Chapter Seven
After two hours of searching, Obi-Wan was pleased to see that this room was not as tightly sealed off as the other rooms were. Escape from here would be easy, should his master be able to walk, which with that leg was highly doubtful. He sighed and buried his face in his hands, more for show if anyone was watching than from hopelessness. He wondered when his master would wake again. Oh, would he be angry! But Qui-Gon frequently tried to shield him from life, and in this situation it could get them both killed.
Qui-Gon's eyes fluttered open several hours later and his gaze darkened as his eyes focused on his errant padawan. Obi-Wan, that was entirely unnecessary,he said sharply through their link.
Obi-Wan had dozed off with his head in his hands. His master's sharp rebuke brought him wide awake quickly. Perhaps it was more so than you wanted it to be,he replied, a bit more testily than he usually would have. His burns were causing his temper to flare.
I would advise you to watch your tongue, Learner. You have twice disobeyed my direct orders on this mission. I highly doubt you want to find yourself in more trouble,Qui-Gon snapped.
Obi-Wan's own patience snapped as well and he stood up in front of his master. You are trying to protect me, and I thank you for that. But with you so injured you can't coddle me on this mission, or we'll both be killed.His blue eyes met and held his master's.
You didn't even give me the chance to coddle you,Qui-Gon said, twisting a little in the tank. By Force-pushing me to sleep against my will you questioned my judgment. I merely stated a fact that you were not recovered. I do not appreciate the way that you handled the situation.
Obi-Wan turned his head aside. I did what I felt was best,he returned. As you often do yourself.His disobedience with his master stemmed from letting Lucas 'take care of things' and end up killing him, and nearly killing Obi-Wan. Obi-Wan himself did not see it, but the Force suggested this reason for Qui-Gon to understand.
I see. So you felt that you couldn't trust me. That's the root of this issue isn't it?Qui-Gon sent.
Obi-Wan suddenly realized that his master was right. He slumped back down into the chair and pressed his hands to his face. I didn't mean not to, Master. I just...He trailed off, feeling as bad as he had when he returned from Melida/Daan.
Even if you don't trust my orders, as my apprentice you are still obligated to follow my instructions. You have no authority to make up your own. Are we clear on this, Obi-Wan?Qui-Gon said, a trifle testily.
Obi-Wan sent an acknowledgement that didn't even constitute an actual thought. Guilt plagued him. How could he have done that?
Qui-Gon floated in bacta in silence for several minutes. He wanted out. He was getting tired of being cooped up in the small chamber. He fidgeted again. Obi-Wan...I don't suppose you managed to find a way out of here while I was out....he sent hopefully.
Now this was something that Obi-Wan did have a positive answer to. Yes, I did, Master. But I don't know if they are monitoring us or not. If they are, the moment you get out of there they will know.
Oh, don't worry about that,Qui-Gon sent ruefully. With a broken leg it'd be rather impossible to get out of this tank on my own. We'll just have to wait for our opportunity to present its self.
Obi-Wan's joy faded and he sighed. They sure seemed frantic when they got me, Master. I thought they wanted us to die, then they were afraid that we were going to. I've thought a lot about this and have a few theories, if you would like to hear them.
Sure. It's not like I'm going anywhere,his master tried to joke.
Obi-Wan hid his chuckle by coughing. Well, either they think someone is going to come for us and wreak havoc with them if we are dead, or they don't want to kill us themselves so as to not bring attention to themselves. Either way, it probably means only one thing: eventually they are going to put us outside again.
Qui-Gon tensed at that news as he realized his padawan was probably right. He sighed a little. How in the Force would they survive this?
Qua sat beside Sassi beside the very still youth. His skin had a grayish cast and some of his burns had leaked out of their bubbles, a slow sign of healing. She sighed, again mentally kicking herself for not letting the young Jedi be more prepared. She only hoped that Master Jinn would return soon so they could leave to get Obi-Wan back to some kind of medical help.
Qui-Gon sighed as he headed back towards the main shelter where Obi- Wan was. His meditation had proved unfruitful and his mind was as unrested as ever. Part of the problem had been the feeling of unease that kept trying to rear its ugly head at him. He had tried to chase it away with calming techniques, but it hadn't worked.
Qui-Gon grunted as a stunblast hit him full in the back. He'd felt the sudden warning from the Force, but due to the heavy clothing he couldn't maneuver as easily as he could normally and so was slower to get his saber out. He fell flat on his face in the snow and fought for consciousness.
The man who stunned him chuckled and kicked the lightsaber hilt away from the big man. "Thought you could just sneak up on us like that in the white snow, did you? We're not that stupid, Jedi." Then he viciously kicked him in the head.
Qui-Gon gritted his teeth as he tried to maintain consciousness, but the hard kick to his head rang his ears and the world went black around him.
Obi-Wan saw flashes of images, confusing to him and swift in his sight. His master floating, injured, in a bacta tank....it swiftly blurred into an image of Qui-Gon fiercely battling, one leg twisted up behind him and sweat pouring down his brow...Obi-Wan holding his master's lifeless body, tears streaming down his cheeks, holes from numerous blaster bolts pouring blood out of his master's dead body...Obi-Wan, sick and confused, in a featureless room...and, finally, Qui-Gon, strapped to a table, bleeding his life away.
Obi-Wan woke with a start, sweat beaded on his own brow and his chest, arms and face a burning mass of pain. He whimpered and tried to find his center in the Force to beat back the pain when he heard a woman speaking to him. He didn't recognize her at first, then listened more closely, her voice growing louder in his ears as he did so.
"Obi-Wan!" Qua said with a rush of relief seeing him awake. "We've been so worried about you! How are you feeling?"
Obi-Wan groaned, not wanting to have to move his blistered lips. Someone rubbed a damp clothe across his face and mouth and he could taste bacta dripping off of it into his mouth. Almost immediately his lips felt a little better, so he answered, "Hungry. Hurting. Where's Qui-Gon?" He forced his eyes open to look at Qua and Sassi.
Qua shook her head and shrugged helplessly. "We don't know. He went to meditate over twelve hours ago and never came back"
Obi-Wan felt his heart freeze. "Twelve hours?" he repeated hoarsely. Images from his...dream? vision?...flashed through his mind.
Sassi bit her lip, worry on her pretty features. "We've been trying to figure out what we should do. You don't think he just might be um...really connected in deep meditation, do you?"
Obi-Wan doubted it, but he didn't want to worry the women. "Let me see if I can reach him," he said, hiding his exhaustion from them and stretching deep within himself. Master?
Obi-Wan....
Obi-Wan perked up at the connection to his master. Master, where are you?He tried to mask the pain from his injuries from his master, concentrating instead on a strong connection with Qui-Gon, who somehow felt as if he couldn't hold on to the mental communication.
It doesn't matter. Don't come after me. That's an order, am I understood?Qui-Gon sent back.
Obi-Wan was taken aback by his master's sharp tone. He hurt and ached all over, and did not understand...then his vision slammed into him. Master...he started to protest.
Obi-Wan.Qui-Gon's tone was sharp. This is not a request. Stay with the researchers. They'll take good care of you and get you well from your injuries.
Obi-Wan was left alone as his master abruptly shut off his end of their bond. Obi-Wan stared at the women researchers. "He's..." he paused, at a loss for words. The image of himself holding his master's lifeless body came to his mind and he suddenly decided that as long as he was able to, he would never let his master die if he were near. "How much bacta do you have?" he reversed topics. If he could get himself well enough, he could go after his master.
Sassi frowned at the sudden change of topics and she stared at Obi- Wan worriedly. "He's not injured, is he?"
Obi-Wan narrowed his eyes. "I'm not sure. But if I'm going to find him, I need to be well enough to move. That requires a lot of bacta. How much do you have?"
Qua frowned, thinking. "We brought plenty with us in case of emergency, but I don't know how well bacta does in sub-zero temperatures."
Obi-Wan took her hand gently, mindful of how his skin ached and burned with every movement. "Could I please have all that you can spare? I need to be healed as much as possible. My master needs me." He did not tell them that Qui-Gon had strictly forbidden him to follow.
Qua nodded. "Of course," she said without hesitation.
Sassi arched a brow. "Hold on," she interrupted. "You can't go out like that, even with bacta; it won't be enough to heal all your burns! Qui- Gon would kill us if you went out in the snow and died because of wounds that needed treating."
Obi-Wan slowly eased himself into a sitting position. He tried to hide how much it hurt, but couldn't keep a hiss from escaping. "Well," he said in a tight tone. "It's either that, or I go out without bacta treatment." He locked gazes with Sassi, sensing that his master was special to her. "Either way, I'm going." His tone was resolute.
"Fine," she said. "But I'm going with you. You shouldn't be walking around injured by yourself, let alone in the snow with those heavy clothes."
Obi-Wan didn't want her to go, but figured he shouldn't press his luck at the moment. He was Jedi...he would find a way to lose this woman in the snow.
Qui-Gon's back throbbed with pain. He clenched his teeth, determined not to make anymore noise than necessary. He hoped Obi-Wan obeyed his order to stay put. He was expanding some of his energy in keeping himself cut off from the boy. He hated to do that to his apprentice, but Obi-Wan was already hurting and there was nothing he could do. He twisted, but had no freedom of movement being bolted to the wall as he was. His stomach was toward the wall and his muscles stretched taunt. He twisted again but could get no leverage.
"Tell me why you are here, Jedi," the man said, pausing in his whipping for the fortieth time. Always he asked the same question before he would start whipping him again.
"No." He sighed. "Don't you get tired of doing your own dirty work?"
The man smiled calmly. He hardly ever got angry. "No," he replied pleasantly. "I find that if the leader does the work, then the others will be more fearful. As a Jedi Master, surely you have seen this?"
Qui-Gon rolled his eyes at that answer. "I don't usually pay attention to things like that in my missions."
"Oh?" The tone was one of puzzlement. "Well, then perhaps you will quit stalling and tell me what I wish to know. Why are you here? Are you here for us?"
Qui-Gon gritted his teeth. "Did you hit your head on something? How many times do you need it repeated that I'm not going to give you any information?"
The man's tanned, but paling face was one of confusion. "Do I need to explain to you the consequences again? You know that I know you have a padawan, dear to your heart, that is out there somewhere, no doubt waiting on a signal from you. They will find him and kill him before your eyes. All I want is one little piece of information..."
Qui-Gon's jaw tightened. As long as there was breath in him he would protect his padawan. "I'm afraid I can't do that. See, my apprentice is under direct orders to stay put."
The man chuckled. "My children never obey me. Why should I believe this child is any different?"
"He is Jedi," Qui-Gon responded. "Jedi are taught to obey at a very early age."
The man frowned, a flicker of anger passing on his face. "Then we will go find him, wherever he is." He raised a brow. "It's such a simple question with a small answer really..."
Qui-Gon rolled his eyes and didn't respond. He was tired of being asked the same question over and over again.
"I can see that you are bored," the man said, chuckling. "Perhaps I should be more inventive in my ways of gleaning your answer. Get him down, but be wary," he barked to others who were watching in the back. Cautiously, they approached the wounded Jedi and unbuckled his wrist binders on the wall, catching him as he fell.
Qui-Gon grunted in pain as his stretched muscles were released from the wall. Force, but he hoped Obi-Wan obeyed his orders—for once.
The man whistled softly and directed the Jedi to be taken to a metal device that he was strapped to that conformed to his body shape. The sharp nails on the other end of it conformed to be able to slice into his skin at precise pain-centers on the body. The man waved the others away. "I apologize for the primitive device, but we couldn't bring much with us," he said, sounding sincere in his apology. "And we've found it works just as well as anything else." He shrugged.
Qui-Gon hissed in pain as the sharp nails sliced into him. He clenched his teeth. "I'm afraid I'm going to have to wait to accept your apology."
The man merely smiled. "They haven't gone in as much as they could yet..." he said softly, his hand on the controls. "Now, one last time before I bring you much pain and then start looking for your little padawan in earnest...Why are you here on Hoth?"
"Why is anyone on Hoth?" Qui-Gon retorted. "To play in the snow of course."
The man shook his head and touched the controls. "Wrong answer. Now you and your padawan will pay." He left the room as the nails bit deep into Qui-Gon's flesh.
Qui-Gon screamed as the pain was increased tenfold. He lost his hold on his bond with Obi-Wan, accidentally letting the pain slip through their link. He twisted and tried to get away. Pain shot through him, and mercifully he passed out.
After two hours of searching, Obi-Wan was pleased to see that this room was not as tightly sealed off as the other rooms were. Escape from here would be easy, should his master be able to walk, which with that leg was highly doubtful. He sighed and buried his face in his hands, more for show if anyone was watching than from hopelessness. He wondered when his master would wake again. Oh, would he be angry! But Qui-Gon frequently tried to shield him from life, and in this situation it could get them both killed.
Qui-Gon's eyes fluttered open several hours later and his gaze darkened as his eyes focused on his errant padawan. Obi-Wan, that was entirely unnecessary,he said sharply through their link.
Obi-Wan had dozed off with his head in his hands. His master's sharp rebuke brought him wide awake quickly. Perhaps it was more so than you wanted it to be,he replied, a bit more testily than he usually would have. His burns were causing his temper to flare.
I would advise you to watch your tongue, Learner. You have twice disobeyed my direct orders on this mission. I highly doubt you want to find yourself in more trouble,Qui-Gon snapped.
Obi-Wan's own patience snapped as well and he stood up in front of his master. You are trying to protect me, and I thank you for that. But with you so injured you can't coddle me on this mission, or we'll both be killed.His blue eyes met and held his master's.
You didn't even give me the chance to coddle you,Qui-Gon said, twisting a little in the tank. By Force-pushing me to sleep against my will you questioned my judgment. I merely stated a fact that you were not recovered. I do not appreciate the way that you handled the situation.
Obi-Wan turned his head aside. I did what I felt was best,he returned. As you often do yourself.His disobedience with his master stemmed from letting Lucas 'take care of things' and end up killing him, and nearly killing Obi-Wan. Obi-Wan himself did not see it, but the Force suggested this reason for Qui-Gon to understand.
I see. So you felt that you couldn't trust me. That's the root of this issue isn't it?Qui-Gon sent.
Obi-Wan suddenly realized that his master was right. He slumped back down into the chair and pressed his hands to his face. I didn't mean not to, Master. I just...He trailed off, feeling as bad as he had when he returned from Melida/Daan.
Even if you don't trust my orders, as my apprentice you are still obligated to follow my instructions. You have no authority to make up your own. Are we clear on this, Obi-Wan?Qui-Gon said, a trifle testily.
Obi-Wan sent an acknowledgement that didn't even constitute an actual thought. Guilt plagued him. How could he have done that?
Qui-Gon floated in bacta in silence for several minutes. He wanted out. He was getting tired of being cooped up in the small chamber. He fidgeted again. Obi-Wan...I don't suppose you managed to find a way out of here while I was out....he sent hopefully.
Now this was something that Obi-Wan did have a positive answer to. Yes, I did, Master. But I don't know if they are monitoring us or not. If they are, the moment you get out of there they will know.
Oh, don't worry about that,Qui-Gon sent ruefully. With a broken leg it'd be rather impossible to get out of this tank on my own. We'll just have to wait for our opportunity to present its self.
Obi-Wan's joy faded and he sighed. They sure seemed frantic when they got me, Master. I thought they wanted us to die, then they were afraid that we were going to. I've thought a lot about this and have a few theories, if you would like to hear them.
Sure. It's not like I'm going anywhere,his master tried to joke.
Obi-Wan hid his chuckle by coughing. Well, either they think someone is going to come for us and wreak havoc with them if we are dead, or they don't want to kill us themselves so as to not bring attention to themselves. Either way, it probably means only one thing: eventually they are going to put us outside again.
Qui-Gon tensed at that news as he realized his padawan was probably right. He sighed a little. How in the Force would they survive this?
Qua sat beside Sassi beside the very still youth. His skin had a grayish cast and some of his burns had leaked out of their bubbles, a slow sign of healing. She sighed, again mentally kicking herself for not letting the young Jedi be more prepared. She only hoped that Master Jinn would return soon so they could leave to get Obi-Wan back to some kind of medical help.
Qui-Gon sighed as he headed back towards the main shelter where Obi- Wan was. His meditation had proved unfruitful and his mind was as unrested as ever. Part of the problem had been the feeling of unease that kept trying to rear its ugly head at him. He had tried to chase it away with calming techniques, but it hadn't worked.
Qui-Gon grunted as a stunblast hit him full in the back. He'd felt the sudden warning from the Force, but due to the heavy clothing he couldn't maneuver as easily as he could normally and so was slower to get his saber out. He fell flat on his face in the snow and fought for consciousness.
The man who stunned him chuckled and kicked the lightsaber hilt away from the big man. "Thought you could just sneak up on us like that in the white snow, did you? We're not that stupid, Jedi." Then he viciously kicked him in the head.
Qui-Gon gritted his teeth as he tried to maintain consciousness, but the hard kick to his head rang his ears and the world went black around him.
Obi-Wan saw flashes of images, confusing to him and swift in his sight. His master floating, injured, in a bacta tank....it swiftly blurred into an image of Qui-Gon fiercely battling, one leg twisted up behind him and sweat pouring down his brow...Obi-Wan holding his master's lifeless body, tears streaming down his cheeks, holes from numerous blaster bolts pouring blood out of his master's dead body...Obi-Wan, sick and confused, in a featureless room...and, finally, Qui-Gon, strapped to a table, bleeding his life away.
Obi-Wan woke with a start, sweat beaded on his own brow and his chest, arms and face a burning mass of pain. He whimpered and tried to find his center in the Force to beat back the pain when he heard a woman speaking to him. He didn't recognize her at first, then listened more closely, her voice growing louder in his ears as he did so.
"Obi-Wan!" Qua said with a rush of relief seeing him awake. "We've been so worried about you! How are you feeling?"
Obi-Wan groaned, not wanting to have to move his blistered lips. Someone rubbed a damp clothe across his face and mouth and he could taste bacta dripping off of it into his mouth. Almost immediately his lips felt a little better, so he answered, "Hungry. Hurting. Where's Qui-Gon?" He forced his eyes open to look at Qua and Sassi.
Qua shook her head and shrugged helplessly. "We don't know. He went to meditate over twelve hours ago and never came back"
Obi-Wan felt his heart freeze. "Twelve hours?" he repeated hoarsely. Images from his...dream? vision?...flashed through his mind.
Sassi bit her lip, worry on her pretty features. "We've been trying to figure out what we should do. You don't think he just might be um...really connected in deep meditation, do you?"
Obi-Wan doubted it, but he didn't want to worry the women. "Let me see if I can reach him," he said, hiding his exhaustion from them and stretching deep within himself. Master?
Obi-Wan....
Obi-Wan perked up at the connection to his master. Master, where are you?He tried to mask the pain from his injuries from his master, concentrating instead on a strong connection with Qui-Gon, who somehow felt as if he couldn't hold on to the mental communication.
It doesn't matter. Don't come after me. That's an order, am I understood?Qui-Gon sent back.
Obi-Wan was taken aback by his master's sharp tone. He hurt and ached all over, and did not understand...then his vision slammed into him. Master...he started to protest.
Obi-Wan.Qui-Gon's tone was sharp. This is not a request. Stay with the researchers. They'll take good care of you and get you well from your injuries.
Obi-Wan was left alone as his master abruptly shut off his end of their bond. Obi-Wan stared at the women researchers. "He's..." he paused, at a loss for words. The image of himself holding his master's lifeless body came to his mind and he suddenly decided that as long as he was able to, he would never let his master die if he were near. "How much bacta do you have?" he reversed topics. If he could get himself well enough, he could go after his master.
Sassi frowned at the sudden change of topics and she stared at Obi- Wan worriedly. "He's not injured, is he?"
Obi-Wan narrowed his eyes. "I'm not sure. But if I'm going to find him, I need to be well enough to move. That requires a lot of bacta. How much do you have?"
Qua frowned, thinking. "We brought plenty with us in case of emergency, but I don't know how well bacta does in sub-zero temperatures."
Obi-Wan took her hand gently, mindful of how his skin ached and burned with every movement. "Could I please have all that you can spare? I need to be healed as much as possible. My master needs me." He did not tell them that Qui-Gon had strictly forbidden him to follow.
Qua nodded. "Of course," she said without hesitation.
Sassi arched a brow. "Hold on," she interrupted. "You can't go out like that, even with bacta; it won't be enough to heal all your burns! Qui- Gon would kill us if you went out in the snow and died because of wounds that needed treating."
Obi-Wan slowly eased himself into a sitting position. He tried to hide how much it hurt, but couldn't keep a hiss from escaping. "Well," he said in a tight tone. "It's either that, or I go out without bacta treatment." He locked gazes with Sassi, sensing that his master was special to her. "Either way, I'm going." His tone was resolute.
"Fine," she said. "But I'm going with you. You shouldn't be walking around injured by yourself, let alone in the snow with those heavy clothes."
Obi-Wan didn't want her to go, but figured he shouldn't press his luck at the moment. He was Jedi...he would find a way to lose this woman in the snow.
Qui-Gon's back throbbed with pain. He clenched his teeth, determined not to make anymore noise than necessary. He hoped Obi-Wan obeyed his order to stay put. He was expanding some of his energy in keeping himself cut off from the boy. He hated to do that to his apprentice, but Obi-Wan was already hurting and there was nothing he could do. He twisted, but had no freedom of movement being bolted to the wall as he was. His stomach was toward the wall and his muscles stretched taunt. He twisted again but could get no leverage.
"Tell me why you are here, Jedi," the man said, pausing in his whipping for the fortieth time. Always he asked the same question before he would start whipping him again.
"No." He sighed. "Don't you get tired of doing your own dirty work?"
The man smiled calmly. He hardly ever got angry. "No," he replied pleasantly. "I find that if the leader does the work, then the others will be more fearful. As a Jedi Master, surely you have seen this?"
Qui-Gon rolled his eyes at that answer. "I don't usually pay attention to things like that in my missions."
"Oh?" The tone was one of puzzlement. "Well, then perhaps you will quit stalling and tell me what I wish to know. Why are you here? Are you here for us?"
Qui-Gon gritted his teeth. "Did you hit your head on something? How many times do you need it repeated that I'm not going to give you any information?"
The man's tanned, but paling face was one of confusion. "Do I need to explain to you the consequences again? You know that I know you have a padawan, dear to your heart, that is out there somewhere, no doubt waiting on a signal from you. They will find him and kill him before your eyes. All I want is one little piece of information..."
Qui-Gon's jaw tightened. As long as there was breath in him he would protect his padawan. "I'm afraid I can't do that. See, my apprentice is under direct orders to stay put."
The man chuckled. "My children never obey me. Why should I believe this child is any different?"
"He is Jedi," Qui-Gon responded. "Jedi are taught to obey at a very early age."
The man frowned, a flicker of anger passing on his face. "Then we will go find him, wherever he is." He raised a brow. "It's such a simple question with a small answer really..."
Qui-Gon rolled his eyes and didn't respond. He was tired of being asked the same question over and over again.
"I can see that you are bored," the man said, chuckling. "Perhaps I should be more inventive in my ways of gleaning your answer. Get him down, but be wary," he barked to others who were watching in the back. Cautiously, they approached the wounded Jedi and unbuckled his wrist binders on the wall, catching him as he fell.
Qui-Gon grunted in pain as his stretched muscles were released from the wall. Force, but he hoped Obi-Wan obeyed his orders—for once.
The man whistled softly and directed the Jedi to be taken to a metal device that he was strapped to that conformed to his body shape. The sharp nails on the other end of it conformed to be able to slice into his skin at precise pain-centers on the body. The man waved the others away. "I apologize for the primitive device, but we couldn't bring much with us," he said, sounding sincere in his apology. "And we've found it works just as well as anything else." He shrugged.
Qui-Gon hissed in pain as the sharp nails sliced into him. He clenched his teeth. "I'm afraid I'm going to have to wait to accept your apology."
The man merely smiled. "They haven't gone in as much as they could yet..." he said softly, his hand on the controls. "Now, one last time before I bring you much pain and then start looking for your little padawan in earnest...Why are you here on Hoth?"
"Why is anyone on Hoth?" Qui-Gon retorted. "To play in the snow of course."
The man shook his head and touched the controls. "Wrong answer. Now you and your padawan will pay." He left the room as the nails bit deep into Qui-Gon's flesh.
Qui-Gon screamed as the pain was increased tenfold. He lost his hold on his bond with Obi-Wan, accidentally letting the pain slip through their link. He twisted and tried to get away. Pain shot through him, and mercifully he passed out.