A/N - We're heading back to other character's in the story this chapter so little Ani's back! I couldn't really keep Obi-Wan as an evil person... It's just too mean! Anyways thanks for the continued interest and reviews, enjoy the chapter!

Annie Walker - Thought I would reply here as you're having problems with your account! Alas no Dooku was extremely angry with her tactics, I mean who can blame him she is trying to ruin all of his plans! That's the problem with Ventress, she doesn't have much control even less so than Dooku, especially when it comes to Obi-Wan. It was nice to be able to use Qui-Gon in that means, having Obi-Wan in that state there was only one person who could possibly reach him! Hope you enjoy this chapter!

LongLive1234 - Welcome to fanfiction officially! thank you for your review very kind words :) it always brings a smile to my face when people are enjoying it! Enjoy!


Anakin shivered slightly as the bond that connected him with his Master spiked, the flash of emotion and pain traversing through their connection only lasted a second before it was gone but Anakin still felt everything. His eyes shot open as the feelings washed through his own body, it worried him more than not knowing the fate of Obi-Wan. Rage, despair, intense grief, unlike Anakin had ever felt not to mention the flash of physical torment he had just been partial too. What in the force could make his Master respond this way?

Anakin had been attempting to break through the almost impenetrable wall clouding their bond ever since Obi-Wan had been dragged out of the cell, unsuccessfully at that well until that latest flash. He had been expecting Obi-Wan to be going through something bad if Dooku was involved but what he felt had shaken him completely, the strength of the emotions and anguish he had felt was beyond anything Anakin had ever felt in his life. He strove to stop the trembling that was racking his small frame, breathing in deeply in an attempt to recenter himself within the force. Obi-Wan needed him, he needed help now.

He picked himself off of the floor in a flash and headed over to the energy barrier holding him in the dank room, he and Obi-Wan hadn't been able to find any weakness' in the barrier itself maybe they were coming about the problem the wrong way. It was obvious the force field could not be manipulated by Anakin directly, that did not mean it didn't have some kind of weakness though everything had to. It had to…

Anakin realised abruptly he was letting his anxiety over the situation control his thinking, Obi-Wan would expect him to remain objective so Anakin strove to for his Master's sake. Obi-Wan didn't need an anxious apprentice right now, he needed Anakin to be strong.

He reached out with his mind once more on the doorway but instead of lingering on the actual field like he and Obi-Wan had previously, Anakin let his attention drift to the walls either side of the energy field seeking out the electrical currents that were running through the wall. Obi-Wan had always said it wasn't possible to influence machinery with the force, in the way Anakin had planned anyway but he knew better. He shook himself mentally as that came out wrong in his own mind, Anakin respected Obi-Wan's teachings immensely he was a great Jedi Knight however there were somethings the Jedi did not know and machinery was not his strong point.

Anakin had been able to be one with machines ever since he was a youngling, feeling into the heart of a problem and being guided on how to fix the mechanical ailments. For years he thought perhaps it was just a natural skill with machinery but deep down the Padawan knew it ran deeper than that, it was almost as though machines spoke to him as much as the living did.

With anew conviction Anakin felt along the many various complex connections inside the walls, attempting to hone in on a power supply or something he could attempt to manipulate which would short out the field. He was so deeply entranced in his task that he almost missed the darkness rolling towards him, Anakin jumped backwards away from the entrance just as none over than Count Dooku stepped into view.

Anakin's steely gaze didn't remain on Dooku for long however as the body hovering in the air next to him stole the Padawan's breath, Master! Words failed him as he gazed down upon the bloody form of Obi-Wan who hadn't even twitched from his position, Anakin felt his temper flare the longer he continued to stare. Obi-Wan's previously cream tunics were splattered everywhere with crimson, gaping holes peppered his clammy skin which made the Jedi appear dead to the world. Anakin's heart rate rose a few notches as he felt tears well in his eyes, he glared fiercely at Dooku who with one flick of his wrist sent Anakin sprawling away from the entrance.

He found himself flying back before he could stop it, the dark force user's powerful push slamming him into the far wall with an oompphh. Anakin grunted as he slid to the floor, arms still trapped behind his body which made rising awkward. Dooku slowly walked into the cell, guiding Obi-Wan's body forward with him.

"What have you done to him!" He bitterly raged, emotion pouring from every fibre of his being.

Anakin let the tears flow freely down his face, desperately close to losing any semblance of control he had after seeing his Master subject to this inhumane treatment. He didn't even know if Obi-Wan was kriffing breathing anymore…

"He's alive, boy," Dooku muttered dejectedly.

Anakin snapped his attention to the Count, confusion covering his features as he noted the lack of malice behind the words. Dooku even lowered Obi-Wan to the ground gently, careful to save the Jedi from upsetting any of his various wounds. Why would he look sorry if he did this? The Count even looked tired, no he looked exhausted.

Anakin felt the manacles round his wrists fall away as Dooku flicked his wrist in his general direction, he observed as what appeared to be medical supplies and crystals were brought into the room.

"Do you want to help your Master?"

Anakin gulped slightly, he couldn't sense any semblance of a trap in the tone or the words chosen yet this man was evil. His eyes lowered to Obi-Wan's damaged body and realised no matter what Dooku's game was the answer would still be the same, of course he did. Of course Dooku read his thoughts easily and gestured for the boy to approach his position.

"I regret to say I cannot be any more help to him without a respite, healing is by far the most taxing use of the force."

Why would Dooku be so concerned over healing Obi-Wan if he did this to him in the first place? Ventress the force sang. It did not matter to Anakin they were working together, this was as much Dooku's fault as it was the Witch's.

Anakin reached Obi-Wan's side and knelt next to his Master, lump forming in his throat over the sight. On closer inspection some of the wounds which looked ghastly from a distance, probably because of the amount of blood covering Obi-Wan's tunics, looked partially if not fully healed.

"What do I need to do?" His voice was steady, conviction over the need to help Obi-Wan overriding any other emotions he was feeling before.

Dooku's tired eyes met his for a moment, Anakin thought he saw a flash of regret in the Count's gaze before it was swiftly abolished in place for the usual cold look. The crystals Anakin had noted came towards him and landed by his knees, Anakin placed a hand on each and felt out with the force for any clue as to what they were. With a jump he realised the force seemed to flow right through the crystals, like conduits.

"Use these to aid you, I sense you have already attempted to heal him before?"

Anakin's mind flew back to the cell on Skepaf's ship, the more he connected with Obi-Wan and scanned his body the quicker he realised Dooku must have completed a lot of the process already, it was mainly the sight of all the blood that had Anakin panicked. He was in a lot worse shape on board the pirate's ship than now.

"Yes. Why don't you just use your medical bay?" Anakin enquired in a controlled tone, not allowing the rage he was feeling to come into play, Obi-Wan would need his complete concentration.

"This is faster."

Dooku stole one glance at Obi-Wan before turning and striding out of the cell, reinforcing the force field as he left. Anakin sensed that wasn't the main reason Obi-Wan wasn't in the med-bay but he didn't let his thought process linger too long, instead turning back to the task at end.

Anakin inhaled deeply and strove to replicate his actions earlier, it was far easier this time he soon found out, perhaps it was the crystals which helped the most or even the fact that he could touch his Master at this distance. He let his senses feel out to ascertain the damage, from the looks of things Dooku had dealt with any internal nicks and cuts which left Anakin to focus more on the outside wounds which there were plenty of. It was as if someone had used Obi-Wan as a pin cushion from all the abrasions, which now Anakin thought about it he wouldn't put it pass the Witch to do just that.

He gave himself, his whole self to his Master, felt his energy flow right through the crystals and into Obi-Wan's body, focusing on the worst of the remaining troubles which happened to be a particularly nasty wound in Obi-Wan's upper thigh. Anakin found himself losing concentration somewhat as he imagined the malice and hate that would have to been felt to inflict such a cruel injury, he shook himself of the feelings and continued with his task. Obi-Wan would be okay, Anakin would see to it.


Obi-Wan felt warmth flow through his body as he finally emerged into consciousness again, he was becoming sick of this injury nonsense to be honest. The agony he was expecting didn't come, in fact the more Obi-Wan returned to his senses the less the pain seemed to be. That didn't mean his body wasn't hurting, after that ruthless assault from Ventress it was only because he was a Jedi that he was alive at this moment. No, Obi-Wan's body throbbed all over, some of the slightly less serious slashes had been reduced to a dull ache but the deeper cuts and stab wounds all flared when he attempted to shift on the floor.

He opened his eyes slowly groaning as he felt a slight pressure on his chest, which looking down he identified to be healing crystals which would explain his miraculous recovery and the warm feeling. His gaze fell upon his Padawan who was deep in concentration by the looks of things, Obi-Wan felt pride well up inside of him as his loyal apprentice poured all of his power and knowledge into helping his Master. Obi-Wan smiled at the sight, Anakin was truly exceptional, always caring for others before himself.

Obi-Wan slowly lifted an arm to touch Anakin's gently, grimacing slightly at the pull on recently healed tissue, Anakin would burn himself out if he were not careful.

"Padawan."

The one word broke through Anakin's haze in less than a second, the boy's eyes flew open and landed on his face, relief plastered over his features. Obi-Wan felt sorrowful for causing Anakin this pain, he had dealt with it time and time again with more maturity than Obi-Wan had ever imagined, this boy, his padawan, was going to make an incredible Jedi Knight someday. He smiled at the thought which caused Anakin to furrow his brows in bewilderment, probably thinking something along the lines of 'has my Master gone mad? Smiling in his condition?'

He tentatively reached out for his bond with Anakin and reveled in the feeling of it being there, being able to feel his Padawan's presence. Sadly it didn't seem to be up to the usual level so when Obi-Wan attempted to send thoughts he was only met with another confused look from Anakin, it seemed they could sense one another but that was it for the moment. Obi-Wan would take it over nothing however.

"What did they want from you?" Anakin whispered, not quite being able to keep a trace amount of anger out of his tone.

Obi-Wan sighed, how was he even going to begin to explain what he had just been through? Ventress, the dark side and Qui-Gon? Obi-Wan knew he couldn't explain all of it here, not with the cell likely bugged and quite honestly he didn't even know how to start. Anakin would probably declare him absolutely insane and chalk it down to the head wound he was sporting, if he were in Anakin's boots he would do the exact same. It sounded completely and utterly mad even in his own head.

Besides it was safer if Anakin didn't know everything, Dooku may attack him and attempt to break down his shields to find out the truth. The truth that Obi-Wan had absolutely no intention on being his apprentice and the truth that he had conquered the dark side's allure, the truth that he would most likely be lying to and deceiving the Count to lead Obi-Wan to the Sith Master. Obi-Wan still had not decided on his course of action in regards to that, the council would probably say otherwise to his intended actions but if Obi-Wan was honest with himself what other option did he have? He and Anakin were trapped here for the foreseeable future and whilst if an escape opportunity arose, would he take it? If he got away from Dooku then he would never know if the man was telling the truth and the galaxy could very well be falling into a dark future. There was one thing for sure though, he would get Anakin out of here, away from the firing line. He knew what Dooku wanted from him, Anakin was a loose end and he probably intended on Obi-Wan tying up that loose end himself when he became the Count's apprentice.

Obi-Wan scoffed at the idea, he could never hurt Anakin never. His Padawan was patiently waiting for an answer which Obi-Wan didn't have yet, he certainly wasn't going to tell Anakin everything he couldn't. As much as it pained Obi-Wan he realised then and there Anakin would have to believe like everyone else that he could fall, it would stretch their trust to the limit perhaps even break it. But Anakin could not know the truth, Dooku would tear his mind apart for it if he even sensed any of this that was going on in Obi-Wan's mind. He would just have to trust that Anakin would forgive him and understand this was not because he didn't trust his Padawan, he was doing this to protect him.

"Dooku believes I can be of some help defeating the Sith Master." Obi-Wan finally settled with the answer, careful to keep his tone dejected but not in disbelief. If Dooku was watching then he would take Obi-Wan's tone to be close to acceptance.

Anakin of course picked up on his tone too and his eyes grew wide with worry, Obi-Wan loathed himself then and there for what his Padawan would believe about him in the days to come. This was the way it had to be, stop brooding Kenobi he needs you to do this, everyone does.

"You told him to Kriff off I suppose?"

Obi-Wan sensed that even though Anakin was trying to keep his tone light, it was in fact a loaded question. He was extremely concerned with Obi-Wan's answer and lack of defiance over the matter.

"I will do what I must, Padawan." Obi-Wan forcibly made his voice devoid of usual warmth, the tone made Anakin flinch visibly, perhaps it was colder than he intended.

Obi-Wan inwardly cringed as he witnessed Anakin shuffle backwards a trifle, the poor boy had been so loyal and here was his Master failing him in front of his eyes. Obi-Wan's resolve did not break, this was necessary and if it meant that Anakin survived this sorry mess then so be it, his own fate did not matter. He noted Anakin's wary gaze and even felt waves of hypocrisy crash towards him, Obi-Wan did not let the feelings faze him outwardly, he was doing the right thing. No matter how much it was breaking his heart.


Dooku gazed at the security footage in wonder, he had heard Kenobi's words and even found himself smiling as Skywalker moved away from his Master. It looked like Ventress had achieved something after all, Kenobi was no longer denying to himself what must be done. Excellent.

The terminal next to Count Dooku beeped, he whipped his head round and narrowed his gaze at the incoming message. It was Sidious. It was only a matter of time before Dooku received this call, he had been expecting it after all. With a deep sigh he prepared himself before accepting the incoming call and the hologram of Darth Sidious appeared in front of him, his Master did not look pleased.

"Darth Tyranus. It has become aware to me that two Jedi are missing, have you acted without my authority?"

Dooku quickly cut his angry retort short, he would lie and manipulate for as long as he could. The last thing he needed now was Sidious ruining his plans with Kenobi, he was sure his Master could sense he had something planned. It was of no matter, soon it would all be over anyway and this relic would cease to exist.

"I have heard nothing of that nature. my Master." He bowed as he proclaimed his loyalty once more, intent on appearing to be nothing other than the loyal servant.

"It is interesting that it is Kenobi and Skywalker, you know of my plans for the boy so I naturally assumed you had ordered it."

"Naturally, however my lord I can say categorically I don't know where they are." Dooku flat out lied to his Master, feeling his heart rate rise a few notches over the thrill of it.

Sidious' eyes narrowed dangerously and Dooku could feel his rage from here, even through the holo image. He was not fooled.

"I won't forget this, Tyranus," his Master snarled before cutting off the connection.

Dooku slammed a fist on the console, shaking the surface enough to send things flying. That old man was far too arrogant for his own good, it would be the greatest joy in the galaxy to watch the old man being chopped down by Kenobi no less. The man that his Master had dismissed as being no-one of consequence, even after his victory over Darth Maul. Yes he looked forward to the day where this man no longer existed, it couldn't come soon enough…


The atmosphere in the cell had been strained at best, Anakin had gone back to healing his Master and after a small argument Obi-Wan had let him. He knew Anakin wanted to keep his mind busy so as to not decipher what Obi-Wan was turning into, hopefully Dooku would have picked up on the activity too. Obi-Wan once again told Anakin to cease his efforts as he felt the boy start to wear himself out again, his Padawan placed the healing crystals to either side of Obi-Wan and went to pick up the other supplies, such loyalty.

Obi-Wan decided to start conversation again, as long as he steered away from the other topic there was no reason he and his Padawan could not behave somewhat as they used to. Dooku would not expect Obi-Wan to be so cold to Anakin immediately, only defensive over the Sith subject. Not to mention seeing his Padawan like this and knowing he was the cause was killing him. Anakin drenched a rag into a bowel of water and proceeded to mop up the dried blood which covered Obi-Wan's body, from there he had bacta patches to place on the deeper wounds which hadn't been completely healed. Obi-Wan at least felt a lot less sore, movement didn't cause such a spike in pain anymore which was a blessing.

"Not such a pretty sight am I?" Obi-Wan started lightly, hoping to cut through some of the tension in the room as well as keeping off of the taboo subject.

"I don't know, I've seen worse." Anakin smirked back, familiar warmth glittering slightly in his gaze.

"Are you talking about the aftermath of the race? Or perhaps after you made a bomb in our kitchen?"

"I did not make a bomb!" Anakin squeaked defiantly, splashing some of the water as he dropped the rag in shock.

"Padawan. You blew up the oven." Obi-Wan dead-panned, mirth threatening to overcome him, it was good to be teasing with his Padawan again.

"Well that wasn't my fault…" Anakin continued absently, defending his actions to no avail.

"I think the aftermath of that disaster can speak for itself." Obi-Wan chuckled which had Anakin glance down and finally notice that his Master was teasing and not reprimanding him.

They both thought back to the humorous memory.

Obi-Wan strolled along the corridor heading towards his shared apartment with Anakin, he had just left the Senior Dojo and was feeling drained after three very grueling matches. Just as he reached the apartment did his senses flare, there was danger inside. He stormed into the room heading for the vast disturbance in the force, hand gripping his saber tightly. The 'danger' turned out to be his very filthy Padawan hands deep in wires and sparks.

Obi-Wan pulled his grip away from his saber and replaced them on his hips transforming his face from laughter to a stern gaze just in time for Anakin to turn meekly up at him.

"Care to explain, Padawan?" He managed to keep his voice steely which was a small miracle in itself, the urge to cry with laughter over the sight nearly overwhelmed the Jedi Knight.

"Urmm… Well… I…"

"Out with it, Anakin, the quicker you accuse yourself the faster we can get your punishment out of the way." Obi-Wan raised his brow in apprehension waiting on the boy to stutter out a response.

"Well, Master, you know how this heap of junk always burns stuff or it doesn't cook quickly, well I thought it would be best if I just fixed it." Anakin wiped the grease onto his already soiled tunics and stood slowly as he explained his motives.

Obi-Wan found a smile was threatening to pull at his lips, Anakin was always looking for things to fix why was it such a surprise he had now turned to their own apartment's furnishings. He abruptly remembered the warning in the force and started to move towards the taken apart cooker, what could have made him think there was danger here?

"Having trouble with it?" He queried whilst looking down at the strewn parts.

"I don't think some it's compatible with the parts I found in the hanger bay," Anakin mumbled, disappointed he had been defeated by a machine.

Obi-Wan started to chuckle before the flare in the force was back stronger than ever, following the warning to get the blazes out of there, he grabbed Anakin who squeaked in response and dove away from the oven. It wasn't a moment too soon as less than a second later the whole thing exploded in a ball of flames, shrapnel and flaming debris scattered the apartment at alarming rates forcing Obi-Wan to quickly attempt to shield their bodies. He wasn't quite quick enough for a few smaller pieces of burning shrapnel which painfully ripped through his skin over various parts of his body.

Thankfully the automatic sprinklers kicked in which doused most of the flames which had started to grow out of control, Obi-Wan groaned slightly as he lifted himself off of Anakin and sat up to survey the damage. The apartment was a mess, the kitchen blackened and the whole place thick with smoke. An ear-piercing alarm rang out through the area and it wasn't long before he could feel fellow Jedi converge on their position having felt the disturbance in the force.

Obi-Wan glanced down to his Padawan, who other than looking completely shell-shocked and grimy appeared to be unharmed, thank the force. Anakin seemed to notice his scrutiny as he meekly turned his gaze to Obi-Wan's pleading eyes begging for mercy. Obi-Wan's gaze narrowed as he glared down at the troublesome Padawan, why was it always him?

"Oops," the boy squeaked, a grin creeping onto his face.

Obi-Wan shook his head slowly before looking down at his own appearance and suddenly he too was stifling laughter. His once pristine clothes were singed all over the place not to mention blackened, the sting of the tiny wounds had since worn off but he knew a trip to the med-bay for the both of them was in their immediate future. The little shards would have to be removed so his skin didn't get infected. He glanced back at Anakin who was now grinning manically, unable to hold onto the seriousness of the situation anymore.

It turns out neither could as Obi-Wan found himself joining in his Padawan's giggling, so that was how the rescuing Jedi found them. Obi-Wan and his apprentice laughing their heads off sat in the middle of what looked like a bomb site, they were quickly whisked off to the med-bay to check for head injuries as their actions were not what was to be expected in a sane person.

Obi-Wan was brought out of his reminiscing of simpler times when he shifted a little too quickly and a sharp pain tore through his thigh, Ventress certainly had done a number on him, he gritted his teeth to try and stop the moan that was trying to escape it was in vain anyway as of course his Padawan noticed the action.

"Does it hurt, Master? I can try again with the crystals." His Padawan finished eagerly going to grab for the healing instruments again.

Obi-Wan gently grasped his arms before the boy could pick them up, he was absolutely exhausted from his attempts already, there was no way Obi-Wan was going to let him burn himself out completely over this. He needed Anakin at his full strength if he was going to get the boy away from Dooku.

"Nothing I can't handle, Anakin." The boy's look told Obi-Wan he wasn't convinced, he couldn't help but grin at his Padawan's actions. "Truly, Padawan, you must conserve your energy."

Anakin still did not look convinced but let Obi-Wan steer his reach from the crystals, he looked longingly at the door and puzzlingly went to stand by the force field. Obi-Wan's brows furrowed, did Anakin sense something he could not? Obi-Wan accepted that whatever Anakin was doing was at least keeping his mind busy, he could still sense his Padawan's hesitance to bring up what was screaming out from the boy's mind. Obi-Wan wished he wouldn't he wanted to spare Anakin's feelings as much as he could, the boy did not deserve his wrath even if it was just an act his Padawan would still be hurt.

Obi-Wan lay his head back against the cool metal floor, feeling the slight vibrations reaching his body he determined they were in hyperspace yet again. Where in the blazes are we going? Perhaps Dooku was keeping them moving to hide their presence, the council must have caught onto their disappearance by now. Obi-Wan knew the standard protocol, another Jedi team would be sent out to investigate, he didn't really hold out too much hope of them finding he and Anakin. Dooku seemed to have this whole thing planned out well, too well.

He thought back to his current dilemma, the only sensible choice set before him was to make Dooku believe he was going to turn, become his apprentice. Only then would the Count lead him right to the Sith Lord, Qui-Gon was right about one thing the force seemed to be showing this path to Obi-Wan. The only issue with the plan, well except its kriffing mad, was the fact that this wasn't the Jedi way, lying and deceiving.

As Obi-Wan reached out with the force for guidance the only thing he could sense was darkness, it wasn't Dooku or Ventress, no this forewarning was something bigger, something that stretched over the entire galaxy like a plague. He had felt ominous warnings recently in visions but nothing like this, Obi-Wan didn't even need to go looking. The darkness was descending to swallow them all and it frightened him, in all his years he had never felt anything as powerful or destructive in the force before. The shadow was falling and it was falling fast, the confrontation with the blackness was going to come sooner rather than later.

With that deadly deduction Obi-Wan made up his mind without thought of what the Council would say, Qui-Gon will be pleased. He felt a rush of warmth and affection which seemed to come from the force itself and smiled as he realised it was his Master's affirmative. Obi-Wan was going to listen to the force to guide his actions, he would play Dooku's game with his own rules. He strove to spend the remaining time preparing himself for the task ahead, he was not a fool this would not be easy. Dooku was no idiot, blinded by power yes but not to be trifled with.

Obi-Wan glanced over at Anakin thoughtfully who seemed to be meditating with a wall, what in the blazes was his Padawan up to? His apprentice had been so strong already surpassing all of his hopes and living up to his destiny easily, it was down to Obi-Wan to ensure the boy got out of here safely and he was damned if he would let this darkness take him. I will not fail him, I'm ready for Dooku and his mind games. Time to play by my rules…


All 12 council members were present when the communication was picked up from the Jedi investigative team assigned to Master Kenobi and his Padawan's disappearance, Mace Windu observed as the hologram played in the center of the room and the two speakers stepped into view.

The two sent on the assignment were Jedi Knight Siri Tachi and her new Padawan Ferlus Olin, the council were already watching Ferlus' progress with interest he was expected to make a great Jedi Knight one day. The boy was always top of his classes and acted extremely mature for his age, he was certainly one to watch indeed.

"Masters." Siri greeted them all with a bow, seemingly a little out of breath and from what Mace could ascertain the pair had most likely just been involved in a battle of sorts. Both Jedi's tunics were singed in places and their faces looked flushed as well as the signs of disorganised hair lead Mace to believe they had certainly found a confrontation of sorts.

"Found something have you?"

"Yes, Master Yoda." Siri nodded gravely before continuing. "Once we reached the Sentor's ship we found evidence of an immense battle, it looked as though it was attacked by pirate's. The Senator and his family were locked away safely and have been rescued, I'm afraid there were no other survivors aboard. Most of the men appeared to have been slaughtered."

Siri's gaze dropped further as she retold the grizzly tale, Mace could tell from the slight revulsion in the young Knight's eyes that the scene must have been brutal indeed. Worryingly she had not mentioned Kenobi yet, the anxiousness he could pick up from her did not sit well with him at all. It was known that Siri had a certain weakness when it came to Obi-Wan, they had almost risked it all years previously and Mace knew from their interactions since that the pair still had close feelings for one another even if they did not show them outwardly.

After a brief pause to compose herself Siri started up again. "We looked at the security footage and identified one of the attackers to be a Captain going by the name Skepaf, he is wanted in a few systems around here so it didn't take long to get a match. He and his men took Obi-Wan and Anakin, they used the Padawan to ensure Obi-Wan's compliance. I'm sending you the footage now." Siri's unwavering tone faltered slightly as she mentioned Obi-Wan, Mace made a mental note to make sure those two were watched in the future, attachment was a very perilous path for a Jedi.

The hologram flickered slightly as the security footage replaced the two Jedi, it sped through at a rather fast pace until the moment Siri had been discussing was reached. Of course Mace still saw everything that had been skipped through, a very callous attack indeed, poor Kenobi didn't stand a chance against so many. The footage closed in on one room which was filled with pirate's, Mace witnessed Padawan Skywalker racing into the room only to be smacked over the head and overwhelmed by the sheer amount of them. Next to enter was Obi-Wan, Mace was impressed with the young Knight's outward display of calmness over his grave situation, with a Padawan in the hands of the enemy all bets were off. Mace knew for a fact that if that were Qui-Gon standing there whilst Obi-Wan bled then the never-ruffled Jedi Master would have had trouble containing his emotions.

The man in question waltzed into the room, Mace thought he recognised him and it was more than possible that he had seen his picture being circulated on the holo net somewhere. The rest of the video wasn't a pleasant watch, Siri seemed to speed up the footage again not wanting to witness the savage beating of Obi-Wan once more. Mace didn't blame her, it was something he did not wish to observe, he had known Obi-Wan since he was a small boy what with him being Qui-Gon's apprentice and all. Mace had always had a soft spot for Kenobi, he had more than once reeled his Master in from his usual blatant defiance of council orders, they definitely did make an interesting pairing. The Master who never listened to the council and the Padawan who was the biggest stickler for the rules Mace had seen in quite some time. Seeing him in this state brought up some protective feelings in him which were neither welcome or helpful here, so Mace proceeded to release them into the force and focus back on the task at hand.

As the security footage came to an end, Siri's form flickered back on to continue speaking. "We proceeded to track Captain Skepaf and after doing some digging managed to locate his ship, we are currently aboard and all the pirates have been neutralised or are in custody. We found the body of the Captain, he was killed by a light saber."

Shock rippled round the room and a few gasps were heard as Siri revealed the shocking truth, What did that mean? Did Obi-Wan and Anakin escape? Mace's hopes were dashed as Siri continued with the mission report.

"Master Kenobi was very badly injured on board he was continually beaten and stabbed, when we were reviewing some of the security tapes we found the events, … disturbing."

From Siri's reaction Mace surmised that the tapes must have been far worse to what they just witnessed, she wasn't even attempting to hide her displeasure anymore. Mace stopped his mind in its tracks, refusing to judge her reaction when he had not seen what she had, who was to say he wouldn't have reacted to Obi-Wan's merciless beating in the same way. Once Siri had composed herself she continued, determined to finish the briefing and deliver all the information they had found, Mace had to admit she had done exceedingly well so far.

"After questioning the crew we found that Obi-Wan and Anakin had been passed on to someone else, none of the crew knew his name but I have found some footage on the Captain's computer which may bare same light on the situation."

Once again the hologram flickered into a new image, it seemed to be a recording of a communication. Mace couldn't believe his eyes, and by the outraged gasps from everyone in the room it seemed he wasn't the only one. That was ex-Jedi Master Dooku…

Murmurings and chatting started in earnest as the baritone voice of their ex-colleague filtered through the chambers, revealing a horrible truth as he confirmed his purpose, he wanted Kenobi and Skywalker. Traitor. Angry emotions started to taint the force around them as the hard truths sunk in, this was far worse than any of them could have imagined, why would Dooku do this? To his Padawan's own Padawan no less…

Several questions then went flying around the council chambers, everyone trying to calm their frazzled emotions over the abuse of trust.

'How could he turn against us?'

'Did he kill the Captain?'

'Does he think he's going to get away with this?'

'How long has he been planning this?'

Mace abruptly felt a calming influence reach his hazed mind, he glanced to the seat next to him to notice Master Yoda's attempts at calming the tensions in the room. A rogue Jedi did not sit well with any of them, especially one with Dooku's skill and wealth, this was a dangerous situation.

"Matter these questions do not."

The room fell silent as Master Yoda's serene voice broke through the tension, tone commanding complete attention and no room for argument. As the Jedi Master stared at the now frozen still frame of Dooku, Mace thought he caught a faint glimmer of regret before it was expertly quashed, Dooku was Yoda's Padawan once this would be the biggest betrayal, to him.

"For Obi-Wan and Skywalker's sake, find Dooku we must." Yoda looked away from the image and into each council member's eyes as he delivered the grave message, expressing the seriousness of the situation, all of the council nodded head's in agreement.

Mace realised this must have been what Master Yoda was sensing earlier, Yoda picked up his thoughts easily and with a sad shake of his head Mace realised this wasn't the end of it. Whatever darkness lay in the future was just beginning to un-swirl, it was not until now that Mace Windu felt the great weight of the future upon his shoulders just as Yoda must do every day. They were heading into dark territory, may the force help them all…


A/N - That's all for that segment, as always the next chapter should be up in a week or so!

Until next time...