Chapter 21

Welcome to the Jungle

Obi-Wan took as deep a breath as he could in the precious seconds before he hit the water, trying to remember everything he had learned from Bant years before about holding one's breath underwater.

It helps if your best friend in childhood was an alien from an amphibious species. Of course, back then it was just an aquatic parlor trick, something to impress everyone else with while swimming for fun. Now, it's a matter of life and death.

With a splash, he hit the surface, and everything disappeared into a brown, wet haze. He reached out to Siri through their Force bond, hoping a dianoga hadn't found her first.

Siri? Siri? Are you there?

Obie! I'm down here, on the bottom! Hurry! I don't know how long we have before the dianogas notice us!

He focused as best as could, trying to pinpoint her Force presence as he sank deeper and deeper into the murky water. Scanning what little he could see in the foggy water, he saw no dianogas.

I can't see anything, but that doesn't mean they're not here.

Finally, Obi-Wan felt the muddy, slippery bottom against his feet. He could sense Siri less than two meters away. He turned towards her Force presence, and saw her across from him, trying to make her way to him despite her bound ankles. He closed the remaining distance with a short hop, and she turned her back to him. He turned his back to hers and pressed against her.

Let's hurry, Siri. Those dianogas have probably noticed us by now.

Obi-Wan probed his fingers around Siri's wrists, searching for the lock on the binders. He could feel her doing the same.

Once we find the locks, it'll be a simple matter of opening them with the Force. The water will have shorted out any electric safeguards. The trick is to find and open them before we get eaten.

Suddenly, Siri's panicked voice echoed through their Force bond.

OBIE!

Obi-Wan knew what the problem was before he turned his head to look behind him. Sure enough, a dianoga came out of the murky water in front of Siri, headed straight for them.

Stay focused, Siri! Hurry!

Her fingers fumbled even more intensely for the lock as the dianoga closed in.

We're not going to make it. That thing is moving too fast, and it knows we're here.

Obi-Wan turned again to look, and the dianoga was almost upon them, its eye boring through the Padawans.

At least I won't die surprised.

Then, to Obi-Wan's surprise, the creature veered away at the last minute, raising its tentacles to avoid hitting the Padawans as it passed by. Obi-Wan shuddered as the creature's rubbery flesh brushed against his shoulder. With uncharacteristic grace, the ugly beast continued on its way past the Padawans. After a moment's thought, Obi-Wan realized what had just happened as Siri spoke, bewildered, through their Force bond.

It…it didn't attack us. Why?

Obi-Wan already knew the answer to her question. Looking up at the area ahead of him, he laid eyes on a gruesome scene. At the edge of the foggy water, a swarm of dianogas, now joined by the Padawans' unexpected visitor, feasted on Lok'ayy's corpse. Blood pulsated from ragged, gaping holes in the Bothan's corpse, turning the water red as the frenzied beasts continued to tear their victim apart. The new arrival latched onto to Lok'ayy's shoulder, and sank its maw into the Bothan's flesh, wiggling as it tried to tear the meat loose. After a few seconds, the Bothan's arm came off, blood spurting from it as the new arrival left the corpse and began devouring the severed arm. Obi-Wan looked away from the horrific spectacle, on the verge of vomiting as he tried to regain his focus.

I know why, Siri. Whatever you do, don't look over my shoulder. Stay focused.

Lok'ayy…

Don't look, Siri. Don't look.

Siri continued to run her fingers over Obi-Wan's wrists, looking for the lock.

Siri, hurry up! Once those things are done with Lok'ayy, we're next!

I'm working on it!

Then, her movement stopped.

I've got it! I've got it! Hang on!

After a moment's stillness, Obi-Wan felt the binders around his wrists uncouple.

You're good! Now do mine! Hurry, I don't know how much longer we have!

Obi-Wan whipped around and grasped Siri's bound wrists, looking for the locking mechanism. He quickly identified it, and cleared his mind, imagining the locking mechanism disengaging. After a short delay, he heard a slight, barely noticeable click as the binders dropped off of Siri's wrists. She brought her hands in front of her, rubbing her sore wrists as Obi-Wan freed his ankles. As he turned to check on Siri, he saw her already working on her own ankles. He turned away from her, scanning their surroundings. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw movement. Whipping his head towards the source, he saw a dianoga coming out of the murk, headed straight for him.

And I think this one isn't interested in what's left of Lok'ayy.

Obi-Wan frantically searched his surroundings, looking for anything he could use to fight the beast off and make good his escape. On his left, he saw a log sticking out of the mud, its end invitingly pointing upwards. He dove towards the log, cursing the water for slowing his movement as the dianoga came closer. Looking up, he saw it was almost upon him, slowing and tilting upwards to position its maw for a strike. The creature's soulless eye stayed on him, focused on its impending meal. Obi-Wan reached out towards the log, and to his relief he was close enough to feel it. His fingers fumbled for a grip as the beast reached its tentacles out towards him. Pulling on the log, he found it stuck fast in the mud.

Move, damn you! Move!

Obi-Wan pulled again, harder this time. The tentacles inched closer.

Pull! Pull or die! PULL!

Obi-Wan pulled again, and the log briefly moved before sticking fast again. He suddenly felt a rubbery tentacle wrap around his right arm. Looking up, he saw the dianoga was upon him, its maw gaping wide open and heading straight for his face. Without thinking, Obi-Wan dropped the log and placed both his hands on the creature's body, trying to push it away from him. A rumbling noise broke the watery silence as the creature roared in exertion, trying to force its maw down on the young Jedi's head. The razor-sharp teeth snapped to and fro as the creature's mouth pulsated. Obi-Wan channeled the Force through his hands as best as he could, trying to hold the creature back while he reached out to Siri through their Force bond.

Siri! Swim away! Get out of here while you still can!

I'm not letting you die here, Kenobi!

We don't have time for this, Siri! Swim to shore! NOW!

Damn it, you're not dying here! I won't let it happen!

As if by instinct, she threw her shields up before Obi-Wan could protest. He briefly marveled at how little she had changed in five years.

She's still as stubborn as always.

The dianoga pushed back hard, snapping Obi-Wan out of his thoughts as the creature's maw nearly grazed his forehead. He immediately went back to focusing on the life-or-death struggle in front of him, putting any thoughts of Siri out of his mind. Slowly but surely, though, the beast was wearing him down, every push bringing its maw closer and closer to his head as Obi-Wan's strength gradually wore out. He felt a burning in his lungs, growing with intensity as the struggle continued. He fought his body's urge to convulse and draw breath, knowing that if that happened he would lose his grip and the beast would crush his skull into a pulp in an instant. His strength continued to ebb away, his urges to give up and draw one last, watery breath growing more tempting. Now, his vision began to turn gray.

Stay awake! Stay awake!

The gray tunnel closed in, focusing on the dianoga's gaping maw.

Stay…awake…

Obi-Wan continued to fight, on the verge of passing out. At any second, he would lose consciousness, and the last thing he would ever see before passing into the Cosmic Force would be the creature's hungry maw rushing forward at him, like the ending of a nightmare before jolting awake.

Stay…awake…no…death…there…Force…

A sudden, familiar voice in his head reinvigorated him.

Obie! Catch!

Without conscious thought, the Force guided Obi-Wan's hand to his left. He felt the rough texture of the log he had tried to grab earlier, closing his fingers tightly around the jagged wood. He pointed the log forward at the creature's jaws, his body now screaming to draw breath.

Now.

He breathed in water; letting his body slacken as he thrust the log forward with what strength he had left. As he had anticipated, the dianoga lunged forward, intent on sinking its teeth into his face. Instead of Obi-Wan's skull, however, the beast ran its wide-open mouth straight into the log. It moaned in pain, thrashing around in the water as it lost its grip on Obi-Wan. Before it could recover, it inexplicably flew backwards, disappearing from sight in the brown murk. Obi-Wan looked to his left to see Siri, her hand still outstretched after Force pushing the beast across the swamp. His mind suddenly went back to his lack of oxygen, his brain on the verge of shutting down. Without hesitation, he grabbed Siri and swam for the shore, his lungs on fire.

Just…get…to…shore…

He fought to keep his eyes open, knowing that closing them would put him under, forever.

Go…go…go…swim…

Obi-Wan regained his senses with a massive breath, air filling his lungs as he began to cough up the vile swamp water. The warm, stagnant taste of the water filled his mouth as he expelled it onto the wet jungle soil. He gasped for air, thanking the Force for every particle of oxygen now entering his bloodstream.

Air! Wonderful air! I'm alive!

"Obie! Obie! Are you okay?"

And Siri is too! What would I do without her?

She was at his side, crouching with her hand on his back and concern in her eyes.

At least she's still happy to see me.

"Siri…back there…"

The worry on her face partially vanished, her usual feisty façade coming back into view.

"You don't need to thank me, Kenobi. Just be glad I didn't do as you asked."

"I'm glad to see you too."

She laughed softly at this, and reached her hand out to Obi-Wan. He took it, savoring the enjoyment of her hand in his.

What are you thinking? Wake up! You've got a mission to complete! Don't get sentimental all of a sudden!

Obi-Wan quickly pulled his hand away, his mind going to the task at hand.

"We've got no time to waste, Siri. We need to find Nurkkis."

"And our lightsabers. He has them, remember?"

"So we just need to find Nurkkis, then."

Unless he finds us.

As if reading Obi-Wan's thoughts, a voice rang out from the other end of the swamp.

"Boss! It's the Jedi! They survived!"

Turning towards the noise, the Padawans saw Nurkkis' skimmer, the guards now looking in their direction. Nurkkis himself turned to face the Padawans, anger and hatred radiating off of him as he realized his failure.

"Get this vessel over there! NOW!"

Before Nurkkis had finished his command, the coxswain was already steering the skimmer towards the Padawans, the engines humming to life. The guards rushed to the sides and raised their blasters as the guard manning the vessel's heavy blaster cannon swung his weapon towards Obi-Wan and Siri.

"Obie…"

"RUN!"

The Padawans bolted into the jungle as blaster fire came down around them. They heard the powerful report of the heavy blaster cannon before one of its bolts flew past them and hit a tree, blowing a massive chunk out of it. More bolts from the gunner and the other guards tore up the jungle behind the Padawans as they fled deeper and deeper into the undergrowth. As they looked back, they saw the skimmer slow to a halt at the shore. Nurkkis shouted to his men as the skimmer stopped.

"Everybody off! Get into that jungle and BRING ME THEIR HEADS!"

This day just keeps getting better.

The Padawans continued sprinting through the brush, having lost all track of time or the location of Nurkkis' men. Right now, all that mattered was running as far away from Nurkkis as their feet could carry them.

We don't have our lightsabers. Our only hope is to keep running, and somehow circle back to the mining camp without getting caught by Nurkkis. The Masters have probably realized that Lok'ayy and Nurkkis were not at Ni'Pa's palace, and the first place they'll go next will be that mining camp. Once we're all together, we can easily take Nurkkis and his goons.

Out of breath and lost in thought, Obi-Wan tripped over a log, tumbling towards the ground. Siri sprinted right into him, colliding with Obi-Wan and throwing the Padawans to the jungle floor. The two landed precariously close to one another, panting in exertion after the sprint through the jungle. Despite the looming threat of Nurkkis and his search party, they could do nothing but lie there and catch their breath, their legs and lungs burning. Obi-Wan found himself transfixed by his senses, as the calls of jungle animals, the rustling of leaves, the patter of rain, and the soft, moist jungle floor became distinct in his mind. He looked over at Siri, trying not to notice how her wet robes hugged her figure. She turned her head towards him, her hair damp and disheveled. Obi-Wan knew he likely didn't look much better.

And yet we can't stop looking at each other.

Her voice was breathless as she spoke.

"Remind me where we are again, Oafy-Wan?"

"Hey, you crashed into me as well!"

"And you tripped first."

I can't believe she just called me that. And yet I can.

"We're looking for the Masters. Preferably, we should find them without finding Nurkkis first. And Siri?"

"Yes?"

"Don't ever call me Oafy-Wan again."

Nurkkis moved through the brush, stopping at intervals to tune his senses and home in on the Padawans' Force presences. He could sense them growing closer at every stop, their Force signatures more and more vivid.

I'm going in the right direction. Soon, I'll be on them.

He stopped to feel for the Padawans. Their Force presences were as strong as ever, and they were close enough for Nurkkis to make his move. The Miraluka turned towards his prey, his disruptor rifle in hand. The weapon was a highly customized design from the Tenloss Syndicate that Nurkkis had owned since his mercenary days in the Outer Rim. He had made a number of modifications to it based on his own Force-sensitivity, including a modified safety that could only be operated with the Force and a unique scope utilizing kyber crystals he had acquired at a dig site. Unlike a conventional telescopic sight, the sight could only be used by a Force-wielder, with the kyber crystals providing magnification through the use of Force sight. Nurkkis found a suitable firing position near a tree and leaned up against it, shouldering his rifle. He covered the source of the Padawans' Force presences and focused intently on the scope. The familiar auras came into view through the crystals, lying on the jungle floor. Nurkkis grinned as he dropped his finger into the trigger guard.

Good. They're tired. Now, they will die.

"Obi-Wan…"

"I sense it too."

With a sudden burst of adrenaline, the Padawans bolted upright and began sprinting through the jungle once again. As they ran, Obi-Wan heard an unmistakable splat-like report as a solid beam of plasma hit a nearby tree branch, dissolving it into ash.

A disruptor…ten credits says that's Nurkkis himself.

Sensing his surroundings, Obi-Wan could barely feel the Miraluka's malevolent Force signature somewhere behind him. A warning came through his senses in the next moment.

"Siri! Go left! Now!"

"I hope you know what…"

"NOW!"

The Padawans ducked to the left, sprinting down another path. Again the splat of the disruptor broke the jungle's natural buzz, and again another part of a tree disintegrated just in front of where Obi-Wan would have been had he not turned.

Thanks, Obie.

You're welcome.

The Padawans continued their scramble for safety as more disruptor fire cut through the undergrowth around them, turning vibrant plants to ash in an instant. A chill went through them as they heard Nurkkis' voice behind them.

"Everyone, on me! They're over here!"

He has his goon squad with him. And they won't stop until we're both dead.

Obi-Wan and Siri sprinted out into a clearing, a nearby river visible through the trees. Next to that was a large rock formation, standing out against the brown swampy water.

Siri! Those rocks! We should get behind them!

Without a reply, she turned towards the rocks, with Obi-Wan following behind her. The Padawans ducked behind the inviting, protective stone and leaned up against it, catching their breath.

"Great. What now, Kenobi? You think they won't search this rock formation?"

"I know they will…just…just let me think."

"Think? They'll be on us in less than a minute! Think faster!"

Obi-Wan carefully made his way to the edge and peered over it, searching for an escape route or for any sign of Nurkkis and his men. What he saw made his blood run cold. There, along the riverbank in the midst of a swarm of guards, was a figure he recognized from Kessel.

Ni'Pa. We meet again.

The Hutt was clad in light battle armor, a blaster rifle in his hands. Behind him stood a small skiff manned by two guards, and around him stood at least a dozen other guards, blasters at the ready.

She's right. We're trapped here now.

Obi-Wan slowly crept back to Siri, telling by the look on her face that she had sensed his distress.

"How bad is it?"

"Too bad. Ni'Pa just showed up, and he has his goons with him."

"What?"

"Nurkkis must have called for help. Now we have two sets of hostiles facing us, and we're boxed in."

Siri's face turned grim as she contemplated what Obi-Wan had just said. She settled against the rock, a wave of fear rolling off of her before her expression turned to one of inexplicable calm. Obi-Wan sat next to her, trying to purge his own mind of the fear of what he knew was about to happen.

At least we'll die together.

She looked over at him, and extended her hand. He gladly took it.

"Well, I can at least say that I never had a dull moment when you were around, Obi-Wan."

She smiled weakly as she said this. Obi-Wan gave a short, ironic chuckle.

"And you never did change, Siri."

Nurkkis sensed his surroundings, looking for the Padawans.

They're here, somewhere. I can feel it.

He turned to his men, signaling them to advance. They did so, cautiously stepping into the clearing with their blasters raised. Nurkkis continued to feel around him, searching for the telltale Force signatures of his prey.

Where are you, you annoying little brats?

A deep voice in Huttese shattered the unnerving quiet of the clearing.

"Who goes there?"

Nurkkis recognized the voice immediately.

"Ni'Pa?"

The Hutt emerged from the treeline, a blaster rifle in his hands. A number of his guards followed him into the clearing.

"Raton? What are you doing out here?"

"I should ask you the same question."

"You and Lok'ayy were supposed to come over for dinner, but I never saw or heard from either of you. I came out here with a search party, but I couldn't see anything through the canopy. I heard disruptor fire from the jungle, and I had my pilot set us down by the river."

"We've run into trouble, Ni'Pa. The Jedi are on to us. Me and the boys followed two of them over here."

"The Jedi? Is this about the artifacts?"

"It is."

"Where's Lok'ayy? We need to get him off the planet!"

"Lok'ayy's dead, Ni'Pa. He was slowing me down."

"You killed him?"

"I took charge of his operations. Me and the boys can get off the planet ourselves…"

"You killed my business associate, Nurkkis. I don't like it when someone kills my business associate."

Obi-Wan and Siri watched the ongoing conversation in Huttese, transfixed by the sight despite the danger they were still in. Despite their inability to understand what was being said, they could sense a rising agitation in Nurkkis as he spoke with Ni'Pa. The entourages of both men stepped towards each other, clearly anticipating some sort of confrontation. Obi-Wan turned to Siri and spoke in a hushed voice.

"Let's see where this ends. Knowing Nurkkis, his strength in the dark side might give us another opportunity to escape."

By now, both sides' offsiders had stepped up, blasters at the ready. The heated conversation between Nurkkis and Ni'Pa grew in intensity with each verbal exchange.

"My deal was with Lok'ayy, Nurkkis. Not with you."

"We can always cut a new one, Ni'Pa."

"No. He was a business associate; you're just hired muscle."

Anger rose again in Nurkkis, the dark side slowly clouding his mind.

"And yet Lok'ayy and I brought in so many artifacts. Some 'hired muscle', eh?"

"Lok'ayy did. You were always second fiddle. I knew that, he knew that, and so did you."

"I'm making you a deal, Ni'Pa. It would be a waste to kill each other over Lok'ayy."

The Hutt's expression turned menacing, his eyes now boring through Nurkkis.

"Are you threatening me, Nurkkis?"

Nurkkis paused for a moment, the dark side coursing through his body. Anger and hatred dripped off of him as he gave his reply.

"Get out of my way if you want to live. Now I'm threatening you."

"So be it, then."

Nurkkis didn't wait for Ni'Pa to order his henchmen to fire. Without turning away from the Hutt, he shouted to his men in Basic.

"Light 'em up!"

Qui-Gon and Adi landed their stolen speeder in a clearing near the mining camp and dismounted, sensing the surrounding area for their Padawans. Qui-Gon reached out to Obi-Wan through their Force bond.

Obi-Wan? Obi-Wan? Where are you?

Master?

Obi-Wan! What happened?

I'm with Siri, Master. We were captured by Lok'ayy and Nurkkis, but we escaped. We've been running from Nurkkis since.

Where's Lok'ayy?

He's dead, Master. Nurkkis killed him after an argument. He's fighting Ni'Pa's thugs now as a result.

Ni'Pa? He's there?

Yes, Master. He came out here looking for Lok'ayy and Nurkkis, but he turned on Nurkkis after learning he killed Lok'ayy.

Where are you and Siri now?

We're hiding behind a rock formation while Nurkkis' and Ni'Pa's guards fight each other. Nurkkis took our lightsabers, and he probably still has them. We're waiting for the fight to end before we step in, so we'll face weakened opposition.

Recover your lightsabers. Once that's done, keep Nurkkis occupied until Master Gallia and I arrive. Once he's in custody, we'll call in the shuttle and get out of here.

Sounds like a good plan, Master.

Be careful, Obi-Wan. And keep an eye on Siri. We can't afford to lose either of you.

I will, Master. I will.

"What did he say, Qui-Gon?"

It seems that Master Gallia sensed our little conversation.

"He's with Siri. They've escaped capture, and they are now on the run from Nurkkis. Lok'ayy is dead; there was some sort of fatal falling out between he and Nurkkis, according to Obi-Wan. Ni'Pa has apparently found out about this, and now his and Nurkkis' forces are fighting each other in full view of the Padawans. Obi-Wan said that he and Siri are waiting to pounce once the fight ends. In the meantime, we need to find out where they are and put the speeder down there. We'll arrest Nurkkis, and then call in the shuttle."

"I'll take the controls. You'll navigate."

"Fair enough, Adi."

The firefight in the clearing continued, with sporadic blaster fire exchanged between the surviving combatants. Most of both sides' casualties had occurred in the opening seconds, after Nurkkis told his men to open fire. Now, Ni'Pa's thugs and LMC security personnel littered the clearing, either dead or dying. Nurkkis and his surviving mercenaries had taken up positions in the treeline on Ni'Pa's left flank; while Ni'Pa and his thugs had retreated further into the trees, back towards the river. The Padawans continued to watch the battle unfold, waiting for the opportune moment to leave their cover behind the rocks and retrieve their lightsabers. With a brief lull in the firing, one of Ni'Pa's men left cover and rushed towards another position. A blaster shot cut through the momentary silence, and a bolt came out of the brush and hit the man in the chest. He toppled to the dirt with a cry of pain, and lay still. Several seconds later, blaster fire rang out, and Obi-Wan caught a glimpse of one of Nurkkis' men advancing as another hidden in the brush fired at Ni'Pa's position. The Hutt raised his own rifle and fired back, only to duck as more fire came from the advancing guard, now behind a tree and firing at Ni'Pa as his fellow advanced. Nurkkis moved up behind the second guard, a blaster pistol in one hand and his deactivated lightsaber pike in the other. Ni'Pa moved to the left, firing at Nurkkis while his two remaining guards held their positions and fired at Nurkkis' men. A bolt from Ni'Pa's rifle hit the second guard, and he fell to the ground, clutching at his chest and writhing in pain as he began coughing up blood. Nurkkis ignored his fallen comrade and continued to advance, firing at the Hutt with his blaster pistol. The first LMC guard, seeing his leader advancing, began advancing alongside Nurkkis, his rifle blazing all the way. A bolt from the guard's rifle hit one of Ni'Pa's men in the abdomen, sending him to his knees. Seeing his shot strike true, the LMC guard fired again, and the thug jerked backwards onto the ground as the second shot struck his upper chest. Nurkkis' surviving man barely had time to register his kill before his opposite number shot him in the head. The LMC guard flopped onto the jungle floor as Nurkkis holstered his pistol and ignited his lightsaber pike. Ni'Pa raised his rifle and fired, but the Miraluka deftly brought his red blade up and deflected the bolt, sending it straight towards the Hutt's chest. Ni'Pa attempted to evade, but he was too late. The bolt struck him in the right shoulder, and he gave a deep guttural cry of pain as his rifle clattered to the ground. His surviving thug stepped up to protect his wounded leader as Nurkkis charged forward, holding his lightsaber pike out at waist level. The thug fired several shots, but Nurkkis dodged each and every one with superhuman speed.

That's the power of the Force. This poor bastard has no clue who he's dealing with.

The thug began firing more rapidly and less accurately, terror in his eyes. Obi-Wan and Siri watched as Nurkkis evaded the hail of blaster fire and sliced through the man's weapon with his pike. The blaster flew apart with a shower of sparks, flying from the thug's hands as they hung in the air, leaving his torso unprotected. In the next instant, Nurkkis went for the man's gut with a quick, vicious thrust. The thug tried to evade, but Nurkkis' blade tore into his hip before he could fully get out of its path. He fell to the ground, screaming in agony as Nurkkis placed his boot on the thug's shoulder and pressed down, turning the thug to face his killer. The thug raised his hands with an animal yelp of terror as Nurkkis plunged the pike's blade into his throat. The thug grasped impotently at the pike as his legs kicked, and then went limp. Nurkkis withdrew the pike and turned to Ni'Pa, who was still clutching his wounded arm. The Hutt swore in Huttese at the Miraluka now approaching him. Obi-Wan quickly turned to Siri.

"The guards are all dead, and Ni'Pa won't be alive much longer. This is our opening."

"I concur. Let's get down there while Nurkkis is busy and unprotected."

The Padawans crept out from the rock formation, eyes on Nurkkis as they stepped into the clearing.

"You've gone insane, Nurkkis! You think they won't hear about this on Nar Shaddaa?"

"They will. Everyone will. Including your rivals, and they'll be lining up to thank me. Hell, I can smell the job offers from here!"

Before the Hutt could respond, Nurkkis plunged the blade of his pike into the Hutt's brain. Ni'Pa's mouth shot open in one final gesture of surprise as the blade hit his forehead, and then the life slowly left his eyes. The Hutt's body went limp, and Nurkkis withdrew his pike, grinning in satisfaction as his victim slumped onto the jungle floor. Sadistic satisfaction flowed through his body as he deactivated his blade with a hiss, gloating over the corpse of his fallen enemy.

Peace is a lie, there is only passion.

Through passion, I gain strength.

Through strength, I gain power.

Through power, I gain victory.

Through victory, my chains are broken.

The Force shall free me!

Obi-Wan and Siri quietly approached Nurkkis from the rear, focusing on their lightsabers now hanging from the Miraluka's belt. Nurkkis showed no signs of realizing their approach as he stood over Ni'Pa's dead body.

He's drunk on his own hatred and bloodlust. Once again, the dark side has clouded his mind, and he can't sense our presence. He'll regret this mistake for a very long time.

The Padawans stopped, ready to strike. Obi-Wan turned to Siri, and she nodded in acknowledgement. In an instant, they reached out with the Force and called their lightsabers to their hands. Nurkkis, now cognizant of their presence, whipped around to face the Padawans as they ignited their lightsabers.

"You should have been paying attention, Nurkkis."

A wave of anger came off of the Miraluka at Obi-Wan's irreverent comment.

"You're a real comedian, kid. You two are a class act, you know that?"

"What can we say? It just comes naturally for us."

"And you're as witty as ever, Siri. But, your silver tongues won't help either of you once I cut them out. If you're lucky, I'll kill you before I do that."

Unfazed by Nurkkis' threats, Obi-Wan took a deep, quiet breath and responded in the most authoritative voice he could muster.

"Raton Nurkkis, in the name of the statutes and laws of the Galactic Republic, you are under arrest."

In response to Obi-Wan's declaration, the Miraluka activated his lightsaber pike without a word. Hatred emanated from him as he took a fighting stance, pointing the blade of his pike towards the Padawans. Obi-Wan and Siri steeled themselves for the coming fight.

I didn't think he'd go quietly anyway.