A/N: Inspiration struck faster than expected so here is the next installment. I would like to thank my muse, wonderful french-pressed coffee for helping me write this. If you've watched Stargate SG-1 you know what trinium is. If not, the only thing you need to know about the trinium in my sandbox is that it is an extremely durable ore that is necessary for building starships so that they can withstand planetary entry/reentry without massive shielding...among other things... Also, see if you can find the pun I snuck into this chapter.

ErinKenobi2893 - I agree, it was one of the saddest moments. Thanks for the review, I appreciate it!

Happy reading :)

Chapter Six

From his quarters on the Telosian command ship, Captain Zhou stared into the emptiness of space. He stood there waiting impatiently for Xanatos to come aboard. The ex-Jedi certainly gave him chills. Not that he feared for his life, no, his competence and proven track record saw to that; what concerned him was the unexpected nature of his lord's arrival. If the recent loss of the mining colony on Bandomeer was anything to go by, they were only at the tip of the iceberg. Things started going sideways once Xanatos discovered his former master, Qui-Gon Jinn, had chosen another padawan.

For almost ten years now, Xanatos had wisely put aside entanglements with Jedi. That is, until a young man by the name of Obi-Wan who shared a similar weakness in controlling one's anger surfaced. If the recent loss of the mining colony on Bandomeer was anything to go by, Xanatos' mental state was not what it once was. Zhou hoped Xanatos' obsession with Jedi would resolve itself so they could return to more pressing matters. Particularly the unprecedented number of Corellian smugglers sabotaging their plans for securing an interstellar monopoly of the trinium ore. Running a callous hand through his dark brown hair he noticed several grey strands along his forehead. Damn Jedi Jinns.

His communicator beeped.

"Captain, lord DeCrion requests your presence immediately."

"Thank you lieutenant I'm guessing he's on the bridge?"

"Ah yes he is sir. He's...he's..."

"He's what lieutenant?" Zhou ground out.

"He's pacing sir."

Zhou let out short breath pulling his uniform straighter. This was never good. "Inform lord Xanatos I am on my way. Zhou out."

"Affirmative captain."

Grey doors bearing the symbol of Offworld, a white glowing circle parted with a light hiss and Zhou walked onto the bridge. His boots echoing across polished obsidian flooring. The air of authority and power about him was most impressive but paled in comparison to the man standing at the helm. Lord DeCrion, known to a select few as Xanatos approached him, dark blue eyes penetrating past his mental defenses into his soul. He felt violated somehow.

Seeming satisfied with the result Xanatos spoke. "I sensed him Zhou."

"Sensed who my lord?"

Xanatos let a measure of cunning show on his face. "Obi-Wan Kenobi. Qui-Gon's new padawan. I actually sensed his presence on Melida/Daan. I do not know how but he feels different in the force. Different from our first encounter on Bandomeer"

"Different my lord?"

Xanatos resumed his pacing. "It is a mystery, the force is..." He sighed. "...I wouldn't expect you to understand Zhou. You would have to be force-sensitive and you're not. In any event, there are three things I find suspect. One, I know for a fact that Qui-Gon returned to the Jedi Temple weeks ago without the brat. Two, all the way on Telos, I sensed Obi-Wan's presence and I don't have a bond with him. Third, not only did I sense him, his force signature feels altered. Don't you think that's the least bit curious?"

Here we go again. Zhou cursed inwardly, but kept a straight face. Jedi are nothing but trouble. "Quite curious my lord. I'll prepare the fleet then shall I?"

Sinking down into the lone chair on the bridge Xanatos came to a decision. "Yes captain, ready the crew and prepare the fleet. Set course for the Melida/Daan system." Soon you will be mine Kenobi. Soon you will taste the dark side.Before long, you will abandon your precious light side and become my apprentice. Mine.

"As you command." Came the crisp reply.

"And captain, if you do not fail me, I will be addressing you as Admiral when we return to Telos."

Zhou was stunned. "That is, most generous of you my lord. I don't know what to say."

Xanatos folded his arms. "Don't act surprised Zhou. You know I reward results and that I value competence over blood-lines. I already consider you to be the Admiral of my star-fleet, it's just that the formal ceremony can't take place until we return home. After our mission to Melida/Daan is complete there will be great cause for celebration."

Zhou bowed. "If that is all my lord, I will begin preparations at once. From our current position, I estimate the journey through hyperspace will take about four standard hours. The entire fleet will be ready to leave within the hour."

Xanatos nodded gravely. "Good good, you are dismissed, Admiral Zhou."

Giving a quick salute, Zhou strode confidently out of the bridge heading for the command center in high spirits. His promotion to Admiral, while exciting, providing give him a considerable bump in pay, bump in status, and a different uniform; was not the reason for his change in demeanor. His actual job as director of fleet operations would stay the same. In the end, all these changes didn't excite as much as the planet where they were heading. If there was trinium to be found on Melida/Daan he would find it. No matter the cost.

-break-

Suppressing a groan, Obi-Wan woke lying on a makeshift bed. Going by the medical apparatus strewn about the room and the abundance of injured people it was a good bet he landed himself in the med center. His young body ached. With a grunt he pushed himself to sit-up straight. I've never used the force that way, before in my former life it always felt elusive to me. Never this powerful. It was pure and steady, like the rolling tide. There was no resistance. How have I lived so long as a Jedi and never experienced this?

Extending his awareness to the rest of the facility relief shot through him. Cerasi was alive.

"Nield, come quick! Obi-Wan's awake." Wehutti said shuffling over.

Wide-eyed, Nield crossed the room and gave his friend a squeeze on the shoulder. "That was incredible Obi-Wan, I had no idea a Jedi could do all that." Looking back and forth between Wehutti and Obi-Wan he continued grinning. "You saved Cerasi, put a definitive end to a pointless war and managed to bring us all to the negotiating table."

Wehutti's words were bittersweet. "I am forever in your debt my boy. If my grand-daughter had died, the past would have consumed me. I thank you."

Obi-Wan winced, his throat dry. "Her spirit struggled to live, Wehutti. If she had given up, I wouldn't have been able to do anything. Do we know who started the fire-fight?" He managed to string together.

"It turns out Mawat, hidden on a rooftop fired the first shot." Said Nield. "Aware of Mawat's plan, Roenni ran up the fire escape to get to the roof to stop him, but not in time."

There was a long pause while Obi-Wan seemed to be processing the information. Finally he spoke. "Cerasi, I need to see her."

"Not so fast young man," said Wehutti. "You both need rest."

"But I need to make sure, I need to see with my own eyes that she'll be okay. Please Nield, Wehutti, I'd never forgive myself."

"I'm not sure that's wise Obi-Wan," responded Wehutti. "You've been unconscious for six hours at least and she's sleeping. Perhaps at dawn —"

Obi-Wan cut him off. "I'll be fine..." he said trying to stand and failing. "Nield, give me a hand."

"It's okay Wehutti," said Nield helping his exhausted friend to his feet. "I'll make sure he doesn't overdo it."

"I said I was fine Nield."

"You sure about that?" Nield said letting go of Obi-Wan who promptly fell back on the cot.

Obi-Wan scowled. "What was that for?"

Nield laughed. "Proving a point. You're not going anywhere on your own. Towan!" He called. "Grab the other end of the cot and follow me back into room H-23."

Each holding and end, Nield and Towan carried Obi-Wan into an enclosed area and set the cot down beside Cerasi's. Seeing the steady rise and fall of her chest, he was hit by a profound wave of emotion. She would live. Reaching over the distance separating them Obi-Wan's fingers found her hand and held it.

"I never thought, never imagined I'd see you again." He murmured.

Never letting go, he watched her sleep.