Title: A Vision of Truth
Author: Ruyn-WolfLynn @alloymail.com
Time Frame: Obi-Wan is 14
Spoilers: None that I can think of…unless you haven't read any of the JA books then yes there are some ^_^.
Rating: PG- there is some violence but nothing major.
Summary: Obi-Wan and Qui-Gon are sent to a strange planet. They return hurt and tired but their mission was a success…or was it? Can a dream really for tell the future? Does more trouble await them? And if so from where?
Disclaimer: Do I look like a George to you? Well at least I don't have the beard or the male factor hehehe. Anyway, I don't own Obi-Wan or Qui-Gon or that cute little Yoda, but all the other characters are happily mine….or at least I hope they are *scratches head* Read and Enjoy and PLEASE review!!!
Part 2
" Aren't you done loading that cargo yet?!?"
" A-a-a-lmost captain. There are only a few—"
" Only a few! That's what you said over an hour ago! Hurry up you incompetent fool, I don't have all day!!"
" Y-y-y-ess captain! Right away!"
" Ah! Why do I bother?" Captain Minad Birokk of the Silver Raider, rubbed his scaly temples. He had to leave on schedule, the Ambassador was counting on everything going exactly the way he wanted. Why do I put up with such sluggish idiotic workers? His long Algot tail swished back and forth in irritation. Maybe a drink before the long journey . He walked out of the loading bay and to the bar. He sat down on one of the stools and ordered a Derhaki, a drink native only to Corath. Minad gulped it down, the brownish liquid running down his cheeks. He was about to order another, but a hand placed on his shoulder stopped him in mid sentence.
" Are you sure you should be drinking that before we leave?"
Minad looked at the man behind him. Jesk ,his second in command, had been his trusted companion for ten years. They had flown everywhere together, fought hostile pirates together and even assassinated a king together. Minad motioned for the skinny Algot to sit next to him. Jesk did but with quite a bit of hesitation.
" What's the matter Jesk? You've never been one to turn down a drink."
" No, but I've never had to deal with Jedi before either."
Minad narrowed his eyes at the mention of his extra cargo. He had been informed earlier that morning that he would be carrying Jedi over to his home planet along with the rest of his cargo. The news had been irritating, to say the least. Minad did not appreciate what the Senate was trying to do for Corath, even if it had been at the King's request, and the evolvement of the Jedi only infuriated him more. War had been a way of life for the Algots for seven long years and now these so called Jedi were trying to change that fact. The planet was at an absolute stand still. Not to mention my smuggling business is as of now non existent. There had to be a way to keep the Jedi from knowing what he was planning.
" Those Jedi will ruin everything. If they find out about our little rendezvous with Kolvar we can kiss our little scheme good-bye."
" What can we do? The Jedi are already on their way here."
" Hmmm. We can't do much of anything at the moment. When they get here just act civil and polite, like you're not up to something. I'll try to think of something before we meet that murderous pirate."
" He isn't going to like having Jedi on board the Silver Raider. He may not be to well know in our star system but he is well known in theirs. There's a price on his head up to fifty thousand credits."
Minad exhaled sharply, making a slight whistling sound. " That is high. Don't worry, we just won't let him know that there are Jedi on board."
Jesk cocked an eye brow doubtfully. " That's easier said than done my friend. Kolvar isn't easily fooled."
" We'll have to keep the Jedi locked in their quarters during the meeting."
" Wouldn't they become just a tad bit suspicious as to why they all of sudden can't leave their quarters?"
" Of course not. We'll simply explain that pirates are frequent in our star system, which they already know, and that it would be better for both themselves and my crew if they would remain in their quarters if we happen to get attacked."
Jesk nodded his head impressed. Minad was always good at thinking right of the top of his head; something Jesk had never managed to accomplish. " Sounds good, but what about before we meet up with Kolvar. We can't have them finding our special cargo either. The Silver Raider is to big to have them wondering about all alone. We won't be able to keep track of them at all times."
" Hmmm. You are right….I know! We'll put a spy on them. That way we'll know their every move."
" Are you willing to trust one of the crew with that job? They may fear you Minad, in some respects, but you know as well as I do, that none of them would hesitate snitching on you."
"Yes I know, that is a problem."
" How bout I follow them around. It's not as though I'll have much to do once we get into space. And you know you can trust me Minad."
Minad pondered his friend's suggestion. Though he would much prefer to have Jesk on the bridge with him, it didn't look as though there was any other way to keep a close eye on the Jedi. "Very well. But I need you to be with me when Kolvar arrives."
" Of course."
" Well, now that that's settled, why don't we go wait for our extra 'cargo' to arrive."
"Wait, aren't you going to have another drink?"
Minad looked at his empty glass sitting on the bar. He shook his head and got up from the bar, " I don't think that would be wise."
Jesk chuckled softly and followed his captain back to the loading bay.
Qui-Gon walked briskly to the loading bay. He was anxious to get there for some reason. Something told him there was more to this mission then what Yoda had told him but he couldn't figure out what. He looked over his shoulder at Obi-Wan. The boy was looking around at all the different activity going on in the transport station. The station was unusually crowed that afternoon, but Qui-Gon was more concerned with finding the ship that would take them to Corath. He turned down a hallway that would lead them to the correct docking bay. He stopped when he came to a door marked LB-6785. This is where the ship was supposed to be. Then why am I hesitating? Qui-Gon looked around the corridor. No one was around their part of the transport station, not even working crews. Something wasn't right.
" Master? Is something wrong?"
" Look around Obi-Wan. Do you notice anything strange?"
Obi-Wan looked around the long corridor. Nothing looked out of place. The hallway was silent and not a person was in sight. Wait a minute…the people! Where was everyone? "The hallway seems rather empty for such a crowed afternoon."
" Yes. Why do you think that is?"
" I don't know Master. Perhaps the ship we are ridding on is carrying a dangerous cargo and this part of the station was blocked off for protection."
" Perhaps." But Qui-Gon highly doubted it.
" Master, what type of a ship are we flying on?"
" It's large cargo ship, meant for shipping supplies to and from Corath.
" Does it have a name?"
" Yes. I believe it is called the Silver Raider."
"The Silver Raider? That's an unusual name for a cargo ship."
" You mustn't judge something for what it does or by its name Obi-wan The ship is fast, so I'm told, and should take us to Corath in less then two days."
" Yes Master."
" Come on then, we don't want to keep the captain waiting."
Qui-Gon walked through the door cautiously. Something still wasn't right and Obi-Wan's mention of the ship's name only served to heighten Qui-Gon's awareness. He wasn't going tell Obi-Wan quite yet, but he had the suspicion that the ship they were ridding on wasn't used entirely for shipping cargo, at least not the legal kind.
The loading bay was alive with movement. Algot crew members were busy loading crates onto the ship. The ship itself took up almost the entire loading dock. It was an impressive vessel and didn't look to be anything other than a cargo ship. But Qui-Gon had learned long ago that things weren't always what they appeared to be. He walked to the vessel and gave it a quick look over. Nothing caught his attention at the moment but he was sure something would present itself in time.
" Ah, you must be the Jedi I am to escort to Corath," a boisterous voice called from behind them.
Qui-Gon turned around and let his gaze travel over the figure that had spoken. A rather lanky looking Algot stood before him. He was wearing the uniform of an Algot crew member, with exception that his was black and had three golden stars placed on the collar, showing his rank to be that of a captain. The tall creature moved towards them, his tail swishing from side to side as he walked.
" My name is Minad Birokk, I am the captain of the Silver Raider."
" Pleased to meet you captain. I am Qui-Gon Jinn and my companion is Obi- Wan Kenobi."
The Algot nodded a hello but didn't say a word to Obi-Wan. Qui-Gon had the feeling they weren't very welcome. " I trust we will be leaving on schedule captain?"
"Of course. My crew is just loading on some left over crates, as soon as they are done we will be able to leave."
" Excellent, is it alright if we go on board and get ourselves settled?"
" Absolutely. I will meet you on the bridge in twenty minutes to discuss our travel plan."
Qui-Gon nodded and the captain walked away to finish his duties. " Come Obi-Wan."
" Yes Master."
Obi-Wan followed Qui-Gon into the large ship. He didn't like the way the captain had treated him, but he bit his tongue to keep from commenting. The Algot probably had other things on his mind and it wasn't Obi-Wan's place to pass judgement on someone he didn't know very well.
He walked close behind his Master. The ship was even larger on the inside and with the crew running around it would be easy for them to get separated. While Qui-Gon was looking for their quarters, Obi-Wan took the opportunity to think about the mission ahead. He had not wanted to do so before but now it was necessary. Corath was a cruel planet, he would need to pay close attention to what went on around him. Obi-Wan wasn't sure if they would run into any more trouble on the small planet but it was best to be prepared just in case.
After what seemed like an eternity Qui-Gon finally came to a stop in front of a door marked 12-LE6. Section twelve level six. Easy enough to remember. Obi-Wan looked around. It wasn't until then, that he realized just where their quarters were. Why would the Captain place us with the rest of the crew? The crews quarters were located all the way in the back of the ship, it didn't make any sense to put them here. Why not the quest quarters?
Qui-Gon opened the door. The room was small with two beds, one on each side of the room and a table in the middle. Obi-Wan placed his bag on the table. Some thing wasn't right, he could feel it, but what was it?
" Resentment." Qui-Gon had also put his bag down and was studying the room.
" But why would the Algots resent us? We helped them find peace."
" Exactly. The Algots have been a people claimed by war for a long time, it's away of life for them. Now that peace has come they have to change and change isn't always easy or wanted, even if it is the best thing to happen."
" Then you don't think we'll be well received."
" It's hard to say. We can only expect the unexpected and allow the force to show us the right path to take."
" Yes Master."
" Why don't you get settled. I'm going to take a quick look around."
" Alright."
" Join me on the bridge in fifteen minutes. It's located on Level Four."
" Yes Master."
Qui-Gon left the small room and headed for the loading dock. There was something else besides resentment on the ship. He rounded the corner, never seeing the green figure following slowly in the shadows.
" Obi-Wan? Obi-Wan, where are you?"
Obi-Wan followed the voice. Where was it coming from? He was in a very bright hallway, with lush furnishings and dramatic statues. There was only one door, located at the end, but no matter how fast Obi-Wan ran, the door seemed to get farther and farther away.
" Obi-Wan where are you?"
" Here I am! Here!" Obi-Wan cried out in desperation but the voice was gone, vanished with out a trace.
Just at that moment everything began to blur and he was no longer standing in a hallway but in front of a great mountain. Obi-Wan tilted his head back to see the peak but it was lost in nothingness and couldn't be seen. He took a step towards it, but when he did it began to move. It sank faster and faster into the ground, until there was nothing left but a large hole. Amazed at what he had just seen, Obi-Wan looked over the edge of the gigantic crevice. He saw nothing but blackness, then he felt someone push him. He lost his balance and fell into it.
For some reason he was unable to scream as he fell to his death. The blackness surrounded him, choking him as he fell. Obi-Wan closed his eyes not wanting to see the ground rush up at him. He waited for the impact to come, to feel the hard ground. But it never came. He opened his eyes and found himself standing in a bright room with all sorts of machines placed every where. There was a chair in the very back that had all types of sharp looking objects coming out of it. He walked over to it and ran his fingers long one of the razors. Blood squirted from his fingers, but strangely it didn't hurt.
" Jedi!"
Obi-Wan whirled around to see Captain Minad charging at him with a blaster in hand He reached for his lightsaber but found he couldn't. He was strapped into the chair now, with Minad standing over him. Then Minad slowly became the form of Anal.
" Anal?"
" Save him Obi-Wan, you must save him. Your the only one who can." Anal began to walk slowly away her figure becoming dimmer with each step she took.
" Anal wait!"
" Save him Obi-Wan. Follow the four golden stars Obi-Wan, they will show the way."
" Anal wait! Please!" But she was gone. Obi-Wan struggled to get out of the chair, but the constraints wouldn't budge.
" Your death has arrived Jedi!" Once again Minad stood over him, this time aiming the blaster right at his heart. Obi-Wan closed his eyes, excepting his death.
" Save him Obi-Wan!" His eyes flew open. He couldn't die, but it was to late the blaster fired its shot.
Obi-Wan bolted upright. He looked around the room ecstatically for Minad and his blaster, but it had only been a dream. There was nothing. He looked over at Qui-Gon, who was sound asleep in the bed across the room. Placing a hand on his chest, he tried to slow down his rapid heart beat. The dream had seemed so real, he could still feel the restraints of the chair on his wrists. Never before had he died in a dream and he didn't care to much for the experience. He took a deep breath and closed his eyes, but the vision of the blaster aimed at his heart suddenly appeared and he quickly opened them again.
Obi-Wan pushed the covers aside with a sharp jerk. He doubted he would be getting any more sleep that night. What he wanted to do was wake up Qui- Gon and tell him about the dream, but he didn't think his Master would appreciate it to much. Obi-Wan got out of bed and began to pace around the small room. He always got restless whenever he woke up in the middle of the night and this time wasn't any different.
"This isn't working." Obi-Wan rubbed his temples, a headache was beginning to set in. He needed to go for a walk, that would help sooth his nerves. The small room just wasn't big enough. He looked over at Qui-Gon. I'm sure it would be alright if I went for a short walk. I'll return before I'm even missed. Obi-Wan crept quietly out of the room and into the silent corridor. He turned left, letting his instincts guide him around the ship.
* * *
BOOM!
Qui-Gon jumped out of bed lightsaber in hand. The ship shook with a sharp jerk sending both his bag and Obi-Wan's crashing to the floor. Something had hit the ship, he could hear the excited shouts of crew members outside the door. He opened his senses and heard the distant wunk wunk of a ship's guns firing. They were under attack!
Qui-Gon suddenly realized he was alone. Where is Obi-Wan? Qui-Gon thought of all the places his Padawan might have gone. He ran to the door but suddenly remembered Captain Minad's request that they stay in their quarters if the ship happen to come under attack. Master Yoda would have advised Qui-Gon to stay where he was, so as not to offend the Algots already thinning patience with them. But the circumstances were different at the moment, Obi-Wan was missing. Qui-Gon was not about to let Obi-Wan fend for himself when the ship was under attack. His mind made up, he ran quickly out the door.
He checked every where he could think Obi-Wan might have disappeared to, but every place turned up empty handed. Qui-Gon looked around the crowded the hallway. Where can he be? Then he felt it, a ripple in the force. Something was terribly wrong. Obi-Wan! Qui-Gon reached out to his padawan but felt no response. The familiar presence that was Obi-Wan was missing from his mind. Qui-Gon repressed a surge of fear. The boy wasn't dead, Qui-Gon would have know, would have felt it. But why wasn't Obi-Wan responding and why would he leave their sleeping quarters?
Allowing the force to calm his growing anxiety, Qui-Gon concentrated. He opened his eyes, his gaze falling on the elevator shaft. He walked over to it, trusting the force to lead him to his missing padawan. A row of buttons lined the wall by the door. Pushing one randomly, Qui-Gon hoped he was choosing the right level. The Silver Raider was huge and a search could take hours….hours he didn't have.
After several minutes the doors opened and level one of the ship was revealed. Surprisingly, the level was vacant but Qui-Gon pushed the surprise aside, his mind fixed on finding Obi-Wan. He walked down the hallway, searching for even the slightest presence of his padawan. As he walked passed a door marked STORAGE ROOM L1-5, Qui-Gon felt a sudden surge in the force.
Stopping in front of the door he looked for a way to get in. What looked like a an entrance bar code lined the wall next to the door, but Qui-Gon's surprise it looked as though someone had tries to melt the controls, completely stopping anyone from entering the room. Odd, he thought. Why would anyone want to people out of a storage room? Another surge in the force was enough to tell Qui-Gon that he was in the right the place. Hoping that he would find his padawan in better condition than the door controls, but preparing himself for the worst, he grabbed his lightsaber and set it on full power. It cut through the door like butter. When a big enough hole was cut, he walked through and immediately began scanning for Obi-Wan.
"Obi-Wan where are you?" No answer.
Qui-Gon continued his search of the room. He didn't understand why Obi-Wan would be in a storage chamber, and so far from their seeping quarters. There were some boxes in the very back of the room and Qui-Gon thought he saw what looked like a boot sticking out from behind one of them. He walked over quickly. Obi-Wan was lying on his stomach, unconscious. Though Qui-Gon could see that he was still breathing, a cold trickle of fear began in his stomach and worked its way up. He kneeled next to Obi- Wan and turned him over. He quickly searched for any injuries but found none. Qui-Gon sighed in relief, he lifted Obi-Wan's head and found the reason why the boy was unconscious. A walloping bump was on the back of Obi-Wan's scull. He must of hit his head on something. But that still doesn't explain what he is doing in here.
Qui-Gon tapped Obi-Wan's cheeks in an effort to wake him up. "Obi-Wan? Obi-Wan wake up."
Obi-Wan moaned and moved his head slightly. " That's it. Wake up."
" Master?"
" Yes it's me. How did you get in here?"
"I was—" Obi-Wan sat up and immediately wished he hadn't. The room began to spin rapidly and he nearly fell over.
" Woe. Be careful Padawan, you've taken a nasty bump to the head."
Obi-Wan reached behind his head and felt the large bump protruding from his skull. He hissed in reaction. " He didn't need to hit me that hard."
Qui-Gon looked at Obi-Wan sharply, checking once again to make sure no serious damage had been done, " Who hit you?"
" I'm not sure. I was taking a walk after getting a bad nights sleep. I thought it might relax me. Anyway, I stumbled upon Captain Minad talking to a transmission, whether he was sending or receiving I'm not sure. I was about to walk in and say hello when someone grabbed me from behind. Whoever it was must have hit me over the head and threw me in here."
" Did you hear anything of what Minad was saying?"
Obi-Wan thought about it for a moment. He tried to remember what he had heard but it was to fuzzy in his head. " No, not really. All I can remember is hearing something about a "special shipment" and "make sure everything goes as planned.'" Obi-Wan shook his head, trying to get a clearer picture. "I'm sorry Master."
Qui-Gon laid a hand on the young man's shoulder, " Don't worry about it my Padawan. We know enough to go question the captain."
" Are you sure we should do that? What if the captain is hiding something and that's why I was thrown in here?"
" I wasn't going to interrogate the man Obi-Wan. I am merely going to ask the man some questions. If he is hiding something he'll betray himself."
Qui-Gon helped Obi-Wan to his feet. They headed for the door, when Obi-Wan suddenly stopped in alarm. " My lightsaber is gone!"
Qui-Gon made a quick glance of the room, but Obi-Wan's lightsaber was no where in site. " Who ever grabbed you must have taken it. But at the moment we don't have time to look for it. The Silver Raider is under attack."
The ship gave a savage jerk nearly sending Obi-Wan to the floor. "Whose attacking?"
" I don't know but I would suspect pirates. We had better get up to the bridge and see if the captain needs our help."
Qui-Gon lead the way with Obi-Wan close behind. The Jedi Master paused for a moment and glanced behind him. Obi-Wan stopped and looked at him curiously. Qui-Gon shook his head in dismissal. "It's nothing. Come on" They ran for the elevator that would take them to the bridge. Neither one of them noticed a pair of furious eyes watching them from the shadows.
Minad paced about the bridge. He felt liked a caged animal. Glancing at the view screen, he saw the blaster fire of The Shadow. It was Kolvar's ship, one of the most powerful ships in the galaxy. He had named it The Shadow because of it's black color and impressive cloaking abilities. Minad hadn't even known Kolvar had arrived until the ship turned off its cloaking device and suddenly appeared on the view screen.
The Silver Raider took another hit form Kolvar's constant firing; Minad grabbed onto a railing to keep from falling. Some how Kolvar had found out there were Jedi aboard The Silver Raider and was demonstrating his irritation. Minad rubbed his forehead. He knew Kolvar wouldn't destroy his ship, but he would do some heavy damage; damage Minad couldn't afford to have.
"Captain, we're picking up a signal"
" Well put it through you idiot!"
The image of Kolvar filled the screen. Minad straightened his shirt and stood at his full height. He had never seen the pirate face to face before and was temporarily speechless. His large form was clad in a black tunic that only emphasized his size. His dark hair was tied back in a short pony tail and his silver eyes watched Minad coldly. However none of these features scared Minad half as much as what was strapped to the man's back. A large vibro-ax was placed within easy reach of the pirates hand. Minad was quite familiar with the blade. He had never seen it up close, but it was rumored to have killed over a hundred men, along with its previous owner, whose blood was supposedly stained on the blade.
" Captain Kolvar. It's so nice to finally meet you face to face."
" Spare me the polite conversation Minad, you have Jedi on your ship!"
" Where did you ever…"
" I have my sources. You disappoint me Minad."
" Yes it is true Kolvar, I do have Jedi on board my ship, but you can be assured it was not my intention to put you in any kind of danger."
" Then what exactly was your intention?"
" Why, nothing Kolvar." Minad swallowed hard. If Algots had sweat glands he knew he'd be drench in it. "I was informed that the Jedi were to be ridding on board my ship the morning I took off. At the time there was nothing I could do. They are on a peaceful mission to my home world."
" Humph. Jedi are always on 'peaceful' missions. I can assure you captain that they are not to be trusted."
" I share your sentiments Kolvar. They are trying to bring peace to a planet that does not need it or want it."
Kolvar's eye brows rose in suspicion. " I heard they had succeeded in bringing peace to Corath, yet you say other wise."
" You will hear differently as soon as we conclude our deal."
" Ah, the agreement. And where is the money you promised Minad? Do not tell me you had me come all the way over here and you have nothing for me."
" On the contrary Kolvar, I have the money right here." Minad lifted a black case and opened it. Inside was over one hundred thousand credits.
" Excellent. I will send over one of my men with my end of the bargain."
" Very well. I will send one of my own to meet him in loading bay seven."
" It was nice doing business with you Minad Birokk, but for future reference try not to have Jedi frequent your ship. It may get you into trouble one day."
The transmission ended and Kolvar's face disappeared. Minad gave a sigh of relief. He would send Jesk down to meet the special cargo. Amazingly he had managed to do all this without the Jedi catching whiff of it. Quite proud of himself, Minad left the bridge in search of Jesk.
Obi-Wan pressed himself against the wall as Minad walked by. His eyes narrowed when he thought of what the conniving Algot was up to. He didn't know what the special cargo was or what Kolvar had to do with anything but what ever it was it couldn't be good. Obi-Wan waited until the captain had rounded the corner before stepping out of his hiding place. He wanted to know what was going on. Something inside him told him he should follow the captain and he wasn't about to argue at the moment.
Obi-Wan took a step forward but a hand placed firmly on his shoulder prevented him from taking another. He glanced behind him. Qui-Gon had also come out of his hiding place and was now gripping his shoulder. Obi- Wan looked at his Master puzzled. They should follow Minad and find out what the Algot was hiding. Why had Qui-Gon stopped him?
" There is nothing more we can do here. Let's return to our quarters."
Qui-Gon began walking down the hallway. Obi-Wan stared after him, he mouth dropping open. Nothing more to do?! What was he talking about? There was plenty for them to do! "Master? Aren't we going to go find out what Minad was talking about?"
Qui-Gon didn't even turn around, he merely glanced over his shoulder. " No."
Obi-Wan ran after him. " But Master, shouldn't we at least find out what this special cargo is?"
Qui-Gon stopped and looked down at Obi-Wan. He gaze was neutral but Obi- Wan still had to force himself not look away. " No Padawan we should not. There is nothing we can do while we are on board this ship. It is best that we keep our some what good relations with the Algots good until we have significant evidence that there is more to this then what meets the eye."
But isn't that what we should be looking for, evidence? Obi-Wan doubted he would ever figure out how Qui-Gon's mind worked. Qui-Gon, finished with his explanation, continued walking down the hallway. Obi-Wan followed behind slowly. Qui-Gon had pressed the lesson of waiting on him time and time again. He guessed that was what Qui-Gon was doing, but for what reason he had no idea. Waiting seemed pointless in a situation where all the evidence you needed was right there at your finger tips. Obi-Wan shook his head, it was going to be a long day.
Qui-Gon could see Obi-Wan shaking his head out of the corner of his eye. The boy was frustrated. Qui-Gon knew Obi-Wan didn't see a reason for waiting and he would have agreed with him, if Minad hadn't said something that gave him a very strong sense of dread.
"You'll hear differently as soon as we conclude our deal."
Was Minad planning on restarting the war?
If he was, there had to be someone else involved. The Algot captain couldn't possibly restart an entire war by himself, he had neither the power nor the resources. Qui-Gon walked briskly back to their sleeping quarters, he was anxious to get back before he was noticed missing. There was much to be done and not a whole lot of time to do it in. He would need to contact Yoda once they landed, the situation was growing much more complicated than anyone had expected.
Upon reaching their chamber, Qui-Gon went over to his bag, still lying on the floor, and took out his com-link. It wouldn't be safe in the bag. Whoever had grabbed Obi-Wan and his lightsaber might try to search their room as well. He placed it inside a pocket of his utility belt, it would be safer there. Obi-Wan was sitting on his bed, his hand rested tentatively on his belt. Qui-Gon could sense the boys unease at not having his lightsaber. His hand rested on his own lightsaber, his faithful companion through out his Jedi years. They would need to find Obi-Wan's before the ship landed the next morning. Qui-Gon rubbed his chin thoughtfully. Where could it be?
Unexpectedly, a knock sounded on the door. Qui-Gon put his bag down on the table and went to see who it could be. Obi-Wan stood at attention. "Yes?"
" Good morning Jedi. I hope our little run in with some pirates hasn't upset you in any way."
" Of course not captain. Was much damage done to the ship? I felt us take some rather nasty hits."
" Nothing that can't be repaired once we land. Don't worry, we will still be arriving on schedule."
" I am glad to hear that. Tell me, do you know if the Ambassador will have an escort waiting for us when we arrive?"
"Sorry Jedi I do not. But I would not be surprised. If you like, I can contact the Ambassador and find out for you ."
" Yes thank you, it would be appreciated."
" No problem."
The Algot turned to leave but then stopped. " Oh! I almost forgot, I have something for you."
Qui-Gon raised his eye brows in surprise. Minad reached into his uniform and pulled out a long silver object. " My lightsaber!" Obi Wan walked quickly over to the door and took it out of the captain's hand.
" I thought it belonged to one of you. You should be more careful with such an impressive weapon. Someone might have stolen it if I hadn't found it first."
Obi-Wan's anger was fast in coming. It took all his will power to not accuse Minad right there and then of being the very stealer he was warning against. He forced himself to smile and tried not to let his anger show.
" Thank you Captain, and yes I shall be more careful from now on."
" Good. Well I must leave I have duties to attend to be fore this evening arrives. We will be entering the Navis Star System in about eight hours. Feel free to walk around the ship, but I would advise not to venture onto deck two. It received much of the damage during the battle and isn't safe to walk on at the moment."
" Thank you for the offer and the warning Captain."
" My pleasure Jedi. If you need me I will be on the bridge."
Minad walked away and Qui-Gon shut the door behind him. Obi-Wan placed his lightsaber safely on his belt. Where it belongs! he thought in irritation. He went back to siting on his bed. Even with all the excitement he was still tired from the night before. With the help of the force he had managed to concentrate on the events that were going on, but now that he was back within the quiet of his sleeping quarters his eyes were beginning to droop. Obi-Wan remembered feeling the same way the last time he journeyed to Corath. Maybe the planet doesn't like me, he thought in dry humor, It certainly doesn't like me sleeping. He rubbed his eyes, trying desperately to stay wake. He leaned back against the blankets, intending on only stretching his tired muscles. Obi-Wan was asleep the moment his head hit the pillow.
" Obi-Wan?"
Qui-Gon looked over at his apprentice. He had called the boy's name twice and had gotten no reply. He was surprised to find Obi-Wan fast asleep. Surely the boy wasn't tired? Then Qui-Gon remembered the bump on Obi-Wan's head. He had said he hadn't gotten a very good night's rest. Qui-Gon walked over to the bed and pulled the blanket over Obi-Wan; he would let him sleep for a little while. Looking at Obi-Wan's sleeping form one more time, Qui-Gon quietly existed the room.
Author: Ruyn-WolfLynn @alloymail.com
Time Frame: Obi-Wan is 14
Spoilers: None that I can think of…unless you haven't read any of the JA books then yes there are some ^_^.
Rating: PG- there is some violence but nothing major.
Summary: Obi-Wan and Qui-Gon are sent to a strange planet. They return hurt and tired but their mission was a success…or was it? Can a dream really for tell the future? Does more trouble await them? And if so from where?
Disclaimer: Do I look like a George to you? Well at least I don't have the beard or the male factor hehehe. Anyway, I don't own Obi-Wan or Qui-Gon or that cute little Yoda, but all the other characters are happily mine….or at least I hope they are *scratches head* Read and Enjoy and PLEASE review!!!
Part 2
" Aren't you done loading that cargo yet?!?"
" A-a-a-lmost captain. There are only a few—"
" Only a few! That's what you said over an hour ago! Hurry up you incompetent fool, I don't have all day!!"
" Y-y-y-ess captain! Right away!"
" Ah! Why do I bother?" Captain Minad Birokk of the Silver Raider, rubbed his scaly temples. He had to leave on schedule, the Ambassador was counting on everything going exactly the way he wanted. Why do I put up with such sluggish idiotic workers? His long Algot tail swished back and forth in irritation. Maybe a drink before the long journey . He walked out of the loading bay and to the bar. He sat down on one of the stools and ordered a Derhaki, a drink native only to Corath. Minad gulped it down, the brownish liquid running down his cheeks. He was about to order another, but a hand placed on his shoulder stopped him in mid sentence.
" Are you sure you should be drinking that before we leave?"
Minad looked at the man behind him. Jesk ,his second in command, had been his trusted companion for ten years. They had flown everywhere together, fought hostile pirates together and even assassinated a king together. Minad motioned for the skinny Algot to sit next to him. Jesk did but with quite a bit of hesitation.
" What's the matter Jesk? You've never been one to turn down a drink."
" No, but I've never had to deal with Jedi before either."
Minad narrowed his eyes at the mention of his extra cargo. He had been informed earlier that morning that he would be carrying Jedi over to his home planet along with the rest of his cargo. The news had been irritating, to say the least. Minad did not appreciate what the Senate was trying to do for Corath, even if it had been at the King's request, and the evolvement of the Jedi only infuriated him more. War had been a way of life for the Algots for seven long years and now these so called Jedi were trying to change that fact. The planet was at an absolute stand still. Not to mention my smuggling business is as of now non existent. There had to be a way to keep the Jedi from knowing what he was planning.
" Those Jedi will ruin everything. If they find out about our little rendezvous with Kolvar we can kiss our little scheme good-bye."
" What can we do? The Jedi are already on their way here."
" Hmmm. We can't do much of anything at the moment. When they get here just act civil and polite, like you're not up to something. I'll try to think of something before we meet that murderous pirate."
" He isn't going to like having Jedi on board the Silver Raider. He may not be to well know in our star system but he is well known in theirs. There's a price on his head up to fifty thousand credits."
Minad exhaled sharply, making a slight whistling sound. " That is high. Don't worry, we just won't let him know that there are Jedi on board."
Jesk cocked an eye brow doubtfully. " That's easier said than done my friend. Kolvar isn't easily fooled."
" We'll have to keep the Jedi locked in their quarters during the meeting."
" Wouldn't they become just a tad bit suspicious as to why they all of sudden can't leave their quarters?"
" Of course not. We'll simply explain that pirates are frequent in our star system, which they already know, and that it would be better for both themselves and my crew if they would remain in their quarters if we happen to get attacked."
Jesk nodded his head impressed. Minad was always good at thinking right of the top of his head; something Jesk had never managed to accomplish. " Sounds good, but what about before we meet up with Kolvar. We can't have them finding our special cargo either. The Silver Raider is to big to have them wondering about all alone. We won't be able to keep track of them at all times."
" Hmmm. You are right….I know! We'll put a spy on them. That way we'll know their every move."
" Are you willing to trust one of the crew with that job? They may fear you Minad, in some respects, but you know as well as I do, that none of them would hesitate snitching on you."
"Yes I know, that is a problem."
" How bout I follow them around. It's not as though I'll have much to do once we get into space. And you know you can trust me Minad."
Minad pondered his friend's suggestion. Though he would much prefer to have Jesk on the bridge with him, it didn't look as though there was any other way to keep a close eye on the Jedi. "Very well. But I need you to be with me when Kolvar arrives."
" Of course."
" Well, now that that's settled, why don't we go wait for our extra 'cargo' to arrive."
"Wait, aren't you going to have another drink?"
Minad looked at his empty glass sitting on the bar. He shook his head and got up from the bar, " I don't think that would be wise."
Jesk chuckled softly and followed his captain back to the loading bay.
Qui-Gon walked briskly to the loading bay. He was anxious to get there for some reason. Something told him there was more to this mission then what Yoda had told him but he couldn't figure out what. He looked over his shoulder at Obi-Wan. The boy was looking around at all the different activity going on in the transport station. The station was unusually crowed that afternoon, but Qui-Gon was more concerned with finding the ship that would take them to Corath. He turned down a hallway that would lead them to the correct docking bay. He stopped when he came to a door marked LB-6785. This is where the ship was supposed to be. Then why am I hesitating? Qui-Gon looked around the corridor. No one was around their part of the transport station, not even working crews. Something wasn't right.
" Master? Is something wrong?"
" Look around Obi-Wan. Do you notice anything strange?"
Obi-Wan looked around the long corridor. Nothing looked out of place. The hallway was silent and not a person was in sight. Wait a minute…the people! Where was everyone? "The hallway seems rather empty for such a crowed afternoon."
" Yes. Why do you think that is?"
" I don't know Master. Perhaps the ship we are ridding on is carrying a dangerous cargo and this part of the station was blocked off for protection."
" Perhaps." But Qui-Gon highly doubted it.
" Master, what type of a ship are we flying on?"
" It's large cargo ship, meant for shipping supplies to and from Corath.
" Does it have a name?"
" Yes. I believe it is called the Silver Raider."
"The Silver Raider? That's an unusual name for a cargo ship."
" You mustn't judge something for what it does or by its name Obi-wan The ship is fast, so I'm told, and should take us to Corath in less then two days."
" Yes Master."
" Come on then, we don't want to keep the captain waiting."
Qui-Gon walked through the door cautiously. Something still wasn't right and Obi-Wan's mention of the ship's name only served to heighten Qui-Gon's awareness. He wasn't going tell Obi-Wan quite yet, but he had the suspicion that the ship they were ridding on wasn't used entirely for shipping cargo, at least not the legal kind.
The loading bay was alive with movement. Algot crew members were busy loading crates onto the ship. The ship itself took up almost the entire loading dock. It was an impressive vessel and didn't look to be anything other than a cargo ship. But Qui-Gon had learned long ago that things weren't always what they appeared to be. He walked to the vessel and gave it a quick look over. Nothing caught his attention at the moment but he was sure something would present itself in time.
" Ah, you must be the Jedi I am to escort to Corath," a boisterous voice called from behind them.
Qui-Gon turned around and let his gaze travel over the figure that had spoken. A rather lanky looking Algot stood before him. He was wearing the uniform of an Algot crew member, with exception that his was black and had three golden stars placed on the collar, showing his rank to be that of a captain. The tall creature moved towards them, his tail swishing from side to side as he walked.
" My name is Minad Birokk, I am the captain of the Silver Raider."
" Pleased to meet you captain. I am Qui-Gon Jinn and my companion is Obi- Wan Kenobi."
The Algot nodded a hello but didn't say a word to Obi-Wan. Qui-Gon had the feeling they weren't very welcome. " I trust we will be leaving on schedule captain?"
"Of course. My crew is just loading on some left over crates, as soon as they are done we will be able to leave."
" Excellent, is it alright if we go on board and get ourselves settled?"
" Absolutely. I will meet you on the bridge in twenty minutes to discuss our travel plan."
Qui-Gon nodded and the captain walked away to finish his duties. " Come Obi-Wan."
" Yes Master."
Obi-Wan followed Qui-Gon into the large ship. He didn't like the way the captain had treated him, but he bit his tongue to keep from commenting. The Algot probably had other things on his mind and it wasn't Obi-Wan's place to pass judgement on someone he didn't know very well.
He walked close behind his Master. The ship was even larger on the inside and with the crew running around it would be easy for them to get separated. While Qui-Gon was looking for their quarters, Obi-Wan took the opportunity to think about the mission ahead. He had not wanted to do so before but now it was necessary. Corath was a cruel planet, he would need to pay close attention to what went on around him. Obi-Wan wasn't sure if they would run into any more trouble on the small planet but it was best to be prepared just in case.
After what seemed like an eternity Qui-Gon finally came to a stop in front of a door marked 12-LE6. Section twelve level six. Easy enough to remember. Obi-Wan looked around. It wasn't until then, that he realized just where their quarters were. Why would the Captain place us with the rest of the crew? The crews quarters were located all the way in the back of the ship, it didn't make any sense to put them here. Why not the quest quarters?
Qui-Gon opened the door. The room was small with two beds, one on each side of the room and a table in the middle. Obi-Wan placed his bag on the table. Some thing wasn't right, he could feel it, but what was it?
" Resentment." Qui-Gon had also put his bag down and was studying the room.
" But why would the Algots resent us? We helped them find peace."
" Exactly. The Algots have been a people claimed by war for a long time, it's away of life for them. Now that peace has come they have to change and change isn't always easy or wanted, even if it is the best thing to happen."
" Then you don't think we'll be well received."
" It's hard to say. We can only expect the unexpected and allow the force to show us the right path to take."
" Yes Master."
" Why don't you get settled. I'm going to take a quick look around."
" Alright."
" Join me on the bridge in fifteen minutes. It's located on Level Four."
" Yes Master."
Qui-Gon left the small room and headed for the loading dock. There was something else besides resentment on the ship. He rounded the corner, never seeing the green figure following slowly in the shadows.
" Obi-Wan? Obi-Wan, where are you?"
Obi-Wan followed the voice. Where was it coming from? He was in a very bright hallway, with lush furnishings and dramatic statues. There was only one door, located at the end, but no matter how fast Obi-Wan ran, the door seemed to get farther and farther away.
" Obi-Wan where are you?"
" Here I am! Here!" Obi-Wan cried out in desperation but the voice was gone, vanished with out a trace.
Just at that moment everything began to blur and he was no longer standing in a hallway but in front of a great mountain. Obi-Wan tilted his head back to see the peak but it was lost in nothingness and couldn't be seen. He took a step towards it, but when he did it began to move. It sank faster and faster into the ground, until there was nothing left but a large hole. Amazed at what he had just seen, Obi-Wan looked over the edge of the gigantic crevice. He saw nothing but blackness, then he felt someone push him. He lost his balance and fell into it.
For some reason he was unable to scream as he fell to his death. The blackness surrounded him, choking him as he fell. Obi-Wan closed his eyes not wanting to see the ground rush up at him. He waited for the impact to come, to feel the hard ground. But it never came. He opened his eyes and found himself standing in a bright room with all sorts of machines placed every where. There was a chair in the very back that had all types of sharp looking objects coming out of it. He walked over to it and ran his fingers long one of the razors. Blood squirted from his fingers, but strangely it didn't hurt.
" Jedi!"
Obi-Wan whirled around to see Captain Minad charging at him with a blaster in hand He reached for his lightsaber but found he couldn't. He was strapped into the chair now, with Minad standing over him. Then Minad slowly became the form of Anal.
" Anal?"
" Save him Obi-Wan, you must save him. Your the only one who can." Anal began to walk slowly away her figure becoming dimmer with each step she took.
" Anal wait!"
" Save him Obi-Wan. Follow the four golden stars Obi-Wan, they will show the way."
" Anal wait! Please!" But she was gone. Obi-Wan struggled to get out of the chair, but the constraints wouldn't budge.
" Your death has arrived Jedi!" Once again Minad stood over him, this time aiming the blaster right at his heart. Obi-Wan closed his eyes, excepting his death.
" Save him Obi-Wan!" His eyes flew open. He couldn't die, but it was to late the blaster fired its shot.
Obi-Wan bolted upright. He looked around the room ecstatically for Minad and his blaster, but it had only been a dream. There was nothing. He looked over at Qui-Gon, who was sound asleep in the bed across the room. Placing a hand on his chest, he tried to slow down his rapid heart beat. The dream had seemed so real, he could still feel the restraints of the chair on his wrists. Never before had he died in a dream and he didn't care to much for the experience. He took a deep breath and closed his eyes, but the vision of the blaster aimed at his heart suddenly appeared and he quickly opened them again.
Obi-Wan pushed the covers aside with a sharp jerk. He doubted he would be getting any more sleep that night. What he wanted to do was wake up Qui- Gon and tell him about the dream, but he didn't think his Master would appreciate it to much. Obi-Wan got out of bed and began to pace around the small room. He always got restless whenever he woke up in the middle of the night and this time wasn't any different.
"This isn't working." Obi-Wan rubbed his temples, a headache was beginning to set in. He needed to go for a walk, that would help sooth his nerves. The small room just wasn't big enough. He looked over at Qui-Gon. I'm sure it would be alright if I went for a short walk. I'll return before I'm even missed. Obi-Wan crept quietly out of the room and into the silent corridor. He turned left, letting his instincts guide him around the ship.
* * *
BOOM!
Qui-Gon jumped out of bed lightsaber in hand. The ship shook with a sharp jerk sending both his bag and Obi-Wan's crashing to the floor. Something had hit the ship, he could hear the excited shouts of crew members outside the door. He opened his senses and heard the distant wunk wunk of a ship's guns firing. They were under attack!
Qui-Gon suddenly realized he was alone. Where is Obi-Wan? Qui-Gon thought of all the places his Padawan might have gone. He ran to the door but suddenly remembered Captain Minad's request that they stay in their quarters if the ship happen to come under attack. Master Yoda would have advised Qui-Gon to stay where he was, so as not to offend the Algots already thinning patience with them. But the circumstances were different at the moment, Obi-Wan was missing. Qui-Gon was not about to let Obi-Wan fend for himself when the ship was under attack. His mind made up, he ran quickly out the door.
He checked every where he could think Obi-Wan might have disappeared to, but every place turned up empty handed. Qui-Gon looked around the crowded the hallway. Where can he be? Then he felt it, a ripple in the force. Something was terribly wrong. Obi-Wan! Qui-Gon reached out to his padawan but felt no response. The familiar presence that was Obi-Wan was missing from his mind. Qui-Gon repressed a surge of fear. The boy wasn't dead, Qui-Gon would have know, would have felt it. But why wasn't Obi-Wan responding and why would he leave their sleeping quarters?
Allowing the force to calm his growing anxiety, Qui-Gon concentrated. He opened his eyes, his gaze falling on the elevator shaft. He walked over to it, trusting the force to lead him to his missing padawan. A row of buttons lined the wall by the door. Pushing one randomly, Qui-Gon hoped he was choosing the right level. The Silver Raider was huge and a search could take hours….hours he didn't have.
After several minutes the doors opened and level one of the ship was revealed. Surprisingly, the level was vacant but Qui-Gon pushed the surprise aside, his mind fixed on finding Obi-Wan. He walked down the hallway, searching for even the slightest presence of his padawan. As he walked passed a door marked STORAGE ROOM L1-5, Qui-Gon felt a sudden surge in the force.
Stopping in front of the door he looked for a way to get in. What looked like a an entrance bar code lined the wall next to the door, but Qui-Gon's surprise it looked as though someone had tries to melt the controls, completely stopping anyone from entering the room. Odd, he thought. Why would anyone want to people out of a storage room? Another surge in the force was enough to tell Qui-Gon that he was in the right the place. Hoping that he would find his padawan in better condition than the door controls, but preparing himself for the worst, he grabbed his lightsaber and set it on full power. It cut through the door like butter. When a big enough hole was cut, he walked through and immediately began scanning for Obi-Wan.
"Obi-Wan where are you?" No answer.
Qui-Gon continued his search of the room. He didn't understand why Obi-Wan would be in a storage chamber, and so far from their seeping quarters. There were some boxes in the very back of the room and Qui-Gon thought he saw what looked like a boot sticking out from behind one of them. He walked over quickly. Obi-Wan was lying on his stomach, unconscious. Though Qui-Gon could see that he was still breathing, a cold trickle of fear began in his stomach and worked its way up. He kneeled next to Obi- Wan and turned him over. He quickly searched for any injuries but found none. Qui-Gon sighed in relief, he lifted Obi-Wan's head and found the reason why the boy was unconscious. A walloping bump was on the back of Obi-Wan's scull. He must of hit his head on something. But that still doesn't explain what he is doing in here.
Qui-Gon tapped Obi-Wan's cheeks in an effort to wake him up. "Obi-Wan? Obi-Wan wake up."
Obi-Wan moaned and moved his head slightly. " That's it. Wake up."
" Master?"
" Yes it's me. How did you get in here?"
"I was—" Obi-Wan sat up and immediately wished he hadn't. The room began to spin rapidly and he nearly fell over.
" Woe. Be careful Padawan, you've taken a nasty bump to the head."
Obi-Wan reached behind his head and felt the large bump protruding from his skull. He hissed in reaction. " He didn't need to hit me that hard."
Qui-Gon looked at Obi-Wan sharply, checking once again to make sure no serious damage had been done, " Who hit you?"
" I'm not sure. I was taking a walk after getting a bad nights sleep. I thought it might relax me. Anyway, I stumbled upon Captain Minad talking to a transmission, whether he was sending or receiving I'm not sure. I was about to walk in and say hello when someone grabbed me from behind. Whoever it was must have hit me over the head and threw me in here."
" Did you hear anything of what Minad was saying?"
Obi-Wan thought about it for a moment. He tried to remember what he had heard but it was to fuzzy in his head. " No, not really. All I can remember is hearing something about a "special shipment" and "make sure everything goes as planned.'" Obi-Wan shook his head, trying to get a clearer picture. "I'm sorry Master."
Qui-Gon laid a hand on the young man's shoulder, " Don't worry about it my Padawan. We know enough to go question the captain."
" Are you sure we should do that? What if the captain is hiding something and that's why I was thrown in here?"
" I wasn't going to interrogate the man Obi-Wan. I am merely going to ask the man some questions. If he is hiding something he'll betray himself."
Qui-Gon helped Obi-Wan to his feet. They headed for the door, when Obi-Wan suddenly stopped in alarm. " My lightsaber is gone!"
Qui-Gon made a quick glance of the room, but Obi-Wan's lightsaber was no where in site. " Who ever grabbed you must have taken it. But at the moment we don't have time to look for it. The Silver Raider is under attack."
The ship gave a savage jerk nearly sending Obi-Wan to the floor. "Whose attacking?"
" I don't know but I would suspect pirates. We had better get up to the bridge and see if the captain needs our help."
Qui-Gon lead the way with Obi-Wan close behind. The Jedi Master paused for a moment and glanced behind him. Obi-Wan stopped and looked at him curiously. Qui-Gon shook his head in dismissal. "It's nothing. Come on" They ran for the elevator that would take them to the bridge. Neither one of them noticed a pair of furious eyes watching them from the shadows.
Minad paced about the bridge. He felt liked a caged animal. Glancing at the view screen, he saw the blaster fire of The Shadow. It was Kolvar's ship, one of the most powerful ships in the galaxy. He had named it The Shadow because of it's black color and impressive cloaking abilities. Minad hadn't even known Kolvar had arrived until the ship turned off its cloaking device and suddenly appeared on the view screen.
The Silver Raider took another hit form Kolvar's constant firing; Minad grabbed onto a railing to keep from falling. Some how Kolvar had found out there were Jedi aboard The Silver Raider and was demonstrating his irritation. Minad rubbed his forehead. He knew Kolvar wouldn't destroy his ship, but he would do some heavy damage; damage Minad couldn't afford to have.
"Captain, we're picking up a signal"
" Well put it through you idiot!"
The image of Kolvar filled the screen. Minad straightened his shirt and stood at his full height. He had never seen the pirate face to face before and was temporarily speechless. His large form was clad in a black tunic that only emphasized his size. His dark hair was tied back in a short pony tail and his silver eyes watched Minad coldly. However none of these features scared Minad half as much as what was strapped to the man's back. A large vibro-ax was placed within easy reach of the pirates hand. Minad was quite familiar with the blade. He had never seen it up close, but it was rumored to have killed over a hundred men, along with its previous owner, whose blood was supposedly stained on the blade.
" Captain Kolvar. It's so nice to finally meet you face to face."
" Spare me the polite conversation Minad, you have Jedi on your ship!"
" Where did you ever…"
" I have my sources. You disappoint me Minad."
" Yes it is true Kolvar, I do have Jedi on board my ship, but you can be assured it was not my intention to put you in any kind of danger."
" Then what exactly was your intention?"
" Why, nothing Kolvar." Minad swallowed hard. If Algots had sweat glands he knew he'd be drench in it. "I was informed that the Jedi were to be ridding on board my ship the morning I took off. At the time there was nothing I could do. They are on a peaceful mission to my home world."
" Humph. Jedi are always on 'peaceful' missions. I can assure you captain that they are not to be trusted."
" I share your sentiments Kolvar. They are trying to bring peace to a planet that does not need it or want it."
Kolvar's eye brows rose in suspicion. " I heard they had succeeded in bringing peace to Corath, yet you say other wise."
" You will hear differently as soon as we conclude our deal."
" Ah, the agreement. And where is the money you promised Minad? Do not tell me you had me come all the way over here and you have nothing for me."
" On the contrary Kolvar, I have the money right here." Minad lifted a black case and opened it. Inside was over one hundred thousand credits.
" Excellent. I will send over one of my men with my end of the bargain."
" Very well. I will send one of my own to meet him in loading bay seven."
" It was nice doing business with you Minad Birokk, but for future reference try not to have Jedi frequent your ship. It may get you into trouble one day."
The transmission ended and Kolvar's face disappeared. Minad gave a sigh of relief. He would send Jesk down to meet the special cargo. Amazingly he had managed to do all this without the Jedi catching whiff of it. Quite proud of himself, Minad left the bridge in search of Jesk.
Obi-Wan pressed himself against the wall as Minad walked by. His eyes narrowed when he thought of what the conniving Algot was up to. He didn't know what the special cargo was or what Kolvar had to do with anything but what ever it was it couldn't be good. Obi-Wan waited until the captain had rounded the corner before stepping out of his hiding place. He wanted to know what was going on. Something inside him told him he should follow the captain and he wasn't about to argue at the moment.
Obi-Wan took a step forward but a hand placed firmly on his shoulder prevented him from taking another. He glanced behind him. Qui-Gon had also come out of his hiding place and was now gripping his shoulder. Obi- Wan looked at his Master puzzled. They should follow Minad and find out what the Algot was hiding. Why had Qui-Gon stopped him?
" There is nothing more we can do here. Let's return to our quarters."
Qui-Gon began walking down the hallway. Obi-Wan stared after him, he mouth dropping open. Nothing more to do?! What was he talking about? There was plenty for them to do! "Master? Aren't we going to go find out what Minad was talking about?"
Qui-Gon didn't even turn around, he merely glanced over his shoulder. " No."
Obi-Wan ran after him. " But Master, shouldn't we at least find out what this special cargo is?"
Qui-Gon stopped and looked down at Obi-Wan. He gaze was neutral but Obi- Wan still had to force himself not look away. " No Padawan we should not. There is nothing we can do while we are on board this ship. It is best that we keep our some what good relations with the Algots good until we have significant evidence that there is more to this then what meets the eye."
But isn't that what we should be looking for, evidence? Obi-Wan doubted he would ever figure out how Qui-Gon's mind worked. Qui-Gon, finished with his explanation, continued walking down the hallway. Obi-Wan followed behind slowly. Qui-Gon had pressed the lesson of waiting on him time and time again. He guessed that was what Qui-Gon was doing, but for what reason he had no idea. Waiting seemed pointless in a situation where all the evidence you needed was right there at your finger tips. Obi-Wan shook his head, it was going to be a long day.
Qui-Gon could see Obi-Wan shaking his head out of the corner of his eye. The boy was frustrated. Qui-Gon knew Obi-Wan didn't see a reason for waiting and he would have agreed with him, if Minad hadn't said something that gave him a very strong sense of dread.
"You'll hear differently as soon as we conclude our deal."
Was Minad planning on restarting the war?
If he was, there had to be someone else involved. The Algot captain couldn't possibly restart an entire war by himself, he had neither the power nor the resources. Qui-Gon walked briskly back to their sleeping quarters, he was anxious to get back before he was noticed missing. There was much to be done and not a whole lot of time to do it in. He would need to contact Yoda once they landed, the situation was growing much more complicated than anyone had expected.
Upon reaching their chamber, Qui-Gon went over to his bag, still lying on the floor, and took out his com-link. It wouldn't be safe in the bag. Whoever had grabbed Obi-Wan and his lightsaber might try to search their room as well. He placed it inside a pocket of his utility belt, it would be safer there. Obi-Wan was sitting on his bed, his hand rested tentatively on his belt. Qui-Gon could sense the boys unease at not having his lightsaber. His hand rested on his own lightsaber, his faithful companion through out his Jedi years. They would need to find Obi-Wan's before the ship landed the next morning. Qui-Gon rubbed his chin thoughtfully. Where could it be?
Unexpectedly, a knock sounded on the door. Qui-Gon put his bag down on the table and went to see who it could be. Obi-Wan stood at attention. "Yes?"
" Good morning Jedi. I hope our little run in with some pirates hasn't upset you in any way."
" Of course not captain. Was much damage done to the ship? I felt us take some rather nasty hits."
" Nothing that can't be repaired once we land. Don't worry, we will still be arriving on schedule."
" I am glad to hear that. Tell me, do you know if the Ambassador will have an escort waiting for us when we arrive?"
"Sorry Jedi I do not. But I would not be surprised. If you like, I can contact the Ambassador and find out for you ."
" Yes thank you, it would be appreciated."
" No problem."
The Algot turned to leave but then stopped. " Oh! I almost forgot, I have something for you."
Qui-Gon raised his eye brows in surprise. Minad reached into his uniform and pulled out a long silver object. " My lightsaber!" Obi Wan walked quickly over to the door and took it out of the captain's hand.
" I thought it belonged to one of you. You should be more careful with such an impressive weapon. Someone might have stolen it if I hadn't found it first."
Obi-Wan's anger was fast in coming. It took all his will power to not accuse Minad right there and then of being the very stealer he was warning against. He forced himself to smile and tried not to let his anger show.
" Thank you Captain, and yes I shall be more careful from now on."
" Good. Well I must leave I have duties to attend to be fore this evening arrives. We will be entering the Navis Star System in about eight hours. Feel free to walk around the ship, but I would advise not to venture onto deck two. It received much of the damage during the battle and isn't safe to walk on at the moment."
" Thank you for the offer and the warning Captain."
" My pleasure Jedi. If you need me I will be on the bridge."
Minad walked away and Qui-Gon shut the door behind him. Obi-Wan placed his lightsaber safely on his belt. Where it belongs! he thought in irritation. He went back to siting on his bed. Even with all the excitement he was still tired from the night before. With the help of the force he had managed to concentrate on the events that were going on, but now that he was back within the quiet of his sleeping quarters his eyes were beginning to droop. Obi-Wan remembered feeling the same way the last time he journeyed to Corath. Maybe the planet doesn't like me, he thought in dry humor, It certainly doesn't like me sleeping. He rubbed his eyes, trying desperately to stay wake. He leaned back against the blankets, intending on only stretching his tired muscles. Obi-Wan was asleep the moment his head hit the pillow.
" Obi-Wan?"
Qui-Gon looked over at his apprentice. He had called the boy's name twice and had gotten no reply. He was surprised to find Obi-Wan fast asleep. Surely the boy wasn't tired? Then Qui-Gon remembered the bump on Obi-Wan's head. He had said he hadn't gotten a very good night's rest. Qui-Gon walked over to the bed and pulled the blanket over Obi-Wan; he would let him sleep for a little while. Looking at Obi-Wan's sleeping form one more time, Qui-Gon quietly existed the room.
