Chapter 1: A Master's Worst Nightmare
Summary: "Master?!" Obi-Wan replied, his voice laced with a mixture of hope and fear "Master, where are we?"
Qui-Gon watched Mace for a moment before turning his attention back to the boy on the other end of the comlink. "I don't know Padawan, but I will find you."
"...find me?" his voice sounded younger than it should've and he let out a small whimper.
There is an unspoken rule throughout the galaxy - if you go after a Jedi Padawan you better make sure the Master isn't breathing. Unfortunately, not everyone follows that particular rule.
00000
"Our Padawans have been on their survival retreat for less than a week and already your apartment is a complete disaster." Tahl gently chided him as they entered his quarters.
He looked disbelieving into her sightless eyes. "And how exactly would you know that?"
"Because I know you my dear friend, and don't pretend that Obi-Wan isn't the one who cleans up after you." She smiled as she took a seat on his well worn sofa. "Besides Qui, you really should at least open a window to do something for the smell."
"Ha ha," Qui-Gon Jinn rolled his eyes. "Remind me again why I invited you over."
"I honestly have no idea why we agreed to come here instead of my place." Tahl sat back and crossed her long legs. "Frankly my love you really are a lost cause without Obi-Wan around aren't you?"
The long haired Jedi Master began opening windows and lighting incense stopped and contemplated her words. "There is some truth to that Tahl, he does keep me busy."
"Keeps you in line more like it." Tahl smiled, draping her arm across the back of his couch. "He's good for you."
"He certainly has his moments," Qui-Gon found himself in Obi-Wan's room to open the window, but instead glanced around the room fondly.
"…'has his moments', come on Qui." Tahl tisked. "You know he can't hear you praising him right now, he's not going to turn dark if you happen to let it slip that he's been a blessing in your life."
"Wouldn't want to spoil the lad by getting into the habit." He teased.
His eyes narrowed as he noticed a small communicator sitting in the center of Obi-Wan's prestinly made bed. The Jedi Master picked it up and looked at it in curiosity, it wasn't temple issued which made him wonder why his fifteen year old Apprentice would have it.
"Yes, Force forbid." The Noorian rolled her sightless eyes. "You know it wouldn't be the worst thing in the galaxy to attempt to spoil that boy."
Qui-Gon didn't respond as he emerged from the Padawan's room, his attention focused on the nondescript comlink in his large hands.
"You could feed him more at the very least," Tahl spoke in her most maternal voice. "Put some meat on those bones."
"Now you just sound like Dex," Qui-Gon finally answered, though his tone was still distracted.
Tahl turned towards his voice, sensing his unease through the Force. "Qui, what is it?"
"It's a comlink." He eyed it suspiciously and moved towards the couch. "I found it on Obi-Wan's bed."
"Well, he is a teenager Jinn," the Noorian smiled, hoping it would put his unrest at ease. "I'm sure it's nothing."
"Except it's not a temple com," he continued to inspect it. "And the hologram feature has been disabled."
"Maybe someone on one of your missions gave it to him." Tahl tried to be helpful. "From what Bant says our Obi is a bit of a flirt."
Qui-Gon let out a snort of agreement at her comment. "Gods, you have no idea Tahl, and I fear it's only going to get worse as he gets older."
"You're going to be beating them off with a stick once he grows into those dimples Qui," Tahl teased.
He huffed at her quip, knowing she wasn't entirely wrong but was saved from getting more in depth with speculations about his Padawan's future exploits and suitors when the door chime rang. Qui-Gon rose to his feet with a grumble, stretching his long torso and tossing the comlink on the caff table.
"That'll be our dear Councillor Windu." He said as he headed for the door.
It wasn't often that the three old crechemates were able to spend time together so they were all very happy to be able to enjoy the evening not as Jedi, but as friends. Qui-Gon opened the door and smiled at the very exhausted Korun Master standing on the other side.
"Truce?" Mace asked before anything else could be said.
Qui-Gon sighed, the last he had seen his childhood friend it had been during a heated Council session. Once again the famous Jedi Maverick had refused to back down from what he perceived to be an overstep by the Jedi Council. He had been ordered to meditate on their decision and it had not gone over very well.
"Truce," Qui-Gon nodded and motioned for Mace to enter.
Mace Windu offered a relieved smile and crossed the threshold, he turned to his friend again only this time holding out a bottle of Spotchka. Qui-Gon eyed the glowing blue alcohol and then raised an eyebrow towards Mace.
"Depa had a mission on Sorgan, she brought back a few bottles." Mace shrugged.
"Mace darling, come sit with me!" Tahl called out, extending her slender hand to the newcomer.
The two men chuckled and Mace gently took her hand in his, placing a soft and friendly kiss to the back of it before sitting on the couch next to her.
"A pleasure as always to see you my friend," he smiled at Tahl. "You make his company bearable."
Qui-Gon snorted. "Remind me again why I remain friends with the two of you."
"Because you'd get nothing done otherwise without having us as allies on the Council and in the Archives my dear." Tahl called out, brushing her hand against his as he walked past the back of the couch towards the kitchen.
"With allies like the two of you I might as well have just kept in contact with Master Dooku." Qui-Gon joked, reaching into the cupboards for three glasses.
"Oh you love us." Tahl called out to him.
"He misses you by the way," Mace said after a moment. "I heard him talking to Yoda about it." He allowed himself to sink into the comfort of the couch cushions. "Is it true he hasn't met Obi-Wan yet?"
Qui-Gon placed the bottle down on the counter a little harder than he intended, he glanced up at his worried friends. "Let's not talk about him tonight, I'd rather not spoil the mood."
"Qui,"
"Tahl, please." Qui-Gon returned to the living room with the three glasses, handing one to each of his friends.
"I wouldn't be much of a Council Member if I didn't remind you not to dwell on your anger Qui-Gon." Mace said calmly.
"Well, it's a good thing you're not here tonight as a Council Member then isn't it?" Qui-Gon shot back, taking a drink from his glass.
Mace thought for a moment and nodded. "You're right, kriff him!"
"Kriff him!" Tahl and Qui-Gon said in unison and the three friends toasted.
"Hello?" A young and familiar voice called out, interrupting their conversation.
It was as if the air had been sucked out of the room, the Force seemed to shiver. The three friends all looked at one another in a mixture of confusion and great concern.
"Was that," Tahl asked, sitting up on the edge of the couch.
"Where did that come from?" Mace also sat up, placing his glass on the table.
Qui-Gon then felt a sense of dread rise up, but he realized it wasn't his own but he felt it along the training bond he shared with his apprentice. He knelt down on the floor beside the couch and grabbed the discarded comlink.
"Hello!" The young voice called again, this time more frantic.
"Obi-Wan, Padawan?" Qui-Gon spoke into the comlink as quickly as he could.
"Master?!" Obi-Wan replied, his voice laced with a mixture of hope and fear "Master, where are we?"
Qui-Gon looked up at his friends, Mace immediately jumped onto his Council comlink to try and reach the Masters incharge of the Padawan retreat.
"Knight Ti, do you have eyes on Obi-Wan Kenobi?" Mace moved towards the bedroom to get a better signal.
Qui-Gon watched him for a moment before turning his attention back to the boy on the other end of the comlink. "I don't know Padawan, but I will find you."
"...find me?" his voice sounded younger than it should've and he let out a small whimper.
"Padawan, I cannot see you, describe your surroundings." The sound made Qui-Gon's heart clench. "Stay focused, there must be a way out, or some clue as to where you are so I can come get you."
"I'm trapped in a small, square room with white tiles from floor to ceiling." Obi-Wan took a deep breath and began to describe his surroundings, causing the Master to feel pride in the boy's courage. "I um...I don't see any windows or doors."
Qui-Gon felt Thal's hand gripping his forearm, offering her support. He then heard the sound of hydraulics and what sounded like metal chains clinking against stone coming through the comlink.
"There's some kind of collar and chains on my neck." Obi-Wan's voice shivered. "I can't move Master, it feels like there are needles in my back."
Mace returned to the room, his face was the familiar Council look most younglings were scared of, but Qui-Gon knew it was his determined face, one he adopted when he wasn't pleased or was in full protective mode. He looked at Qui-Gon and shook his head.
"Knight Ti said that Obi-Wan's tent is empty." Mace solemnly stated. "There is no sign of a struggle, he's just... gone."
"What about the other Padawans?" Tahl asked, concern for her own apprentice evident in her voice.
"They're doing a roll call now." Mace said, but so far it looks to just be Obi-Wan."
"Master, I...I'm scared." The young apprentice admitted, causing the three Masters to return their attention to the small comlink.
In the back of his mind Qui-Gon knew he should use this as a teaching moment, reminding Obi-Wan to release his anxieties, or to remind him that fear is the path to the dark side. But, he knew such a lesson would make him a hypocrite in that moment.
"Me too Padawan," Qui-Gon admitted. "But, I need you to be brave. Be the boy I saw on Bandomeer, have courage, young one...I will find you."
Tahl jumped to her feet, unable to stay still any longer. "I'll fetch my datapad, maybe I can trace the source of the transmission."
"Hurry Tahl, please." Qui-Gon's eyes were pleading.
The Noorian bent down and placed a kiss to the top of Qui-Gon's head and raced out of the room. Mace was busy reaching out to other Council Members which left Qui-Gon alone with his kidnapped Padawan's voice. After several agonizing silent moments Qui-Gon heard Obi-Wan let out a hiss and felt a stabbing pain across their bond.
"What is happening, Obi-Wan?!" Qui-Gon's voice was nearly urgent.
"Master, it hurts." The boy cried out in response.
The Master closed his eyes, attempting to send comfort through their bond, knowing it was doing very little good. It was then that he got an idea, it was a slim chance but he could try and pinpoint his Padawan's whereabouts through their bond.
"I'm sorry it hurts Padawan," Qui-Gon tried to regain control of his voice. "Tell me what is happening, stay awake. I'm trying to track you through our bond, but I can sense you are very far away. I need you to stay conscious, do you understand Obi-Wan?"
A soft groan. "Yes Master,"
"Good boy, that's my good boy." The older man's voice cracked. "Now, tell me what hurts."
"My back, there are needles and tubes in my back and it hurts really bad." The Master could tell that he was trying to keep the pain out of his voice. "I can't move my arms very well, and I feel nauseated and sluggish."
"Probably whatever they drugged you with to kidnap you," Qui-Gon explained. "That should pass in time."
"Master, I can't feel my toes." The boy whined. "I can't feel my legs at all...what if it's..."
Qui-Gon couldn't stop the sharp inhale from emitting from his lungs, flashes of Obi-Wan's career being slowed or halted by paralyzation sent a chill down his spine. He quickly pushed those thoughts aside, they didn't matter now.
"It's okay, don't immediately think the worst, Obi-Wan. Keep your concentration here and now," he was reminding himself as much as his apprentice.
"Yes Master," the reply was less certain.
"Remember your training Obi-Wan, tell me about your surroundings again, maybe you missed something." Qui-Gon knew he had to keep the boy awake in order to try tracking him.
As Obi-Wan went to work looking for possible exits or defining elements to the dungeon he was being held in, Qui-Gon looked up as Mace reentered the room. The Korun Master sat down slowly on the edge of the couch and looked towards the horrified Master in sympathy.
"There have been no demands made, no ransom requested." He quietly explained. "And since Obi-Wan was the only one taken it looks to be a personal attack."
Qui-Gon nodded, he had figured as much. "But on who, me or Obi-Wan?"
"Does it matter?" Mace sighed.
"There's nothing Master…" Obi-Wan's voice interrupted them, the exhaustion in his voice was evident.
"They had to get you in there somehow, look again Padawan." Qui-Gon urged. "Use the Force."
As Qui-Gon went to turn back to Mace to try and figure out a rescue strategy he was startled as Obi-Wan let out a scream of pain and his breathing became erratic with fear.
"Breath Obi-Wan, breath through the pain." Qui-Gon tried to sooth his tortured apprentice, but was struggling to maintain his own level of calm. "Tell me what is happening."
"It hurts Master…" the boy said between breaths.
Both Mace and Qui-Gon gritted their teeth, the Force was wailing at them now and Qui-Gon nearly doubled over in pain at what he was feeling through the training bond.
"What hurts?" Qui-Gon begged, he needed to know every excruciating detail. "I have to know how I can help you."
"It hurts to use the Force," Obi-Wan exclaimed,his voice cracking.
"I know it hurts young one," a new voice rang through the comlink, causing the hair on the back of Qui-Gon's neck to stand up. "But you mustn't shy away from using it."
"Who is that?" Mace asked, and Qui-Gon shook his head.
"What...what do you want from me?" Obi-Wan's voice squeaked, reminding everyone he was still so very young and in the midst of puberty.
"Oh my young Jedi, we need you to do exactly what you are currently doing." The feminine voice spoke again through the internal com system. "Just keep using that Force of yours."
"It can't be," Qui-Gon's voice seemed to tremble as recognition hit him.
"You should feel lucky Obi-Wan," the woman continued.
"There's no such thing as luck" Obi-Wan countered which Qui-Gon couldn't help the fond tilt of his head at his apprentice's tenacity.
"You will be the Jedi to finally lead me to the most amazing breakthrough in medical history." The woman's voice was calming yet off putting. "We're so close to finding the secrets behind the Force and hopefully thanks to you we'll be able to put it to use in order to save countless lives."
"But the Force cannot be explained by science." The apprentice argued.
"Sweet child, there is always a scientific explanation to every mystery in this fair galaxy of ours." The woman replied, confidently.
"Zan Arbor," Qui-Gon's voice snarled and Mace was startled by the anger beneath it.
"Ah, you found our comlink. So nice of you to join us Master Jinn." Zan Arbor replied. "It's been far too long."
"Jenna Zan Arbor?" Obi-Wan seemed to finally catch up. "But, you were sentenced to life in prison...how…"
"It's helpful when influential people believe in the merit of your work." Qui-Gon could hear her smug, satisfied smile through her voice.
"You will release my apprentice at once Zan Arbor or so help me I will make sure you rot away in the darkest cell the Republic has to offer!" Qui-Gon exclaimed, but realized his side of the sound had been muted.
He threatened to throw the comlink across the room, but Mace stopped him. It was at that moment that Tahl raced into the room with her archive datapad in hand, on her heels were Plo Koon and to Qui-Gon's surprise Dooku who was carrying Master Yoda on his back.
"Give me that," Tahl reached for the comlink, plugging a cord into it from her datapad.
"Hurry Tahl, please." Qui-Gon quietly pleaded.
"Wasn't the boy at a temple sanctioned outing on Endor? How could this have happened?" Dooku asked, allowing Yoda to climb onto the sofa.
"Spare us the lectures, Master." Qui-Gon felt his blood boil. "We need to focus on finding Obi-Wan, not placing blame."
"There is always time to learn something, my old Padawan." the older man replied, his voice curt as always. "However, I was merely asking because perhaps a clue could've been left at the scene that could assist our search."
"We are in contact with the team, if they find anything they will let us know." Mace answered.
"Now, young Obi-Wan we will be placing you in various scenarios where it would behoove you to use the Force. We are studying the way your body and Midichlorians respond to things like healing and regulating body temperature. We will then collect samples of your blood at these heightened moments to see if we can synthetically recreate what gives you your Force sensitivity." Zan Arbor's voice cut through the tension in the room.
"And what if I just refuse to tap into the Force?" It was clear that Obi-Wan was trying to keep the fear out of his voice.
"I suppose that is one way to handle the situation." Dooku marvelled at the boy's courage.
"Only if he wants to get himself killed," Qui-Gon groaned.
"I highly doubt that will be an issue my young friend." Zan Arbor sighed. "That was the reason you were chosen."
"I was chosen?" Obi-Wan asked, his voice so very quiet.
Qui-Gon felt his body still, knowing without the explanation that the mad scientist had targeted his Padawan because of him. He could sense that every other Jedi in the room had come to the same conclusion, they were all just waiting for his reaction.
"We recently discovered the failure of our last experiment." Zan Arbor's voice was far too elated for the Jed's comfort. "A Jedi Master has the training to withstand our procedures without the Force, a young apprentice on the other hand…"
"Tahl, please tell me you found something." He tried to avoid looking at anyone else.
"Patience Qui-Gon," Tahl replied, her fingers typing faster than he's ever seen someone type.
"We may not have the luxury of patience Master Uvain." Dooku replied.
"You are strong in the Force, or so your file said." Zan Arbor continued.
"File, how would she gain access to a Padawan's file?" Plo Koon asked the room, his raspy voice full of concern.
"Master Nu," Mace called into his comlink. "We're going to need you to check for any recent data breaches. Check closely on any activities surrounding Padawan personal files."
"But you lack the strength and stubbornness of your Master." The scientist continued. "You have your entire life ahead of you Obi-Wan, you would not be so willing to die."
Qui-Gon and Yoda quickly exchanged worried glances.
"If you believe that then you didn't read far enough into my file." Obi-Wan argued, glibly.
"Padawan, no." Qui-Gon's reaction was involuntary, he had seen Obi-Wan's willingness to sacrifice himself first hand and it still haunted him.
"We're quite aware of your selfless deeds on Bandomeer young one." Zan Arbor said. "Another reason you were hand selected for this experiment."
Qui-Gon began to angrily pace the floor behind his couch and Yoda took on a meditative stance, reaching out towards young Obi-Wan in the Force.
"...I won't do it." Obi-Wan stated, his chattering teeth could be easily heard.
"If you don't regulate your body temperature then your Master will just have to listen to you freeze to death." Zan Arbor exclaimed, the frustration rose in her voice.
Mace and Dooku turned to look at Qui-Gon at this revelation. The long haired Master stopped dead in his tracks, his eyes wide. "No,"
"32 degrees standard." The voice of a droid echoed through the com. "Body temperature at 96.4 degrees standard."
"Padawan…" Qui-Gon's voice sounded helpless, so unlike the Maverick he usually is.
"Drop the temperature another 5 degrees." Zan Arbor ordered.
"27 degrees standard." The droid announced.
Through the training bond Qui-Gon could sense Obi-Wan's weariness and his desire to sleep. Panic rose inside his chest, he knew should the boy fall asleep they would lose him.
"Obi-Wan, you must stay awake!" Qui-Gon pleaded.
"Body Temperature at 92.7 degrees." The droid announced.
"Unable to find him am I," Yoda sighed, opening his eyes. "If refusing to use the Force he is."
"Obi-Wan, you must use the Force." His Master nearly shouted, not caring how much it looked like an attachment to the other Masters in the room. "Please Padawan, you must."
"But Master, she…"
"I know Padawan-mine, I know." Qui-Gon sounded as if he were trying not to cry which seemed so foreign to everyone in the room. "She'll win for now, but I promise you she won't get away with this."
"Tahl, how are we doing?" Mace asked, looking over her shoulder.
"She did a very good job encrypting this," Tahl exclaimed.
"You do realize Obi-Wan if you won't corporate it will force me to select another Jedi." Zan Arbor said with a hint of malice in her voice. "Perhaps one of your little friends."
The air once again was sucked out of the room as all the Masters stilled at this new development.
"No...leave them alone." Obi-Wan's voice was so very weak.
"Their safety is up to you Obi-Wan," Zan Arbor answered. "Drop the temperature another 5 degrees."
"Call Master Ti," Mace turned to Plo. "Then get Adi, and head over to Endor to provide backup."
"On our way!" Plo was already out the door as Mace finished the order.
"22 degrees standard." The droid announced over the comlink.
"Master…" Obi-Wan's voice was so low they could barely hear him. "Too c-c-cold."
"I know son, I know." His Master's voice cracked again. "I need you to use the Force now, just like I taught you. Remember Illum, remember how cold you were?"
Qui-Gon only talked to him in that voice whenever he was sick or injured. Obi-Wan liked to call it his "dad" voice, though the Master knew as he grew older Obi-Wan had begun to resent it. But at that moment Qui-Gon didn't care much about teenage pride.
"Obi-Wan, please." Qui-Gon begged. "You must give me a chance to find you."
"Protect...them." Obi-Wan slurred as he spoke.
"Of course Padawan, they will be protected, I promise you." Qui-Gon assured the boy. "But I must also protect you, please Obi-Wan...use the Force."
"Body temperature at 88.6 degrees." The droid announced.
They all knew that if the Padawan's body temperature dropped much further they would lose him, time was running out.
"Damn it Obi-Wan, I will not sit here and listen to you freeze to death!" Qui-Gon's voice was sharp and demanding. "Focus Padawan, use the Force!"
Silence filled the air for what felt like an eternity to the panicked Jedi Master. Then the sound of machines whirling and going to work was heard, but still no sound came from the Apprentice.
"Body temperature at 93.8 and rising." The droid officially broke the silence, finally.
Qui-Gon let out a soft exhale. "That's it Obi-Wan,"
"Yes Obi-Wan, well done." Zan Arbor's voice was full of excitement. "This is truly remarkable, these readings are off the chart."
"Body temperature at 96.7" The droid announced.
"Padawan, remember I need you to stay awake." Qui-Gon ignored the doctor and her droid and focused on his apprentice. "Say something Obi-Wan, please."
After another excruciating minute where the Jedi Master was sure he'd lose all that was left of his composure Tahl exclaimed in a victorious voice.
"I've got something!" Her fingers continued to clack along the screen. "Western Reaches, Atravis Sector."
"Go there you must, track him from there through your bond you can." Yoda looked up at Qui-Gon who was already grabbing his cloak and lightsaber.
"I'm coming with you," Mace placed a hand on his friend's shoulder.
"I want to go home…" Obi-Wan's voice sounded so young suddenly. "Master please, I'm so tired."
The Jedi Master's heart shattered at his never complaining Padawan's plea. "I know Obi-Wan, my brave Obi-Wan. I will find you, I'm with Master Windu now and we're coming for you. But you must stay awake so we can find you."
"You're doing quite well Obi-Wan," Zan Arbor exclaimed. "Now we need to test and see if the Midichlorians react differently to Force-healing than it did to regulating your body temperature.
"Enough Zan Arbor!" Qui-Gon's voice was fierce and protective.
"My dear, dear Master Jedi. We've only just begun." The scientist said in self satisfaction.
"Forward that call to my private com," Qui-Gon exclaimed to Tahl. "And keep tracing, we need to pinpoint his exact location."
"We shall take my ship, it's faster." Dooku exclaimed, following Mace and Qui-Gon out the door.
Qui-Gon turned on his heels and looked directly at his former Master, it was then that both men knew that whatever had happened, whatever great canyon lay between them that it didn't matter now. What did matter was saving an innocent boy, saving their lineage, their family.
"We haven't a moment to lose," Dooku stated after Qui-Gon nodded in agreement.
'Hang on Obi-Wan, we're coming for you son.'
00000
TBC
Author's Note: I was only going to make this a short one chapter story, but I wanted to felt we needed to spend more time with the rescue. I have never written a story from mainly Qui-Gon's POV before so I wanted to take a stab at it...let me know what you think!
