Obi-Wan felt like his stomach was in his head and his heart in his feet.
When he managed to get his eyes open, it took a moment for the cabin to stop spinning, and when it did, he felt like he was going to throw up.
"Eh, its like that the first time for everyone," Rynik said from somewhere off to his right. "Look!"
Blinking rapidly to ground himself, Obi-Wan drew a quick break and felt his jaw drop.
It was… beautiful.
They were flying low across a large body of water, the ship so low that it seemed to skim the surface. Twin suns blazed across the sky, lighting the mist above the water.
"And that –" Rynik pointed, "Is Bastieel, port city of Ghan." On the horizon, the glint of metal reflected the sunlight. A few moments later, Rynik decelerated the craft, and they flew over the coast into the city itself. Obi-Wan peered over the consoles, noting how different the architecture was than what he'd seen before. It appeared as if a series of ancient temples made of the same stone from the Cullis Gate was almost fused with modern metal architecture, the buildings interacting with each other by what seemed to be tubes and walkways.
"Ghan is really, really old. This world has been civilized for thousands of years, without war or decay. After seeing the worlds you come from, constantly under siege of corruption, it makes me appreciate this place so much more," the pilot said casually, lifting the ship into a higher orbit, avoided what appeared to be mass traffic near the building tops.
"Commandent Draum, you are cleared for landing in terminal four," a woman's voice chimed sweetly over intercom.
Rynik leaned back, jabbing something on the arm of his chair. "Confirmed, target locked. Tell customs I've got a plus one outworlder, full clearance."
"Understood."
"What does that mean?" Obi-Wan asked, gripping his seat as the craft suddenly descended.
"There's usually a bunch of political stuff that has to happen when we bring someone who's not from our space into Ghan, but I'll make an exception for someone as special as you," Rynik grinned toothily. "I'm going to take you right to Bareli himself, because I think you're worth his attention." Obi-Wan ducked his head, embarrassed.
The ship began to shake, and it leveled itself and began to sink into a sudden pocket of steam. Rynik waved off the alarmed Obi-Wan, and a few moments later the ship thunked to a halt, resting on safe, safe ground. The padawan exhaled.
Rynik stood with a bounce, motioning for the boy to follow. Obi-Wan stood shakily, fingers gripping h is lightsaber beneath his robes, searching for something familiar. He followed the taller man out of the cabin and out into blinding light. Obi-Wan shielded his eyes, pupils protesting.
Several people dressed in more decorative but similar tunics to that of Rynik stepped forward, each bowing slightly to the pilot.
"Commandent. We applaud your efforts of diplomacy with the outworlders. Your successful mission pleases the council." Rynik nodded and accepted some kind of notepad, before looking back to Obi-Wan. He extended his hand to the boy, and the padawan stepped forward, stopping beside the pilot.
"This is Obi-Wan Kenobi," Rynik said with sincerity, placing a large hand upon the boy's shoulder. "He is under my protection and we are to see the Scion immediately." Obi-Wan blinked, bowing his head to the new faces and was mildly pleased when they eagerly returned the gesture.
The party made their way away from the docks – the ships were almost hard to pinpoint – each entering vessel was immediately engulfed in some kind of steam. The boy wondered why, but didn't have time to ask as they took a sharp right and entered a dark room. Rynik placed his free hand on the boy's shoulder to halt him. Around them, lights began to flash in an upward motion, and Obi-Wan realized they were moving downwards in a turbo lift of sorts.
Two great bay doors opened to reveal a grand hall, with bright sunlight streaming in through large open windows that stood over a hundred feet tall. The same ancient architecture lined the walls and pillars with streaming blood red and gold banners billowing in the breeze of the open windows. Obi-Wan felt dwarfed as they marched down the corridor, the sheer size of the building awe-inspiring.
As they approached the end of the long formal hall, two large feline creatures were carved into stone on either side of a decorated doorway. Rynik stepped forward, pressing his hand into some mechanism. The doorway slid open.
"Commandent. Welcome home," A deep monotone greeted them. Draped in silken robes, a tall man with a slightly hooked nose greeted them his hands palm upwards in welcome.
"Ardemis, the pleasure is all mine," Rynik said with a nod, his smile growing as a woman dressed in similar robes joined what Obi-Wan assumed was her counterpart.
"Indeed! And yet I am so glad to have you home after these many long weeks. The Hawk's Guild has been missing you," the older woman praised, her flaming orange hair tightly wound into a bun, seemingly formal.
"Ardemis, Galliya, it is my extreme pleasure to introduce you to Padawan Jedi Obi-Wan Kenobi," Rynik grinned, his hands on the boy's shoulders. Obi-Wan swallowed, off balance from the attention, and bowed low.
"Another? Ghan is most blessed!" Galliya gasped, kneeling to Obi-Wan's level and touching her forehead with her hand, which the boy assumed was a sign of respect. Obi-Wan smiled softly, touched by the gesture.
"Jedi?" Ardemis asked, raising an eyebrow. "Why did you bring him?"
Rynik swallowed, scratching his head, looking at the boy. Obi-Wan swallowed and straightened his back.
"It was the will of the force. He was there when I was, and told me that perhaps I should stop running away from my pains and run towards hope."
"I like his advice," a deep, resonating voice applauded. Obi-Wan turned to see a tall man approaching, his hands clasped behind his back, his robes similar to Ardemis's but with a large feline next to a sort of star embroidered on the front in shimmering gold.
"My lord," Rynik bowed deeply.
"It pleases me greatly to see you home safely, my Commandent. Forgive my intrusion – word spreads like fire. You are Mr. Kenobi?" The balding man asked, his voice deep and regal.
"Please sir, call me Obi-Wan."
"Well then. Obi-Wan," the man said, holding out his hand, "It is my deepest honor to welcome you to Bastieel, and Ghan. I am Bareli Khas."
Obi-Wan accepted the hand, his grip firm. The Scion smiled warmly.
"Um, sir, I brought him here because I thought maybe you could, um, talk with him?" Rynik said uncertainly, "I mean I know you're busy-"
"Oh course, Rynik. It would be my pleasure," Bareli said evenly, "My most trusted advisors – I humbly ask you to take our decorated Commandent for a good warm meal as I speak with our guest."
"Yes, my lord," Ardemis said smoothly, nodding and turning his back on the Scion and his small companion.
"Come, let us talk."
Obi-Wan began to walk slowly beside the taller man, his fingers gripping and rubbing the handle of his saber beneath his robes. The boy followed the elegantly dressed man past the main chamber and into a warm, sunlit garden. The aroma of the plants immediately invaded the boy's nose and he automatically inhaled, the scent pleasant and soothing.
"This was my grandfather's garden – it is called T'thalin, or, in our neighboring world, T'aman, "forever sunlit". I often come here to think, or find peace."
"We have a garden like that too, on my world. We use it for meditation," Obi-Wan said, reaching to touch a soft petal of a dark blue flower. It was soft and smooth. He turned to see the older man sitting, robes and all, on the grass. Obi-Wan swallowed, and sat opposite him, cross-legged.
"Tell me, Jedi padawan. What brings you to Ghan?"
"I … I felt I have nowhere to be."
Barali grumbled deep in his chest. "You are a padawan, you belong with your master learning the ways of justice and peace, so I am told."
Obi-Wan looked down. "I'm not so sure."
"I see. Is that why you chose to travel halfway across the galaxy to a place you've never been before with a man you'd never met?" Bareli raised an eyebrow.
Ever so softly… "Yes."
"Ah."
The boy shook his head, fighting the rising emotions. He brought his head up, peering deep into the chocolate brown eyes of a man he didn't know. "Rynik said you could help me."
"In order for me to help you my boy, I need to understand what's wrong."
Obi-Wan looked beyond the man, and then, as his master had taught him, beyond the moment, and spoke. "I love my master very, very much. I am honored to be called his padawan."
Bareli's eyes crinkled. "But…"
"But… I am not enough for him. Not worthy. He spends his attentions on other padawans, those who deserve him. I… I'm too weak, I cannot be so near yet so far to him – I had to go, rather to run far, far away than feel that pain." The boy dropped his head, a single tear sliding from his green orbs. "Its been too long – it just hurts so badly – I feel so cold, so alone. Rynik, he was… warm. Like my master used to be to me."
"I see."
"It was foolish of me to run, I know, but, how can I become a Jedi Knight if I hurt so badly all the time?" he asked, looking at the older man with a piercing gaze, "How can I be all that I can be when I know I'm not good enough anymore?"
Bareli frowned, scratching his smooth chin. "Perhaps… it is not you whom are not 'good enough'. Perhaps the master misses the prize in the sunlight because it is hard to look at."
"I don't know."
The elder lord sighed. "I must admit – all that I speak of, I know of only through reading of your Jedi kind and through the stories I have heard."
Obi-Wan rubbed his fingers on his robes nervously. "You… can't help me," he said, sounding defeated. He had thought… such hope…
"Rynik was right to bring you here, I think. It is not I, who will help you. But I know of one whom perhaps can. Perhaps… it was the will of your… force?"
The boy looked hopeful.
"This… is a place far from the reach of your world. It sounds to me that there is a grievous error in the way your establishment is run, to allow such a fine lad to endure such pain. Perhaps you can find your answers here, among friends. We will help you as we can, young knight, but I must tell you this – all the answers you seek cannot all be found here. Resolution will ultimately be made with the one whom you run towards and from –" the man raised his eyebrow.
"My master."
"Yes."
Obi-Wan nodded and lowered his head respectfully. He felt so far away from everything he knew, yet safe in the presence of this man. And he felt lucky to have met him, millions of miles from the temple. Obi-Wan smiled.
"What?" The Scion inquired.
"You would make a good Jedi, Lord Khas."
The deep, rumbling laughter of the elder lightened Obi-Wans heart.
"I like you, Obi-Wan Kenobi. And I have a special seat at my dinner table for people I like. Come. I will call the one whom with you shall speak too. But first, let me introduce you to a fine Bastieelian meal."
0ooooooooooooooooooooooo0
It was fairly unceremonious, the leaving of the brother and sister who had caused so much damage. In a primal, less intellectual part of his mind, Qui-Gon Jinn might have preferred some to see more punishment, yet he knew that this had to be good enough.
Kinah was standing off to one side, dressed in civilian clothing, a knapsack tossed to one side. Tahl stood to her left, but the three foot gap and defensive posture of both parties radiated their feelings. Bruck was boarding the cargo ship, his bags being searched. Both children looked downcast.
Qui-Gon watched the scene with an expressionless face. Part of him had hoped that this event would bring him some sense of comfort, but he found no pleasure in watching the children leave. Just as he had felt no pleasure in defeating Xanatos – it was an empty feeling, and empty, cold achievement or victory. The price of the victory was just too high.
Bruck boarded the vessel without so much of a backwards glance. Qui-Gon hoped it would be the last time he would see the boy.
Kinah, knowing it was her turn, handed her knapsack over to be inspected. He watcher her waiver; the girl hesitated, then threw herself into Tahl's arms, crying and begging. The Jedi Master patted the girl comfortingly, but then gently nudged her up onto the ramp.
Wiping her eyes, the girl made eye contact with Jinn, and he watched as she glared at him with pure hatred. Even with such evidence, he felt nothing from her – she was indeed well talented at hiding her emotions from her fellow force – sensitives. He watched her board the ship, and it took off without a sound, for all the elder jedi heard was the blood rushing in his ears.
He didn't remember walking back to his quarters. He didn't remember walking to his padawans room, empty, desolate room, and didn't really recall falling bonelessly to the bed. He certainly didn't realize anyone else was in the room, and it wasn't the first time a young padawan girl befell the weeping master, and rubbed slow circles on his broad back and whispered meaningless comfort in his ears.
Bant didn't know what compelled her to show such pity, such concern. He was the reason her best friend was gone. And yet, he was the reason her best friend was here in the first place.
"Qui-Gon, Qui-Gon," the twelve year old girl whispered, squeezing his arm. The elder man looked up, shields down, raw emotion in his cerulean eyes.
"I didn't realize, I didn't, see, didn't –" His words became garble, his breathing harsh. He dropped his head to the unused pillow, gasping painfully when he realized the scent of his padawan was still strong. He grabbed at it clumsily, holding to him.
"Look at me, Jedi master."
Bant was staring at him, her slender and small hand gripping his shoulder.
"We have to find him. We have to bring him home. And you have to prove, again, that this is how you feel. Tell him you want him… and you love him."
"I… miss him…"
Bant shook her head and grasped his chin – "Just as he's missed you for so, so long."
"Time for meditation it is, padawan," a low rumble came from the doorway. Bant nodded to the elder Jedi master, and slowly descended to the floor, casting one last glance, and left the room.
Yoda levitated to the bedperch, and sighed, touching the quaking master's shoulder.
"Find him, we must. For sake of both, find him, we /must/."
OooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooO
Obi-Wan walked the corridors of the lower levels of the court temple with Rynik, making small talk. The city of Bastieel was indeed beautiful, and now, the pair enjoyed a small walk after a magnificent meal.
"So. You a ship fan, Obi-Wan?" The Commandent asked.
"I guess, yes," the padawan replied, hushing a quiet burp that threatened exposure.
"Then you'll be in for a treat!" The pilot said heartily, his black hair billowing gently as they walked beneath a ventilation shaft. They paused outside a door with the engraving of a bird, a hawk. "See this?" The boy nodded. "This is the seal of the Guild."
Rynik opened the door to reveal a small hanger. Dim lighting revealed a small craft, similar to the Alastor.
"I'm Commandent, which means that I am on the council, like Ardemis and Galliya, but it also means I am head of the Guild of Hawk, the pilots of protect this system," Rynik said, guiding Obi-Wan to the ship. It was obviously in for repairs, parts of the hull were disassembled. Obi-Wan reached up and touched the metal, its texture smooth and cool. Yet… he felt something, like a spark through the metal. It sent a shiver down his spine. Obi-Wan frowned.
"This is a planetary defense ship, a smaller version of the Alastor," Rynik explained, oblivious to the discomfort the padawan was feeling. He continued to talk while the boy thumbed his lightsaber, eyes open and alert in the dim room. It was at that moment, there was pitch black darkness and all went silent.
"What the!" Rynik started, and then a hiss could be heard. Obi-Wan deeply inhaled and held the breath, using the force to extend the oxygen. He whipped out his lightsaber, and closed his eyes, looking through the force.
In a haze of blue, he could see the outline of the Commandent slumped lifelessly beside the doorway, alive, but unconscious. He was the only life form in the room. Turning hastily, Obi-Wan felt his heart rate pick up. The hiss of gas had stopped, and, out of breath, the boy took a hesitant gulp, and suddenly felt dizzy.
When he opened his eyes a moment later, the lights were back, albeit dim. The boy, gasping for clear air, backed up against the ship, leaning on the hull. Oh, how he wished his master were here – his master… he wondered what his master was doing…
In a half daze, the boy noticed that something entirely too red was entering his field of vision – though he couldn't tell if it was through the force or actually there. He blinked rapidly, watching the door hiss open. A man, shrouded in darkness stood before him, feet wide and shoulders broad. Something radiated off of the creature like poison, something that hissed like snakes, that clouded his vision and made it hard to breathe. Obi-Wan gasped in fear, clumsily bringing his lightstaber up and activating it, the blue glow lighting the misty room.
/All this time running, and now, here you are/ a voice whispered in his mind, dancing and twisting. /I wonder what your master is doing at this moment, hmm/
My master…
Not here…
/No, he's not, is he/ the voice taunted as the man came closer, stalking his prey. Obi-Wan thrust his lightsaber in front of him, in a feeble attempt to intimidate the intruder. The saber was batted aside in a flash of red fury – and Obi-Wan found himself face to face with red light, red heat, red skin and red eyes… red death…
And light. Bright, yellow light filled the room. The red man hissed, visibly scowling. Behind him, silhouetted by the door, stood another figure. The red man twisted violently, twirling his red lightsaber.
Maul roared in him mind, seething. Why had he not detected its presence? He dropped to a defensive stance, standing between the boy and the enemy. The robed figure stepped forward, and with a swirl of a cloak, discarded the cloth and stood still as stone.
Obi-Wan breathed heavily, the air seemingly thick to his blurry vision. Suddenly, the room was a flurry of motion. Red was attacked by shimmering gold, more gold than red, and the waves of force nearly knocked the padawan over. He blinked, struggling to clear the fog from his mind.
He remembered his master's words. Qui-Gon always said – when you feel drowsy or drugged, reach for the force, let it cleanse your mind… The padawan took a cool breath and imagined the force washing over him… And he almost shouted in panic when he saw the blur of two figured locked in a fierce lightsaber duel. The dark… had to be some kind of dark Jedi, was locked in combat with an amazing… other Jedi of some sort, the likes of which Obi-Wan had never seen. A breather mask covered the Jedi's face, his movements graceful and strong. They checked and rechecked, blades bouncing off each other. Both wore dark outfits, and in the flurry of motion, Obi-Wan's still fuzzy sight could only tell the difference through color of blade, and the red skin on one verses the mask of the other.
Red skin was knocked back, as the masked Jedi advanced. In perhaps anger, the dark robed red Jedi extended his blood red blade, perhaps in warning. Obi-Wan swallowed, the sudden fear of the situation burning his lungs as he breathed. The man's red blade stood still, despite the heavy breathing.
The masked Jedi did not seem impressed, and with a quick spin, the golden beam of lighstaber doubled in size. The dark Jedi hissed. And then again it was a flurry of movement. The speed of it was nauseating to Obi-Wan, who wanted nothing more than to succumb to darkness, yet he knew he could not.
And then, the red was gone, leaving only the gold. The red skinned man was clawing at his face, his neck. It took a moment for the boy to realize that the masked Jedi held one arm out, a hand extended. The red Jedi gasped, dangling in mid air. Obi-Wan recoiled as his mind cleared –
These were /sith/. Oh sweet force this was the /dark/ side, like you read in history books –
The red tattooed Sith was choking, near unconsciousness. With a flick of the masked Jedi's wrist, the tattooed Jedi when flying into the ship, hitting the surface with an audible thwack of cracking bone. The masked Jedi stepped forward, nearer to Obi-Wan. He wore a slim cast of un-Jedi armor with an opening at the left shoulder, where rather Jedi-looking robe hung loosely. However, the rest of the body was covered in slick black and red armor, the right hand gloved at twirling the double-sided lightsaber above the red skinned Jedi's twitching limbs.
A mop of brown hair covered part of the mask, and a smooth, low voice erupted from the speaker of the breather –
"Crawl back to your master, Maul."
Maul bared his teeth, trying to haul himself upright, arm around his midsection. The masked Jedi did not seem phased.
"Tell him that this boy is /not/ for sale. Do not make another attempt such as this again, if he wishes to keep his most /loved/ Sith apprentice."
The dark Jedi hauled himself upright, calling his lighstaber to his hand with a strong pull of dark force. Obi-Wan gasped at the intensity of it. Maul appeared to be considering his choices, his toxic yellow red eyes glaring at the padawan. The masked Jedi stepped in front of the boy.
"Go now. They are coming. Go."
A scowl: and the dark Jedi was gone.
The masked Jedi stood still, save for the deactivation of the lightsaber. He had been correct – moments later, the little area was a flood of guards and people. Obi-Wan recognized Galliya as she reached for him, checking him, worry written in the lines on her aging face.
"What was it?" Ardemis's voice cut through Obi-Wan's awareness, the force singling out the conversation amidst the chaos.
"Dark Jedi, came for the boy," the robotic response from the breather mask gave.
"Gods," the man breathed. "Come, I'm sure Lord Scion must need informed-"
"Wait."
As Galliya mothered Obi-Wan, he watched as the masked Jedi came forward. He really wasn't that tall, now that the padawan's vision was clearer. He stood before the padawan, mask almost frightening looking.
"Why are you here, padawan?" the rasp of the breather mask inquired without emotion.
Obi-Wan opened his mouth to speak, but no words came.
"Spire! Let the poor boy be!" Galliya scolded, looking at the Jedi. "He's had enough for the moment, give him a moments rest! And would you take that breather off, you look a fright indeed!"
The Jedi cocked his head at Galliya, and flinched when Ardemis placed a hand on his shoulder. Turning away, the Jedi allowed the taller man to unlatch the breather, and peel it away. Standing now, Obi-Wan spoke steadily –
"I came here to find someone who can help me with my feelings, and I was told that person is you," the padawan stated.
The Jedi turned to face the boy, her face dripping sweat, hair clinging to her sharp eyebrows, grey eyes piercing. Obi-Wan blinked in surprise. The woman stared at the boy without emotion, and without another word, turned and left.
"Oh, forgive her, she's a bit hard to warm up to at first," Galliya said, grasping Obi-Wan by the arm and leading him out of the chaos of the room. But Obi-Wan halted, and hurried over to a prone man.
"Rynik!" Obi-Wan said frantically, touching the man's shoulder.
"He'll be alright, Obi-Wan," Galliya assured, "The whole sector was knocked with a powerful contingent, enough to keep everyone under for several hours. Come, let's meet with the Scion and make sure you're alright."
As they headed out of the corridor, Obi-Wan thought again of the red skinned man, and shuddered. The power… the awesome power of the dark side had chilled him to the core.