Chapter 12 Independance Day

It was hours later when the Republic cruiser carrying Qui-Gon and Darick entered the Thanillian atmosphere. Through the view port, the Jedi saw several squadrons of fighters. Upon arrival of the cruiser one made contact, "This is Nova One, Welcome Jedi Masters. Get ready for the party. It's going to be a doozy. The fighters will flank you and see that you land safely. The ground troops are ready for when we land."

Darick answered, "Very good, Nova One. Master Jinn and I will be ready as well."

Qui-Gon was able to feel his student's force essence, but the master also knew his padawan was in trouble. Closing his eyes and willing the serenity of the force to take over, Qui-Gon sent a message.

Hang on Son, I'm coming.

Obi-Wan was sitting cross legged in a cell meditating. He did not bother to open his eyes when General Raff entered.

"Well, I finally have a name to put to you. Obi-Wan Kenobi."

Obi-Wan did not know how to answer the man, so he remained silent. So General Raff continued his monologue. "I have gathered such interesting information on you. You have lost so many friends. Its no wonder you have come to try and bring down my dictatorship when I killed your loser Jedi."

Even with Jedi serenity, Obi-Wan could not help tensing up at those words. The vile man noticed that those words had hit their target, so he continued, "But it seems that one who has come so close to being broken can be crushed."

Opening his eyes, and shaking his head, Obi-Wan declared, "They nearly broke the boy. You can not break the man."

"We shall see, we shall see."

Obi-Wan was not about to back down, "You know, it really does not matter anymore."

General Raff turned to him, "Really, and why not?"

The young Jedi had a hard time suppressing a smile, "Well, now the antitoxin is in the hands of the Jedi and the Republic. Every world will be immunized. Your reign as ruler was built on sand, General. Sinking sand."

The general took in the words and then angrily backhanded Obi-Wan across the face. The teen tasted blood and saw stars as he went flying to the floor. Raff grabbed the young man by his tunic, pulled him up, and slammed him against the wall, "You are going to suffer more then your loser friend did!" Promised the man through clenched teeth.

Using the force, the padawan pushed General Raff off of him, "I don't think so, General Raff. You have failed. Even if I die, millions will live."

Signaling for his guards, Raff replied, "But it is not only you who will suffer, Young One. Anika and her brother will not survive either."

Obi-Wan lunged for Raff, but several huge guards blocked him. Over his shoulder the general ordered, "Work him over good. Make him suffer, but do not kill him. I have other plans for him."

With eyes that showed no fear, Obi-Wan said, "Your time to control has come to an end, General Raff. We will meet again. That I promise you."

Raff was furious with himself for being disturbed by that words of a boy. But he also had the sick feeling that the young man was telling the truth. With the slightest gesture of his hand, he gave the silent command to beat the Jedi.

Anika was thrown into a small room. Inside was a battered form, immediately she recognized it as her brother. Rushing to the man's side, she cradled his head in her lap, "Marcus! Marcus, can you hear me?"

Marcus began to move and slowly opened his eyes, "Anika?" It was easy to see that he did not trust his senses.

Tears flowed freely from her eyes, "Yes, it's me. How do you feel?"

Grimacing as he sat up, he answered, "I will be all right." Then clutching his sister's hand, Marcus blurted, "But General Raff is going to kill us, he is going to use the chemical!"

Anika shook her head, "No, I made an antitoxin. The Republic has it. So do the Jedi."

It took Marcus a few minutes to come to grips with what his sister was saying, "Then that means...that means."

"That means that General Raff is on his way down."

Qui-Gon realized that his apprentice was in pain. Turning to Darick, the master exclaimed, "We have to hurry. Obi-Wan is in trouble." Inside he was furious that he was unable to help his padawan. Furious that this young man would risk his life on this vendetta. But something told Qui-Gon that he would have done the same thing at Obi-Wan's age. But that did not make it any easier.

Stepping of the cruiser, Qui-Gon and Darick were greeted by a small garrison. The leader had an insignia that showed he was a commander. He saluted and then greeted the Jedi.

"Master Jinn and Master Kint, I presume, I'm Commander De'Pard. And we await your command."

Qui-Gon and Darick bowed to the man, and Qui-Gon inquired, "How far is the fortress?"

The group started to walk to some speeders parked near by, "Less then an hour by speeder. The remains of General Raff's army is in disarray. They are confused."

After the men climbed into a speeder, Darick asked, "Has General Raff been captured?"

"No, he is well hidden. But not well protected. We will find him."

Taking a deep breath, Qui-Gon asked, "Have you found any captives?"

Shaking his head, Commander De'Pard responded, "No, Master Jinn."

Please be all right, Obi-Wan. The master pleaded over the bond. But the bond was strangely silent.
A pounding headache was the first thing Obi- Wan was aware of. The guards had left him unconscious where he fell. Carefully, the young Jedi sat up. A brief scan of his body showed that he was bruised and slightly bloody. He had large lump on his head behind his ear, and his lower lip was split. But thankfully he had no broken bones.

"For once," Obi-Wan muttered.

But then Obi-Wan was aware of something else, Ignoring the pain in his body, he focused on the force.

Master

Qui-Gon's head inclined a bit, The two republic officers in the front did not notice the ripple in the force. But Darick did. He remained quiet while the exchange took place.

Padawan, Are you all right?

I...I think so, Master. General Raff is in a panic. He is still very dangerous. You need to be careful, the chemical...

It's all right, Young One. We have all been immunized. Thanks to you and your friend. Now, where are you?

I'm not to far from the lab. Detention block. I don't know where they took Anika. Master...

What is it Obi-Wan?

I did not get the immunization. We were captured before Anika could give it to me.

Qui-Gon's blood ran cold. They were running out of time.