Chapter 4 Evil Reveals Itself

Ren Jalson looked at the door to his office as it opened. Darick and Qui-Gon had not changed much. Not much at all. It had been 15 years since Ren was removed from the order. They had been friends. All of them, Darick, Qui-Gon, and Ren. But that changed.

Ren was removed from the Jedi order. Removed and banished. But he had built himself up again. It was hard, but he did it. He was now a ruler of a planet. Not a powerful one-yet, but still a planet. So what if he used unethical means to bring the Jedi here. They were now here, and they would be dealt with.

Ren took a moment to consider the sight before him. He wanted to laugh, each stoic master with an arm around the apprentice.

They are being so protective of their Padawans, but that does not surpise me. Ren thought, Qui-Gon with his first apprentice, what was her name? And then with Xanatos. But Qui-Gon was a fool, because he did not see what everyone else saw. I wonder what this boy is like.

Ren studied Obi-Wan and the boy, sensing this shifted uncomfortably under the scrutinizing gaze. Qui-Gon tightened his arm and looked directly in Ren's eyes, who had already taken his attention off of Obi-Wan and was studying Bruck.

Ren thought, Interesting, this one seems different somehow, perhaps he is the weak link I need.

Ren finally smiled, "Welcome Qui-Gon, Darick. It has been a long time."

Qui-Gon nodded, "That it has, Ren. The council has sent us here to find out who is polluting the planet. We had no idea that you were the leader."

Ren nodded, "And you wouldn't, I have kept that quiet. For if the council knew, they would not send help."

Darick disagreed, "The council would have still sent help. The Jedi are not as cold as you think, Ren."

Ren just gave another cold smile, "I think I know just what the Jedi are, Dar. I remember it very well."

Obi-Wan looked at this man confused, he did not know what to think, but he was very cold. He did not like the feeling at all.

Qui-Gon and Darick left Ren's office, padawans in tow. Both Masters knew that it was imperitive to get Obi-Wan and Bruck off the planet as soon as possible.

Ren watched his former friends leave. He smiled in anticipation for what was going to happen. At that moment Vrel entered, Ren looked at his assistant, "Has the bomb been placed?"

Vrel nodded, "It has. Ren, what do you hope to gain from this?"

Ren walked over to the window, "If I know Qui-Gon and Darick, they will try to spirit their apprentices of this planet at the first possible moment. Tomorrow, take them to the section of ocean that has the cliffs. That way, they will be separated, and my plan can go into effect."

Qui-Gon and Darick followed another aide down the hall, to the rooms that were to be theirs for the visit. Once Qui-Gon had Obi-Wan in one room and Darick had Bruck in the other, the two Masters met in the hallway to quietly discuss how to get the padawans off the planet.

Qui-Gon began, "I have already contacted the council, they agree that this is a dangerous situation. Unfortunately, they can not have a transport here until tomorrow."

Darick nodded, "So we will just have to be aware, We can't allow any harm to come to them."

Qui-Gon woke up feeling not rested, Obi-Wan had a hard night. He did not awaken from his nightmares, but that was because Qui-Gon soothed his dreams though the bond. Qui-Gon gently smoothed the boy's hair with a loving hand, "Shh, it is all right Obi-Wan. You are safe, and I will keep you safe no matter what."

Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan met Darick and Bruck in Ren's office again. Obi-Wan tried to center himself in the force, but could not. Bruck looked at his friend concerned. Something was not right, that was obvious. When Ren walked through the door, Obi-Wan started to shake. This was the man haunting his dreams. Ren looked at the boy, and then at Bruck. Ren decided that Obi-Wan was vulnerable, but strong. But Bruck, he was the weak link. The one who would give into his anger quickly.

Suddenly Obi-Wan fell to the floor. He was being assaulted by horrible visions of him and Bruck. They were alone, and hurt. And then of visions of Klea. She was going to be hurt, and try as he might, he could not move.

Qui-Gon rushed to his padawan's side, surprised at the collapse. Obi-Wan was on his knees clutching his head and screaming. Qui-Gon wrapped his arms around him, "Obi-Wan? It all right, come back. I have you."

Ren looked at the sight before him and said, "You sure now how to pick them Qui. You have a great record."

Bruck wanted to deck the man, but Darick held onto him and steered him to where Obi-Wan was. By, at this time, Qui-Gon had calmed down, Obi-Wan was shaking, but coherent again, "I'm ok Master, just a vision."

Qui-Gon nodded, "Of Klea?"

Obi-Wan nodded and whispered, "and me and Bruck."

Darick and Qui-Gon exchanged glances, Qui-Gon helped Obi-Wan up and said, "Well, don't you worry about anything. It will all be fine."

Ren looked at Obi-Wan closely, this boy was different. He radiated pure goodness. This was going to be fun.

Ren gave Bruck a challenging look, who had the grace to ignore it. But if it had been two years earlier, he may not have been able to hold back his anger. But two years with Master Darick Kint had done wonders for the boy. And Bruck for his Master. Yes, it was obvious, Bruck had changed.

Ren nodded to Vrel who stepped forward and said, "If the Honorable Masters and their padawans would follow me, there is a particular stretch of beach for you to see."

Darick nodded and said, "Very well, but after, Master Jinn and I will accompany our apprentices to the landing platform. The temple has sent a transport, they are returning to Coruscant."

Obi-Wan and Bruck exchanged shocked looks, and were about to argue the point with their Masters, but the looks in Darick's and Qui-Gon's faces told them not too.

Ren bowed slightly, almost mocking the Jedi, "Of course."

But it will be too late. For by that time, the game will have begun. Ren thought to himself.

Vrel led the Jedi to the cliffs over looking the ocean. Qui-Gon did not like this. He kept Obi-Wan close to him. Vrel saw that the masters were not going to let the teenagers out of their sight, so he called in plan b.

Out of the corner of his eye, Darick saw a group of large wild animals rushing towards the group. Vrel screamed, "Predetons!"

Pretetons were native to the mountain regions, they were about the size of a bantha, but with sharp claws and fangs. They could rip apart their prey with little effort. Qui-Gon wondered what they would be doing on the beaches. He and Darick along with Obi-Wan and Bruck ignited their weapons.

Somehow during the frenzy, the padawans were separated from their masters. Then it happened.

BOOM

There was a loud explosion. Obi-Wan and Bruck turned around to see an avalanche of rocks heading towards them. Before they could react, they were caught up in it and the rocks pushed them over the edge of the cliff.

Obi-Wan was aware of being in a free fall, and he was aware of his body hitting the icy cold water. Then he was aware of nothing.