Part 5: The Warning

Obi-Wan had done multiple rounds of the ship before the handmaidens had decided to start preparing an evening meal. There hadn't been any sign of bandits since they'd retaken the ship. He figured those they'd dealt with earlier were the only gang that'd seen them land in the desert.

As the others used what they could find in the lounge's kitchenette to prepare supper, Obi-Wan had retreated to one of the ship's other rooms. He figured it was an extra cargo space, but it was mostly empty, which suited his needs; it provided fewer distractions. He wasn't so new to meditation that he needed to worry about being distracted by the objects around him, but things had changed since the Force had started sending him such strange visions. He needed to be sure he could focus on the visions alone. Since the ship's crew had nothing to do until his master returned with their replacement parts, he finally had the time to do so.

Obi-Wan sat in the center of the room with his knees to the ground and his feet supporting his weight. He clasped his hands in his lap and closed his eyes. He shut out the noise of the others chatting and laughing in the lounge, the faint hum of the ship's essential systems, and even the sound of his breathing. He silenced his own thoughts and put aside any notion of how much time had passed, opening his full attention to the Force alone, waiting for it to show him what he needed to see.

Faint, disorganize images rushed before his mind's eye. He'd seen that before, in his dreams, and none of it made any sense to him. He tried to focus on one at a time, but he could see nothing other than bright oranges and reds. Then, there was the foreboding black. Its appearance had always been what woke him from his dreams. Even then, in his self-induced dream, he wanted to escape. He suppressed the urge to flee.

As the Force drew him deeper into the vision, he realized the colors were beginning to make sense to him. Soon, he was standing in a desert on a strange planet. He knew it wasn't Tatooine; the sand was orange, not the unremarkable tan he'd become accustomed to in the past few hours. Spires of red rock rose out of the desolate plain. Aside from the wind tossing sand about him, he could hear strange chirps and the flapping of wings, but they didn't sound like any birds he'd ever come across. The Force chose not to show him what was making those noises. Instead, he found his focus drawn to one thing: a man standing a short distance from him.

He knew it was a man, though nothing was clear about him. He could see nothing but the dark clothing he wore. The wind whipped the multiple layers of black cloth around, but he didn't seem to be bothered by it. His focus was on Obi-Wan. It was a malevolent focus, the padawan knew. He could feel the man's malice toward him as he stood motionless, staring out at him from the shadow of his full black hood. Beneath it, he could only see the lower half of the man's face. The man's skin looked red to him, but the sun and their surroundings made everything red, even his own robes. He tried not to think too much of it.

Obi-Wan finally understood what'd made him want to run the previous times he'd received the vision. In his sleep, he'd had very little control over that urge, but in this waking dream, he was able to keep his fear in check. The image couldn't hurt him.

As he watched, the man began to move. He could see his hands reach into the folds of his robes. They were covered in black gloves, again hiding every notable detail from view. He pulled his hand out of the shelter of his cloak. In it, he held something Obi-Wan couldn't identify. At that distance, it was just a glowing red pyramid that stood out obviously against the dark backdrop of the man's clothing. The glow began to pulse slowly as what looked like a cloud of fine, inky mist began to seep into the air around it. The thickness of the black mist blotted out every detail of the man holding the pyramid, continuing on to erase the desert surrounding the man.

The darkness kept growing, covering everything in sight. Obi-Wan could feel it inching toward him as well. He tried to step back, but his feet wouldn't move. His heart began to pound rapidly as panic overtook him. He could feel fear emanating from the black mist. It overrode all of his training. He couldn't control the fear anymore and it was only growing. He knew it was the Dark Side, coming for him.

The vision wasn't just a vision anymore. Something was in his head. Or, perhaps, someone. The foreign influence was pouring into his mind. He tried to block it, but it was as effective as trying to stop a geyser with a grate.

"Master Jedi."

Obi-Wan jerked out of his trance. He gasped in a deep breath and began to breathe heavily, his heart still pounding from the unnerving vision.

"Are you alright?"

He looked up to see Rabé standing in the cargo room's open door. He endeavored to slow his breathing and nodded.

"Yes, I'm fine," he replied shakily. He grunted to clear his throat and looked up at her again. "Is something wrong?"

Rabé shook her head.

"No, but Master Qui-Gon called over the ship's holo," she explained, "he's asking for you."

Obi-Wan nodded again and got to his feet.

"Thank you, Rabé."

"When you're done there, we made dinner in the lounge," Rabé continued, "there wasn't much to work with, but it's better than nothing."

"I'm sure it's wonderful," Obi-Wan replied, smiling.

The girl turned around and headed back down the hall toward the lounge. Obi-Wan took in another breath through his nose and let it out again, hoping to readjust to the real world. The Force had never shown him such a vivid vision before. He didn't want to annoy his master by bringing it up yet again, but he thought he finally knew what his dreams had been trying to tell him and it was definitely important.

He sighed and made his way back to the cockpit. He sat down in the co-pilot's chair and activated the small holocom on the console. The little, holographic image of Qui-Gon in his borrowed casual attire appeared in front of him, his arms folded in front of him.

"Master, I'm glad to see you," Obi-Wan began, "I know what the Force has been trying to tell me. Or, I think I do."

Qui-Gon's hologram sighed.

"Obi-Wan, I told you to focus on the present, remember?" he asked.

"Yes, I know, but…these dreams have been keeping me up for the past few weeks. I needed to find out what was so important."

Qui-Gon nodded.

"What did you discover?"

Obi-Wan took a breath and let it out again. He was glad his master was willing to listen. He hadn't seen anything yet to suggest the threat was imminent, but he knew it was coming. He still didn't know what to make of the sensation he'd experienced just before Rabé brought him out of his dream state. The only explanation he could think of was impossible.

"I'm not…entirely sure what it was, but I think I felt the Dark Side," he began. "I was meditating, to focus on my vision and it got into my head somehow. I know that doesn't make much sense, but I can't think of any other way to explain what I felt. It was…terrifying. It was like someone was there, in my mind with me, but I know that can't be."

Qui-Gon's hologram held one hand up in his direction.

"I can sense your fear, Obi-Wan. Calm yourself."

Obi-Wan lowered his head and slowed his breathing just slightly.

"I'm sorry, Master."

"Those of us sensitive to the Force must be careful when communing with it," Qui-Gon reminded him calmly, "just as the Light is ever present around us, so is the Dark. There may be times you think you're receiving messages from the Light when it's actually the deception of the Dark Side seeking to establish a foothold in your mind. You must be wise enough to discern the difference."

"I've never felt the Dark Side so strongly before," Obi-Wan continued, "but I don't think it was what sent the visions to me. I was meant to feel it, as part of the warning. I think I know what's coming, Master."

"What is that?"

"Well…I saw a man in the vision as well. He was where the darkness came from." Obi-Wan paused to think of his phrasing. He didn't think his master would ever call him "crazy" for saying what he was about to say, but there was certainly the risk of not being taken seriously enough. He sighed after giving it a few seconds of thought and resolved to get it out the best way he could: directly. "I think he was a Sith," he stated in the soberest tone he could manage.

Though the Jedi Master was good at hiding his feelings from showing outwardly, Obi-Wan detected the slightest hint that his revelation had perturbed Qui-Gon. For good reason, too. He knew the significance of what he was suggesting. If he were right, the galaxy was going to become much more dangerous, particularly for members of the Order.

"There are many people throughout the galaxy who choose the Dark over the Light, Obi-Wan," Qui-Gon told him, very slowly and deliberately, "they are dangerous, but that doesn't make them Sith."

"I could tell he was powerful," Obi-Wan argued, "he wasn't like any of the Dark Side users we've dealt with before."

"The Sith have been extinct for a thousand years," Qui-Gon countered.

"You don't think it's possible they could reemerge?" the padawan persisted.

Qui-Gon shook his head.

"On the contrary, I think it's likely they will return some day," he replied, "but I just want you to be careful about the conclusions you draw. You don't know many things for certain, yet you've determined that your vision meant the Sith are coming back. It frightened you to think that, didn't it? You know so little, but you let fear into your heart. Don't let it get out of control. There have been Jedi in the past who were led astray by their own misinterpreted visions, driven to paranoia."

"But you just admitted I could be right about my vision," Obi-Wan pointed out, "I know I shouldn't let fear dictate my actions, but I think a little anxiety is suited for something like this."

"I'm not saying we shouldn't warn the Council or that we shouldn't prepare for the possibility that the Sith are making a comeback, but trying to contact Coruscant now is a risk. It could pinpoint our location to the Separatists, should they intercept the transmission."

"You're saying to focus on the task at hand," Obi-Wan assumed, lowering his head.

"I know you're growing tired of hearing it, but yes."

The padawan sighed and looked up again.

"You're right, Master. I admit I let fear take hold of me. I'm sorry."

"It's in the past," Qui-Gon replied lightly, accepting the apology.

Obi-Wan cleared his throat and sat up straighter, hoping to change the subject back to what his master had called to tell him, but he noticed the man had his attention elsewhere. His head was turned to the left, his arms folded over his chest, one finger across his lip as he considered something Obi-Wan couldn't see via the hologram.

"However," he murmured. Before finishing the thought, he lowered his hand and looked back at Obi-Wan. "What you said…it's intriguing, considering what I've found here in Mos Eisley," he concluded.

"What did you find?"

"A boy. He's thirteen years old, but I could sense an incredible connection to the Force in him." Qui-Gon paused to look to his left again. "That you would have a vision like that around the same time I found this boy is strange…and I'm starting to think it's not a coincidence."

"I don't understand," Obi-Wan replied, "what's so strange about him? Force-sensitive children can be found all over the galaxy."

"What I sense in him is faint, as with most of the untrained, but it's an intense power." Qui-Gon shook his head. "I've never felt something this strong in someone so young before, not even in those who've begun the training," he paused, nodding to himself, "I think he may be the Chosen One."

Obi-Wan's brow creased.

"The what?"

"It's an old prophecy," Qui-Gon explained, "it told of a powerful Jedi, destined to destroy the Sith. After the Sith were wiped out, most Jedi began to assume the prophecy was no longer relevant. However, if your vision is truly what you think it to be, we may have the solution right before us."

"It sounds a little far-fetched," Obi-Wan replied curtly.

Qui-Gon grinned.

"It seems you've developed some of Master Windu's skepticism," he mused.

Obi-Wan smiled as well.

"Well, Master, I don't want to say you're wrong, but you said yourself not to jump to conclusions too quickly."

Qui-Gon chuckled.

"So I did. Fair enough, Obi-Wan." He cleared his throat. "In any case, if he agrees to it, I want to take him to Coruscant with us to begin the training. Even if he's not the Chosen One, I'm sure he'll be a very powerful Jedi."

"You said he's thirteen," Obi-Wan reminded him, "the Council will say he's too old."

"If you report what the Force has told you first, they may have the same suspicions I do."

Obi-Wan sighed.

"I don't think Master Windu will believe you've found the 'Chosen One'. He'll make it difficult to convince the other Council members."

"If they refuse, I'll train him myself," Qui-Gon stated.

"You know they don't like it when you get stubborn," Obi-Wan warned him.

"Anakin's age shouldn't be the only thing that keeps him from reaching his potential," his master insisted, "someone this strong in the Force should at least be given the chance to use it."

Obi-Wan nodded slowly. He knew what it was like to not be given a chance. It if weren't for Qui-Gon, he wouldn't have been chosen as an apprentice. He wouldn't have had the opportunity to become a Jedi Knight.

"I understand, Master," he admitted.

Qui-Gon smiled thankfully.

"I'm glad. Anyway, I wanted to contact you because I need you to warn Captain Panaka that we may be taking on an extra passenger. I'm sure he wouldn't appreciate being left out of the loop."

"I don't think he'll be pleased either way, but I'll see if I can't help him come around," Obi-Wan replied. He grinned. "At least I'll have something to talk about at dinner."

"You certainly will," Qui-Gon agreed with a sly smile. He nodded at him. "I should be going now. May the Force be with you, Obi-Wan."

"And with you, Master."

Qui-Gon's image flickered out as the holoprojector powered down. Obi-Wan stood up again and started back toward the lounge, thinking about what he might say if the guard captain responded to his master's news the way he expected him to. His mind had been put at ease, at least enough to concentrate on what needed to be done. Qui-Gon's theory had provided a little hope when it came to his unsettling experience only minutes earlier. After the things he'd learned about the Sith in his youth, Obi-Wan welcomed the idea that this "Anakin" could be the key to destroying them. He doubted the Republic in its lax state could withstand another Galactic War.

[NEXT]

Qui-Gon and Padmé had been treated to breakfast by Anakin's mother before they prepared to set out to look for parts. During the meal, they met Cliegg Lars, Owen's father and Anakin's step-father, who had returned late in the night after searching feverishly for his missing step-son. Although Padmé had expected the man to be angry at Anakin, the way Owen had been, he chose to focus, instead, on how glad he was to see the boy had made it home safely, and on how happy it made his wife.

Cliegg was a kind and proud man who spoke in a way that suggested he hadn't spent his entire life on the backwater planet of Tatooine. While Owen left their home early to work at the jobs he was using to fund his dream, Cliegg stayed to make sure Qui-Gon knew of the best places to look for parts without having to worry about overpricing.

Once they were ready to go, Padmé waited for Qui-Gon to meet her at the door. The Jedi, however, seemed to have other things on his mind.

"There's something I wanted to discuss with you, Anakin."

Padmé turned to look at Qui-Gon, who had his pack on his shoulder, but showed no intention of leaving just then. She recalled what he'd said the night before and resolved to listen.

Anakin smiled, obviously still excited to be talking to a real Jedi. Padmé had never seen someone react to a Jedi that way before. Of course, people living on planets under Republic rule saw them a little more often. To her displeasure, many citizens of her own planet would take the Jedi for granted. Others would even go so far as to suggest the Republic would be better off without them, claiming they had too much power and intended to abuse it. She herself hadn't met a Jedi before the invasion of Naboo, but she knew all the things the people of the Republic demanded of their Order. She respected them for it, but she'd never felt the child-like awe she saw in Anakin. It was endearing to her.

"I can show you the way to all those shops," the boy offered eagerly.

"That's not exactly what I had in mind," Qui-Gon replied. He glanced at Shmi, who was beaming, her hands clasped against her chest. "I wanted to ask you if you knew anything about the Force."

"Sure I do," Anakin chirped, "it's where Jedi get their powers."

Qui-Gon chuckled.

"It's a little more than that, but those are things you'd be able to learn if you came with us to Coruscant."

Anakin's posture straightened. Padmé's mouth fell open and she stared at Qui-Gon incredulously.

"You want to take me with you?" he asked in disbelief. He looked at his mother, then back at the Jedi in front of him. "Why?"

"Master Qui-Gon, I'm not sure that's a good idea," Padmé interrupted nervously.

The Jedi looked at her and gave her a reassuring nod.

"I doubt he will cause us any trouble," he said.

Anakin gravely shook his head.

"No, I would never…I mean, I wouldn't even think of…" he stopped mid-sentence and smiled unsurely, "but why would you want to take me all the way to Coruscant?"

"Because you have a connection to the Force," Qui-Gon explained, "a very strong one. In fact, a connection as strong as yours is very rare. Some would say it's impossible."

Anakin laughed.

"I didn't know Jedi liked to tell jokes."

"More often than you'd think, but this isn't a joke," Qui-Gon replied, folding his arms "You have a great gift, Anakin," he continued, his tone suddenly very serious, "you have the ability to become a powerful Jedi, if you're willing to work and study."

"So, this is real?" Anakin asked slowly. He looked at his parents.

Padmé looked as well. Neither of them seemed surprised by the news, as if they'd known all along. She understood, then, why his mother had wanted to talk to Qui-Gon alone; they'd been arranging this recruitment opportunity. She understood why Jedi needed to recruit more people as often as they could, but she couldn't help thinking how inopportune the moment was. She tried to put those thoughts aside. Qui-Gon was a wise man; he wouldn't have spent this much time on something if he didn't think it was necessary. Padmé knew the Jedi were aware of things about which ordinary people like her had no understanding. If he said Anakin was strong in the Force, she could only take him at his word.

Qui-Gon allowed Anakin a few seconds to think before continuing, "this is a real opportunity, but I won't force it on you. The life of a Jedi isn't easy, though it is very rewarding. If you decide to come with us, you will spend many of the next few years in the Jedi Temple, learning the basic arts. After you're chosen by your master, you'll accompany him or her on missions throughout the galaxy."

Anakin grinned eagerly. Qui-Gon stopped him from answering too hastily by holding up a finger.

"It won't be all adventures and sight-seeing," he warned him, pausing for effect, "the life and duties of a Jedi leave very little room for anything else. They require dedication and focus."

"But I'll be able to make a difference, won't I?" Anakin replied hopefully, "I'll be able to stop people from hurting other people. They won't laugh at me when I tell them to leave someone alone."

Qui-Gon smiled kindly, his serious gaze softening.

"If the ability to protect those who can't defend themselves is what you seek, you will find it at the Jedi Temple."

Anakin's grin widened and he looked to his parents again. Within seconds, however, the grin faded.

"But…if I go with you," he looked back at Qui-Gon, "does that mean I won't see my mom again?"

Qui-Gon nodded slowly.

"Familial connections are one of the things a Jedi must sacrifice to perform his duty," he replied gravely. "Normally, our new padawans aren't yet old enough to miss their families. I won't be angry if you decide that would be too hard to do."

Anakin brought his hands together to start picking at his thumbnail. He looked away from the Jedi, focusing his gaze on his mother. Shmi stepped closer to him and knelt down to put both hands on his shoulders. She smiled at him, despite the obvious sadness in her eyes.

"I know it sounds scary," she began quietly, "but you were meant for more than what you can become here. Go with the Jedi, Anakin. You'll be able to do so much with what you learn from them. You'll be able to make the galaxy a safer place, and not just for people walking through the north side of town."

"But what about you?" Anakin asked.

"I'll be alright," she assured him, "I'll be so proud, knowing my son is doing something this important." She kissed his forehead. "And even if I'm not there to tell you that I love you, just know that I'll never stop."

Anakin smiled.

"Okay." Shmi released him and he turned to face Qui-Gon again. "Okay, I'll go with you. I want to become a Jedi."

Qui-Gon grinned, relaxing visibly.

"I'm glad to hear it," he said. He gestured to the family's bedroom. "While Padmé and I are out finding the parts we need, you can pack anything you want to bring with you. Once we've started the repairs, I'll send my apprentice to fetch you."

Anakin grinned and nodded excitedly.

"Yes, sir! Or, Master…Qui-Gon." He laughed at himself. "I'll get better at that, I promise." He started toward the doorway leading to the next room, but stopped and looked back at them. "I'll see you later, Padmé," he said quickly before ducking through.

Padmé laughed quietly to herself. Cliegg watched the boy leave before unfolding his arms and walking Qui-Gon and Padmé outside. He stopped them just outside the door.

"Listen, Master Jedi, I want to thank you myself for what you're doing for Anakin," he said, "I haven't seen Shmi this happy in a long time."

"The Order will be glad to have someone so gifted in its ranks," Qui-Gon replied, "from this point on, it will mostly be up to him how this turns out."

Cliegg nodded.

"He can be naïve and flighty sometimes, but given something constructive to do, I'm sure he'll become a hard worker."

"That's often what it takes," Qui-Gon agreed.

Cliegg folded his arms and looked to his right.

"Anyway, I want you to take my landspeeder," he continued, "it'll get the parts back to your ship must faster so you can be on your way." He looked at Qui-Gon again. "When your people come to get Anakin, I'll send Owen along with them so he can bring it back here."

"Our ship is some distance from town," Qui-Gon warned him, "I can't guarantee that we won't come under fire."

"That's why I want you to take it," Cliegg countered, "it'll be safer to travel quickly. Sand People have been spotted in the area recently, but their banthas can't keep up with speeders. I can't in good conscience let you walk out into dangerous territory when there's something I can do to help. Besides, if you're safe, so is Anakin."

Qui-Gon bowed his head respectfully.

"This way," Cliegg stated, beckoning for them to follow him as he started around the hut's circumference.

Padmé stood silently to the side while Cliegg ensured Qui-Gon knew how to start up and operate the landspeeder. She looked up at the sky, imagining she could see her homeworld over the light-years between Naboo and Tatooine. She couldn't help but worry about the people still under the thumb of the Separatist invaders. Her family was among them and she hadn't seen them since relocating to Theed. She realized she was doing all that she could, but it didn't feel like enough. Were it possible, she would have hunted their leader down herself to end the invasion.

Padmé looked down again when Qui-Gon called her, ready to leave. She tossed her small sack into the back of the landspeeder and climbed into the passenger seat beside Qui-Gon. Cliegg wished them good luck and they started off.