Chapter 25: Help Me

Duchess Satine sat rigid on her throne. Eyes strained from lack of sleep and overworked nerves. The past few days felt like years. Already she bore resemblance to those much older than her. She drifted out subtle sighs as a way to relax, but her mind plagued her with repeated words.

Satine!

She closed her eyes as she exhaled. Obi-Wan's voice called for her. A desperate plea and a fallen response.

Satine!

A little shake of her head wouldn't rid the voice from her. Obi-Wan called for help and she lost her chance to find him. She busied herself by smoothing out her dress that there were no wrinkles in sight. No disturbance in the fabric at all.

That was until the guards announced their late-night guest. She rose to her feet as the doors parted and the small, senior Jedi Master tottered down the carpeted pathway, leaning heavily on his cane. Soft pats murmured in the throne room as the Jedi Master finished his walk. Beady brown eyes looked up with rings around his weary eyes. A man of a certain age, indeed.

Duchess Satine stepped down the stairs. "Master Jedi," she greeted. "I hope your journey was fair."

The old Jedi stopped and rested both claws on top of his gimer stick. "Afraid it was not, am I. Struck, the Dark Side has," he relayed to the Duchess with a grave tone. "Dead, another is."

"Who?" Satine immediately asked, clutching her hands close to her heart.

"A Jedi," Master Yoda said. "Moving ahead, the Sith Lords are. Lose any more precious time we cannot." The green Jedi scanned the room. "Young Skywalker, where is, hmm?"

"He's in his room," Satine replied. "Where he usually is. He's been trying to reach Obi-Wan through the Force all day."

Master Yoda's ears perked. "Any luck?"

Satine shook her head. "I'm afraid not," she said and paused. "However, I did make a connection with Obi-Wan."

Master Yoda nodded. "Yes. Informed me, Queen Amidala has," he said. "Did Kenobi say anything, hmm?"

"Unfortunately no," she answered, disheartened. "He only managed to say my name before the connection was lost."

Master Yoda hummed. "Alive, he is alive. For now. Change, it could."

And that made Satine's stomach morph into lead and feeling ill. "You believe they would kill Obi-Wan? After searching for him?"

"Deceit and lies. The ways of the Sith, those are," Master Yoda informed the Duchess. "No compassion, there is. No friendship. Only power."

Satine looked away, her fingers resting just below her lip as the tip caressed one of the last places Obi-Wan kissed her. "Then what do they want with him? If they are only after power, what could they possibly need him for?"

Master Yoda's shoulders drooped as he exhaled heavily. His ears fell back, the strings of white hair sticking out in different places. "To control young Skywalker they need him. They recognize Skywalker's unique gifts. Use their attachments to one another to control them, will they," he theorized to the Duchess. "Complicated, the Sith Lords are. Muddled, their compassion is. Twisted, their love is.

"Nonetheless, in much danger than ever, Kenobi is. Find him, we must," Master Yoda concluded. "To speak to young Skywalker I need."

Satine agreed and, with her private security, she led Master Yoda through the palace. They didn't say a word to each other. Satine didn't think she could stomach speaking about the trials Obi-Wan faced. She was far more content with silence.

They reached Anakin's door and Satine gave three taps. She heard movement on the other side and seconds later, Anakin's small form stood in front of the doorway. His blue eyes rounded on Master Yoda's appearance before squinting at the Master Jedi with accusation and distrust. He scooted back, giving him the distance needed to shield himself from the Master Jedi.

Master Yoda took no offense. "Evening, Skywalker," he said to the boy. "You, how are, hmm?"

Anakin lifted his shoulder. Not eager to engage in small talk. "Padmé said you think I can find Obi-Wan. How?"

Anakin wasted no time in pleasantries. To him, the past two days was already a long wait. Master Yoda shuffled into the room, eyeing the accommodation with indifference. He's seen far better and far worst places to live. He surveyed of the room ended when he peered at Anakin. "Eager to run where even angels fear to tread, are you? Of learning, a dangerous way. Recklessness ends one way."

Satine stayed beside Anakin, a show of support to the boy in case he needed a clutch. Anakin stayed close to the Duchess as Master Yoda moved to one of the cushioned seats and sat. "To answer your question—a solution, I may have," the wise Jedi said to the boy. "With Kenobi you share a Force bond. Strong one. If led carefully through the Force, to locate our missing friend it may be possible for your Force bond."

Anakin scrunched his face. "I've been doing that!" he said, heatedly. "It's not working. I've tried."

Master Yoda huffed, not amused by Anakin's temper. "Do or do not. There is no try," he chided Anakin. "Also, here to help Master Yoda was not. Of the Force I know many things and many ways."

Obi-Wan did once say the Grandmaster of the Jedi Order was nearing 900 years old. It didn't surprise Satine that the Master Jedi knew more about the mysterious Force. If anyone could assist Anakin, it would be him. Satine's limited knowledge of the Force left her helpless when it came to Anakin.

"Then you can help?" she asked, seeking affirmation of her wishes. "You can find Obi-Wan?"

A small pause quietened the room. The Grandmaster of the Order confirm with a small nod. "Faith it can be done, have I. Only because of Skywalker's and Kenobi's bond."

And Satine saw Anakin's spirits rise within him. His eyes brightening up like a firework show. "Then what are we waiting for?" he asked. "Let's do it now!"

Master Yoda shook his head. "Strong enough you are not. Tired and hungry, you are," he debriefed his observation of the boy. "You need rest. To be at your peak in order to undergo such a trial you need."

"I'm okay. Honest!"

Master Yoda grunted. "The root to many problems, impatience is. Force answers to come, you cannot. Only do it with a clear mind, you can," he advised to Anakin. "More than strength and passion, patience and time do."

Master Yoda hopped off his seat, slowly moving to the doors. "Sleep! In the morning, we shall begin."

Anakin looked mutinously. "He needs our help now! They could kill him by morning."

Satine's heart fainted. Killed? Was it possible? She reflected her time with Obi-Wan back on Mandalore, remembering his and Qui-Gon's interactions. It was clear there were tensions between them, but Satine thought it was due to the constant running and lack of proper diet. But, Qui-Gon did stay close by Obi-Wan's side when he wasn't running off on some scouting trip or whatnot and he seemed proud of the younger Jedi. But, with Obi-Wan's revelations, Satine's memories needed revaluations.

Still, she couldn't imagine Qui-Gon killing Obi-Wan. Not after he spent all that time searching for him. Torture—yes. Most likely. Murder? Despite the atrocities that occurred, Satine doubted Qui-Gon would kill Obi-Wan.

Right?

The Grandmaster eased her worries with a snort. "Kill him, hmm? No. Too attached to him, Qui-Gon is," he said as he reached to the door. "Little time to recuperate before we begin, we have."

Satine turned to her guards. "Please escort Master Yoda to a private bed chamber."

Two of her guards nodded at once and went on either side of the Master Jedi to direct him to the guest chambers. Satine stayed behind with Anakin as the boy fumed at having to be patient. Satine understood the feeling. She would like nothing more than to help Obi-Wan, but the Grandmaster was right. If they were to fully execute a rescue, they needed the proper rest.

"Master Yoda is right," Satine said to Anakin. "A bit of sleep will do you some good."

The boy's face was hardened, displeased and bitter. "I'm not tired." He marched away, sitting down back in front of the window. A position Satine knew to be meditation.

The Duchess sighed and strolled over to the window, looking out at the city. The lights were so beautiful. Sparkling in contrast against the harsh background caused by constant civil wars. Satine looked on as if it was cleansing moment. A bright hope. These lights have cast the darkness away. It took time, but it worked out.

And it will again.

Satine sat down next to Anakin. His eyes were closed, pinched shut as he concentrated. Satine didn't know what was going on. A Jedi thing—but she knew better than to leave him in such an unhinged state. She sat quietly. Not a word or a single movement. She only watched and waited. Finally, minutes later, Anakin's eyelids pulled up, revealing a pair of sad, blue eyes.

"I won't see him again, will I?"

Satine shuddered a sigh. "I once had those thoughts too," she confided. "When Obi-Wan left Mandalore—and me—I assumed I was never going to see him again. That seeing him walking up the ramp would be my last memory.

"As you now know, it wasn't my last memory of him. He returned," Satine said, ending in a smile. "I have hope that you and Obi-Wan will be reunited. Soon."

"I'm still worried," Anakin confessed. "He's all that I have."

"That's not true," Satine countered. "I'm here. You also have Queen Amidala. Even Master Yoda."

Anakin perked up on hearing the Queen. "Really?"

"Of course," Satine assured him and couldn't hide her growing smile. Oh, young Anakin was smitten with the Queen of Naboo. Young crushes. "We are here for you… and Obi-Wan."

Anakin curled himself close, knees pressed to his chest. "I'm afraid."

"I know."

Anakin darted a look to her, a rise of understanding forming between them. "I know too."

Satine blinked, not quite understanding his meaning. "Obi-Wan is a dear friend of mine," she quickly recovered. "I worry for his well-being as well."

"Not as friends," Anakin said, sleepily, but strangely alert. "You love him."

Satine involuntarily flinched and felt her cheeks warm in both embarrassment and truth. Anakin noticed. "Once we free him," Anakin went on, "maybe you two can get married? Obi-Wan wouldn't mind. I know he likes you too."

A lump was caught in Satine's throat, choking her. Heart hammering against her ribcage as she digested Anakin's words. Blazes! She couldn't be discussing this. Not now anyway. And… never again. "Let's not jump ahead, Anakin," she decided to say. "If we are to help Obi-Wan, we both need to sleep."

Satine got to her feet, expecting Anakin to follow. The boy stayed seated, but his eyes trailed up after her. "I'm sorry," he said. "I didn't mean to upset you. I thought you and Obi-Wan were—"

Satine immediately cut him off. "Don't apologize, Anakin," she said as her heartaches over memories. "As I said, Obi-Wan and I are friends. Nothing more. Now… you look tired. Get some sleep. You and I have a lot of work tomorrow."

Feeling either remorseful or tired, Anakin agreed to Satine's command. He got up from the floor and ready for bed. Satine, like the previous night, stayed by his side until he finally drifted to an uneasy sleep. Nonetheless, the boy was asleep.

Satisfied, she tip-toed out and headed to her own chambers to privately ruminate her loss love.

Dooku destroyed all evidence he could not take with him. Everything from flimsi and holo-recordings were destroyed. Both his and Qui-Gon's apartments were basically empty. They had set up precautions and systems in case plans were derailed earlier than predicated, and now the Council would find nothing to use against him or Qui-Gon.

Once all documentations were deleted, Dooku contacted the politicians he had in his pocket. He passed the coded order and each politician affirmed their cooperation. Once it was all settled, Dooku swiftly departed from the Temple. Someone would have found the body by now. Dooku shielded Mace Windu's attempt to warn anyone of his death with a powerful shield. But, alas, Dooku was certain some of it trickled into the Force. His body would be discovered and the revelation of what he and Qui-Gon were would become known.

Dooku didn't care too much. It was earlier than planned, but they were ready. Qui-Gon succeeded in capturing Kenobi and torturing the young man into submission. Soon, they'll have the boy's location and with good training, Dooku will have a weapon to defeat the Order and conquer the Republic.

As he piloted his starship through Coruscant's skies, he contacted Qui-Gon to give him the news. It took a while for Qui-Gon to answer and when he did, he looked disheveled and aggravated. Kenobi did something.

"Master," Qui-Gon addressed with a stiff bow. "I wasn't expecting your call."

"Nor was I expecting to call you," Dooku agreed. "Plans have changed again."

"What?"

"Mace Windu knows."

Qui-Gon's image fluttered as his face fell in surprise and shock. "How?"

"He got ahold of a Ventress's recording," Dooku said, casually. "He was snooping and you know how I detest such traits."

Qui-Gon took a beat. "You killed him."

"Naturally," Dooku said. "Couldn't very much have him alive and alert the Temple at once." Dooku pushed in the coordinates to Serenno. "But, the Council will learn shortly, if not, now. I destroyed all evidence and alerted our friends in the government. Nothing has changed too much. Our agenda was only slightly pushed forward.

"You still have Kenobi?" Dooku asked, watching the blue image of Qui-Gon nod. "Good. I'll need a word with him when I arrive. Once again, he nearly ruined our position when he comed the Order. I was lucky to be nearby to intercept it."

"The Force was on our side," Qui-Gon agreed. "As for Obi-Wan, I already handled his punishment. There is no need for you to do so."

Dooku peered at the blue holo-image. He wasn't surprised by Qui-Gon's attempt to protect his former padawan. Qui-Gon always had a soft spot for Kenobi. It was one of his weaknesses. A weakness Dooku gladly exploited to keep Qui-Gon on his side of the war.

Dooku sighed. It's not that he found Kenobi to be pathetic. Quite the opposite. He was proud to call Obi-Wan his grandpadawan. He showed a lot of skill and intelligence. Traits Dooku admired and appreciated. He also curried the same interests as Dooku, which led to fascinating—if not violate—discussions that ended on a good note or with a bolt. And, every now and then, Dooku enjoyed one of their games of Dejarik. Kenobi demonstrated a strategic mind that would make him very useful in the war to come.

Of course, that also meant subduing Kenobi's more difficult traits. Once they got Obi-Wan to submit, then Dooku didn't see a problem with keeping Kenobi. In fact, he was certain he would be proud to call Kenobi an ally. Until then, though, Kenobi needed to break. His rebellious attitude would not be tolerated and Dooku sought to ensure it.

Qui-Gon may have punished the young man, but Dooku was certain it did nothing to curb Kenobi's behavior.

"Nonetheless, I would still like a word with him," Dooku stated in a way that claimed for no argument. "Has he given you Skywalker's location yet?"

Qui-Gon shuffled. Either he was upset for Kenobi's sake or because he failed. "Obi-Wan is being a bit difficult at the moment."

Or it was both. Dooku shook his head. "I'll be there in a few hours. If Kenobi doesn't reveal where Skywalker is hiding, then I shall have a go."

"That won't be necessary, Master," Qui-Gon said. "I'll talk to Obi-Wan again. If he doesn't let up, I… I have a way to get it from Obi-Wan without his consent."

"Good!" Dooku said, happy to see that Qui-Gon was taking more strict actions with his former padawan. "I'll be there shortly. Once I arrive, set up the shield generators to protect Serenno. We may get unwanted visitors."

Qui-Gon nodded. "I will instruct the men. May the Force be with you, Master."

"And you as well," Dooku said and he ended the call.

Situated and ready, Dooku pulled down the lever. The stars stretched and he took off into hyperspace, leaving the Coruscant behind.

An hour after he left Coruscant, Master Plo Koon arrived at Dooku's apartment to ask a question. It was there he discovered Mace Windu's body, a hole made by a lightsaber pierced in his chest. Master Koon knew it was too late to save the revered Jedi, but he called the healers, instructed Cin Drallig and his Temple guards to search the premises for Master Dooku and then called for an emergency Council session.

It appeared they were wrong all along.

Obi-Wan returned to his room and stayed seated at the table. He had a book out in front of him. Half-reading. Half-thinking. He spent too much of the day under interrogation. In fact, he was quite mentally exhausted after batting away Qui-Gon's attempts to get him to open up. And, of course, the fact he had to keep his mind well shielded when Qui-Gon demanded Anakin's location.

Obi-Wan stayed mute on the matter, refusing to give Qui-Gon anything that may lead him to Anakin. Qui-Gon pleaded and tried to reason with Obi-Wan about how dangerous it was for Anakin to be alone. Obi-Wan knew quite well how dangerous it was to leave Anakin, but it would be far more dangerous to have Anakin on Serenno.

Too frustrated and seemingly losing temper, Qui-Gon ordered the guards to return him to his room. Obi-Wan couldn't help but smile after leaving Qui-Gon's presence. He finally had the time to wind down and to be alone.

Night overtook the day. A brilliant shade of midnight blue covered his window and Obi-Wan remembered the night he and Anakin camped out in a meadow for the night. Anakin kept asking him about which star was what and dreaming about visiting all of them. The boy had high goals.

But, Anakin wasn't with him and Obi-Wan was trapped indoors, unable to feel the soft breeze one might feel if ventured outside.

He sighed and realized he should probably get some sleep. He needed to renew his energy for the next battle. Obi-Wan got up from his chair when the door to his prison swiped open and Qui-Gon's tall form stepped through the threshold.

Change in plans. Obi-Wan forgone sleep, rebuilt his heavy shielding and took up his stance. A new battle has already started.

"Obi-Wan," Qui-Gon began and hearing his voice again was like a knife twisting deeper into Obi-Wan's side. A tremble shuttered him, but Obi-Wan didn't know if it was the Force or himself. Qui-Gon edged closer. "Before I ask, I need you to think long and hard before responding."

Oh no. Dread settled at the bottom of his stomach. He knew what question Qui-Gon was going to ask. An interrogation that Obi-Wan didn't want to have again. "My head hurts," Obi-Wan lied, eyes darting to the bed. "Can this interrogation wait? I'm too tired to make any life-death decisions."

Obi-Wan moved to the bed, but a hand on his elbow brought him back in front of Qui-Gon. "This cannot wait, young one," he said, pushing Obi-Wan back into his chair. "It's important you answer the question. The galaxy depends on it."

Obi-Wan did not want to be sitting. He needed to get up. Exercise away the nervous energy building up inside him. Qui-Gon noticed for he closed his hands on Obi-Wan's shoulder to settle the shake, but he pressed onward. He asked the dreaded question. "Obi-Wan—I need to ask you again. Where is Anakin?"

The million credit question. That was all Qui-Gon wanted to know. Anakin's location. Where is the boy they found on Tatooine who may be the prophesied Chosen One? Where is the boy that would become our weapon to bring down the Republic, the Jedi Order and kill millions of innocents? Obi-Wan knew quite well where Anakin was. He was somewhere safe. Happy—at least he hoped—and away from all this dark, convoluting nature.

"I have no idea," Obi-Wan easily lied.

"I think you do," Qui-Gon said, voice quiet but stern. "Tell me Obi-Wan. For Anakin's own safety and yours, where is he?"

"I don't know!" Obi-Wan repeated again, louder in case Qui-Gon missed the other denials he issued. He pushed Qui-Gon back from him, finally able to stand up. "What makes you think I would tell you if I did? I won't betray Anakin! Not like you did to me.

"So, let's stop wasting time," Obi-Wan finished, now officially done with these barrage of questions. "I won't say anything. Not to you or Dooku."

Qui-Gon was silent for minute or two and Obi-Wan wondered if he actually got through to Qui-Gon. But then, any soft expressions on Qui-Gon's face hardened. A cool, detached look in his eyes told Obi-Wan enough to know that Qui-Gon wasn't pleased with his rejection. There was no anger. Only a saddening reluctance.

"Come with me," Qui-Gon finally said to Obi-Wan as he headed back to the door.

Obi-Wan could have challenged him, but figured it was best to not keep poking the Sith Lord. He followed Qui-Gon down the corridors. Two magna guards followed, trapping Obi-Wan on both sides. Not that Obi-Wan was going to make a run for it. Qui-Gon would have stopped him.

The field trip didn't last long. They arrived outside a door and Obi-Wan imagined a dojo inside. Perhaps Qui-Gon was going to try bargaining since pleading and reasoning didn't make him confess Anakin's location. Yet, Obi-Wan noticed there was some reluctance on Qui-Gon's part to open the door. But it fluttered away as quickly as it came and Qui-Gon opened the door.

It slid wide open, giving Obi-Wan a good view of what was inside.

Obi-Wan felt his insides begin to rot. An icy frost overcome him as he took one look at the room. He recognized the sterile squalor before him. It wasn't as identical as the few he had the unfortunate pleasure to visit, but it was no doubt a medical center. He eyed the equipment that shrouded around a strapped surface. All pristine and cleaned and ready.

Obi-Wan took a step back. Images flashed through his mind. Images of being tortured and trapped by Jenna Zan Arbor. Phantom pains made Obi-Wan winced in remembrance of his time at the evil doctor's hands. Right before Qui-Gon and Dooku rescued him.

All of it—right down to even the equipment—resembled that same testing laboratory Obi-Wan was held against his will.

Obi-Wan glanced up to Qui-Gon. "Qui-Gon," he managed to splutter out, "what… what is this?"

Qui-Gon sighed heavily. "I think you know."

He did. Obi-Wan knew very well. He fell back again, but stopped by the magna guards. They snatched his arms, their grip so tight that Obi-Wan felt bruises forming underneath the iron. "No… no!" Obi-Wan pleaded as Qui-Gon stepped aside to let the guards drag Obi-Wan into the room. "No! No—Qui-Gon! Qui-Gon please!"

Obi-Wan put up a fight. He swung his body and yanked his arms to free himself. He lashed out with his legs, trying his best to trip the guards to fall over. It was unsuccessful and he drew closer to the gurney.

He craned his head over his shoulder to Qui-Gon. "Qui-Gon!" he pleaded, hoping his distress would hit something in the Sith Lord. "Please! No…"

Obi-Wan reached for his old master. "Qui-Gon!"

A crack showed on Qui-Gon's face as he raised his hand and ordered the droids to halt. They stopped and Qui-Gon approached Obi-Wan. He cupped both sides of Obi-Wan's face, his thumbs resting underneath Obi-Wan's eyes. Obi-Wan trembled in Qui-Gon's hands as he pleading looked up at his old master's eyes. He searched for mercy. For compassion. For humanity.

He could see that Qui-Gon was reluctant to act. Qui-Gon's hands were warm as his thumb stroke something Obi-Wan's cheek. Obi-Wan held his breath. He wanted nothing more than to be away from this room. Away from scarred memories. Sheltered and protected. And he hoped Qui-Gon revoked his decision and free Obi-Wan from the promised torture.

Qui-Gon saw the pleas and fear within in former padawan. "Obi-Wan… we don't have to go through this," he said in an almost desperate manner. "Just tell me Anakin's location and you can go back to your room."

Obi-Wan's heart plummeted. The warmth from Qui-Gon's hands went cold and a shiver jostled him. A lump formed in his throat, constricting his breathing as Obi-Wan realized his predicament. "Please… Qui-Gon…"

Qui-Gon pressed his hands tighter on Obi-Wan's head, making sure Obi-Wan only looked at him. "If you give me Anakin's location, I promise you, Obi-Wan. I promise no one will get hurt. You or whoever has Anakin," he said, passionately with fine shades of remorse reflecting in his eyes and tone. "Please Obi-Wan. Don't make me do this to you."

His heart broke. He never thought… Dooku definitely, but not Qui-Gon. After his experience with Jenna Zan Arbor, Obi-Wan believed Qui-Gon would never put Obi-Wan through that pain again. The distress Qui-Gon was in when his former master rescued him from Arbor's clutches was enough to make Obi-Wan believe—for a quick moment—it was Qui-Gon the Jedi Master and not Qui-Gon the Sith Lord.

But, he was wrong. He was so wrong.

Obi-Wan already knew his answer—knew his fate—before the word seared his tongue. "No," he whispered.

Obi-Wan's fate was sealed. Qui-Gon looked downright hurt. He inhaled deeply. "May the Force be with you."

It was all he said. Qui-Gon let his hands slip from Obi-Wan's face, turning his back on Obi-Wan once more. It was like re-watching several of his memories come back to life. Him calling out for Qui-Gon and Qui-Gon walking away with his back turned and no reply.

The magna guards clasped hard on Obi-Wan's arms again. They hauled him off, lifting him up in the air to stop him from dragging his feet or kicking. Qui-Gon already left the room and sealed it closed. Obi-Wan heard the lock. He still scrambled for some resistance. When they got to gurney, Obi-Wan planted his feet right on the gurney's edge, preventing the magna guards from placing him down on the solid surface. He pushed back away from the gurney, twisting to loosen the guards' restraints. He kicked up, using the Force to help him swing over their heads, but again, the guard didn't let go of him.

The magna guards began talking to each other. Obi-Wan reached with the Force and smashed a stool into the magna guard. Again, it didn't free Obi-Wan. The guards were stronger than Obi-Wan anticipated. The guards brought him back to the gurney again and, again, Obi-Wan stopped them by placing his feet up in protest.

As long as he prevented them from strapping him in, he would call it a success.

A riveting zap struck him in the side and Obi-Wan yelped at the unpleasant jolt that crippled him. He fell, saved from smashing his head in when the guards yanked him up. Muscles weakened by the jolt, the guards were able to lay Obi-Wan on the gurney and quickly strap him down. Obi-Wan felt the rungs wrapped around his wrists, ankles, thighs, chest and neck. He was well secured. A beeping sound draw his attention above him. A small, floating medical droid hovered above him. It was holding a prod.

It was the medical droid that brought him down. How poetic.

His eye nervously flickered around the room. He spotted all the medical equipment and the plastic containers used to house genetic samples. To the other side, Obi-Wan finally noticed, was a one-sided tinted screen.

Someone was watching. On the other side of the window, he had an audience. He already knew one of them. He wondered who the rest were.

The medical droid began speaking to him, asking questions, but Obi-Wan didn't answer. He stared at the one-way mirror, muttering one last plea. "Qui-Gon," he murmured as he swallowed hard. "Help me."