Chapter 6 And Your Past Shall Set You Free
Stepping off the public cruiser, Obi-Wan looked around the terminal. Beings of every race wandered around. Moving with the grace that his master had taught him, Obi-Wan navigated fluidly through the crowd. He had sent word to Nield. They were to meet soon. But first, Obi-Wan wanted to contact Bant. Moving to a quiet section of the terminal, The young Jedi activated his comlink.
In moments he heard Bant's voice. She sounded less then thrilled to hear from him. "Well, Obi, I would hate to be you."
Inwardly cursing, Obi-Wan asked, "What's happening there?"
Bant explained, "You had Qui-Gon fooled for a Coruscant second. He is coming after you. He is preparing to leave now. Except, he is not alone."
That confused Obi-Wan. "Who is with him?"
"Master Darick," Was Bant's reply.
After Obi-Wan ended his call to Bant, he prepared to meet Nield. It was hard to return to Melida/Daan. The memories were painful. But he had to do this, and hopefully, Qui-Gon would understand. It was not a long walk. Obi-Wan reflected on how different the planet looked. The buildings were rebuilt, the parks were clean and full of children playing. Shops were full of merchandise and customers. The planet was flourishing.
Turning a corner, the padawan found himself on Glory Street. Obi-Wan's heart constricted. This was where Cerasi died. He slowly walked to the fountain where he held Cerasi as she took her last breath. He remembered how it was old and falling apart. Its jets dry. Now it was new and shining. Sparkling clear water running freely.
Obi-Wan was taken aback at the statue in the center.
It was Cerasi! He smiled at the likeness. He had almost forgotten how
lovely she was. He then saw a button. Pushing it, Cerasi's voice came
over a speaker.
I MADE MY DECISION AFTER THE
WAR ENDED. I WILL NO LONGER CARRY A WEAPON. I WILL FIGHT NO MORE IN
THE NAME OF PEACE. BUT TODAY I MAY DIE FOR IT.
DO ME A FAVOR,
FRIENDS. DON'T BUILD ANY MONUMENTS FOR ME. DON'T DESTROY ANY, EITHER.
HISTORY ISN'T IN OUR FAVOR, BUT THAT DOESN'T MEAN WE SHOULD
ANNIHILATE IT. DON'T LET OUR DREAM OF PEACE DIE. WORK FOR IT. DON'T
KILL FOR IT. WE FOUGHT ONE WAR FOR PEACE. WE ALWAYS SAID ONE WAR HAD
TO BE ENOUGH.
Obi-Wan's eyes filled with tears. He jumped when a hand clasped his shoulder. It was Neild.
The other teen said. "I still find it hard to believe she is gone." He then gave Obi-Wan a warm embrace. "It is good to see you, my friend."
Obi-Wan felt right at home. "Thank you, Neild." Obi-Wan gestured to the fountain. "She said not to build a monument for her."
Nield gave a cocky grin. "She meant not to build one to remind us why we are fighting. I don't think she would mind one representing why we stopped. We are at peace."
Obi-Wan returned the grin, "Cerasi would have been proud. I miss her."
Nield was quiet for a minute. "I do as well. But you are not here just for a visit, Obi-Wan. What is it?"
Obi-Wan and Nield sat on the fountain and Obi-Wan filled his friend in on everything. Starting with his ordeal during and after his experience in the slave camp. He went on with his crippling accident. He covered Klea's death. And he ended with Bruck's death. Nield listed quietly and with interest. He would be willing to do anything for his friend. When Obi-Wan was finished, Nield questioned. "What do you need?"
Obi-Wan took a deep breath. "I need to slip into the galaxy and disappear. The Thanillians will not be expecting what I am planning. You have pull now. You can supply me with what I need."
Nield looked thoughtful for a few minutes and Obi-Wan added, "Please, Nield. Your my only hope."
Nield sighed, "All right, Obi. I will arrange for you to have a fast ship filled with supplies. It will have a defense system as well as a cloaking device and a splicer." Obi-Wan gave a look of surprise to his friend. Nield laughed, "Oh come now, Obi-Wan. The time will come when you need to hack into a computer system and you will be grateful for my splicer. You will also need some false identification docs."
Obi-Wan shook his friend's hand. "Thank you, Nield. I will never forget this and I owe you."
Nield clasped Obi-Wan's hand. "I will be asking for you to repay when Qui-Gon arrives looking for you and runs my hide up the flagpole. Come, lets get you on your way."
Nield was true to his word. Obi-Wan was given a small, but quick and comfortable ship. It was fully stocked and would see Obi-Wan through several months if need be.
The first thing the runaway did when he entered his ship was send a holographic message to his Master. He knew Qui-Gon was most likely worried. Frantic, more like it. But he could not turn back, not now. Not ever. The conviction was too strong. The call of the force was pulling him down a path he knew he had to follow. He felt good about his decision. He felt free.
He kept his message brief and to the point.
Master,
I know you are worried, and for that I am sorry. But I am doing
what I must do, I am just sorry it is without your approval. Without
your blessing.
I will send you messages to let you know I am safe. And I hope we can reunite very soon. I love you, Master. Be assured that you have prepared me for my trial.
Obi-Wan
sent off the message. When he was done he went to check his
coordinates. He could not take any chances. When he entered the
Thanills system, he could not be seen.
His life depended on it.
Part 9 Like Master/Like Apprentice
Darick watched Qui-Gon take the message his apprentice sent. Looking at the holograph, he could clearly see that Obi-Wan had the determination of Qui-Gon. He watched as the message ended and Qui-Gon began to pace back and forth. The worry clearly etched his face. Stepping forward, Darick tried to offer what support he could.
Qui-Gon turned to him, "Can you believe him? Can you believe that stubborn, pig headed, headstrong...oooo, I am so angry I could scream!"
Darick allowed the tirade to continue. But hearing Qui-Gon use those words to describe Obi-Wan made him break into a small smile, which he did not hide quick enough.
This incensed Qui-Gon, "And what are you grinning about?"
Darick shrugged, "I have known you since the crèche. We have been friends for many years, Qui. I think it is somewhat funny that you are angry at your padawan because he turned into you."
Sitting on a chair heavily, Qui-Gon rubbed the bridge of his nose. "He is like me, isn't he."
Taking the chair next to his friend, "A clone." He responded.
Qui-Gon allowed himself a small smile, but it did not last long. "And if he gets himself killed? What will I do?"
With an even tone Dar answered, "Well, we are not going to allow that to happen
