Chapter 20: So Comes to Pass…
"Hold on to me love,
You know I can't stay long
All I wanted to say was I love you and I'm not afraid.
Can you hear me?
Can you feel me in your arms?
Holding my last breath
Safe inside myself
Are all my thoughts of you
Sweet raptured light
It ends here tonight." - My Last Breath (Evanescence - Fallen)
Obi-Wan leaned with a heavy sigh on the door that closed behind him. Glad to be out of that room, he shivered from the feel of the pilot's hatred bleed its way into him. It was almost a nauseating sensation. Sighing again, he knew it would all be over soon. Too soon in his opinion, but there was nothing he could do for it. Hastily, he made his way to the bridge to give his final report. Inside he found Tuuvu standing over his piloting crew, gazing out the viewport. A peaceful blue and green planet was steadily approaching.
Coming up to stand next to his Patron, Obi-Wan cleared his throat. Tuuvu immediately smiled and placed large paw on the boy's shoulder. The man didn't say anything, but then again he didn't have to. Obi-Wan could see the relief and love in every line of his Patron. Focusing on the growing image, he dutifully reported, "I have told our passengers to prepare. It should not take long to unload them so that you may head home." Thankfully, Obi-Wan was glad that the Togorian didn't pick up on his subtle hint at saying 'you' and not 'we.'
Oblivious, Tuuvu muttered, "Good, I will be happy to be rid of them, especially that Jedi." The Togorian paused remembering the long conversation he had with the aforementioned Knight. "It will good to be home. I miss Jorri, as I know you do. She will be pleased to see us again."
Looking down at the ground, Obi-Wan swallowed the lump that began to form. "I love her very much. I have missed her soothing touch and delicious meals." When he had first been brought to their home, she had tended to his wounds with such tenderness and care that even now, he sometimes appreciated her ministrations over any healer's. And though the meals in the Temple weren't inherently bad, even her rushed mix of meals could make your knees wobble. He doubted that where he was going, they would treat him so well.
"As have I. If we can take off again inside the hour we should be home in time for last meal." Still caught up in his own eagerness to get back underway, Tuuvu had not yet picked up on his cub's emotional struggle.
Not trusting his voice any longer, he nodded. Then the former Jedi made sure his shields were tramped down tighter than he ever had before. He could not risk his guardian sensing any of his wayward emotions if this were to go as he planned. He noticed Kuuur slip in quietly behind him. Now it was only a matter of time before the end arrived and they all waited in silence.
Landing went smoothly. They received clearance for one of the ports in Iziz by stating that they were a freighter that picked up some passengers that had been attacked. It wasn't a total lie but it wasn't exactly the truth either. From the instant they touched down, some of the crew began ushering out their passengers. It didn't take long to get them all unloaded, in fact just over a half-hour. Within that timeframe so much happened. The Jedi gathered and found a lounge that the children could stay in while they waited for new transport. Most of the crew went with the Jedi but some had broken off to perform various tasks. The crew of the Night's Scream quickly obtained a few more supplies and refueled, while the young rogue anxiously awaited the coming storm. When most of these duties were completed, the heads of the three groups went to meet one last time.
*
Mortius Griven, Tenadden Maad and Wuan Jeswick found an information kiosk further into the Port. There they were able to obtain the directions for the Republic Security Office that every Port was required to have. Quickly they made their way to it and went inside.
A young man who looked like he was fresh out of the Academy sat behind a desk. He didn't even look up at their arrival. Frustrated, Griven slammed his hand down on the desk, startling the rookie, "We need Security."
Jumping at the sudden sound, the young man jerked, "I'm sorry." Quickly, he glanced over the trio then fell into his procedures, "Uh, what is the state of the emergency?"
Glancing over at the Duros, Griven knew his presence was there to make sure he did not inform them of the rest of the Pirates. However, he was prepared to leave that aspect alone for the moment. He had a better plan in place than worrying about some lowly Togorians. He knew once it was set in motion there would be no stopping it. A malicious grin on his face, he answered the receptionist's question, "We have captured one of the Togorian Pirates that have been attacking Republic Cruisers over the past decade or so. It's the human among them that we are holding. We request that you send a squad to contain him for transport back to Coruscant."
The rookie typed in the information then stopped, tapping a comm unit. "Official Er'k Lanthr, please come to reception for duty assessment." Turning back to the waiting group, he said, "Someone will be with you momentarily, please take a seat." He motioned for them to take a chair along the wall.
Griven looked at him like he had just grown three heads. Nonplussed, Rem Yxxus stared back for a moment and then went back to his reports. Meanwhile, Wuan Jeswick came up beside the pilot and whispered harshly, "What do you think you're doing, Mort? You were only supposed to report his capture. The Jedi were to take him back to Coruscant and then hand him over to the authorities."
Not wavering under the severity of the Duros' tone, he stated, "There's been a slight change. The murderer will be taken into custody now. The Jedi already have too much to handle with their kids, it would be better this way." He glanced over at his friend, Maad and noticed a small grin of approval.
Wuan butted in, "You're doing this out of revenge. The Captain will not like this."
"Like I care," he shrugged. But before the argument could continue, a tall man in his mid-forties walked into the room.
His black hair was offset by pale skin and yellow eyes. Not even regarding the visitors, he bellowed in a commanding voice, "Let's have it Yxxus."
Immediately, the younger officer stood and addressed his senior. "Sir, they claim to have captured one of the Pirates that have plagued our space routes and wish to have him apprehended."
"Uh huh," he accepted the information, pondering briefly over the task. "Well, we should be able to handle this." Turning, he finally addressed the waiting party. "So, you have one of the Pirates."
Griven readily answered, "Yes, the human that has been spotted among them."
Somewhat curious, Lanthr pressed, "And how were you able to capture him?"
Wuan thought it best to cut in at this point, he could at least guarantee that the rest of their deal would not go sour. He relayed the half-truth that was told to them upon arrival. "The Pirates attacked our ship. During the raid they had to make a hasty retreat, leaving the boy behind. Fortunately, another ship showed up and was able to assist us back here."
Lanthr turned back to Yxxus and demanded, "Get the Detainment Task group up here." A thought seemed to occur to the Official and he asked the trio, "How dangerous would you say this pirate is?"
"Lethal, sir." Griven answered. Maad nodded in agreement, doing his best to support his friend.
"Have them fully armed and with our best binders, Rem." The elder Security Official, leaned over the desk to grab a datapad. He would need to fill out an official report in order to obtain the proper authorization to apprehend the pirate rogue. Muttering a 'yessir' from behind the counter, Rem began alerting the rest of the Task force.
It was only a matter of time now and the vengeful man decided it was time to reveal the final piece of his plan. Stepping closer to the Official, Griven whispered, "Sir, may I make a suggestion. You may want to bring one other item with you…."
*
Tuuvu left with a small entourage comprised of Kuuur, Mrrogh and Obi-Wan. They made their way over to where Captain Fen Lessik, Nev Obser and Ja Kohnwei were waiting in the Terminal. Standing next to the Zenah crew were Jedi Masters, Adi Gallia and Qui-Gon Jinn. With each forced step the tension grew.
Most of the main players in this drama were within arm's length of each other now. Lessik broke the stand off first, clearing his throat he began, "I would like to thank you, Captain, for your cooperation and the safe passage. Some of my crew are seeking other means of transportation back to the Central Core as we speak."
The subtle edge in the Pirate Captain's tone, reminded everyone that he was still an adversary. "It was not by choice, but I am glad the children will be safe." But the Jedi could sense his genuine feeling toward the wellbeing of their initiates.
"Yes, and for that we would like to extend our gratitude," Adi thanked. Glancing at her peer, she added, "Even under adverse conditions the children seem as if the ordeal was something of everyday occurrence."
"Your children are remarkable. But then again, I should have expected that." He glanced over at his cub lovingly and with a hint of pride.
An awkward silence filled the gap between them, Lessik eyed the boy and said, "It seems that our pact is all but complete." He let the underlying meaning hang, waiting to be addressed. But his prompt was overshadowed by the Togorian.
"I expect you to hold up your end. We are free to go now that you have been released. And we better not be followed." In Tuuvu's mind, there were no other provisions to this arrangement. Now all he wanted to guarantee was the safety of his crew and then leave. But what fate had in store would test them all.
Lessik, agreed, "I do not anticipate a problem with that. However we do have one last item to consider." This time, he would get the final stipulation out in the open. His gaze regarded the young man, waiting.
Tuuvu glanced between them, uncertain, "What other item?"
Obi-Wan decided it was now or never. So many things came and went in his mind that he wanted and needed to say. No matter how badly he would like to say them all, he knew that he no longer had the time. Stepped in front of his Captain, he let his heart speak for him, "You know I love you, Patron, don't you?"
The youth's voice was timid. Nodding, he answered, "And I you." Tuuvu was about to question the reason for telling him now, when he noticed something in the sparkling sea-washed eyes. His breath caught in his chest, as fear squeezed him like a vise.
Finding courage from somewhere deep inside him, Obi-Wan continued, "That is why I did what I had to do. You have risked so much to help and protect me. You've even risked your own freedom for my sake. But now it's my turn. You've done everything you could, but you knew it couldn't last."
Finally able find his voice again, coarsely, he pleaded, "What are you saying? Please, let's just go home."
Moisture swelled in turbulent seas, his own eloquent voice rough with laden emotion, "Remember I'll always love you. And Jorri. You are more than friends or crewmates, you are my family." Obi-Wan stepped closer and embraced his father, whom he feared he would never see again.
Holding the young man tightly, Tuuvu returned the gesture with all his heart. The rest of the world was lost to them, only they existed in this moment. But only seconds after the embrace began, he felt one of the boy's arms fall away. He found this odd, because he knew how much his cub craved affection. And he never broke away from a hug prematurely. Opening his eyes, which he hadn't realized he closed, the world became a horrible nightmare. The boy's other arm was torn from its place as binders were clamped around slender wrists. Softly, he whispered, "no." The litany repeating with each heartbeat and increasing in volume and fervor.
When his denial hit its peak, chaos erupted all around them. It seemed everyone was talking - shouting - trying to be heard over the resounding din that filled the spaceport. Tuuvu drank in the sight and reacted violently, Kuuur and Mrrogh countering him. They restrained their Captain as per the conversation held in the First Mate's Office only an hour before. "Let go of him," the Pirate Captain bellowed at the unfeeling guards. Then he growled through barred teeth, "Let go of me, you fools, we have to help cub!"
Kuuur answered in an even tone, a hint of resignation in his words, "He is already lost." For a single moment, the world stopped. Unable to accept this, Tuuvu roared.
Lessik and his companions were shouting at the Security Forces as well as Griven demanding the boy's release. "What are you doing? Security was not yet to be involved," Fen argued.
Official Lanthr responded, "We have come by request of your Pilot, Griven." The elderly human Captain turned on his crewman.
The Jedi were caught in the middle, they wanted to assist with getting the Pirate Captain away while arguing with the Squad Leader. Griven smiled contentedly at the chaos he had wrought, hoping that the Pirates would take the bait and cause their own imprisonment. Tightly gripping hands on his arms tore him from his enjoyment.
"Griven, what is the meaning of this?" Lessik demanded.
Shaking the angered man off, he justified his cause, "You said I could contact the authorities."
Lessik's hands shot out, indicating the turmoil just beyond them, "But this wasn't supposed to happen. You were to have them waiting on Coruscant."
Smugly, he added to his defense, "Coruscant. Onderon. What's the difference? He's a criminal and should be treated as such. We shouldn't be waiting until we get back to Coruscant."
Realizing it was too late to stop this, Lessik left his crewman with the possible consequences of his misjudgment, "You've gone too far. You will be suspended for this, if not fired." They glared at each other for a long time before their attention was brought back to the chaos around them.
Qui-Gon was looking harshly at Er'k Lanthr, "That is unnecessary. He is to remain in our custody until we arrive on Coruscant. Now remove the binders." Qui-Gon had always considered himself a patient and compromising man, but he despised being usurped. And the fact that a member of the High Council was present did nothing to assuage his anger.
The Official waved his hands in front of him as a sign that he was not going to budge on this issue, "I'm sorry Master Jedi, but that is not going to happen. You have a dangerous criminal here and procedures dictate every precaution must be adhered to. While he's on our planet, in our port, he will be dealt with as we see fit. And I don't think it will be any different from what CSF will require. We are all guided by the same rules." The gentle reminder that they were still a division of the Republic's Security Force, the same as the Coruscant Security Force. They all worked for the Republic, but each planet had an their own Security that answered to their planet's and the Republic's needs.
Just as stubborn (if not more so) than the Official, Qui-Gon continued to dispute this action, "But we will vouch for him. He is not as dangerous as lead to believe."
Realizing that simple fact may win the battle for the moment, Lanthr put forth, "Is he one of the Pirates?" A nod from the Knight confirmed his answer. "Is he not implicated in a murder and involved with numerous criminal activities?" Again a reluctant nod. "Is he not Force-sensitive with enough training to be considered dangerous?" At this Qui-Gon could not respond. He was too shocked by the question to even consider answering. How had the Security Force known of Obi-Wan's abilities? He wondered. It's not as if they hid them but it was not something he thought well known among the Zenah crew to be used against the boy. Not like it mattered now, he knew that there was no way to deny the truth.
When Adi realized he was not going to respond, she affirmed harshly, "Yes, put in those terms, you would be correct on all counts."
Shrugging, everything seemed clean-cut and straightforward to him. "Then our course of action is settled. Finish restraining the prisoner." Lanthr called over his shoulder to his lieutenant. To the Jedi Masters' horror an object had been produced that sent shivers up their spines.
"NO!! Leave him alone!" Tuuvu screamed. Desperately trying to break free, the Togorian demanded his cub's release. Deciding that they would never listen to him, he changed his strategy, "Cub, Fight them!" It was then that he realized that his cub had not struggled against his captors. The complacency and acceptance shown clearly in his eyes. It hit him with the force of a gale wind that Obi-Wan had been expecting his capture and all this time he had been trying to say good-bye. But the knowledge came too late and he was losing his son.
"You have to get out of here!" Obi-Wan pleaded. For an instant he forgot about the binders and tried to wave them off. But the strain of his arms and the pinch of his wrists reminded him of the futility of the gesture. His fate was already decided, but he had to ensure his family's escape. Continuing his plea, he bade them, "Please, Go."
Kuuur cut in, "We must leave." His own amber eyes echoing the tear in emotions within him. He did not want to be the one who tore his Captain and friend away from his son. He even understood the man's violent reaction, knowing what he would have done if it was Liior and himself in that position. But he had a duty, one that Obi-Wan had reminded him of. His duty to the crew. The remorse in his low tones were lost to the distraught being he held, but he needed to reiterate the possible dangers of remaining, "We can't risk being captured too."
"Listen to Kuuur," Obi-Wan tried to take a step forward but was held firmly in place by his guards. "You have to get out of here, the others are counting on you to get them home."
Tuuvu protested vehemently, "No, I won't leave without you! You are my Cub!"
"I know, I know. You are my Patron." Obi-Wan tried to soothe the tremendous agony of their souls. "The father of my heart. You saved me. Now let me save you. Go!" He had sacrificed so much to ensure their impunity and he prayed that somehow in the midst of this good-bye gone wrong, that his family would accept his decision and head for the safety of home. But the adamant refusal to concede blazed in the dark emerald depths and he feared that all would be lost.
"NO!" Tuuvu struggled once again against his companions. Somewhere in the back of his mind, he didn't understand how they could hold him back and seem so unaffected by the injustice that played out before them.
"Tuuvu," Kuuur hastily spoke, "if we do not leave now, all of us are lost." He had been noticing the subtle glares of the Security Force around them. "The boy has promised to return and he will. But we must leave before it's too late."
To the Pirate Captain, gentle patron, compassionate friend, he only had one concern that demanded his entire attention. And there was no risk too great to achieve his goal. "Who cares? We must free Cub."
"I care, Patron." The soft Core accent that had become music to his ears now sang a song of melancholy. There was something else hidden deep within the tones – possibly hope – hope of understanding. "What good is my freedom when my family is imprisoned?"
The resignation and desperation in the sparkling sea-change eyes tore at the man's heart. The words hit him like a ton of duracrete. And for an instant he stopped struggling and simply looked at his child. In one question, the boy had conveyed a wealth of answers. All he had to do was see the truth for what it was. His son willingly martyred himself for the sake of his family. He must let him go. But how can one simply walk away from their heart?
As he pondered these things, caring young rogue spoke from the depths of his being. "I love you. I love Jorri. I love you all. You have become my family and will always be held in my heart. Now go home and take care of them." Suddenly, his world ripped apart. Cool metal encircled his neck, choking him off from his source of strength. Instantly, he crumpled to the ground gagging. He felt as if he were in a raging ocean, drug down into the dark by powerful undercurrents, filling his lungs with a deadly nothingness. The world shrank and he desperately fought to reach the surface, agony seized him as he sought air. Unaware of the battle around him, he slowly worked his way back to the living. Vaguely aware of the protests and noise, he focused on the one being that was most important to him now.
Gazing up from his hunched position, he peered into the bright jade eyes of his Patron. Taking deep gulping breaths, he managed to find his voice. It was weak and strained but he knew Tuuvu could hear him, "Thank you. Thank you for showing me where home is." Nausea swept over him, doubling him back over. With the last of his waning strength he looked up and begged, "go, please." Unable to say more, he leaned forward pressing his forehead to the cool ground. There he began to slip into the void of darkness that had housed his constant companion, the Force, only moments before.
A piercing howl cut through the crowded port, sending most of its patrons to the floor in a panic. The second the band clamped down on his cub's neck, Tuuvu renewed his struggle. He watched in horror as his child was reduced to a mass of pain and torment right before his eyes. His vision blurred and he was only vaguely aware of the sobs shaking him. His heart could barely take any more, when he heard the soft, cultured voice of his son. His knees became weak when the painfilled boy thanked him. He just couldn't believe that through everything, the youth wanted to thank him. He stretched out his hand to wipe away the boy's tears, but could not reach. Then Obi-Wan slumped all the way to the ground. Growling once more, the Togorian felt renewed strength, and he knew he could break free of their hold.
Qui-Gon shouted just as they were about to put the collar on. But he knew he was too late to stop them. Immediately, he grabbed Lanthr's jacket collar. "Get that abomination off of him now," he demanded.
"We have already discussed this. This is protocol, Master Jedi, and it will be upheld." Carefully, he reached up and removed the man's hands. Then he turned and watched the scene with great interest. The ship that brought the Jedi and crew to safety was manned by Togorians. And they seemed upset over the boy's capture. Slowly he began putting the pieces together.
Unable to dissuade the Security Guard, Qui-Gon immediately moved to help the boy. He stopped midway, when he heard the rogue croak out his last thought then crumple further. He was about to check the boy when he heard a growl behind him. Suddenly, the Togorian Captain broke free from his companions. However, the Jedi Master was able to hold him back until the others were able to catch up. Peripherally, he noticed Lanthr's questioning gaze and knew their time was up. Harshly, he instructed, "You have to leave now. We've no more time to delay."
Determined, Tuuvu snapped, "I am not leaving without my Cub."
"Listen," The Jedi gave him a quick shake, pulling the feline's attention to him. "Listen to me, Obi-Wan made this bargain to protect you. If you are caught now, everything - Everything - he has done would have been in vain." He could feel the pressure against him begin to slacken as reasoning began to take over. "Do you want to make his sacrifice pointless? Would his surrender be worthwhile if you shared his cell?"
Tuuvu could feel the sting of tears in his eyes, as he knew what duty demanded of him. His gaze flickered from the crumpled form of his son to the man that kept him from his cub's side. Anger stirred deep within him. Grabbing on to the Jedi's tunics he snapped, "You promised we would be together until his birthday. You promised!"
The Jedi slowly began pushing the Pirate Leader back toward his ship. Not concerned about the ferocity of the man's voice, Qui-Gon answered firmly, "I promised he would be there for his birthday, nothing more. And he will be, I swear it. But it can only happen if you are free."
Stealing one last glance at the huddled form on the ground, his grip tightened until his hands shook from the effort. "Swear to me Jedi. Swear on your Order. Swear on your life - on the life of your loved ones - that he will be there. Swear it!"
Steadily, the Jedi met the man's gaze dead on. In a voice of pure conviction he declared emphasizing the last few words, "I swear on my life and of all those that I hold dear, he - will - be - there."
"If not, I will hunt you down until I breathed my last and you are dead."
"If not, I will find you and give you the knife to slit my throat." The seriousness of their pact did not go unnoticed by the others but it was an issue that would be settled at another time.
Lanthr had had enough, it was obvious now that the 'kind-hearted' passersby were more than they claimed. He motioned to his men to close in. Suddenly, Lessik as well as his men and Adi Gallia blocked their advancement. "No! We have our prisoner, let the others go."
"But they could be the Pirates that attacked you." The Security Official protested.
"That doesn't matter right now. They brought us back to safety after the attack. They could simply have been in the area as well. Besides, you have no proof that they are Pirates. It would look very bad if you detained innocent people."
Lanthr considered his option for a moment before responding, "I can't believe you would defend those that attacked you, sir. So you better hope that I am not letting vicious criminals escape." Glaring at Lessik, he motioned for his men to stand down.
Adi confirmed, "You have made the correct decision, sir."
The Togorians were halfway to their vessel when the crowd's attention refocused on them. The Jedi was still leading them back. Tuuvu roared one more time at the torment of leaving his son behind, then finally released his grip on the Jedi. Qui-Gon stopped, knowing the battle was finally over. The Togorians turned and walked up their ramp. At the top, Tuuvu lingered, before hitting the control that sealed the hatch behind him. Their universe had been torn asunder, but it was only the beginning of the trials ahead.
----------------------------------------------------
Well, it may not be as tear jerky as I thought. But I think it was still a good emotional rush, right? Sorry I didn't get this up on Friday but my internet was not co-operating with me. Well, I hope you enjoyed it! :D
lighted eagle – Yeah, I like that sentence too. ;) Actually there are a few in here that I'm like 'Wow, that's good. I wish I could write like that!' And then one of the little voices in my head say, 'You did stupid!' *smack* And I'm like, 'Oh, wow. Are you sure?' Then they smack their forehead and shake it. I'm still not 100% sure why though. And thanks for introducing me, I've met a few of them before, but I doubt they would have remembered me. :8} That's really cool. I'm so glad it was somewhat easy reading. I strive not to be too harsh with you guys. ;) Anyway, me and a few of the colours were gonna take in a movie. I'll catch'ya later. Have fun. :D
paddyjuan – It's so nice to see you! :D And no, unfortunately not. Obi's got a heap load waiting for him. ]:)
K-rock – Yeah, Griven's still a little upset, which is obviously effecting his judgement. I hope you like what his plan was. ]:) So was "the scene" what you were hoping for?? Unfortunately, work was not any kinder to me than your school and work are to you. :( I was only able to touch this up Friday morning when things were semi slow. By the end of the day I was so annoyed I was on the verge of tears and then home didn't help much either. But it's over now and it's time to move on. I hope the patience exercises worked. But since you didn't have too much to do I hope you got a little further along on the other project. I think it's lookin' really good and I'm actually starting to get anxious about working on it. So, thanks for kick startin' my butt! ;D
Death Rider – That's ok. I'm just glad you're sticking with me. :D Well, you had a pretty good idea a long time ago with where I'm heading with all this. I don't want to say anything because I still want some people to be surprised. And they're not working for him now, but I'm not saying that their ties were completely severed either. ]:) Anyway, keep watching for more clues! :D
saiyuki123 – Thanks!! :D I'll do my best to stick to my schedule. Keep your eyes peeled for more. ;)
Fudge - :8} Flatterer!! Are you hoping to get a new chappie out of me sooner?? Well, if you keep that up I just might try to accommodate you. :D Thanks!!!
Criket – LOL, well, I'm sorry ff.n was not so co-operative. Hopefully this one won't cause you so much trouble. But I am flattered that you had to go to another site just to read it. :8} You're so sweet!! Thanks! And I think your fear is well founded. ]:) Hope you liked this chap! :D
Shan – Hmmmm, I didn't think I shortened it. I actually thought I embellished it well. LOL, Angst expert, huh? I like it! :D Yeah, you're lucky I share so much of this with you. But your help and advice has been so invaluable to me, I'm glad that you're so wonderful!! I'll check in with you later. Thanks for all your incredible support! :D
starre – LOL, well, I hope you still managed to get your revisions done. And after this chap, all I can say is I'm sorry. Obi's not gonna be able to stay there. :( Please don't be too mad at me. Thanks for reading! :D