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Chapter 7
The senate building was unusually emptied for that time of the day. The senate was in the middle of dealing with the Naboo crises. But none of the senators, aids, and employees weren't there. It was as if everyone had the day off.
Walking down nearly deserted corridor, Qui-Gon was half irritated and half glade. The part of him that was irritated was because he had lost the king of O'Deesa and the royal advisers. He didn't like the fact that he wasn't on Naboo and was given an assignment to play tour guide for the king. He could understand the king's reasoning to visit the Temple before allowing his daughter to be trained as a Jedi. Qui-Gon was giving a brief story of some of the many missions the Jedi had done for the chancellor.
The other part of him that was glade the king and his advisers were gone. For the past two days, the king followed him around, asking questions and being annoying. Yesterday, he had taken the king to watch a group of young initiates during their lightsaber training class. One of the advisers made a rude comment to a Rodian girl who was close to being chosen as a padawan. The girl took the comment had. Qui-Gon was angry but dampened it down. He was about to say something to her when the king personally apologies for his advisor's attitude. The girl accepted the apology. Later that day, Qui-Gon found the girl back in the training room, working on the same move. He had shown her the correct way to counter the parry with a backhanded jab. He even gave her some pointers that would help her in the future.
Some of the king's advisers were downright rude. They were rude to everyone, including the council. The king kept telling them to be more polite. But during a meeting with the council, the first adviser, who, if anything shall happen to the royal family, takes over the planet, said something that nearly made Windu lose his temper and slash the man in half. Qui-Gon didn't know how long the king was planning on staying. For the sake of his and everyone else's nerves, the king would make his decision and then leave, quickly.
"Master Jinn!"
Qui-Gon was deep in thought that he didn't hear his name being called. He kept on walking towards the visitor section of the senate arena.
A light touch on his arm made him jump. He swirled around to come face to face with the stranger, his hand moving to the hilt of his lightsaber. He was a little surprised to see Senator Palpatine standing there. Composing himself quickly, he gave the senator a bow. Qui-Gon thought he saw surprise and wonder in the senator's eyes. "Senator Palpatine.'
"Master Jinn." Palpatine replied bowing.
"I'm surprised to see you here, Master Jinn."
"I'm showing the king of O'Deesa around. He wanted to see the Temple before making the diction if he wants his daughter to be trained. It appears that I had lost the king and his advisers." Qui-Gon answered.
"I believe I just saw your missing king. He and his group were heading towards the visitor's section." Palpatine looked around as if he was looking for someone or something. "Where is your padawan, Kenobi?"
"Obi-Wan was sent on a mission with another Jedi."
"Were to?" Palpatine was afraid to hear the answer.
"Naboo."
Palpatine's face lit up. "One of the ambassadors. Chancellor Valorum told me hesent two ambassadors to Naboo. But he never said who." A puzzled expression came over him. "Why didn't you go? You're one of the best negotiators in the order, Master Jinn."
"They had a special assignment for me. They thought it would give Obi-Wan a chance to work with another, without his master." the Jedi replied.
"Please tell me who the other Jedi is so I can thank them upon their return." Palpatine asked,
"Knight Anya Skywalker." Qui-Gon replied with a grin.
Skywalker? The name sounded familiar. But where did Palpatine hear it? Anger was quickly rising. He shielded himself so the Jedi didn't sense it. By the look on the Jedi master, he didn't sense the darkness. The outside appearance of Palpatine was calm. "I'm sure by the end of the week, the blockade and the Trade Federation will be gone and peace back to Naboo. If Obi-Wan is as good as his teacher, everything will be fine."
"Thank you."
The senator had to force the words out. He still appeared to be calm, but the inside was tempted to grab the lightsaber and cut the Jedi master in half.
"If you would excuse me, senator, I must fine the king." Qui-Gon said bowing.
"Of course." The senator bowed in returned.
Qui-Gon hurried off to fine the king and his advisers. Palpatine watched him leave. A snarl cross his face and quickly hide it. He cursed to himself as he headed to his office. Part of his plan didn't fall through. Jedi Master Qui-Gon Jinn and his pest apprentice, Padawan Obi-Wan Kenobi, were supposed to be on Naboo. But someone changed the council's decision. The two of them were suppose to have been killed on the Federation ship. Now Kenobi and another pest Jedi were protecting the queen and Jinn was still there on Coruscant. Could someone had tipped off the Jedi? Possible. Anyone who knew of the blockade and got scared enough to tell someone, was disposed of by Darth Maul. The only two people who even knew of Jinn and Kenobi's sudden and untimely deaths were Palpatine and Maul. So, what went wrong?
Palpatine stepped into the reception area of his office. His aid was nowhere to be found. He had noticed a dark presence in the office the moment he stepped inside. He knew who it was before he even walked through the doorway to his office.
Anger, frustration, hatred filled the room. Standing off in the shadows, Darth Maul had sensed something was wrong before his master had arrived. He waited patiently for the master to speak. Palpatine paused back and forth in front of his desk.
"Damn those Jedi!" snarled the senator. "They keep ruining my plans."
Darth Maul stepped out of the shadows. The only thing showing was his red/black horned face. "My master?"
"Jinn. He never went to Naboo. The council gave him another assignment." the Sith Lord spat.
"What of the brat, Kenobi?" the apprentice asked.
"With the queen. The council sent someone with him." the older man replied. "It seems that part of my plan had failed."
"Who is the other Jedi?"
"Knight Anya Skywalker."
Maul thought for a few second before moving to the computer. His hands were punching in codes after codes. Palpatine moved to stand behind his apprentice. A smirk appeared on his face when he saw where Maul was tapping into.
"The Jedi Temple's records." the Sith master breathed.
Maul quickly accessed the personal data records. He search for Anya Skywalker and the computer brought up a picture of Anya and her records.
Name: Anya Skywalker
Rank: Knight
Species: Human
Homeworld: Coruscant / Yavin 4
Parents: Luke Skywalker, Jedi Master
Mara Jade Skywalker, Jedi Master, Republic Intelligence
Siblings: Ben Skywalker – died at age 3 of mysterious virus, Force-sensitive
Midi-chlorian count: (blank)
Master: Taraya Eldorm Vondell
Maul turned to face his master. Palpatine stared at the screen. The midi-chlorian count was left blank. The council always lists the midi-chlorian count. So why is hers missing? Something was going on here. Why in the hell does the parents sound so familiar? And why is the count missing?
"They're hiding something." the master stated before continuing reading.
While on a mission to the Outer Rim, Master Eldorm Vondell and Padawan Skywalker were attacked. Master Eldorm Vondell was able to escape. But Padawan Skywalker was captured by the unknown attackers. For nearly ten months, Padawan Skywalker was held captive. During that time, she was tortured, beaten, abused and experiments were done. A rescue mission was held. A group of Jedi sunk on board a space station that was reported where the unknown attackers were transferring her too. Successfully, the group rescued Padawan Skywalker. The injuries she had sustained during her captivity were life threatening. Upon arriving back at the Temple, Padawan Skywalker slipped into a coma. For three months, she remained in the coma. Almost three years after being captured, she was Knighted at the age of 21, the youngest to ever be Knight.
"Unknown attacker?" Palpatine wondered.
"It seems, my master, that they don't want anyone knowing the truth about her."
"The Jedi are hiding something. No matter. We'll learn soon enough."
Maul went back to scanning the file. He stopped when he read something about the University of Coruscant. "She even attended the university here."
"You sure?"
"Majored in history, archaeology and medicine. She also graduated first in her class."
"I'm surprised the council even agreed to let her go."
"This is different." Maul spoke up.
"What?"
"According to this, while she was attending the university, she stayed with her aunt and uncle, Han and Leia Skywalker Solo. She continued her training in between semesters. Her father thought it was best that she stayed with them instead of traveling from the temple to school."
"Does it say why?" the master asked eagerly.
"The aunt and uncle lived near the school. And that the council and her father didn't want her to have special treatment." the apprentice answered.
"There is more going on here then missing information. What are they hiding? There is something special about this Skywalker. Something they don't want anyone to know. Not even their own. This can work to our advantage."
"Yes, master."
Palpatine stroke his chin as he thought over this information. Something was tingling at the back of his mind. For some odd reason, he had the feeling he know the parents. Not just hearing their names. But from a different time. This was something he would have to check into.
"We're heading for a remote planet with your permission. The planet is on the Outer Rim. The Trade Federation has no presence there. But it is controlled by the Hutts." Anya said. "We should be able to hide there while we repair the ship."
"How do we repair the ship?" the queen asked.
"Either Obi-Wan or myself will go into town and get the parts we need."
"Your highness," Captain Panaka spoke up. "I don't agree with the Jedi on this."
"We have an advantage, your highness." Obi-Wan added, stepping up beside Anya. "The Hutts won't be looking for us."
"I trust you, Jedi."
That was all the queen said. Both Anya and Obi-Wan bowed and left the chamber, leaving one irritated Captain Panaka behind. The Jedi headed straight towards their quarters. The escape from Naboo was that of any other escape. As Obi-Wan dealt with Jar Jar, Anya had gone to the bridge. The Trade Federation had sent out droid fighters to stop them. When Obi-Wan got to the bridge, he was surprised to see the fighters. One of the fighters hit the shield generator A repair droid called Artoo-Detoo, was one of six droids assigned to fix it. Anya recognized the little droid the moment it rolled out. Silently, she knew Artoo would be able to fix it. So when it by passed the main power drive, it didn't surprise her one bit.
The moment the door closed, Obi-Wan started to pause the length of the cabin. Anya moved pasted him to sit on the edge of the bed. She tried to read him. She was able to read him clearly. She felt rather then saw his feelings. He was afraid of losing her. Concern filled every inch of her.
"Obi-Wan," she said. But he never stopped. "Love, please stop. I'm worried too. You weren't the one who had the dreams. But we can't go by what had or will happen. We've been following our instincts and the Force. Perhaps it's the will of the Force."
"It's like a nightmare coming true. When I had that vision two years ago, I secretly prayed it would never happen. I didn't know what to do if something happed to you or Qui-Gon." Obi-Wan said.
With a small smile, she stood up and cupped his cheek. "Nothing will happen to me or Qui-Gon." She wasn't so sure about what she just said. The feeling of wrongness and forbidding was getting stronger.
"I want to believe you. But. . . I'm not so sure." Obi-Wan gathered her in his arms and kissed her. "What are we going to do?" he asked.
"If we land near Mos Espa, perhaps you should go into town. You know more then I do." she replied.
"Maybe you're right. But, Jar Jar stays here." Obi-Wan said.
"What? Oh, no. He goes with you. He'll just get in the way." Anya protested.
"He would get into trouble."
"Obi-Wan, love. Please take him." Anya put on a sad, innocent expression. She walked her fingers up his chest. "Please? I'll make it worth your," She undid his belt and tossed it to the side. She then took off the sash and tossed it too. Undoing the string of his leggings, she slide her hand down pasted the waistband. Obi-Wan gasped when she grabbed him. He couldn't keep his thoughts straight. A wicked smile appeared on his love's face. "Wild."
"Ah!" he nearly cried out when she squeezed harder. His arousal was apparent by now. "A-A-Anya. . . he's sta-a-a-y. . . ing here."
Before he was able to utter another word, she grabbed the waistband and yanked the leggings down. He cried out again when she took him into her mouth. All thought and speech was gone. And his control stretched to its limit.
"Well?" she asked pulling away and looked up the flushed face of her lover.
Obi-Wan was unable to form words. He swallowed several times before he was able to form words again. Anya stood up as she grabbed him again. His own wicked smile appeared. "We'll have to see."
In lighting speed, Obi-Wan was pinning Anya down on the bed, undoing her belt and sash. Clothes went flying across the cabin. It was Anya's turn to gasp in pleasure.
"Give up?" he asked wickedly.
"N-never!" She titled her head back and gave a low moan.
The garden of a Thousand Fountains was filled with the sounds of rushing water and the laughter of children. The garden was a peaceful place. A group of young initiates were playing around a pool. The sounds of children's laughter caught the attention of King Neim. Qui-Gon was showing the king the gardens. Two days ago, King Neim from O'Deesa arrived with several of his close advisers and his daughter. Two months ago, while on a mission to O'Deesa , a master/padawan team discovered that the king's only daughter was Force-sensitive. The master/padawan reported to the council of the child. The king let them test her to see if she qualified to be trained. The child's midi-clorian count was in the average range. Then last week, the same master/padawan returned for the girl. But before making the decision to let her go, the king wanted to know, to see where she will be living and who will take care of his little girl. The council agreed to let him come and tour the temple. It was rare for someone to come to the temple to take a tour before letting his or her son or daughter to be trained.
Qui-Gon was chosen to give the king the tour. The council said he was the best one to handle the king. But there was more. The council even said they didn't want him going to Naboo. He took the assignment but didn't like it. He kept telling himself that he should be on Naboo. Not here, playing tour guide. And if anything goes smoothly, they should be talking to the Trade Federation's viceroy, Nutt Gunray. Qui-Gon had a feeling the mission wasn't going smoothly.
The two men were walking down one of the paths. King Neim had told his advisers and guards to take some time off. They weren't needed because he felt safe at the temple. As they walked, the king would ask questions what were the different planets that grew in the gardens. As they got closer to a clearing, they heard a whistle. The whistle belonged to an astromach droid. And Qui-Gon knew only one astromach droid that whistle belong to. When they entered the clearing, they saw Luke sitting no the ground, working on Artoo. Tools and parts were laying around them.
"What happened to Artoo?" Qui-Gon asked walking over.
"He pissed off a Gamorrean in the shopping district. Lets just say the guard used him as a play toy. I finally found him floating in some kind of mud pool in the lower levels." explained Luke.
"I didn't know Jedi owned any droids." King Neim spoke. "Dose he belong to you?"
"Yes, he does. I had owned him for about forty years now. He's a tough little droid. And every royal." the other Jedi master answered.
"I'm glade to hear that." said King Neim.
"Luke, this is King Neim from O'Deesa. He's touring the temple before he makes the decision on letting his daughter be trained. King Neim, this is Master Luke Skywalker and Artoo-Detoo."
Kind Neim bowed. "It's an honor to meet you."
Luke went to stand when the king waved his hand in dismissal. "No need to get up on my count. Keep working on your droid. I'm here as a father, not a king. Would you settle for a hand shake?" he held out his hand. Luke shook it.
The two men sat down on the bench next to them. Luke went back to cleaning the part he was working on.
"Have you been impress by what you've seen?"
"I'm very impress. I have heard about the Jedi Temple and only seen it from the outside. Never knew how beautiful and peaceful it was. I especially love the gardens." answered the king. "Master Jinn has shown me everything. I even got to watch several students practicing in the training rooms."
"I guess you made up you mind, then?" Luke asked. Artoo gave a whistle. "Alright, Artoo." He reattached the part that was in his hand. "There." The little droid gave another whistle.
The king laughed at Artoo. "And he has a mind of his own."
"I wouldn't have it any other way."
The king laughed as Artoo swiveled his head back and forth. "I haven't made a decision yet. But if I do, I'll miss her. No one on my planet has ever been a Jedi. She had a rare gift among my people. Some thinks she should be raised as a Jedi. Others don't want it. My daughter will disrupt the throne."
"What do you mean?" Qui-Gon asked.
"My daughter is the next heir to the throne. A small group of nationalists wants elections to be held when the time Mist is to take the throne." King Neim sighed. "I want what is best for her. Do you have any children?" asked the Jedi.
"I don't. But I think of my padawan as a son. I raised him half his life." Qui-Gon answered. "To me, he is my son."
"You, Master Skywalker?"
"I do. I. . . have one. A daughter. Her name is Anya." Luke replied.
"I couldn't help noticed you hesitated when you answered." The king pointed out.
"I do have a daughter. But I also had a son."
"Had?"
"He died 26 years ago." Luke said with a hint of sadness.
"I'm sorry. How did he die?"
"He was only three years old. It was a mysterious virus. We still don't know what it was." replied Luke. "Or how he got infected." And we know who did it. He added to himself.
"I know how it feels to lose a loved one. Especially a child. Before Mist, we had another daughter. It was on her thirteenth birthday and my wife and I were throwing a party. We were attacked and she was killed. The people responsible was caught, tried, and convicted."
"How does the queen feel about this?" asked Qui-Gon.
"She wants Mist to be a Jedi." Neim turned back to Luke. "Your daughter, how old is she?"
"Anya's twenty-three."
"So, she's a padawan?"
"No. She's a knight. She was knighted two years ago."
"Does she make you proud?"
"Extremely proud. She graduated at the top of her class at the University of Coruscant, she's well respected by everyone. People listen to her and trust her. Everything she does makes me proud. There were times when she thought I wasn't proud. But I was. And there are times I can be over protective. But that's because she's my daughter and my only child."
"If you were in my position, would you let her be trained?"
"Yes, I would. She has a gift only select beings are allowed to have. I would want her to learn to use these abilities to help others."
"It sounds like your daughter is special. I wish I can meet your padawan and daughter."
"They are not here. They're on a mission together." Qui-Gon stated.
"From what I've heard, I thought padawans always traveled with their masters." the king asked.
"That is true. But there are times when the padawan is getting close to taking his or her trails, they go on solo missions. Or they would go on a mission with another Knight or master. This mission, the council thought that this would give him a good opportunity to work with another Knight." Qui-Gon replied.
"What is the mission, if I may ask?"
"To settle the blockade around Naboo." answered Luke.
"The Trade Federation's blockade of Naboo?" The two Jedi nodded. "I hope they are able to settle it. I know the queen. My planet depends on trade with Naboo. I couldn't believe when I first heard about the blockade. This past month has been hard on my people."
"It's been that bad?" the bearded Jedi asked.
"Yes. Our economy is decreasing. And it's expensive to hire other suppliers. I could imagine what it's doing to Naboo. I didn't agree with Chancellor Valorum about taxing the free trade routs. But I also don't agree with what the Federation is doing either. I hope they are able to put an end to it." the king said.
"We all are hoping for it, too." Qui-Gon said.
Frustration was getting the best of Obi-Wan. Not only was Jar Jar already getting himself into trouble, dealing with a group of Tusken Raders on the walk there, Padmé looking at him in a strange way, now he had to deal with the shop's owner, a Toydarian named Watto.
Obi-Wan remembers Qui-Gon telling him about the Toydarian shop owner. But that conversation never took place. Before leaving the ship, Anya warned him that mind tricks don't work on Toydarians. So, the Force wouldn't help him get the hyperdrive and the other parts. With a grin that was full of frustration, Obi-Wan turned away from Watto and stalked back into the shop.
His frustration went up another notch. Again, Jar Jar was messing around. Padmé, listening to the boy on the counter, looked over at him. She knew it didn't go well.
"Jar Jar, we're leaving." Obi-Wan said as Jar Jar tried to juggle an armload of what appeared to be small round cylinders.
As he was leaving, Padmé turned to the boy. "It was nice to meet you, Anakin." she said backing out of the shop.
"It was nice to meet you, too!" the boy, Anakin, called.
Hearing the boy, Obi-Wan winced internally. Anakin Skywalker. History was repeating itself. Why couldn't it be some other kid? he thought.
"Maybe it's the will of the Force." Anya's voice echoed.
The hell it better not be. he thought. Once the group left the shop, Obi-Wan found a narrow ally way. Going out of earshot, he contacted Anya.
"There's nothing." Anya replied without her lover asking the question.
"You sure?"
"There's nothing. I've already looked." Was Anya's replay.
"Alright. We'll see what else we can do here and then we'll head back." said Obi-Wan
"We still have two other options."
"What are they?" Padmé asked.
"I do have some real money and then we have the Relic." The other Jedi's voice came over the commlink.
"What is the Relic?" the young handmaiden asked.
"Knight Skywalker has a ship that can come by a beckon signal." the padawan quickly explained. He thought over what was just said. The money wasn't enough to buy the hyperdrive. If they call the Relic, then the Trade Federation might be able to trace them to Tatooine. "They are a possibility. But calling the Relic can be risky. We'll try something else first. Then if we can't fine a solution, then we'll call the Relic."
There was several loud voices and movement coming through the comlink. They can hear Anya talking to someone. "A message is coming in from Naboo. I'll contact you later."
The comlink shut off. Obi-Wan looked over at Padmé. Padmé tried to hide the worry that rose up by Anya's words. But the Jedi could sense it. And he felt sympathy for the young handmaiden.
"Anya can handle what ever it is. My guess, it's probably a trace to locate us." he said.
"What if it is just a rouse and it's a trace?" she asked.
"Then we must hurry." Obi-Wan said as he started to leave the alleyway.
Obi-Wan's mind was screaming it was a trace. He didn't know what to think or do at the moment.
What turned out to be a good morning, turned quickly into a nightmare. It was during morning meal that Qui-Gon was informed that the king had come to a decision. King Neim had asked the council if there was a way he could use one of the gardens so he can spend sometime with his daughter. With the request granted, the king asked if both Qui-Gon and Luke come to the garden after mid-day meal. Both Qui-Gon and Luke or the council knew what the decision was.
After mid-day meal, Luke and Qui-Gon headed to the Meditation Gardens. As they entered, they could hear laughter. Walking along the path, they saw King Neim and his daughter playing by the small creek. King Neim saw the two Jedi and nodded his greetings. Mist sat on the grass, playing with several toys.
"Master Jinn and Master Skywalker, this is Mist." King Neim said proudly as the father placed a gentle hand on the orange and blue striped hair of the little girl.
Mist looked up at the two Jedi masters and smiled. She held out a small rattle with what appears to a bear. Luke bent down beside the little girl and took the rattle.
"Thank you." Luke said smiling. Mist laughed again and clapped her hands.
"She's a bright one. Learned how to walk at six months." the king said.
"It seems as the generations go by, the kids learn more at an early age. Anya was one five when she picked up my lightsaber and told me the history of it. I can still hear her. When she was done, she said, 'Daddy, you're old.'" The three men laughed. "She's still saying it."
"I hope she didn't get into trouble." Neim suggested.
"Naw. We laughed about it." Luke answered, turning his attention back to Mist.
"It must be hard letting go of your child. Isn't that right, Master Skywalker."
"Yes, it is. There are times when I want to grab my wife and daughter and hide them away so they can be safe. But I know I can't. Each one of us are warriors. We protect those who can't protect themselves. Our duties call for danger at times. We take risks everyday." the Jedi father answered.
King Neim stared at Mist. Proud shinned in his eyes. Mist started to hand Luke her toy and then took them back.
"I did a lot of thinking. I want what's best for Mist. If she isn't trained, she might grow up being afraid of her powers. Or she might miss use them. I want her to learn this gift. Please train her. I know she'll never become the ruler of our planet. I don't care what some think. I want her to become a Jedi." explained King Neim.
"You can still change your mind." stated Qui-Gon.
"No. This is Mist's destiny. My wife and I talked last night and we want Mist to be trained."
"We'll inform the council." Qui-Gon said. Qui-Gon didn't need to see that there was two presents heading towards them. And one of those presents belonged to his formal master. "Specking of the council, Master Yoda is coming."
Sure enough, Yoda and another master turned the bend in the path. Qui-Gon recognized the other master. Master Twoke was the head the crèche.
The three men bowed in greeting. Through what remained of the training bond with Yoda, Qui-Gon could sense there was something wrong. The Jedi master was concerned.
"King Neim, Master Twoke." Yoda introduced them. "A decision you have?"
"Yes, Master Yoda. I want Mist to be trained."
"You do know she'll be giving up her birth right." Master Twoke said.
"I know. I want what's best for her."
"King Neim, if you would follow me. We'll get Mist settled in." the crèche master stated.
King Neim picked up Mist and the two walked way. Qui-Gon and Luke looked down at their formal master. The little Jedi was troubled by something Neither one didn't need the Force to tell. Just the expression on his face and the ears were dropped down.
"News I have from Naboo." Yoda said as he walked over to a nearby bench. "Escaped Queen Amidala has."
"Escaped? Has there been any word from either Anya or Obi-Wan?" asked Luke.
"Silent they are. Learned their ship is damaged. Hiding while repairing."
"Tatooine." Qui-Gon spoke up.
"Are you sure?" the father asked.
"Yes. If the hyperdrive was hit, they would go to Tatooine. It's out of the way and is controlled by the Hutts." the tall Jedi answered.
"Repeating itself history is." Yoda said gravely.
"If the hyperdrive is damaged, why didn't Anya call the Relic?" Luke asked himself.
"Relic?" asked Yoda.
Luke realized that he had spoken out loud. "Anya has a homing beckon built into the Relic. She carries the transmitter with her. She can call anywhere in the galaxy."
"Maybe she can't because she doesn't want the signal traced." suggested the other formal padawan.
"The beckon uses a specially designed signal. Where ever they are, she mustn't be able to."
"Wait we must." Yoda told them as he claimed off the bench. "Wait."
