Chapter 5 Blood Runs Cold

Obi-Wan was only unconscious for a few minutes. The water was icy cold and it assaulted all of his senses like a thousand sharp knives against his nerves. Once Obi-Wan became aware again, he kicked as hard as he could to bring himself back up to the surface. Knowing the water was polluted, he did his best not to swallow any. With the force, he frantically searched for Bruck, he knew that his friend went over the edge with him, but he could not find him.

Finally, Obi-Wan reached the surface. His lungs were burning, and he was exhausted. But he was alive. By some will of the force, he found a large piece of drift wood, clinging to it for dear life.

Master. Master. Help us.

Obi-Wan allowed his eyes to close and thought, At least with the water being so polluted, I don't have to worry about anything attacking me from below.

Then the boy drifted back into unconsciousness. It was hours before Obi-Wan woke up. He slowly opened his eyes and saw that it was now evening. Lifting his head, he screamed, "BRUCK! BRUCK!"

But there was no answer. Obi-Wan's eyes filled with tears and he laid his head back down on the wood. Closing his eyes, he used all his strength to call out to his master.

Master, where are you. I'm cold and alone, help me.

Obi-Wan was relieved when he managed to get the call out. His master would hear him, he would come and get him. They would find Bruck and then they would leave this terrible place and go home. Obi-Wan cleared his mind, so he would be able to concentrate when his Master responded through the bond.

But then out of nowhere, something bumped against Obi-Wan very hard from under the water. Obi-Wan jolted in surprise and then froze in fear.

Again, what ever it was brushed against Obi-Wan. Rough skin tore open Obi-Wan's pants and cut open flesh, "AHHHHHHHHH, GO AWAY! GO AWAY!"

This is it, I am going to die, in this dark, filthy, icy cold water.

Then Obi-Wan's eyes turned towards a bright light. A large vessel was making its way towards him. Obi-Wan prayed it saw him and would get to him in time. He gave another shout when whatever was under the water brushed against him.
Closing his eyes, he called on the force to help him. He accepted his fate, if he were to die, he would die as a Jedi. Obi-Wan yelped when strong, rough arms pulled him out of the dark water and away from the creature that was stalking him. Obi-Wan landed hard on the deck.

Vrel took in the sight of the wet, bleeding Jedi on the deck before him, to weak to move, to weak to even open his eyes, "Treat his leg before he bleeds out all over the place. Ren will be angry if either one of the brats die before he sees them."

Obi-Wan weakly muttered, "Bruck?"

Vrel laughed, "That's right little Jedi. In spite of everything, Ren managed to get you and the other brat away from your masters."

Biting back a groan, Obi-Wan called out desperately through the force for his master.

"And certain a bomb was planted?" The small holo of Yoda asked.

Qui-Gon answered, "Yes, My Master, and then...then..." Qui-Gon had to stop, he could not go on.

Yoda's nodded, "Understand I do Qui-Gon, Darick. Help is being sent. Felt Obi-Wan or Bruck have either of you?"

Qui-Gon choked back a bit, "Yes, before this transmission I felt him pleading for me to help him, help Bruck. But I have not been able to locate him."

Darick then added, "And I feel Bruck's life force, but have not received nor been able to make contact."

Yoda again nodded, "Master Windu and Master Gallia. Join you they will, along with Master An-Paj."

Qui-Gon and Darick both bowed to the holo and the transmission ended, leaving two very worried Masters in its wake.
Qui-Gon could not get the vision out of his mind, of the rocks swallowing up the two young padawans and sweeping them over the cliffs edge to the murky depths of the ocean. He would never forget that sight as long as he lived. But now was not the time for that. Now he and Darick had to find their padawans, their sons.

Qui-Gon and Darick looked at one another and Qui-Gon said in a no nonsense tone, "Now we find Ren. He is responsible for this, of this I am certain."

Klea was doing an inventory of the medical supplies when An-Paj came in. Klea was nervous. She had not been able to make contact with Obi-Wan at all, it was un-nerving, but she refused to think that it meant something was wrong.

After all, she thought, we do not have that strong of a connection...yet. But come back safe Obi-Wan, so we can.

Klea looked up from her data pad, "Master, what is it?"

An-Paj did not know how to tell her that Obi-Wan was missing. He did not want to hurt his apprentice. She was a wonderful and sweet girl, and An-Paj was glad when she and Obi-Wan started to see each other, for he rather liked the young man.

An-Paj took a deep breath, "Klea, there has been news."

Klea started counting how many cc's of bacta there was, she nervously asked, "What sort of news?"

An-Paj looked at his apprentice as she kept herself busy, he knew that she knew something was wrong, "Klea, Obi-Wan is missing."

Klea dropped her data pad, and quickly stooped to get it, when she tried to stand again, she felt dizzy. Falling to her knees, she dropped the data pad again and burying her face in her hands she began to cry.

An-Paj knelt next to her and wrapped his arms around her, "I need to go and join Masters Jinn and Kint on Kranta."

Klea nodded, "its bad isn't it?"

An-Paj did not want to lie, "I am afraid so."

Klea then said, "I am going with you."

An-Paj stated firmly, "No, young lady. You are staying here where it is safe."

Klea wanted to argue, but one look on An-Paj's face told her not too, "Master, I need to do something."

An-Paj gave her a squeeze, "I know, but stay here and look over the infirmary. Obi-Wan would want you to stay here where it is safe."

Klea nodded in agreement, but she did not agree, not one bit.