Chapter 11: When the Lion Roars and the Lamb Cries
"You'll rescue me, right?
In the exact same way they never did.
I'll be happy, right?
When your healing powers kick in.
You'll complete me, right?
Then my life can finally begin.
I'll be worthy, right?
When you realize the gem I am." – Precious Illusions (Alanis Morrisette – Under Rug Swept)
Obi-Wan slowly roused from his healing trance. It had been a long, too long, a time since he had felt this depth of peace. The Force flowed lovingly around him, breezing past and cooling his heated emotions. He had been searching for this ever since he was sent away. He found it both ironic and fitting that he was able to achieve it with Jedi help. The stunning blue-green eyes studied his old friend. She was still deep within her own meditation. As he gazed at her, he realized how much he had missed her over the years. She was always there for him, even when he didn't think he needed any help. They often sat together in the gardens, doing this exact same thing. She knew he struggled with meditations, but she insisted that he do them. At one point she even suggested it as a way to win a Master.
How wrong she had been. He sighed lightly at the realization. Still nothing could mar the wonderful peace that enveloped them. Sadly his hand reached out and touched her cheek lightly. He had done it so often when they were initiates, so often when he wanted to thank her for putting up with him and his stubbornness, so often when no one else bothered to help him except her. He watched as she gently moved to lean into his touch, savouring the sensation as much as he was. A soft smile crept over both of their youthful features. Bant's hand came up to trap the rogue's, she did not want to let the dream go, fearing that she would never have it again.
Slowly, almost sleepily, the Padawan's large silver eyes fluttered open. Her smile broadening when she found the hope beyond hope still in front of her. The elation faded after a few moments as she knew her time drew short. The serenity that flowed freely held the room despite the low tremors of sorrow that began to form. Watching she noticed it was not only her reigned grief that filtered into the calm. Those tell all oceans of emotion also whispered hints of pain and regret at their impending departure.
They held each other's gazes for some time before one of them finally summoned the courage to break the quiet. "I should get ready. I don't want to keep Tuuvu waiting." Carefully, Obi-Wan withdrew his hand and worked himself off of his medcouch.
Bant watched as he walked away from her, barely aware of the turmoil that stirred just beneath the surface. Following his slender form, he stretched and walked over to a mirror. This was the first time Obi-Wan bothered to look at himself since the raid, and he was surprised to see his reflection. His lip was spilt but did not appear ghastly. His swollen eye had shrunk significantly, but was still slightly puffed. However, he was more astonished by the change in his eyes. He had thought that he conquered his wayward emotions, yet at that moment he was staring at the face of his inner child. Hurt and confused, they revealed the doubt that started to whisper in his thoughts. Was he doing the right thing, it had asked him during his meditation. And for the life of him, he couldn't find an answer. He knew what his heart wanted, to be loved and wanted, and that meant he needed to go back to Tuuvu. Yet, something deeply ensconced within him woke and he heard his soul hinting of a greater purpose. Now his mind argued that whatever it might have been, it was no longer his to attain. Sighing, he did not want to listen to any of them.
Keen silver eyes continued to observe the corsair. When he paused to gaze into the looking glass, he had lingered longer than he should. For a moment, she thought she could see something swirl within the greying gaze. But he had pushed it away with a sigh. Still, she couldn't believe her luck. To find a ghost, only to let it vanish again into the vastness of space. Tears rimmed her bulbous eyes and the peace she had moments before quickly slipped from her fingers. Making sure her voice would not betray her, she asked, "Have the Jedi done you such a disservice?" Hesitating for a moment she added, "One that we may never be able to overcome?"
Breaking from his own internal war, he tore his eyes away from his reflection. Formulating an answer he finally responded, "I'm … not sure." His voice was quiet, so hushed if not for the stillness of the room or the engines, she might not have even heard it. "At one time, I thought it was possible to go back. But now…" he trailed off, lost in thought.
"And now, you don't believe it possible?" She meant it more as a statement rather than a question, but he answered anyway.
"I don't know."
"Why?" He shrugged, so she pressed on, hoping that somehow she could convince him to stay, "Is there any way that you would come back to us?"
"Maybe, if things were different. If this had been three years ago, perhaps." Obi-Wan mulled over the prospect of being found earlier. For a moment, he saw a life full of hope and his dreams fulfilled. Suddenly, the image shattered with brief flashes of pain. Gasping slightly from the onslaught, he turned away from the Calamarian. His voice low and melancholy, "But it's too late, I don't think they would take me back. I'm too old now to become a Padawan. And my current career might not be acceptable to the ideals of the Jedi." An awkward smile curled his lips.
Cautiously, she slid off the medcouch and came up behind him. "You should give them a chance. You might be surprised."
"I can't. I have a family now, I can't just abandon them because the ones who abandoned me decided that they want me back. It wouldn't be fair to Tuuvu. He invested a lot of time in me, it wouldn't be fair to ignore everything he's done." It wasn't that he didn't want to believe it was feasible, but he did owe it to Tuuvu to come back and he made a promise.
A little hurt by his dismissal, she asked with a small edge in her tone, "And the Jedi have done nothing for you?"
"I didn't say that. I am thankful for what the Jedi have done for me. But life does not always give us what we want. Maybe… maybe I'm just not meant to be a Jedi."
"Not meant to be a Jedi? Obi-Wan, when we were growing up, there was one thing that you clung to no matter how bad things got, that you would become a Jedi Knight. Was what happened to you so horrible that you refuse that belief now?" Pain shown clearly in the aquamarine gaze, intense and hot, but he remained absolute. Agitated, she continued, "And if you were not meant to be a Jedi, I guess that means you were meant to be a pirate and all that entails?"
"I don't know! I don't know!" He shot back. His heart was tearing apart under the inquisition. He didn't know what he was to become. He didn't know if his life should continue as it had been. He didn't know if he was doing the right thing. All he did know was that he didn't want to argue. He was too tired and he didn't want his last few minutes with his best friend to be spent bickering over the past. Over something unchangeable. The fight drained from him quickly, and his tone softened dramatically. "I don't know."
The sound of defeat crashed into her at the softly spoken words. They were no different than the ones he shouted moments before but they were different in what they conveyed. In that instant, she was startled at what she had almost accomplished. In her quest to persuade him to return, she had almost successfully pushed him away with her accusations. It was unfair of her to assume that he had not faced pain or torment, and that he did not have obligations to take care of. Just as she had to the Jedi, Obi-Wan had his own toward the pirates.
Unshed tears broke free and trailed down the salmon coloured skin, she finally accepted and admitted her darkest fear, "I don't want you to go."
"I know." Hearing her sniffle softly, he turned to face her. Again, he reached out to caress the smooth skin. "I don't want to leave you either." Regret had laden his tone.
"Then stay," she pleaded. "Stay with us, with me." A hiccuping sob escaped her. "You don't know how much we've missed you."
Compelled to ease the transition, Obi-Wan pulled Bant closer to him, embracing her. "I've missed you too. All of you." It was true, there had been many times he thought about his friends. And many times he wished they were all together again. But circumstances change, life changes and he could no longer be with them. "But I can't stay. It's time for me to go home."
Gradually, her tears abated. Still wrapped in his arms, she didn't want to let go. "Don't forget me."
"I could never, ever, ever forget you." Tenderly, he squeezed to reinforce his words.
"Write me."
"I will." Slowly, Obi-Wan released Bant and they stared at each other for a second longer. Wiping away the last of her tears, Bant lead Obi-Wan through the corridors toward the hatchway. Before the door opened, she paused to regard the young man one more time. Silently, they offered their good-byes. The Padawan watched as her rediscovered friend turned and walked down the ramp. When he vanished from sight, she retreated back to their rooms. She needed to talk with her Master.
*
Qui-Gon exited the ship. Earlier, he instructed Bant to delay Obi-Wan for a few minutes while he spoke with the pirates alone. He needed to bargain for the parts first and did not want Obi-Wan there distracting them. Or rather himself. He still did not know how he was going to hold onto the young rogue. The Force will provide a way. Over the past hour, that had become a mantra to the large Jedi. Sighing, he tried not to loose hope, but with each passing minute he felt his chances slipping away.
He came to stand at the edge of the clearing, peering out into the forest, the perfect image of serenity as he waited. It didn't take long for him to spot movement in the foliage beyond. Within a few minutes, he was able to make out a small group heading toward him. As they drew ever closer, he recognized the two prisoners as well as the three captors. Squaring his shoulders he prepared for his task.
The troupe entered the clearing at last and halted. One Pirate held onto one prisoner, leaving the Captain free to do what ever he needed. Scanning the area, only finding the imposing man in front of him, the Togorian Captain began, "Where is my cub?"
Confusion crossed his features for a split second before being replaced by expressionless features. Requesting clarification, he hesitated, "Your cub?"
Tuuvu did nothing to hide his displeasure. Baring his teeth he stated, "Obi-Wan. Where is he?"
Understanding came fully to Qui-Gon as he pondered this information. Apparently, Obi-Wan is more than a simple crewmember to them. This is going to more difficult than I originally anticipated. Pushing his apprehension aside, he pressed on, "He will be here in a moment. I wished to speak with you briefly before he arrived."
"I will discuss nothing until I see him." Tuuvu growled and moved to turn around.
Quickly, the Knight tried to stop them. "Please hear me out. My name is Qui-Gon Jinn." A feral cry pierced the air.
And before anyone could react, including the Jedi, Tuuvu pounced upon the Knight forcing him to the ground. Startled by the suddenness of the attack, Qui-Gon lay still, shocked. "You!" A blaster barrel rested on Qui-Gon's forehead, and he could hear a low growl emit from the furred Captain. Between clenched teeth, a deep angered snarl said, "If I had known you were on board, I would never have left him behind."
Qui-Gon remained perfectly still, not wishing to agitate the man on top of him. Vaguely he gathered, He knows my name. Obi-Wan must have mentioned me. He would have spent more time wondering exactly might have been said, but he was more concerned with the blaster that was pointed at him. He remebered the circumstances that led Obi-Wan to them and he offered in a steady tone, "You had no choice."
"I always have a choice," the Captain snapped back. "Even at the cost of my entire ship and crew, I would never have left him willingly in your hands."
Qui-Gon marveled at what the Pirate just said. He would have sacrificed everything to keep Obi-Wan away from the Jedi, no from him. Such ferocity, it was overwhelming. His mind toyed with the idea that maybe it was possible that Obi-Wan should be with them. They obviously cared for him a great deal. No, Obi-Wan was meant to be a Jedi. Snapping out of his musing, he said plainly, "Regardless, the Force has brought him back to us."
Tuuvu raised the blaster a little higher and gently squeezed. He had longed for this moment. Prayed that one day he might come face to face with this demon. For the chance to kill him. Dreamed that the man would beg for his life, plead with apologies upon apologies for his wrongdoing. And it disturbed him when the man simply relaxed against the earth and stared up at him. "I have waited a long time for this. I should kill you here and now for what you have done."
---
It has been said that actions can speak louder than words. And at this moment, they would find some of the truth behind it. Gently, a small slender hand touched a furred forearm. A soothing cultured voice added weight to the motion, "It will solve nothing."
Slowly, ever so slowly, the finger resting on the trigger relaxed. The Pirate Captain was delighted yet distraught to hear the voice he sought whispering to him. Wanting only to destroy the man beneath him, he wished he had blasted the Jedi before his cub showed up. His deep emerald gaze still bore down at the Knight in his grasp even as he addressed the youth, "But he's the one. The one who caused you so much pain. He does not deserve to live." Memories of nights watching over a fevered boy who cried and begged a Qui-Gon Jinn to explain what was wrong with him, came rushing back to Tuuvu. One might call it fatherly love to want to get rid of something that had caused their child pain. Most would call it revenge.
If you were not familiar with Togorians, it would have been hard for one to discern their facial expressions. However, Obi-Wan was very familiar with them and he noticed the caring Captain's brow furrow in confusion. Suddenly, he felt extremely tired. Kneeling down next to the taut pair, he peered up at his friend and guardian. He knew that killing Qui-Gon would do them little good and he no longer wanted blood on his hands. Wearily, he reasoned with the Captain, "He is only one of many reasons. And you know that killing him would not erase the past." Intently, he watched the internal struggle within his friend. And his need to end the cycle of hatred and regret drove him to add, "Please, Patron."
Slowly, the Togorian glanced over to look at his cub. Years ago, when Obi-Wan had recovered from the pain of his body and heart, Tuuvu and his mate told the boy that they cared for him as if he were their own cub. It was then that they offered, should he decide to, that he could call them Patron and Matron, as if they were his true parents. Taken aback, Obi-Wan graciously accepted their love and kindness but could not yet bring himself to call them his parents. Not for lack of love, but because he still had had doubts about his place in their life. This was the first time Obi-Wan used the name Patron to address him. Tears welled in the emerald gaze. Tuuvu could see the affection flow freely from the gentle seas he had grown to love.
Instantly, Tuuvu released the Knight and embraced Obi-Wan scooping him up in his arms. "Oh, cub," was all he could manage through the hiccuping sobs of joy. Overpowered by the depth of emotions coursing through them. Everything around them melted away and they held each other for what could have been an eternity. Obi-Wan dismissed the discomfort he felt from the man's tight hug. His body still not one hundred percent due to the self inflicted wounds and the accepted beating he withstood earlier.
For the first time, in he didn't know how long, Obi-Wan felt like he was home. Held in arms that loved him, really loved him. All the pain in the universe could not disrupt this moment in time. And he didn't want to let it go. Yet those moments can never last forever, they are meant to be treasured. And so it was that Tuuvu finally loosened his grip and fully looked at his cub. He gasped as he took in the boy's image. A paw came up to cup the young man's face and a thumb tentatively touched the puffy eye. Obi-Wan immediately dissuaded the man's concern, "It was… a misunderstanding. I'll be fine."
When the powerful being released him, Qui-Gon hesitantly got to his feet. With some remorse, he witnessed the tender exchange between "father" and "son." He realized then the true extent of his refusal to accept the boy as his Padawan. He had not simply lost a student, a companion. He had lost his chance to have a son again. To share moments like these with. His heart wept at the loss, but he remained controlled and passive externally. When the thoughtful moment passed he quickly fell back into his negotiator phase, "Pardon me, but I believe we have some negotiations to conduct. And we have not relinquished Obi-Wan from our care."
With sharp and deliberate movements, Tuuvu spun around and punched the Knight forcing him to stagger. Qui-Gon had been so entangled in his twisted thoughts he hadn't seen the swing coming. The Togorian glared at the Knight and accused, "If this is your idea of care, Jedi, I would not want to see your idea of maltreatment."
Drawing back the angered being's attention, Obi-Wan corrected his friend's assumption, "It wasn't Qui-Gon's doing." He watched the man closely as he waited for him to turn back around. And for the briefest instant he thought the man's temper would overrule his senses. Obi's gaze flickered over to his other companions for help. But instead of finding his friends, a different vision assaulted him. Two pairs of haunted eyes were staring at him. He had seen that look not more than a few minutes before, when he stared into his own reflection. They were the eyes of his inner child, the eyes of one who was cast into a world of doubt and fear. And it hit him hard when he realized that that look was caused in part by him. No, he had not kidnapped them and held them against their will, but it happened to insure his freedom. Tuuvu's voice dislodged him from his reverie.
"I don't care who did it. I have come to get you, now we will go." Turning he was about to walk away, when Qui stopped him again with a question.
"What of the men you still hold? Why are they not here?" Obi-Wan's head snapped to peer at the Knight. There were others being held? Why had Tuuvu not brought them as well? He turned back to his guardian to await the answer.
Tuuvu paused and said, "We kept them for insurance."
So he kept them to guarantee my freedom? Was that justified? Slowly, Obi-Wan moved up beside his Captain. In hushed tones he posed the question again, "You still have some of their men?"
Gently, Tuuvu regarded his 'son' and gave a sad smile, "We wanted to make sure you were safe first. We would return them unharmed once we had you back."
Another thought struck him and it tightened his throat, "And if I did not come back to you?"
At first Tuuvu did not answer, just stared down at the youth. Finally, his tone hardened dismissing what he might have done if the situation had been so, "That's irrelevant. Come on, let's go home."
What Obi-Wan said next surprised everyone, "I can't." Suddenly everything went still, as if the world stopped revolving and life itself ended in that moment. Doggedly, he forced himself to look Tuuvu in the eyes. It was the most difficult thing he had ever done, but he managed to gaze up into the emerald eyes that loved him so, that had loved him enough to hunt him down and take him back. And he longed to embrace the man and say, 'Yes, please, take me home.' However, those words would not escape him. He felt the pain in his heart when he saw the hurt he inflicted by his refusal. It was a refusal to impose others with the same fears and uncertainties he had to face alone when he had been captured. And it meant a lot to him.
Yet there was something else that kept him from forgetting about the Jedi and walking back to his friends. He couldn't explain it entirely. A distant whispering that was telling him he had to wait. There was a need for him to see something first. It fluttered just beyond his consciousness and he knew he would have to wait to discover what it was.
The resounding silence was shattered by a single softly spoken word, drawn out by utter disbelief, "What?"
Eyes still locked together, Obi-Wan replied with growing conviction, "I will not leave until you have brought back the other crewmen."
Tuuvu took a step toward the youth. "Cub, we've come here specifically to bring you home," attempting to reason with the boy.
"I know, Patron." Obi-Wan put as much compassion as he could into the words. He knew what he was doing to his 'father' by rejecting his help, but he also took comfort in knowing it was the right thing to do. He continued, "But I cannot allow others to be harmed on my account." Quietly he added, "You know what that would do to me." He appealed to his Patron, hoping that changing the stakes would work. He was not disappointed. Understanding crossed behind the jaded gaze and he saw some of the man's resolve melt away. Reassuring his guardian, he stated, "I will go home with you once you have returned the others." They stared at each other for a long minute.
The quiet disrupted again by the calculating baritone of the Jedi, "I must interject here. We need to discuss the possibility of obtaining parts from you." He was relieved by Obi-Wan's apparent change of heart, but he also had a duty to perform. If he did not at least attempt to negotiate, he knew he would get a lot of flack for his ineptitude. He could see that this was his last opportunity so he took it.
Reeling on the Knight, Tuuvu's voice was short with annoyance. "You are in no position to negotiate anything, Jedi. We will be going to retrieve your men and then we will be gone." He glanced back at his cub, unsure of how to proceed exactly. He was obviously worried about the youth, but he also respected the boy's judgement. And he knew no matter what, Obi would keep his promise to return to him. Sighing, he turned and walked away.
The whole group was about to leave but Obi-Wan stopped them before they could get very far. "Please, let these two go while you get the others. I'll be here waiting for you. I'll be safe, despite what's already happened. Master Jinn will not let any more harm come to me."
Cocking his head slightly, he regarded the youth before addressing the Jedi again. If the boy could believe that to be true than he would have to trust the boy. "You guarantee his safety and you will have your men within the hour."
Qui-Gon straightened and nodded. "I will protect him with my life."
"You better." Tuuvu turned again and headed back into the forest. As he passed Kuuur and Mrrogh, he uttered, "Release them." Exchanging quiet glances, and then looking at the boy they had come to save, the pair finally complied. His companions pushed their captives forward and followed their Captain.
Once they were far enough away, Kuuur growled under his breath, "This is wrong. We will not be getting him back."
Resigned, Tuuvu reluctantly said, "I have to trust Cub. He promised he would return to me. And I know he will do what he must to keep his promise. Now hurry." He did not want to delay their reunion any longer than necessary.
Once the Pirates were lost in the greenery, Obi-Wan joined the trio. Qui-Gon was already at work removing the captives' bonds. He was just taking off Riello's cuffs when he noticed Obi-Wan come up beside them. Without a word or direction from anyone, the rogue pulled the Force to him, easily manipulating it to release the lock on Andon's binders. But unlike Qui-Gon he took his task one step further. Once the restraints fell off, he concentrated on the sore wrists. Sending healing energy toward the reddened skin, he also sent calming waves to relax the pair. When he finished, he glanced up at Andon, "Better?"
"Yes, thank you," the bewildered mechanic replied.
For another moment, no one spoke, until Qui-Gon cleared his throat. "You two should head back inside. I'm sure your Captain will be pleased to see you again." He offered them a smile and they accepted the invitation to leave. The would-be Master and Apprentice watched the pair enter the downed craft. An awkward silence hung in the air between them. Again it was the Jedi who broke through, "I see you have not lost all of your training." Remarking on the young man's previous actions.
"I have lost none of it. It is still a part of me." Obi-Wan stated. It was true, he had continued as best he could with his meditations. And when time allowed he would even continue practicing his katas. And with his early captivity he had a lot of practice honing his healing skills.
Qui-Gon glanced again at the rogue, "I am relieved to hear that." A gentle breeze brushed past them. For a moment, Qui-Gon was disappointed. Obi-Wan had yet to face him and it hurt him that with Tuuvu gone, Obi-Wan had become the reserved and leery pirate he first encountered. As such he was a little unprepared for the blunt question that was posed to him.
"How bad is the ship?" At last Obi-Wan turned to regard the Knight. The murky depths hid what lay beneath perfectly and he peering in to the clear skies across from him. "You said you needed parts. I want your complete honesty."
Knowing it was pointless to hide the whole truth, Qui-Gon met bluntness with bluntness, "She will not fly again. We seek only to obtain the components to repair our communications. That way we may be able to send a rescue signal." He explained what his goal had been. Obi-Wan nodded but questioned no further. He appeared to be lost in thought. Determining that they would be waiting for a while, Qui-Gon suggested, "Shall we wait inside?" Remaining silent, Obi-Wan followed Qui-Gon back inside the vessel that had changed his life dramatically. They walked along the halls in silence finally stopping in front of the Jedi's cabins. "You will be safer if you remain with us. I suggest you stay in here as not to disturb the initiates."
Nodding again, Obi-Wan followed Jinn inside the room. Fortunately, no one was inside. For a moment, Obi-Wan checked his shields to make sure they were in place. He did not want to alert Bant that he was still on board, saying good-bye once was bad and he didn't think he could deal with it a second time. Feeling the awkward tension building, Obi-Wan was relieved when Qui-Gon spoke again, "If you will excuse me, I would like to check in with the other Masters." Not waiting for a response, Qui-Gon abruptly left the room. Obi-Wan released the breath he hadn't even realized he was holding.
Glancing around, he looked at the bed in the center of the room and the various chairs scattered around. Instead of slipping into the cushioned seats, he moved back toward the wall and slid down to stop on the ground. Wrapping his arms around his legs, he allowed his head to fall back and his eyes to close. He struggled to find an answer to his question, Why had he refused to go home? Was it simply because he felt bad for those still held captive? Yes, that was most of it, he was sure. But then there was that nagging feeling still entrenched somewhere deep within him. Was it possible that Bant created enough doubt to make me wonder if it was possible to go back? Or was it truly something else?
Drifting along the paths of his thoughts, Obi-Wan could hear the soft laughter of the initiates in an adjacent room. For a moment, he remembered playing with his friends in the Temple, but quickly stopped them before they could get too far. It was torture being around Jedi again and in some senses he couldn't wait to get away from them. But his mind entertained the idea of rejoining them, before he could swiftly brush it away. Sighing, he vaguely became aware of two small presences. Opening his eyes he found two of the initiates standing in front of him. One he recognized as the little girl who had been attached to Bant's side a short while ago. The other was a small little human boy who seemed even younger that the girl. Not sure of what else to do, he greeted them, "hello."
The girl smiled shyly at him and then stated, "Hi, my name's Tola. This is my friend, N'thal."
He relaxed slightly and grinned back. "Pleased to meet you. My name is Obi-Wan."
The little boy shifted his weight and glanced down at his feet, obviously a bit intimidated by the pirate. "He wanted to meet you, but he was shy." She indicated the person next to her and the boy blushed.
"It's alright, I won't bite," Obi-Wan encouraged flashing one of his winning smiles. But he was also curious and asked Tola, "How did you know I was here?"
"We saw you through the door when Master Jinn left. I was telling 'Thal about what happened before," she paused and gave him a crooked grin, unsure of how he would react to the news. Obi-Wan nodded. She went on, "and he was curious as to why you were here. So I thought we should just ask you."
Understanding their curiosity, he explained, "There was a… delay in my leaving. So we came back inside to wait." They didn't need to know all the details and it was the simplest explanation he could think of.
Frowning a bit, she asked, "So you're not here to help?"
Confusion crossed his features at the question, "Why would you think that?"
"I don't know," she shrugged. "'Thal's been worried and we were kinda hoping that that's why you came back."
Even more vexed, Obi-Wan pressed further, "And what does he have to be worried about?"
For the first time the young boy spoke, his voice quiet and hushed as if what he was about to say would disrupt the world around them, "I don't think we'll make it back to the Temple."
Stunned, Obi-Wan felt as if he had been backhanded and he winced in response to it. The blatant truth in the statement made him realize the dire situation the children were in. Reality came crumbling down all around him, knowing that they were stranded here until someone came to rescue them. You caused this, his conscience snapped. And I will fix it. He shot back, jumping to his feet. Glancing at the startled children, he firmly requested, "Can you please get Qui-Gon? I need to speak with him immediately." Tola and N'thal abruptly ran from the room, sensing the urgency in his tone.
*
Qui-Gon stepped into one of the attached common rooms knowing he would find Adi Gallia overseeing the initiates. When she saw him enter she frowned and moved to meet him. "Things did not go well?"
"Not as I had hoped they would." Qui-Gon confided. Sighing, he glanced back at the door he just passed through before returning his gaze to the composed woman. "I was not able to negotiate with the pirates. I will be meeting with them shortly to retrieve the last of their captives."
"They kept some for insurance, didn't they?" She surmised and Qui-Gon affirmed with a nod. "Obi-Wan?" She was curious to learn what had become of him. She noticed Qui-Gon's clear eyes darken.
"He's still here," he sighed. "I thought it best he stay within our rooms until the exchange was complete. We do not need a repeat of what happened earlier." Memories of the horrific scene he had confronted resurfacing momentarily.
She agreed readily, "No, we do not." Quietly, she observed the Knight who seemed lost in thought. It suddenly dawned on her, that he was not relishing his minor victory of maintaining the rogue. "You don't seem to happy to know we still have Obi-Wan."
At this, his shoulders sagged, almost as if in defeat. "I'm torn, Master. From what I saw out there, I know that Obi-Wan is loved by his new 'family.' But a part of me wants Obi-Wan to stay with us." He could still feel the love flow between Obi-Wan and his 'father.'
Adi softened her tone to help ease some of the distraught Knight's tension, "Our lives are rarely direct and to the point, Qui. Often we linger in the grey haze of uncertainty. It is good that you have doubts. His life is complex and we know very little of what happened to Obi-Wan while he was away. You were hasty from need. Now you will see things in a different light and make a better decision from it." Studying the compassionate man, she could see that her words did have some effect.
Half-smiling, he regarded the Councilor, "Thank you, Master, for your insight."
"You're welcome, my friend." Her hand touched his shoulder, glad to know that she helped a little. She then added, "Despite what you may have thought, I was never against you. I just wanted you to examine your feelings and make sure that you understood the motives behind them. They are your asset but they can also be your downfall if you are not careful."
He was reminded again why this beautiful and brilliant young woman held such a prestigious position on the Council. "I suppose even Masters and Knights always have more to learn, especially about themselves."
Trying not to laugh to loud, she joked, "You have no idea."
A small tug on his robe brought Qui-Gon's attention down beside him. "Master Qui-Gon?"
"Yes, Tola?" Without uttering another word, her lilac eyes directed him to the door. Nodding his understanding he briskly headed inside.
As soon as Qui-Gon entered, Obi-Wan demanded, "I want you to take me to the Captain."
Confused by the abrupt request, Qui-Gon inquired, "What for?"
"Please, I have to talk with him." Obi-Wan hoped he did not have to explain everything
Qui-Gon nodded and showed the youth to the engineering room, where he knew the Captain would be. There they found Lessik doing his best to assist Wuan Jeswick with examining the system. They were still trying to determine why the device had been placed and who would have put it there. Only the two crewmen were there, as they did not want to discuss it outside their inner circle. Lessick noticed the two come in and stopped what he was doing. Andon and Riello had found them a little while before, but Lessik demanded that they check in with Kohnwei. The two mentioned that the others would be back shortly, but did not get the chance to explain further. Now, as Fen gazed upon Obi-Wan he frowned. "The negotiations did not go well?"
Obi-Wan answered before Qui-Gon could respond, "No, Captain, your men will be returning shortly. Don't worry they will be fine. I am here because Master Jinn mentioned that you needed parts."
He glared at the Jedi for a moment for a moment, trying to discern the motive to bringing the youth back here. "And?"
Obi-Wan didn't have time for formalities, he wanted answers, "I want to know exactly what the problem is. I might have a solution but I want to know first there is no alternative."
Qui-Gon remained silent. The Captain paused, weighing his options. Slowly he rationalized that his best option was to speak truthfully, to some degree, and hope that he judged the boy properly. Divulging this information could spell their doom or their salvation at the hands of a pirate rogue, but he had to try. He sighed and glanced over toward the Duros, hoping he would understand. "There is no way for us to get off this planet. Even if we manage to repair this thing, we don't have the power to break free of the planet's gravity. We were hoping to obtain the parts we need to get our comms working. And if your companions were generous enough, we were going to repair our beacon droid." His skepticism of the possibilities bled through his tone.
Obi-Wan thought over what the man told him, he sensed that there was something more, but he could also tell it was secondary to the main issue. He would not desert the children on a planet with no concrete guarantee that they would get back to the Temple. Accepting what he was about to do he offered, "Captain, I believe I know of a way to get you home."
Curious, the Captain cocked his head and questioned, "And how do you propose that?"
For a moment he thought, Tuuvu's gonna kill me. "You could come with us."
"Excuse me?"
Gathering his courage, Obi-Wan proposed, "We will provide you with a homing beacon so that you may relocate your vessel again. In addition we would transport your crew and passengers to the nearest base so that you may contact your superiors and find transport. In exchange for what I am offering to do for you I request that my family be granted amnesty for their crimes on this ship and prior confrontations."
Lessik laughed incredulously, "And why should we accept this proposal? You could kill us, or sell us into slavery."
Taking a deep breath, Obi-Wan mentally prepared himself for what he said next. Yet he no other options and he knew, could feel, that this was the right thing to do. "Because in exchange for all this, I offer myself in their place. You give me your assurances, on your oath as a Captain, that they will not be brought up on charges, and I will remain your captive for prosecution once we get back to Coruscant."
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I am sorry for the delay, but be happy. I gave this chap to TF.N in 2 parts!! The little dashes in the middle is where I divided it. Just imagine the cliffie you would have been left with. :p Anyway, I thought a nice long chap would be nice for my readers. Hope you enjoyed it!! :D
raeamy - Thank you very much!! :D Life will only get more complex. :p
Culf- NP. Sorry to hear it's giving you trouble. :( But I'm glad you enjoyed it and I like getting reviews here and there! ;) Thanks again!! :D
Shan - My friend, I'm sorry I didn't run this past you first. Tell me what you think and if I should change it. If you have any suggestions please let me know. I would greatly appreciate it. :D As you can see, this has been vastly changed from the original drafts I sent you. I hope you like the changes. I don't think he'll find an answer soon. But maybe a path to follow for a while. ;) Believe me, I'm gonna be backing up my stuff a lot more. :D Thanks.
Criket - well, even thought it said it would delete your review, it didn't. Good for both of us, right? :D Anyway, I know, chap 9 wasn't bad, it just wasn't right either. Glad you liked the changes . :) I know, I'm still a little torn between where as to where Obi should end up. SO we'll see what happens. ;)
Ewok Kid - Wow, I'm so glad you are addicted! :8} Gosh, you flatter me so. I don't deserve it. But I thank you from the bottom of my heart!! :D
Heidi - Thanks for the lyrics. I was able to find something that I thought fit. But I will keep your ideas into consideration for future chaps. ;) Oh and just so you know, I posted that little Vignette I mentioned in my e-mail. :) I'm so glad you like the Tuuvu/Obi relationship. I wasn't entirely sure of how I was going to do it, but as I thought it over, this kinda was the result. I like it too. I hope you like where I take this fic. Um, Qui might not have to fight so much, but there will be a struggle ahead. Um, maybe he will have to fight, but just not exactly who you thought it would be against. ]:) Well, hope you like the most recent chap. It was a dozy to write!
Death Rider - Thank you!! Um, I think I'm gonna have to e-mail you about your review. If you have anything else to say about this train of thought, please e-mail me. Thanks. :8}
ewanobiwan - Well, I'm glad you were surprised with an update. I know how much I enjoy it myself. ;) I think there's still a lot for both Obi and Qui to work out before they can finally fully move on. No it wasn't anyone's fault. But it's also very natural for humans to find something to blame. Yes, there is always the daydreams of 'what if' and I think he will think about them now regardless. But just wait and see what is to come. I hope you like it. ;) As always, thanks for reading!! :D