Chapter 23: The Kamino Plot

"They are building a droid army?" Mace Windu uttered in strong disbelief.

The blue holo-image of Qui-Gon Jinn confirmed Master Windu's fear. "They have multiple factories, producing battle droids by the thousands. As for what reason, I cannot say. I do believe the operation is connected to the Invasion of Naboo."

The circle of Councilors all hummed and mumbled in reflection to the news. Master Jinn transferred his discoveries to the Council and everyone reviewed the reports and evidence on their respective datapads. Qui-Gon captured the Geonosian's factories and its leader, Poggle the Lessor. The Council were deeply disturbed by what they saw and read in Qui-Gon's report.

Master Ki-Adi-Mundi inclined his head. "Was the assassin present on Geonosis?"

"I found no presence of the assassin," Qui-Gon stated. "I did, however, download notes in regards of a transaction between an individual I assume to be the mysterious assassin and a contact from a planet called Kamino."

"A transaction?" questioned Master Gallia. "What type of transaction?"

"I have no idea. There is very little detail on the matter. But, there are lots of recordings in regards Kamino."

"Kamino?" questioned Master Plo Koon. "What's there?"

Qui-Gon sighed in defeat. "Unfortunately, I found no information on Kamino," he said. "When I researched further, I found no evidence of such a planet. I checked the systems in the archive chart. There is no planetary system by that name."

Indeed that was curious. "Are you sure?" raised Master Windu.

"Quite," Qui-Gon said. "I checked the coordinates found in the notes I downloaded from the Geonosian station. But Kamino doesn't exist in the coordinates. Not according to the chart."

"Perhaps the coordinates are incorrect?" suggested Master Even Piell.

"I took that into consideration and I expanded my search," Qui-Gon responded. His image faltered for a minute, but returned. "I found nothing, Masters."

"Maybe the planet was destroyed?" offered Master Plo Koon.

"Yet not recorded?" Master Gallia shook her head in disbelief. "I find that impossible."

"Are you suggesting that the Jedi Archives are incomplete?" challenged Master Windu.

Master Gallia straightened in her seat, but not in defiance. "I would not say incomplete, but it's mysterious that a planet is not on our radar."

Master Rancisis shook his head, hair swaying in his face. "Our archives are comprehensive and totally secured," he declared, denying the possibility of their information being out-of-date or lacking. "If Kamino is not on our chart, it's because it never existed." He turned to the rest of the Councilors. "This Kamino is clearly a decoy."

Qui-Gon's blue image hummed with doubt. "I don't think so. Why would the Geonosians create a fake planet? They have no reason to forge documents. They were unaware of the Shadows investigation into them."

Another murmur shuffled amongst the Councilors, all discussing quietly to their neighbors on the situation. Qui-Gon's revelations perplexed everyone. What was going on in the galaxy? Ever since Obi-Wan Kenobi's reappearance, the galaxy was chaotic. Invasions, armies and mysterious planets. The galaxy was becoming a much darker and stranger place.

Master Windu leaned over his massive stone chair, looking pensive. He turned to the wisdom of the Grandmaster. Yoda sat perched in his seat, gnawing on his gimer stick in deep contemplation. He removed the stick, resting it across his lap as his beady brown eyes looked up into the image of Qui-Gon Jinn. "Visit the coordinates, you should," he commissioned. "Investigate this, we must."

"I am already piloting over to the coordinates as we speak," Qui-Gon informed the Council. "I'll report back any findings, Masters."

That Councilors approved. After all, the more information they have, the better they would be equipped to confront whatever mysterious force that was puppeteering the galaxy.

Before Qui-Gon ended the com, his gazed was back to Master Yoda. "Master? Is there anything… any news on Obi-Wan? Naboo?"

All the Councilors looked to Master Yoda. After all, the Council assigned blame on Master Yoda for the incident involving Obi-Wan Kenobi. It was he that allowed Obi-Wan freedom; and thus, forced the Council to send a team of Jedi to recapture him. And all of them died, with the exception of Garen, who was paraplegic. What did their efforts bring? Obi-Wan Kenobi missing.

Master Yoda tilted his head back. His small eyes staring up into the tall man's face. "Naboo freed," he answered, claws twisting the gimer stick on his lap. "Kenobi a hero to the People of Naboo."

Qui-Gon looked pleased to hear that his padawan became a hero. Now, all the Councilors waited for Master Yoda to inform the proud Master that his former padawan was attacked and declared missing.

But Master Yoda never released that information. "Focus on Kamino. Discover the connection between Geonosis and Kamino, you must."

The Jedi Master didn't ask for more information on Obi-Wan. He let it drop, happy to know Obi-Wan's status. He bowed to the Masters and his blue image zapped out.

Master Windu spoke first. "You didn't tell him the full story."

Master Yoda humphed. "No need. Distract him, it would," he rotated his head, looking at every single Councilor. "Falling over the galaxy, the dark shroud is. Focus on the mystery before us, we must. Find Kenobi, we will, if solve the mystery presented."

The Council meeting adjourned. All the Councilors rose from their seats and quietly swept away to rejoin the rest of the Order. Master Dooku spoke to a few Councilors, discussing and sharing information in regards to the assassin, Kenobi's disappearance and the elusive Kamino. Dooku performed his duties as a Jedi Councilor to the fullest, before he could properly excuse himself to attend another duty.

He returned to his quarters, sealing the door promptly and drawing down the blinds. Once certain no eyes or ears could eavesdrop, he opened a channel. Qui-Gon reappeared again, a smaller form than he was in the Council chambers.

"Master," Qui-Gon greeted. "I was expecting your call."

"The plan is working in our favor. Questions and confusion have riddled the Council with doubt," Dooku reported, pausing for a moment to take a seat. "Appears Ventress upheld her end of the mission. Is Kenobi secured?"

"I took care of the security myself," Qui-Gon told Dooku. "He will not be running anywhere."

"Good," Dooku said, satisfied. One less thing to be concerned over. "What about the boy? Skywalker? Did Kenobi say anything?"

Qui-Gon shook his head. "I haven't got the chance to speak to him about Anakin."

"You spent the better half of a day with Kenobi," Dooku said, not pleased with the response. "How do you not have the boy's location?"

"Because Obi-Wan spent the majority of the time either fighting or brooding," Qui-Gon easily replied. "I was forced to subdue him. He was unconscious when I was forced to depart."

Dooku clenched his jaw as he silently fumed how their next phase rested on a troubled, young man. Dooku understood Qui-Gon's hesitation to retaliate against Kenobi, but times of the essence called for serious action. They needed the boy's location. They needed him to be under their control. And if Kenobi refused to be a willing participant, then Dooku would not fault himself in taking the necessary actions needed.

"The minute Kenobi awakens, get the locations on that boy," Dooku ordered Qui-Gon. "Once we obtain the child, then we can re-start our mission."

"It won't be easy Master," Qui-Gon said to his old master. "Obi-Wan has stronger shielding. It's more fortified."

"Then torture it out of him," Dooku snarled out, no longer caring about not upsetting his old padawan. "Do whatever it takes, Qui-Gon. If you have to see Kenobi live through adulthood, you will find that child!"

Dooku immediately ended the communication without a pause. He didn't mean his last statements as a threat. Dooku had no immediate plans to end Kenobi's life. He's seen the future ahead. Every vision of it, he saw Kenobi, standing on the brink, leading a charge. It varied from vision to vision. The future darkening or lighting. Mass murder and war. Or peace and celebrations. It all varied, but the only constant was Kenobi and the boy.

Thus, they were needed alive and kept in their custody to ensure the future Dooku envisioned for the galaxy.

And, it helped that Kenobi belonged to their lineage. If anyone was ever going to be important, it would makes sense for them to come from Dooku's strong and powerful lineage. A demonstration of their might and their significance to the galaxy. It was destined for them to rule.

Obi-Wan bleary woke to a voice above him. His mind was submerged in fog, lost in the moment between sleep and waking. Yet, the voice grew louder, penetrating through the fog. He peeled his eyelids back and all he saw were blots of blended colors. He closed his eyes again, a deep intake of breath that shuttered his body awake. He reopened his eyes and bit by bit, his vision was restored. The colors morphed into a grey ceiling and grey walls and a green hue enveloped the room, giving off a mystified atmosphere.

Confusion befuddled him until, like a lightning bolt, he remembered everything.

Betrayal. Kidnapping. Ventress. Sith Mask. Serenno. Slaves.

Qui-Gon.

Obi-Wan shot up. He was on a bed. Soft and large enough to comfortably accommodate two people with ivory sheets draping him. His gaze swept the room, noting the small table and two chairs, bookcase fully stocked and a closet that Obi-Wan imagined contained clothes of fine threads. But, what mostly grabbed Obi-Wan's attention was the protocol droid that stood on his right, leaning over him with yellow glowing eyes.

"Master Kenobi," the silver plated droid addressed him in a pleasing, programmed voice. "Are you experiencing any side effects? Headaches? Dizzy spells? Pain?"

Obi-Wan stared at the droid with repulsed invasion. "W-Who are you?"

"I am TC-11," it responded. "I am to insure you are comfortable and well-cared."

Obi-Wan blinked. "What?"

The protocol droid lifted a scanner to his face. A flaring, red laser scanned his face, beeping results. The protocol droid looked over the reader. "Temperature normal. Heart rate good. Pupils no longer dilated. Brain activity normal."

Obi-Wan checked off in his head. That all sounded good. Still didn't answer the question he wanted.

"That's great," Obi-Wan said, pushing the blankets off. Apparently his old clothes were taken, replaced with sleeper clothes that fit perfectly. He didn't even want to know who changed him. "What happened to me? How long was I out?"

"The drug kept you in hibernation for ten hours, master," TC-11 informed him. "During that time you underwent a physical examination, grooming and you received a nutrient drip to regain some of the lost weight and missing vitamins not found in your blood."

Hearing everything they've done while unconscious made him feel violated. "Anything else?"

"No, Master Kenobi," TC-11 answered. "Lord Jinn was specific in that you were restored to good health."

Qui-Gon? Obi-Wan's fingers curled around the edges of the mattress. "He's here then," he said, sharply. "I suppose he's waiting for me to speak with him?"

The protocol droid tilted. "I'm sorry, Master Kenobi," it said. "Lord Jinn is not on the premise."

Obi-Wan must have misheard. "Come again?"

"Lord Jinn departed hours ago," TC-11 said. "I'm afraid that is all I am allowed to say."

Naturally. Obi-Wan didn't expect the droid to confess to everything. Qui-Gon would have been vague or not said a word at all. Even if he did, he would have instructed the droid to remain quiet about his plans. It didn't comfort Obi-Wan on the fact Qui-Gon departed. He spent seven years chasing them only to leave him alone right when he got him exactly where he wanted? No, Qui-Gon only left him behind if it involved Anakin. And that certainly didn't sit right in his stomach.

Obi-Wan immediately reached out through his bond to contact Anakin. It was mute. He couldn't reach to Mandalore. Too far away. Yet, Obi-Wan strained himself with a strong focus, reaching as far as he could until he collapsed at the sudden exhaustion. Anakin was too far away to communicate without a comlink.

Still, Qui-Gon's absence provided Obi-Wan a better chance at escaping from the hellhole he found himself in. The quicker he got away, the sooner he would be with Anakin. He took another look around the room, searching for anything that may be usable in escaping.

TC-11 examined him. "Would you like breakfast?" it asked. "Lord Jinn wants to make sure you eat all three meals."

Obi-Wan rose to his feet, toes digging into the beige carpet. "I'm not hungry at the moment," he said. "I would like to stretch my legs though."

He moved, each step heading to the door. That is until he realized that the door was more of a sliding panel with no handle or a key code to open it. There was no way out.

Obi-Wan turned back to the droid. "Um... how do I open the door?"

TC-11 bumbled up beside him. "You do not have authorization outside this room," it stated. "You are confined to this room for the remainder of your stay."

Obi-Wan only gaped at the droid with an undisguised astonishment and disgust. "Confined?" he repeated, looking from the droid to the door. "Are you saying I can never leave?"

"That is correct, Master Kenobi."

"Then how am I to eat meals?" Obi-Wan challenged. "Or use the fresher?"

"Meals will be brought to this room," clarified TC-11 and she pointed at something that was behind Obi-Wan. "And a newly built-in refresher has been added to your suite."

Obi-Wan followed the line of sight of the droid, noticing a door with a handle for him to open. He couldn't believe it. After all this time, the hunts, kills and threats, Qui-Gon abandoned him to a life of seclusion with only a droid for company—who's under Qui-Gon's orders.

Obi-Wan glanced about the room, taking stock of what would be quarters for the rest of his life. He's had worst. A lot worst. Though, those homes gave him the chance of freedom, to explore wherever he desired to go. This place, was nothing more than a prison. Qui-Gon and/or Dooku could provide the best bed or food or whatever, but it would still be a prison. A place he would love to escape.

He moved across the floor toward the window. He was several feet above the cliff side, but hundreds of feet from the bottom of the cliff. If he got out the window and onto the ledge, the risk of falling over to his death was almost a guaranteed. Again, death seemed more welcoming than being forever trapped in a room with a droid.

Obi-Wan went to open the window.

"It will not open, Master Kenobi."

Obi-Wan flickered his attention to TC-11. "What?"

"The windows do not open," TC-11 clarified to him. "It's controlled by a locking mechanism that is not located in this room."

"Then unlock it."

"I do not have that authority."

"Who does?"

"Count Dooku and Lord Jinn."

Of course. Obi-Wan resigned and fell back against the wall, head tilted back in despair. He could not survive this maniacal torture. To be locked away forever with nothing, but his doubts and failures for company… and a droid to remind him of it.

He should have expected this. The heightened security and being forced to stay in a trapped room was probably his fault. Him running away the first time probably insured that there wouldn't be a second. Freedom was now an illusion. Unobtainable. Gone forever. He would forever be watched. Every move observed. Every thought scanned. Every action analyzed. Privacy was forcibly relinquished and left him with an invisible collar around his neck.

He too was a slave to the Sith.

TC-11 bumbled over to where Kenobi leaned against the wall. "Master Kenobi? I think breakfast would do you some good. Get some nutrients to replenish you."

Obi-Wan shook his head. "No thank you," he answered to the droid. "I'm not hungry."

"I must insist," TC-11 said again. "You are currently underweight as it is. You need food."

"I'm not hungry."

"I'm ordering breakfast," TC-11 said anyway. "I'll get a spread so you may choose to your liking."

Obi-Wan glared at the droid. This was the reason why he didn't like droids very much. They never listened nor adjusted to situations. They did what they were programmed to do. And nothing else. They didn't care he was emotionally distressed or the fact he wasn't hungry. Qui-Gon told the droid to ensure meals were brought to the room and the droid was going to do just that.

"Do whatever makes you content," Obi-Wan snarled, turning away from the window and heading into the refresher. He closed the door behind him. Once inside, away from Qui-Gon's babysitter, he slowly sunk to the floor. Fingers gripped the roots of his hair as he dropped his head between his knees. There is no emotion. There is peace. There is no ignorance. There is knowledge. There is passion. There is serenity. There is no chaos. There is harmony. There is no death, there is the Force.

He repeated the mantra over and over again, trying to steady himself from the emotional outpour his captivity presented. He remembered similar moments, late at night, hiding as he quietly comforted himself by uttering the Jedi Code to help him get through the days ahead. It was no different. Older, less naïve than before, but still dreading of what's to come.

He must have been inside the refresher far too long because what seemed like a short moment later, a knock berated the door. "Master Kenobi? Breakfast is here and I must insist that you eat something or else Lord Jinn would be most displeased," came the monotonous voice of TC-11.

Obi-Wan sighed and rubbed a hand over his mouth. "I'm busy."

A short pause. "Are you feeling ill, Master Kenobi?" responded TC-11. "Should a medic re-examine you? I'll page one down."

Obi-Wan groaned louder. He picked himself off the floor and opened the refresher door where he came face to face with the silver droid. "I'm not hungry nor ill. I only wish to be left alone."

TC-11 still had the comlink in its hand. "You are looking pale," TC-11 observed. "I will call down for a medic."

Right. Of course it wouldn't listen to him. It didn't have to obey him at all. Accepting that fact, Obi-Wan tactfully slammed the door in the droid's face and locked it. He returned to his rightful throne on the floor and repeated the mantra over again.

He needed to clear his mind. Remove all emotions that stirred in the depths of his heart. Once he banished them, he could refocus on escaping his prison, free the slaves and get off the planet before either Qui-Gon or Dooku arrive.

After all, he escaped once before. He could do it again.

"Is there nothing we can do?"

It was a question that evoked a helplessness among all. Anakin most of all. Obi-Wan was in trouble and he was stuck in a gorgeous palace, whereas Obi-Wan was most likely chained up in some dank dungeon far below the surface of the planet. The irritation stirring in Anakin vaulted him to move. He got up and paced, a crevice forming between his furrowed eyebrows.

"I won't accept that!" Anakin declared. "I won't sit here and do nothing. He needs our help!"

The Duchess exhaled deeply. Sitting stoic in her seat, she looked every part of a concerned leader. Though, Anakin sensed the anguished that fueled her heart and the longing that kept stretching further and further away. Her outward impression showed no fault lines and gave everyone the outlook that she was well controlled and unshakable. Not Anakin though. He knew her heart was just as broken as his.

Anakin wasn't stupid. He knew that there was some kind of unspoken love between Obi-Wan and the Duchess. He was also quite aware that he interrupted something that night on Naboo. Obi-Wan looked flushed and overcompensating on trying to look relaxed that he acted more nervous and tensed than calm.

Satine lifted her gaze from the holo-image of Padmé. "Where would you go, Anakin? No one knows where he went and it will take forever to search the galaxy."

Anakin bit his lower lip in thought. "I know! I know!" he shouted, excitedly. "Serenno! That's where he is! That's where they would take him!"

"Serenno?"

Anakin nodded vigorously. "Yeah! Obi-Wan... he told me that was where he used to live. That's where they kept him."

The two women evaluated his theory. "I don't know, Ani. It seems too obvious of a place to take him," Padmé said. "Was there any other places Obi-Wan talked about?"

Anakin had to think really hard. Obi-Wan hardly ever talked about his previous life. It wasn't something discussed. Obi-Wan only ever mentioned two places: Serenno and Coruscant. If he spoke of another place, it was not to Anakin. Obi-Wan kept a tight lid on his own upbringing, claiming he already grew up and didn't need to focus on his past. It was always Anakin's upbringing that concerned him. So, Anakin didn't know much about his father's past other than that he used to be a Jedi and was a prisoner of the Sith before he escaped.

With lacking information, Anakin only shrugged in defeat. "He only ever mentioned Serenno and Coruscant to me."

Satine hummed in thought, recalling her memories. "He was quiet," she murmured. "I don't remember him speaking much about his past. Then again, he was fearful of revealing anything to me that may jeopardize my safety."

Stumped once again, they fell into a frustrated silence. Anakin slunk in his seat, depression cloaking him. He shivered under its covers as his thoughts turned to despair. Deep within his heart, he knew Obi-Wan was in Serenno. Trapped back in that nightmare, surrounded by cruel creatures interested in breaking him to mold him as their perfect assassin.

Anakin buried his head in his arms. "He's in Serenno. I know it," he muttered to the darkness that befriended him.

"What about the Trade Federation?" Satine asked above Anakin. "They were working with Qui-Gon, right? Perhaps he's being held in Cato Neimoidia?"

Padmé shook her head. "Not with the Senate investigating the Neimoidians for their involvement in the illegal invasion."

Satine's fingers dug into her temples. A waft of pain overcoming her delicate and proud face. "Then we are lost," she murmured so quietly. Nearly broken. "We lost him."

Anakin shot straight to his feet. "No! No!" he arguably repeated, smacking his hand on the table. "We can't give up! Obi-Wan wouldn't give up on us. I-I can't leave him with… with them."

"Anakin—"

"He didn't leave me with them," Anakin repeated with a long depressed sigh and his stomach flipping queasily at the dire imagination of Obi-Wan bloodied to a pulp. Near death…

He quickly shook that image out of his mind and reached out to the Force, trailing their bond. He stretched out, longing for the connection he always had with Obi-Wan. But he hit a wall. The bond was drawn into a fog, fallen into the unknown and lost forever.

No. Not forever, Anakin reminded himself. He was going to see Obi-Wan again.

The Duchess came around him, rubbing his back to relieve the strain building in his muscles. She didn't say anything to him. She stayed close and knowing she was there made Anakin less alone. He silently admitted that he wasn't happy being left in the Duchess's care. Not at first. Now? Her standing right beside him or hugging him last night, he was grateful to be with her. Maybe it was because she was connected to Obi-Wan? Satine undergone the same torrent of emotions he felt upon the news of Obi-Wan's abduction. The pleading, hope, defeat and sadness all roiled around her. And, like Obi-Wan, she shielded her pain with a controlled mien to present a strong front to those they were charged in caring.

Like him.

A chirp interrupted the trio's sober reflection. Padmé's blue image looked down, hitting something off to the side. Her eyes shifted as if she was reading something. Then with a nod, she clicked something off. "I have some news," she said to Anakin and Satine. "Master Yoda requests to meet."

"Where?" Satine asked.

"At your home planet," Padmé answered. "He wishes to speak with Anakin and you, Duchess."

"Why?" hissed Anakin, not particularly happy by the news. After all, he's a Jedi.

"Master Yoda believes you may be the key into finding Obi-Wan."

That had Anakin re-evaluate his view on Master Yoda. "How?" he asked, scooting closer to Padmé's blue holo-image. "What does he need me to do? I'll do it!"

"I'm not sure," Padmé confessed. "He won't tell me more. He asks that his arrival be quiet. The Jedi Order believe he's heading to Naboo."

Duchess Satine clasped her hands in front of her. "I shall notified our flight patrols and the guards," she responded. "What time will he be arriving?"

"Late tonight."

Satine inclined her head in gratitude. "Thank you, Queen Amidala. I shall make preparations," she said. "If more news comes your way—"

"I shall pass it onward," Padmé agreed and she dropped her gaze to Anakin. "Have faith, Ani. Obi-Wan is strong. He'll prevail."

That brought a little smile to his face. Obi-Wan didn't surrender easy. "Thanks Padmé."

"Stay safe," Padmé said and their communication ended.

Satine pulled out her comlink and began giving orders for the Royal spaceport of a clandestine arrival. When Satine finished prepping for Master Yoda's arrival, Anakin asked the question that was nagging him.

"Satine?"

"Yes, Anakin?"

"Do you think Master Yoda is right?" he questioned, nervously kicking his feet up. "That I can find Obi-Wan?"

Satine let out a long, unsteady breath as she twirled the collar of her dress. "From what I've witnessed and what Obi-Wan told me, I have great faith that you can achieve whatever you desired," she said with a gentle smile. "If there is anyone who could find him, I have no doubt it would be you."

That encouragement lifted Anakin's spirits. Soaring high in the Force. He saw a burst of light that unclogged the fog, leading him down a path that thawed the ice encasing him. A fledging smile quirked his lips as hope swelled inside him.

He wound find Obi-Wan. Already, Anakin was on Obi-Wan's trail.

Rain drenched his cloak and turbulent winds threatened to push him over the sides of the landing pads in Kamino. It was expected. The weather never relented. Always storming.

He already spoke to Lama Su, the head Kaminoan of the cloning factory. She updated him on the clones' conditioning and training. Qui-Gon was quite pleased with the results and was even more impressed after watching a training session.

"You have done well," Qui-Gon said to Lama Su as they strolled down the white corridors. Magnificent architecture. A little too modern and white for his taste, but nonetheless, it was artful. "The clones are beyond our expectations."

"We strive for the best, Master," Lama Su said. "As requested, the first order is ready to be deployed for action."

"Thank you," Qui-Gon said. "I believe the time is nearing to see the clones in action." He paused for a moment, letting the soft footfalls take over. "What of the chips? Were they any problems?"

Lama Su shook her pale head. "No problems. All protocols are encoded well."

"Good," Qui-Gon stated and checked his chromo. "This was a good inspection. The Jedi are pleased with the results."

Lama Su bowed her head. "Thanks Master Sifo-Dyas," she said. "We are honored to be serving the Republic."

Qui-Gon bowed and returned to the stormy weather. He set up his communication channel and waited for the Council to answer. As expected he was greeted to the sight of Councilors awaiting for news on his investigation.

Qui-Gon did the expected bow. "Masters!" he called over the roaring of the waves below. "I have located the mysterious planet of Kamino. The coordinates were correct."

Master Windu raised his brows. "What is there?"

Qui-Gon wrapped his billowing cloak tightly around him as another spray of water hit him. "Cloners, Master," he shouted over the rain. "I met with the Prime Minister, Lama Su. They are apparently the best cloners in the galaxy. From what I have seen, I have no doubt."

That raised curious and baffled faces from the circle of Councilors. "You engaged with the natives, Qui-Gon?" asked Master Plo Koon.

"I did," Qui-Gon said. "In fact, they were expecting me."

"Expecting you?"

"Not me per se, but a Jedi."

Another round of mystified faces stared back at him. "What did they say?" asked Master Windu, leaning over his seat.

"They wanted to give me a tour of the facilities and to review the clones they created for the Republic."

"For the Republic?" Master Rancisis quizzically asked.

Qui-Gon nodded, hair flapping in his face. He brushed it aside. "Yes! They created an army of clones for the Republic," he answered to Master Rancisis shocked response. "Prime Minister Lama Su also informed me that the first battalion are ready for deployment."

"Ready for deployment," Master Adi Gallia softly gasped in disbelief. "What do they mean? The Republic has no military ambitions."

"Qui-Gon?" Master Windu redirected Qui-Gon's attention. "How many clones have they made for this supposed Republic army?"

"About a million, Master," Qui-Gon answered. "And they told me if we wish to grow more that it would take time. Masters—I don't understand. Why would the Jedi order a clone army if the Republic has no need for a standing army?"

"What makes you believe a Jedi order these clones?" quizzed Master Ki-Adi-Mundi.

"Prime Minister Lama Su said that they received the order from Master Sifo-Dyas," Qui-Gon replied readily, enjoying their dropped faces when he slipped that name. "Masters—did the Council ever authorize Sifo-Dyas to create a clone army?"

"No," Master Windu answered with no hesitation. "Master Sifo-Dyas had no authorization to order a clone army. Or any army for that matter."

Qui-Gon feigned confusion. "Then why? Why would Master Sifo-Dyas initiate a clone army?"

Master Windu rubbed his strong jawline in perturbed thought. "The mystery deepens," he said. "And it needs more unraveling."

"Shall we confront Master Sifo-Dyas?" Qui-Gon offered, knowing perfectly well that would be impossible. "He may explain all of this."

The Masters all gravely looked away from him. "I'm afraid that won't be possible now," Master Windu said, voice graveling. "Master Sifo-Dyas was killed in an ambush on his way back from Naboo."

Qui-Gon made sure his arms dropped. "What?"

"They were traveling back from Coruscant when the ship was attacked," Master Windu said. "There were no survivors. We fear that the culprit was the same assassin your former padawan met on Tatooine."

Qui-Gon held his silence, bowing his head and screwing his face in distraught. "I-I don't understand," he muttered. "What… why? What was Master Sifo-Dyas doing on Naboo?"

And there was where he witnessed the ever stoic Korun fidgeted in his seat. "Qui-Gon… I'm sorry to inform you that Master Sifo-Dyas was in the midst of transporting young Kenobi back to the Temple."

Again, Qui-Gon put up a performance, selling the grief-stricken master well to the Councilors. "Are you… are you telling me that… that Obi-Wan is… that he is…"

Master Windu shook his head. "No—at least, not that we know of," he said. "The ships was attacked and everyone was killed, except for young Kenobi. His body was no found among the wreckage. It is assumed that he was captured."

Qui-Gon held onto his grief, bringing up the painful memories of when Obi-Wan first ran off. It kept his face pained and stricken to fool the Councilors. "I'll come back at once," he immediately said to the Council. "No—I can go to Naboo! I'll help investigate. What about Anakin? Is he—"

Master Windu waved his hand to stop Qui-Gon from rattling. "Master Yoda is already on his way to Naboo as we speak," he informed Qui-Gon. "He's to discuss with Queen Amidala and her security in hopes of figuring out the culprit."

"I can help—"

"No," Master Windu shook his head. "Stay on your mission. Figure out what Master Sifo-Dyas place in all of this. Find connections to both Kamino and Geonosis. I fear we may our connection with the Force is diminishing."

Qui-Gon curled his nose in an act of disagreement. He gave a stiff bow. "May the Force be with you."

"And you as well," Master Windu replied.

The transmission was cut and Qui-Gon wasted no time in returning to his ship to get out of the storm. He exchanged clothes, tossing the drenched robes and tunics into the bins as he moved to the cockpit. It was time for him to go home.

Everything went according to plan. He and Dooku have shouldered the blame to a dead Jedi Master. Planted evidence against him, which left the dead Shadow unable to defend himself. The mission was a success and Qui-Gon was jovial in his seat from how everything was coming together smoothly.

In his happiness, he commed a number and waited for a monotonous voice to answer.

"Lord Jinn!" came the exclaimed voice of TC-11. "How may I assist you?"

"I want a report," Qui-Gon told the droid as he shifted the gears of the ship. The ship rocked as it lifted off into the storm. He had to concentrate on piloting through the heavy rain and winds, but he managed it nicely. "How is he? Did he wake up?"

"Master Kenobi is awake."

Qui-Gon narrowed at the speakers. "And?"

He heard the hesitation in TC-11's voice. "Well, Lord Jinn, he woke up and then proceeded to barricade himself in the refresher. He won't come out."

Qui-Gon released a heavy sigh. "Let me speak with him."

"Right away, Lord Jinn." Qui-Gon heard the background noises of TC-11 crossing the room and knocking on what Qui-Gon imagined was the refresher door. There were some muffled voices floating in and out, but he couldn't detect any words. Finally, TC-11 spoke. "I'm sorry, Lord Jinn. He claims he is busy."

Busy? "Doing what?" Qui-Gon challenged, squeezing the controllers in a tight chokehold. "How long has he been in there?"

"About three hours now," answered TC-11. "He won't come out at all. Not for breakfast or even a medical check-up."

Qui-Gon pinched the bridge of his nose. "Tell him to answer this comlink or else someone will suffer for his impertinence."

More muffled sounds were exchanged, a hiss of door opening and then a terse snap. "What?"

It was good to hear Obi-Wan's voice, despite the cold anger that carried his greeting. It meant he survived his first day on Serenno and that he was no longer in hibernation. He was told by the medic droids that the hibernation would only last four hours. Yet, Obi-Wan was under far longer than expected, to which the medic droids hypothesized that Obi-Wan's health was far worse than they original predicated.

It mattered not anymore. He was awake and speaking to him. "I wanted to let you know that I'm on my way home," he said to the young man. "We have lots to talk about."

A long silence on Obi-Wan's end. "Yes. We do."

A working progress. "I'll see you soon," he told Obi-Wan. "And please don't be difficult with TC-11. Eat the food provided or I'll have to strap you to a nutrient drip."

"May as well strap a collar on me as well," came Obi-Wan's sardonic tone.

Qui-Gon inwardly groaned. He did not want to discuss this over a comlink. "I'll see you when I get back," he told Obi-Wan and he asked to be passed back to TC-11. When he heard the droid's voice, Qui-Gon continued. "If he refuses to eat or he locks himself in the refresher, send in the guards."

"Understood, Lord Jinn."

"Thank you," Qui-Gon said as he exited out of Kamino's atmosphere and into space. "I'll be home in a few short hours."

He ended the communication and set up the coordinates for Serenno. Despite the tensed dialogue between him and Obi-Wan, Qui-Gon couldn't wait to get back home to be with his former padawan. He was honest about the talk. They had a lot of catching up and even more to discuss about Kenobi's role in this new future.

But, most importantly, the talk about Anakin's location.

Qui-Gon expected it to be difficult. That Obi-Wan would fight him tooth and nail, refusing to say anything about Anakin. Even his favorite color. Dooku, however, ordered him to use all mean necessary to get Obi-Wan to spill the boy's hideaway. Qui-Gon would like to push torture at the very end of the list, but if Obi-Wan refused to budge, he would have to do what's necessary.

For both Obi-Wan's and Anakin's own sake. Obi-Wan may not see it that way. Not at first at least, but in time, when Qui-Gon could properly explain and show Obi-Wan the truth about everything he and Dooku have been doing, Obi-Wan would have a change of heart and accept what was being given to him.

First, though, Qui-Gon needed to be patient and understanding. He admittedly left Obi-Wan far too long in the dark and it would take some time for Obi-Wan to adjust to the light that Qui-Gon was leading him to. Patience and understanding. If Qui-Gon could do that, then Obi-Wan and he would be all right in the end.

Author's Notes:

Thanks for reading! I appreciate all the feedback and hits on the story. Wanted to give you (the readers) the heads up that updates for this story will be slower now. The next chapters aren't fully written out yet, so the updates won't be a day-to-day basis. I'm sorry!

Again, thanks for reading!