Authors Note: I realize that (as clearly pointed out in the story) Owen was not a Padawan yet during the recounting of his and Obi-Wan's encounter on Tresh. It is merely poetic license to easily explain, although Apprentice and Padawan is basically the same thing.
The Story of forgotten Jedi Owen Sun
Chapter 17: Dooku's Orders
Five days had passed since Owen returned from his perilous mission.
In what seemed like many chapters of a good holonovel he explained the intriguing tale to the Jedi Council- where he went, the Jedi Assassins fate and true identity, Drakus, everything. The Council was distressed that Owen was not able to bring him to justice but the Assassin and his operations had been stopped; that was the most important thing.
Now the more pressing matter fell on the shoulders of the Jedi Council, who was this Drakus? Some of the best inspectors, detectives and information brokers yielded nothing; they even turned to their own Jedi Historians delving deep into the galactic database and criminal underworld. Yet still, nothing. It was almost as if he didn't exist…or didn't want to be found. Whatever the case the trail had gone cold and they were left with just a name so things returned to a relative normal in the Jedi Order, now being public news some in the Order wanted action in continuing the search as they feared someone would simply step in and take the Assassins place but the wise Yoda preached caution. Venturing into the unknown would only cost more Jedi lives; the Council trusted in the Force and would wait for this threat to reveal itself. However they did issue a warning to any Jedi brethren off-word to be on alert for any future incidence.
Meanwhile in Galactic City on Coruscant Owen went to pay a good friend an overdue visit.
Owen climbed the Jedi Temple steps eager to see his good friend Obi-Wan Kenobi again; he hadn't spoken to Obi-Wan much since Qui-Gon's death and taking Skywalker under his wing as apposed to their inseparable carefree youth getting into trouble and sharing a cup of ale or two. They had trained and grown up together but what really bonded them close was a rather fortuitous encounter when they were Padawans, having been separated from their Masters they fought off a horde of escaped pirates and mercenaries left over from the Stark Hyperspace War on the garbage planet of Tresh. At just 15 and 21 they held out three days against overwhelming odds using their wit and skill until finally found by Qui-Gon and Arca, the conflict had brought them closer than any amount of time ever could. While they were both highly skilled carrying valued traits Owen always considered Obi-Wan his superior, though in fact despite their age difference they were moreso equals.
Those days were over however and both Jedi had their responsibilities, Owen as the best prospect the Jedi had and Obi-Wan in training the possible Chosen One that would bring balance to the Force but that bond between the two would always remain.
Owen entered the Training Chambers of the First Knowledge quarter deep inside the Jedi Temple, this area was usually rife with activity of younglings and students alike performing their studies and practicing lightsaber techniques. Owen pretty well grew up in this section of the Temple having spent more than half his life here training to possibly one day be a Jedi, being back always brought up memories but the one he never forgot was the day he almost crushed a fellow student by accident. Sounding scarier then it actually was he was trying to move a simple training orb with his mind and ended up picking up a nearby statue, losing control he accidentally flung it across the room nearly killing the student. Even at eight years he was one of the most talented students and sometimes forgot how to control his strong gift with the Force, his teachers were never quite sure he could master his powerful abilities. Ultimately he did and the rest as they say is history, Owen still remembered what the Headmasters of the academy told Arca the day he left to become his Apprentice. "If that boy ever realizes all of his potential there would be few who could stop him" advocated the Masters.
Despite the flattering endorsement Owen was never arrogant always remaining very modest which was somewhat rare for most young headstrong students trying to get noticed. Almost to the point where his teachers had to remind him that he needed to continually test himself and compare to become a better student. It wasn't necessarily because it was paramount to the Jedi never to be prideful but the fact that Owen had begun his training at a very late age for a Youngling and would always suffer the stigma of being late to the Order, that alone kept any sense of butting pride or arrogance in check.
"(Ahem)" interrupted a Headmaster.
His thoughts had wandered away from him and he unknowingly stumbled right into a Headmasters lesson plan. "Oh…uh excuse me Master" apologized Owen.
Several sparse giggles were heard throughout the gathered class as Owen blushed embarrassingly making his way towards Obi-Wan and a subdued Skywalker. "…Anakin how many times must we go over this you are not allowed insid-" Obi-Wan halted mid-speech eyeing the blond Padawan.
Owen was always hard to miss. "Don't stop on my account" he quipped.
"Ha-ha Owen it's good to see you again" chucked Obi-Wan as they shared a friendly half-hug.
He smirked. "Sorry for interrupting"
"That's quite alright in fact we were about to take a short break, isn't that right Anakin?" replied Obi-Wan with a disapproving glare.
Anakin hung his head in defiance after a short pause. "Yes Master"
"Why don't yo-" the brash young Skywalker stepped forward interrupting his Master. "Hello Master, it is a pleasure to see such a great Jedi grace the training hall today" he greeted.
"Um thank you Anakin I see you're not a boy anymore" returned Owen noticing he was nearly his height.
Skywalker appeared to take pride in the acknowledgement, sharp grin on his face. "What I was going to say is why don't you give us a few minutes while you go over your lessons" issued Obi-Wan.
"But I've done them alrea-" it was Obi-Wan's turn. "Anakin" the change in tone meant business.
Anakin defiantly held his tongue and began to leave. "Aren't you forgetting something?" questioned Obi-Wan.
Tucking his tail between his legs the young Padawan returned to retrieve his lightsaber. Obi-Wan stopped him sensing ashamed aggravation.
He placed his hand on the young mans shoulder. "A Jedi must always practice"
"Y-Yes Master" humbled Anakin.
He gave his young Padawan an encouraging tap on the shoulder as Anakin retreated to one of the Training Chambers verandas. "I apologize, Anakin is (sigh) difficult to discipline" admitted Obi-Wan.
"How is he coming along?" asked Owen.
"He has much to learn but honestly, sometimes I don't know what I'm going to do with him, did you know he rewrote a teachers lesson plan last week?" admonished Obi-Wan. "Said it was a waste of the classes time"
"Wait, isn't Anakin a little old for classroom instruction?" questioned Owen.
"I wanted him to attend to remember the fundamentals we were all taught as students…and this is how he listens" explained Obi-Wan.
"Well, kids will be kids; I think I can recall a few times when curiosity got the better of us" Owen joked.
"Yes but we never did anything even close to what Anakin has tried, he is an arrogant young man with little respect for authority" he continued.
Owen observed Anakin from afar all by himself. "Be patient Obi-Wan, give him time and let him learn, his circumstances getting here weren't exactly ideal"
Although their temperaments were almost complete opposites Owen could understand some of Anakin's frustration, he didn't have such an easy road to the Jedi himself. "(Sigh) you're right old friend, perhaps the Force has sent you here to remind me of that, I was almost at my wits end" established Obi-Wan.
"Do you still believe he is the one?" questioned Owen.
"I know the Council has reservations of him and his future but Qui-Gon assured me he is the chosen one that will bring balance to the Force" stated Obi-Wan.
"Yes, but do you think?" he inquired.
"(Sigh) Anakin is strong in the Force and the Masters themselves confess to his remarkable skill but sometimes I must admit, I do have my doubts" disclosed Ob-Wan. "To think the entire Order of the Jedi and the very thing we base our whole lives upon is in the hands of an arrogant, impulsive 13 year old boy" he continued.
"But Qui-Gon was certain, he saw something in the boy and I gave him my word" reminded Obi-Wan.
"I guess time will tell" Owen replied.
"Yes, time is the arbiter of us all" he agreed.
"Still, I couldn't help but notice he referred to me as a Master, he knows I'm still a Padawan doesn't he?" wondered Owen amused.
Obi-Wan chuckled. "Oh that, a lot of the students have been gossiping lately of your exploits, the brave, young angel of a Jedi brings the evil Assassin of our brethren to justice" he yarned.
"Well…I didn't exactly bring him to justice now did I?" returned Owen wittily.
"I'm sure despite everything you did that was the first thing the Masters brought up" assumed Obi-Wan.
"Windu actually beat Mundi to the punch this time" he jested.
The sarcasm couldn't be thicker as the two took their seats.
"Well it was refreshing to hear but I'm still glad to be under Arca's wing" affirmed Owen.
"That's got to be a first, a Padawan that actually wants to stay with their Master" Obi-Wan joked.
"Seriously though I don't think I'd know what to do without him" he considered.
"Well you best figure that out, you won't be a Padawan forever you know" continued Obi-Wan.
"I know, I know" he returned lightheartedly.
"He is a great teacher, I'll give you that" understood Obi-Wan.
"One of the best, I guess the Force has shined on us in that way, we've both had great Masters to guide us" mused Owen.
Kenobi paused for a moment reflecting. "Do you still remember what happened in Tyrena?" he asked.
"Ha how could I forget" answered Owen.
While on Corellia looking for a band of pirates hijacking Republic convoys Arca and Qui-Gon had sent the two young Jedi to the city of Tyrena on a harmless errand in an exchange of information, little did they know it was a setup. Owen and Obi-Wan dealt with the group of thugs but amidst the fighting the agent escaped, when all was seemingly lost the stubborn Qui-Gon Jinn refused to accept defeat and tracked the agent almost halfway across the galaxy apprehending him. Arca and Qui-Gon ended up using the agent in a sting that stopped the pirates landing them all in a Corellian prison. "Heh I still can't believe he did that" Obi-Wan reminisced.
Kenobi fought off the rush of emotion. "I really miss him sometimes" he exhaled.
"He would've been proud of you; I can't tell you enough how sorry I am" sympathized Owen.
An awkward silence hung in the air as Obi-Wan stared into his past heart sinking, Owen could sense a change of subject needed. "I like the beard, it suits you well"
He smirked. "Yes well we can't all have your bright roots now can we, considered growing one?" proposed Obi-Wan.
Owen laughed sarcastically. "I'm sure the Masters would love that, a Padawan with a beard" he quipped. "To tell you the truth I'm not even sure I could grow one?"
Kenobi tapped him on the chest. "Don't worry you'll catch up" he teased.
The two got up and began to walk through the Training Facilities.
"Despite all the gossip your secret mission has caused a bit of a stir you know, I'm sure the Council will place the mantle of Jedi Knight on you very soon" he speculated. "That would make you one of the youngest Knights in the Orders history if I'm not mistaken" Obi-Wan pointed out.
"Yeah I know the way the winds blow in the Order but if I had my way I'd stick rather than be pushed to the front of the line" replied Owen.
"That's why they gave us Masters, they know when we're ready" commented Obi-Wan.
"I have watched a few take the trials, it looks very challenging; four tests, one of skill, flesh, courage and spirit" informed Owen.
"Hm I wouldn't know" joked Obi-Wan.
"Oh that's right I forgot, you didn't have to take them" Owen quipped.
Kenobi chuckled in his usually manner. "Sure throw that in my face" he returned comically.
"So, you've gotta tell me, what really happened with you and C'baoth on the Outbound Flight?" questioned Owen.
The Outbound Flight was a daringly controversial project led by Jedi Master Jorus C'baoth to explore and colonize the Unknown Regions that ended with disastrous results.
Obi-Wan exhaled upsettingly. "That is a long, sad story my friend" he described.
Passing the waterfalls in the Room of a Thousand Fountains Kenobi explained the conflicting tale to an intrigued Owen Sun…
Meanwhile on the mysterious world of Byss in Count Dooku's castle.
Forged from the blackened rock of a cataclysm groundquake the spiking spires of Dooku's castle reached into the blue-green heavens of Byss but they could not hide Drakus' failure.
The illustrious Count presides on what to do with his Apprentice now that his Assassin has failed.
Darth Drakus bowed to one knee mired in defeat. "You have failed me my Apprentice and we both know the penalty for failure" stated Dooku.
Dooku was still learning the intricate ways of the Sith from his Master Darth Sidious but he knew the fundamentals well, the Sith relied on their passion for their strength, feeding off their anger, hate and pain to make them stronger, gaining power through victory. This caused a never ending cycle of internal strife and lust for power as the strongest of the Sith must always rule, they believed conflict was the ultimate challenge of an individual forcing them to grow and evolve. Polar opposites of the Jedi who they viewed as weak and inferior, their ways leading only to stagnation and decline. Dooku had done his best to teach Drakus this but he still had much to learn.
"Master I-" Drakus was cut off. "SILENCE!" demanded Dooku.
"Do you think I dragged you all the way from that backwater sinkhole for you to fail me now?" he posed.
Dooku found the Utapaun on the windswept surface of his homeworld broken, beaten and betrayed. Apparently he tried to stage an uprising of the unified city states but was ultimately unsuccessful betrayed by his own band of followers; he was cast out and exiled never to return to Utapaun society again. Dooku sensed his potential but it wasn't his cunning or skill in battle it was his bitter hate and lust for revenge that seemed to drown through the Force. He took the disowned Pau'an as his Apprentice and showed him how to use his hate to make him stronger instead of letting it destroy him bestowing the mantle of Darth Drakus upon him. Plus Dooku saw the advantage of the species long life span, Pau'ans lived up to 700 hundred years, the ever strategic Count foresaw in the unlikelihood of being struck down before his plans would reach fruition Drakus could step in and assume control. Even if things fell apart, time would be on his side to regain the initiative plus when Dooku did eventually die the Utapaun could carry on a long legacy giving him ample time to become a powerful Sith.
Dooku continued to pace getting his frustration out. "Do you know what you have done?" he enlightened. "You have put our entire plan at risk with your incompetent Assassin!"
The Sith Apprentice didn't dare look up keeping his head bowed not knowing what his fate would be. "You bare the blame of this failure but it was your Assassin who failed us, not you" forgave Dooku. "You may rise" he permitted.
Drakus cautiously rose towering over Dooku once more, Pau'ans were known for their height and frightening appearance, he wore both attributes well behind his dark, hooded trench coat-like robe.
Dooku paced around his promising Apprentice. "Do you wish to be a great Sith one day?" posed Dooku.
"Yes Master" yearned a hooded Drakus.
He gave his Apprentice a glaring look. "One more chance Drakus, this is the last shred of mercy you will get" warned Dooku. "Do not disappoint me again" he stated.
An uncomfortable silence hung in the air for some time as the Sith Apprentice chose his next words carefully. "What shall we do now my Master?" inquired the ashen exteriored Drakus.
"Firstly, there is a problem I need taken care of" began Dooku.
"I have uncovered a very significant Sith artifact on Thule, before I was able to research my findings the Jedi caught wind of my presence there, they've sent one their Knights to investigate" continued Dooku.
"What would you have me do Master?" wondered Drakus.
"The Jedi cannot discover the artifact, you will go to Thule and intervene" ordered Dooku.
"Yes Master, I will leave immediately" obeyed Drakus leaving Dooku's chambers.
Dooku took a seat on his lush crimson black throne watching his Apprentice depart. "Remember Drakus, there will be no second chance, if you fail me again you will die" he warned.
Drakus continued on his way using the threat as further motivation departing Dooku's castle.
Meanwhile back inside the Jedi Temple on Coruscant.
Sometimes the Force worked in mysterious ways, on the other side of the equation stood Anna Arress, Arca's former Padawan now Jedi Knight. Owen didn't know it yet but they were about to have their lives turned upside down and for his Master truly inside out.
The Council had just received a distress signal from Thule, Yoda and Windu were in attendance. "Put it through" permitted Windu.
A holovid appeared in the center of the Council chambers, it was Jedi Knight Arress. "This is Anna Arress calling the Jedi Council, I repeat this is Jedi Knight Anna Arress calling for the Jedi Council" she initiated.
"Go ahead" Windu addressed.
A brisk wind blew her robes and brown bangs about in the blue hue of the broadcast. "I have completed my investigation of the area and there appears to be no sign of Count Dooku" reported Anna.
"Have you remained in disguise?" asked Windu. "Dooku has agents everywhere" he cautioned.
"Most definitely Master, I was smuggled into the city by our contacts and have used the utmost discretion in my investigation" she assured.
"What learned have you?" wondered Yoda.
"Well Master, Dooku was here of that I'm certain, eyewitness reports place him here inside Kessia but after rigorous inspection I have discovered he left the planet several weeks ago" informed Anna.
Windu spun a troubling look to Master Yoda as Anna continued through the flickering holovid. "That's not all Master I have sensed a disturbance on the planet, something is here that does not feel right, I can't be certain but perhaps it has something to do with why Dooku was here" she detected.
"A disturbance?" questioned Windu.
"Yes, through the Force Master, it has persuaded me to continue my search of the city" relayed Anna.
There was a long, still pause of contemplation…
"Masters?" interrupted Anna.
Mace looked to Yoda as he nodded in agreement. "Very well, continue your search and let us know if you find anything" he permitted.
"I'm afraid I also have some bad news Master, my Starfighter has sustained irreparable damage and I require assistance" she explained.
"Um" groaned Yoda sensing possibly something in the Force at work here.
"I thought about taking a transport or perhaps escape through our contacts but I fear someone may discover my true identity and leak that we've been here, it's just too much of a gamble Master" clarified Anna.
"Um wise decision of you, much unclear there is" approved Yoda.
"Wait there Anna, we will send assistance right away" reassured Windu.
"Thank you Master, I will await the arrival" replied Anna.
"And Anna, be careful" cautioned Windu.
The holovid ended with a scrabbled flicker.
"What do you think?" Windu posed to the wise Yoda.
"Hmm something right here there is not, carefully we must be" warned Yoda.
"Anna said she sensed something strong, what do you think it is?" wondered Windu.
Yoda frowned turning to the floor. "Not sure I am, shrouded in mystery the planet is, haven for the Sith it once was" he speculated.
"The Sith?" questioned Windu. "You still believe them to be a threat?"
"Have yet found the other one have we, until discovered yeeeees a threat the Sith are" he assured in a low, careful tone.
"But the Dooku sighting confirms suspicion, he's up to something" reminded Windu.
Dooku was once the very best of them, exemplifying everything it is to be a Jedi but over time due to his increasing arrogance his view of the Order grew disenchanted, viewing the Senate corrupt and the Jedi Council fallible. Without any reason or proclamation he left the Order reclaiming his title as Count of Serenno, recently to the shock of the Council he had become an outspoken enemy of the Republic and the Jedi. The betrayal hit Yoda especially hard; Dooku once confided in him as his advisor building his foundation like no other Jedi before, the elderly Whill saw Dooku's fall as the Orders greatest failure.
"Tainted by the dark side my old pupil has become, why he went to Thule I know not, to watch him continue we must" stated Yoda.
"Everything does seem too close for coincidence; Dooku's more than a little suspicious in having something to do with the recent assassinations" conjectured Windu.
"Um yes who is to gain you must ask yourself?" posed Yoda. "I fear web of events connected they are, the dark side clouds everything, if act we do not more terrible things will happen" he sensed.
"So what sort of aid should we send?" debated Windu.
"Not what, who?" added the wise Yoda.
"What do you mean?" he countered.
"What I sense weapons and machines of war cannot counter, wielders of the Force we need" clarified Yoda.
"Of course, we will send a team of Jedi to investigate this disturbance and assure a safe return" proposed Windu.
Without thinking Yoda closed his eyes. "No, two there must be, in my vision two are, face this danger only they can do" Yoda cryptically stated.
"(Humph) A Master and his Padawan, but who?" pondered Windu.
Yoda's eyes were still squeezed shut trying to see through the Force answering the daunting question of who to send out of thousands of possible Jedi candidates. Then, his eyes opened. "Arca" he concluded.
"Are you sure?" Windu doubted.
"Much unresolved with those two there is, Arca it must be" confirmed the foreseeing Yoda. "But where Master Padawan must go" he inclined.
"You're not suggesting-" he was cut-off. "Yes, Owen go with him he will" clarified Yoda.
By Mace's expression he seemed to disagree with Yoda. "No one denies that the Padawan handled himself admirably against the Assassin but if you are correct he could run into something he may not be prepared for, the dark side as you mentioned" Windu pointed out.
"Hard it is for you to yet see my old Padawan but wise young Sun is, beyond his years, potential yet to discover" foretold Yoda. "At the center of things Owen is, what is to come experience he must" he cryptically explained.
Windu finally realized what Yoda was trying to tell him, the boy was grown up and had to be allowed to venture out seeing what kind of Jedi he would truly make. "Very well, the Council agrees" approved Windu.
So the recuperated duo were summoned by the Jedi Council, brought up to speed on the situation and warned about the possible dangers echoing through the Force. Heeding the Council's wishes they left for the ambiguous planet of Thule in their Jedi Starfighters.
Dooku's orders were clear find and eliminate the Jedi Knight, with all three parties on a collision course the Force only knew if the two Jedi would arrive in time…