Chapter 14: The Return

Qui-Gon sat, hunched, in one of the Archive's small alcoves. He had the datapad propped on his knee and examined the files he downloaded. He scanned the screen, searching through the files for any evidence to support his theory. For four hours, he studied the details of different researches and cases. He contemplated over the writings that detailed experiences and experiments with Force bonds.

According to the writings, a Force bond's strength depended on the two individuals' power with the Force. Qui-Gon reviewed Revan's notes the Jedi Masters secured after Revan's death. It appeared Revan had a great interest in Force bonds and deeply examined its formations and techniques, theorizing that the Jedi would never reach their full Force potential due to their lack of passion. The more passion a Jedi had, the stronger the connection.

Qui-Gon rested his chin in his hand as he reclined in his seat. His mind mulled over his research, comparing notes and thoughts with Anakin's and Obi-Wan's Force bond. He's been considering it since their meeting on Tatooine. There was something far beyond the normal Force bond between those two. Something he believed even Revan would have coveted. Qui-Gon let out a long sigh, imagining the possibilities Anakin's and Obi-Wan's Force bond could do. The possibilities the two of them could accomplished if guided accordingly.

There was a light tap above his head and Qui-Gon looked up from his datapad. It was Jocasta Nu.

Qui-Gon quickly powered down his datapad. "Master Nu?" he said, looking up at the Archive master. "How are you doing this fine morning?"

"I'm doing well, thank you, Qui-Gon," Master Nu said and he noticed a shade of regret in those old eyes. "How are you holding up?"

An odd and curious question from Master Nu. She was a strict lady who cared more about the conditions of the archives than the readers. Her interest in his well-being unnerved him. Something was off. "I'm doing well," he replied, slipping the datapad in his over-sized robe pockets and he reinforced his shields. "Been doing some research here and there."

Master Nu nodded. Again, she acted sorrowful. "Yes—something to keep your mind off of young Kenobi."

If only, Qui-Gon thought. All he's been doing was making preparations for both Obi-Wan and Anakin once they get them away from the Temple. "Something like that," he answered.

Master Nu sighed, drawing her eyes down in sympathy. "Must be difficult for you. Having him here and watching him go again," she said, rubbing Qui-Gon's shoulder for comfort. "I'm surprised you're here. I figured you would be at the hanger or arguing with the Council."

Qui-Gon scrutinized her with curious slits. "What are you talking about?"

Master Nu stepped back, eyebrows lifting in surprised confusion. "Don't you know?" she asked tentatively. The silence hung afterward, a biting retaliation growing. Master Nu realized her mistake. "You don't know. Qui-Gon—I'm so sorry! Kenobi and Skywalker were released this morning."

Qui-Gon lunged out of the alcove. He knocked Jocasta Nu aside as he sprinted out of the Archives, his robes billowing behind him. Every Jedi in his path stepped aside quickly to avoid being run over, but Qui-Gon cared less. Focused on his anger and destination, he didn't see anyone or anything until he arrived outside his Master's door. He didn't ring. He memorized Dooku's passcode and invited himself into the pristine apartment.

The door swooped open and Qui-Gon caught sight of Dooku. His frustration boiled to the top. Qui-Gon strode in, intense frown conveying his severe displeasure at the betrayal. Dooku looked up from where sat, dark eyes glaring up in warning at Qui-Gon, but the younger Sith damned the consequences.

"Is it true?" Qui-Gon grilled. "Obi-Wan? Anakin? Are they gone?"

Dooku inhaled deeply and inclined against his couch. "Yes," he replied, coolly. "They left earlier this morning."

Qui-Gon slammed his eyes shut, fingers pinching the bridge of his nose as he held the lid on his vengeful anger. "How could you let them go?" he demanded. "Was that the plan? To let them escape?"

The corner of Dooku's mouth screwed in a snarl. "Of course not! I had no partake in such actions. No one in the Council did," he said, rising to his feet and moving to the cabinet where he cared for his liquor stash. "Master Yoda made the arrangements on his own. The Council wasn't aware of it until Kenobi and Skywalker departed."

"Where did they go? We could possibly send out a bounty hunter or even Ventress if necessary—"

"I'm afraid, Qui-Gon," Dooku interrupted him as he poured himself a glass of Corellian brandy, "it's not going to be that easy."

Qui-Gon eyed his master. "Why not?"

"Because Kenobi and Skywalker joined up with Queen Amidala," he answered and he turned around with a glass in hand. "They are returning to Naboo."

"Isn't that a good thing?" Qui-Gon said, confused by Dooku's disappointment. "We can have the Trade Federation secure them until our arrival. And we would be getting the Queen's signature as well."

"It sounds great," Dooku agreed, but Qui-Gon got the feeling Dooku did not quite agree. "Except the fact Master Yoda was involved in this transaction." Dooku took a drink, vexed. "He's onto us. I sense a dangerous plot forming."

Qui-Gon buried his face in his hand. "Your paranoia with Master Yoda is going to ruin us."

Dooku slammed the glass down. "And your lack of precaution will!" he snapped. "This is a plot to lure us out of hiding. No—we cannot fall right into their hands." He returned to the couch, sitting down as he looked over the datapads that covered his low table. He picked one up and tapped away. "I've spent the last hour looking over our trajectory and I have a possible solution to our problem."

Qui-Gon ran his hand along his jawline. "And what is that?"

Dooku lowered the datapad, stern eyebrows furrowed as he looked up at Qui-Gon's tall frame. "A misdirection that will remove many of our problems."

"Why are they here?"

Anakin frowned at Master Rhara and Padawan Muln from where he and Obi-Wan sat in Queen Amidala's personal ship. Obi-Wan didn't glance up from the datapad he reviewed. He swiped to the next page, reading up on the Trade Federation. "The Council assigned them as representatives of the Order," Obi-Wan explained, studying the Trade Federation's trading operations. "The Senate requested Jedi to tag along as well."

Anakin kicked his feet underneath the table, his feet tapping against the Obi-Wan's shins. "I don't trust them."

Obi-Wan looked over the datapad to Anakin. "They're not bad people Anakin," he said. "The Jedi are respectable. Guardians of the peace and justice of the Republic."

Anakin snorted in disbelief. "Then why did they attack us?" he challenged. "If they are so-called 'guardians', why did they kill my mother?"

"They didn't kill your mother," Obi-Wan corrected quietly. "That was the Sith."

"Sith? Jedi? They seem the same to me," Anakin shrugged and he glared at Garen's back as the padawan descended into the cockpit. "Besides, what can they do to help? I overheard Jedi don't fight in wars."

"We're not entering a war."

"Aren't we preparing for battle? That's what Padmé said."

They were heading off to battle. After leaving the Order, they met with Queen Amidala. She looked different from the Padmé they knew back on Tatooine. With the extravagant wardrobe and zealous make-up, she looked like a proper regal leader than the peasant girl Anakin admired. She was happy to see them, but their reunion was short lived as they were on a strict time table. Padmé informed them of the Senate's deliberation and lack of action, deciding she could no longer stay away from her planet. She was returning to Naboo to repel the Trade Federation and needed all the assistance she could gather. That included Obi-Wan Kenobi and Anakin Skywalker.

Obi-Wan let out a weary sigh. He powered down the datapad. "We are most likely entering a suicide mission, but the Jedi are not here to fight," he established as Anakin leaned in to listen. "They are here to protect the Queen and to learn more about the woman who attacked us."

"She's a Sith!" Anakin hissed, arms crossed. "What's more to know?"

"She's not a Sith, Anakin. Not yet anyway," Obi-Wan added and he thought about the Dathomirian woman. She wasn't a Sith, but Dooku was training her to become one. "She may be waiting for us on Naboo. This could be her trials to move up a rank."

"Move up a rank? What does that mean?"

Obi-Wan contemplated for a moment before shrugging. "Could mean anything," he said, knowing that it meant death.

Anakin shivered, goosebumps running up his arm. "I forgot how cold space is."

Space? Or did Anakin sense the darkness that pressed them on all sides? "Need a blanket?" Obi-Wan asked.

Anakin shook his head. "No, I'll be fine."

Yet Anakin scooted closer to Obi-Wan. His head rested against Obi-Wan's arm, eyes questionably wondering from the tea Queen Amidala insisted they had to the cockpit door. The door suddenly opened and Master Rhara stepped out. Her eyes scanned the corridor for a moment before they landed on Obi-Wan. She strode over and Anakin abruptly sat up, eyes dropped to slits as he glared.

Master Rhara's brow wrinkled in disturbance at Anakin's glare as she addressed Obi-Wan. "Kenobi, I am hoping I can have a private audience with you to discuss strategy."

Obi-Wan leaned back in his seat, head tilted to look up into Master Rhara's eyes. "Master Rhara, I would be more than happy to discuss, but I am not the head of security. That belongs to Captain Panaka. He's calling the shots. You'll need to speak to him."

Master Rhara nodded understandably. "I'll go seek out Captain Panaka then," she said. "Would you then be kind enough to assist Garen in the piloting?"

"I don't think—"

"Thank you," decided Master Rhara without listening or even giving a second glance. She walked down the corridor to search for Captain Panaka, leaving Obi-Wan no choice but to join the cockpit.

Obi-Wan huffed before nudging Anakin. "Come on! Looks like we are needed."

Anakin rolled his eyes, but he followed Obi-Wan to the cockpit. When they entered they received an annoyed scoff. Garen was obviously not too pleased to see them. Obi-Wan gestured for Anakin to take the co-pilot seat as he chose to sit behind them. Garen had yet to say a word to them. It was an awkward silence, filled with tension and pain. Garen focused on the control panel with Anakin sitting near the edge of his seat, leaning away from the Jedi. The bitter resentment that encroached the Force unsettled Obi-Wan. He had no plans to cause enmity between them prior to a major battle. It wouldn't do anyone any good.

"So, um, Anakin," Obi-Wan began to bridge the antagonized gap. "Garen here is a license pilot. One of the best in the Jedi Order, am I right?" He directed the last to Garen, who kept his head forward so that Obi-Wan addressed his the back of his head.

Anakin flickered a dubious glance to Garen. He didn't say anything. Neither did Garen. It was almost as if his words were simple moans from the ship during flight.

Obi-Wan quietly soughed in exasperation. "You still want to be an ace starpilot, Garen?" he asked, pleasant enough. "Anakin here wants to be a pilot too."

Garen hit a button. Still silent.

Obi-Wan remained persistent. "Anakin? Why don't you tell Garen about your win at the Boonta Eve race?"

Anakin peeved at Obi-Wan. He knew exactly what Obi-Wan was attempting. "Why? He doesn't care."

Obi-Wan glared, a scolding running along their bond. Anakin pouted, emotions ready to outright reject Obi-Wan's command. After another silent argument, Anakin forfeited and turned to Garen. "I won the race," he said, flatly. No excitement like he usually had when retelling a victory of his. "First time driving a pod and I won. Have you ever piloted a pod before? No human can handle their speeds, but me."

Garen side-glanced, his jawline more definite than it was before. "If you can do it, then I am sure I can."

"I doubt that," Anakin said, chin jerked up in confidence and wounded pride. "Already you're struggling with this ship. It's has a 327 core hyperdrive, making it a 1.8 hyperdrive speed and you have it going as if it has a 2.5 hyperdrive speed."

"This isn't a race," Garen grunted. "We are going the speed needed to stay under the radar."

Anakin reached over the control panel and tapped a few of the buttons and flipped switches. Garen reacted accordingly—alarmed and dismayed.

"What are you doing?" he shouted, reaching over to stop Anakin, but the boy was done.

"I just scrambled the signal, so the Trade Federation won't be able to track us," Anakin said. "Now, we can get there faster and help people."

Garen's teeth grated. "Faster only equivalents to recklessness," he lectured. "And being reckless gets people hurt. Right, Obi-Wan?"

Obi-Wan looked away from Garen's condemning stare. He wrapped his arms around his body and slacked in his seat as he took in Garen's accusation, mulling over the conversation. "Recklessness can get people hurt," Obi-Wan agreed, rubbing a thumb underneath his chin. "But, people can be hurt too if we chose to wait or do nothing. And isn't that the reason we are on this ship? The Naboo needs our help and they cannot wait for the Senate to make a decision two weeks away.

"So in conclusion," Obi-Wan said, looking back to Garen and Anakin. "Both of you are right. We must not act rashly, but we cannot always stay cautious. Listen to the Force and we can never go wrong."

Garen snorted sardonically. "If I didn't know any better, you almost sound like a Jedi," he riposted, but the humor didn't reach his eyes. "But don't delude yourself. You're no Jedi. "

There went the terse civilized conversation. Anakin's cheeks grew velvet, fuming at Garen. "Good! I'm glad Obi-Wan left your lot," he stated. "The Jedi are just a bunch of hypocrites anyway."

Garen's shoulders went tight. His hold on the controls twisted in a stronger grip and his breathing got heavier when he glanced irritably at Anakin. "I see Obi-Wan taught you the best of manners."

"Better than yours," Anakin snarked in return.

Garen and Anakin continued their joust, giving Obi-Wan a pulsating headache. His fingers massaged his forehead, but the argued words between Garen and Anakin beat into his head. Cracking the foundations of what should be a reasonable team to a volcanic expulsion. A fiery storm brewed around Anakin. A thunderous cloud ready to strike lightening and Garen was a sea, normally calm until the storm upset it.

And a tidal wave just crashed when Garen snapped. "Obi-Wan! Tell your brat to shut-up."

Anakin shot to his feet, static forming within the Force. A bolt of lightning ready to strike.

Obi-Wan thought quickly. He dropped a hand on Anakin's shoulder, drawing him back from Garen as he spoke. "Anakin? Why don't you tell the Queen we will be arriving at 1300 hours?"

Anakin glared from Obi-Wan to Garen. He knew a dismissal when received. "Fine!" he grumbled, heading to the cockpit door. "Can't wait until we can go back home."

He stomped away and Obi-Wan heard his footsteps for a long while after the boy left. He would need to get Anakin to meditate before they joined Padmé in rescuing Naboo. He needed to find balance again or else the storm would be too destructive to everyone around him.

He would worry about Anakin later. Right now, he needed to speak to Garen. Obi-Wan moved up to Anakin's former seat, settling in as he gave his old friend a disapproval frown. "You didn't have to be mean to him."

Garen half-shrugged, uncaring at Obi-Wan's point. "Maybe you should have taught him better manners."

"You provoked him."

"That only means you didn't train him well enough to control his emotions."

Obi-Wan restrained himself from rolling his eyes. A juvenile trait was best for younglings. Not a young man like himself. Instead, he just gave a small shake of his head. "You're not mad at Anakin. You're mad at me," he concluded, his eyes rolled to Garen. "I would appreciate it if you didn't take it out on him."

"And I would appreciate if you didn't spread lies about the Jedi," Garen spat in return. "We've already have enough bad publicity because of you."

"I didn't spread lies about the Jedi! I did as the Force told me," Obi-Wan argued, too tired to get into the same argument he's been having the past three days. "Just—if you have a problem with me, take it out on me. Not Anakin."

Garen scoffed, the corners of his mouth curling in a snarl. "You're right. I am mad. You betrayed the Order. You turned your back and went against everything we were taught and yet," He drew a long, unsteady breath. Eyes closed, Garen reached for the Force for stability. "Yet… Master Yoda clings onto this hope for you."

Obi-Wan's eyebrows rose up, mystified. "I don't know what you mean." But he did know. He knew Master Yoda believed him in regards to Qui-Gon and Dooku. He could not let Garen know that. Master Yoda insisted on secrecy.

"You know exactly what I mean," Garen peered crossly at Obi-Wan. "Of all the Jedi, Master Yoda is the only Jedi to not denounce you. He always kept faith that you would return. Even after all the things you did, the Grandmaster still trusts you. Believes—" Garen maddeningly shook his head. "Do you know how conflicting that is for the rest of us? Do you? No? Well—it questions everything we are meant to uphold!"

Obi-Wan shifted in his seat, ruffled by the discord he created within the Jedi Order. "I didn't mean—"

"You never mean to do anything! You do whatever you want and damn the consequences for the rest of us!"

Anyone who knew Obi-Wan the past seven years would have immediately disagreed with Garen's assessment. Obi-Wan sacrificed enough of his life and dreams to keep himself and Anakin alive. He burdened himself with the tasks that no former padawan should take on. It cost him dearly, but he never regretted it. Garen could blame him for all the sorrows that has befallen on the Order, but it would have happened with him there or not. Qui-Gon and Dooku would have destroyed the Order and the Republic, but Obi-Wan prevented them from doing it sooner. And if all goes to plan, he would expose their true identities and save this galaxy from falling into their hands.

For now, he needed to save this fragile friendship. Or at least what was left of it.

Obi-Wan turned in his seat so that he faced Garen. He leaned over, head slightly bowed in repentance. "I'm sorry my presence in your life has brought you pain. That was never my intention. I only ever did as needed," he said and flipped his gaze from the floor to Garen's face. "I'm sorry, old friend. I know asking for forgiveness is a long shot, but I do hope we can make some reasonable peace for the sake of this mission. If only to ensure the Queen's success."

Obi-Wan stuck out his hand to Garen, a pleading stare to accept. "Peace?"

Garen eyed the hand skeptically, unsure if it was a trick. It's been years since the two have bonded and trusted one another. For Garen, the offer could be another lie. Obi-Wan only hoped he didn't believe it to be.

It was another moment before Garen reluctantly shook his hand. "Fine. I'll be cordial."

"It's all I ask," Obi-Wan said, an old smile gracing his face. A small truce of peace was a great victory for him. Even if it was between him and an old friend.

Maul strode across the great hall toward the hanger. His ship was packed and stocked, ready for the journey to Naboo. His lightsaber tapped gently against his thigh as he whisked himself away. He had yet to learn the patience of his masters. But in time, he would learn and train hard to become the rightful apprentice. Already, Ventress failed her trials, earning their masters' scorn for her inability to get the job done. Maul had no plans to fail. He would succeed where she failed and earn the title as apprentice.

A jolt of excitement ran through him at the sight of his ship. He exhaled sharply and satisfaction permeated his face. Heat rose inside him and he felt nothing but furious pleasure. This was his mission to accomplish. He was going to be the menace of the Jedi. The destroyer of the Order. Most important was that he was going to take that long coveted position of apprentice from Kenobi.

He was going to be the destruction of the Republic!

"You are far too happy for your own good."

Maul snarled and turned to see Ventress approaching. Her lips thin and eyes narrowed in deadly slits as she glared at him. Maul held his position, undisturbed by her appearance. "I've been given a mission," he said. "I am to depart soon."

Ventress leaned up against a storage box, arms crossed as she observed him. She resented the master's favoritism over her and Maul couldn't help but feel an edge of victory. Ventress frowned at Maul. "To Naboo, I imagine."

"I am to finish what you failed to do," Maul boasted. "I will kill the Queen, the Jedi and if necessary, Kenobi as well."

Maul noticed the aggravation that contorted Ventress. She dropped her hands to her hips, right next to her lightsabers as she snarled, "Kenobi is mine Maul! Mine! If anyone gets to kill him, it's me!"

Maul scoffed at her primitive declaration. A blinded fool. "You had your chance. You failed. You only proved to our masters that their time was wasted."

Two lightsabers ignited and threatened death to Maul. Ventress leaned in, hissing. "Care to prove that theory?"

Maul didn't even flinch at the sight of the lightsabers. "You already did that for me," he pointed. "I no longer have time for your fragile ego."

Maul strode past Ventress and headed straight to his ready ship. He walked up the ramp, his excitement rampant. In a few hours from now, he would expose himself and show the might of the Sith against the Jedi. He would prove his worth to his masters by presenting the blood of the Queen and Jedi. He would defeat Kenobi and capture Skywalker, showing his superiority over the runaway runt.

He closed the ramp and sat in the pilot seat. He set up the coordinates and steadied the ship out of the hanger. The wild fury in his soul wreaked havoc and he had the greatest urge to bathe in the blood of his enemies.

Flickers of yellow glimmered in his eyes as the anticipation build. In a few short hours, he will become the Sith Apprentice he was meant to become.

And it was to start and end in, of all places, the peaceful planet of Naboo.