Register | Login | Search | Help | New Boards | Harassment Policy | Rules of the JC | TOS | Markup Codes
Locked Topic | Read Only Topic | Previous Active Topic | Next Active Topic
Pages: 1 | 2 | 3 - Previous | Next | Reload
Author Topic: The Gathering Storm: Xan/Obi AU: Time and Space to Breathe 7/8
Seraphena  699 posts
Registered: Jul '03
18598_Dark Woman
Date Posted: 3/30/04 10:41am Subject: The Gathering Storm: Xan/Obi AU: Time and Space to Breathe 7/8 - Date Edited: 7/8/04 2:05pm (8 edits total) Edited By: Seraphena
Title: The Gathering Storm
Author: Seraphena
Characters: Xan, Obi
Genre: AU, Drama
Summary: The lives of Xan and Obi as master and padawan get complicated.
Notes: Here we are once again. The original attempt at the Sequel to Until the Dawn was not going as I wanted it to and with a mass of RL issue I decided to stop, re-write it and start over again. Thanks for all your patience and the words of encouragement. All Canon characters and the GFFA belong to Lucas, Rayn and original characters belong to me.

Once again, Disturbed Mind Theatre Presents: Book II: The Gathering Storm.

___________________________________

Coruscant, the Jewel of the Republic. Of all the buildings, of all the levels, on planet this one stood out with its stark and soaring simplicity. Rising gracefully from the deepest levels five towers caught the eyes not with gilt but a simplicity that was breathtaking.

The interior was a simple as the exterior, with its gardens, living quarter, rooms for teaching and training. Large kitchens feed those Jedi that preferred not to cook, or rather eat with friends in the large dinning areas.

The training rooms ranged from large gymnasiums to smaller private sparing rooms. There were areas for katas, aerials, strengthening muscles and mind. The most used, and according those that worked in the maintenance department, the most abused were where the small droids were used. Armed with sensors and a blaster they could work independently or under a master’s control. Hundreds were used each day keeping the staff very busy repairing those that returned, smashed, beaten, fried, crushed or any other creative destruction that students could think of.


“Again Obi-Wan.” Sweating profusely the ginger haired padawan nodded and reactivated his lightsaber. Pulling the Force around him, Obi-Wan dared not look at his Master. Three probes danced around waiting until their sensors found an opening. Their weaving pattern made it impossible to keep a physical eye on all at the same time. Twisting and turning to see them had only resulted in being tagged more than once with a bolt from one he wasn’t looking at. The whole point of this was trying to use his mental and Force skills to keep track of them, to follow them.

“Listen to what the Force is telling you.” The sound of his master’s low voice soothed him, filling him with a confidence that he could do this. Never easy, sometime requiring days, weeks or months of trying but he would get it. His master would never give him the impossible, just the merely difficult. Determination made him grip his lightsaber tightly and a crease marred the smooth forehead.

A flash, one bolt struck through his hastily erected guard. It stung for a few moments. Experience had taught him that he could not stop, could not indulge even to rub it. Dropping his defense, even for a moment and the bots would take advantage of his distraction.

“You’re trying too hard padawan. Relax. Trust the Force.”

Relax? One circling orb got a nasty look. “Yes master.”

Sinking into a light trace he tried to mentally tag each. A deep breath and slowly released. Opening his eyes, everything seemed more intense, in sharper focus. The chatter of nearby Jedi, the sparkle of the sun through the windows. The faint, very faint pressure building. The droid at his back left. Spinning he reflected a blaster bolt just as it was launched. A perfect hit, it shut down the probe letting it drop down quietly.

When the last two met the same fate, the sound of clapping pulled his attention back to his master. Now he could hear it. Whispers, faint traces of a complex melody, shifting twirling colors. Focusing on his Master, Obi-Wan watching the shimmering greens, the dark blues, and the faintest traces of ivy green and lavender as they danced around the dark haired Jedi.

“Shields Padawan mine.” Xanatos De’Crion smiled. The sounds fades to the barest hint of notes before fading around completely, the colors dimmed and with a last sparkle disappeared from his sight. “How do you feel?”

“A little sore.” But he had done it. Three probes. Bouncing on his toes, he couldn’t help the little spark of satisfaction and watched his Master cock an eyebrow as they traded pride, contentment, and reassurance through their bond. “You promised.” Obi-Wan reminded his master with a spark of mischief in his eyes..

That got an amused look. “This is true.”

One day, he promised himself he would be able to match that serene exterior, laughter bubbled a long the bond.

“Though I don’t know-“ Xanatos drawled looking at the ceiling, floor, the other Jedi passing along outside the door. The glint in his dark blue eyes the only sign of humor.
“Master.” Obi-Wan sighed.

That glint expanded and sapphire eyes glittered like stars.

“All right.” His master sighed. “You can have your friends over for dinner tomorrow.”

An omission got a faint glare. Xanatos laughed out right at the impudent and stubborn adult in front of him. “Fine, don’t glare at me like that. Get a shower and changed we’ll get that model.”

Watching the boy rushing ahead in the hall, Xanatos muffled his laughter. Other Jedi watched them, from initiates to Masters. The initiates, padawans and Knight smiled and nodded a greeting which he returned solemnly. Some of the Masters had no such kind greetings. Feeling the cool regard of the Masters as he past them he allowed a small smile to escape his “iron Jedi control”.

All for bucking tradition, he resisted the temptation to roll his eyes. Obi-Wan, just like every other child or adult was an individual. And had individual needs. Tradition needed to take a back seat to reality. There needed to be something besides the Code and the Council. Obi-Wan needed a teacher, a father, a friend, a brother. The Telosian Jedi had sworn on the day of their ceremony to be all those and more.

What probably bothered the Masters more than anything was the fact that Obi-Wan had bloomed and achieved so much the last few years. The youngest of his year mates chosen, he already showed great potential of being a brilliant fighter and was doing well in almost all of his classes. But the boy was never arrogant or prideful, he accepted compliments and criticisms with the same quiet humility.

More humble than his master at least. I’m doing what I can. They will be able to think for themselves, be good Jedi, Servants of the Force, never Council driven drones. Who would you be prouder of Rayn, him or me?

 

-----signature-----
The Gathering Storm: http://boards.theforce.net/Before_the_Saga/b10475/15378387
Diplomacy is the art of telling someone where to go in such a way that they look forward to the trip -Unknown
Locked Topic | Active Topic Notification | Private Message | Post History
Black_Scout  2191 posts
Registered: Nov '03
39860_Yoda
Date Posted: 3/30/04 11:58am Subject: RE: The Gathering Storm: Xan/Obi AU Chapter 1
Nice. It's good to see a fic with Xani as Obi's master

 

-----signature-----
First Barwoman of the FFUK; 'Admiral Ozzel's Snozzled Hovel'
'There's no such thing as one Button' - the Button family motto
Member of the 'Suzy and Jenny sisters alliance'
My sister exploded
Best website in the World - http://kevan.org/brain.cgi?Suzy%20
Locked Topic | Active Topic Notification | Private Message | Post History
obi_ew  8398 posts
Registered: Apr '02
40311_Quinlan Vos
Date Posted: 3/30/04 3:35pm Subject: RE: The Gathering Storm: Xan/Obi AU Chapter 1
Okay I'm good and confuzzled. plain Do you mean this is the sequel to the first and we should forget the one you were writing that was the sequel? tongue

 

-----signature-----
In Loving Memory Of CC rose
Price of Courage- Obi/Whie/Luke- http://boards.theforce.net/The_Saga/b10476/20124958/?37
Updated 4/20 Finally!!
Locked Topic | Active Topic Notification | Private Message | Post History
Bekah_K  1130 posts
Registered: Sep '02
7464_Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan
Date Posted: 3/30/04 3:36pm Subject: RE: The Gathering Storm: Xan/Obi AU Chapter 1
Glad to see this in action again. Wonderful post! happy

 

-----signature-----
See bio for other fics
grin Life Beyond the Code (Obi-Wan/Anakin) - http://boards.theforce.net/The_Saga/b10476/20820324/?6
a.k.a. bek happy
Bring Him Home (Obi-Wan) - http://boards.theforce.net/The_Saga/b10476/21107038/?3
Locked Topic | Active Topic Notification | Private Message | Post History
Seraphena  699 posts
Registered: Jul '03
18598_Dark Woman
Date Posted: 3/30/04 5:49pm Subject: RE: The Gathering Storm: Xan/Obi AU Chapter 1
obi_ew: yes please forget that one. Thanks

 

-----signature-----
The Gathering Storm: http://boards.theforce.net/Before_the_Saga/b10475/15378387
Diplomacy is the art of telling someone where to go in such a way that they look forward to the trip -Unknown
Locked Topic | Active Topic Notification | Private Message | Post History
VaderLVR64  31008 posts
Title: Manager Emeritus
 Registered: Feb '04
49060_Obi-Wan Kenobi (811092)
Date Posted: 3/31/04 7:34pm Subject: RE: The Gathering Storm: Xan/Obi AU Chapter 1
“Listen to what the Force is telling you.” The sound of his master’s low voice soothed him, filling him with a confidence that he could do this. Never easy, sometime requiring days, weeks or months of trying but he would get it. His master would never give him the impossible, just the merely difficult. Determination made him grip his lightsaber tightly and a crease marred the smooth forehead.

I loved this! I liked the interaction between Xan and Obi-Wan so much, they seemed to really care for each other. I can't wait for more!

 

-----signature-----
R.I.P John, Alex, Jason, and Christian flag Never forgotten
Soldiers' Angels http://soldiersangels.org/
2114 soldiers waiting for someone to care
Locked Topic | Active Topic Notification | Private Message | Post History
Seraphena  699 posts
Registered: Jul '03
18598_Dark Woman
Date Posted: 4/1/04 11:38am Subject: RE: The Gathering Storm: Xan/Obi AU Chapter 2: Whispers of Memory
Black_Scout: Thanks
obi_ew: Again, yes. Please forget the prior version.
Bekah_K: Thanks grin
VaderLVR64: Thank you it means a lot to hear that



Chapter 2

Jedi Master Qui-Gon Jinn watched the two figures with a some measure of pride. The Force had spoken truly when it came to Xanatos and Obi-Wan. Because of Obi-Wan’s age, the pair had only been sent on missions least likely to erupt in violence, and they had acquitted themselves well according to reports.

Coruscant’s weather programming had behaved today and the sunshine and clear skies was a treat to anyone able to enjoy it. Training gardens were full and the faint sounds of laughter and conversation wafted up from the public areas.

Xanatos and Obi-Wan had taken over a small, somewhat secluded grassy area to work in. There sapphire clashed with sky blue as their blades danced.

No matter that his body was growing and changing, that he maybe clumsy and inattentive through the course of the day, put a saber in the boy’s hand and he became grace personified. There was much for Obi-Wan to learn yet, but Qui-Gon could see in the set of bony shoulders, in the way bright eyes studied everything his master was showing him; in the very manner which the Force responded to the boy’s call. Obi-Wan would be a formidable fighter.

Many Jedi seemed so surprised that Xanatos was doing so well as a first time master and so easily. Those that Xanatos held closest knew better. Qui-Gon smiled faintly.
Many night had been spent over a cup of tea, sometimes joined by Yoda as Xanatos worried over the littlest cough, groused about tradition, vented over lesson plans that had been destroyed by a highly intelligent and motivated student. Many time it had been all Qui-Gon could do to hide his amusement as his former padawan tried to be the stern disciplinarian in those, albeit rare, movements when Obi-Wan’s common sense had taken a back seat to his energy.


As one of the temple’s Sword Teachers Qui-Gon was intimately familiar with every kata, almost all accepted variations that were currently taught in the Temple. His knowledge of the historical ones was almost as broad. He was glad to see that despite the boy’s young age, Xanatos was not holding back that natural talent. Of all the things Obi-Wan had trouble with excessive pride was not one of them. Xanatos would have no taken that lightly, especially in light of the Telosian’s only struggles with that very issue during his apprenticeship. They were working on the first series in the Sarnon Tae, Bending Light, where a Jedi learned to deflect blaster blots.

Xanatos stepped through the movements several times Obi-Wan watching every movement, listening so intently that Qui-Gon believe him to be memorizing it. Too far away to hear what was being said, but the genuine smile on the face of the normally sardonic knight was enough to warm the older master’s heart.

There was something off about the way Xanatos was walking through the kata that raised the hair on the back of Qui-Gon’s neck. Sarnon Tae was a grounded form, creating an unmovable line of defense against more than one opponent. These movements were not that of the stable stance, but a moving one, leading the opponent to make a fatal mistake. Obi-Wan’s flair for more acrobatic style of fighting would take full advantage of this variation.

Never one for vision and portents Qui-Gon could none the less feel the righteousness in the Force. Something tickled at his memory, the roll of Xanatos’s shoulder as the dark haired Knight moved through the downswing. It was in the posture of his body landing from a jump. The very way he held his lightsaber. Every step seemed engrained in Xanatos’s muscle and bone.

I don’t remember teaching him this? Could he have learned it to fit his student? No, he decided watching Xanatos perform the kata at full speed and intensity. It’s in his bone and muscles. What is it? Where do I know this from?


 

-----signature-----
The Gathering Storm: http://boards.theforce.net/Before_the_Saga/b10475/15378387
Diplomacy is the art of telling someone where to go in such a way that they look forward to the trip -Unknown
Locked Topic | Active Topic Notification | Private Message | Post History
Kynstar  9194 posts
Registered: Mar '04
14562_Count Dooku
Date Posted: 4/1/04 12:09pm Subject: RE: The Gathering Storm: Xan/Obi AU Chapter 2: Whispers of Memory
Uh oh! Mystery time here on that kata technique! grin Great posting! Love the Qui revelationing grin

 

-----signature-----
Paddy sis to t_s & SarkaVrae/Master to hyperspace_police
Member of Rebel Legion and Jedi Assembly (Kynstar Lans)
Only thru fear, hatred, and pain will the true power of the Force be revealed.
See stories/viggies in bio
Locked Topic | Active Topic Notification | Private Message | Post History
Bekah_K  1130 posts
Registered: Sep '02
7464_Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan
Date Posted: 4/1/04 12:55pm Subject: RE: The Gathering Storm: Xan/Obi AU Chapter 2: Whispers of Memory
Will this fic include/make mention of De'valin and Rayn? Are they still a part of this? confused

 

-----signature-----
See bio for other fics
grin Life Beyond the Code (Obi-Wan/Anakin) - http://boards.theforce.net/The_Saga/b10476/20820324/?6
a.k.a. bek happy
Bring Him Home (Obi-Wan) - http://boards.theforce.net/The_Saga/b10476/21107038/?3
Locked Topic | Active Topic Notification | Private Message | Post History
obi_ew  8398 posts
Registered: Apr '02
40311_Quinlan Vos
Date Posted: 4/1/04 2:14pm Subject: RE: The Gathering Storm: Xan/Obi AU Chapter 2: Whispers of Memory
Well I am loving the new version so far. Did you get a beta while you were away or take a class? Your style and writing seems to be flowing much easier. Just curious. Don't have to answer if you don't wanna. wink

 

-----signature-----
In Loving Memory Of CC rose
Price of Courage- Obi/Whie/Luke- http://boards.theforce.net/The_Saga/b10476/20124958/?37
Updated 4/20 Finally!!
Locked Topic | Active Topic Notification | Private Message | Post History
Seraphena  699 posts
Registered: Jul '03
18598_Dark Woman
Date Posted: 4/1/04 2:28pm Subject: RE: The Gathering Storm: Xan/Obi AU Chapter 2: Whispers of Memory
Kynstar: grin Thanks
Bekah_K: they are still a part of this, and will make an appearance
obi_ew: Still no beta, reviewed a lot of material from a class I took from a while ago, but the major thing was that while I was trying to write the last piece I was studying to take the Ohio Law bar exam and dealing with wedding plans. The bar is over and the major wedding issues are dealt with. I have a lot of time to plot and plan. Thanks for the compliments.

 

-----signature-----
The Gathering Storm: http://boards.theforce.net/Before_the_Saga/b10475/15378387
Diplomacy is the art of telling someone where to go in such a way that they look forward to the trip -Unknown
Locked Topic | Active Topic Notification | Private Message | Post History
Seraphena  699 posts
Registered: Jul '03
18598_Dark Woman
Date Posted: 4/7/04 5:16pm Subject: RE: The Gathering Storm: Xan/Obi AU Chapter 3: Fortuitous Meetings 4/7
Chapter 3

/Ah the Senate. Never a more wretched hive of scum and villainy./ Xanatos sent over their bond with a wink for Obi-Wan who was desperately trying to maintain a serene Jedi expression.

Walking through the vaulted hall the pair ignored the curious glances of politicians and civilians alike. The bond thrummed with Obi-Wan’s curiosity and wonder. Like all initiates Obi-Wan’s exposure to other species had been limited to those within the Jedi, students, teachers, knights. Their missions had been serene lacking any chance to be exposed to the complex emotions and passions of people fights for causes they believe in.

Or at least are paid to believe in.

The morning had been spent listening from the observation gallery. Obi-Wan had been all wide eyes and almost bouncing. Hidden from view of those on the floor and surrounded only by other Jedi, those on their Current Politics Assignment mostly, Obi-Wan had been a relaxed enough to be himself. Now, surrounded by the weight of history and the emotional imprint of thousands of years of passions, war, arguments it was an feast for the sense to any that could feel it. Looking down at his apprentice Xanatos smothered the grin that threatened, Obi-Wan was solemn and composed, on the outside.

/It feels different./ Obi-Wan mind voice was as tentative as his aura felt.

/The Temple is serene and has a focused purpose./ Xanatos replied /This is barely controlled chaos./


Not just a day away from the Temple their visit to the Senate had a purpose. The Council had decided to send them to witness the signing of a planet’s new constitution as it was joining the Republic. The total lack of cultural materials had caused them no end of grief until Xanatos had seen the name of his old political mentor as one of the initial group to bring Telfor into the Republic. Senator Palpatine had sounded more than happy to donate a copy of his notes to them, provided Xanatos to take the time to visit.


Though it had been a while since had he visited it was heartening to see that so little had changed. The decor remained the same soft blues and green he remembered. The only difference was the secretary sitting behind the cluttered desk. Warm chocolate eyes regarded them thoughtfully with a slight smile. At a time when intricate hair designs were all the fashion her rich red curls hung loose down her back.

“May I help you sers?” Her voice was full of cheer and her accent pure Naboo.

“I have an appointment with Senator Palpatine.” Xanatos replied with a slight bow feeling Obi-Wan copy his movements.

Glancing down at her appointment book she looked up at him. “Jedi De’Crion I presume?”

“And Obi-Wan Kenobi.” He introduced his student who made his own bows.

“He’s still in with his prior appointment.” She said apologetically. “Do you mind waiting? It shouldn’t be much longer.”

“No we don’t mind at all.”

She gestured to the couches. “Can I get you some refreshments while you wait?”

She was looking at Obi-Wan when she asked. The boy gave her a shy smile. “No Thank you.”

The inclusion of his padawan from the secretary warmed Xanatos a little to the woman. Most people they met either ignored apprentices or treated them as inferiors. It would be like Palpatine to have someone who took the time to treat everyone as an individual.

The time past slowly, the secretary had retreated to her desk going over several things, Xanatos watched her fingers flying across the keyboard, teeth tugging on her lower lip.

Finally ten minutes past the hour, she glared at the still closed door. Pressing a button her heard the Senator’s voice.

“Yes Sarnae?”
“Your next appointment is here Senator.”

A soft sigh resounded from the speaker. “Give Knight De’Crion and Padawan Kenobi my apologizes this is taking a lot longer than I anticipated. Could you make sure they have those files and the briefing notes?”

“Of Course Senator. Anything else?” Her soft voice soothing.

“Order lunch for us and yourself. I fear its going to be a long day.”

A slight smile tugged at her mouth. Xanatos noted her accepting calm. “Of course Senator. I’ll be in shortly for you orders.”

The comm clicked off and she looked up at them with apologizes shining in her eyes. “Sorry about this Jedi De’Crion, Jedi Kenobi.”

“He is a busy man, Lady Sarnae was it?”

Xanatos hid a smile at the faint blush that stained her tan cheeks. “My apologizes Sir Jedi for not introducing myself.”

“Not a problem.” He replied smoothly.

She handed him several data chips. Each was label with a firm neat hand. Not the Senator’s hasty scribble. “These are the reports and notes from the original mission, the Senator also included what planetary information he could from the archives. If you have any questions about it let me know. Either of us can send a response.”

They bowed together. “Thank you Lady Sarnae. Its been a pleasure.” He smiled wickedly, something he hadn’t allowed himself to do in a long time. “Until next time.”

Rewarded with another, deeper blush, he decided there was enough teasing

“Good day.”

/Master, that was mean./ Obi-Wan’s censure was easy to sense, those the bright blue eyes sparkled now with mischief.
/Just wait until you are older./

 

-----signature-----
The Gathering Storm: http://boards.theforce.net/Before_the_Saga/b10475/15378387
Diplomacy is the art of telling someone where to go in such a way that they look forward to the trip -Unknown
Locked Topic | Active Topic Notification | Private Message | Post History
Bekah_K  1130 posts
Registered: Sep '02
7464_Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan
Date Posted: 4/7/04 5:34pm Subject: RE: The Gathering Storm: Xan/Obi AU Chapter 3: Fortuitous Meetings 4/7
He smiled wickedly, something he hadn’t allowed himself to do in a long time. “Until next time.”

Rewarded with another, deeper blush, he decided there was enough teasing

“Good day.”

/Master, that was mean./ Obi-Wan’s censure was easy to sense, those the bright blue eyes sparkled now with mischief.

/Just wait until you are older./

Loved it! Xan falling back on his former habits of flattery. happy

Don't know if I trust Palpatine. Just have to wait and see.


~Bek


 

-----signature-----
See bio for other fics
grin Life Beyond the Code (Obi-Wan/Anakin) - http://boards.theforce.net/The_Saga/b10476/20820324/?6
a.k.a. bek happy
Bring Him Home (Obi-Wan) - http://boards.theforce.net/The_Saga/b10476/21107038/?3
Locked Topic | Active Topic Notification | Private Message | Post History
obi_ew  8398 posts
Registered: Apr '02
40311_Quinlan Vos
Date Posted: 4/8/04 8:01am Subject: RE: The Gathering Storm: Xan/Obi AU Chapter 3: Fortuitous Meetings 4/7
I loved that post. Their interaction was wonderful and wicked Xan is always a welcome thing. happy

 

-----signature-----
In Loving Memory Of CC rose
Price of Courage- Obi/Whie/Luke- http://boards.theforce.net/The_Saga/b10476/20124958/?37
Updated 4/20 Finally!!
Locked Topic | Active Topic Notification | Private Message | Post History
Kynstar  9194 posts
Registered: Mar '04
14562_Count Dooku
Date Posted: 4/8/04 9:24am Subject: RE: The Gathering Storm: Xan/Obi AU Chapter 3: Fortuitous Meetings 4/7
Nifty interaction there! And to find out he's known to Palpy? Ummm now that's an interesting tidbit!

Great post! Can't wait for another!

 

-----signature-----
Paddy sis to t_s & SarkaVrae/Master to hyperspace_police
Member of Rebel Legion and Jedi Assembly (Kynstar Lans)
Only thru fear, hatred, and pain will the true power of the Force be revealed.
See stories/viggies in bio
Locked Topic | Active Topic Notification | Private Message | Post History
Seraphena  699 posts
Registered: Jul '03
18598_Dark Woman
Date Posted: 4/13/04 10:37am Subject: RE: The Gathering Storm: Xan/Obi AU 4/13 Chapter 4: Players on the field
Bekah_K: Trust palpy? Never happy
obi_ew: Thank you. I love the devilish Xan
Kynstar; It’s the sequel to my first fic Until the Dawn. I’m trying to include enough information so that its not necessary to read that one. But it could help.

Thanks everyone.


Chapter 3

There were no clocks in the Council chambers, only the steady stream of meetings. The movement of the sun and the occasional breaks signaled the passage of time in the timeless room. As the room was bathed in the red gold light of the setting sun everyone could breath easier, their day was almost over.

s the heavy doors of the Council room opened to admit their final appointment. The room was silent, but between them all thoughts and impressions traveled over a mental connection that few could sense.

De’valin Malistra, Former padawan to Qui-Gon Jinn, former Master to Adrayn Rannik. Those formers seemed to weigh heavily on the man before them. His hair was untouched by gray, but there were shadows under his eyes. Those once dancing eyes that challenged everything and laughed were a storm tossed gray. Dust clung to his clothing from the mission and his travels. Little things bothered them all, concern radiated from those that could see the shoulders drooping slightly with responsibility and with exhaustion. Three years of missions were taking their toll.

But they needed him. They needed his skills, his talents, and the way his mind worked. Few Jedi had the ability to find information as skillfully as he did. To ferret out secrets that remained unspoken. To put pieces together where few clues existed of their connection.

He had no partner, and refused offers of a new one. He had trained one, they had all expected Rayn to continue working with her master after her trials. The empty place at his side screamed of her absence. Mace Windu knew that even three years later it still bothered De’valin greatly to not know where his padawan was.

“Master Malistra.” Mace Windu greeted the visitor. “Welcome home.”

“Greetings Master Windu, members of the Council.” De’valin’s voice was steady, but lacking the emotion they were used to hearing from one of Qui-Gon’s padawans.

Exchanging a worried look with Yoda as the Jedi bowed, the dark skinned master struggled to keep a neutral expression.

/Duty he sees only. Friends he will not talk to. Stubborn he is. Much like his former master. / Yoda replied.

“We have looked over your report from Myrian . Is there anything you have to add.” Another mission that they never talked about, that most Jedi never dreamed of.

“There is little more I can add.” De’valin said. Then his eyes drifted from Mace. No one looking directly at the young Master would have seen it. A moment of vagueness in his eyes, a split second of staring into nothingness. What it meant Mace could not imagine. “I found no sign of the insurgents that your contact spoke of or that the Senate is afraid exist.”

“No sign at all. Hidden could it be?” Master Yoda interjected.

“No Master Yoda. There is always something, economic, social, political. Feeling of distrust, of anticipation. Everywhere I travel seemed stable and content with the Republic.”

“We appreciate your candor on this.” Master Windu rubbed at his temples. “We appreciate your assistance in this. What recommendations do you have?”

“Investigate your sources, or who the information came from in the Senate. Someone is either lying or getting false information.”

“Could the insurgents been warned and moved or hid?” Eeth Koth asked.

“I don’t believe so Master Koth, it still would have left an impression. A missing person, some family member. Myrian is small enough. “


“Unfortunately we cannot guarantee you much time to relax, Knight Serest has asked for assistance of Lianna dealing with his investigation. A shuttle will be leaving tomorrow evening.” Mace concluded giving as much time as they could allow.

“Thank you Master.”

“The Force be with you.” Mace finished.

Again De’valin bowed and left. When the man’s back was turned Mace looked over at Yoda again. The ancient Jedi just shook his head.

/Little we can do, when want no help he does./



____

Darkness filled the room, no light, not even the barest touch of illumination touched the inky blackness. Sounds were dominate here. The slither of fabric moving against fabric, the rhythm of bare feet on the floor, the low hiss of a blade slicing through air. They stopped and the patterned slow breathing of meditation.

Clapping echoed off a nearby wall. A darker silhouette in the middle of the room paused, its head tilting to the side to catch the sounds.

“Well done, my apprentice.” The voice hissed. Clothing rustled as the figure bowed. “Our plans on Lianna are almost complete. I trust you to make sure nothing interrupts them.”

The sound of another bow and the sense of distance and the figure moved.

“Oh and apprentice.” The hissing voice was full of mock concern and warning. “Don’t get caught.”

 

-----signature-----
The Gathering Storm: http://boards.theforce.net/Before_the_Saga/b10475/15378387
Diplomacy is the art of telling someone where to go in such a way that they look forward to the trip -Unknown
Locked Topic | Active Topic Notification | Private Message | Post History
Pages: 1 | 2 | 3 - Previous | Next | Reload
© 2009 IGN Entertainment, Inc (9.02.17.2300, IGNPRDAPPW64211) 0.563