Chapter 21: No Place to Go
The metal clasps encircled around his wrists kept Obi-Wan from ripping the mask off his head. The Dark Side hooked its tendrils into his skin, drilling into his mind until it aggravated him enough that he wanted to scream. It was hard to focus with the Dark energy pulsing around his head and defiling his connection to the Force. Any attempt to draw on the Force received backlash. Needle-like pricks punctured every pore in his skin, shredding him that he almost thought he was cut opened.
His strength ebbed as the time past. The chains on his wrists gave way as he slowly folded on himself, crumbling under the torrid despair. It was worse than his time in the detention cells. There, he didn't feel the Force at all. Here, he felt tainted. Like poison entered his veins and convoluted his entire body and soul.
Voices! Dark, lulling voices murmured in his ears with promises of falsities. When Obi-Wan rejected, the voices grew harsh and critical, surging on his fears and memories. Obi-Wan needed to scream! He so desperately wanted to scream the pain away.
No! He couldn't. That would be what the woman wanted. To see him beg and surrender to her authority. Never! Instead, he concentrated all of his will power on breathing. His breaths were not as fluid as he wished. Short and labored gasps, but it gave him enough control to drown out the murmurs and throbbing pain.
He needed to stay focus. Escape was necessary. His stay was dwindling and soon, he would either be a dead man or—worse—a captive in the Sith's hands. Thankful for sight, Obi-Wan explored his surroundings a bit more closely. He had Geonosian guards standing at the doors. The intent clear. The extra security was placed to ensure he stayed exactly where he was. They carried only electrostaffs, which, Obi-Wan calculated, might be useful.
A few short minutes later, Obi-Wan hashed out a plan.
Then, very purposely, he started to hack. The cough was sharp and obnoxious before it suddenly became clipped gasps of someone choking. He was not really choking, but he needed a good show to convince the Geonosians that something was wrong. Obi-Wan lurched his arms for his neck, ensuring the chains rattled in retaliation as he coughed louder. He restrained himself from taking a breath or else lose credibility. He needed the Geonosians to think he was actually choking. He kept coughing and moved his body in rigid, jerky motions. Tears slid from his eyes at the moment he began to think the Geonosians wouldn't care if he died.
But, then, the guards spoke to one another in their language and flapped over to him. One guard held up its electrostaff, ready to strike. The other, reached for the mask and, not too gently, yanked off the mask.
Obi-Wan barely restrained himself from not sighing in relief at the sudden rush. The dark fog lifted, light burst through and Obi-Wan recognized the calmness of the Force bedding around him. Security and warmth enveloped him and for that brief moment, he felt safe.
Until the guard punched him in the stomach.
Obi-Wan curled into himself, gasping upon impact. He had no expected that. Though, to be fair, that was probably their version of a choking rescue. Once he regained a more normal breathing pattern, Obi-Wan straightened and inclined his head in mocked gratitude, "Much appreciated."
Not understanding, the Geonosians prepared to put the mask back over his head. Obi-Wan waited until they got close enough. Once the Geonosian was inches from his face, Obi-Wan smashed his head against the Geonosian's skull. The Geonosian screeched as it fluttered backwards, dropping its electrostaff. Obi-Wan's snatched the weapon with his legs and drove it into the second, charging Geonosian. The Geonosian's wings fluttered and then went stiff before it fell with a dull thud.
Seeing its comrade fall, the other Geonosian guard flew toward the door. Obi-Wan couldn't let the guard escape and alert the assassin. Using his weak connection to the Force, Obi-Wan lifted the electrostaff in the air. Right as the Geonosian's hand got to the handle, Obi-Wan released the electrostaff. It spiraled in the air and directly hit the Geonosian in the back. Like its partner, it too fell to the floor in one final screech.
Obi-Wan used the Force to free himself from the chains. He checked on the Geonosians vitals, sensing that both were alive, but zapped unconscious. A far better alternative than what may happen to them later.
He went to the door and softly quipped over his shoulder. "Thanks for the assistance."
Obi-Wan stepped through the opened door and bolted. He had no clue where he was going. The place was a maze with multiple, poorly-lighted corridors that sprawled in either direction. There were no windows. Not that he was aware. The only natural light came from a gaping hole at the very top of the organic spire, leaving Obi-Wan to move from shadow to shadow in the catacomb hive. The sound of approaching wings caused Obi-Wan to slip into an opening on the cavernous wall. He squeezed himself through, peeking out to watch a horde of Geonosians flap past his hideaway.
Once the Geonosians moved away, Obi-Wan heard whirling and pounding sounds coming behind him. Scooting back and twisting his body around, he followed the sounds until he came to a new gap in the Geonosian's ventilation system. Below was a factory with a huge alignment of conveyor belts, pounding machines and bins. Hundreds of Geonosians worked at different stations, assembling either droids or blasters. On the opposite side, finished droids marched down the corridor, disappearing in the dark tunnels.
Obi-Wan backed away, hiding himself as he reflected on what he saw. The Geonosians were building an army. The same droid army that took over Naboo. But, there had to be thousands of droids down below in the wide, opened area. For what purpose? Were they going to strike Naboo again? Obi-Wan wouldn't believe so. Not with the Trade Federation captured. Then again, it wasn't the Trade Federation that invoked the attack. It was the Sith.
Qui-Gon and Dooku were planning something. And from the looks of it, Obi-Wan didn't want to personally find out what the droid army was for. He needed to get off Geonosis and make contact with Master Yoda. The Grandmaster needed to know of the factories on Geonosis.
There had to be a comm station somewhere in these catacombs. He smuggled out of the ventilation system, dropping in the shadows. Time was dwindling. He maybe had a half hour of time before that assassin learned of his escape. There was no time to waste. He darted down the corridors, opening doors, but found disappointment. No comm station anywhere.
When he opened the final door, he came face-to-face with several warrior Geonosians. Obi-Wan didn't get the chance to express a dry remark when the Geonosian started shooting. Obi-Wan ducked in time to avoid a bolt to his head. He doubled back and sprinted away, throwing himself through another entryway. Unfortunately, he didn't realize there wasn't a room on the other side. He fell two stories below, landing hard on a conveyor belt.
Dazed, he rapidly blinked to remove the black spots that dotted his vision. His vision cleared in time to see a large stamper coming down on him. Obi-Wan rolled, narrowly missing the metal machinery that almost crushed him. He flopped on the floor, scrambling to his feet when he heard the whirling sounds of blasters firing. He dove behind a pile driver as bolts rained down against it.
He huddled behind the pile driver, eyes darting around for any assistance. He spied a large vat a few meters away. If his assumption was correct, then he drew up a perfect plan to cause a distraction.
Obi-Wan calculated the actions needed to make his plan a success. The buzzing sounds of wings growing closer prompted Obi-Wan to quit planning and take action. He jumped back on the conveyor belt, dodging the bolts that blasted at his feet. He waited for the heavy heads of the stamper to guide up before he dove under, making his way straight to the vat of molten metal. A trio of Geonosians surprised him, plummeting down on him with their electrostaffs. Obi-Wan felt the jolting shock of the first stab of the electrostaff. He recoiled, but swung out of the way of another stab. He knocked himself over onto a different conveyor belt that headed in the opposite direction. The next Geonosian flapped close and jabbed the electrostaff at him. Obi-Wan twisted his body away, moving his limbs to avoid it being punctured by sharp metal and excruciating pain. The Geonosian lunged again and Obi-Wan kicked up, his boots landing a perfect punch in the Geonosian's face.
The other two Geonosians charged as bolts still kept firing in his direction. To be quite honest, Obi-Wan didn't have time to handle with the madness and small army. He grabbed the fallen Geonosian's discarded electrostaff and, with the aid of the Force, struck the other Geonosians down. He hopped back on the conveyor belt, ducking from bolts and diving between machinery to avoid another hit.
He rushed to his coveted destination. As he got close, he Force-leapt onto the high platform that overlooked the large vat. As predicted, the vat contained molten metal. He squatted behind the machine, using the electrostaff to stave off bolts as he studied the control panel. If Anakin was here—which Obi-Wan was thankful he was not—he would know the exact buttons to press. But, Anakin wasn't with him and Obi-Wan pressed every combination of buttons on the console in hopes that one of them performed the task needed.
A Geonosian landed beside him and brought down his weapon, but Obi-Wan swept the Geonosian off his feet and gave him a hard kick in the stomach. The Geonosian coughed and stumbled off the platform, screaming until his screams were silenced by fire. The flesh and bones disintegrated in the molten metal.
A few tries and fighting off two Geonosians later, Obi-Wan was happily greeted to the bellowing sounds of a siren. The vat moaned as it tilted. The blaster fire stopped and a flutter of wings whizzed as the vat spilled its entire contents on the floor of the factory. Obi-Wan watched from his hideaway as the molten cascaded out of the vat and flooded the factory floors. Terrorized screams and fluttered wings erupted as the Geonosians fled for their lives. The mass exodus gave Obi-Wan the cover he needed to slip away.
He glanced up, spotting an opening above him. With another Fore leap, he caught the edges of the opening and pulled himself up. He looked down, examining his work. The vat of molten metal did the job well. It destroyed the entire factory. A faint trace of pride showed on his face as he happily acknowledged that his work caused some kind of dent in Dooku's and Qui-Gon's plan.
Obi-Wan swept down the corridor again, forgoing any chance to look for a communication post. He needed to get out. Armed, Obi-Wan checked corners, incapacitating any Geonosians he encountered with the electrostaff. He pushed onward, moving quickly up the floors. One of the floors had to contain a hanger or some sort of airstrip. Each minute passed was another minute of being detained again.
Down the corridor, he heard the clanking of metal on stone. Droids! Not only did he have to worry about Geonosians, but battle droids as well. The odds were not in his favor.
When the droids rounded the corner and spotted him, they opened fire. Quick on his feet, Obi-Wan swung out of the corridor, clutching the sides of the catacombs. There was no other place to go, but up. Like a lizard, Obi-Wan scaled the rugged wall, digging his fingers into grooves to help his ascent. Geonosians flocked upon the very sight of him, forcing Obi-Wan to abandon his climb for safety. He squeezed himself into one of the ventilation shafts openings, turning off his electrostaff as he scrambled through the vent to a new level. He overheard the Geonosians shout out orders and Obi-Wan imagined they were sending his gracious host an update of his location.
He trudged onward, arriving at a new opening that was relatively quiet. He clambered out, brushing off the residue of his ventilation journey from his clothes. The corridor was eerily quiet. In fact, it was the quietest corridor he's been in since his arrival.
Something wasn't right.
The air around him suddenly thickened, an intensity he that began to overwhelm his senses. Before he could analyze the change, a wave of Force energy swept over him. Obi-Wan only had time to brace himself from the impact. He delved into the Force, gathering his strength to counteract the attack. His shield rose up, protecting him and effectively subduing the Force against him.
The strength of the onslaught lessen. Obi-Wan took the chance to refocus his attention to his surroundings, catching sight of the Dathomirian assassin strolling out of shadows.
"My—you are tenacious," the assassin purred. "I can almost see the reason they would want you alive."
Obi-Wan dismantled his shield and stood erect. "You're too kind, my dear."
The assassin scowled at the affectionate pet name. "I think it's time you and I finish our battle." She pulled out her dual lightsabers, igniting it. The red blazed cut into the dark, hissing in mirroring the owner's own anger.
Obi-Wan looked back to his electrostaff. While it was an unfair advantage for the assassin, Obi-Wan knew the staff would have to make do. He pressed the button and the electrostaff hummed in his hands. He swung the electrostaff above his head, dropping into position. "If you insist," he said.
And the foreplay ended. The assassin charged with a predatory grin spreading across her face. Already, she believed herself to be victorious in this duel. She slashed at Obi-Wan's electrostaff, but Obi-Wan angled it right so that the tips caught the lightsaber. The contact crackled and hiss in retaliation. Obi-Wan pulled back first, not sure how much his electrostaff could take against the kyber power of a lightsaber. The assassin took that moment to bring her blade up, trying to cut him in half. Obi-Wan jumped back. He swung his electrostaff to the right, nearly catching her thigh before she parried it. She gave a hard shove, forcing Obi-Wan to side-step to avoid a jab of her lightsaber.
She was just as ferocious as she was on Tatooine. The woman's face flushed and her eyes bespoke an emotion Obi-Wan couldn't quite pinpoint. He wanted to say lust, but that wasn't correct. It was like lust turned inside-out by an overwhelming fleshy hunger. A strong, unhealthy desire to beat him, to control him, to… to conquer him.
The combat continued. Both parrying, deflecting, slashing and stabbing each other in their best attempt to weaken the opponent. Sweat beaded along Obi-Wan's hairline as he kept up his stamina, matching her strength and agility in swordplay. The assassin snarled, her teeth clenched as she increased the power in her hits. She pressured Obi-Wan back and Obi-Wan realized that he was backing up into the wall. Too slow to stop it, Obi-Wan rethought of another plan when the assassin trapped him with her dual blades.
Obi-Wan shot up his electrostaff and the crackling of the defense informed both that they were in a lock.
The assassin added more pressure, drawing her crossed blades closer to Obi-Wan's neck that he could feel the heat sear his neck. The assassin was positively giddy at the sight of her sabers getting closer. She leaned in, her face mere inches away from his.
Her breath kissed Obi-Wan's face. "My dear," he said with his best Coruscanti accent as he lifted his eyes to her. "I don't get this intimate without knowing a name."
The assassin bared her teeth. "Don't flatter yourself, Kenobi!"
Obi-Wan only offered a wry smirk. "Only on rare occasions."
He got the reaction he needed. His comments distracted the assassin, leaving her vulnerable right underneath her lightsabers. Obi-Wan used the Force, causing her to move her weapons up, exposing herself. With his weapon freed, Obi-Wan plunged the electrostaff into the assassin's chest.
The assassin let out a curdled scream, recoiling. Obi-Wan pushed himself off the wall and struck again. The assassin had little recovery and barely prevented another strike. She was still exposed and Obi-Wan hit the ends of his electrostaff against her wrist. Her hand seized and she dropped one of her lightsabers. In no time, Obi-wan scooped it up. While he wasn't fond of the color, it would do.
Armed with an electrostaff and a lightsaber, Obi-Wan swung both and got back into fighting position. The assassin backed away, hunched and breaths labored as she attempted to regain her strength by drawing on the Force.
Obi-Wan brandished her with a cunning smile. "You were saying?"
Her eyes became slits as she growled in resentment of losing her weapon. "That does not belong to you!"
"No?" Obi-Wan said, glancing at the ugly red lightsaber. Red was definitely not his color. Nonetheless, it would do. "Then come and get it."
Fueled by revenge, charged blindly. Her swordplay was sloppy and uncontrollable. She was letting her emotions take full control. Her mental shields shattered, the Force freely crackling around her as she hammered him with all the power and strength she could afford. However, it was not enough to penetrate Obi-Wan's defense.
Soon, her strength waned and Obi-Wan took the opportunity to finish the duel. He hit her other wrist with the electrostaff, forcing her to release the other lightsaber. Before she could snatch it, Obi-Wan stepped on the blade's hilt. He pointed her lightsaber to her, drawing an end to their duel. "It's over," he announced. "Yield."
The assassin snarled. Fists clenched and the muscles in her face tensed, she only looked more determined than ever. Obi-Wan didn't need to end the duel in blood. "Yield!" he repeated. "You're under arrest."
Suddenly, the woman's face lightened up. Her snarl turned upward, a replication of the proud smug she wore at the beginning of the duel. Relaxed, she uncurled her fingers to drop her hands to her hips. "Shoot him."
What?
The surprise bolt caught him in the back. While it was clear that the bolt was set for stun, it still had the same effective as a real bolt. Obi-Wan buckled under the shooting pain, dropping his weapons as he descended. He let out a soft grunt of pain upon impact, his cheek pressed against the warm and dusty, stone floor.
Once again, his body was numbed and his eyesight fading. Yet, he held onto his strength to mutter to the assassin as she approached to collect her weapons and bounty.
"You cheated."
The assassin knelt beside him, her spidery fingers combing through his hair before she grabbed a fistful of it to yank his head up. "All is fair in love and war."
Then, she planted a kiss on his lips. It wasn't tender or affectionate. It was hard and invasive. A domination.
Obi-Wan reeled from the offense and when the woman parted, she let his hair slip through her fingers. Obi-Wan's head smacked the ground again, his ear ringing. His vision faltered, a sign he was losing conscious again and soon.
"My dear Kenobi," said the assassin's voice overhead in the oncoming black sky. He felt a cold touch against his dry lips. "Remember this: I—Asajj Ventress—beat you."
Qui-Gon arrived on time. He landed with no troubles and made his departure from his ship. He strode down the ramp, taking in the sight of Geonosians fluttering about to care for his ship and secure crates containing weapons. None of that concerned him as he spotted Ventress making her way toward him, followed by what Qui-Gon knew to be the leader of the Geonosians—Poggle the Lesser.
And indeed, the Geonosian leader's appearance gave him a visage of a brittle individual. Something that Qui-Gon could simply destroy with only his mind. So Qui-Gon had to wonder what brought the leader of Geonosis to his arrival. His conclusions came to one specific person.
"What happened?" Qui-Gon asked as Ventress made her respectful bow.
Ventress stood up, chin tilted in a conceited pose. "Kenobi attempted an escape, my Master."
"Attempted?"
"I beat him in a duel," she said again, vanity all over her face. It was quite obvious to Qui-Gon that she was waiting for praises. Unfortunately fr her, he had no inclination to do so.
"And how, might I ask," Qui-Gon offered instead of praises, "Did he get out in the first place? I was told you had him secured."
Ventress finally realized the implications of her failure the first time and retreated. The proud features morphed into one of somber apology. "The Geonosians failed to keep him contained, Master. I quickly learned of his escape and captured him before he could do any more damage."
"Any more damage?" Qui-Gon repeated. Less than three hours and already his old padawan caused havoc. "What did he do?"
Now Ventress looked terrified. She kept shifting her eyes, her feet swaying as she stumbled for words. "He… Kenobi destroyed the main factory, Master," she finally confessed. "He flooded it with molten metal. The entire floor is destroyed."
Qui-Gon stared, dumbstruck for a moment. Obi-Wan. His Obi-Wan destroyed an entire weapon factory all by himself. It appeared his former padawan wasn't capable of going anywhere without causing mayhem. Qui-Gon sighed, rubbing his forehead with his thumb and forefinger in thought. It was a small setback. There were more factories on the planet that could make up for the loss.
"I see," Qui-Gon said as he withdrew his hand from his face. "Doesn't surprise me. Obi-Wan is quite capable of causing trouble without any help."
"Unfortunately, my Master," Ventress spoke up again, looking uneasy as she flickered a glance at the Geonosian leader. "Poggle is upset by these turn of events. Kenobi destroyed his home, business and many of his fellow brothers and sisters. He demands Kenobi's head."
Does he now? Qui-Gon stared down at the Geonosian leader. That grubby, weakling wasn't going to touch a hair on Obi-Wan's head. "It's a terrible shame what has befallen on him, but Obi-Wan will not receive their unique brand of punishment," Qui-Gon stated, clearing expressing that there would be no argument. Qui-Gon would handle Obi-Wan. No one else. "If he wishes to be compensated for the damages and loss, then he may contact Dooku for the money."
Ventress obediently nodded. "Yes, Master."
Qui-Gon scoffed at the title. He wasn't her master. He may have trained her a bit, but he hardly considered her his apprentice. More like a minion to do the dirty work and take the fall. "Good," he uttered. "Now… where is he?"
Qui-Gon was led through the catacombs, going deep into their underground lair. He walked passed the factory, examining Obi-Wan's handiwork. The molten metal swallowed nearly everything. It was hard to even tell what it once was! Qui-Gon merely shook his head, a tiny smile peeking out from his beard. Only Obi-Wan could cause so much damage by himself!
It was only a few more floors down that Qui-Gon arrived outside a door guarded by a squad of twenty battle droids. Qui-Gon quirked an eyebrow up, surprised by the vast number guarding the door. He was sure Obi-Wan would be annoyed by the excess of guards. A sign to show off their power against his. Again, he was sure Obi-Wan would find the situation insulting.
One of the battle droids granted him access, opening the door. Qui-Gon bowed into the room. It was empty. No guards or even a heavy security system. Nothing, except one thing. Qui-Gon's eyes immediately drew to the center where a blue Force field kept a suspended Obi-Wan Kenobi locked. The Force field kept his limbs ensnared, only leaving his neck and head mobile. Qui-Gon closed the door and the young man in the stasis strained his bruised neck to see over his shoulder. When he saw spotted Qui-Gon, those blue-hazel eyes fixed him with spirited determination.
"About time you showed up," snipped Obi-Wan as he slowly rotated in the field. "I was beginning to wonder if you would come at all?"
A quiver of a smile rose on Qui-Gon's cheeks. "I'm here now," he said, stepping out of the shadows and into the blue hue that came from the Force field. "No need to panic and run."
"Indeed," Obi-Wan responded, craning his head to keep an eye on Qui-Gon. "It would be mass hysteria if I was freed again."
"Yes, I saw the destructive evidence of your attempted escape," Qui-Gon said with raised eyebrows. Ventress did not joke about the destruction Obi-Wan left in his wake. Dooku was right about him in that regard: Obi-Wan was trouble. "The Geonosian leader wasn't thrilled by your actions. He has demanded your death."
Obi-Wan barely reacted. "Tempting offer."
"I wouldn't hand you over to the Geonosians, Obi-Wan."
"I meant for me," Obi-Wan corrected him. "Death does sound far more appealing than being in your custody."
Qui-Gon leaned forward, hands resting on the console. "Trust me, padawan, it is not," he warned. "Their way of execution is to throw you in a gladiator arena and watch your limbs be torn off by wild beasts."
That garnered a reaction. Obi-Wan's brows furrowed to create a crevice between his eyes. "I take it you've seen a few yourself?"
Qui-Gon merely shrugged. "Saw enough to not desire another show."
"A show?" Obi-wan quietly grated, revolted. "You call murder a show?"
"To the Geonosians it is," Qui-Gon responded, tucking his hands in his robes. "They almost live for such barbaric entertainment."
"And Siths are above such barbarity?"
Qui-Gon's brows slanted downward in a sharp V. "I don't torture or kill for pleasure. Only out of necessity."
Obi-Wan didn't speak. Not at first. His body rotated another loop before he finally cast his opinion. "Are you waiting for me to commend you?" he asked, coolly. "Tell you that I'm impressed with your restraint? Well—you sought the wrong person for felicitations."
Qui-Gon did not favor that tone. Not when he's telling the truth. He doesn't enjoy killing anyone. Every life has some sort of purpose. But, deaths were necessary to make way for a better life—for people with more importance. Dooku had different morals. He wouldn't even hesitate to torture Obi-Wan to remind the young man who was in control. Qui-Gon wasn't like that and he thought Obi-Wan would at least appreciate his more honorable views. But, the young man's disgusted mien was not the reaction he sought and it irritated him.
His lips went thin as he spoke. "I told you that to prove I'm not the monster you believe me to be."
Obi-Wan stared down—a first for him—from where he was suspended. His face distorted as if he smelled something foul. "Nothing you say will change my opinion of you," he said through clenched teeth, eyes shimmering with undisguised abhorrence. "You murdered a mother to obtain her child… so that he could be used as a weapon," Obi-Wan said. "Compared to you, the Geonosians are gracious hosts."
Qui-Gon stopped. He heard enough of Obi-Wan's criticism for one night. He abruptly turned away from Obi-Wan, his robes billowing around his ankles as he strode off. He felt Obi-Wan's eyes on him, questioning his movements. Qui-Gon knew Obi-Wan was unable to see him. Obi-Wan was rotated to the point he faced the opposite jagged, brown walls.
Qui-Gon stepped in front of the console, studying it before he pushed several buttons. Obi-Wan heard the sounds. "What are you doing?" he asked, his nerves precariously teetering.
Qui-Gon said nothing. Let the young man be doused with anxieties and fears.
Obi-Wan huffed. "I see," he muttered. "Going to keep me in suspense."
Qui-Gon briefly flickered up to Obi-Wan, catching the young man's wry expression. Obi-Wan often enjoyed witty repartee. Qui-Gon usually participated, but enough time was wasted. With the final punch, the Force field zapped out and Obi-Wan dropped from his encasing. He didn't fall very far and unsteadily landed on his feet.
"My thanks," Obi-Wan murmured as he brushed his hair away from his face.
Qui-Gon nudged his head in the direction of the door. "We need to get going."
He walked from the console to go directly to the door when he paused. Obi-Wan hadn't moved nor indicated that he would follow. Qui-Gon pivoted to glare Obi-Wan, raising his brows in a challenge. "This display of resistance is pointless," he reminded his old padawan. "You have no place to go."
"I thought I was invited to participate in the gladiator arena?" quipped Obi-Wan.
Qui-Gon frowned. "You already know that won't happen," he reminded him. "Now, you can walk out of this room or be dragged. The choice is yours."
Obi-Wan looked crossed as he contemplated his options. Qui-Gon watched the cogs click in Obi-Wan's mind. He slowly dwindled to the realization of the truth. There were no other options. He had no power to fight out of his corner. As Qui-Gon already pointed out, resistance was futile. And Obi-Wan understood the truth.
He slumped in defeat, his gaze lowered as he bitterly acknowledged Qui-Gon's statement. He huffed, angry at his predicament. Without another word, he marched. He blatantly passed Qui-Gon, his shoulder smacking into Qui-Gon as a form of protest. Obi-Wan strode out of the room. All the droids raised their weapon to fire on command, but Obi-Wan ignored the threat and turned down one of the many labyrinth corridors.
"Wrong way," Qui-Gon commented to Obi-Wan's back.
Obi-Wan's shoulders bulged in a sharp posture. Qui-Gon heard a grumble before Obi-Wan pivoted and returned to Qui-Gon's side. "Then lead the way," he gritted through his teeth.
Qui-Gon motioned Obi-Wan to follow and this time around, the young man did so without remarks or resistance. He made out the loud taps of Obi-Wan's worn shoes against the hard stone. They weaved through the catacombs, catching a few sights of battle droids and Geonosians, who clacked at Obi-Wan in derision. Qui-Gon sent them one daring glare and the Geonosians backed away.
They finally reached the hanger where Qui-Gon's ship received the final checks from the droids and Geonosians stationed. He sensed Obi-Wan's rising apprehension. He had forgotten Obi-Wan's fear of flying. He suddenly reconsidered knocking Obi-Wan unconscious for their journey.
His thoughts were interrupted by the approach of Ventress. She sallied forth down the ramp, hands linked behind her as she waited for Qui-Gon's approach. Qui-Gon sensed Obi-Wan's disturbance in regards to Ventress. It was no surprise Obi-Wan lacked any respect or regard for the assassin. Not after their duels.
Ventress bowed as expected, eyes down before raising them up to meet Qui-Gon's. "The ship is ready whenever you are, my master."
Qui-Gon heard Obi-Wan scoff at Ventress's greeting. The young man found some dark humor and perhaps, a tinge of jealousy? Qui-Gon would analyze it later. "Thank you, Ventress," he said. "We need to depart at once."
"Of course, Master," Ventress agreed and she ordered the nearby Geonosians to prepare departure. The Geonosians nodded once before they flew away to prepare Qui-Gon's and Obi-Wan's departure. Ventress returned to Qui-Gon. "We'll be leaving in shortly."
"Good," Qui-Gon said as Ventress moved to follow up Qui-Gon on the ramp. "However, Ventress, you will not be joining us."
Ventress's face broke. Stunned before it cracked into a meditated anger that flared her usually pale complexion. "But… Master—"
"You are to stay here and oversee the project," Qui-Gon cut her off. "Only Obi-Wan and I will board the ship."
Ventress wanted to say more. He could see her envy poisoning her mind, luring her to insecurities and vengeance. Her dark eyes feverously darted from Qui-Gon to Obi-Wan. Yes, the main source of her aggravation and hurt.
"Master, I insist—"
"You will do what I say," Qui-Gon snapped, tired of insolence from both Obi-Wan and now his assassin. He was in no mood to deal with pettiness and jealously. That could be handled in the dojo at another date. "Are we clear?"
Ventress retreated and dropped her gaze. "Yes, Master."
"Good," Qui-Gon said as he reached for Obi-Wan. He felt the young man's arm and tightened his grip around it. Obi-Wan attempted to pull away, but Qui-Gon kept him ensnared. He led Obi-Wan halfway up the ramp before he stopped and turned. "Oh… and Ventress?"
Ventress looked up, hopeful, only to witness a barge of Sith lightning strike her in the chest.
Qui-Gon observed her whole body convulse as the lightning coursed her whole body, pulling her down to the floor of the hanger. She let out one tiny scream when Qui-Gon sent another round lightning onto her. She shriveled in pain, curling to contain the wreaking havoc of pain. It was only after the second round that Qui-Gon dropped his hand and watched her wither on the floor for a moment. Ventress slowly uncurled herself, eyes blinking too quickly to stay focus. She rolled her head up. "W-Why… Master?"
How could she not know? It seemed fairly obvious. Qui-Gon looked on with disdain. "That's for trying to kill him," he answered. "On Tatooine."
Ventress's sight went beyond Qui-Gon to Obi-Wan, who struggled the entire lightning show to get out of Qui-Gon's iron grip. But, once the punishment ended, Obi-Wan forgone his fight and fell into a quiet horror. Ventress's labored breaths could be heard clearly and when she looked back to Qui-Gon with bristled understanding, she accepted the punishment.
Satisfied, Qui-Gon finished leading Obi-Wan up the ramp and drew him into the ship. Once inside, he raised the ramp and sealed it close. Obi-Wan stood off the side where Qui-Gon left him, observing with mortification. Lips parted, Obi-Wan looked like he had a thousand words to say. But he didn't say anything. Too shock from what he witnessed. After all, Obi-Wan never observed Sith lightening in use.
Qui-Gon motioned to the small seating area behind Obi-Wan. "You can—"
"You're a liar!" Obi-Wan suddenly found his voice. He fixed Qui-Gon with an opposing glare, calling him out on his lies. "You told me you don't torture for fun."
Qui-Gon blinked in surprise. Did Obi-Wan actually feel sorry for the assassin? "That wasn't for fun," he said. "If you remember, she was punished for going against orders. She was told to not kill you or Anakin."
"And she didn't."
"Not for lack of trying," Qui-Gon countered. "Besides—what do you care? Nothing I say or do will change your opinion of me. Isn't that what you said?"
Obi-Wan was breathing heavier, his breaths shorter and raspier. He looked at Qui-Gon with dark certainty. Like he had witnessed his own devastating fate. His Adam's apple bobbed as he swallowed with some difficulty. "Yes and you're proving me right."
"I didn't torture her. She received her full punishment and will remember to not act against us again," Qui-Gon stated, firmly. Was it that hard for Obi-Wan to see the difference? If he wanted to torture Ventress, he would have kept going until her nerves were all fried and her carcass smoked. But, he didn't. He gave her two zaps for her insubordination and attempt to kill Obi-Wan. Such actions needed stricter and harsher punishments.
And it no longer mattered. It happened and they needed to move onward. Qui-Gon again gestured to the seating area. "I suggest you buckle up."
"I want to sit in the cockpit," Obi-Wan announced.
That was a surprise request Qui-Gon did not expect. "Oh? You no longer have an aversion to flying?" Qui-Gon asked with a small, teasing smile.
Obi-Wan only scowled in return. "No, but my aversion to surprises is more prominent at the moment."
Qui-Gon inclined his head. "Then follow me."
Once they arrived at the cockpit, Obi-Wan took his seat in the co-pilot chair. Qui-Gon instructed him to put his hands and arms on the armrests. Obi-Wan didn't dispute the order. He situated his arms and Qui-Gon clasped Force inhibitor binders on both arms. The Force wasn't completely cut off. Qui-Gon wasn't a savage like the Jedi at the Temple. He granted Obi-Wan enough Force so that he was still focused, but not completely adept in fighting.
Obi-Wan was well-aware, but didn't comment on it. He reclined in his seat to his best ability with all the tensed muscles in his body. Qui-Gon quickly set up the control panel and readied the ship. He received permission and he pulled the lever down. The anti-gravs lifted up and the ship gave a little shake. Qui-Gon looked over to Obi-Wan and saw that the young man only lightly gripped the edge of his armrests.
With skill, Qui-Gon guided the small ship out of the hanger and rocketed into the sky. As they entered space, Qui-Gon couldn't help the smile that spread across his face. He finally captured Obi-Wan. His old padawan sat beside him, almost like the old days when he was a boy, a braid hanging on the right side of his head. He was
Qui-Gon glanced over to Obi-Wan. The boy was gone, shaped into a sharper, more cynical young man with his auburn hair longer and body of a skeleton with bruises and scars from his seven year long absence. Once they arrive at their final destination, Qui-Gon would ensure Obi-Wan received the proper medical treatment and food to nourish him back to health. He couldn't have a weak apprentice. That wouldn't do anyone any good.
He clapped on Obi-Wan's shoulder as he punched the final coordinates for hyperspeed. Obi-Wan looked at it disdainfully, shrugging it off his shoulder. It was clear Obi-Wan loathed his presence, but Qui-Gon ignored the young man's displeasure in favor for the happier memories they had years ago. Years when Obi-Wan was a small boy, bursting with pride and awe at being a padawan to the famed maverick. Qui-Gon yearned for those old days. He knew he couldn't go back to those days, but he gladly accepted the pale reflection of it.
He slipped his hand off Obi-Wan's shoulder and took control of the steers. They had time to fix mistakes and make amends.
They had all the time in the galaxy now.