Chapter XI

Gadhab was a small planet with myriads of wildlife realized Obi-Wan as he opened himself to the Living Force, he felt them all moving about vibrantly.

Three days had passed since they landed on Gadhab, in those three days he was reunited with a few other Jedi he knew from the Temple as well as three new Jedi Knights only Knighted a few days prior.

Lightsaber had returned to lay orbit of the Planet, with Jedi Master Mawn, and three other Jedi Knights on board.

The small abandoned government outpost of a dead race still remained at that was the staging area of the Jedi Trap for the Sith Lord, Obi-Wan was still skeptical as to the margin of success but he trusted Master D'cord, if the Cerean Jedi Master said it was possible, perhaps it was. All things were possible with the Force.

Timoth Frejik was following Obi-Wan as a loyal apprentice, in the week that had passed in their becoming Master and Apprentice, the older Jedi had grown accustomed to the younger Jedi's hesitance to fight, or even spar with the other Jedi, he was perhaps afraid of what they might think, and agricultural Jedi, fighting to be a Knight.

"Timoth, you know of my former Padawan Vader?" asked Obi-Wan, he no longer refered to the man as Anakin, he was more machine than man anyway.

The younger Jedi nodded, "Anakin, Lord Vader,"

Master Kenobi flinched inwardly, "He was very outright, bold, impulsive, while you are reserved, hanging back, not attacking when the need is right,"

"If you want me to try harder, I will Master Kenobi," said Timoth hurriedly.

Obi-Wan smiled, "That's not what I meant Timoth, just…trust in yourself, and trust in the Force, it will guide you,"

Timoth nodded, "I know it will Master, and I have you here to guide me as well,"

Obi-Wan nodded but felt a cold twist in his heart, he had been there to guide Anakin, and look where it lead him; down the path of darkness. The Jedi Master turned to face Gadhab's dying sun, and only hope that he was not leading another Jedi to the darkness.

Seven Jedi Masters, and fourteen other Jedi were now inside the Council Chamber, probably an old control room, guessed Quinlan as he watched the small holovid player that was in the room's center.

Masters Obi-Wan Kenobi, Arthan D'cord, Keroth Tyram, Aigus, Silome Reshan, and Igus were all seated around the table.

Arthan was the first to speak, "at this very moment, Lightsaber and Vader's ship Executor are engaged in orbit, and we have lost contact with Master Mawn,"

A hush fell over the room, and Aigus rose, "We must go help her," he said forcefully.

Arthan waved a hand, "We cannot intervene, she knows her part in this trap, and it must be played to the fullest,"

"I don't care about the trap, Master Mawn can be killed without our help!" shouted Aigus.

"Aigus, be seated," ordered Keroth Tyram, "Master D'Cord still speaks,"

Aigus grudgingly returned to his place, and Quinlan could not help feel that Aigus loved Mawn in another way, more than just a sister. He returned to listening to Arthan.

"Vader and his 501st should be landing in two hours, the Clones will take care of the Stormtroopers while Vader and his Jedi Hunters come after us in the old Jedi graves on the far side of this planet," said Arthan.

Quinlan and Obi-Wan were surprised by this revelation, "Gadhab is the home of some Jedi's graves?"

Arthan nodded, "Masters Vander, Vrook and Zez-Ki Ell are all buried here as well as numerous other Jedi of the Old Republic,"

Quinlan blinked, he had never realized that, "Okay, didn't know that,"

Arthan continued, "You all have positions, fulfill your duty as Jedi," everyone rose, "and May the Force be with us all in this coming battle,"

Aigus ran out of the room as soon as the Council was dismissed, Quinlan could only think that he was about to do something foolish, he was one of the most headstrong, and brazen Jedi Masters the order had seen in this era.

He realized this as a lone Jedi Starfighter left the planet, headfirst into the battle above.