000
.
Trepidation filled Qui-Gon, as he read the mission draft.
He'd enjoyed three months in the temple getting to know Obi-Wan and guiding him with his training, but now the sequence of events unfolding brought him and his padawan to the point in life that would either define them or end their short partnership.
They'd been called to duty and were preparing for their first mission.
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The council chamber doors loomed in front of them, but they weren't alone. Patiently waiting to enter with them, another Master Padawan team bowed in greeting.
Master Laura Trahnor was born on Corellia and began her training around the same time as Qui-Gon. She was a competent negotiator and had accompanied him on several missions in the past.
Her padawan Jyl Soma, a native of Coruscant stood next to her with her arms in the sleeves of her cloak.
"Qui-Gon, Padawan Kenobi, it is good to see you, I received the mission order this morning apparently we will be working together." She said.
"Hello Laura, Padawan Jyl, yes, this is Obi-Wan's first mission."
Obi-Wan and Jyl nodded to each other as the doors opened.
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000
.
"Your assignment is to investigate a murder, kidnapping, and robbery on Kailas, we sent you the details this morning, so you know this isn't a normal mission." Master Windu said.
Both Masters dipped their heads. Qui-Gon hadn't told Obi-Wan anything about the mission yet.
"Yes, it involves a man brandishing a light sabre!" Qui-Gon said as he glanced at Obi-Wan.
Through their bond Qui-Gon heard Obi-Wan say, a light sabre. I have a bad feeling about this.
"We believe it is the scarred man we've been searching for these past months." Mace confirmed.
"It certainly sounds like the man that threatened my padawan."
"As you know Master Jinn since your padawan's first clash with this man we have been investigating any sightings, but each time a team arrives the person responsible for the attacks disappears."
"I am certain he is waiting for us to go after him. Obi-Wan is ready and I'm confident we will capture this man."
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"Good! Padawan Kenobi, do you have any doubts about your readiness?"
"No, Master Windu. My master is correct I am ready."
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"We have decided to send and extra team as backup in case he has set a trap. Master Trahnor and Padawan Soma have received the details and will accompany you."
Qui-Gon sensed their concern and understood their reluctance in sending one team when it appeared obvious that the man they were hunting was dangerous. He felt relief knowing that they were taking the threat seriously.
"We welcome the support of Master Trahnor and her padawan Jyl. We shall leave immediately."
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000
.
Kailas a small but productive planet in the core sector came into view as they entered the atmosphere. Their ship landed in the capital city of Kandos; at the central space port, and as they descended the ramp Obi-Wan sensed the same twisted aura of the man who attacked him on Chandrila.
Qui-Gon felt it too, and placed his hand on Obi-Wan's shoulder. "We will capture him."
Master Trahnor felt a warning from the force to be aware of her surroundings, and she motioned to her padawan to be on alert.
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000
.
They were met by Commander Giuliani the head of security whose body language depicted a man with great worry, and after introductions he took them to his office.
"Welcome to the city of Kandos, unfortunately, not under pleasant circumstances though. We've suspended travel to outlying districts of the planet, due to the risk. Over the last week this perpetrator has attacked three shuttles and then kidnapped all the passengers from another."
"You did right Commander, we believe this man may have been a Jedi or at least has had some training. We don't know his identity yet, but we have had dealings with him before." Qui-Gon explained.
"A few days ago one of our shuttles was downed out beyond the Kerang Forest. There were nine passengers and the pilot on board; all of them have vanished. I sent soldiers out to find them, but he was waiting. He killed two of my men and injured the other two. They came back with a message from him. He said send for you or he'll kill more."
"If you can show us a map of the area, we will endeavour to rescue your people as soon as possible and capture this man."
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000
.
There was no time to waste and they headed to the hanger to examine the shuttle. It was badly damaged and there were large scorch marks and holes burned into the seats and panels.
"Master, this is indiscriminate damage; he is irate and is losing control of his senses. These slashes are wild. He is taunting us; baiting us." Obi-Wan suggested.
Qui-Gon agreed.
"Are you certain it the same man that attacked you on Chandrila?" Laura asked.
"Yes Master Trahnor."
"Well we should proceed with caution then, and keep in contact with each other at all times."
"These maps will help to discover where he might be keeping his prisoners if they are still alive." Qui-Gon said studying the layout of the town and surrounding areas.
"Master, he'll use them as bait."
"Yes, he will need to keep them somewhere that he can get to them. An area where he can access easily and still know what is going on." Qui-Gon suggested.
"He was watching us when we arrived, that means he may have his prisoners somewhere close." Laura indicated.
"Do you think he has a hideout in the Forest somewhere?" Jyl said pointing to the green expanse on the maps.
"Not in the forest, Jyl, more likely a building close enough to keep them contained, probably on the outskirts of town." Obi-Wan said.
Both Masters nodded in agreement.
Commander Giuliani pointed to the map. "Then maybe in these factories in the next district. They are empty and will be demolished after the rainy season ends. To make way for new housing settlements all around the lakes system."
"Then we must move with caution and search each one. Commander you have your soldiers ready and when we discover which factory they are in I will contact you." Qui-Gon said.
"Very well we will be ready for your call."
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000
.
High chain wire fences surrounded a group of factories in the northern sector, but a systematic search revealed nothing. Although a feint distorted aura lingered.
He had been in these factories.
The next section backed onto a mountain and beyond that the forest. There were five factories alongside a deep water filled channel.
"The gates are closed, but look they have been opened at some stage recently. I suggest we move forward with caution." Qui-Gon said.
All four Jedi sensed danger and each one rested their hands on their sabre's.
Master Trahnor and her padawan moved into the building cautiously and Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan entered from another door down further. The halls were seemingly empty, but as Master Trahnor opened one door she jumped back as a sudden warning filled her.
"Retreat," she yelled, but it was too late as several explosions rocked the walls around them.
The floor gave way and she and her padawan fell down into what appeared to be a basement.
At the other end of the hall Obi-Wan also fell through the floor while Qui-Gon was knocked backward when a section of wall blew outward.
Using the Force to break his fall Obi-Wan landed feet first amongst the rubble.
Through the settling dust he could see Jyl clamber to her feet next to the beam that lay across her Master.
Obi-Wan helped Jyl lifted the beam off her master, noticing the nasty gash on her head.
"Master, Master." The younger padawan cried as a groan escaped the masters lips.
"Master Trahnor, are you badly hurt, can you get up?" Obi-Wan said as he knelt down next to her.
She touched her head and winced. "Just a head wound, I'll be alright; help me up."
Jyl bent down just as Obi-Wan felt another warning and ignited his sabre. Blaster fire erupted all around them. Black clad mercenaries were firing at random. Keeping them trapped.
Obi-Wan deflected shots away from the fallen master; as Jyl helped her up and they headed for cover.
Master Laura leaned against the far wall behind some pieces of rubble to get her balance when she heard the sound of another sabre igniting.
She hoped it was Qui-Gon, but it was a man dressed in black brandishing a red sabre.
"Is that him, Obi-Wan?" she whispered.
"Yes Master, we have to get clear of the building, he has too many men. We need to contact the commander and fast?" he confirmed.
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000
.
The blast threw Qui-Gon out on the street. Rolling with the blast he steadied himself and ran back to the building, which was now a mess of twisted metal and broken wooden beams.
He had to find another way down to the basement.
He heard blaster fire from below and knew that they were under fire. Pulling out his com-link he called Commander Giuliani, advising him of their need for reinforcements.
Then he sent support through their bond, to let Obi-Wan know he was alright and that help was coming.
Climbing over twisted metal he made his way to a stair case and headed down.
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000
.
Obi-Wan was half carrying Master Laura who had concussion. She held a cloth over her bleeding head as they ran through the basement coming to a corridor. They didn't have time to check it out because the hooded man and half a dozen of his followers where right behind them.
"Obi-Wan we must find an exit and get out of here." She groaned.
"Yes Master, I hope there's a door somewhere up here."
Jyl was running in front. "Master I've found a door! She said and reached out to open it.
"No Jyl don't open it!" Obi-Wan said sensing danger. Nevertheless, Jyl reacted before she listened, and set off a device that exploded, when the door opened.
A plume of smoke spread out into the hallway and Jyl collapsed almost immediately, as she breathed in the paralysing smoke.
Obi-Wan sensed the eminent danger, and used the force to slam the door shut. However enough particles were in the air to bring the weakened master down.
As she collapsed to the floor she pushed Obi-Wan to run. "Run, Obi-Wan get out of here find Qui-Gon."
"I-I can't it's too late." he said as his legs weakened and he fell to his knees.
It was seeping through his skin and several beings dressed in protective clothes and masks sprayed him with more of the sooty substance. He tried to swing his sabre, but his arms felt like lead and he had no power to stop them.
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000
.
Using his sabre to cut through the debris Qui-Gon gradually made his way to where he sensed they were.
His heart rate beat faster when he sensed a touch of apprehension and then fatigue coming from the link he shared with Obi-Wan.
It took him a few minutes to clear debris away and he found Master Laura lying motionless with a fine sooty dust covering her body she was alone.
He recognised the paralysing agent and took off his robe wrapping it around Laura so none of the dust would get on his skin. Then he carried her out of the building.
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000
.
Commander Giuliani and his security team were waiting for him as he emerged. "Is she alright?"
"She will be once the paralysing agent is washed from her skin and her wound is treated."
A shuttle took Master Laura, back to the medical centre while Qui-Gon checked with the Commander to see if anyone had escaped the building out the back.
"We got here a few minutes after you called us." the Commander confirmed.
"Good." said Qui-Gon. "Then they are still in the building, did you bring the plans of this building with you?"
"Yes Sir as you requested." the commander said.
They studied the plans as more security arrived with protective suits and masks.
"This building has underground storage rooms and passage ways leading up to the front and back of the building." The Commander said showing Qui-Gon.
"My men are stationed at the back entrance; on the roof, and we are at the front Master Jinn. He can't escape! Do you think he has our missing people in there as well?"
"Yes he will try to use them as hostages, so he can make his escape." Qui-Gon confirmed.
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000
.
Obi-Wan and Jyl were carried down several flights of stairs into a large container room. Jyl was bound and gagged and thrown in the corner.
Obi-Wan regained consciousness as they secured his arms behind him with steel shackles and put him on a table strapping him down.
"Hose that soot off them, I want them able to walk when we leave here! The hooded man said.
Jyl was dripping wet and shivered as they dragged her out the door into the next room.
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Obi-Wan fought his restraints as they sprayed him with water, but he was secured firmly.
When he was thoroughly soaked, they left him and followed Jyl into the next room.
Lifting his head as much as he could he saw the silhouette of his attacker as the man came closer, until he was standing over Obi-Wan.
He struggled to move, but it was no use. His arms were pinned behind him, and strapped down tightly.
Obi-Wan stared into the man's pale ice blue eyes.
He thought he'd seen eyes like in memories of his past, nevertheless the face and voice were still unrecognisable.
He assumed that the man's voice had been damaged in whatever catastrophe had befallen him. Because it was a raspy and grating sound that adding to his wet body, made his skin crawl.
"Are you afraid little Jedi," he said smiling, showing his crooked teeth.
"I am stupefied that the great Qui-Gon Jinn would even consider taking pity on you and make you a Jedi. You were and will always be worthless. Your first mission and you cannot even complete it." he cackled and coughed both at the same time.
Obi-Wan was getting some feeling back in his body and he wanted to keep him talking to give Qui-Gon time to rescue them.
"What do you want?"
"I've got what I want; you!" The man's eyes sparkled with malice as he spoke.
"I thought I had you on Chandrila, but that little green troll chased me off and then Jinn took you back to the temple! How could you even trust the man that didn't want you that sent you to the agri-corps." He snarled.
"I find that my desire to kill Jinn has taken a back seat to my craving to cause you such pain until you beg me to kill you." He laughed insidiously.
"Who are you?" Obi-Wan uttered.
"You still don't recognise me? Well that's Jinn's fault, he did this to me!" He said taking out a syringe that was filled with a blue substance.
"I have big plans for you, and I want you awake as I implement them. This little concoction will keep you on your feet, but totally submissive." he laughed as the blue substance disappeared into Obi-Wan's neck.
Tbc...