Author's Note: I hear that Leslye Headland doesn't understand why Anakin turned to the Dark Side. But it can't be helped since she is the show runner of the Acolyte. But as we true Star Wars fans know what George Lucas clearly said, 'Anakin is the Chosen One'. I very much dislike that people who cannot respect George's legacy and don't understand Star Wars are the ones who take charge of the franchise. Though there are many of us that clearly wished that George Lucas didn't hand Star Wars to Disney.
I don't own Star Wars: The Clone Wars or its characters, but I only own Nadia Aomori and my other OCs.
Enjoy!
Threads of Destiny
Chapter 64: Crystal Crisis on Utapau Part 1
A small pout escaped from Nadia's mouth as she sat inside one of the behind passengers seats within the shuttle while Obi-Wan and Anakin were on the pilot seats.
Nadia wore a stylish crimson red dress which stopped at the end of her knees with its top part having 2 mini yellow crescent shaped moons pins on the chest and sleeves that were a bit off the shoulder. Her legs had grey tights and her footwear were laced brown boots with tiny crimson red diamond line patterns styled on them. On her hands were a pair of dark brown gloves with red accents. The gloves covered the wrists, but only the back of the hands. Her raven black hair was tied up in its usual ponytail with a matching crimson red scrunchie.
Following the assassination of the Jedi Master Tu-Anh, the three of them were sent to investigate get mysterious death on Utapau.
"I planned to have a dinner date with Ferus on this exact day."Nadia thought with a bitter tone."But sadly, the two of us are going to have to reestablish it for another day."
Nadia snapped out of her thoughts when she saw the shuttle had arrived to Utapau.
The shuttle descended into a Utapaun sinkhole city called Pau City and landed on a platform.
Obi-Wan, Anakin and Nadia were greeted by a Pau'an delegation led by Inspector Jen June.
"Master Kenobi."Inspector Jun said with a nod.
"Inspector Jun."Obi-Wan replied."We came as soon as we received your message. Thank you for the opportunity to properly retrieve the body."
"Out of respect it had to be done."Inspector Jun declared."I'm sure you'll handle it to the professional and timing."
Inspector Jun began to lead Obi-Wan, Anakin and Nadia to where Master Tu-Anh's body was.
"How did she die?"Anakin asked.
"Our chief corner has yet to determine the cause of death."Inspector Jun answered and glanced at the three Jedi."What was she doing on Utapau if I may ask?"
"I'm afraid that's a mystery to us as well."Obi-Wan responded."Perhaps, we can see the body?"
Nadia notice a couple of Dactillion flying above the sky as Insepctor Jun spoke to her, Obi-Wan and Anakin.
"Yes. Yes."Inspector Jun replied casually."I can assume you can use desegregation on this matter."
Obi-Wan nodded. "Of course."
"Jedi presence are often seen as a harm of things to come."Inspector Jun admitted.
The Pau'an delegation then took Obi-Wan, Anakin and Nadia to see Master Tu-Anh's body.
"Master Tu-Anh."Obi-Wan responded.
"It's really her."Nadia murmured.
"She was the first Jedi to visit Utapau in many years."Inspector Jun declared."This is precisely the way we found her. No obvious external wounds."
Anakin began to concentrate to use the Force as he holds a hand over Master Tu-Anh's head.
"I'm picking up unusual neurological activity."Anakin declared.
"Can you be more specific?"Obi-Wan suggested.
"It's as if her mind was left unsettled."Anakin admitted.
"Well...she was murdered wasn't she?"Nadia clarified.
"Yes, Nadia."Obi-Wan agreed."But there are still no signs of any external damage."
Obi-Wan runs a hand over Master Tu-Anh's arm as he checked her over for any more signs of injury and saw there was dirt behind her sleeve.
"She never reported her whereabouts to the Jedi Council."Obi-Wan exclaimed."I'm afraid she was something of a maverick like my own master Qui-Gon Jinn. She would disappear for long periods conducting rogue investigations. Her activities often unknown to even the Council."
"If there was something here worth a Jedi's attention, I should like to know what it was."Inspector Jun requested.
"You and I both, Inspector."Obi-Wan responded."You and I both."
Obi-Wan then reached down to close Master Tu-Anh's eyes before he and the others turned to leave the room.
Obi-Wan, Anakin and Nadia then went visit the scene of the crime which turned out to be a narrow pathway.
"According to the police report, Master Tu-Anh's body was found here."Obi-Wan admitted.
Nadia looked up at the view above them and saw how high it was from where she and her fellow Jedi stood.
"Maybe she fell here after getting shot?"Nadia suggested.
"If she fell, she would've gotten broken bones, bruises and concussion on her body."Obi-Wan commented."There was none."
"What about the scrapes on her knees and elbows?"Anakin asked.
"Yes."Obi-Wan responded and touched his chin in thought."That was peculiar."
Obi-Wan then bent down and brought out a holoprojector which showed a hologram image of Master Tu-Anh laying down dead on the ground.
"She may have died in this spot, but that doesn't mean she was attacked here."Obi-Wan informed.
Both Anakin and Nadia bent down to look at the marks on Master Tu-Anh's knees and elbows.
"Do you think she got those from crawling?"Anakin suggested.
"Exactly. This surface is quite rough."Obi-Wan agreed and turned the hologram again."So if she's facing this way-"
"It means she came from there."Nadia finished.
Nadia stood up and pointed at another side of the Utapaun sinkhole city, making Obi-Wan and Anakin follow her gaze.
Obi-Wan took out his macrobinoculars to get a closer view of where his former Padawan pointed to.
"Anakin, Nadia, my guess is that she was watching someone in that building and they spotted her."Obi-Wan stated.
Anakin took out his own macrobinoculars to look at the building nearby before handing them to Nadia.
"Can you both see in those offices?"Obi-Wan asked.
Nadia held the macrobinoculars to look at the office within the building that she and her companions were looking at.
The raven haired girl then saw a small hole in the window of a far off room.
"Master, I see a very tiny hole in one of the windows."Nadia admitted.
Nadia removed the macrobinoculars from her eyes before handing it back to Anakin, so that he can see the evidence she found.
"Kitty is right."Anakin replied."And it seems to be sparking."
"As if made by a laser?"Obi-Wan suggested.
Nadia and Anakin glanced at Obi-Wan.
"How do you know?"Anakin questioned.
"The neurological damage you sensed back in the dorm."Obi-Wan complemented and glanced at the hologram of Master Tu-Anh."What if Tu-Anh was hit in the optic nerve by a precision laser dart. It explains the sudden death with no physical wounds."
"The electromagnetic pulse would've created a massive seizure…"Anakin started.
"Causing her to crawl over there where she died."Nadia finished.
"Now all we have to do is find who or what she saw in that building."Obi-Wan stated.
Obi-Wan placed off the hologram of Master Tu-Anh's lifeless body before putting away his holoprojector before he, Anakin and Nadia headed to investigate the damaged window in the far off room.
There the three Jedi saw the tiniest hole in the glass which could easily have been from a laser dart and what could have killed Master Tu-Anh.
"That's quite a shot even with a precision laser dart."Anakin admitted.
"Which means whoever was in this room had to have the sophistication to use it."Obi-Wan declared.
Nadia carefully looked at the tiny hole in the damaged window.
"Must've been someone who wasn't very familiar with this weapon."Nadia commented.
"It could have been a droid."Anakin suggested.
Obi-Wan, Anakin and Nadia all turned their heads to glanced at the Toydarian named Garri, who was the owner of the building and was following them from behind.
"Do you mind?"Obi-Wan requested.
Garri scoffed and then flew out of the room as Nadia glared at him in suspicion for a moment.
"I sense our fellow Jedi stumbled onto a rather formidable gathering."Obi-Wan added.
"A plot of some kind."Anakin agreed.
Nadia decided to look around the room that Master Tu-Anh was seemingly spying on.
A disgusted look appeared on Nadia's face when she notice a strange purple substance on the floor.
"What the heck is that?"Nadia asked.
Obi-Wan and Anakin walked over to Nadia to look at what she found.
"Whatever it is, it's recent."Obi-Wan assumed.
"Perhaps residue of some kind?"Anakin guessed.
Anakin reached down and promptly sticking his hand right into it.
"Don't touch it!"Obi-Wan protested.
"Ew…"Nadia groaned uncomfortably.
"Uh, too late."Anakin remarked in a cheerful tone, holding the sticky purple substance with his hands."I touched it."
"Then we better hope is not something that gives infection."Nadia retorted."The last thing I want is have to drag you to a medical room."
"Relax, Nadia."Anakin insisted."I would have sensed it, if it was."
Obi-Wan carefully took some sample of the substance that he and his companions found to have it tested later on.
The Jedi Master then turned to Garri, who was still in the room watching them.
"You there."Obi-Wan said.
"Me?"Garri asked in confusion.
Obi-Wan walked up to the Toydarian.
"Who was in this room when the Jedi was killed?"Obi-Wan questioned with his arms folded.
"I told you I know nothing about any meeting."Garri lied.
This caused Nadia to raise an eyebrow in suspicion.
"Who said anything about a meeting?"Obi-Wan asked.
"A meeting?"Nadia questioned, walking up to Obi-Wan."That literally had nothing to do with the question you just asked-"
Suddenly, Anakin angrily stalked across the room, grabbing Garri by the neck and shoving him up against the wall, igniting his lightsaber with his other hand, holding it inches away from his neck.
"Listen, flapping sack!"Anakin growled.
"Anakin!"Obi-Wan protested.
"Hey!"Nadia argued."Calm down!"
"I know Toydarians. Nothing goes on under their watch without them noticing."Anakin retorted, glaring at Garri whose species reminded him of the owner that bought his mother and him as a child to be his slaves."Now start talking."
"I tell you the truth!"Garri cried out."I swear!"
Anakin then released Garri and he flew a short distance away from the trio before he started to explain.
"Okay, all I know is two or three days ago, a droid gives me 20 drogas to leave the building open and tells me not to ask any questions."Garri exclaimed.
"What kind of droid?"Obi-Wan asked.
"A droid."Garri replied."A big scary one with a low voice and red eyes."
"Red eyes?"Obi-Wan repeated."Could be a MagnaGuard?"
"Those killer droids do fit that small description well."Nadia clarified.
"There are hundreds of droids with red eyes."Anakin scowled.
Nadia glanced at Anakin.
"But how many of them would be deadly skilled to kill a Jedi?"Nadia asked with a frown.
At the Pau'an Police Headquarters, Nadia stood next to Obi-Wan and Anakin, waiting for Inspector Jun to arrive to tell what she learned from examining the residue from Master Tu-Anh's crime scene.
As they waited, Nadia carefully glanced at Anakin, sensing buried pain and rage within him which was perhaps of being reminded of his dark past from seeing a Toydarian.
She learned from Padmé that when Anakin was a small boy, he and his mother Shmi Skywalker were sold to a Toydarian junk dealer named Watto in Mos Espa from Gardulla the Hutt.
An inveterate gambler, Watto sponsored Anakin in several Podraces, but often bet against his own slave, who was talented but inexperienced. But the junk dealer lost Anakin to Master Qui-Gon in a wager on the Boonta Eve race.
Though the sad part was Shmi couldn't be released just like her son and was left behind in Tatooine.
Nadia then saw Inspector Jun arrive at the Pau'an Police Headquarters with two bodyguards.
"We have the result of your residues."Inspector Jun admitted and took out her data-pad."It's slime."
Anakin scoffed. "I could've told you that."
"From the skin of an Amani."Inspector Jun added.
"Amani?"Obi-Wan said in confusion."That's unusual for Pau'ans isn't?"
"I hear these alien species had begun to settle on Utapau."Nadia admitted.
"Some are out from the plains, but yes."Inspector Jun agreed."But most live here deep underground. But I must warn you that the Amani can be very dangerous."
"They're also primitive."Anakin responded."Too primitive to have precision laser darts."
"That only supports our MagnaGuard theory."Obi-Wan complemented and looked at Inspector Jun."Inspector, we are from understanding what is going on here. But any collaboration between General Grievous and the Amani is an unsettling one. For this planet or any other."
"I don't disagree with you."Inspector Jun answered."But before you proceed any further, the Governor would like to see you in his office at once."
"The Governor?"Nadia said in surprise.
"What does the Governor want with us?"Anakin questioned.
"I believe he wants you to leave."Inspector Jun answered.
Anakin, Obi-Wan and Nadia glanced at each other before heading out of the Pau'an Police Headquarters.
At the Governor's office, Governor Torul Blom claimed that the Jedi presence was unsettling his people and complained about Anakin's 'strong-arm' tactics.
"The death of a Jedi had upset the people here on Utapau."Governor Blom declared.
"It has disturbed us as well, your honour."Obi-Wan stated."I assure you."
Governor Blom looked at Anakin, Obi-Wan and Nadia.
"I am sensitive on your desire to find answers."Governor Blom complemented."But my responsibilities are to my constituents. The presence of three Jedi poking around, strong-arming citizens-"
This caused Anakin to lose his temper and lean forward from where he sat.
"We didn't strong-arm anyone!"Anakin argued.
"Anakin."Obi-Wan warned deeply.
Anakin settled back in his seat with an angry expression.
"Maybe I should strong-arm you."Anakin muttered coldly.
Nadia looked at Anakin with a hint of worry and shock.
"His moodiness is getting worse."Nadia thought.
Obi-Wan glanced at Governor Blom.
"The latest development in this case has made it more imperative that we stay."Obi-Wan added.
"Oh really?"Governor Blom asked as he sat on his seat."And what development is that?"
"The possible involvement of the Separatists."Obi-Wan admitted.
"There is no Separatist involvement on Utapau."Governor Blom replied casually.
"Maybe not now, but there might be soon."Obi-Wan informed.
"We have evidence that General Grievous is involved in whatever is going on here."Anakin added.
"And what would he be doing here?"Governor Blom questioned.
"That's what we're trying to find out."Obi-Wan replied."Utapau has long been a target of the Separatists. Grievous and Dooku haven't been able to do much as of yet, but if they could enlist the Almani to revolt from within, this could cause dangerous civil unrest."
"Thank you."Governor Blom answered before standing up from where he sat and moved to stare out the window in front of him."But I can manage the internal affairs here on my own."
"You don't want our help?"Nadia said with a frown.
"No, I want you to leave."Governor Blom retorted."I thought I made that clear. And take the deceased Jedi with you. That will be all."
Anakin, Obi-Wan and Nadia all stood up from their seats before leaving the Governor's Office causing the door to close behind them.
Obi-Wan, Anakin and Nadia travelled on three winged dactillions to the under levels of Pau City, where there was an Amani settlement.
"Where does he get ordering us around?!"Anakin demanded angrily.
"You are not the only who senses something foul about him."Nadia assured.
"He clearly doesn't understand our results."Obi-Wan complemented."Just remember Anakin and Nadia. We are still guests in his planet."
As they travelled to Pau City's under levels, the three Jedi spoke about their suspicion that Master Tu-Anh was killed while she was investigating the Amanis' dealings with the Separatists.
"Just so we're clear, why do you think Master Tu-Anh was investigating the Amani?"Anakin asked.
"It appears that she was on the trial of General Grievous or one of his MagnaGuards."Obi-Wan suggested."Tracked them here to Utapau and stumbled into a highly secretive meeting."
"A plot to form an alliance?"Nadia guessed.
"Yes, Nadia."Obi-Wan replied."Which is why we're going to the lower levels to try and contact the local Amanis to see what they know."Obi-Wan stated.
"Still doesn't explain the Governor's reluctance to help us."Anakin reminded."Maybe he knows something we don't?"
"Something or someone."Obi-Wan clarified.
The three Jedi soon arrived to the under levels of Pau City and dismounted on the winged dactillions they rode on.
"Be careful, Anakin and Nadia."Obi-Wan instructed."The Amanis are feared head hunters, so don't anger them."
"Got it."Anakin assured.
"No problem, master."Nadia responded.
"And definitely no strong-arming."Obi-Wan added.
Nadia snickered in amusement while Anakin rolled his eyes.
"Ha ha."Anakin replied sarcastically."Very funny."
Obi-Wan, Anakin and Nadia headed to the village and were greeted by the Amani chief, who several of his men with him.
The Amani chief began speaking with Obi-Wan.
"We mean no harm."Obi-Wan assured."We are here to investigate a murder in Pau City."
The Amani chief gives a respond.
"There are reports of a union between several Amani and droids from the Separatist army."Obi-Wan admitted.
This caused some Amani to become angry.
"Uh oh."Anakin mumbled.
"I take it they don't like the report?"Nadia guessed.
The Amani chief spoke to Obi-Wan again.
"I am sorry to have upset you."Obi-Wan apologised."But your help is much appreciated."
The Amani chief then started explaining something to Obi-Wan before the Jedi Master turned to speak to Anakin and Nadia silently.
"What did he say?"Anakin asked.
"He said several members of his tribe recently saw one Amani outcast from the plains palling around at what appeared to be two droids and the guards were last seen holding up in a cave not far from here."Obi-Wan explained.
"Then I guess our next move is to explore that cave?"Nadia assumed.
Both Anakin and Obi-Wan nodded in agreement.
The three Jedi then took on their winged dactillions to explore a nearby cave that the Amani chief told them to go to.
From inside the cave, Nadia immediately was alarmed by sensing danger around her and her fellow Jedi.
"Smells perfectly safe."Anakin muttered.
"Well, that wouldn't bother the droids."Obi-Wan remarked.
"Well, it sure is bothering me."Anakin retorted.
Nadia simply shook her head as she, Anakin and Obi-Wan headed deeper into the cave.
Deep inside the cave, they spot two MagnaGuards.
"Just as we thought."Obi-Wan whispered."MagnaGuards."
Nadia frowned. "That confirms Grievous involved in this incident."
"What's our next move?"Anakin questioned.
"We'll need to capture one of them, so that we can download information."Obi-Wan stated."Which means neither of you don't go chopping off all their heads at once."
Obi-Wan, Anakin and Nadia suddenly heard growling behind them and saw the nos monster towering above them.
"Just what we need."Nadia muttered sarcastically.
The three Jedi instantly took out their lightsabers and the nos monster roared, slamming its front legs down on the ground in front of them.
"Get our rides up here!"Anakin demanded.
Obi-Wan whistled to summon the winged dactillions before he and his fellow Jedi started fighting against the nos monster.
The MagnaGuards spotted Obi-Wan, Anakin and Nadia before escaping on their STAPs.
Then Anakin killed the nos monster by impaling his lightsaber through its head.
The three Jedi began to give chase on their dactillion mounts to go after the fleeing MagnaGuards.
The pursuit takes Obi-Wan, Anakin and Nadia through several caves and underground waterfalls before they managed to reach the surface.
"Good!"Obi-Wan stated."They're heading to the surface!"
As the MagnaGuards approach some large windmill facilities, Obi-Wan ordered Anakin to leap onto one of the droids.
"Anakin, now!"Obi-Wan ordered.
Anakin went off his dactillion to tackle one of the MagnaGuards off his STAP.
Anakin and the MagnaGuard he tackled ended up on the platform causing a skirmish to be ensued between the Jedi Knight and the Separatist droid.
When she saw she was closer to the platform, Nadia got off her own dactillion and tackle the other MagnaGuard to fight against it.
The MagnaGuard activated its electostaff as Nadia started fighting it off with her lightsabers.
"Anakin! We need them functioning!"Obi-Wan called out.
Anakin clashed his lightsaber against the electrostaff of the MagnaGuard he was fighting against.
"Make it yours, Nadia!"Anakin insisted.
Nadia scoffed as she kicked the MagnaGuard before she continued using her blades to block the electrostaff from hitting her.
"Fine!"Nadia shouted.
Anakin throws his MagnaGuard against a propeller, destroying it.
Nadia successfully disarmed the second MagnaGuard before Anakin leaped on the second droid and overpowered it.
Obi-Wan went off his dactillion to join Anakin and Nadia in the platform.
Anakin takes out a small device and placed it on the MagnaGuard's head as Obi-Wan and Nadia pinned it on the ground.
"Start talking."Obi-Wan demanded.
"No! No!"MagnaGuard protested."Implementing circuit overload!"
The MagnaGuard attempted to shut itself down.
"It's shutting down!"Nadia warned.
Before its self-destruction, Anakin managed to use the device to download some information from its head.
"Did you get it?"Obi-Wan asked.
Anakin placed on his device and it showed a hologram image of the two MagnaGuards as well as them dealing with a plains Amani and a Sugi arm dealer.
"A Sugi?"Nadia said in surprise.
"They're major arm dealers."Obi-Wan admitted.
Anakin deactivated the hologram before putting the device away.
"There is no known Sugi presence here on Utapau, is there?"Obi-Wan questioned.
Both Anakin and Nadia shook their heads at Obi-Wan.
Later, the three Jedi met up with Inspector Jun and told her that General Grievous appeared to be using some of the Amani as bodyguards for an arms deal.
"It appears that General Grievous is using the Armani as bodyguards for a major arms deal."Obi-Wan informed.
"An arms deal?"Inspector Jun said with a surprised expression.
"What can you tell me about the Sugi on this planet?"Obi-Wan asked.
"Utapau is a bit of a melting pot."Inspector Jun replied."And because of that, we attract our fair share of bandits and bounty hunters-"
"And arm dealers?"Nadia assumed.
"There are a few."Inspector Jun stated.
"Well, Inspector."Obi-Wan said with a frown."It seems these few in your planet are arms dealing with the Separatists."
"And a Jedi was killed investigating it."Anakin added.
"What's more troubling is if Grievous is personally involved in this transaction, I assure you it is no ordinary weapon."Obi-Wan warned.
"What do you need from us?"Inspector Jun questioned.
"We were able to download information from one of the the MagnaGuards we caught."Nadia admitted and took out Anakin's device."And we found an image of this Armani."
Nadia activated the device to show the hologram image of the Amani that was with the MagnaGuards and the Sugi arm dealer.
"Are you able to identify him?"Obi-Wan asked.
"That's one of the plains Amani."Inspector Jun replied.
Nadia then deactivated the hologram image on Anakin's device.
"Then I guess you'll know who we will be visiting next?"Obi-Wan said.
Using this information, the three Jedi decided to visit the plains Amani.
Afterwards, Obi-Wan, Anakin and Nadia attended Master Anh's cremation ceremony.
Anakin glanced at Obi-Wan and Nadia.
"I just spoke to the Council about the arms deal."Obi-Wan informed.
This caused both Anakin and Nadia to frown.
"Don't tell me."Anakin scoffed."Master Yoda said to return home at once?"
"On the contrary, he said he won't let Master Tu-Anh's death go in vain."Obi-Wan commented.
"So Master Yoda wants us to continue with our investigation on Utapau?"Nadia suggested.
Obi-Wan gives a simple nod to his former Padawan before they and Anakin focused back on looking at Master Tu-Anh's wrapped lifeless body being engulfed by the flames.
The follow evening, Obi-Wan, Anakin and Nadia departed Pau City on their dactillion mounted for the plains of Utapau.
While traveling, Obi-Wan spotted a village ahead.
"It looks like there is a village ahead."Obi-Wan stated.
"Let's hope it's the right one."Anakin stated.
"Right."Nadia agreed.
The three Jedi began flying towards the village.
The village was inhabited by several Plains Amani, who immediately began throwing spears at the Jedi visitors.
"It seems to be the place."Obi-Wan complemented.
"Something familiar tells me that these Amani aren't fond with Jedi."Nadia retorted.
"At least they have permeative weapons."Anakin commented."We can take them easily."
"No, Anakin!"Obi-Wan protested."Wait!"
Nadia gives Obi-Wan a smirk.
"Looks like he has a plan, master."Nadia sneered, her eyes sparkling with mischief."Attack."
"Nadia!"Obi-Wan scowled.
Despite Obi-Wan's warnings, Anakin and Nadia made their dactillions dive and attack the Amani.
During the ensuing skirmish, the Amani attack the Jedi with blasters that fire precision laser darts.
The Amani shot down the dactillions, making Anakin, Obi-Wan and Nadia land into the village.
The trio activated their lightsabers as the leader of the plain Amanis called out to his tribe, telling them to retreat.
Before the Jedi can question them, all of the Amani flee into the wilderness.
Anakin notice a blaster of the plain Amani's had precision laser darts.
"Over here."Anakin instructed.
Obi-Wan and Nadia went up to Anakin and looked at the blaster on the floor as he picked it up.
"Precision laser darts."Anakin complemented.
"As expected."Nadia replied slightly.
"Yes, I was about to tell you that if these are the Armani that killed Master Tu-Anh."Obi-Wan admitted."They might have precision laser darts. But as usual, you two went rushing in."
"Well, at least we know we're on the right track."Anakin remarked.
"On the right track? But the question is; Which track?"Obi-Wan questioned, looking at the Amani footprints on the ground."These footprints are scattered in every direction."
While inspecting the camp, Nadia discovered several unusual footprints which she assumed belong to the plain Amani leader.
"Look here."Nadia insisted, gesturing Obi-Wan and Anakin to the footprints of the Amani leader."These footprints are bigger and go deeper underground than the other Amanis which are much smaller."
"Sure."Anakin replied.
"Then these footprints clearly belong to the most powerful member of the tribe."Obi-Wan admitted."Mostly, their leader."
"Right, master."Nadia praised."If we follow this track, it will lead us to the Sugi weapons dealer."
"That's gonna be a lot of walking."Anakin muttered.
"Since you two rushed in and got our mounts killed, yes, it is going to be a lot of walking."Obi-Wan added unfondly.
Nadia chuckled nervously and rubbed the back of her neck.
"Oops."Nadia responded.
Obi-Wan, Anakin and Nadia then headed off to the wilderness to go after the plain Amani leader.
As they travelled in the plains on foot, the three Jedi noticed the footprints of the Amani had slowed down.
"They slowed to a walk here."Obi-Wan admitted as he went on his knees to look at the footprints before standing up."Their base must be close by."
"I'll contact Ahsoka."Anakin suggested."Maybe she can-"
Nadia immediately felt various emotions grow inside her at hearing the name of her best friend.
This was the first she heard Anakin mention his former Padawan since her departure.
"Anakin…"Obi-Wan started slowly.
"Forget about it."Anakin retorted sternly and kept walking."She's gone."
Nadia looked down upon remembering her best friend, but knew she couldn't think about what occurred in the past.
And yet-
"Do you want to talk about it?"Obi-Wan asked.
"What's there to talk about?"Anakin scowled.
"Nothing, I suppose."Obi-Wan replied and notice the sky was getting a bit dark."Perhaps we should set up camp. Sound like a plan?"
"Might as well."Nadia suggested with a shrug."I'll get some tree sticks."
While setting up camp, the three Jedi talk about Ahsoka's decision to leave the Jedi Order.
Neither Anakin, Nadia and Obi-Wan said a word as they stared at the crackling flames from the small bonfire they created.
The silence was broke when the Jedi Master spoke up.
"Dwelling on Ahsoka's decision won't bring her back."Obi-Wan informed.
"I miss her, okay?! Is that what you wanted me to say?"Anakin snapped angrily with a glare."I still can't understand how she could have left the Order!"
"It was a surprise decision to all of us."Obi-Wan stated.
"A surprise decision?"Nadia thought coldly."It wasn't really surprising since the people she looked up to, immediately betrayed her and didn't really care about her wellbeing."
"It was wrong!"Anakin argued as he stood up from where he sat, making Nadia and Obi-Wan look at him."She's a Jedi! She belongs with us!"
The Jedi Knight walked a few paces away, turning his back on his two companions.
"She's one of us."Anakin added softly.
"She made the decision, Anakin."Obi-Wan reminded.
"Well, what choice did we give her?!"Anakin demanded, making Nadia's frown deepen."The moment there were any suspicions about her loyalty, the Council turned their back on her!"
"I will grant you mistakes were made-"Obi-Wan started.
Nadia immediately turned her head to glare at Obi-Wan.
"Correction, Master! Very big mistakes!"Nadia snapped, her voice mixed with anger and annoyance."Ahsoka was in the Jedi Temple more longer than I was and yet after everything she has done for the Order, the people that she was supposed to look up to were ready to feed her to the wolves without having second thoughts! Do you think that is normal?!"
"Nadia, I am not saying what the Council did was right."Obi-Wan replied, acting completely calm."But part of the Jedi's way is not let your emotions cloud your better judgment and that's precisely what Ahsoka did. Even in her most critical moment."
At hearing this, Nadia immediately lost her temper and tossed the branches she held into the small bonfire causing the flames to go a bit out of control, startling Obi-Wan and Anakin.
"Are you actually blaming Ahsoka for her decision?!"Nadia demanded, her ruby red eyes showing absolute fury."Let me tell you something, master! Since the start of the Clone Wars, the Force is utterly out of balance and the Council have become blindly unaware of the consequences that have been caused because of their actions! Their lack of emotions have created a barrier between those that they have sworn to protect!"
Nadia's gloved hands clenched into fists as she continued talking.
"Now let's get back to Ahsoka!"Nadia insisted, her voice now mixed with a hint of grief."One of our closest friends tried to frame her for something she would never do. I still have no idea why. Without any second thoughts, Republic demanded the death sentence for it. These are people that raised her. People that taught her everything she knew. People that are the closest thing to family she have ever had. People that she loved, trusted and truly believed loved and cared about her too. How can she fight for them now? Tell me! And how am I also supposed to put my faith in people that don't really give a damn about the people around them? Especially me?! Since in their eyes, I am nothing but some kind of abomination?!"
There was now deadly silence, but only the sound of the crackling fire was heard after Nadia finished giving her outburst.
The raven haired girl then went to the opposite side of the bonfire and rested herself on the ground with her back turned from her companions.
Obi-Wan glanced at Anakin.
"Why don't you get some rest?"Obi-Wan suggested.
"I'm not tired."Anakin replied."You can rest, Master. I'll keep first watch."
"Then I will accept your kind offer."Obi-Wan commented.
Obi-Wan moved to lay down and rest on the ground.
"You can't take responsibility for Ahsoka's decision, Anakin."Obi-Wan declared.
"How would you feel if I turned into a major disappointment?"Anakin questioned with a glare.
"It's not the same."Obi-Wan replied.
"It's precisely the same."Anakin declared in a stern tone."You took me under your wing and practically raised me. I'm your Padawan just like Ahsoka was mine. How well would you sleep, knowing I failed you?"
"Not very well, I imagine."Obi-Wan answered."Luckily, that isn't true and never will be."
Anakin's frown deepened at Obi-Wan's declaration, but didn't say anything.
Unaware to Anakin and Obi-Wan, Nadia was actually awake and have heard everything they were saying.
She was having struggling to sleep due to thinking about the possible aftermath of the Clone Wars.
She was trying her best to be positive of the good things that will come once the wretched war was over.
But alas, the bad thoughts kept creeping on her mind.
The Jedi being no more and Darth Sidious holding the entire galaxy in a mighty grip of evil.
But worst of all, losing the ones she cared about all over-
Nadia shut her eyes and silently whimpered, not wanting to finish that sentence.
She couldn't think of such things.
She was now a Knight of the Republic.
It was going to her job like Anakin, Ferus and the rest of her friends to make sure that there will be peace after the war.
The following morning, Obi-Wan, Anakin and Nadia were captured by several Sugi warriors who were accompanied by an Amani.
"Hey, pretty boy!"Nadia scowled."You were supposed to wake us up!"
"Actually, I thought this was a perfect way to draw them in."Anakin remarked.
"So this is your idea of a plan?"Obi-Wan said in disbelief."You intentionally fell asleep to get us captured?"
The Sugi warriors take the three Jedi's lightsabers.
"Well, it's working isn't?"Anakin asked and glared at the Sugi warrior, who attempted to take his lightsaber."Hey! Hands off!"
"He wants your lightsaber."Nadia retorted."Just let him have it."
"I am trying to add convincing."Anakin commented.
Suddenly, one of the Sugi warriors fired a powerful shot near Anakin causing a bit of smoke to rise a bit.
"Oh, bravo."Obi-Wan praised sarcastically."Brilliant performance."
"You should be rewarded the Cross of Glory."Nadia scoffed.
Anakin then had his lightsaber taken before getting handcuffed just like Obi-Wan and Nadia.
The Sugi warriors began leading the Jedi back to their camp.
"They must be taking us to their leader."Nadia suggested.
Anakin glanced at Obi-Wan.
"Can they understand what we're saying?"Anakin questioned.
"The primitives ones?"Obi-Wan said, gesturing to the Sugi."Probably not."
Anakin glanced at the Sugi warrior behind him, who pointed his blaster behind his back.
"Hey, you."Anakin said."My friends and I were discussing our escape plan. Out loud and in front of you."
Anakin then glanced at Obi-Wan and Nadia.
"Yeah. They're primitive, alright."Anakin remarked."We can take them out right now."
"Be careful, Anakin."Obi-Wan warned."Try and stay calm."
This caused Nadia to be smirk a bit.
"That would be a bit too hard for the hero with no fear, master."Nadia sneered.
Anakin rolled her eyes at Nadia's declaration.
"How can I stay calm with one pointing his blaster at me?"Anakin complained and became more irritated at the Sugi warriors fiddling with the lightsabers."Now they are playing with our lightsabers."
"Let it go."Obi-Wan insisted.
Anakin notice one of the Sugi captors pointing his lightsaber above his head.
"I wouldn't do that if I were you."Anakin replied and saw the Sugi captor pressing one of the buttons on his blade."No. That one. This one."
Anakin tricked one of his Sugi captors into activating his lightsaber.
The lightsaber blade went through the Sugi's head, killing him.
"Now you've done it."Nadia muttered.
"I warned him."Anakin stated casually.
"Was that really necessary?"Obi-Wan asked.
The leading Sugi warrior notice his dead fellow soldier and became furious before revealing that he could speak and understand Galactic Basic Standard.
He picked up Anakin's lightsaber and glared at Obi-Wan.
"What are three Jedi doing here in the plains of Utapau?!"Chong demanded.
"Oh…a civilised one."Obi-Wan responded.
Chong pointed Anakin's deactivated lightsaber towards Obi-Wan's chin.
"I asked you a question!"Chong growled.
"A Jedi was-"Anakin started, only for Nadia to stomp her foot onto his."Ow!"
Nadia gives Anakin a look before Obi-Wan began speaking to Chong.
"Weapons?"Obi-Wan remarked."We are here to buy weapons."
"Yeah."Nadia agreed, playing along with her former master."We were told you have what we want."
"We have no weapons here."Chong retorted.
"Oh, I'm terribly sorry. We must've been mistaken."Obi-Wan complemented."It appears your reputation on Coruscant is the galaxy's premier arms dealer is grossly overstated."
Obi-Wan gave a glance to Anakin and Nadia.
"We have to correct that misconception when we go back to Coruscant."Obi-Wan suggested."Won't we, Anakin and Nadia?"
Chong grabbed Obi-Wan by the shoulder.
"You won't be getting back!"Chong snarled and pointed at Obi-Wan."You'll be dead!"
Anakin glared at Chong.
"You are a liar!"Anakin argued.
"What?"Chong growled.
"Everyone outside the Outer Rim knows about your deal with General Grievous."Anakin admitted.
"That's right."Obi-Wan agreed."We all know about it."
"And we want that shiny weapon too."Nadia sneered.
"We're willing to pay a lot."Obi-Wan commented.
The Sugi leader was lost for words at the three Jedi's declaration.
"I…I…I would need advise my superior of this situation."Chong suggested.
Chong rubbed his head before taking the Jedi's lightsabers and glanced at his warriors.
"Let's go!"Chong ordered.
The Sugi warriors began to walk alongside their three prisoners.
While walking, Obi-Wan, Anakin and Nadia shared a glance with each other.
"At least now we know where we are going."Obi-Wan murmured.
The three Jedi and their Sugi captors then travelled to several mounds where they encountered a camp area which had several more Sugi.
Chong headed off to get the Sugis' boss causing Anakin, Obi-Wan and Nadia to speak with one another.
"I changed my mind."Anakin muttered."I thought getting captured would be a good idea. Maybe we should make our move now?"
"You are forgetting that the Sugi have deadly weapons."Nadia reminded with a frown.
"Patience."Obi-Wan instructed."I got to admit. This was a good plan. Just need to give it more time."
"I prefer taking action in this situation."Anakin admitted."You both know that."
"It will obviously come when we are at the right moment."Nadia advised.
"That's true, Nadia."Obi-Wan agreed."I prefer negotiating. Remember it's amazing what you can learn just by talking."
"Oh yeah."Anakin replied simply."Could either of you have given a warning? We are here to buy weapons."
"Sorry, but needed to think fast on our feet."Obi-Wan stated.
"And you went too far ahead saying everyone outside the Outer Rim knows about the weapon."Nadia stated with a frown.
"Oh…"Anakin remarked smugly."So I am guessing you two are the only ones that can think on their feet."
"Apparently."Obi-Wan replied.
Nadia nodded. "Yep."
Anakin let out a sigh.
"Where did the Sugi went anyway?"Anakin questioned.
"I have the extent feeling he went to get the big man."Obi-Wan assumed.
"That could be worrisome for us."Nadia murmured.
Then the Sugi warriors moved out of the way, revealing their boss known as Endente, who was a small Sugi.
Endente came off his small speeder bike to go up to Anakin, Nadia and Obi-Wan.
Anakin chuckled slightly at seeing how small Endente was as the boss of the Sugi arm dealers.
"Did you guys say a big man that would cause worry?"Anakin joked.
Both Obi-Wan and Nadia frowned at Anakin.
"Be careful what you are saying."Nadia muttered softly."He may hear you."
Endente looked at the three Jedi.
"Hello."Obi-Wan greeted."I am Obi-Wan Kenobi. This is Anakin Skywalker and Nadia Aomori. May I ask who are you?"
"My name is not important."Endente replied.
"Well…just normally it helps add a certain decorum to business transaction."Obi-Wan stated.
Endente let out a small chuckle.
"I hear the Republic is interested in buying the crystal."Endente remarked.
"Crystal?"Anakin said in confusion.
"Yes."Obi-Wan agreed, going in front of Anakin."We are very interested in buying the crystal."
Nadia raised an eyebrow at Anakin.
"I thought I explained it to you, Anakin."Nadia responded in disapproval.
"Sorry."Anakin replied."I thought you said missile."
"No."Nadia scoffed."I definitely said crystal."
"Are there anymore Jedi?"Endente questioned.
"Here on Utapau?"Obi-Wan assumed."No. Just the three of us."
"The Republic trusts us to make the deal."Anakin declared.
"We are quite known by many people in the galaxy."Nadia complemented.
"However, we are in constant contact with the Council."Obi-Wan stated.
"You have created a problem for me."Endente informed as he walked past the three Jedi."I already promised the crystal to General Grievous."
"I assure you there is no problem."Obi-Wan replied."We will pay twice what Grievous is offering."
Endente then went in front of the three Jedi.
"Show me the money?"Endente insisted.
Anakin went on one knee to have eye contact with Endente.
"Show us the crystal."Anakin demanded.
"If we see the crystal with our very eyes, we'll happily pay you."Nadia suggested.
"Very well."Endente replied and looked at the Sugi leader."Chong, we are leaving."
The three Jedi were then being led to the crystal by their captors.
"A crystal?"Anakin asked.
"The only crystal I know you can weaponise is a kyber crystal."Obi-Wan replied.
"It is a fundamental of a lightsaber."Anakin stated.
"True. Still why in the galaxy would General Grievous be interested in getting a kyber crystal?"Nadia questioned."The lightsabers he wield belongs to various Jedi masters that he killed. Hard to believe he attends to make his own."
"Unless that's not what he really intends to do since the kyber crystal he attends to buy is not like any other, Nadia."Obi-Wan clarified.
"You believe the Sugi may have found a rare one?"Anakin suggested.
"The most powerful and sought-after gems are rare Kaiburr crystals."Nadia whispered.
"That's correct, Nadia."Obi-Wan responded."But still all of this is odd."
The three Jedi then stopped talking as they followed their captors to their destination.
After half an hour, the Sugi arm dealers arrived to a location that had a couple of mounds.
"Are we there yet?"Anakin asked.
"You're not getting tired, are you?"Obi-Wan questioned.
"Tired of walking? Tired of being a prisoner?"Anakin said with a hint of sarcasm."Yes."
Ahead, the three Jedi spotted a few more mounds nearby.
"Oh, look. Another mound."Anakin remarked in a fake excited tone."The thrills never stop on Utapau."
"Your time to spring to action will come, Anakin."Nadia assured smugly."We are getting close."
As the group walked further to the scene in front of them, the three Jedi realised the mound was actually a large starship that was covered in canvas.
"Wait. That's no mound."Obi-Wan commented."That's a starship."
Obi-Wan, Anakin and Nadia were then brought inside the starship and the Sugi lead their Jedi prisoners to the prison chamber.
"This must be their base of operation."Anakin suggested.
"Which means the weapon is probably here."Obi-Wan assumed.
Obi-Wan was placed inside a prison cell before its ray shield activated.
Nadia smirked. "In that case…"
Anakin and Nadia started fighting off against their Sugi captors.
Nadia careful used her Force Judgement to zap off Anakin's handcuffs before he released her wrists with the Force.
The two Jedi Knights knocked out the Sugi warriors by hitting them against the wall with the Force before going to release Obi-Wan.
"Let's get out of here."Obi-Wan insisted.
Obi-Wan, Anakin and Nadia rushed out of the prison chamber.
"I am not leaving without my lightsaber."Anakin stated.
"Our lightsabers are our lives as you said, master."Nadia praised.
Under fire from their Sugi captors, the three Jedi flee above the ceiling.
"Brilliant idea."Obi-Wan complemented."This is a much narrower space. No room to manoeuvre. We'll be shot for sure."
"Sorry."Anakin apologised sarcastically."I thought it would be a good place to hide."
"We might as well get used to it."Nadia stated."I don't think any of us would stand a chance against General Grievous without our lightsabers."
The three Jedi eventually make their way into a weapons arsenal storeroom.
"Woo hoo hoo."Anakin remarked as picked up a blaster pistol."Now this is more like it."
"Good thing we are also trained in wielding blasters."Nadia sneered.
"I don't think these are the weapons we are looking for."Obi-Wan responded.
"Right now, I am just looking for anything that works."Anakin declared confidently.
"Such clumsiness."Obi-Wan sighed.
Nadia looked at the various blaster weapons in front of her before glancing at Obi-Wan.
"Which blaster would you like, master?"Nadia asked.
"I am fine with using my mind than muscles, Nadia."Obi-Wan replied and heard a noise from outside the weapons arsenal storeroom."I think they are at the door."
Obi-Wan then notice smoke detonators above a crate.
"How about a smoke screen?"Obi-Wan suggested.
"Now that's more like it."Anakin praised.
"Let's do it."Nadia sneered.
"Feel free to blast anything that goes through that door."Obi-Wan encouraged.
After sensing a gang of Sugi at the door, the three Jedi planted smoke detonators in the room before going to hide in a bunch of crates.
When the Sugi warriors rushed into the weapons arsenal storeroom, they got blinded by the smoke detonators.
Anakin and Nadia used their blasters they held to take down the Sugi warriors.
"Nice shooting."Obi-Wan responded.
Anakin smirked. "You ain't seen nothing yet."
"This is just the beginning."Nadia chuckled.
Both Anakin and Nadia headed out of the weapons arsenal storeroom and killed a couple of more Sugi warriors as a team.
When Chong appeared with their lightsabers, Anakin used the Force to activate them, killing him as well.
Anakin summoned the lightsabers of him and Obi-Wan while Nadia summed back her two blades.
"Good to have these back."Nadia stated fondly.
Obi-Wan walked up to Anakin and Nadia.
"Okay."Obi-Wan remarked as Anakin handed him his lightsaber."That was impressive."
"Thank you, master."Anakin thanked.
"You're too kind."Nadia remarked.
The three Jedi activated their lightsabers and fought off the other Sugi warriors that Endente ordered to hold them back in the hallway.
"On second thought, get me out of here!"Endente demanded.
Obi-Wan glanced at Anakin and Nadia as the three of them attacked the Sugi warriors.
"We need him alive!"Obi-Wan reminded.
Despite their best efforts, Endente managed to flee on a speeder into the wilderness.
"Rats."Nadia muttered in annoyance."He got away."
Obi-Wan and Nadia noticed Anakin looking at something above the rafters.
"I think you two should come and see this."Anakin insisted.
Obi-Wan and Nadia walked up to Anakin and followed his gaze, only for both of them to become astonished.
Hanging on the rafters, the three Jedi discovered a large deep green kyber crystal.
"What is it?"Anakin asked.
"It's a kyber crystal."Obi-Wan responded."But I never seen one that big before."
"What could General Grievous exactly want with this crystal?"Nadia questioned.
"Grievous or Dooku? I don't know."Obi-Wan replied."But it is for something much bigger than a lightsaber that's for certain."
(I genuinely wished this arc was finished and put into the final season of the Clone Wars.)
Our heroes discovered the large kyber crystal that General Grievous? But what will happen next?
See you all in the next chapter and have a wonderful day:)