Vader's Angel
By: wertman25
Disclaimer: Sadly, I don't own Star Wars…. Or Anakin Skywalker… Which is a pity…
The planet was loud, hectic, and although listed under the definition of civilized, Obi-Wan thought it was anything but. It was a place that was both strange and foreign to him– a place he didn't fully understand. Tatooine was a desert planet where he was not only unwelcomed by its two blistering suns, but by the people as well. He had been there only once before with his Master Qui-Gon Ginn and Senator Amidala– then Queen Amidala all those years ago, never leaving the cockpit of a ship, thank the Force, as his Master and the young queen ventured out into the endless seas of sand.
After seeing the locals for himself, he wondered how his Master had ever survived it, because from the moment Obi-Wan arrived, he had regretted his decision of choosing the planet as the location of his answers, greeted by drunken and lunatic creatures of the night, who both intimidated and threatened him. It was something he had prepared himself for but would never fully be equipped to handle. He was a Jedi Knight after all, sophisticated and knowledgeable, unlike these characters.
Obi-Wan supposed he had to remember the give and take of it all. The fact that he had left the safety of the Rebellion's numbers and had to be thankful to be on such a small planet that was far enough away from the Empire's main reaches that he could he conducted his research with a lesser chance of being found. He should be thankful that the Force had lead him to Tatooine, to a planet controlled by the Hutts… After all, it was a much safer plan than heading to Coruscant or another inner system. This way, only having to deal with Empire's sympathizers rather than the Empire itself. The only down side being that it seemed the farther away he went from the center of the universe, the more savage and barbarian the locals seemed to become.
After his rough landing and his run in with the strange creatures of the night, Obi-Wan had tried to investigate and find some answers. He had tried– and failed to connect with obvious outsiders of the planet, always receiving "no: as an answer or just simply no answer at all. He had attempted to find some sort of lead– to find any news of a local by the name of Skywalker. But of course, there was none.
After his continuous failed attempts, the young Jedi had tried to pick one of the less crowded establishments in the town. Not having much choice, the small tavern he picked was a place he hoped would be a good spot to rest and collect himself before continuing his search. It had seemed like a fair idea, being able to gather his thoughts and even ask some patrons for information… but as the time passed and Obi-Wan looked around, he wondered if he should even try to reach out to the locals for answers.
How is it possible for anyone to be this uncivilized? Obi-Wan thought as he watched a group of different males races snap their teeth and bash their heads together in an animalistic battle out of the corner of his eye.
"Anything else?" the waitress snapped, pulling Obi-Wan out of his thoughts as she threw the pot of grub that he had ordered onto the table with a loud smash.
The Jedi stared at the strange substance for a short moment, the green mass wiggling to-and-fro uninvitingly before he wrenched his eyes away and turned back to the pink-skinned waitress. "No," he answered politely with a small smile that he was sure had gone unnoticed. "That will be all. Thank you very much."
"Whatever," came her quick response, rolling her eyes as she twirled her antenna and turned away. "I'll be in the back if you need anything else. Try not to bother me."
Such an inviting system, he thought as he watched as the female lollygagged away, the horror of her rudeness and barbaric nature in his eyes. With a sigh, he turned back to the substance that she had thrown before him, swearing to himself that he could have sworn he had ordered some sort of meat and not whatever this atrocity was – Not that he was going to ask or correct the girl. Slowly, he poked his fork at the substance, watching it practically slither to the other side of the dish.
He cringed watching it move, knowing he would have to eat whatever it was and just hope it wouldn't kill him. He knew he needed to keep up his strength, even if that meant eating the uncanny substance. The horror. Obi-Wan never thought he would miss the mush that the Rebellion called food, but now he was beginning to crave it. Forcing it the sad excuse down his throat, he shivered as it slid down his esophagus before he turned back to the datapad before him.
Staring at the screen, Obi-Wan let out an uncharacteristic like groan, viewing the zero files once more– no results. It seemed that it didn't matter where he was or where he went, the disheartening result staying the same as before: absolute zero trace of any known existence of Anakin Skywalker.
The fact made his heart sink into his stomach and a heavy burden fall upon his shoulders. He could taste extinction in his mouth and the flavor tasted unpleasantly of death. He could feel his body already beginning to decay and his soul becoming cold. He couldn't admit to himself that he was losing hope, but he could admit that the light had slightly darkened. He knew he had to trust in the Force and he did… but he was beginning to doubt himself.
Shaking the thought away, Obi-Wan rose from the table, placing his belongings into his bag before turning and walking towards the bar. He knew he had to keep moving and find whatever it was that brought him to this Force-forsaken planet before he too lost all hope. As he approached, the pink-skinned waitress stood just behind the counter, arguing with another employee in their native tongue. They didn't pause as Obi-Wan approached, continuing their argue despite him being their only respectable customer.
Obi-Wan patiently waited for their disagreement to pass, but was forced to clear his throat as the situation seemed to worsen and his time began to grow short. Taking immediate note from his disturbance, both women's heads veered in his direction– his waitress's eyes the fiercest. "What do you want, Outlander?" she snapped, confusing Obi-Wan for a moment before he quickly regained himself.
"Just to pay for my meal," Obi-Wan replied, his voice staying kind despite their crude hospitality. He handed over the credits, before another thought passed within his head.
He knew he couldn't afford to be asking the Chosen One's direct name – not to these people anyways, but perhaps the crude locals could know something. "And," Obi-Wan added quickly, almost hesitatingly. "A small amount of information."
The waitress rolled her eyes, but the previous disagreeing female stepped forward. "What kinda info ya lookin for, handsome?" the blue skinned but somehow kinder waitress pressed as she leaned onto the counter of the bar.
"I know this might sound… odd," Obi-Wan admitted, confessing the fact to himself that he knew he was about to sound ridiculous. "Has there been anything strange that has happen in these parts? It might have even taken part a few years ago?"
The Gotal beside him bellowed a strange noise, which Obi-Wan could only guess from the other reactions was a laugh. The strange response caused a small frown to form over Obi-Wan's features, not wanting to admit his confusion, but he was completely and utterly baffled.
"You lookin for somethin strange?" the waitress laughed, raising her eyebrow as she threw her hair flirtatiously over her shoulder before placing her long fingered hands on her skinned hips "You've come to the right place, mister."
"There's enough strange that happens in this place it could full the space between here to Coruscant," the pink skinned waitress added, previously acting like she wasn't paying attention but admittedly listening to the conversation as her irritated eyes turned toward Obi-Wan. "So… if you're looking for an event in particular, we need more information than that."
"Yes, yes," Obi-Wan nodded stupidly; trying to think of information he could share, but found his mind drawing a blank, unable to think of anything intelligent. "I'm afraid my quest involves a particular person."
The blue skinned woman smiled, a secret game playing upon her lips and gleaming within her eyes. "We got plenty of those."
Oh, dear. Obi-Wan nearly rolled his eyes at himself, trying to dig further and stop whatever it was the woman was starting. "A man."
"That too."
Obi-Wan muffled a groan. He was being ridiculous. These people were being ridiculous. He had never felt so humiliated and defeated in his entire life… But he just had to hope… Right?
Taking a deep breath, Obi-Wan decided to go against his original plan, knowing the dangerous game he was already playing. It didn't matter anymore– he had to find the Chosen One. "I believe the person I am looking for resides or resided in these parts," Obi-Wan stated confidently, shifting back into the confident figure he had been before landing on the Force-forsaken planet. "He is a man that goes– or went by the name of Skywalker."
The blue woman baffled her eyes, running her tongue over her lips. "Gotta first name– this guy?"
The question didn't seem too suspicious, but something within Obi-Wan ran cold, his blood freezing within his veins as sudden change in the Force made him suddenly feel very much in trouble. "No," he answered quickly– almost too quickly, causing the woman to greedily smile. "No, I unfortunately have been denied that information."
The woman's smile did not fade even though she had detected the lie, instead she licked her blue lips again as she tested the word. "Skywalker," she repeated, almost seductively. "Never heard of him. Sorry, honey."
"He doesn't ring a bell," his waitress added before both women turned and disappeared without even sparing him another glance.
Obi-Wan watched them leave, a strange feeling falling into the pit of his stomach. Trying to suppress it, he turned with the goal to disappear as well but was halted as the Gotal beside him reached out and grabbed ahold of his arm. The Jedi didn't react besides his sudden pause, feeling through the Force that the creature did not do it out of harm. The male spoke to him with very low and almost inaudible noises, something that Obi-Wan could not understand but knew was helpful information.
"I'm sorry," Obi-Wan said, truly kindly and with slight embarrassment. "I'm afraid I don't understand you're native tongue."
The creature stared at him for a long moment, then without warning, the Gotal reached into Obi-Wan's bag and pulled out his datapad, motioning for the Jedi to sit in the seat beside him. Without protest, but with great curiosity and suspicion, Obi-Wan joined him, unable to stop the coldness in his chest as he looked around the room cautiously. The Gotal made another noise as he raised his hand and Obi-Wan was surprised to see a waitress set down two drinks in front of them. He noted that she jumped almost too happy to serve the giant creature and was very much ecstatic to show him the kind service that Obi-Wan had been denied.
Without hesitation, the Gotal pushed one of the glasses in Obi-Wan's direction before he began to type on the screen. He wrote something quickly in one of the empty files, his fingers moving fluidly over the screen despite his long nails and within minutes he slid the device over to Obi-Wan before grabbing his own drink and chugging it down in one large gulp.
Obi-Wan took the device, surprised and fascinated to see the message.
But I can understand you. My name is Totaa'Taamno of the Prindaar system, but here I go by To Tame. You must be careful, Outlander. The people here do not trust others that are not of their own. It is dangerous to be asking questions and digging here.
Again, Obi-Wan felt the Force swirl– the coldness, but he tried to ignore it, knowing – hoping that he was getting close to something. "A pleasure to make your acquaintance, To Tame." Obi-Wan nodded in response. "My name is– Ben," Obi-Wan lied quickly. "Ben Kenobi. You speak of trust to Outlanders, but I can see you're one as well and they seem to have become accustomed to you."
Silently, Obi-Wan slid back the device, in which To Tame wrote a quick response.
Friendliness can be deceitful. It can depend on a great many factors, while also depending on where you stand in the universe.
Obi-Wan nodded, but his eyes remained hard. "Then should I be suspicious of your friendliness?" Obi-Wan asked, handing the device back to the creature. "What factors could create such a change?"
To Tame made the same noise he had made moments before: a laugh, before he wrote another response and handed the device back to the younger man.
You shouldn't trust anyone. Few things can persuade these people and on this planet they only care for money.
"I'm afraid I do not have much of that."
I thought not, but that is the least of your worries. You have attracted the attention of the Cru'bach gang. Imperial Sympathizers. They don't like suspicious activity and even more so don't like when people begin to ask questions.
Obi-Wan stayed neutral and still despite the surprising words written on the screen. His instincts begged him to scan the room, but he fought against them, trying to seem innocent to the hidden crime. "I didn't mean to offend or capture anyone's interest," he breathed, trying to sound surprised and believable. "I am here on personal business."
To Tame took the device again, typing one word before sliding it back.
Lie.
Obi-Wan frowned, the Force swirling. A strange darkness was forming, not from To Tame himself but something he was connected to– a darkness from a door that Obi-Wan was nearing with each passing second. He wasn't sure what surface he was skimming, but for the first time ever, Obi-Wan knew he was close. He knew he was onto something. He knew he was in trouble. He knew he had to hurry.
"I'm afraid I must be off," Obi-Wan said suddenly, taking a large swig of the drink for the sake of politeness before rising from his seat. "As I said, I have business to attend to. It was a very pleasant talk and thank you for the drink."
To Tame nodded, a strange emotion resonating from him and into the air. He typed a response on the datapad before standing as well and handing it to Obi-Wan. He did not wait for Obi-Wan to read it before turning and walking in the opposite direction, but as Obi-Wan's eyes slid towards the screen, they widened in shock.
You are entering a battle you cannot win– a game that has no victor. If I cannot convince you to leave immediately, I say whatever you are doing, Jedi, do it quick. I would not stay here for long.
Jedi.
Jedi! Obi-Wan's heart raced in his chest and his gaze tried to race after To Tame but the Gothal had disappeared. Suddenly feeling ill, Obi-Wan forced the datapad into his bag and moved swiftly towards the door. He could feel the Force swirling and turning around him, telling him the fact that was clear to him now: he was in danger. His time was running short, but Obi-Wan also knew that Anakin had far less time– that Anakin was in a far graver place.
As he exited the tavern and the blistering sun hit his face, Obi-Wan couldn't help but to recall his vision– his visit from Qui-Gon. He had said the Chosen One wasn't dead– not yet anyways. He said that Darth Vader could destroy him and Obi-Wan feared that if he did not find the Chosen One soon that was exactly what would happen. It would be the death of them both, perhaps the fate of the galaxy as well. He could feel through the Force that something was already happening and he knew he had to hurry before death was the fate of them all.
Closing his eyes, Obi-Wan took a large breath of air, breathing in not the cleanest air he had ever tasted but air that was efficient enough to calm his rapid heart. "Please," Obi-Wan begged aloud, calling to the Force itself. "Guide me. Please. Tell me where I must go."
Reaching out, he allowed the Force to guide him– to push him in the correct direction. The young Jedi kept his mind open and focused, ignoring the bustle and noises of the crowds while only concentrating on the pull of the Force and the power he felt with each step. He walked for what seemed like hours through the twists and turns of the streets until he felt the guide no more. Finally pausing, he frowned as he took in his surroundings, taking in the great type of market place he had been led to and the hundreds of people that seemed to be jam-packed into the small space. Again, his mission had taken a turn for the worst and Obi-Wan suppressed the large groan that echoed within his chest as he shook his head in pity – pity for himself, looking up and down the street.
It can never be easy, Obi-Wan thought to himself as he decided on a place to start.
He decided on a corner at the beginning of the crowd, where he began to ask a few groups for information. At first, he began asking if anything strange had occurred within the last ten or so years, something unexplainable, but as usual, the question was answered with the same strange and bewildered look; one that made him forced to repeat Skywalker's name over and over again. Obi-Wan wasn't sure how many times he had asked the name or heard the answer of no before he found himself at the end of the crowded street – at the end with no answer.
"Impossible," Obi-Wan growled under his breath. He had gone through all that madness for nothing? Had felt a pull just to be tricked? Was there no answer at all? Was everything for nothing? It couldn't be! Perhaps someone lied? Obi-Wan thought to himself; knowing that he probably would have felt it through the Force if someone had; but that meant if no one lied… than he was missing something. But what?
As he paused at the end of the street, he closed his eyes once more, calling upon the Force and was surprised to feel an immediate answer. Almost instantly, he felt another pull in the Force and he opened his eyes to see a small passage in a wall that he hadn't noticed before, a small and decrepit pathway that seemed to lead to another street just along the way. Without delay, Obi-Wan answered the Force's beckoning call and made his way towards the small street, taking notice to the way most of the shop keepers seemed to avoid the hole.
Strange.
Still, he pressed on. Allowing the Force to guide him, he found himself in a stranger part of the city, a part where the people seemed even more barbarous– if possible– and even more filled with greed. There were a mix of energies in this place: dark, twisted, light, and hurt. A very, very strange combination. The people that passed him were even more questionable, either looking starved to death or over engorged, pained or privileged, submissive or dominant… As if the two kinds of people were from different galaxies.
Feeling the pull of the Force lighten, Obi-Wan knew he was on his own once more. He wasn't sure what his best plan of action would be, but catching sight of a group of men that seemed more or less civilized, Obi-Wan decided to approach them. He walked under the coverage of one of the buildings, a place where the men set playing– No, gambling some scraps, laughing and joking in a primal language.
"Excuse me," Obi-Wan said kindly, ignoring the way the group of men nearly growled and possibly barked as they returned to face him. "Do any of you gentlemen speak standard language?"
"We aren't barbarians," one of the man snapped, immediately making Obi-Wan feel that they were anything less than civilized. "What brings you to us, Outlander?"
Ignoring their harsh greetings and the calling of an "outlander" once more, Obi-Wan remained confident. "If you gentlemen could be so kind, I am in need of some information. Have any of you heard of a Skywalker resident of these parts?"
One creature growled, nearly spitting in his face. Another shook his head, while his counterpart spoke in his native language. Their responses were anything, but hopeful– except for the last name that sat stroking his chin, giving Obi-Wan immediate slight hope.
"I might," the man replied darkly, an evil gleam within his eyes. "But what's in it for me?"
Obi-Wan frowned, surprised at the man's question and sudden dark nature. "E–Excuse me?"
"For me," he repeated even more deeply, before swinging his hands in mockery. "Don't tell me you think I would just give you information. Why would I give you information without a price?"
Obi-Wan tried to hide his shock, although he remembered To Tame's words. 'Few things can persuade these people and on this planet they only care for money.' Regardless, he still couldn't believe how barbarous, hostile, and greedy these creatures were. Couldn't they just understand he was trying to save them as well? "I have nothing to give."
The last man smiled while his friends all roared out in laughter – an undeniable pure mockery of Obi-Wan himself. "Well then neither do I," he gleamed, leaning back in his chair with his hands behind his head in an arrogant fashion. "Information is worth something around here. No money. No business."
Obi-Wan wanted to plead– to say something, but found his mouth dry. He had finally found something, one small detail, and couldn't find words. "I… I–"
"Leave, Outlander!" than man snapped without allowing him to finish, turning back to his game as the others did the same. "You aren't welcome here."
Obi-Wan could hear the threat on his tongue and quickly decided retreat was his best option. Halfheartedly, he gave up his attempts at trying to reconcile with the creatures, turning and walking in defeat across the street to sit in a small corner of shade. He plopped down into the hot sand with a small groan before he looked to the sky in bafflement, wiping away the sweat that had formed on his forehead as the hot suns burned into his skin. It seemed he had already found his personal hell: burning to death on an uncivilized planet as he followed the Force on a never-ending journey. Was this really the Force's will? It seemed he was just made to suffer. He had dedicated his life to the Force and this is how he was repaid? Was the Force really that cruel?
He wasn't sure how long he sat there, minutes, hours, days, but quite frankly it didn't matter, because Obi-Wan had nothing left. He had no leads, no more energy, and most importantly no more hope. He couldn't return back to the Rebellion empty handed and he couldn't watch as the darkness conquered the universe. He felt like he had been deceived–again. It was a feeling that didn't settle in his stomach, mixing with the abomination of food in a way he was sure he would be sick.
What can I do? Obi-Wan cried to himself; allowing his head to fall into his hands as the weight on his shoulders seem to crush down upon him. Please, if Anakin is out there… Just give me–
"Don't worry," an older female voice spoke, startling the young Jedi as he rose his head and she revealed herself from behind him. "I can see you are upset, but there is no reason to be. That's Killric–" she said, pointing a finger at the man across the street that Obi-Wan had spoken to. "–and he probably didn't have what you were looking for anyways."
Being taken off-guard, Obi-Wan found himself at a complete disadvantage, staring at the old soul in confusion. "Excuse me?"
"You better watch yourself," she continued, limping away at an inconceivably slow pace with a large woven basket in his wrinkled hands. "People do not like Outlanders who dig here, especially people like my masters."
Obi-Wan immediately followed, his frown hardening on his face. "Your master?"
"Yes," she said, not speaking again until she reached a small sand hut. She knelt down to the ground to continue some strange kind of work without looking at the man that stood beside here. "The Bac Trev' family has been my family's masters for generations," she continued. "Seven or eight, if my memory is correct. They've owned us for a very long time."
Her words only seemed to heighten Obi-Wan's confusion and made him feel even more lost. "I'm sorry?' Obi-Wan raised an eyebrow, looking towards her in bafflement. "Owned?"
"Yes."
Obi-Wan rubbed his hand over his face in frustration, trying to make sense of it all. His eyes traveled up the old fragile woman, watching her as she worked. She seemed sensible enough, in fact the most civilized human he had met since arriving to Tatooine, but he words sill bewildered him. Owned?
Owned! Obi-Wan's mind sparked, his eyes widening as he realized the situation he had been put within. "You're a slave?" he spoke before he could stop himself, his mouth nearly falling open as a frown reappeared on his face.
For the first time, the old woman looked up at Obi-Wan, a small frown on her delicate features. "I don't think of myself as that," she said simply. "But I believe that is the correct term."
"Forgive me," Obi-Wan whispered embarrassed, looking everywhere and anywhere but at the woman that knelt below him. "That was extremely rude of me. I'm afraid I am very out of my element. This– This is a very strange place to me."
"So I have noticed," she replied, her eyes moving to her master and back again. "They have too… So tell me, young Jedi, what is it that you seek?"
For the first time since the bar Obi-Wan was completely taken back and this time he could not stop his reaction. Upon the woman's unexpected words, his mouth fell open and his eyes nearly bulged out of his head. Again? How was this possible? "I don't–" he stumbled, trying to shake his head. "I mean, I'm not–"
"Oh, calm now," the woman hushed, her words kind and soft. She looked back to her duties, folding strange sorts of materials in the basket as she continued partly uninterested. "Don't lie to an old woman. I don't have many years left."
"H–How?" Was the only response Obi-Wan was able to give, the words hardly above a whisper.
The woman looked to him and only smiled, again returning to her work. "I've lived a very long time in the universe and have seen many of your kind before. You have nothing to fear from me."
Obi-Wan knew her words were true. He could sense her kindness– the radiance of goodness. Still something inside of him grew heavy and the weight restored upon his shoulders.
"I'm looking for someone…"
The woman nodded. "I'd say an important someone," she replied sweetly, turning her head to look upon him. "I wouldn't think a Jedi would come out of hiding for just anyone."
Obi-Wan nodded absently as he stroked his beard, still feeling uneasy. "Very important someone," he agreed. "I'm looking for someone that I believe was or is a residence of these parts. Someone who goes by the name of Skywalker?"
She paused immediately following his question, her face becoming blank as an unknown emotion passed across her eyes. It was a reaction that Obi-Wan had not seen before, but didn't know whether to expect the best or the worst because of it. "Skywalker…." she repeated slowly, almost in a haze, her eyes in his direction but quite literally looking through him and towards only what he could suspect was a distant memory. "Skywalker…" she repeated once more, a small smile tugging on the corners of her worn face while her eyes remained sad. "Now that's a name I haven't heard in a very, very long time."
Obi-Wan's heart nearly jumped out of his chest, his eyes widening and his knees seeming to buckle as he suddenly fell down beside her. "You know it?"
"I knew her," the woman corrected with a nod, her eyes still sad as she returned Obi-Wan's gaze. "A very, very long time ago."
Obi-Wan frowned, slightly taken back. "Her?"
"Yes," the woman nodded, a small frown gracing her features as her hand came to rest on her forehead. "Oh, her name! What was her name? Bless my old heart," she cursed herself, shaking her head. "I cannot remember. Age has become me."
"Please," Obi-Wan nearly begged, grabbing onto the woman's arms as if it was his last breath of life. "Please. You must!"
She remained quit, taping her fingers against her head, her frown only growing with each passing second, the memory seeming to have escaped her.
"Anakin?" Obi-Wan equipped, offering some information in hopes the woman was mistaken and recall the lost facts. "Was his name Anakin? Anakin Skywalker?"
"No," the woman sighed, her eyes suddenly lightening as a smile grew across her face. "Shmi," she suddenly called. "Sweet, sweet Shmi."
"Shmi?" Obi-Wan frowned as his doubt resurfaced. "Are you sure?"
"Yes," she sighed, stuck within a happy memory. "We used to be friends. Good, good friends."
Obi-Wan plastered his face with an encouraging smile, trying to ignore the slight feeling of craziness that was escaping the older woman before him.
"And Ani," she continued, wrapping the cloth that was in her hands into a ball and swaying her shoulders as if she was holding an invisible child. "Oh sweet little, Ani, bless his little heart."
Him?
"Ani?" Obi-Wan pressed again, hearing the distinction. "Anakin?"
"No, no," the old woman fused again, waving her hands correcting him. "Ani. Ani Skywalker."
Obi-Wan decided to ignore the fact, deciding to press for more information. "What happened?"
All at once, the happiness that had engulfed her ceased and the previous sadness spread over her entire body like a giant wave; trapping her body and soul. "No one knows what truly happened," she admitted, her voice just above a whisper– a tormented and hurt murmur. "There–There was a commotion. They stole them in the night. They always steal at night."
Stolen? Obi-Wan frowned. "Who?"
"Slave dealers," the woman sighed, shaking her head. "Slave stealers. We are nothing but property to be bargained with– herds to robbed from our masters. Neither of them was seen again."
"Do you think its possible that–?" Obi-Wan continued to press, the news filling him with countless possibilities. It may have been a tragic story, but it was story that brought him hope. A Skywalker existed and they could be alive! "–somewhere they still could be alive?"
At his question, the woman's head snapped in his direction and for the first time, the woman seemed angry–beyond angry. "No, both died!" She nearly shouted, throwing the material back into her basket. "I remember now! I forgot because of the pain... It was a hard time for all of us. They died!"
"I'm sorry," Obi-Wan nodded quickly, wanting to apologize but still need more information. "But–
"All of them died!" she howled, tears prickling down her old face, catching in her small wrinkles. "The whole lot! We buried them! They died! We buried them!"
Obi-Wan shook his head in confusion, "But you said that they weren't seen? You said—"
"Hey!" Obi-Wan's question was interrupted as he was suddenly pulled backwards, his attention elsewhere and not on the Force presences around him. "Get out of here, Outlander!" The man continued, revealing himself to be the lowlife that Obi-Wan had tried to bargain with at the table–the owner of this woman. "Stay away from my property! And you," the man snapped, turning to the blubbering older woman as he reached into his back pocket. "You know better! You will pay for this!"
"There's no need," Obi-Wan backed away quickly, making sure to keep the woman out of further harm's way because of him. "It was my fault. I was mistaken. She tried to tell me and I pressed. You have my apologies."
The man only growled, grabbing the woman by the arm as she howled in pain before throwing her into the sand-shake and turning back to Obi-Wan. "Leave, Outlander! Leave now and if you return, I'll kill you!"
"Calm friend," Obi-Wan said as he moved his hands in a calming motion. "I will leave and not return. You have my word."
Without another word, Obi-Wan turned and began his track away, not sparing a second glance to look behind him. For once, he felt weary for telling the truth: that he wouldn't return. He meant it. He wanted to leave and never look back, but he had to piece together the puzzle that had been placed before him before he could do so.
But how? Obi-Wan thought to himself, thinking about the ship-load of information–of confusing information that had been placed before him. He had no doubt that it was connected to his current mission, but his mind couldn't make sense of the when, how, and what's. The information was contradicting and he didn't know what to believe. What did it all mean?
The sound of his comlink brought Obi-Wan out of his thoughts and with some hesitancy he answered the call. "Obi-Wan Ke–" he spoke into the device, but was quickly cut off by the hysterical nature of the other caller.
"Obi-Wan!" Bail Organa shouted frantically. "They're gone! The Second Rebellion– the Resistance… They're gone! Darth Vader destroyed them! He wiped them out!"
"What!" Obi-Wan nearly shouted, his mind again not comprehending the words, but also taking them in enough to react. Darth Vader had destroyed the Resistance? He had wiped out their second numbers? Obi-Wan just couldn't believe the report to be true. It wasn't possible! He hadn't felt a disturbance. He hadn't felt anything! The fact was unsettling and fearing. It meant that, like before, the Dark Side was obviously blinding him more than he, or Master Yoda would have liked. They were blind… just like before.
"Palo Campton, he just returned," Bail Organa continued, his voice still panicked, but more or less in control. "I would like to put him on the line with us."
Obi-Wan whispered his agreement, but felt bile rising to his throat. He knew the fact that Palo Campton was with Bail Organa could only mean one thing about Senator Amidala– but he didn't want to think about that situation. He couldn't be that blind… could he? Slowly, he moved into a nearby alley, needing and wanting to be away from any public eye.
"Master Kenobi," Palo's voice echoed from the device as Obi-Wan leaned against a building for support.
"Mr. Campton," Obi-Wan acknowledged, trying to stay even despite his waging emotions and current surroundings. "I must say… I am quite surprised to hear that you are on Skye."
"As am I," Palo admitted a sorrow in his voice that was quickly lifted. "It was an unexpected trip after Senator Amidala's attack."
"And–And…" Obi-Wan breathed, feeling the heavy weight again on his shoulders as his mouth ran dry. He didn't want to ask the question, but he desperately wanted to know the answer. He just prayed that he got the answer he was hoping for. "And Senator Amidala?"
"Senator Amidala is safe just as you have predicted," Palo reported and Obi-Wan hoped the two other men did not hear his sigh of completely relief upon the news. "Padmé helped me escape," Palo continued with a hidden emotion in his voice. "She didn't want anything to happen to me. She feared for my life."
Obi-Wan breathed uncomfortably remembering Campton's previous report and the love story he told within it. In fact, he could feel himself blushing just because of the thought of it. "How so?"
"There were suspicions about my involvement with the attack," Palo replied. "It was only a matter of time before I too was taken into custody. That's how Vader knew of the Resistance's location and I fear that the Empire will soon know our location as well," Palo admitted, his voice unable to hide his fear. "The only reason I was able to find Padmé was because of Vader's disappearance from Coruscant and from the given information, I can only guess that he was attacking the Resistance at the time that I found her."
"Then why didn't Senator Amidala escape with you?" Obi-Wan asked, pleased that his comrades could not see his expression on the other side of the universe knowing his frown of suspicion would give him away. Obi-Wan couldn't explain the feeling that washed over him as Palo Campton explained his story, the Force beginning to twirl and shift– as if something was happening – or had happened. Something didn't add up. Did Palo not want his lover to escape? Was that it?
"She is always guarded," Palo replied without delay, somewhat soothing Obi-Wan's suspicions. "There were more than fifty troopers guarding her wing alone. I had no chance."
"Fifty troopers?" Obi-Wan repeated with a frown. That seemed a bit obnoxious, especially if Vader was across the galaxy fighting a war. Why would he waste so many troops just to guard one senator? Unless… "Is Senator Amidala well?"
Palo breathed a rugged and harsh laugh. "As well as she can be," Palo growled. "No one can be completely well in her situation. She is a bit shaken and beaten after the attack, but it is nothing after experiencing the abuse of Darth Vader."
Obi-Wan frowned, but Bail's voice echoed before his did.
"I thought you said that Darth Vader hadn't harmed her physically," Bail spoke, reminding Obi-Wan that he too was still on the line.
"I'm not sure," Palo replied, but there was anger laced within every word. "He likes to control her. I've seen him do it. The fear he causes her, he has his own ways of torture, but I am sure now that he is physically abusing her as well. It is the only thing that makes sense." Palo took a deep breath, his voice pained and enraged. "Vader," he whispered. "He walks like a man… but he is nothing but a monster."
"We are all aware of this fact," Bail agreed. "I've seen it before."
"Yes," Obi-Wan replied, his voice barely above a whisper, his concentration and energy focusing on his mind, trying to keep away the harsh memories of the tales of Darth Vader slaying his fellow brothers and sisters. Oh yes, Vader was no man– He was a monster. He was a Sith Lord… the most powerful being anyone had ever seen in generations.
"Obi-Wan," Bail said suddenly. "I believe the time for a rescue is upon us. With the Resistance gone, our numbers are dwindling as it is. We need to rescue Padmé before it is too late."
"Especially," Palo added quickly, almost desperately. "If Vader figures out that Padmé helped me escape."
"I agree," Obi-Wan nodded. "When I return we will revise a plan. See if rescue at this time is possible."
Bail audibly clenched his teeth. "And if it's not?"
"We make it possible," Obi-Wan replied without delay. "Vader is our main issue. We just need to have a well thought out plan to get Senator Amidala from him. We have to be smarter than him, possibly even destroy him in the process."
"Master Kenobi," Palo suddenly spoke. "Senator Organa has told me about the man you hope could defeat Vader? He says you are on his trail. Have you found him?"
"I–" Obi-Wan stumbled, expecting, but not prepared for that particular question. "I have made great progress–"
"We are losing numbers and hope, Obi-Wan." Bail announced before the Jedi could finish. "I had to make the report of the Chosen One and that he would be within our ranks shortly. It was the only way to secure our stability, especially if the Council decides to move us off of Skye because of the threat of Lord Vader."
Obi-Wan paled, his mouth opening and shutting but no words escaping his lips.
"You have found him correct, Master Kenobi?" Palo pressed, his voice high and full of hope. "You have the Chosen One?"
No, I haven't. Obi-Wan thought, and he opened his mouth to give some explanation… but found himself doing the complete opposite. "I have," Obi-Wan lied before he could stop himself, his heart beating wildly and his eyes widening to extreme size as the deception, continued to poor from his lips. "As I was saying I have made great progress here. I was lead right to him and we are forming a plan as we speak."
"Wonderful" "Spectacular!" Both men shouted, their happiness beyond obvious as they almost seemed to cheer on the other end of the comlink. The celebration lasted minutes before Bail Organa regained himself and took the conversation into control– thankfully for Obi-Wan.
"This is wonderful news, Master Kenobi," he said professionally. "I will inform the others at once. We wish you and the Chosen One luck, and hope to see you back here in the matter of days. Correct?"
"Correct," Obi-Wan paled, unable to stop the lie. "I'll– We'll be leaving shortly."
"We'll see you both soon," Bail answered smoothly, but Obi-Wan could hear the joy within his voice. He ended the communication after Palo wished another goodbye and as the comlink disconnected, Obi-Wan looked at the device in horror.
"Sith!" Obi-Wan cursed as he placed the device back into his pocket, his panic and anxiety beginning to overwhelm him. "What have I done? What have I done!"
The only thing I could do, he told himself… but he wasn't sure if the thought was the lie or the truth. Once again he had done the wrong thing with the correct goal in mind. His lie was the only way to keep hope within the ranks– to keep the Rebellion from falling. Right? Either way there was no turning back now. He called upon the Force to sooth him, to guide him further. His mind pushed away his lies– his deception and called back upon the information he had been given. He had been given only a small amount of information, but it had to be enough. He had to leave and come up with a plan… but there was one thing he knew he had to do before his real mission began.
Author's Note: Okay, I know.. Not the entire chapter you were expecting. I had to split this chapter in two for uploading purposes, since my chapters are always so big I guess it screws up the server and I don't have time to work with it right now. Vader/Padmé up next, I just need to double check it and hopefully it will upload. Again, sorry for the wait but I started film school this month and so far... it's kicking my ass. Seriously. Hope you enjoyed! And are curious to know what is going on! Thanks lovelies! Drop a review!