Elite guard

As the ship came in to the lading bay, a squad of guards marched out to collect the cargo. The perfect lines of troops marched onto the full grey landing platform in faultless synchronisation. Impeccable uniforms and impassive faces told their platoon's story. They handled the cases that were embarrassing, illegal, or considered immoral by society. They quelled political uprisings with the blaster; they took care of trouble makers or the outspoken. They were deadly the assassins, the best, the elite, the most obedient troops at their master's disposal. No order was too difficult, too immoral, too illegal, or too unusual, for them to handle.

They were the ones doing the dirty work for their master. Arguably, this wasn't their usual line of expertise, but their master required soldiers he could trust to be silent, so here they were, standing at attention, waiting for the next assignment to arrive. It was an interrogation-and-guarding assignment. Not their usual speciality, but this was different. Their master's own apprentice was charged with the captive, so evidently there was more than met the eye in this case. Regardless, they would do their job well, and hopefully there master would get a good report from his apprentice.

Still as marble statues, the men stood frozen in place as the ship touched down. All except one. Newly transferred to this squadron, Ryuki was excited. This would be his first important task. No. Dare he say it? Mission.

Apparently the transport had an important prisoner aboard, as they had been ordered to ensure the captive did not escape while the transaction occurred. The base gossip was that the master had payed a high price for this little endeavour. There were even rumours that the prisoner was a Jedi. He would be guarding a Jedi! He and his fellows would also have a hand in the torture – or, as some idealists in the squad called it, the "interrogation".

Torture was becoming a normal part of his career. As was extortion, ("black mail" was such a nasty phrase) executions, assassinations, (he was one of the best snipers in the squad)pillaging, raids, and general destruction. But he did have a problem with some of the men taking the prisoners and raping them. Sometimes it was kinder to swiftly kill the prisoners, rather then let his fellows have their brutal way with them.

This wasn't how he'd intended to spend his military career, but the pay was generous and action was guaranteed. A nice, safe job like guarding would be almost like R'n'R. Soft beds, showers, hot food and nothing much to do, would be the perfect relaxation. At the tender age of 25, he had proved himself in ways he didn't want to remember. At first, committing atrocities for the sake of recognition had been almost unbearable but now while off duty, he found solitude at the bottom of a bottle of

Corellian whisky, and life was looking great.

The doors were opening! Out stepped two small, fuzzy creatures who motioned for soldiers to collect the captive. Me, captain? Sure sir, I'll go get him sir. Ryuki stepped over the threshold and was guided towards the prison cell by one of the small walking carpets. A moth-eaten carpet at that.

" Yup yup yup…..you guys need-a feed him. He a sicki Jedi but don'cha woori about it, he is chipp'd so he use no Forc'a on youse"

"Are you even speaking basic? Don't talk to me, little….thing."

When the door was unbolted and opened, Ryuki stood very still, agape at the sight before him. The poor bastard looked like he'd already been tortured. Sickly pale and already thin, the jedi looked about as able to attack a flea. There was a haunted look in his eyes. Like he had already seen the world at its worst, God…he could only be a few years younger than himself... but there was something else. A strength that seemed out of place in his weak body. Won't need the shackles after all. Harmless little scrap of a human.

The prisoner raised his head and locked eyes with Ryuki. A moment of understanding pasted between them. Ryuki was just following orders and the Jedi….well, in that glance, a rush of emotions flooded Ryuki's mind. The Jedi had accepted his fate, but was so despondent that Ryuki had to bite his lip to keep the tears from showing. This was going to be a strange mission after all. He now felt connected to the prisoner. How was he going to do his job, with someone who could do that with just his eyes?

Maybe I will need the shackles.

"So you're one of my new captors. Congratulations" said the Jedi. His young voice was scratchy and harsh. Didn't they give him water on the journey over? Ryuki removed the ships chains and replaced them with the stronger shackles he had brought with him. "You are now the guest of my master. Co-operate and you will be spared unnecessary pain." The normal spiel tasted dry in his mouth. It was clear this Jedi didn't deserve to be here, but orders were orders. It was also clear he knew the torture game; he knew what was just said was a lie.

"I am sure a great deal of pain will be considered necessary for educational purposes and to insure my general discomfort. But thank you for the encouragement; perhaps when it is your turn, you hand will fall lighter than some."

Ryuki knew he was gaping, but he didn't care. This was just so odd, so restrained, so understanding. This Jedi knew that he was uncomfortable with certain aspects of the occupation. Heck, he probably knew with just one look from those piercing grey eyes, that Ryuki drowned his sorrows in the fog of alcohol, and maybe even how nervous he was about his first major assignment.

The prisoner rising snapped Ryuki back to reality. "I am sorry to have disturbed you, but do you want me to walk out or be dragged? I would prefer to walk myself, but if you need to display your authority to your commanding officer I will understand," the Jedi informed him. Was this guy for real?

"Um… no. Walk ahead of me. I have you sighted, so don't try anything…" stated a confused Ryuki.

"Do you honestly believe I am capable of any form of escape in my current condition?" Noting the young soldier's incredulous face, the Jedi added "I won't try to escape. It's pointless, as I don't even know the location of the planet I am on and besides, it would reflect badly on your skills as a solider. I don't want to jeopardize your position by an activity that is folly to even consider."

Ryuki hesitated. After a pause and moment of thought, he said in a small voice,

"You are a very strange prisoner. Now walk – not too fast, mind." The last sentence was added out of kindness because the jedi looked in no shape to be walking anywhere in a hurry.

After removing the prisoner from the ship, Ryuki was met by one of the base's sentinels, and they marched the weary Jedi over to their commanding officer to report in.

"Sir?"

"Yes, Lieutenant?"

"We have the captive, sir. He appears already weakened considerably from his transport to this location."

The officer took one look at the dishevelled Jedi and his passive face contorted into one of anger.

"For damaging the master's cargo, I will deal with the smugglers". He turned to further inspect the ailing Jedi. "Identify yourself, Jedi."

"Obi-Wan Kenobi… Captain." He leant forward to read the soldier's rank.

"Padawan of Master Qui-Gon Jinn and recently, hostage of your gracious master. Current health condition, poor. Current aggravation , high…"

THWACK! – the sound of fist meeting face. Obi wan was lying in a crumpled heap on the hard floor.

"Get this piece of filth off my parade ground. Record that the prisoner arrived in poor condition… and with severe facial wounds. Also record the transporters were reprimanded for desecrating the master's property."

Ryuki bend over and dragged Obi wan to his feet. With the aid of the other sentinel, they managed to get the injured Jedi inside the base.

"He'll need that treated. Go get the medic, I'll take him to his cell," said Ryuki.

Through the thick haze of blood, Obi-Wan recognized his first captor. It the young soldier who was in turmoil. Even with out the Force, Obi-Wan could sense the struggle that was taking place inside the young man. It was this battle that might turn him into a sort of ally.

"Thank you."

"It was nothing; you'll die too fast if we don't treat that head wound."

He make it sound like nothing but Obi-Wan could hear how little this solider ever heard a 'thank you'.

"I am Obi-Wan Kenobi…"

"I know"

"What is your name?"

"Er…Ryuki Salarza"

"Pleasure to be under your… wardenship, Ryuki Salarza"

"Er….thanks"

The two small fuzzy creatures were outside, arguing with the captain.

"We gave him food and water, didn't even beat him once. We owe you nothing."

"Yup yup yup…nothing"

"Then why is he is so weak?"

"We have no idea"

"Yup yup yup…know not"

"Tell you what, you little vermin. I will have to give my master a damaged prisoner. I therefore hold you responsible for this outrage. If you will not compensate, then my hand is forced."

"You … you can't do this"

"Yup yup yup…no righty of yourse"

"Take these … creatures to the prison. I will deal with them later. All personnel take aim at that vessel. On my mark. Fire!"

The explosion rocked the base to its foundations.

Obi-Wan clutched his ears. His rapidly increasing head ache was getting worse.

"Come on Jed – Kenobi. I have to get you to your cell before something else happens."

Obi-Wan looked at his new captor and potential ally. Perhaps surviving here wouldn't be as hard as he thought.

As they walked down the echoing halls, Obi-Wan could swear he heard someone's deep voice gently whispering in his ear. But there was only him and the quiet Ryuki. He also couldn't shake the feeling he was being watched by… something. It was the same cold feeling he had had onboard the transport. Something was watching him.

The same thing that had laughed at his fear was now mocking his hope. It was clearer now, almost loud enough to hear properly. Straining, he heard it, and knew that the speaker was at the base. His courage fled him as he listened to the voice. That same hooded figure in the abyss was whispering….

"Hope is useless. Prepare, for soon we will meet"

Yay! I did another chappy. School once again has started and now sadly I will have to actually study. But never fear! I love this story to much to ignore it. I will update as soon as possible. One thing….I know it takes…gasp!...a few seconds to write a review but remember…reviews are love! Please review.