Repercussions

Chapter 33

That cursed Jedi serenity! How had he managed to regain it? Perhaps it had been a mistake to allow him access to the Force. He had thought that at this point the tormented man would only be able to touch the Dark Side, but it was obvious he had underestimated his resilience. Well that could be corrected. Stalking forward, Gaikusan grabbed for the shackles, snapping them around Kyran's bloody wrists.

At the control panel, Gaikusan stabbed the button that controlled the length of the chains, pulling them upwards until Kyran was forced to stand on the tips of his toes. Another button and massive waves of electricity flowed through him, causing him to arch his back and scream.

When the shuddering caused by the jolt finally settled, Gaikusan grabbed Kyran by the hair, jerking his head around so they looked eye to eye. Not so serene now, but no flame of anger burned either. Oh well, thought Gaikusan, the day is still young.

"Ready for another lesson, my apprentice?" Gaikusan said.

Kyran was busy ignoring Gaikusan and trying to get his breath back. He was in too much pain to register hardly anything that he was saying anyway so what was the point of forcing himself to pay attention? His whole body hurt something fierce from the waves of electricity that shot through him and left him panting for breath and his heart racing.

"I see that you have been working to recall the teachings of the Jedi Temple and their ridiculous code. They would have you believe that when you are being hurt, when wrong is being done to you, that you should react with calmness, serenity. To borrow a line from that old troll, You must unlearn what you have learned. And I'm more than happy to provide you with the lesson."

While he was talking, Gaikusan examined the many options that lay before him on the table. A variety of blades, stun batons, clubs and whips. He picked up a short, silver rod with several small red buttons. Holding it before Kyran's face, he waited until the green eyes focused on the object.

"Have you ever heard of a neural stimulator? Rather ingenious, actually. Stimulates the nerve endings to the brain without actually causing any physical damage. All pain, no mess. You seem to be getting a bit fragile, so perhaps its time we switch to this." Jabbing the short rod into Kyran's ribs, he switched it on.

Kyran cried out in a rush of exhaled breath as Gaikusan jabbed the rod into his ribs. His every nerve felt like they were on fire with pain in sharp white hot tendrils of agony that seemed to have no end. He'd tried hard to hold on to the peace that he'd managed to find, but it was slowly melting away, the longer Gaikusan held the rod on him. He knew that Qui-Gon and Devin were coming. He'd felt his friend reach out to him during the brief time Gaikusan had let him out of the chains. He closed his eyes tightly and began to recite... "There is no emotion... there is peace... "

Gaikusan pulled back the neural stim, again giving Kyran time to focus on what he was saying. "There is emotion, and it gives you power. There will be no peace if you have no power. You are chained here, helpless, because you deny that power."

Kyran ignored Gaikusan and continued repeating the Jedi Code like a mantra, the words filling him with a purpose and surety. He was prepared to become one with the Force if it chose to take him, or accept life if it didn't.

The words of the Code, rasped out with a voice that had grown hoarse from screaming. Gaikusan hated those words. They mocked him, all that he had been, all he might have become, all that he now was. Furious, he jammed the rod beneath the Jedi's chin and flicked it on.

Kyran screamed in pain and choked as Gaikusan shoved the rod beneath his chin. The pain was so sharp, so white hot--he could barely breathe. He couldn't breathe. He gagged and then struggled to force air into his lungs, the force of the hit to his throat having nearly taken his breath away. After what seemed like an eternity the pain died down to a somewhat more tolerable level--a throbbing ache, instead of sharp and white hot. He struggled to think clearly. What had he been doing? Then he remembered... reciting the code. Stubbornly, he opened his mouth again to continue reciting, despite the pain it caused him to speak... "There is no ignorance.. there is knowledge..

"Know this then, if you will not turn you will die and your friend will die with you, slowly and in great pain." Gaikusan's voice shook with his fury. More time wasted trying to turn another foolishly idealistic Jedi. If this plan ended in failure, he would make sure that the Jedi was punished for his lack of vision.

"Then kill me. " were the firmly whispered words that came from Kyran's mouth. Once, the threat might have meant something to him. He was prepared for death now and the knowledge that Gaikusan didn't have Qui-Gon made his path seem all the more clear. If Qui-Gon and Devin didn't arrive in time, then he would simply become one with the Force. Never again to be locked up, never again to be in pain.

"Practice that phrase. You'll be begging me for death, soon." The silver rod was pressed under Kyran's chin, but not yet ignited. "You're very last chance. Beg for my forgiveness and you may yet live."

Kyran took a breath and said hoarsely. "I will not turn. Nor will I beg forgiveness from you. You are not my master and you never will be. I serve the Force. If it chooses to take me, then so be it. I am ready. You have failed, Gaikusan. I am Jedi."

"It will not be the Force that decides when you die, fool. I will. And it will be a long, pain filled time from now." The rod was activated again, sending the blaze of pain into Kyran.

Kyran cried out as the white hot pain burned into him once more. With every ounce of strength that was left, he reached for the Force and pushed Gaikusan away from him, and the chains around his wrists sent a massive wave of electricity into him--the pain was white hot burning into his wrists. With another soft cry of pain, the world around him went black and he passed into the bliss of unfeeling unconsciousness...

Devin and Qui-Gon were deep within the palace complex. They had managed to infiltrate as far as the lower levels without being detected. Kyran's presence in the Force was weak, flickering faintly, but it was enough to lead the two of them onward. They ducked into a small side passage long enough to allow a group of chattering petty bureaucrats to pass by before continuing onward. A sudden burst of pain surged along their bond with Kyran, followed by a disturbing silence.

Devin glanced anxiously at Qui-Gon. His friend was now physically healed from many of his more serious injuries, but he knew that the emotional wounds still ran deep.

So far, Qui-Gon had seemed outwardly calm, if somewhat intense. Devin could only guess at any turmoil for Qui-Gon had once more raised his shields between them. To better focus on Kyran's location, he had said curtly, but Devin wondered if Qui-Gon was also attempting to hide his fears.

Qui-Gon's gaze was hard and dark. His brows were furrowed as he thought. This would be the end. He had to stop Gaikusan from hurting more innocents. The Jedi knight paused at that thought. Was that really his motivation or did his desire to stop Gaikusan come from anger at what the other had done to him and his best friend. He shook his head at the doubts. He needed to have his mind clear of doubts. He breathed in deeply and wrapped the Force around his mind, it filling him with warmth... and clarity.

At the end of the hallway was a metal door, guarded by two men armed with heavy blaster rifles. The only approach to the door would force them to come out of hiding. Kyran was somewhere close beyond.

Qui-Gon stared at the two guards and at the heavy metal door behind them. he took a deep breath, forcing down his fear. It was time. He pulled his lightsaber from the belt at his waist and he looked at Devin.

Devin nodded. He stepped out of the side passage and walked boldly up to the guards. Ignoring the blasters now aimed straight at him, he waved his hand, "We are expected. Let us pass."

The guards stared at the pair for a moment, then one replied in a slight monotone, "You are expected. Go in." With a regal nod, Devin allowed the guard to open the door then swept past him. After a moment's hesitation, Qui-Gon followed. The door closed and locked behind them.

Qui-Gon bit his lip as the door closed behind them and locked. Covering his sudden doubt, he arched a brow at Devin. "When was the last time that actually worked?"

Devin shrugged. "There's a first time for everything, I guess."

Qui-Gon snorted and just shook his head.

Gaikusan withdrew the syringe from Kyran's arm. The stimulant should reawaken the Jedi and keep him conscious for the next few hours, despite any damage done to him.

Kyran groaned and slowly began to come around, wondering briefly why he felt like he'd been dragged down a flight of stairs. His throat felt like it was coated with sandpaper and he could barely get enough air. His eyes fluttered open...

"You won't escape that easily, Jedi." Gaikusan slowly ran the tip of the silver rod down the side of Kyran's face. "Where shall I place it next? At the base of your spine? Over your heart? Or perhaps shoved into your eye? Eventually we'll try them all." With a savage thrust, Gaikusan shoved the rod into the pit of Kyran's stomach.

Kyran cried out as the white-hot pain burned into his stomach. He heaved but nothing came up, having had no food and little water since he'd been taken captive. He hearing a sound loud crash as the metal door fell to the floor in a molted heap. He stared at his two best friends as they charged into the room, lightsabers flashing and he almost sobbed with the knowledge that this was nearly over. Kyran let himself relax...

Gaikusan whirled around at the sound of the crash, his eyes widening at the sight of the two Jedi standing before him. Heads would roll for this lapse in security. Stretching out his hand, he ripped the lightsaber from Devin's hand. Another motion and a blast of Dark energy sent the startled man flying back into the hallway. A hollow thud sounded from Devin striking the wall, he slid downward, stunned.

"Back again, Qui-Gon? Miss your time as my guest so much you want to repeat the experience? You should have stayed in whatever hole you were hiding in. Now I'll make sure you die in the Hole in Tuvlat."

Devin's orange lightsaber flashed forward as Gaikusan attacked.

Qui-Gon parried the lunge of Gaikusan's attack. He didn't answer Gaikusan. He was immersed in the Force calling on it to aide him and stop this dark Jedi knight once and for all.The Force was flowing through him so deeply that even his twisted leg didn't seem to be bothering him. He reached out to the Force with a powerful Force-blast sent Gaikusan flying hard into the wall behind them.

Gaikusan flipped over, using the moment of the throw to run up the wall and over Qui-Gon's head. He swept the blade downwards towards Qui-Gon's legs.

Qui-Gon danced out of reach as Gaikusan tried to cut his legs off with Devin's blade. "Is that the best you can do, Gaikusan?" he taunted.

"I defeated you once, Qui-Gon. Soon you'll be in chains like your friend over there. Your timing was actually very good. He's close to dead, anyway." Gaikusan slashed upwards.

Qui-Gon smiled tightly at Gaikusan. "You'd like to think that wouldn't you?" He came in hard at Gaikusan blocking the slash, lashing out with his foot, catching him hard in the leg.

Gaikusan stumbled slightly, bringing up his saber in a clumsy block. For the first time, fear that he might not win this fight began to grow in him. This was no injured, half-starved, beaten man before him. This was one of the best saberfighters of his generation and limp or no limp Gaikusan knew Qui-Gon was much better with the saber. Gaikusan turned slightly and started to edge towards the door. If he got clear, he could summon his guards. Several dozen blaster bolts should take care of this problem.

Qui-Gon came at him again, hard and fast and furious. He was furious at Gaikusan for nearly killing him, and for the torture he'd inflicted on his best friend. He leaped up and over Gaikusan's head, barring his way to the door.

Qui-Gon stared at Gaikusan, his face hard and tight with anger. Gaikusan had taken from him almost everything and had shaken him to the very core of his beliefs. He glanced at Kyran out of the corner of his eye, anger surging within him. His friend was hanging from chains, his back and chest torn and bleeding. He had to stop Gaikusan, once and for all. He could not allow him to get the best of him again. "Going somewhere?" He taunted as he thrust upward to the right and then feinted to the left hard at the last minute..

Gaikusan desperately blocked the blows that were falling faster and faster. Qui-Gon had maneuvered him away from the door and now had him pinned against the wall. A final flash of green and the stolen lightsaber flew from his hand. Gaikusan froze as the blade rested inches from his neck.

Qui-Gon stared at Gaikusan, pinned beneath his blade. He licked his lips. The air around him seemed to tingle... telling him to kill the man who'd caused him to go through a year of nothing but pain and suffering and haunted dreams. He glanced at his friend again, in chains...like he had been in Tuvlat......he drew back the blade to strike the killing blow.

"No." The sound was barely audible, a hoarse whisper behind him.

Qui-Gon growled harshly. "Why not? For all that he's done he deserves to die."

"Because you seek revenge, not justice. A Jedi does not kill in anger." Kyran said softly. When he had seen Qui-Gon drive Gaikusan back, it had filled him with a savage joy. Then he had seen the look on Qui-Gon's face, twisted in hate and anger. Qui-Gon had touched the Dark Side, had been nearly lost to it. Kyran himself had come close. Around his friend he could feel the Darkness, waiting to pounce. He knew if Qui-Gon struck Gaikusan down now, he would be lost forever.

.

Qui-Gon stared at his friend, then the weight of the words slammed into him like a ton of durasteel. He put a hand to his head still holding the blade at Gaikusan's throat. He reached for the Force, trying to drive the anger from his mind, wrapping the light around him like a cloak. He spied a pair of binders on the table of implements that Kyran had been brought in and they flew into his hands, summoned by the Force. When he spoke, his voice was thick with the effort of control. "Gaikusan, I have the authority to bring you to the Jedi Council. You're under arrest."

Kyran slumped forward, relieved. "How's Devin?"

Qui-Gon didn't answer. He leaned forward and kept the blade at Gaikusan's throat with one hand and fastened the binders on him with another. When Gaikusan was bound, he dragged him up, to a standing position. He chanced a glance at Devin who was slowly beginning to come around. He'll be alright. He just got a good hit to the head...

Devin groaned and groggily scrambled to his feet. Holding onto the doorframe for balance, he watched Qui-Gon shove Gaikusan face first into the side wall with gruff orders to stay put. "Its over?" he asked, still somewhat dazed.

Qui-Gon nodded, his shoulders finally feeling lighter than they had in months. He picked up Devin's blade from the floor and tossed it over to him. Then he went to Kyran and cut his friend out of the chains, catching him as his knees buckled. "It's all over. We're going home."