Summary:

Anakin uses the holo-comm trick on Dooku.

Obi-Wan finds Jinn and learns several shocking things.

Obi-Wan talks to Satine.

A Sith appears.

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19.

"Where the hell is everyone?" asked Anakin.

He had been trying to find Obi-Wan and Jinn for the last half hour and couldn't find either of them. Anakin had just finished making the holo-comm with Palpatine's image and voice in order to trick Dooku into revealing the Sith Lord's identity. He wanted to ask for Obi-Wan's opinion before he went through with it.

He tried his comm, but no one was answering. At last, Anakin decided to comm Cody. If anyone knew where Obi-Wan was it would be his Commander.

"Cody here, General."

Exasperated, Anakin said, "Finally! I've been trying to get a hold of Obi-Wan and Jinn, but they aren't answering. Where are they?"

"General Kenobi took a trip to Mandalore, sir."

Anakin frowned and asked, "Why?"

"The General said he wanted to check on Master Jinn. Apparently, he and Ventress went there on a mission from Commander Tano."

"Why am I just hearing about this now?"

Cody awkwardly said, "Technically, it's not an official mission."

Anakin sighed and said, "Wait, then who is running the Lab?"

Cody shook his head and said, "I don't know, sir."

Anakin frowned and said, "Have you heard anything from Ahsoka and Rex?"

Cody stoically replied, "Yes, sir. They ran into some trouble on Lothal."

The Jedi Knight anxiously asked, "What kind of trouble? Was anyone hurt?"

"It was a bombing incident. Senator Bentori was injured. It doesn't look good, sir."

Anakin took a deep breath and said, "Alright, where are Rex and Ahsoka now? Are they bringing Senator Bonteri here?"

"I don't know, sir. Commander Tano didn't say in her last report."

"Alright, keep me posted."

"Yes, General."

Anakin ended his call with Cody and crossed his arms over his chest. He hoped that Padme was safe. He knew she would be fine as long as she was with Ahsoka and Rex. His Padawan was mature beyond her years and Rex was his most trusted trooper.

Though, he wondered what was so special about Mandalore. It wasn't like Obi-Wan to drop everything without telling him first. He remembered from Ahsoka and Rex's report that Darth Maul was present on Mandalore and involved with Death Watch. However, Anakin was confident that Jinn and Ventress were more than enough to take down a Sith. The two sparred daily and Anakin was impressed by their skills.

He figured he should get the Chancellor's identity from Dooku by himself. He didn't see much point in waiting.

XXX

Dooku was meditating in his cell. There was little else he could do but bide his time. He tried contacting his Master through the Force, but the drug they gave him dulled his focus. No one visited him except Master Yoda. He was monitored by clones who kept him sedated and feed.

It was incredibly boring.

Then, unexpectedly a small droid scurried to the front of his cell. A holo-comm activated and projected the image of Chancellor Palpatine.

"You disappoint me, Dooku."

The Count was startled by the holo-image of his Master, but then he narrowed his brow with suspicion. He could see no reason why his Master would choose to contact him in such a way. It would make more sense if Sidious arranged for his freedom than to reprimand him. It was also strange that Sidious did not cover his face with his hood as he normally did. Dooku decided to play along.

"So, it would seem."

"Is that how you greet your Master?"

"Forgive me, but the drug the Jedi have given me has clouded my senses. Please, tell me what is it that you want?"

Elsewhere, Anakin fumed. He was sure that Dooku would address the holo-image of the Chancellor as his master from the start. He knew there was something wrong. Dooku was obviously onto him. He decided to try and get Dooku to identify the Chancellor again.

"Enough of your excuses. Am I not your Master, Dooku?"

The Count frowned and said, "I don't know what sort of trickery this is, but it won't work."

Anakin cut off his microphone and placed his hand over his face with a groan. He knew he had messed up. He pushed Dooku to identify him as his master too hard. Anakin was sure that all he needed was to show the Chancellor's face and Dooku would do the rest. He decided to save the situation as best he could.

"Think what you like, but your failure is inexcusable. I have no use for failures."

The image of the Chancellor disappeared and the little droid creeped away into the corridor. Meanwhile, Dooku began to worry. He was certain that the person speaking to him was not his Master, but it did not mean that he hadn't spoken the truth. He had failed. His Master knew this. Though, he didn't know who he had spoken to. He didn't think the Jedi were aware of the Sith Lord's identity, but someone else did.

XXX

Elsewhere, Obi-Wan had taken a ship to Mandalore. He arrived at the capital and was surprised to discover that it was overrun by Death Watch. There were in full armor and patrolling the area. Obi-Wan worried for Satine's safety. There was no telling what the terrorists might do. He decided to rescue her and sneak in. It was clear that something must have happened to Jinn.

Soundless, Obi-Wan scaled the building and slipped inside an open balcony. He was relieved to discover that the room was empty. He headed to the door and out into the hall. He decided that the best place to look for Satine was in her room. He was careful not to be seen, but he soon heard someone approaching.

Obi-Wan quickly ducked inside another dark room and waited for the footsteps of the guard to pass. He couldn't afford to be captured. His friends needed him. However, he sensed that he wasn't alone. There was someone else in the room. Obi-Wan narrowed his brow and stepped towards the bedroom. The door was slightly ajar. He carefully opened the door and nearly had a heart attack at what he saw.

He saw Jinn was lying in bed with a woman.

"Jinn! In the world are you doing?"

Bleary eyed, Jinn sat up at the sound of Obi-Wan's voice and turned to look at him and muttered, "What? Who's there?"

The Jedi Master shook his head and approached him. "It's Obi-Wan."

Jinn sleepily replied, "Wh-Why are you here?"

Obi-Wan picked up Jinn's clothes off the floor and tossed it at him and said, "In case you haven't noticed, Death Watch has taken over the capital."

Jinn started to get dressed as he followed Obi-Wan out into the sitting room. He had his lower half done when he turned to face Obi-Wan.

In a low voice, Jinn said, "For your information, I have the situation under control."

Indignant, Obi-Wan said, "You call this under control!"

The amber Jedi put his robes on and raised his hand up to his mouth to hush him and said, "Please, keep your voice down or you'll wake her."

Before Obi-Wan could think, he lowered his voice and said, "I don't care about your latest conquest."

Jinn fixed his belt with his sword and sabers before he paused. He gripped the hilt of his sword as his blood boiled and softly said, "Don't you dare call her a conquest."

Obi-Wan crossed his arms over his chest and raised his brow and said, "You can't be serious. Is some one-night stand really more important to you then the welfare of the people?"

Jinn closed the distance between them and in a deadly calm voice, he said, "You're lucky we share blood, or I would spill yours."

Obi-Wan was taken back by Jinn's anger, but his body language suggested that he meant every word he said. "You forget yourself, Jinn."

"And you have no right to judge me. You're not my father."

Suddenly, a sickening realization occurred to Obi-Wan. He felt his heart sink to his stomach as the pieces fell into place. He wanted to deny it, but the Force was telling him otherwise. He lowered his head at how blind he had been.

"That's our relationship, isn't it? In the other timeline, I'm your father."

Jinn shut his eyes and turned away from him. He didn't want him to see his sadness and grief. With his back stilled turned towards him, he said, "Yes."

Obi-Wan didn't know how to respond. Jinn was his son. It meant that he might break the code someday. It meant that he had formed an attachment. Obi-Wan couldn't imagine himself involved with anyone intimately without having feelings between them. It meant that Jinn had a mother. When Obi-Wan looked at Jinn, he couldn't see anything of the woman that birth him. Jinn was practically his carbon copy. Yet, whoever she was, he knew that she had reflective eyes.

"Why didn't you tell me?"

Jinn took a deep breath before facing Obi-Wan and said, "I was afraid you won't accept it. I was afraid that if you knew, you would go out of your way to avoid any possibility of what could be from happening. I don't want you to become a slave to destiny. I've made my peace that my existence here may not happen."

Obi-Wan had no idea that Jinn carried such a heavy burden. He couldn't even imagine how strange the situation must be from his perspective. Obi-Wan never knew his own parents. He had been raised at the Temple since he was an infant. He had no experience being a child with parents. Yet, it was clear that Jinn cared about his father.

"How can you be sure you won't exist?"

"You would have met her by now."

"Who?"

Jinn smiled mischievously and said, "Now, where's the fun in telling?"

"Jinn," scolded Obi-Wan. "I don't like surprises."

"Well, I'm surprised to see you, Obi-Wan," said Ventress.

The ex-assassin was fully dressed and standing at the doorway of the bedroom. Her arms were crossed her chest and her shoulder was leaning against the frame. She then walked towards Jinn. She placed her hand on his shoulder and the other against his face to guide him into a kiss. Jinn smiled and took her hand in his.

"Good morning, my darling."

Obi-Wan was mortified. He didn't get a good look at Jinn's companion, so he didn't know that he had been sleeping with Ventress. Obi-Wan covered his face with his hands.

"Force, why would-why would you choose to sleep with Ventress of all people!"

Jinn smiled and patted Obi-Wan on the back and said, "I thought she'd make a fine daughter-in-law for you."

Obi-Wan lowered his hands from his face and gave Jinn a glare. "That's not funny, Jinn."

Ventress narrowed her brow and asked, "Am I missing something?"

Jinn replied, "No, darling. I was just about to tell Obi-Wan how we defeated the leader of Death Watch and how they are now under our command. Though, I also deposed the Duchess."

Obi-Wan frowned and said, "Then, who is ruling Mandalore?"

Jinn replied, "I am for the time being. You read Miss Tano's report. You know the Duchess is in danger. It's a lot safer for her if she remains deposed for now."

"Jinn, you can't do this."

"I already have, and I intend to make the most of my position. I want to unite the houses. The Duchess' pacifism is too extreme. It was under her leadership that organizations like Death Watch came to be. Now that I have them, I intend to make them heel."

Obi-Wan shook his head and said, "No, Jinn. You can't interfere like this."

"Why not? Someone has to."

The Jedi Master knew all too well what Jinn was feeling. There were many times in his life that he wished he could intervene, but he knew he couldn't. He clasped his hand onto Jinn's arm and said, "Jedi do not interfere in the politics of other worlds. We are guardians and peacekeepers. We are not tyrants and conquerors."

Jinn frowned and said, "Don't contradict yourself, Obi-Wan. You are an excellent general as well as a negotiator."

Obi-Wan sighed and said, "Perhaps, but you forget that you are not a part of this timeline. Your interference may not be what the Force intended."

Jinn shook his head. He removed Obi-Wan's hand off his arm and gently said, "Years ago, I used to worry about destiny as you do. I kept to myself. I didn't interfere. I felt that it wasn't my place and that this world wasn't my home. I was alone. It was a dark time for me, but I soon realized that I had stopped living. I learned that it doesn't matter where I am or who I meet, I'll keep fighting to slay the wicked and to protect the weak because this world may not be my home, but it belongs to others and I am a part of it. I can't stand by and do nothing."

Obi-Wan lowered his gaze. He realized that with all his faults, Jinn was a good man with a good heart. There was no doubt in his mind that his father was proud of him.

"Jinn, you've placed me in a difficult position."

Jinn smiled and said, "I'm sure you'll be able to figure your way out of that position. Now, go find your Duchess. In the meantime, Miss Ventress and I will organize a meeting with the Mandalorian houses with Death Watch's help."

XXX

Obi-Wan was so confused. In a span of a few hours, he learned that Jinn was his alternate son, Ventress was Jinn's girlfriend and they were both taking over Mandalore with Death Watch's help. Half dazed, he eventually found Satine in her quarters.

"Obi? You're here."

Satine wasn't dressed in formal attire. Instead, she wore a long pink waistcoat over dark pants and boots. She ran up to Obi-Wan and gave him a hug. Obi-Wan was startled at first, but he gently returned her embrace.

A moment later she pulled away and said, "Master Jinn has taken over the capital."

Obi-Wan said, "Yes, I know. I've spoken to him."

Satine said, "We need to stop him."

Obi-Wan stepped away from her and said, "I don't know if that's such a good idea."

Furious, she said, "What do you mean not a good idea? Didn't you talk any sense into him? After all, he is your cousin."

The Jedi Master cringed. Jinn wasn't his cousin. In another life, Jinn was his son. Obi-Wan never had any blood relations before. It was strange. He never felt so close to someone he didn't really know before. It was different than what he felt for Anakin. He considered his former apprentice as the closest person he had to a son or a brother. Yet, those feelings paled in comparison. He saw himself in him. He realized that like Jinn, a part of him had stopped living.

"You're in danger, Satine. What Jinn is doing is temporary."

Satine asked, "Did he say that?"

"Yes, he will leave after the danger has passed."

"I fear that he will do more damage the longer he stays. You should have heard him, Obi. The way he rallied Death Watch will only work to undo the peace we've built."

Obi-Wan said, "Satine, that's not Jinn's intention. If anything, he wants to help unify Mandalore."

"Yes, under a banner of war! I don't understand why you're defending him."

"I'm not defending him. I just want to help keep you safe."

Satine scuffed and said, "So, you believe Jinn's ridiculous story that somehow Darth Maul is alive and wants me dead?"

Suddenly a voice from the balcony caught their attention and said, "Oh, but the tales of my demise are greatly exaggerated, my dear Duchess."

Obi-Wan stepped in front of Satine as Darth Maul stepped into the room. Obi-Wan noticed that Maul's lower half was cybernetics. The Jedi Master raised his brow and said, "Well, it looks like the tale end of you has met its demise. I'll be happy to help you with the other half."

"Oh, such disdain, Kenobi. I heard a rumor that you've been masquerading as a Sith. With threats like that I could almost believe it, Darth Malice."

Satine said, "Obi, what is he talking about?"

Obi-Wan replied, "I have no idea."

Maul smiled and said, "Now, don't play coy with me. I was rather impressed to learn that you actually killed Pre Vizsla before me."

Obi-Wan frowned and said, "Again, I'm afraid I don't follow you."

Maul casually raised his hand and said, "You don't have to pretend. Tell me, what was it like murdering him in cold blood? How did it feel to crush him in his armor like a tin can? You must have felt something when you ran him through?"

The Jedi Master said, "You're mistaken, Maul. I didn't kill Pre Vizsla."

Wild eyed, the Sith said, "No, I saw you. You and your little friend."

Suddenly, Obi-Wan knew who Maul was talking about. He was talking about Jinn. It meant that Jinn had killed Pre Vizsla. It was the reason why Death Watch was following him. He had killed their leader and replaced him. Obi-Wan was disappointed. He had hoped that Jinn would be a better man than him.

Meanwhile, Maul was confused. He sensed that Obi-Wan was telling him the truth. He hadn't been the one who killed the leader of Death Watch after all.

"So, it wasn't you. Who was it?"

Satine stepped forward and said, "He doesn't have to answer to you. Now, leave my capital."

Maul grabbed Satine by the back of her neck and ignited one end of his red lightsaber. Obi-Wan tried to pull her away, but Maul raised the laser up to the Duchess' neck. He pulled her head back and glared.

"You are nothing but a means to an end, my dear. Don't interrupt me."

Obi-Wan inched closer and said, "Let her go, Maul. Whatever you want is between us. Leave her out of it."

Maul smiled and said, "Oh, but the thing I want most is to make you suffer as you have made me suffer, Kenobi. Now, throw away your weapon."

Wordlessly, Obi-Wan complied. He unclipped his lightsaber from his belt and tossed it across the room. He raised his hands in surrender and said, "There, now let her go."

The Sith growled, "No! Now, get down on your knees."

Satine shook her head and said, "Obi, no."

Obi-Wan did as Maul instructed. He got down onto his knees, but silently made eye contact with Satine. He wanted to assure her and looked for an opening. Satine knew she had to do something. Without warning, she shifted her eyes in Obi-Wan's direct as a signal before she elbowed Maul in the stomach. She ducked free from his hold as he recovered his breath. Meanwhile, Obi-Wan Force-shoved Maul back. He then summoned his lightsaber back into his hand. He ignited the blue lightsaber and the two men clashed.

Obi-Wan called out, "Run, Satine!"

"No!" roared Maul as Satine ran out of the room and into the hall. He swept his hand and used the Force to try and cut her off by closing the door, but instead it shut on the back of her foot. Satine cried out as she fell. However, she shouted at the top of her lungs for help.

"Help! Jinn! It's Maul. He's here!"

Yet, Darth Maul didn't care. He had Obi-Wan alone. He was going to defeat him. He ignited the other end of his red lightsaber and attacked. The two fought with aggressive thrusts and parries. Satine's quarters were trashed as lightsaber burns destroyed her furniture and belongings.

Unexpectedly, the door was thrown open and Jinn Force-shoved Maul away from Obi-Wan. The amber Jedi drew his sword and saber and together he and Obi-Wan began to drive Maul back towards the open balcony. Maul knew he was outnumbered. He pressed a signal on his wrist comm, and his ship was summoned to him. He leapt off the balcony and made a hasty retreat.

He couldn't believe what he saw.

"There are two Kenobis."

XXX

TBC

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