Title: Strength over fear
Author: ewan's girl
Author's note: Wow, I can't believe how fast the chapters are coming to me now, I guess it's because I've had these chapters planned out a long time ago, I was just trying to get to them. I also just want to let any of you Siri and Obi Wan fans out there know that Jude Watson has released the newest Jedi Quest book, and there are some classic Siri and Obi scenes in it. Ok faithful readers, here is the Temple siege scene, I hope it works ok. Please as always review!
*Chapter 23
Mace Windu raced out of the room of a thousand fountains, followed quickly by Siri Tachi. The two Jedi entered the dark hallway, hearing more and more glass shattering and blaster fire. Light sabers were also heard in the distance as the Jedi began to discover that they were under attack. Mace searched through the Force for guidance, but couldn't get over the overwhelming stench of the dark side, he glanced back at Siri, taking note that she held a face of determination.
"To the gate." Mace commanded, and the two took a hard right at the end of the hall, racing towards the entrance of the Temple. As they ran they came across several other Jedi who had been awoken, who quickly followed the head council member down the hall, when they finally reached the entrance they noticed the silhouette of clone troopers in the windows, preparing to break in.
Mace, Siri, Ki-Adi-Mundi, Adi Gallia, Plo Koon, and Ferus hid behind pillars, waiting for the intruders to enter the Temple. Siri pushed her back to the pillar and glanced over to the one to her right and stared at her former master. Adi Gallia gave Siri a wink, a gesture that had been common in their time together (although Siri noticed it was sadder than she last remembered it). Siri then looked to her left and noticed Ferus standing behind the pillar next to her, Siri gave him the same gesture and Ferus nodded.
The six Jedi called upon the Force for support and when the first wave of troops ran past them Mace gave the call and as one the Jedi attacked in a blur of blue, green, and purple light. Mace ran into the thick of the troops, cutting off limbs as he went, he was closely followed by Ki-Adi- Mundi, and Plo Koon who jumped over one trooper, beheading him and stabbing another through the chest as he hit the ground. Adi, Siri, and Ferus tried their hardest to force the soldiers back out the gate of the Temple, but were not having much luck considering how out numbered they were. Siri kicked out gracefully with her bare foot, kicking the helmet off of one of the troops, then quickly driving Obi Wan's blade into it's chest, while blocking a blast bolt with her own weapon. She kept a watchful eye on her former padawan, a habit she had grown accustom to during his apprenticeship. She watched as Ferus was surrounded by five troops and deflected all of their fire, rolling to safety. Siri thanked the Force he was as skilled as he was and prayed it would last.
**
Elsewhere in the Temple troops were pouring in through windows, killing the Jedi in a blur of blue blast bolts. Most of the younger Jedi were still in their beds when the soldiers crashed through their windows, shooting them before they could defend themselves. One trooper crashed through a small bedroom window, and was quickly followed by two of his comrades. They held their blasters, searching for the Jedi, they noticed a bundle on the dark bed and opened fire. Suddenly a green glow came from behind them and all three troopers were beheaded in one swift movement. Their headless bodies crashed to the floor, at the feet of a green Jedi dressed in his sleep tunic. Kit Fisto stared down at them and shook his head, he then raced out into the hall, immediately finding chaos. He glanced up and down the hall and found several Jedi running out of their rooms, all in their nightclothes, their light sabers ignited, all with the same look on their faces. Suddenly the door to the room next to his opened and Shaak Ti ran through it, an expression of pure dread on her face. Kit walked past her and glanced into her room noticing the body of her young padawan sprawled across the floor, next to four troopers. Kit placed a webbed hand on her shoulder, she looked up at him and in an instant had calmed her features.
The two Jedi masters then gathered their strength and raced down the hall, followed by several other Jedi. Kit noticed the window at the end of the hall and the Force warned him just as a rocket crashed through it, Kit quickly grabbed Shaak Ti and a young Twi'lek Jedi and jumped off the sixth story walkway just as the rocket exploded, killing eight Jedi who weren't fast enough to get out of the way. The three Jedi used the Force to slow their descent, they landed on the third story walkway with a bone-crunching thud, and quickly as they could continue their trek to the gate. Kit peered over the railing and watched as six Jedi fought against the onslaught of troops that seemed to be pouring in through the gate. Shaak Ti glanced at Kit who favored her with his famous smile and the two masters jumped down on top of several clones, igniting their sabers and joining Mace and his companions in the fray.
Mace looked up in time to see Kit Fisto and Shaak Ti crash into several clones. Kit then ignited both ends of his double bladed light saber and twirled it, cutting off two clones heads in one swift move, Mace turned and slashed his saber into a pillar, causing it to tumble on top of five clones. He then turned and noticed Ferus Olin strike down another clone with a twirl of his saber, the two exchanged glances and then heard the scream of children in the distance.
"Go to the children." Mace commanded Ferus.
"I can't leave you alone." Ferus told him.
"We have to get the children out, and I entrust you to do it knight Olin." Mace exclaimed, cutting down another clone.
Ferus blocked a blast bolt, hesitating. "Yes master." He agreed, racing away from the battle.
**************************************************************************** *******
The A-wing fighter dropped into the atmosphere of Courascant, the pilot immediately finding it strange that there were no longer security checkpoints. Obi Wan skillfully piloted the small ship into the traffic, swerving between speeders, trying to race to the Temple. The master hoped that he was not too late, he felt a sick disturbance in the Force, and knew time was running out. Obi Wan took a moment to relax his fears, and live in the moment, he suddenly realized that it was the middle of the night and there was a monstrous traffic jam. He glanced out his windshield and realized that the planet security force were diverting traffic away from the Jedi Temple, his heart began to race.
He pulled back on the stick and forced his plane to rise above the traffic, hoping to get a better view as to what was happening. He rose above the skyscrapers and the sight before him caused his heart to catch in his throat. He put the fighter into hover mode and stared in disbelief as he watched what seemed to be the entire clone army attack the only home he'd ever known. Battalions of tens of thousands were marching on the front gate, while hundreds of others were scale ling the walls and towers, crashing through windows. He also watched as tie fighters flew along the outside of the Temple, occasionally shooting rockets at the already battered building.
Obi Wan quickly mustered up his strength and flew his ship away from the sight, he pushed the ship as fast as he could without crashing into anything and headed to the lower levels of the city. He then landed his ship near the outskirts of the industrial district and pulled out Anakin's light saber, cutting a hole in the sewer cover. Obi Wan dropped down beneath the streets, into the cities' water tunnels and headed in the direction of the Temple.
**************************************************************************** ***************
"The Jedi need our help!" Padme sat up in her bed, almost shouting at Bail Organa who had just come to see how she was doing.
"We don't even know anything is even happening, we can't risk our identities just because one Jedi had a nightmare." Organa explained.
"It was a vision Bail." Padme argued. "And something must be happening because Luke and Leia are uneasy."
Bail sighed and sat down on the edge of her bed. "Padme, we cannot risk open war yet, are numbers are still too few."
"But what about the Jedi?" She asked, her eyes pleading.
"They can take care of themselves." Bail told her, rising to his feet. "Besides, we have given the Jedi plenty of opportunities to join with us, and yet they haven't." He looked at her. "They stood by and did nothing while the Empire came into power, where were the Jedi when they attacked Mallastar? Where were the Jedi when they attacked Naboo?" He ranted, and Padme turned away, tears stinging her eyes. "No Milady, we cannot risk helping the Jedi, they are on their own."
He began to leave but Padme's voice caught him off guard. "How many times have the Jedi saved your life or the lives of the people of Alderaan since you were elected?" She asked.
Bail stood with his back towards Padme, then said nothing else and exited the room.
*********************************************************************
Ferus scrambled to the turbo lift, but found that the Imperial army must've cut the power to the Temple; he quickly accessed the situation and stared up at the walkway above him. He summoned the power of the Force and it propelled him to the next level, he then ran down the now empty hall and searched for the stairs that would take him to the initiate's wing.
The newly knighted Jedi rounded another corner and suddenly heard the scream of a woman. Ferus turned away from his mission and headed into one of the darkened rooms, he ignited his light saber and jumped into the living room of a master/padawan team and came face to face with a girl a couple of years younger than himself, standing over the body of her slain master. Ferus then saw a clone trooper that had been obviously Force pushed across the room lying in a heap against the wall. Ferus walked up to the Trooper and grabbed the blaster out of his hand, slipping it over his shoulder. Ferus then turned to the distraught girl, and her fallen master.
"Master Soara!" The girl, now on her knees cried.
Ferus touched the girl gently on the shoulder. "Darra, she is one with the Force now, I am sorry."
Darra Thel-Tanis stared up at Ferus. "Why are they doing this?" She asked hoarsely.
Ferus knelt down next to her. "Now is not the time for why or why not." He put a finger under her chin, forcing her gaze to meet his again. "I need your help, we have to get the children out of the Temple."
Darra swallowed hard and nodded, she quickly gave her master a kiss on the forehead and followed Ferus into the hall. The two young Jedi were careful to keep to the shadows as they continued to search for the younglings. They silently passed into the children's wing of the Temple and found several bodies of young padawans. Darra had to put a hand over her mouth at the sight, and even Ferus found it difficult to keep his emotions at bay.
"We are too late." Ferus sadly stated.
The two Jedi continued to search the wing for survivors when they noticed five storm troopers trying to break into an old training room. Ferus and Darra listened to the Force, and realized that a small group of children had barricaded themselves in the room. Ferus gave Darra a glance and the two Jedi moved as one, running towards the clones, diverting their attention away from the children. Darra jumped in the air and kicked out with both legs, stunning two clones, she then landed on her knees and slid under another clone, chopping off his leg. Ferus blocked blaster shots; cutting off limbs, watching as the clones backed away in pain, then without notice more soldiers appeared.
"We can't keep this up forever." Darra shouted to Ferus. "Any ideas?"
"I'm thinking." He shouted back, blocking a blast bolt, sending it back to the clone that shot it.
Suddenly the door behind them opened and a hooded figure with a blue light saber appeared. The stranger proceeded to take down the remaining troopers with skill, clearly a master with a laser sword. He flipped into the air and came down with a powerful kick to one of the troopers; he then threw his light saber into the chest of one, while head butting another. Ferus and Darra quickly regained their composure and joined him in defeating the last of the squadron. When all was quiet the hooded figure turned to the children that were hiding behind the door.
"Stay where you are little ones." He commanded them, and the children obeyed.
Ferus immediately recognized the accented voice. "Master Kenobi?" He asked, excitedly.
Obi Wan withdrew his hood. "Yes Ferus, I've returned." He looked at the two young adults. "Are you hurt?" He asked.
Darra and Ferus shook their heads. "When did you return?" Ferus asked. "How did we not know of your return?"
Obi Wan put a hand on his shoulder. "We don't have time for this now padawan." He looked the young man in the eyes. "We need to get the children to safety." Ferus nodded. "There is an old escape tunnel through that wall." He pointed back to the room that the children were hiding in. "I want the two of you to gather these children, and any others you can find and go into the tunnels below Courascant." Ferus was about to protest. "It is too late, we must fall back, and we must abandon the Temple." He stated sadly.
Ferus slowly nodded, the defeat registering in his brain. "Yes master."
Obi Wan clapped him on the shoulder. "Wait for us to find you." He stated, and then hesitated. "If we don't meet you by daylight you must find a way off of the planet, you must continue the order if the worst happens."
Ferus looked into Obi Wan's blue/gray eyes and saw determination in his orbs. "Yes master."
"May the Force be with you. Now go." He commanded and began to run down the hall.
"Master!" Ferus called after him. "They are at the gate."
Obi Wan turned and waved then continued down the hall. Ferus turned to Darra who had a single tear streaking down her cheek.
**************************************************************************** ****
The battle at the gate had raged on for the better part of an hour and the Jedi were starting to show signs of fatigue. Fifteen Jedi had now found their way to the entrance of the Temple and were helping Mace Windu keep the army at bay, but it seemed to be a losing battle because the Jedi were few and the army was many.
Suddenly a stray rocket crashed into the wall, causing it to crumble around them, the smoke then caused the sprinkler system to go off and water rained down on the battle. The Jedi took what cover they could as debris fell around them, crushing several clones. Mace coughed as the dust cleared and took a mental count of the remaining Jedi, he then looked to his right and saw that one of the large pillars had collapsed during the explosion and had landed on Ki-Adi-Mundi. Mace ran to his friend, lifting the pillar off his body with the aid of the Force.
Ki-Adi shook his head at Mace's attempts to help him. "My body is broken my friend, I go to the Force." He bravely stated. Mace lowered his head in sorrow and nodded, he then felt the life force of his friend leave.
Mace looked back at the gate and noticed that the explosion had confused the clones briefly and they had mere seconds before more troops would pour into the entrance. He glanced up and saw the worried face of Adi Gallia, an expression one didn't see too often on her. "Pull everyone back." Mace told her, "Pull them back to the second level."
Adi nodded and grabbed an injured knight that had fallen next to her, she then called out to the other Jedi and they began to head back to the corridors of the Temple. Adi then whistled at Siri who was at the front of the battle with Kit Fisto, Siri looked back at Adi just as a clone came up behind her, grabbing her by the neck, getting ready to snap it. Siri quickly drove her light saber into the soldier's leg and turned around in a swift, fluid motion and cut the trooper in half with Obi Wan's light saber. She and Fisto then retreated with the rest of the Jedi.
The small group of Jedi ran away from the battalion that was charging after them and ran into the large dinning room, Mace and Plo Koon Force pushed the doors shut and Adi and Siri forced several large tables to block the door from opening. The exhausted, sopping wet Jedi stopped to catch their breaths, but knew the army would break through shortly. Mace rose to his feet and forced the other Jedi to do the same, the small band of knights began to head towards the back entrance of the cafeteria when suddenly the doors blew shut, trapping them. They quickly turned around, their light sabers ignited, they stood before a hooded man who was breathing heavily as if he had been running for miles.
The man lowered his hood to reveal one of their own.
"Obi Wan?" Mace asked in surprise.
Siri felt her eyes water due to the emotions of the battle, and now knowing he was safe. "You came back." She whispered.
Obi Wan offered her a warm smile, then he turned to Mace. "There are more troops coming from that way." Obi Wan explained why he closed the doors. "The Temple is surrounded." He stared Mace in the eyes. "The Empire has unleashed the entire army on the Jedi, our only hope is to abandon the Temple."
"No." Shaak Ti whispered.
"That means we have lost, the Jedi order is no more." Adi Gallia finished.
"A Jedi does not need a Temple to be a Jedi." Kit Fisto stated.
"Master Fisto is right." Mace commented. "There is always hope for the Jedi, as long as we hold true to the Force." He looked at Obi Wan. "I assume you have a plan."
Obi Wan nodded. "The underground passageway has yet to be discovered by them, I believe it to be our only way out." He finally caught his breath. "I have already sent Ferus and Darra with a group of children down there."
"Let's go." Plo Koon stated, rising to his feet.
"If we are indeed leaving the Temple, there are some things we will need to start over." Mace interjected. "We will need credits, and also some of the archives would be a good idea."
"I'm not certain it is a good idea to return for anything." Obi Wan stated.
"I just need to get to the Council chambers, everything we will need is stored next to it." Mace continued. "I will go alone, it will be easier."
"I do not think going at all is a good choice, but certainly not going alone." Obi Wan exclaimed. "I will go with you."
"You need to make sure everyone gets out Obi Wan." Mace stated. "I know where the underground tunnels are."
"I will go with you Master Windu." Siri interjected. "With the power off it will prove difficult to get to the Council chambers, perhaps my time spent as a pirate will prove useful in finding alternate routes." Obi Wan stared at Siri with a gaze that told her no, she in turn stared back at him with a look that said "you better not argue".
"We will rendezvous beneath the Temple." Mace knew time was of the essence. "May the Force be with us."
The group went their separate ways, Siri began to follow Mace to the turbo lift when she turned back towards Obi Wan, she looked up at him and handed him a silver cylinder. "I knew you'd come back for this."
Obi Wan took the familiar weapon and placed it on his belt. "Thank you for guarding it." He then ran a hand over her cheek. "I just came back to you, so please don't do anything stupid." He begged.
She leaned into his touch. "Hey, it's me." She said in her usual joking tone, but it was etched with sorrow and weariness.
Obi Wan glanced around to make sure no one was watching them and he quickly leaned in and planted a soft kiss on her lips. Siri's breath hitched as he released her, she reluctantly turned away from him. Obi Wan then watched as she and Mace Windu used their light sabers to open the turbo lift doors and begin to climb the inside of the tube. He sighed to himself and headed to the small group of Jedi that were waiting for him to lead them to safety.
************************************************************
TBC!
Author: ewan's girl
Author's note: Wow, I can't believe how fast the chapters are coming to me now, I guess it's because I've had these chapters planned out a long time ago, I was just trying to get to them. I also just want to let any of you Siri and Obi Wan fans out there know that Jude Watson has released the newest Jedi Quest book, and there are some classic Siri and Obi scenes in it. Ok faithful readers, here is the Temple siege scene, I hope it works ok. Please as always review!
*Chapter 23
Mace Windu raced out of the room of a thousand fountains, followed quickly by Siri Tachi. The two Jedi entered the dark hallway, hearing more and more glass shattering and blaster fire. Light sabers were also heard in the distance as the Jedi began to discover that they were under attack. Mace searched through the Force for guidance, but couldn't get over the overwhelming stench of the dark side, he glanced back at Siri, taking note that she held a face of determination.
"To the gate." Mace commanded, and the two took a hard right at the end of the hall, racing towards the entrance of the Temple. As they ran they came across several other Jedi who had been awoken, who quickly followed the head council member down the hall, when they finally reached the entrance they noticed the silhouette of clone troopers in the windows, preparing to break in.
Mace, Siri, Ki-Adi-Mundi, Adi Gallia, Plo Koon, and Ferus hid behind pillars, waiting for the intruders to enter the Temple. Siri pushed her back to the pillar and glanced over to the one to her right and stared at her former master. Adi Gallia gave Siri a wink, a gesture that had been common in their time together (although Siri noticed it was sadder than she last remembered it). Siri then looked to her left and noticed Ferus standing behind the pillar next to her, Siri gave him the same gesture and Ferus nodded.
The six Jedi called upon the Force for support and when the first wave of troops ran past them Mace gave the call and as one the Jedi attacked in a blur of blue, green, and purple light. Mace ran into the thick of the troops, cutting off limbs as he went, he was closely followed by Ki-Adi- Mundi, and Plo Koon who jumped over one trooper, beheading him and stabbing another through the chest as he hit the ground. Adi, Siri, and Ferus tried their hardest to force the soldiers back out the gate of the Temple, but were not having much luck considering how out numbered they were. Siri kicked out gracefully with her bare foot, kicking the helmet off of one of the troops, then quickly driving Obi Wan's blade into it's chest, while blocking a blast bolt with her own weapon. She kept a watchful eye on her former padawan, a habit she had grown accustom to during his apprenticeship. She watched as Ferus was surrounded by five troops and deflected all of their fire, rolling to safety. Siri thanked the Force he was as skilled as he was and prayed it would last.
**
Elsewhere in the Temple troops were pouring in through windows, killing the Jedi in a blur of blue blast bolts. Most of the younger Jedi were still in their beds when the soldiers crashed through their windows, shooting them before they could defend themselves. One trooper crashed through a small bedroom window, and was quickly followed by two of his comrades. They held their blasters, searching for the Jedi, they noticed a bundle on the dark bed and opened fire. Suddenly a green glow came from behind them and all three troopers were beheaded in one swift movement. Their headless bodies crashed to the floor, at the feet of a green Jedi dressed in his sleep tunic. Kit Fisto stared down at them and shook his head, he then raced out into the hall, immediately finding chaos. He glanced up and down the hall and found several Jedi running out of their rooms, all in their nightclothes, their light sabers ignited, all with the same look on their faces. Suddenly the door to the room next to his opened and Shaak Ti ran through it, an expression of pure dread on her face. Kit walked past her and glanced into her room noticing the body of her young padawan sprawled across the floor, next to four troopers. Kit placed a webbed hand on her shoulder, she looked up at him and in an instant had calmed her features.
The two Jedi masters then gathered their strength and raced down the hall, followed by several other Jedi. Kit noticed the window at the end of the hall and the Force warned him just as a rocket crashed through it, Kit quickly grabbed Shaak Ti and a young Twi'lek Jedi and jumped off the sixth story walkway just as the rocket exploded, killing eight Jedi who weren't fast enough to get out of the way. The three Jedi used the Force to slow their descent, they landed on the third story walkway with a bone-crunching thud, and quickly as they could continue their trek to the gate. Kit peered over the railing and watched as six Jedi fought against the onslaught of troops that seemed to be pouring in through the gate. Shaak Ti glanced at Kit who favored her with his famous smile and the two masters jumped down on top of several clones, igniting their sabers and joining Mace and his companions in the fray.
Mace looked up in time to see Kit Fisto and Shaak Ti crash into several clones. Kit then ignited both ends of his double bladed light saber and twirled it, cutting off two clones heads in one swift move, Mace turned and slashed his saber into a pillar, causing it to tumble on top of five clones. He then turned and noticed Ferus Olin strike down another clone with a twirl of his saber, the two exchanged glances and then heard the scream of children in the distance.
"Go to the children." Mace commanded Ferus.
"I can't leave you alone." Ferus told him.
"We have to get the children out, and I entrust you to do it knight Olin." Mace exclaimed, cutting down another clone.
Ferus blocked a blast bolt, hesitating. "Yes master." He agreed, racing away from the battle.
**************************************************************************** *******
The A-wing fighter dropped into the atmosphere of Courascant, the pilot immediately finding it strange that there were no longer security checkpoints. Obi Wan skillfully piloted the small ship into the traffic, swerving between speeders, trying to race to the Temple. The master hoped that he was not too late, he felt a sick disturbance in the Force, and knew time was running out. Obi Wan took a moment to relax his fears, and live in the moment, he suddenly realized that it was the middle of the night and there was a monstrous traffic jam. He glanced out his windshield and realized that the planet security force were diverting traffic away from the Jedi Temple, his heart began to race.
He pulled back on the stick and forced his plane to rise above the traffic, hoping to get a better view as to what was happening. He rose above the skyscrapers and the sight before him caused his heart to catch in his throat. He put the fighter into hover mode and stared in disbelief as he watched what seemed to be the entire clone army attack the only home he'd ever known. Battalions of tens of thousands were marching on the front gate, while hundreds of others were scale ling the walls and towers, crashing through windows. He also watched as tie fighters flew along the outside of the Temple, occasionally shooting rockets at the already battered building.
Obi Wan quickly mustered up his strength and flew his ship away from the sight, he pushed the ship as fast as he could without crashing into anything and headed to the lower levels of the city. He then landed his ship near the outskirts of the industrial district and pulled out Anakin's light saber, cutting a hole in the sewer cover. Obi Wan dropped down beneath the streets, into the cities' water tunnels and headed in the direction of the Temple.
**************************************************************************** ***************
"The Jedi need our help!" Padme sat up in her bed, almost shouting at Bail Organa who had just come to see how she was doing.
"We don't even know anything is even happening, we can't risk our identities just because one Jedi had a nightmare." Organa explained.
"It was a vision Bail." Padme argued. "And something must be happening because Luke and Leia are uneasy."
Bail sighed and sat down on the edge of her bed. "Padme, we cannot risk open war yet, are numbers are still too few."
"But what about the Jedi?" She asked, her eyes pleading.
"They can take care of themselves." Bail told her, rising to his feet. "Besides, we have given the Jedi plenty of opportunities to join with us, and yet they haven't." He looked at her. "They stood by and did nothing while the Empire came into power, where were the Jedi when they attacked Mallastar? Where were the Jedi when they attacked Naboo?" He ranted, and Padme turned away, tears stinging her eyes. "No Milady, we cannot risk helping the Jedi, they are on their own."
He began to leave but Padme's voice caught him off guard. "How many times have the Jedi saved your life or the lives of the people of Alderaan since you were elected?" She asked.
Bail stood with his back towards Padme, then said nothing else and exited the room.
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Ferus scrambled to the turbo lift, but found that the Imperial army must've cut the power to the Temple; he quickly accessed the situation and stared up at the walkway above him. He summoned the power of the Force and it propelled him to the next level, he then ran down the now empty hall and searched for the stairs that would take him to the initiate's wing.
The newly knighted Jedi rounded another corner and suddenly heard the scream of a woman. Ferus turned away from his mission and headed into one of the darkened rooms, he ignited his light saber and jumped into the living room of a master/padawan team and came face to face with a girl a couple of years younger than himself, standing over the body of her slain master. Ferus then saw a clone trooper that had been obviously Force pushed across the room lying in a heap against the wall. Ferus walked up to the Trooper and grabbed the blaster out of his hand, slipping it over his shoulder. Ferus then turned to the distraught girl, and her fallen master.
"Master Soara!" The girl, now on her knees cried.
Ferus touched the girl gently on the shoulder. "Darra, she is one with the Force now, I am sorry."
Darra Thel-Tanis stared up at Ferus. "Why are they doing this?" She asked hoarsely.
Ferus knelt down next to her. "Now is not the time for why or why not." He put a finger under her chin, forcing her gaze to meet his again. "I need your help, we have to get the children out of the Temple."
Darra swallowed hard and nodded, she quickly gave her master a kiss on the forehead and followed Ferus into the hall. The two young Jedi were careful to keep to the shadows as they continued to search for the younglings. They silently passed into the children's wing of the Temple and found several bodies of young padawans. Darra had to put a hand over her mouth at the sight, and even Ferus found it difficult to keep his emotions at bay.
"We are too late." Ferus sadly stated.
The two Jedi continued to search the wing for survivors when they noticed five storm troopers trying to break into an old training room. Ferus and Darra listened to the Force, and realized that a small group of children had barricaded themselves in the room. Ferus gave Darra a glance and the two Jedi moved as one, running towards the clones, diverting their attention away from the children. Darra jumped in the air and kicked out with both legs, stunning two clones, she then landed on her knees and slid under another clone, chopping off his leg. Ferus blocked blaster shots; cutting off limbs, watching as the clones backed away in pain, then without notice more soldiers appeared.
"We can't keep this up forever." Darra shouted to Ferus. "Any ideas?"
"I'm thinking." He shouted back, blocking a blast bolt, sending it back to the clone that shot it.
Suddenly the door behind them opened and a hooded figure with a blue light saber appeared. The stranger proceeded to take down the remaining troopers with skill, clearly a master with a laser sword. He flipped into the air and came down with a powerful kick to one of the troopers; he then threw his light saber into the chest of one, while head butting another. Ferus and Darra quickly regained their composure and joined him in defeating the last of the squadron. When all was quiet the hooded figure turned to the children that were hiding behind the door.
"Stay where you are little ones." He commanded them, and the children obeyed.
Ferus immediately recognized the accented voice. "Master Kenobi?" He asked, excitedly.
Obi Wan withdrew his hood. "Yes Ferus, I've returned." He looked at the two young adults. "Are you hurt?" He asked.
Darra and Ferus shook their heads. "When did you return?" Ferus asked. "How did we not know of your return?"
Obi Wan put a hand on his shoulder. "We don't have time for this now padawan." He looked the young man in the eyes. "We need to get the children to safety." Ferus nodded. "There is an old escape tunnel through that wall." He pointed back to the room that the children were hiding in. "I want the two of you to gather these children, and any others you can find and go into the tunnels below Courascant." Ferus was about to protest. "It is too late, we must fall back, and we must abandon the Temple." He stated sadly.
Ferus slowly nodded, the defeat registering in his brain. "Yes master."
Obi Wan clapped him on the shoulder. "Wait for us to find you." He stated, and then hesitated. "If we don't meet you by daylight you must find a way off of the planet, you must continue the order if the worst happens."
Ferus looked into Obi Wan's blue/gray eyes and saw determination in his orbs. "Yes master."
"May the Force be with you. Now go." He commanded and began to run down the hall.
"Master!" Ferus called after him. "They are at the gate."
Obi Wan turned and waved then continued down the hall. Ferus turned to Darra who had a single tear streaking down her cheek.
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The battle at the gate had raged on for the better part of an hour and the Jedi were starting to show signs of fatigue. Fifteen Jedi had now found their way to the entrance of the Temple and were helping Mace Windu keep the army at bay, but it seemed to be a losing battle because the Jedi were few and the army was many.
Suddenly a stray rocket crashed into the wall, causing it to crumble around them, the smoke then caused the sprinkler system to go off and water rained down on the battle. The Jedi took what cover they could as debris fell around them, crushing several clones. Mace coughed as the dust cleared and took a mental count of the remaining Jedi, he then looked to his right and saw that one of the large pillars had collapsed during the explosion and had landed on Ki-Adi-Mundi. Mace ran to his friend, lifting the pillar off his body with the aid of the Force.
Ki-Adi shook his head at Mace's attempts to help him. "My body is broken my friend, I go to the Force." He bravely stated. Mace lowered his head in sorrow and nodded, he then felt the life force of his friend leave.
Mace looked back at the gate and noticed that the explosion had confused the clones briefly and they had mere seconds before more troops would pour into the entrance. He glanced up and saw the worried face of Adi Gallia, an expression one didn't see too often on her. "Pull everyone back." Mace told her, "Pull them back to the second level."
Adi nodded and grabbed an injured knight that had fallen next to her, she then called out to the other Jedi and they began to head back to the corridors of the Temple. Adi then whistled at Siri who was at the front of the battle with Kit Fisto, Siri looked back at Adi just as a clone came up behind her, grabbing her by the neck, getting ready to snap it. Siri quickly drove her light saber into the soldier's leg and turned around in a swift, fluid motion and cut the trooper in half with Obi Wan's light saber. She and Fisto then retreated with the rest of the Jedi.
The small group of Jedi ran away from the battalion that was charging after them and ran into the large dinning room, Mace and Plo Koon Force pushed the doors shut and Adi and Siri forced several large tables to block the door from opening. The exhausted, sopping wet Jedi stopped to catch their breaths, but knew the army would break through shortly. Mace rose to his feet and forced the other Jedi to do the same, the small band of knights began to head towards the back entrance of the cafeteria when suddenly the doors blew shut, trapping them. They quickly turned around, their light sabers ignited, they stood before a hooded man who was breathing heavily as if he had been running for miles.
The man lowered his hood to reveal one of their own.
"Obi Wan?" Mace asked in surprise.
Siri felt her eyes water due to the emotions of the battle, and now knowing he was safe. "You came back." She whispered.
Obi Wan offered her a warm smile, then he turned to Mace. "There are more troops coming from that way." Obi Wan explained why he closed the doors. "The Temple is surrounded." He stared Mace in the eyes. "The Empire has unleashed the entire army on the Jedi, our only hope is to abandon the Temple."
"No." Shaak Ti whispered.
"That means we have lost, the Jedi order is no more." Adi Gallia finished.
"A Jedi does not need a Temple to be a Jedi." Kit Fisto stated.
"Master Fisto is right." Mace commented. "There is always hope for the Jedi, as long as we hold true to the Force." He looked at Obi Wan. "I assume you have a plan."
Obi Wan nodded. "The underground passageway has yet to be discovered by them, I believe it to be our only way out." He finally caught his breath. "I have already sent Ferus and Darra with a group of children down there."
"Let's go." Plo Koon stated, rising to his feet.
"If we are indeed leaving the Temple, there are some things we will need to start over." Mace interjected. "We will need credits, and also some of the archives would be a good idea."
"I'm not certain it is a good idea to return for anything." Obi Wan stated.
"I just need to get to the Council chambers, everything we will need is stored next to it." Mace continued. "I will go alone, it will be easier."
"I do not think going at all is a good choice, but certainly not going alone." Obi Wan exclaimed. "I will go with you."
"You need to make sure everyone gets out Obi Wan." Mace stated. "I know where the underground tunnels are."
"I will go with you Master Windu." Siri interjected. "With the power off it will prove difficult to get to the Council chambers, perhaps my time spent as a pirate will prove useful in finding alternate routes." Obi Wan stared at Siri with a gaze that told her no, she in turn stared back at him with a look that said "you better not argue".
"We will rendezvous beneath the Temple." Mace knew time was of the essence. "May the Force be with us."
The group went their separate ways, Siri began to follow Mace to the turbo lift when she turned back towards Obi Wan, she looked up at him and handed him a silver cylinder. "I knew you'd come back for this."
Obi Wan took the familiar weapon and placed it on his belt. "Thank you for guarding it." He then ran a hand over her cheek. "I just came back to you, so please don't do anything stupid." He begged.
She leaned into his touch. "Hey, it's me." She said in her usual joking tone, but it was etched with sorrow and weariness.
Obi Wan glanced around to make sure no one was watching them and he quickly leaned in and planted a soft kiss on her lips. Siri's breath hitched as he released her, she reluctantly turned away from him. Obi Wan then watched as she and Mace Windu used their light sabers to open the turbo lift doors and begin to climb the inside of the tube. He sighed to himself and headed to the small group of Jedi that were waiting for him to lead them to safety.
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TBC!