to have control of him right now. While I am here you are welcome to oversee my apprentice, your grandson. I have some friends to visit in the city so for the next few days while we are here, I will more than likely spending some time with *her*.. them."
It was a spoken misnomer, a lie as it were, and rightly placed intentional slip of the tongue, in hopes of bringing out the intentional meaning to them. No matter how untrue his words were, Jinn hoped to set up a false but believable alibi for his trips to the city for more information dealing with his *secret* mission given him by Master Yoda.
Even a child the age of Obi-Wan understood the portent of Jinn's statement. He just told Master Dooku and Obi-Wan he had a woman in the city who *stirred* his *libido* enough to want to see her again. If for only that "made-up" reason it would have been enough for the strikingly good-looking master to ditch Obi-Wan but after Obi-Wan's mistakes of the day, Jinn was more than willing to give his son to the one Jedi master he vowed to keep Obi-Wan from, his *own* grandfather.
Little did Master Qui-Gon Jinn know the dangers of his hasty, un-thought-through decision to let Master Dooku care for Obi-Wan, if only for a few days; Something akin to sending a lamb to slaughter, Obi-Wan Kenobi would be that lamb.
It took all of his diplomatic finesse he possessed for Qui-Gon to convince Master Yoda not to ask he be taken out of the field mission and return home with his son. It was the first time Qui-Gon had ever seen his former master speechless. Had Master Yoda stood his ground and insisted Qui-Gon come home, it would have been the first time for him to be pulled from the workings of a mission and for what; the report would have said, "FAILURE TO CONTROL MISSION."
//Master Yoda spit, sputtered and couldn't get a word out when I told him *exactly* what Obi-Wan's lies were. Of course Yoda mentioned me coming home and what would be stamped on the supposedly confidential file. Inside that file it basically would have said I failed to control an eight-year-child, my son no less. To think of such a lie as to tell me he was kidnapped. I know Obi-Wan is young, but didn't he realize how terrified I would be for him? What makes matters worse, is the news Yoda delivered about my nephew's problems at home; failing grades, increased hostility to those around him , and just all-around disrespectful attitude. I can't believe Damien has gotten so out of control that Master Riddon had to step in over my mother.. Oh, I'm sure she loved that, having a Jedi master overrule her authority. //
That was the only thing right now that could have elicited any humorous muse from Jinn and smile to himself, he did.
While some were still feeling festive from last night's wedding and reception, other's didn't even feel like appearing at the table for last-meal. They showed up only out of courtesy.
It didn't matter how much Master Dooku drank he never turned down a good meal. He sat right beside Obi-Wan, satisfied with himself he had all things under control. He would just have to wait for Jinn to head to the city this evening for his romantic rendezvous and then he would take care of the little one. He hoped Jinn planned to stay the entire evening maybe all night. He knew he would see Palpatine tonight and he probably would give him instructions about Obi-Wan.
Obi-Wan dared one glance over to his father. Although he couldn't drop his shields like his father said he did, he could tell "Dad" was far away with his own thoughts.
//I only hope they aren't thoughts of giving me to Master Dooku to train. I mean if I did what he said and lied about my own kidnapping, then I should be punished but not have my whole life taken from me and sent with him. //
Obi-Wan shook his head in disgust over what he did, but still didn't believe he did it. He shivered with the thought of being stuck out on the far quadrant of the galaxy with Master Dooku where he was a caretaker of sorts of a small Jedi colony, hardly big enough to be called a temple.
Jinn saw the quick eye contact Obi-Wan made with him before Obi lowered his eyes again. Master Dooku told him he was to eat, keep his head down, and only speak when spoken too. Those themselves were not punishment leveled on Obi. It was common requirements for all of Dooku's past apprentices. Dooku had never been overly fond of small people. The younger they were, the less he thought of them as living beings..
While Master Jinn remained disappointed in Obi-Wan maybe even a touch angry with him, his love for him was there and he felt a wave of it as he watched his imp only push his food around his plate. Jinn could not imagine Obi-Wan willingly going so far as to lie about his own kidnapping. It sounded too unbelievable the more the master thought of it.
//Was there any truth in what Obi-Wan said? He even said he couldn't remember contacting me through our bond. He would have to be awfully brazen to try to carry a scheme like that off. Maybe his young age kept him from seeing how ridiculous he sounded, or either it was the truth as he knew it? But how? //
Jinn hated it when he started questioning his own actions. He only caused more trouble usually, because he would not let it rest until the facts were known. Either Obi-Wan admitted the lie or….
His thoughts were interrupted by a sharp wrapping sound acrossed the table . He looked up to see where the noise emanated from and watched the second blow to Obi-Wan's tiny little hand, that held his fork. If Dooku was trying to be inconspicuous about reprimanding the child, he failed horribly with the sound of the blows.
There Obi sat with his hand trapped under the larger hand of his grandfather's.
Dooku looked up to Lord Byron and the others who had grown silent and watched the two Jedi. An apologetic look formed on the white-haired master's face. . "Please forgive Lord Byron. You know the Jedi have a strict code of conduct, one, the little Jedi beside me has yet to learn. Forgive me for any intrusion on your last-meal. None was intended."
"Not at all, Maybe the child doesn't like what is on his plate. We could get him something else."
"No, that would be spoiling the child and I am afraid that is where his problems stem from. In a couple of days you will notice a marked improvement on the child's manners. He will be spending his time with me while Master Jinn sees to some business in the city. Am I not right Master Jinn?"
A smirk…. yes, it was a smirk and it was directed to the deadliest of Jedi in the order Qui-Gon Jinn. Lord Byron couldn't help but notice the contempt the two older Jedi had for each other. It was like a stare down contest he use to watch his own children participate in when they had absolutely nothing else to do. But Lord Byron got the feeling had they not been on a mission and held to their Jedi standards, more than a staring contest would have ensued, much more.
Qui-Gon bit his lip to help keep the serene outward appearance, he had learned through the years, to control, no matter what the situation. This situation now while not a deadly threat to him was a problem which Qui-Gon couldn't reckon with at this time. It was more troublesome than a Hutt baring a light saber. Dooku was belittling Qui-Gon's son and bringing physical harm to him as well, and Jinn would have to sit by and let it happen.
"Yes Master Dooku, Obi-Wan will be in your care while I am away. However Lord Byron, I must beg your pardon for Master Dooku's disruption. It is not common practice to correct or in any way reprimand an apprentice in public. Maybe my older companion is too *old* to remember proper Jedi protocol when dealing with an apprentice, especially one so young as Obi-Wan is.. As he believes he should harshly correct errors my son makes it is only fair play to correct the errors he makes about Obi-Wan. He is not spoiled; loved but not spoiled."
Bryon got the impression these two Jedi were just about to connect with blows, had their true desires been honored.
"Well, quite alright Jinn. Let's just enjoy our meal. There is too be more dancing tonight. Although I understand you will be spending the evening in town, I know I can count on Master Dooku to be by side as we continue the celebrations of my daughter's wedding."
Lord Byron had quickly learned how to entice Master Dooku, a bottle of booze. Mention a gathering and Dooku would perk up with the knowledge of another chance to drink. He quickly forgot the problems with the child for the immediate growing of anticipation of more drinking and partying.
Qui-Gon let the matter with his son go without saying anymore. His only desire was to get this mission finished that he was on, and take his son home. From there he would decide what to do .
//I must remain focused on getting Obi-Wan home. That animal is trying to elicit perfect behavior from a child, at an age where perfection shouldn't be expected and certainly not demanded of them. //
##############
Qui-Gon slipped out the front door, without even telling his son goodbye or goodnight because he was not sure when he would get back. He wanted desperately to complete the extra mission quickly, in order to be ready for a trip home, which he hoped would be sooner, rather than later.
Obi-Wan was quickly banished to his bedroom before he got to see his father even leave. He ran to the window that faced the front of the mansion and hoped, no prayed to the force its self to let him get one glimpse of his dad. He was worried for his father going out alone even if it was to see some woman for a romantic interlude. That's what Master Dooku said his dad had planned.
The little boy sat cross-legged on the large "settee-made" windowsill and waited to see if his father showed up. Just then, out under one of the lights that lined the lane to the gate, stood Qui-Gon.
Obi put both his hands on the window and let them run down slowly on the panes, leaving patterns with the condensed water, gathered on the glass. He wished his father would look up.
//Dad be careful and I love you…//
//Dad….love you. //
Nothing more than a fleeting wisp of sound as if just blown through by a gentle spring breeze, but Jinn was sure all the same, he heard it. No Qui-Gon didn't here his apprentice through the bond, he heard his son's broken-up plea. The title "Dad" laid claim to that.. He looked up to where something through the force directed his gaze. There in the window, drapes pulled back, sat the little boy now up on his knees in the sill. Obi-Wan started to leave the ledge, fearing his master would be angry with him for not being in bed. Then…
//Stay there a moment longer little one…. Be safe until I return.//
Qui-Gon sensed Obi-Wan's immediate desire to withdraw from the window hoping to not have been seen by the master. He just wanted to let Obi-Wan know he didn't mind the child being there even if he should have been in bed and that he welcomed the goodbye he got from his son. He only hoped Obi got some of his message as he got some of his son's, through their tentative bond.
Qui-Gon Jinn walked away never having received the last mental message sent by his son.
//I will be safe Master, just listen to your own words to me and abide by them as well…. //
So far, Master Jinn was disappointed with his trip to the city. The motel proprietor had heard of the name, Syfos Dyas but once he arrived at the seedy-looking motel he had no visitors and dropped no names as to who he was to see. Jinn knew Senator Palpatine was to be back at the mansion for the further partying and when he thought of it, a tingle through his system told him he should be back there and not here investigating. The man who used the alias name was there in the mansion; the same mansion with his son.
//Why can't I find out more? He does keep his trail of deception cloaked quite efficiently, //thought the hulk of a master.
The Jedi pulled a picture of Senator Palpatine out and spoke again to the man behind the motel desk.
"Do you recognize the Senator?"
"No, Is he a senator here? I will tell you one thing he looks a great deal like the man who carried proper identification for being Syfo Dyas. I mean I abide by the laws here. I don't let nobody stay in my rooms without proper I.D.. Don't be tryin' to get me in trouble Jedi."
The man clearly had never heard of Palpatine and only did Jinn realize that when he asked about where the senator was from.
" I have no wish to see you in any kind of trouble. I only need your help in identifying someone. Oh, I am sorry I thought you would have heard of Senator Palpatine."
"Not all of us have the galaxy as our playground. A great many of us such as myself, a lowly motel manager never leave the planet they are born on. I haven't heard of your Senator, but if that's a likeness of him in that picture you are holding I'm telling you he could be a twin to that Dyas fellow that stayed here a couple of times. He tips well too. Funny though he strikes me as having 'nough money a to stay at one 'them" there high stylin' places and not in a rinky-dink place like mine."
Jinn nodded as if he knew of what the man spoke, but he didn't. It seemed like such a mundane life to spend it entirely on one planet in one city. He was still thinking about what the motel clerk said about never leaving the planet.
"Well if you can remember anything about the man's visit I will pay you for that memory."
The man's eyes perked up with the mention of money. Before he hadn't even wanted to fool with this Jedi. It would have gained him nothing , but now things were different.
"There is one thing Jedi master that might be of your interest. I did here one conversation this Syfo Dyas had with a Count somebody.
"A Count? That's interesting, although I am not aware of any "Counts" of royal descent, on this planet. Did you here any of what was said?"
"There was mention of let's see…"
Qui-Gon was beginning to think the man was just making up things to gain a few extra credits in his pocket from who he thought was a very stupid Jedi.
"That's alright if you remember, I will be back in my room later this evening you can let me know then."
"No, don't go I really do know the name that was mentioned just give me a minute."
Jinn was in a hurry to go out in the streets to meet with another person who knew of the Senator's secret visits, but out of politeness since he did ask him the question, he allotted the clerk a few more minutes to think of the name.
//He'll just make up a name and throw it to my way hoping I will take it as truth and pay him.//
Qui-Gon was thinking of how to tell the man he would not pay for bogus information when the clerk evidently remembered what he wanted to tell Qui-Gon.
"*Sidious*, yes that was his name. The senator was talking to that Count fellow on the comm and he mentioned an * alter ego*. Does that make sense? I am sorry but I don't know what *alter ego* even means."
Jinn was stunned by what he was hearing. The man must have heard the conversation Senator Palpatine had while waiting for his room.
"Yes, go on. I know what it means. Did he say more? Is Sidious here on this planet?"
"WHOA!!, Jedi give me a minute. I don't normally eavesdrop and I really didn't this time. I have to think of what he said that evening. I was busy checking him in and seeing to his room you know."
########Back at the mansion during another party.############
No one noticed as Dooku sauntered out of the room and into the large mezzanine entry hall. There were large marble benches scattered along the edge of the hall and numerous exotic plants. The walls were peppered with priceless paintings, the Lord had acquired as gifts from other dignitaries who knew of his love of the arts. There were also a few statues dotting the mezzanine area.
Dooku wandered the area on the pretext of taking in the beautiful works of art but in truth he awaited a rendezvous with the Senator.
Finally out of the festive group, Palpatine along with his guards walked out and feigned the admiring of the art as well until he reached the bench where Dooku sat.
Pleasantries were passed between the two older gentlemen until the guards nodded their O.K. signaling that no one was around to here the two talk.
"I want the boy and I want him tonight. If you are not willing to get him for me, I will leave and get him another time when he is not here. Maybe on the ship back home. But I assure you if I wait and take him myself you won't be going with me."
Dooku, having a few too many drinks, was not in a good mood. He wanted this over. He did have some fear of Jinn, although he wouldn't even admit it to him slide. The faster he got away from here the better off he would be.
"Listen Senator I am tired of your threats. I plan to have the boy off planet in the next two hours. Can you be ready, If so then let's make arrangements. Otherwise stay out of my face."
Senator seethed under his calm exterior he managed to wear as a shield to hide his *evil* true self..
"Very Well Dooku but be leery of how you speak to me. The dark one might not like the insolent attitude you have developed toward me."
"Oh and you think yourself so important to Dark Sidious that he even cares how I speak to you?"
"OH…YES, I think I am the very reason he exists……..."
Master Jinn only had time to toss the credits to the motel clerk as he ran out the motel, robes billowing with the air trapped in its folds. It wasn't what the man said so much but what was implicated by his words.
*Sidious*, the dark one himself was someway involved with Palpatine. Qui-Gon didn't know how but he would find out. First tough he wanted to get his son away from the same home where the Senator was now partying. Dooku would certainly not care for his son as he would.
#################
"Where are we going? Shouldn't you tell my dad or leave a message for my Dad?"
The swift cup a crossed the child's face left Obi' speechless, unwilling to suffer another slap from his grandfather, he kept his mouth closed. Dooku drug the child out into the night to somewhere, but the destination not known to the little one.
"I told you to keep still. I am just going to hitch a ride back to Coruscant with Senator Palpatine. The party is over and the king's daughter is married. No use staying here any longer. Your master or father, whatever you see him as, will take another transport home when he is finished with his business in town. Now shut up and hurry. We have to make the transport before it takes off.
Obi-Wan had to run to keep up with his grandfather's long stride. He didn't want to go anywhere his dad wasn't going. He sure didn't want to spend three days on a ship with Master Dooku.
Obi-Wan had not been able to reach his dad through the force, but he thought he would try anyway. Master Yoda might object to him saying he would *try*,however that was the only way to explain it. Had Obi remembered that he had reached his father but Senator Palpatine wiped it from his memory, he might have remembered how; by trusting and reaching out to the force.
##Back to Master Jinn.##
The walk back to the mansion seemed to be taking longer this time. Master Jinn just got this ominous feeling he needed to be reunited with his son and padawan as soon as he could..
//What is it? Why do I feel this burning need to return? Obi-Wan should be safe at the mansion. //
The nagging warning that seemed to be sent to him by the force its self could not be suppressed. Qui-Gon wasn't sure he wanted it tamed, ever howominous it felt. He wanted to find the reason for it.
//The only reason here that could cause me to feel so much anxiety would be something to do with my son. I'll be with him soon. I an see for myself that he is alright.//
//DAD!!!//
Qui-Gon stopped dead in his tracks waiting.. waiting for more from Obi-Wan. It sounded like a wail for help that tore from the threshold of their mind link and managed to find its way through their training bond, ever how weak it had become.
//Obi, Obi-Wan what is it? I hear you through our bond. Tell me, are you safe? //
The only answer he go was the eerie silence that pierced the night and the more dreaded lonliness in his mind. He wanted so badly to here his little one continue. Qui-Gon could sense terror in the child's tone. He was afraid but of what at the mansion? Had Dooku come in drunk and started on the boy?
Horror visions passed through the master's mind of Dooku beating on the child or in some other way being abusive to him.
The Jedi increased his speed toward the mansion before something else tugged at him. It wasn't something spoken through the bond, this was much more elusive than that and it wasn't coming from his apprentice. It came from the force. It had its own directions for Jinn and no matter how the master wanted to take a step toward the mansion he was stopped by something that seemed to hold him there in place; demanded he pay attention to the guidance being sent him.
It was a message from the force and it was not directing the master to the mansion, another place. Qui-Gon turned, his eyes roamed wildly to see if there was at least some kind of hint as to what he should do. He had never ignored what the force told him. He learned since becoming a Jedi Knight it wasn't a wise thing to do. He did however question the wisdom going somewhere else to see his padawan was protected if he was still at the mansion.
//That's it, *maybe*. Obi-Wan might have been taken from the mansion. What if the child spoke the truth or truth as he knew it about being kidnapped. I should not have been so quick to shrug him to the side. Maybe some kind of mind swipe was done to him. He is not strong enough in the force or well versed enough to stop that from happening. //
Just then Qui-Gon noticed a sign with a light almost overhead to show clearly what it said.
HOVER PORT--TWO MILES---- After the words was an arrow pointing the direction to be taken.
That must be it.
As he said the words he knew they were truth. He had to go to that transport landing and at least check it out.
#######At the hover port#########
"Well I see you have managed to do something right."
"Don't start Palpatine. I have the boy, although I haven't told him of our real plans, yet. That in its self should be enough to stop your tormenting of me."
"Don't want to upset the child now do ya?"
"I don't give a sith about the child. I am trying to keep any negative energy from being transmitted to that father of his. Their bond is closed at least from Obi-Wan's side, but Jinn might feel the child's distress or a random plea for help through their bond if the child becomes unduly alarmed until we get off this planet. Qui-Gon is quite perceptive in the ways of the force. He is very attuned and connected to the living force and senses things others could not even begin to feel through the force."
"I see. You hold your old pupil in high regard then. I sense growing fear in you Dooku. Fear for a Jedi is dangerous. However, for someone working the dark side it can be doubly so. Load the child up and we will see that your worries are soothed. We can be out in orbit in fifteen minutes. If you like, I could put a force collar on the child. Maybe that would ease your *fears*."
Obi-Wan stood on the landing port and watched as Dooku and Palpatine seemed to argue back and forth. For some reason he thought the disagreement might have something to do with him. He had not gotten anything back from his master when he tried to make mental contact with him and assumed he had failed completely in his call for help.
Tears streamed down his face. Even if Master Dooku spoke the truth and they were just hitching a ride back to Coruscant, the child still felt scared. He didn't want to do this without Qui-Gon.
Dooku was just moments from beckoning Obi-Wan to him to get on board. Palpatine stood with Dooku and waited for the last of his things to be loaded, before he himself got on the ship.
Both evil men there, were force sensitive. Whether it was the force of light or the dark that ruled them, they should have felt the force-signature of an even stronger force-sensitived entity very close to them. So close in fact, he could reach out and touch Obi-Wan.
Out of the darkness a large robed arm thrusted forward, grabbed the child, and before he had a chance to scream, a saber calloused hand roughly closed over the little boy's mouth, stifling any sound. Obi-Wan was pulled back into the shadows with his unseen abductor. He only stopped squirming and kicking when he looked up , *way up* into the azure blue eyes of his father and master Qui-Gon Jinn, staring lovingly back at him…
PEACE ewen
//Sure, I will give him rest, more than he knows what to do with. Dooku is going to love this. Just a strong enough mark against Obi-Wan for him to take over while we are here. The child was warned, now he will have to face the consequences. //
"I'm sure I will see you later tonight Master Jinn. I am just glad the child was found."
Of course nothing in what the senator said was the truth. He hoped to keep the child and not have to deal with Master Dooku and his *two-for-one* deal.
//I suppose I will have to deal with Master Dooku after all, to get Obi-Wan. Had not Master Jinn noticed the child, I could have kept him, but he was up on me so fast I didn't have a chance to hide the boy. The only thing I could do is what I did, partially mind swipe the brat so he wouldn't remember his capture by my men and I, then hand him to Jinn as if we had just found him. //
Senator Palpatine thought back on his conversation with Master Dooku and a smile pressed to his lips.
//It was priceless to see the look on the old Jedi's face when I told him I wouldn't need him for I already had his grandson. When he helps me to finally regain the custody of the little one, I will just do away with the arrogant Master Dooku.. He surely knows I don't care to keep him by my side for any reason. I think I have made myself quite clear about that. Of course he doesn't know I am me[i][Darth Sidious]!?//
Jinn excused he and his apprentice and left tugging Obi-Wan with him.
Obi-Wan wasn't in much better shape than when Senator Palpatine had him. He fought to get his toes to touch the grounds while Jinn took his turn at pulling the child along with his feet only occasionally being able to touch the earth under him.
"Master what is wrong? What have I done.?"
Jinn stopped and pulled the child toward him so they both faced each other eye-to-eye.
"You are kidding me right? You are standing right there and trying to make a fool out of your father, your master. That trick you pulled sneaking off the ship has caused a deal of trouble. Then you used our bond to contact me and tell me you were kidnapped. Jinn touched Obi-Wan's mind just enough to find the impenetrable shields up."
//They are up when he wants them up and down when he wants them that way. My son must have been lying to me about being able to control his shielding. I can't believe he would lie about something so important to him; to us. It is almost unbelievable that he would go so far and feign being kidnapped to get the attention drawn from the trouble he was really into over leaving the ship but to find out he has lied about our bond??? //
The level of which he thought his son had betrayed him was almost unforgivable, in Qui-Gon Jinn's eyes. Had Obi-Wan been a little older, the master was sure without a doubt it would have always caused ill-will between the two. Only because of Obi's young age did Jinn think he could eventually forgive what the boy had done, but certainly not before Obi-Wan admitted his guilt and understood how egregious it was; especially damaging to their master/apprentice bond not to mention the love they shared as father and son.
"Master, wait I don't know what you are talking about? What ship? Dad, the only thing I remember is Senator Palpatine having me by the scruff of my neck and now you are doing the same thing. What's wrong with all the adults around here? You keep using my collar like a dog's collar attached to a leash. I have feet you know, if you'd only let me use them."
"Adults around here; you are actually trying to laugh yourself out of this mess? I will tell you Obi-Wan Kenobi exactly what is wrong. You sneaked off the ship that was to take you home to Coruscant and then became lost here . We have had all the police and guards available from Lord Byron aiding in the search for you and you *still* insist on playing games. If that was not enough to cause you to be buried in Bantha poodoo over the trouble you were in, you made it doubly worse. You went so far as to contact me through our normally closed bond to tell me you had been kidnapped. Of course the bond faded out when I asked you by whom. Lies, Obi-Wan, all of them lies to offset the trouble you were really in. Does any of this ring a bell?"
Obi-Wan did not know what to think of what his father had just rattled off to him. He couldn't have possibly done that many wrong things today and not remember a single-one of them. //Could I? //
Obi-Wan stood before his father, grateful that he finally got to touch real ground under him and not feel open air when he swung his feet.
"To be truthful Dad, none of what you have just said makes any sense to me. I have forgotten what happened to day and there's more missing like little chunks cut out from my short-term memory."
"Obi-Wan Kenobi, stop right therer. That is the most ridiculous tale you have ever tried to get over on someone; I suppose made up to get yourself out of all the other trouble you have managed to make for yourself.. I won't stand for you lying to *me*. "You don't remember what happened today and chunks of the past are missing." Very convenient young man. What you won't think convenient is if your Grandfather decides he wants to take over your control. He can use his own discretion now whether he wants to oversee you until this mission is finished. You may have seen to it, the instructions of your apprenticeship are taken right out of my hands because of your insolent and disrespectful actions today. You have gone far beyond disobedience and to stand there and lie to me after you have been caught, is incomprehensible."
"Master, please, I am not lying."
A third and even angrier, more accusatory voice interrupted the father/son conversation.
"Certainly sounds like you have told a great many mistruths; the one about your shared bond with your master not working because you couldn't control your shields is enough to have you brought before the council. Serious error on your part my grandson, serious and not without grave consequences I am afraid."
Much like Qui-Gon had done to the Senator earlier Master Dooku walked out of the shadows and dark that afforded him enough coverage to stand unnoticed against the wrought iron fence and listen to the conversation between master and apprentice.
He was mildly shocked at seeing the child because he thought Palpatine had custody of his grandson, but in listening to the conversation Dooku realized Obi-Wan had somehow escaped and somehow even more confusing, had forgotten the events of the entire day.
Dooku did not want Jinn to become aware of the fact that the child was indeed telling the truth. He was however, delighted that Senator Palpatine's kidnap caper had been foiled. Master Dooku was once more back into control of the dealings when it came to seeing Obi-Wan go to the dark one as his new apprentice.
//And once again, I am assured a place at the dark one's side, no matter how much he objects to me being there. He will quickly learn to appreciate my knowledge of the Jedi and the force that sanctions them. Dark Sidious just has to be shown that I am more than worthy to be with him .//
"Master Jinn I hope there will be no nasty confrontation between you and I when I tell you what I have decided to do next. I have stood over there in the cover of the dark and listened to you literally list one by one, by one, the out-and-out lies spun by Obi-Wan and I have to say there were many, *too many*"
"Save your breath!!!"
With only three words spoken in his thickest natural-born accent, acid-laced with disgust and contempt for his very own apprentice and son, Qui-Gon shoved the child in Dooku's direction. It was not a push to cause harm but to make a point, a statement of fact, strong enough for Obi-Wan to understand.
Qui-Gon knew it was too late to take back his words. He desperately needed time to investigate what Senator Palpatine was up too coming here under an assumed name. The master wanted nothing more than to quickly finish his mission Yoda sent him on and return with Obi-Wan to their home, to deal with Obi-Wan there in the sancity and safety of their shared home.
However, with the bizarre behavior of his son's lately, he certainly didn't want the added responsibility of Obi-Wan or the possibility of his mission becoming common knowledge. An idea came to the master's mind and at the time, *seemed* like a good one too!! It would speed up his investigation on his *private* mission, without Obi-Wan to deal with.
"I do not wish to have control of him right now. While I am here you are welcome to oversee my apprentice, your grandson. I have some friends to visit in the city so for the next few days while we are here, I will more than likely spending some time with *her*.. them."
It was a spoken misnomer, a lie as it were, and rightly placed intentional slip of the tongue, in hopes of bringing out the intentional meaning to them. No matter how untrue his words were, Jinn hoped to set up a false but believable alibi for his trips to the city for more information dealing with his *secret* mission given him by Master Yoda.
Even a child the age of Obi-Wan understood the portent of Jinn's statement. He just told Master Dooku and Obi-Wan he had a woman in the city who *stirred* his *libido* enough to want to see her again. If for only that "made-up" reason it would have been enough for the strikingly good-looking master to ditch Obi-Wan but after Obi-Wan's mistakes of the day, Jinn was more than willing to give his son to the one Jedi master he vowed to keep Obi-Wan from, his *own* grandfather.
Little did Master Qui-Gon Jinn know the dangers of his hasty, un-thought-through decision to let Master Dooku care for Obi-Wan, if only for a few days; Something akin to sending a lamb to slaughter, Obi-Wan Kenobi would be that lamb.
It took all of his diplomatic finesse he possessed for Qui-Gon to convince Master Yoda not to ask he be taken out of the field mission and return home with his son. It was the first time Qui-Gon had ever seen his former master speechless. Had Master Yoda stood his ground and insisted Qui-Gon come home, it would have been the first time for him to be pulled from the workings of a mission and for what; the report would have said, "FAILURE TO CONTROL MISSION."
//Master Yoda spit, sputtered and couldn't get a word out when I told him *exactly* what Obi-Wan's lies were. Of course Yoda mentioned me coming home and what would be stamped on the supposedly confidential file. Inside that file it basically would have said I failed to control an eight-year-child, my son no less. To think of such a lie as to tell me he was kidnapped. I know Obi-Wan is young, but didn't he realize how terrified I would be for him? What makes matters worse, is the news Yoda delivered about my nephew's problems at home; failing grades, increased hostility to those around him , and just all-around disrespectful attitude. I can't believe Damien has gotten so out of control that Master Riddon had to step in over my mother.. Oh, I'm sure she loved that, having a Jedi master overrule her authority. //
That was the only thing right now that could have elicited any humorous muse from Jinn and smile to himself, he did.
While some were still feeling festive from last night's wedding and reception, other's didn't even feel like appearing at the table for last-meal. They showed up only out of courtesy.
It didn't matter how much Master Dooku drank he never turned down a good meal. He sat right beside Obi-Wan, satisfied with himself he had all things under control. He would just have to wait for Jinn to head to the city this evening for his romantic rendezvous and then he would take care of the little one. He hoped Jinn planned to stay the entire evening maybe all night. He knew he would see Palpatine tonight and he probably would give him instructions about Obi-Wan.
Obi-Wan dared one glance over to his father. Although he couldn't drop his shields like his father said he did, he could tell "Dad" was far away with his own thoughts.
//I only hope they aren't thoughts of giving me to Master Dooku to train. I mean if I did what he said and lied about my own kidnapping, then I should be punished but not have my whole life taken from me and sent with him. //
Obi-Wan shook his head in disgust over what he did, but still didn't believe he did it. He shivered with the thought of being stuck out on the far quadrant of the galaxy with Master Dooku where he was a caretaker of sorts of a small Jedi colony, hardly big enough to be called a temple.
Jinn saw the quick eye contact Obi-Wan made with him before Obi lowered his eyes again. Master Dooku told him he was to eat, keep his head down, and only speak when spoken too. Those themselves were not punishment leveled on Obi. It was common requirements for all of Dooku's past apprentices. Dooku had never been overly fond of small people. The younger they were, the less he thought of them as living beings..
While Master Jinn remained disappointed in Obi-Wan maybe even a touch angry with him, his love for him was there and he felt a wave of it as he watched his imp only push his food around his plate. Jinn could not imagine Obi-Wan willingly going so far as to lie about his own kidnapping. It sounded too unbelievable the more the master thought of it.
//Was there any truth in what Obi-Wan said? He even said he couldn't remember contacting me through our bond. He would have to be awfully brazen to try to carry a scheme like that off. Maybe his young age kept him from seeing how ridiculous he sounded, or either it was the truth as he knew it? But how? //
Jinn hated it when he started questioning his own actions. He only caused more trouble usually, because he would not let it rest until the facts were known. Either Obi-Wan admitted the lie or….
His thoughts were interrupted by a sharp wrapping sound acrossed the table . He looked up to see where the noise emanated from and watched the second blow to Obi-Wan's tiny little hand, that held his fork. If Dooku was trying to be inconspicuous about reprimanding the child, he failed horribly with the sound of the blows.
There Obi sat with his hand trapped under the larger hand of his grandfather's.
Dooku looked up to Lord Byron and the others who had grown silent and watched the two Jedi. An apologetic look formed on the white-haired master's face. . "Please forgive Lord Byron. You know the Jedi have a strict code of conduct, one, the little Jedi beside me has yet to learn. Forgive me for any intrusion on your last-meal. None was intended."
"Not at all, Maybe the child doesn't like what is on his plate. We could get him something else."
"No, that would be spoiling the child and I am afraid that is where his problems stem from. In a couple of days you will notice a marked improvement on the child's manners. He will be spending his time with me while Master Jinn sees to some business in the city. Am I not right Master Jinn?"
A smirk…. yes, it was a smirk and it was directed to the deadliest of Jedi in the order Qui-Gon Jinn. Lord Byron couldn't help but notice the contempt the two older Jedi had for each other. It was like a stare down contest he use to watch his own children participate in when they had absolutely nothing else to do. But Lord Byron got the feeling had they not been on a mission and held to their Jedi standards, more than a staring contest would have ensued, much more.
Qui-Gon bit his lip to help keep the serene outward appearance, he had learned through the years, to control, no matter what the situation. This situation now while not a deadly threat to him was a problem which Qui-Gon couldn't reckon with at this time. It was more troublesome than a Hutt baring a light saber. Dooku was belittling Qui-Gon's son and bringing physical harm to him as well, and Jinn would have to sit by and let it happen.
"Yes Master Dooku, Obi-Wan will be in your care while I am away. However Lord Byron, I must beg your pardon for Master Dooku's disruption. It is not common practice to correct or in any way reprimand an apprentice in public. Maybe my older companion is too *old* to remember proper Jedi protocol when dealing with an apprentice, especially one so young as Obi-Wan is.. As he believes he should harshly correct errors my son makes it is only fair play to correct the errors he makes about Obi-Wan. He is not spoiled; loved but not spoiled."
Bryon got the impression these two Jedi were just about to connect with blows, had their true desires been honored.
"Well, quite alright Jinn. Let's just enjoy our meal. There is too be more dancing tonight. Although I understand you will be spending the evening in town, I know I can count on Master Dooku to be by side as we continue the celebrations of my daughter's wedding."
Lord Byron had quickly learned how to entice Master Dooku, a bottle of booze. Mention a gathering and Dooku would perk up with the knowledge of another chance to drink. He quickly forgot the problems with the child for the immediate growing of anticipation of more drinking and partying.
Qui-Gon let the matter with his son go without saying anymore. His only desire was to get this mission finished that he was on, and take his son home. From there he would decide what to do .
//I must remain focused on getting Obi-Wan home. That animal is trying to elicit perfect behavior from a child, at an age where perfection shouldn't be expected and certainly not demanded of them. //
##############
Qui-Gon slipped out the front door, without even telling his son goodbye or goodnight because he was not sure when he would get back. He wanted desperately to complete the extra mission quickly, in order to be ready for a trip home, which he hoped would be sooner, rather than later.
Obi-Wan was quickly banished to his bedroom before he got to see his father even leave. He ran to the window that faced the front of the mansion and hoped, no prayed to the force its self to let him get one glimpse of his dad. He was worried for his father going out alone even if it was to see some woman for a romantic interlude. That's what Master Dooku said his dad had planned.
The little boy sat cross-legged on the large "settee-made" windowsill and waited to see if his father showed up. Just then, out under one of the lights that lined the lane to the gate, stood Qui-Gon.
Obi put both his hands on the window and let them run down slowly on the panes, leaving patterns with the condensed water, gathered on the glass. He wished his father would look up.
//Dad be careful and I love you…//
//Dad….love you. //
Nothing more than a fleeting wisp of sound as if just blown through by a gentle spring breeze, but Jinn was sure all the same, he heard it. No Qui-Gon didn't here his apprentice through the bond, he heard his son's broken-up plea. The title "Dad" laid claim to that.. He looked up to where something through the force directed his gaze. There in the window, drapes pulled back, sat the little boy now up on his knees in the sill. Obi-Wan started to leave the ledge, fearing his master would be angry with him for not being in bed. Then…
//Stay there a moment longer little one…. Be safe until I return.//
Qui-Gon sensed Obi-Wan's immediate desire to withdraw from the window hoping to not have been seen by the master. He just wanted to let Obi-Wan know he didn't mind the child being there even if he should have been in bed and that he welcomed the goodbye he got from his son. He only hoped Obi got some of his message as he got some of his son's, through their tentative bond.
Qui-Gon Jinn walked away never having received the last mental message sent by his son.
//I will be safe Master, just listen to your own words to me and abide by them as well…. //
So far, Master Jinn was disappointed with his trip to the city. The motel proprietor had heard of the name, Syfos Dyas but once he arrived at the seedy-looking motel he had no visitors and dropped no names as to who he was to see. Jinn knew Senator Palpatine was to be back at the mansion for the further partying and when he thought of it, a tingle through his system told him he should be back there and not here investigating. The man who used the alias name was there in the mansion; the same mansion with his son.
//Why can't I find out more? He does keep his trail of deception cloaked quite efficiently, //thought the hulk of a master.
The Jedi pulled a picture of Senator Palpatine out and spoke again to the man behind the motel desk.
"Do you recognize the Senator?"
"No, Is he a senator here? I will tell you one thing he looks a great deal like the man who carried proper identification for being Syfo Dyas. I mean I abide by the laws here. I don't let nobody stay in my rooms without proper I.D.. Don't be tryin' to get me in trouble Jedi."
The man clearly had never heard of Palpatine and only did Jinn realize that when he asked about where the senator was from.
" I have no wish to see you in any kind of trouble. I only need your help in identifying someone. Oh, I am sorry I thought you would have heard of Senator Palpatine."
"Not all of us have the galaxy as our playground. A great many of us such as myself, a lowly motel manager never leave the planet they are born on. I haven't heard of your Senator, but if that's a likeness of him in that picture you are holding I'm telling you he could be a twin to that Dyas fellow that stayed here a couple of times. He tips well too. Funny though he strikes me as having 'nough money a to stay at one 'them" there high stylin' places and not in a rinky-dink place like mine."
Jinn nodded as if he knew of what the man spoke, but he didn't. It seemed like such a mundane life to spend it entirely on one planet in one city. He was still thinking about what the motel clerk said about never leaving the planet.
"Well if you can remember anything about the man's visit I will pay you for that memory."
The man's eyes perked up with the mention of money. Before he hadn't even wanted to fool with this Jedi. It would have gained him nothing , but now things were different.
"There is one thing Jedi master that might be of your interest. I did here one conversation this Syfo Dyas had with a Count somebody.
"A Count? That's interesting, although I am not aware of any "Counts" of royal descent, on this planet. Did you here any of what was said?"
"There was mention of let's see…"
Qui-Gon was beginning to think the man was just making up things to gain a few extra credits in his pocket from who he thought was a very stupid Jedi.
"That's alright if you remember, I will be back in my room later this evening you can let me know then."
"No, don't go I really do know the name that was mentioned just give me a minute."
Jinn was in a hurry to go out in the streets to meet with another person who knew of the Senator's secret visits, but out of politeness since he did ask him the question, he allotted the clerk a few more minutes to think of the name.
//He'll just make up a name and throw it to my way hoping I will take it as truth and pay him.//
Qui-Gon was thinking of how to tell the man he would not pay for bogus information when the clerk evidently remembered what he wanted to tell Qui-Gon.
"*Sidious*, yes that was his name. The senator was talking to that Count fellow on the comm and he mentioned an * alter ego*. Does that make sense? I am sorry but I don't know what *alter ego* even means."
Jinn was stunned by what he was hearing. The man must have heard the conversation Senator Palpatine had while waiting for his room.
"Yes, go on. I know what it means. Did he say more? Is Sidious here on this planet?"
"WHOA!!, Jedi give me a minute. I don't normally eavesdrop and I really didn't this time. I have to think of what he said that evening. I was busy checking him in and seeing to his room you know."
########Back at the mansion during another party.############
No one noticed as Dooku sauntered out of the room and into the large mezzanine entry hall. There were large marble benches scattered along the edge of the hall and numerous exotic plants. The walls were peppered with priceless paintings, the Lord had acquired as gifts from other dignitaries who knew of his love of the arts. There were also a few statues dotting the mezzanine area.
Dooku wandered the area on the pretext of taking in the beautiful works of art but in truth he awaited a rendezvous with the Senator.
Finally out of the festive group, Palpatine along with his guards walked out and feigned the admiring of the art as well until he reached the bench where Dooku sat.
Pleasantries were passed between the two older gentlemen until the guards nodded their O.K. signaling that no one was around to here the two talk.
"I want the boy and I want him tonight. If you are not willing to get him for me, I will leave and get him another time when he is not here. Maybe on the ship back home. But I assure you if I wait and take him myself you won't be going with me."
Dooku, having a few too many drinks, was not in a good mood. He wanted this over. He did have some fear of Jinn, although he wouldn't even admit it to him slide. The faster he got away from here the better off he would be.
"Listen Senator I am tired of your threats. I plan to have the boy off planet in the next two hours. Can you be ready, If so then let's make arrangements. Otherwise stay out of my face."
Senator seethed under his calm exterior he managed to wear as a shield to hide his *evil* true self..
"Very Well Dooku but be leery of how you speak to me. The dark one might not like the insolent attitude you have developed toward me."
"Oh and you think yourself so important to Dark Sidious that he even cares how I speak to you?"
"OH…YES, I think I am the very reason he exists……..."
Master Jinn only had time to toss the credits to the motel clerk as he ran out the motel, robes billowing with the air trapped in its folds. It wasn't what the man said so much but what was implicated by his words.
*Sidious*, the dark one himself was someway involved with Palpatine. Qui-Gon didn't know how but he would find out. First tough he wanted to get his son away from the same home where the Senator was now partying. Dooku would certainly not care for his son as he would.
#################
"Where are we going? Shouldn't you tell my dad or leave a message for my Dad?"
The swift cup a crossed the child's face left Obi' speechless, unwilling to suffer another slap from his grandfather, he kept his mouth closed. Dooku drug the child out into the night to somewhere, but the destination not known to the little one.
"I told you to keep still. I am just going to hitch a ride back to Coruscant with Senator Palpatine. The party is over and the king's daughter is married. No use staying here any longer. Your master or father, whatever you see him as, will take another transport home when he is finished with his business in town. Now shut up and hurry. We have to make the transport before it takes off.
Obi-Wan had to run to keep up with his grandfather's long stride. He didn't want to go anywhere his dad wasn't going. He sure didn't want to spend three days on a ship with Master Dooku.
Obi-Wan had not been able to reach his dad through the force, but he thought he would try anyway. Master Yoda might object to him saying he would *try*,however that was the only way to explain it. Had Obi remembered that he had reached his father but Senator Palpatine wiped it from his memory, he might have remembered how; by trusting and reaching out to the force.
##Back to Master Jinn.##
The walk back to the mansion seemed to be taking longer this time. Master Jinn just got this ominous feeling he needed to be reunited with his son and padawan as soon as he could..
//What is it? Why do I feel this burning need to return? Obi-Wan should be safe at the mansion. //
The nagging warning that seemed to be sent to him by the force its self could not be suppressed. Qui-Gon wasn't sure he wanted it tamed, ever howominous it felt. He wanted to find the reason for it.
//The only reason here that could cause me to feel so much anxiety would be something to do with my son. I'll be with him soon. I an see for myself that he is alright.//
//DAD!!!//
Qui-Gon stopped dead in his tracks waiting.. waiting for more from Obi-Wan. It sounded like a wail for help that tore from the threshold of their mind link and managed to find its way through their training bond, ever how weak it had become.
//Obi, Obi-Wan what is it? I hear you through our bond. Tell me, are you safe? //
The only answer he go was the eerie silence that pierced the night and the more dreaded lonliness in his mind. He wanted so badly to here his little one continue. Qui-Gon could sense terror in the child's tone. He was afraid but of what at the mansion? Had Dooku come in drunk and started on the boy?
Horror visions passed through the master's mind of Dooku beating on the child or in some other way being abusive to him.
The Jedi increased his speed toward the mansion before something else tugged at him. It wasn't something spoken through the bond, this was much more elusive than that and it wasn't coming from his apprentice. It came from the force. It had its own directions for Jinn and no matter how the master wanted to take a step toward the mansion he was stopped by something that seemed to hold him there in place; demanded he pay attention to the guidance being sent him.
It was a message from the force and it was not directing the master to the mansion, another place. Qui-Gon turned, his eyes roamed wildly to see if there was at least some kind of hint as to what he should do. He had never ignored what the force told him. He learned since becoming a Jedi Knight it wasn't a wise thing to do. He did however question the wisdom going somewhere else to see his padawan was protected if he was still at the mansion.
//That's it, *maybe*. Obi-Wan might have been taken from the mansion. What if the child spoke the truth or truth as he knew it about being kidnapped. I should not have been so quick to shrug him to the side. Maybe some kind of mind swipe was done to him. He is not strong enough in the force or well versed enough to stop that from happening. //
Just then Qui-Gon noticed a sign with a light almost overhead to show clearly what it said.
HOVER PORT--TWO MILES---- After the words was an arrow pointing the direction to be taken.
That must be it.
As he said the words he knew they were truth. He had to go to that transport landing and at least check it out.
#######At the hover port#########
"Well I see you have managed to do something right."
"Don't start Palpatine. I have the boy, although I haven't told him of our real plans, yet. That in its self should be enough to stop your tormenting of me."
"Don't want to upset the child now do ya?"
"I don't give a sith about the child. I am trying to keep any negative energy from being transmitted to that father of his. Their bond is closed at least from Obi-Wan's side, but Jinn might feel the child's distress or a random plea for help through their bond if the child becomes unduly alarmed until we get off this planet. Qui-Gon is quite perceptive in the ways of the force. He is very attuned and connected to the living force and senses things others could not even begin to feel through the force."
"I see. You hold your old pupil in high regard then. I sense growing fear in you Dooku. Fear for a Jedi is dangerous. However, for someone working the dark side it can be doubly so. Load the child up and we will see that your worries are soothed. We can be out in orbit in fifteen minutes. If you like, I could put a force collar on the child. Maybe that would ease your *fears*."
Obi-Wan stood on the landing port and watched as Dooku and Palpatine seemed to argue back and forth. For some reason he thought the disagreement might have something to do with him. He had not gotten anything back from his master when he tried to make mental contact with him and assumed he had failed completely in his call for help.
Tears streamed down his face. Even if Master Dooku spoke the truth and they were just hitching a ride back to Coruscant, the child still felt scared. He didn't want to do this without Qui-Gon.
Dooku was just moments from beckoning Obi-Wan to him to get on board. Palpatine stood with Dooku and waited for the last of his things to be loaded, before he himself got on the ship.
Both evil men there, were force sensitive. Whether it was the force of light or the dark that ruled them, they should have felt the force-signature of an even stronger force-sensitived entity very close to them. So close in fact, he could reach out and touch Obi-Wan.
Out of the darkness a large robed arm thrusted forward, grabbed the child, and before he had a chance to scream, a saber calloused hand roughly closed over the little boy's mouth, stifling any sound. Obi-Wan was pulled back into the shadows with his unseen abductor. He only stopped squirming and kicking when he looked up , *way up* into the azure blue eyes of his father and master Qui-Gon Jinn, staring lovingly back at him…
PEACE ewen