Third chapter- sorry it's a little later than planned- a big family gathering took away my time over the weekend. Plus it's been too hot to do anything XD
Normal disclaimer still stands!
Enjoy!
Chapter 3-Illusions of Peace
"Making our descent in ten minutes Master Jedi," Mal'am announced, carefully navigating their damaged ship towards the planet of Malrion.
Obi-Wan looked out of the cockpit window and saw the shadow of the larger moon Filil loom over them as the battered ship skirted the only habitable moon out of the two moons of Malrion. Space ships were already breaking away from the lines of traffic to fly in the direction of the moon.
"Entering the atmosphere," Mal'am said, checking his scanners. "Shields are holding." Both Qui-Gon and Mal'am had been worried that entering the atmosphere would be untold stress on the ship already with a hull breach. Extra time had been spent boosting the shields, once the sublight engines had been engaged.
Completely mesmerised, Obi-Wan stared out as an enormous freighter ship emerged above them through the haze of clouds, its view port windows twinkling with lights. A flashy star ship raced beneath them, leaving them far to stern as it sped along the lanes of traffic descending towards the planet's surface. He was really here. On another planet. His first visit to another planet.
"Focus Obi-Wan," Qui-Gon's chiding voice was quiet, exuding a calm Obi-Wan couldn't hope to possess at that moment. He nodded apologetically, remembering to centre himself, drawing the Force in like a cloak, carefully releasing the feelings to the Force. The events from earlier had shaken him and Obi-Wan knew he had to remain especially focused. From what he and Qui-Gon had discussed...the blasts had been no accident.
Qui-Gon barely had to glance at his Padawan to sense and understand the turmoil of emotions flooding through the young boy. It was normal, but also needed to be kept in check. After the unexpected explosions, which seemed to have suspicious derivation, he needed Obi-Wan to be in control and alert. He felt Obi-Wan's attempts at calming and encouraged him with his own Force presence.
Mal'am took the ship lower and the great capital of Malrion rose up to greet them. Not as tall and domineering as the Coruscant skyline, the buildings were smaller, cleaner and just as impressive. A vast white stone building with a gold domed roof sat an acropolis in the centre of the city, dominating the surroundings. Official buildings below flanked it, a great variety of flags flapping.
"This is Airdrome 1- please state your intentions," a curt voice crackled through the cockpit.
Mal'am glanced at Qui-Gon who nodded. Opening communications channel, Mal'am said, "This is the Nepapya from Coruscant- two Jedi aboard to see the First Minister of Malrion." He rattled off the authorisation code.
There was static for a few moments, "Welcome to Malrion Jedi Masters," the voice said smoothly. "There is a designated landing pad for you in the Airdrome. Please land immediately. There will be an escort waiting for you." The communication link was cut.
Obi-Wan couldn't help but raise an eyebrow. They were expecting more than one Jedi Master? He grinned. Qui-Gon did not look perturbed as he sat in his chair, watching coolly as Mal'am directed their ship towards the Airdrome, one of the taller buildings in the city, with smooth round sides with large open hangers at different levels. To Obi-Wan it reminded him wryly of a bird feeder, with different perches for birds- or in this case- space ships to dock.
Their landing pad sailed into view as Mal'am made the final adjustments. There were already people waiting, the wind whipping their clothing as the Nepapya approached. Mal'am fingers raced around the controls as he gently set the battered craft down, engines whirring. There was a soft thud as the ship made contact on the pad.
"Powering down engines," Mal'am said pleasantly as the ship came to a halt, turning to face the party awaiting them. Docking clamps whirred around the ship, holding it in position.
"Thank you," Qui-Gon nodded to the pilot as he and Obi-Wan rose.
Mal'am laughed. "For a moment back there I didn't think we would make it," he replied honestly. "I'm guessing the Jedi bring some sort of good luck."
Qui-Gon inclined his head. "It is your piloting skills," he deferred, shaking the hand offered by the pilot.
"Good luck kid," Mal'am grinned at Obi-Wan. "I'll be here a bit longer to fix the ship if you need anything."
The ramp hissed down and Qui-Gon followed by Obi-Wan descended onto the landing platform, hands folded in their cloak sleeves, faces carefully schooled. The escort party was waiting a few feet away and as they appeared one man stepped forward.
He was long limbed and tall, even more so than Qui-Gon, Obi-Wan noted as he approached the two Jedi. His skin was very pale, bordering on translucent. His clothes looked to be of fine quality, a rich burgundy robe, edged with silver underneath a pale patterned brown sleeveless surcoat. He wore an ornate head dress atop silvery hair, a bronze cap with a burgundy plume.
"Master Jedi," he beamed, looking first to Qui-Gon and then down at Obi-Wan. His face seemed to fall. "Excuse me if I am being forward…" he cleared his throat, "but I thought we had been promised two Jedi Masters?"
Qui-Gon was not perturbed by the man's statement. "My name is Qui-Gon Jinn and this is my Padawan, Obi-Wan Kenobi," he said, bowing, Obi-Wan quickly following suit. How surreal- he was being introduced officially as Qui-Gon's Padawan. He couldn't help but feel the small glow in his chest.
The man collected his manners swiftly. "Well, if the Jedi Temple believe you are suitable then that is very well with us. My name is Klone and I am one of the Chief Advisors to The First Minister of Malrion."
The Jedi bowed again.
"It is an honour to welcome the Jedi to Malrion to oversee our elections," Klone smiled, indicating to the Jedi to fall in step with him as they began to walk away from the ship. Klone's assistants and other delegates walked behind, also tall and graceful. Obi-Wan felt awkward and very small of a sudden.
/ You're doing well / Obi-Wan felt his Master's mental support echo through their bond. More confident, Obi-Wan squared his shoulders slightly, lengthening his stride to keep up with the tall Malrion people as they walked through the Airdrome. Qui-Gon seemed to have no trouble. All around were expensive looking air craft, open top leisure speeders. This must be a high class landing pad.
"I couldn't help but notice that your ship seemed damaged?" Klone ventured as he and the Jedi and one assistant stepped into the turbo lift to take them down to the city street levels.
"We suffered a minor explosion," Qui-Gon kept his explanation limited. He could feel Obi-Wan stiffen slightly by his side.
Klone looked shocked. "No one was hurt?" he asked. The Advisor then smiled thankfully when Qui-Gon affirmed there had fortunately been no casualties.
The turbo lift stopped with a gentle bump and the doors hissed open. Klone led the way out, robes flapping, Qui-Gon easily keeping up with Chief Advisor, Obi-Wan having rather more trouble. The entrance hall of the Airdrome was large and ornate, a sweeping marble roof and granite floor, boots clicking as they walked through, passed the security desk and through large double doors.
The group were ushered out quickly down the steps of the Airdrome where a luxury air taxi was waiting outside. As they walked down the steps, Obi-Wan noticed the guards surrounding the Chief Advisor. All wore blasters and other weapons strapped to their bodies, hidden within cloaks or holsters. Why the need for guards?
Why even the need for Jedi to overlook the elections? From what Obi-Wan had read, Malrion was a peaceful democratic planet; the crime rate was very low, education centres unparalleled and prosperity was high. The planet had no squabbles with any neighbouring planets or its own moons.
Qui-Gon paused suddenly. Something dark had swept through the Force, sending a chill up his spine. His piercing eyes swept the plaza they were descending into, taking in everything. There he felt it again. Qui-Gon frowned, focusing intently.
Everything then happened very quickly.
Obi-Wan caught the second chilling wave through the Force, hand immediately falling to his lightsaber, whilst glancing at his Master for confirmation. Even the Padawan knew something was amiss. Qui-Gon nodded ever so slightly at the young boy.
/ It's the taxi! Move Obi-Wan! /
Just as the cry flooded the bond, an enormous blast went off at the base of the stairs, the air taxi disappearing in a huge fireball, sending metal and shrapnel in all directions, flames shooting out.
Before it had even happened, Qui-Gon had forced Advisor Klone back up the stairs to safety and away from the blast, both men ducking as twisted bits of metal rained down on them, clattering on the stairs all around them.
As the smoke began to clear, the wailing of emergency vehicles filled the air. Qui-Gon was already on his feet, the Advisor was fine, being seen to by his numerous aids.
"Obi-Wan?" Qui-Gon called out. He had expected the boy to follow his lead during the explosion. It had been his duty as a Jedi to see first to the Advisor, though a part of the Jedi Master had been calling out for his Padawan.
/ Padawan? /
/ Master / was the strong reply, allowing Qui-Gon to release the breath he had not realised he had been holding. As the smoke continued to clear, he saw Obi-Wan a few steps below him, sprawled on his stomach where he had dropped as the explosion had gone off. Two delegates were beside him, where he had pushed them back to save them from being caught by the explosion, moaning as they stood.
Qui-Gon arrived at Obi-Wan's side as the boy pushed himself off the stairs to stand by his Master. He noticed that Obi-Wan was holding his left arm gingerly and his eyes narrowed in concern.
"Are you injured?" Qui-Gon asked, bending down to examine the limb.
"A burning bit of the ship hit it," Obi-Wan admitted sheepishly, embarrassed at such an injury. There was a nasty looking burn mark along the side of Obi-Wan's arm where he had thrown it up to protect the rest of his body.
"Don't be embarrassed," Qui-Gon said gently, feeling the emotions the boy was broadcasting.
Obi-Wan ducked his head again.
"Is he injured?" one of the delegates asked, peering down at the two Jedi, soot resting on his fine clothing. "Medic!"
"I'm fine," Obi-Wan protested.
The wailing of emergency vehicles had reached a crescendo as the fire ships arrived in the plaza, men jumping down with hoses, spraying down the still burning air taxi. Slowly, the Advisor was making his way down the stairs towards the Jedi, a concerned look on his face as he saw Obi-Wan.
"He was harmed in the blast?" Klone asked worriedly.
Obi-Wan tried to protest but Qui-Gon stepped in for him. "It is a small injury. I can treat it," he said smoothly, alleviating his flustered Padawan and a concerned Chief Advisor.
"I have to apologise," the Advisor said, wringing his hands. "It is unusual that we get violence here in Malrion- and the day the Jedi visit…what must you think?" he looked weary. "A new air taxi has been called for- we'll reach the Imperial Building quickly, whilst all this is cleared up."
Within a few minutes another taxi glided into the blackened plaza, arriving smoothly, doors opening as guards ran to it, checking this one. They waved the Advisor over once it was safe, the Jedi following. The numerous delegates milling around settled for the next one.
"Come," Klone said quickly, steering the two Jedi towards the air taxi. Climbing inside the air taxi, which took off promptly, Klone seemed to relax into the soft chairs. "We'll fly straight to the Imperial Buildings," he smiled shakily at the two Jedi.
Obi-Wan glanced at Qui-Gon. The question was burning on his lips; he wanted to know what had just happened. What had just happened? A bomb inside the air taxi? Who had placed it there? Who were they targeting? Why?
And Obi-Wan had thought Malrion was peaceful. His arm throbbed slightly but he ignored it. It was little more than a singe- like a lightsaber burn in training. He was grown up enough to handle it.
Qui-Gon could feel the unsettled emotions in his Padawan. He agreed, there was something not quite right, but then neither Jedi fully understood the situation. The Jedi Master sat calmly; fingers laced on his lap as the air taxi flew on, heading for the golden domed building.
The rest of the journey was in silence, the Advisor in too much shock to say anything whilst the Jedi kept their thoughts to themselves. The air taxi flew smoothly towards the Imperial Building, landing with a gentle bump.
A smile brightened Klone's face. "We have arrived. Come, I will have you escorted to your apartments. The First Minister is currently in a series of meetings but will be able to see you shortly."
The air taxi's doors hissed open. There were more assistants and guards waiting for them as the Jedi and Chief Advisor exited the vehicle. Obi-Wan looked around curiously. They had landed on a white stone balcony, quite high from the ground. The city was spread out around the acropolis, the streets all ran towards the Imperial Building, like spokes on a wheel.
"Chief Advisor!" a young woman hurried up to the group, her face pale. "We heard what happened in the plaza- are you hurt?"
Klone quickly dispelled her worries, introducing the woman to the Jedi as his personal secretary, Viza. She inclined her head towards the Jedi and they bowed back politely.
"Viza, would you please escort Master Jinn and Padawan Kenobi to the quarters they've been assigned to," Klone smiled, at the lightly smaller female. She was dressed much more modestly than her employer, in a shimmering silver robe. "I look forward to our next meeting," the Chief Advisor inclined his head as the two Jedi bowed together. "I hope your injury does not cause you too much pain Padawan Kenobi," Klone said as he departed.
"Come Obi-Wan," Qui-Gon said softly as Obi-Wan hesitated still looking. Obi-Wan nodded and followed his Master and Viza who led them into the Imperial Building.
The art work that hung on the walls of the Imperial Building even made Qui-Gon raise an eyebrow at the decadence. Great tapestries from floor to ceiling, statues, fountains, paintings were everywhere as they were led towards their quarters.
Obi-Wan's mouth dropped as they entered their quarters. The living area had to be bigger than the whole of their quarters back at the Temple. The furnishings were elegant and sophisticated. There were two low couches in the living quarters with a small table in between. Opposite the doorway were large bay doors, that opened out onto a balcony overlooking the Northern Quarter of the city. To Obi-Wan's left there was a hallway which led to two bedrooms separated by a fresher.
"Obi-Wan, you'll catch flies like that," Qui-Gon couldn't help but smile as he watched his Padawan's jaw drop slightly.
Clearing his throat, Obi-Wan felt his cheeks reddening as he closed his mouth. "But Master…" he breathed. "I've never seen anything like this."
Qui-Gon settled his bag, which was now all they had between them since Obi-Wan's had been lost, on one of the couches. "Don't get used to it Padawan- I assure you that not everyone is as hospitable as the Malrions. Just wait until we visit other planets."
Obi-Wan wrinkled his nose slightly before becoming serious. "Master, the explosion in the plaza..." he broke off.
Qui-Gon glanced at his Padawan, waiting for him to continue.
"That was the second explosion we've been caught near in two days. This one felt...it felt like it was more desperation than anger," Obi-Wan finished, looking up at his Master. Was he completely off target or had Qui-Gon sensed something too? Klone had seemed shaken by the blast but not as shocked as most of the other delegates had been.
"I agree with you," Qui-Gon's statement first shocked then pleased Obi-Wan. "Though I believe -for now- prudence is the best form of action. We ourselves are merely here as observers," Qui-Gon said, seating himself of the sofa.
Obi-Wan nodded slowly. It was true- the two Jedi knew nothing of the situation. Jumping to conclusions was unwise as well as dangerous. "What do you suggest Master?"
"We should be patient young one," Qui-Gon said, a smile forming on his lips- knowing that patience was not one of his young Padawan's fortes. He pulled out a bacta patch from his bag, waving for Obi-Wan to come closer.
The young boy grumbled that he was fine as Qui-Gon applied it to the burnt area, smoothing the patch on the skin and pulling Obi-Wan's singed sleeve back into place. Qui-Gon had the wry feeling that this was the first of many wounds he would have to treat the boy for. Thank goodness the first was nothing major.
"Thank you Master," Obi-Wan had the grace to say, adjusting his sleeve so it didn't get caught on the bacta patch.
A moment later, the bell to their quarters chimed. Qui-Gon moved over to the door and accessed its controls, letting it hiss open. The young women who had guided them to their quarters, Viza was on the other side. She inclined her head.
"The First Minister is available to see you now," she said politely. "If you would follow me?"
Together, the two Jedi followed the young Malrion through the gilded hallways up another flight of marble stairs and before a set of grand double wooden doors. "I will introduce you," she said, "Please wait for a moment."
The doors slid open a fraction, enough for her to slide through. Obi-Wan tried not to fidget as they waited. Instead, he folded his hands in his sleeves of his robe, as his Master already had done. A few minutes later, Viza reappeared. "The First Minister is ready to see you," she said. The doors behind her began to open again, this time fully, so all three could walk through side by side with ease.
Keeping his eyes forward, Obi-Wan allowed his senses to sweep the room. The ceiling was immensely high and domed- they must be right beneath the gold domed roof. A triangular table was set right beneath the domed ceiling. White stone pillars, with intricately carved patterns, were arranged in colonnades spanned the length of the room, separating it into three sections; the middle one with the table and two ante chambers.
Seated in one of the high backed chairs was a man. Upon seeing the Jedi, the man rose expectantly. If Obi-Wan had thought Klone's outfit was splendid- this man's was positively regal. His long sleeved robe was of a deep blue, with dark embroided patterns in the heavy material. Over the robe he wore a floor length sleeveless surcoat of white, trimmed with gold. His hair was dark brown and shoulder length, on top of which he wore a head dress not unlike Klone's but with instead, was gold with a blue plume.
Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan both bowed before the First Minister who watched them intently.
"Master Jinn and Padawan Kenobi," he said, not returning a bow, "I was told of your arrival. My apologies for not greeting you immediately, I was tied up in a meeting and then in sorting out the response for that explosion in the Airdrome plaza," he gave both Jedi a pleasant enough smile.
"It is our pleasure to be here First Minister," Qui-Gon said.
The First Minister looked pleased. "I hope you find everything according to your needs Master Jedi. If anything is required, do not hesitate to ask. Here on Malrion we make sure our guests are treated with respect and hospitality."
"So we have seen already," Qui-Gon said, inclining his head politely.
"Now to business. The elections take place in a matter of days," The First Minister said, seating himself. "It was on the advice of my council that I requested the presence of the Jedi. The last Government of Malrion was accused of falsities and corruption. I believe if the people of Malrion see that Jedi are personally here overlooking procedures that they will be reassured that this election will be smooth and fair."
Qui-Gon nodded, features carefully schooled. That had answered Obi-Wan's question it seemed; he could feel Obi-Wan's curiosity like a burning light beside him. However, he could also feel Obi-Wan's mistrust of the man in front of them.
"First Minister?" a male aid had approached the three men, bowing before his ruler before coming any closer.
The First Minister waved the aid over, listening as the man quietly spoke in hushed tones. Qui-Gon watched as the leader's eyebrows drew closer together in annoyance. With a frown he waved the man away, who bowed again before retreating.
"It seems we have to cut our meeting short," the First Minister said with an exaggerated sigh, "something has come up that demands my attention. You will be escorted back to your quarters- unless you would like to see more of the city or the Imperial Building? I can organise a guide to take you."
"Thank First Minister. I was hoping that my Padawan and I would have a chance to do some training. Is there any spare chambers that we might use?" Qui-Gon asked solicitously. The Master knew Obi-Wan would need something to keep his mind on the mission in hand.
"Of course, of course," the First Minister said. "The woman who brought you here will provide you with everything you need. I look forward to our next meeting," he rose as the Jedi bowed to him again. With a sweep of his billowing blue robes the First Minister left the domed room, followed by five aids.
Gently nudging Obi-Wan with the Force, Qui-Gon turned to follow their guide. Obi-Wan looked rather dazed after meeting the ostentatiously dressed leader of Malrion. Qui-Gon had met many of the First Minister's kind before and took it all in his stride. He still had his reservations however.
Obi-Wan followed his Master and their guide, heading towards a room designated for their training. He stopped short. "Master, may I leave my cloak in our quarters before we train?" he asked.
Qui-Gon glanced at him. "If you wish. Do you remember the way back?" he asked as their guide waited patiently.
Obi-Wan nodded quickly. "We are not far from there," he said. Qui-Gon gave him permission and he hurried away down the corridor, taking a left at the end. Qui-Gon watched the young boy disappear around the bend and indicated for the guide to continue. He sensed no danger here in the Imperial Building and knew Obi-Wan was a mental thought away.
Obi-Wan smiled in satisfaction as he found the room he and Qui-Gon were staying in. He wiggled his fingers on his left hand experimentally. The burn still ached but apart from that the wound was healing nicely thanks to the bacta patch. Still it was a childish injury.
Obi-Wan sighed. If he wanted to look the proper, grown up Padawan of Qui-Gon Jinn he needed to act like it. Not getting silly little injuries and worrying his master needlessly.
He accessed the door lock and punched in the combination Qui-Gon had shown him. The door swished open and Obi-Wan stepped across the threshold.
"Oh Force..."
Qui-Gon had just entered the training room when he felt Obi-Wan's call across their bond. / Master! There's something wrong! / Qui-Gon felt the uncertainty pouring down the bond, accompanied by a flash of fear and alarm originating from his Padawan.
/ Obi-Wan? What's the matter? Has something happened? / Qui-Gon demanded, immediately leaving the training room, sweeping past Viza who looked surprised to see the Jedi Master hurrying in the opposite direction. She called after him and on receiving no reply, hastened after him.
Rounding the corner, Qui-Gon arrived quickly at the quarters he shared with Obi-Wan. The door was wide open and he stepped through, hand falling to his lightsaber hanging from his belt, looking around sharply to pinpoint his Padawan.
"Obi-Wan?"
Oh dear. Another cliff hanger. Well review and it will get sorted out quickly- promise :D Plus it's cooled down more so I can write without feeling like I'm about to melt!
Hope you enjoyed!
AldabaranFox