After the incident in the hall, things began to move very quickly. Regaining his composure the tall Jedi set off down the corridor seeking out his lost apprentice. Instinctively, he knew that Tahl was one step behind him. The security guard that had tried to restrain Irini initially came into view. Qui-Gon skidded to a halt in front of him and grabbed the man's arms. It was all he could do from shaking the man senseless. "Where is Balog?"
"He went to the meeting a while ago."
"Was anyone with him?" Tahl demanded.
"That apprentice of yours." Dread almost overwhelmed the m at the news – their worst fears realized.
Once again they were off, racing through the streets toward the Institute for Government Service building. It was there in a secret meeting room that the negotiations were to be held. Neither Jedi spoke. With each step they could already sense that Obi-Wan was slipping further and further away. They could only hope that they would get him back in time.
Rushing in to the building, they headed for Roan's offices as the room was off there. Thundering into the room, they startled the poor assistant who promptly demanded, "What are you doing here?"
"The secret meeting room, take us there," the Master countered.
"This is highly irregular. I don't think I…"
"Now." His deep baritone booked no room for argument. The assistant visibly flinched at the command. Nodding nervously, he accessed a hidden door in the paneling and led them down a short hallway. Another durasteel door was at the end of it.
Qui-Gon's footsteps slowed at the sight of what lay outside the door. His heart sank. Inside a small bin lay several blasters and Obi-Wan's lightsaber. He knew the boy would only surrender it if he was convinced it was the only way the meeting would take place. Gingerly picking up the weapon, he ordered the assistant to open the door.
They stepped into the room and found what they expected. An empty room. No sign of anyone.
In an agony of frustration, Qui-Gon raised the hilt of his lightsaber and brought it down on the table. The force of the blow caused the table to crack – a long jagged split in the surface. He didn't want to believe this was happening. They had been through so much together already. And now that they were finally getting comfortable with each other again he couldn't accept this. He couldn't lose his apprentice because of his own blind stupidity. He wanted to scream and cry and…
Eyes hooded and dull. Form so weak and frail. And a voice so soft, it couldn't be called a whisper. "It is too late for me, Master."
"No!" He cried out. His heart was being torn to shreds and he had no idea how to stop it.
A gentle touch on his shoulder brought him back from the precipice of despair. "We will find them, Qui-Gon."
He swallowed against the anguish and guilt, pushing them down, down deep where they would not interfere with his reason, his judgment, his purpose. He brought one hand up and placed it on top of hers for a moment in gratitude for her strength before clasping it tightly. A new sense of determination filling him. "We must."
The series of events that transpired over the next few days was hard on all of them. At first they floundered on what to do. They needed some kind of direction to follow Balog and Obi-Wan and nothing showed promising enough until much later. It was all Qui-Gon could do to hide his growing worry and frustration. Tahl had been his calming force but even her patience was wearing thin. It was fortunate the twins brought up the idea of the probe droid.
Obtaining the probe droid had been another ordeal. They had gotten what they wanted but in doing so they had discovered more disturbing facts. Balog was more than likely drugging Obi-Wan to keep him docile and it could prove to be disastrous. They may have even found out what Balog had been after in the first place – a list. Unfortunately they would not know for certain until they finally caught up with the Security Chief.
And so the chase began. Balog had a good head start and they needed all their training and stamina to catch up to him. Even still it wasn't good enough. At first the pair stopped to rest at night. After all they needed their strength and energy once they met up with him. And their routine would have stayed as such if not for a growing sense of foreboding. They began going through the night to gain ground. And they almost believed they were doing so until an ambush staged by Balog told them otherwise. The fight was brief but not without damage. They had managed to protect their own probe droid from Balog's drones however the attack droids had managed to disable one of their swoops.
Tahl suggested that Qui-Gon continue on without her and she would catch up. But he would have none of it. He refused to leave Tahl's side despite the fact he knew his initial fears and vision would not come true now. Obi-Wan, in his own way, had seen to that alteration. The tall Jedi would often try to fathom why his apprentice felt it necessary to take this course of action. And as all the times before, he had no answer. The only way he would ever find out is if – no, when he saw Obi-Wan again and managed to ask him. When he knew the boy was safe.
They were being followed. That much was certain. The question was - who? Both Jedi Masters were aware of the presence trailing them and silently they set a plan in motion to find out if it was friend or foe. A formation had come up that would provide them the perfect opportunity. Quickly, they sped along and rounded the hill.
Coming up from behind, they could see the reverberations of a fast moving landspeeder. As they approached they were able to determine that the driver was alone and one of the twins. The trio immediately slowed to a stop now that they were aware of each other.
When the young blonde stepped out of the speeder the Jedi were able to discern which one – it was Eritha. This was surprising, considering her sister Alani was the more assertive of the pair. Curious, they noted the relieved look on the young girl's face as she approached.
"I'm so glad to find you! I have been traveling for days, I didn't know how to reach you. I found out who is backing Balog. I know who your enemy is."
"Who?" Qui-Gon asked a little more anxiously than he intended.
Eritha hesitated a moment. Her lips pressed together in a thin line, as if she were reluctant to let the words out. "My sister," she said finally. The words came pouring out of her now that the hard part was over. "Alani is in contact with Balog. I heard her speaking to him on a comlink. I couldn't tell where he was, or where he was headed. Obi-Wan is alive, he's keeping him contained in that horrible device."
Relief washed over the Jedi. Obi-Wan is alive! It was only a matter of time now before he was back in their care.
"Do you see what this means?" Eritha cried. Twisting her hands together, she continued, "Alani must have lied to me all along! She convinced me that Roan was behind our father's death. And I'm sure that she engineered our kidnapping. No wonder she was so strong during the ordeal. After we were released, I was afraid they were tracking us to kill us. She kept telling me not to be afraid, not to worry…" Eritha's voice was full of anger and disgust. "I thought she was so brave. And Roan – could she have arranged to kill Roan? I can't believe that! He was so kind to us. He was our father's best friend!"
As much as they wanted to let her deal with these questions and come to terms with what has happened, they knew they didn't have the time. Qui-Gon asked, "What is her goal?"
"Power. She wants to rule New Apsolon." Eritha shook her head. "As least that's what I think they are planning. Balog will back her along with the Absolutes. I can't believe what I'm saying. I can't believe I never knew my sister. I'm so ashamed."
"But you didn't do anything wrong." Tahl tried to sooth the girl.
But she wouldn't be calmed. "Don't you understand? She is part of me, I should have known."
"Are you sure she gave you no clues to Balog's whereabouts?" Qui-Gon asked urgently.
"I'm sorry. I overheard the conversation, but they never mentioned where he was."
"Thank you for coming and telling us this. You risked much. Now you must return."
"I'm not going back." Eritha's jaw set stubbornly, removing the softness that distinguished her from her more dynamic and electric sister.
"I am sorry," Qui-Gon said firmly, "but you must. Tahl and I are going ahead and it will be dangerous."
"I don't care. My sister has shamed my planet. I must restore my family's honour. She is a Worker and has betrayed the Workers by making an alliance with the Absolutes. Do you see what this means? She thinks that because of who her father is, the Workers will accept her without question. Even as we speak she is maneuvering to get the United Legislature to appoint her as Supreme Governor. I know how she is doing it, too – I know her. She won't ask, she won't suggest. She'll be sweet and modest. Somehow those high up in the Legislature will think they came up with the idea on their own. Just as she once made me believe that Roan was involved with Ewane's death. Of course the Workers will support her – she is a heroine, for surviving our father's death.
"Once appointed, she will bring back the Absolutes and slowly restore the government to what it was. The Workers will be trampled. No." Eritha crossed her arms. "I will not return. My dead father is at my shoulder. He sacrificed too much. I am coming with you."
Now it was Tahl's turn to dissuade her. "Eritha, we believe Balog is heading to his supporters. You are not trained for battle and it will be dangerous."
"Oh, but I am." The girl countered pulling back her cloak to reveal an assortment of blasters and explosive devices on her belt. "I have excellent aim."
"I admire your dedication," Qui-Gon began, "but…."
"Obi-Wan is just like me. He's already become a close friend. And I want to help you after everything you've done for me." Eritha said, staring Qui-Gon down. "And you forget, I have been through the same thing. I was trapped in that device. I know what it does to you. I have to do this, Qui-Gon."
Qui-Gon was about to speak when rock exploded beside them. They reacted instantly, both moving to protect Eritha. Tahl covered the girl with her own body while Qui-Gon deflected earthen shards and laser bolts.
The battle ended quickly, once they figured out who was attacking them. In actuality it was a good thing that Eritha showed up or else the conflict could have turned out much worse. Unfortunately, despite the length it still ended up costing them more than they could afford. The probe droid was destroyed by falling debris. And while Qui-Gon had been distracted by the probe droid a rock slide caught Tahl in the leg as she covered Eritha. The good news was that it wasn't that bad, however it still needed to be treated before they could move on.
At the Rock Workers' settlement, they were able to rest and recoup. Yanci was very helpful in taking care of Tahl's injury and making arrangements for them. During her treatment however, they were able to learn more about what was happening out here. Two more Rock Workers had entered, the tall woman and young man from the quarry. "I am Bini and this is Kevta," she said. "Again, we must tell you how sorry we are to have mistaken you for Absolutes. We don't get travelers out in this area, so we jumped to conclusions too fast. I hope you are well." She glanced at Tahl.
The Jedi Knight smiled. "I am fine. Yanci has placed Bacta on the wound and I will be back on my feet shortly." She said this for Qui-Gon's reassurance as much as theirs. She knew deep down how much this delay was bothering him.
"Yanci has great skill. It is good that you came here."
"Tell me," Qui-Gon said, "You said that the Absolutes raided your camp. How many were there?"
Kevta spoke up. "We were attacked by a squad of maybe thirty, but when there are casualties, more take their place. We have no way of knowing. We are forty here, but that includes elders and children. The Absolutes are also heavily armed. In the first raid, they captured our small weapons – blasters and flechette missiles."
"You don't know where their headquarters are?" he pressed.
Bini answered quietly, "We do not know. We have searched. If they have a base, it is well hidden."
Qui-Gon felt his irritation rise. There was so little information to be had. He couldn't get over the feeling that they were wasting time. "Is it possible they conduct their raids from the city?"
Kevta shook his head, "No. We know their base is in the quarries somewhere. Their raids are spaced too close. Especially lately. We have been raided five times in the past month."
"Do you have weapons left?" Qui-Gon questioned.
"We have a few blasters, not many. We only have our tools and the explosives we use in the quarries. They are expensive and we don't like losing them. But we are getting desperate. That is why we attacked you today. We've had enough. We know they are after our large explosives. If we lose those, we're doomed. This mining outfit is a cooperative. We all share in the work and profits. If we lose our tools and explosives, we won't be able to buy more."
"You need help," Eritha said. She had been resting quietly in the corner until now. "Have you informed the United Legislature? They could send a security force to protect you."
"We informed them weeks ago and have heard nothing." Bini said, a hint of bitterness in her tone. "The troubles in the capital city have overshadowed ours."
The conversation continued with the Jedi asking many probing questions in an attempt to get some sort of direction. For the tall Jedi Master, he felt so close to discovering his Padawan yet farther away now then when they started this hunt. He begged through the Force, Hold on, Padawan. I am coming. Just a little longer. He could only hope Obi-Wan heard his plea. A gentle hand squeezed his own and he gratefully accepted Tahl's support. He truly could not live without her presence close by any longer. Their vow had merged their souls. However this journey would end, they would face it together.
Fortunately, their efforts awarded them a path to follow in the morning. They had been able to discern a pattern to the raids and a direction. When nothing more could be gained, their conversation was abruptly cut off when Yanci came in demanding rest for her patient. There was little protest as all had grown tired after today's events. The Healer escorted Eritha to a place where the girl could sleep and left the two Jedi alone. The pair remained close and allowed fatigue to carry them into slumber. The last thought to flicker across Qui-Gon's mind was, One more day and it will all be over.
- S – W – S – W -
I hope you all liked part two! Not very exciting I'm sure but just bear with me for a while. Thanks. . : D
Just so you know I will reply to my anon reviews here but I will reply to individual reviews for those who signed in.
Bubbles – Thank you so much. A Noble Obi is a lovely Obi. I hear you completely. Qui has some twisted thought processes. I just hope you like the end of this, I plan on doing something a little different with my twist of the storyline. . :)
Phoenix Red Lion – Thanks! I do love AU, and I really enjoy turning things around so that you think you know how things are going and then throw you for a total loop in the end! I hope you like it. Many aspects will still be the same but this will only set many changes in to motion. Thanks for reading!
K-Rock – I know, I know. I haven't been around much lately. And even more aloof over the past 3 months. I'm hoping with a new year and new changes I'll be able to find my muses again and get things finished. And that includes SD. Send me what you have and I'll try and help point you in a direction. Good luck in school and I'll talk to you later!
Datakenobi05 – I can't answer that question right now. You'll just have to see how the story develops to find out. Yeah, when it came to Obi Qui always managed to do the wrong thing at the worst possible time. This only follows that process as usual. And Obi Angst in general is just AWESOME! Hehe :D Thanks.
Misty – Thanks. I hope you like this too. There should be two more chapters when all is said and done.
Kim – No Prob. I plan on having 4 chaps in total. Hope you liked!
Once again, thank you everyone for reading! Please continue to leave feedback as they really help my muse work! See you in a few days!
Ari :D