Jedi Council Forums - Betrayal (Obi/Qui angst

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Author	Topic: Betrayal (Obi/Qui angst - very AU) Updated 11/2/09
Sionnach-Airgid Registered: Jul '05	Date Posted: 7/12/06 10:18am Subject: RE: Betrayal (Obi-Wan/Qui-Gon angst - very AU)
	Opens mouth to reply then shuts it again. Tries again . . . I don't even know where to start! I finally made it back onto the boards again and not only were there TWO posts for this, but they were (if this is even possible) even more amazing! I just knew Tharten wanted Obi! Then again, who wouldn't? But I'm glad she's out of the picture! Now I can make my move! Just kidding. Poor Obi though, having to do something so against everything he's morally stood for just to get Sidious' true id! I've really had it with that council. They all deserve a right good thrashing! Btw, that whole fight scene was absolutely fantastic. I swear I was on the edge of my chair the whole time, holding my breath and trying to keep my heart from exploding b/c it was beating way to fast! I love the way you can blend action and emotion so well that you don't miss a single beat. And Atel . . . I knew she wouldn't really kill Qui. Go Atel The more I read about her, the more I like her. I feel sorry for her too. I can see how in the chaos of fighting for one's life, Obi would see her action as trying to kill Qui, but I wish he hadn't force pushed her into the wall! Atel's going to have her hands full trying to convince him that everything will be okay and to not wallow in all that guilt. As always, your descriptions are so good that I feel as if I'm right there in the midst of everything! There's so much more I want to write about this, but DRL's calling me back to work, so I'm forced to stop here. Please keep the PM's coming though! I love this story! -----signature----- The Force made me do it! I always follow the will of the Force! My fics: http://boards.theforce.net/fan_fiction_resource/b10304/25405090/p2 Proud Master of yodas_waiter! One of Courtney_Solo's many knighted padawans Team Search & Destroy
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Kynstar Registered: Mar '04	Date Posted: 7/12/06 11:41am Subject: RE: Betrayal (Obi-Wan/Qui-Gon angst - very AU)
	Thanks so much for the snippet! Do have fun while you're away! We'll be patiently waiting for it! Poor Bothan... gotta feel sorry, if only a lil -----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
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padawan3 Registered: Sep '99	Date Posted: 7/12/06 6:15pm Subject: RE: Betrayal (Obi-Wan/Qui-Gon angst - very AU)
	That might have been short, but man was it powerful. Nice tanalizing post, you know how to keep us salavating. -----signature----- "Oppression is often the consequence, but seldom or never the means of riches; and though avarice will preserve a man from being necessitously poor, it generally makes him too timorous to be wealthy." Thomas Paine
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jedi7 Registered: Jan '02	Date Posted: 7/12/06 8:18pm Subject: RE: Betrayal (Obi-Wan/Qui-Gon angst - very AU)
	Well unless the "Order" can come up with something to thwart Palpatine, they are all pretty much **** Please add me to your PM list. 7
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dianethx Registered: Mar '02	Date Posted: 7/31/06 4:27am Subject: RE: Betrayal (Obi-Wan/Qui-Gon angst - very AU)
	Sorry but I've been on vacation and have been trying desperately to catch up here and at home. JediKnight-Obi-Wan - Thanks. It's only a snippet. When the next post comes, it will be quite long because there are several issues that need to be addressed. Sle'fey is really screwed, though. Scheming can work if you have all the facts. Now, he's got real problems. Thanks for reading. rocketscientist - No problem with the little place sticker. In fact, if you want to talk about something you are reading and it's from a while ago, feel free. I've been working on this for a very long time - my brain says too long, LOL - so it's okay to comment. LOL on Gunrayslawyer. Love his work, btw. Thanks about liked my work. I try very hard to put out the best I possibly can. That means, of course, that it takes me forever to write a post. I was angsting about a paragraph for 3 days. So it may be a while longer. Good luck catching up! Thanks. Kitara - watch your sugar levels! LOL. Although bouncing can be good for you. Thanks. Sionnach-Airgid - It's been a while. Two posts, wow. And they were pretty long, too. At least you didn't have to wait forever to read them! LOL. Yes, Tharten wanted Obi-Wan but then again, as you said, who wouldn't? Poor Obi indeed. He's been through a lot and it's not over yet. Thanks about the fight scene. I think my action work always needs help (mainly because I don't know the "correct" moves) but I can picture it in my head and it seems to work in print. Thanks about the blending of emotion and action. I try to do more than just movement. If the reader isn't involved, then it's just words on a page. Ah, Atel. The most controvertial character here. If you read other people's reactions, a lot still don't like her. I do and I'm glad to see that you do as well. I do feel sorry for her, though. As for discussions with Obi-Wan, they really need to talk more but Obi is still reeling from all the betrayal he's felt in this past week (yes, it's only been a week in fic time). LOL. Seems like a lot longer. Thanks. Glad you enjoyed the story. Kynstar - You're welcome. Vacation was hard - it was boiling hot in Italy and we were on 10 hour tours in the heat. I came home exhausted. Feel sorry for the Bothan. He's not out of the dark, yet. padawan3 - You're welcome. It was only a page long but I thought I should give my readers something. I always feel guilty not posting more often but my muse is stubborn and slow. Thanks for reading. jedi7 - I'vwe added you to the PM list. As for the Order, they have a few problems. Thanks for reading. -----signature----- Betrayal - http://boards.theforce.net/s/b1/10935143 updated 11/2/09 jedidas3's Master Merlin - Diplomatic Immunity - http://boards.theforce.net/nswff/b10808/30459852
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Dooku-Darklighter Registered: Jun '06	Date Posted: 8/2/06 1:25pm Subject: RE: Betrayal (Obi-Wan/Qui-Gon angst - very AU)
	Hey, there New reader, here. Just wanted you to know I find your ideas interesting, especially Qui having a family! I have a ways to catch up but will do so soon. Please add me to the PM List :P -----signature----- Favorite Characters: Dooku (RIP), Obi-Wan (RIP), Biggs (RIP), Dorsk 81 (RIP), Master Streen (RIP), Gilad (RIP), Peckhum (MIA), Talon, and YJK Zekk
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Ara-gon Registered: Dec '05	Date Posted: 8/3/06 12:45pm Subject: RE: Betrayal (Obi-Wan/Qui-Gon angst - very AU)
	I popped in hoping for a preview of the next post. Yippee! An appetizer! I'm terribly sorry about the writer's block. For both your sake as a writer and ours as readers. Oh, but it seems that the hardest part of the story is yet to come. What will the Council do? They are well and truly trapped in a very large, meticulous, well-laid plot by their most virulent enemy. Will they consider joining forces (pun intended ) with the Bendu? Would that be enough? How can they respond without the entire galaxy perceiving them as rebels intent on overthrowing the government? And if the galactic repercussions aren't enough, there's all the inter-personal repercussions, too. -----signature----- Jinngerbread's Padawan The Trouble with Qui-Gon (humor) http://boards.theforce.net/before_the_saga/b10475/26735859/p1/?7
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Dooku-Darklighter Registered: Jun '06	Date Posted: 8/4/06 3:17pm Subject: RE: Betrayal (Obi-Wan/Qui-Gon angst - very AU) - Date Edited: 8/9/06 9:19am (1 edits total) Edited By: Dooku-Darklighter
	Comments for Hunting for Reasons & Betrayal: Tharten is unsympathetic and unduly harsh, I don’t like her. She has no pity for Obi and certainly none for Qui. Ignore her and go after Qui, Obi-Wan! Cheers for the father/son bond they share Obi’s staying with the corrupted Order and the dying Light only because he trusts it’s the will of the Force. Be strong, little faithful and enduring one! Betrayal Chapter I I enjoyed the way you described Sidious using ice-related terms. He’s very conniving too. Chapter II Poor Obi-Wan! He’s seen the decay of not only the Order but also the Temple probably for years, and he can’t do anything but silently fume just as his hope must be kept private and guarded jealously. Atel’s Human and has violet eyes, interesting! Threadbare and destitute…that’s true but doesn’t only apply to the state of their clothes…it likely could describe the state of their education regarding the Force and what a Jedi is as well as the state of their aching souls/spirits. Is Zaros Sidious’ inside man? He sure is pompous and elegant like the Senator was! Ahhhtttt! Wrong! The Council the fools are, not Qui. They’re so blind to the obvious they’re deluding themselves. Insolence! That’s outrageous…Why can’t anyone except Obi-Wan see Zaros’ blatant cruelty?! I’d like to throttle them. Very good so far, I suspect it'll only get better as I continue catching up! Chapter III: I don’t blame Obi-Wan for being angry and frustrated following the belittling of his Master, I would be too in his place! The memory of his meeting with his future Master when he was little was cute. Ouch, Atel’s accusations sting like a slap across the face. Poor Obi. Eyes shocked Obi-Wan cursed his Master?? He must be at the end of his endurance emotionally…otherwise, I don’t think he would have. Even the Room of 1000 Fountains has been obliterated and grotesquely transformed! What is the matter with everyone?! That is SO wrong. I can totally empathize with Obi-Wan’s aghast reaction to this horrendous violation of what the Jedi used to stand for serenity and harmony. What's next? Chapter IV: I think Atel’s wrong. I think the Room of 1000 Fountains being butchered coupled with the other things is because of Sith influence and Sith can’t abide beauty or peace. Monitored corridors? Aren’t they allowed any privacy, whatsoever? Gasp Forced suppression of Force sensitivity? That’s torture! How could they? Indeed, why is the ‘Jedi Order’ a pack of ruthless lairs?! Hope Obi-Wan gets to see Qui-Gon soon. When he does, I hope it’s a turning point for all three. -----signature----- Favorite Characters: Dooku (RIP), Obi-Wan (RIP), Biggs (RIP), Dorsk 81 (RIP), Master Streen (RIP), Gilad (RIP), Peckhum (MIA), Talon, and YJK Zekk
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Dooku-Darklighter Registered: Jun '06	Date Posted: 8/4/06 4:23pm Subject: RE: Betrayal (Obi-Wan/Qui-Gon angst - very AU) - Date Edited: 8/10/06 5:47pm (7 edits total) Edited By: Dooku-Darklighter
	Chapter V: Love Obi-Wan’s stunned reaction to finding out Qui has a family! Oh, his wife is a spirited one. Qui’s such a peaceable man. I love it. Think I’ll like his wife too, though. Wow, Le’ sure did put Obi-Wan in his place, huh? Though it’s unjustly and wrongly directed at him, I understand her sentiments. Awww, little Ben. He’s adorable and very insightful too. I bet he’s right, Obi-Wan will take his Daddy away…just hope it’s not permanently! Obi-Wan’s also correct, something is gravely, starkly amiss. However, it isn’t Ben not being enrolled at the Temple…rather, it’s why Obi-Wan’s still a member. You have sense, boy! Heed it…get out of there, while you can! Chapter VI: Well that’s a relief. For a moment, I thought Obi-Wan had bought into the lies of the Order…so glad he actually turned his cajoling about admitting Ben to the Order into a warning! Levitating candies, cute! Le’ asked Qui-Gon to marry her, cool. I suspected Mace was with Qui-Gon, that’s good. As far as their operations are concerned I wonder if their members of an underground railroad or is it that they’ve started the Bendu school? Good job! applause Chapter VII: Atel’s going to report Master Obi-Wan for his ‘latest infraction’ isn’t she? Uhhghh! I can see how/why her perceptions of Qui-Gon are colored against him but…doesn’t she have any inkling that Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan may be right? Any at all? The Bendu training schools ARE running, good. Jinn has allies, also good. Obi likely having to arrest his Master, BAD. The fact that they may be adversaries—hopefully briefly—also bad. Uh oh, Obi-Wan’s intent while talking to Ani will be woefully misconstrued…hard times ahead. beatup Astonished Atel didn’t report, Obi! I have a bad feeling she will in time though. I don’t like her but I do pity her. shame_on_you Chapter VIII: Growls I don’t like Maul and Sidious. They are so pathetically twisted! Do think seeing Dooku is nice, however. Wonder if he is/shall be a Sith, Bendu, or just simply the Count? Chapter IX: Oh, the investigations must be agony for Obi-Wan! Mace Windu, Adi Gallia, Garen Muln and Siri Tachi…Qui-Gon and Anakin keep good company! It’s not as if there were some malevolent force going around killing former Jedi. The thought is ludicrous.” You are so correct Obi. It’s Maul carrying the murders out under Sidious' command, I tell you! Far as challenging the Jedi Order, I hope the Bendu, not only do this but also defeat it. It’s so corrupt, it needs to be put out of its misery. I hope Obi-Wan joins up! No! Obi-Wan the Bendu aren’t a threat! They’re what the Jedi are supposed to be…Why doesn’t the Council appear to care their Order has been cut in half? Sidious, that’s why! 1250 out of 5400, please tell me Obi-Wan will soon realize it’s the Sith behind it all! Why did you kill Bant? I like the Mon Calamari girl…poor Obi, again. “She’s dead. She’s dead and I didn’t know. Couldn’t help her. They just tossed her out of the Temple like garbage, my gentle Bant, and they killed her.” How sad! Hugs Obi That’s right, Obi-Wan face the Council! Oh, come on. If Qui’s working the slavery circuit, he’s probably doing along the lines of what he did when he ‘won’ Ani! Obi-Wan, you ditz! Chapter X: Lovely way to describe Obi-Wan’s troubled katas. Oh, please…Qui-Gon didn’t kill the owner of the mine. I bet it was Maul. Correction, there were NO muders! This is utterly ridiculous! Someone’s framed Master Qui-Gon! Foul, foul! Oh, things are surely afoot now. Off to the Bendu Sanctuary, they are! Find what, they will? Hmmmm…Know soon, I will. Once again, great job. You paint your words vividly. -----signature----- Favorite Characters: Dooku (RIP), Obi-Wan (RIP), Biggs (RIP), Dorsk 81 (RIP), Master Streen (RIP), Gilad (RIP), Peckhum (MIA), Talon, and YJK Zekk
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Dooku-Darklighter Registered: Jun '06	Date Posted: 8/4/06 9:26pm Subject: RE: Betrayal (Obi-Wan/Qui-Gon angst - very AU) - Date Edited: 8/9/06 11:38am (3 edits total) Edited By: Dooku-Darklighter
	Chapter XI: I’m speechless! The Bendu Sanctuary sounds positively breathtaking! Thank you, finally, someone else has a staff! I love staffs! NOOO! Qui-Gon is SO NOT a slaver! Though it does appear that he’s going to be falsely accused of something, unfortunately. Will Qui and Obi ever straighten things out between them?? Oh, the ‘accept this, please’ phrase again…what will happen now? Now it appears both Obi-Wan and Anakin are playing the fool. Will they ever learn? Mace insulting the Order? Not really, he’s just telling it like it is. Why, how…is Atel so ignorant of the truth? Is it truly all due to Lord Sidious? Obi-Wan’s empathetic towards the Bendu? Good! Now, what’s he going to do? Atel’s views are so tainted I’m amazed she hasn’t fallen to the Darkside…so Atel has a bit of compassion after all. I hope that bodes well for everyone concerned. Smacks Obi-Wan upside the head Surely you know of a thing called the spirit of the law, too…not just the letter? Come on, boy! Have an epiphany already! Chapter XII: You’re breaking my heart, here! Mace is all worried Obi-Wan means Shimi harm…I DON’T believe Obi-Wan! How could he even think Qui owned her…still? If he did at all, it was with the express purpose of setting her free! “Then that foolish law needs to be changed.” Well said, Shimi! Watto working for Jinn, that’s an image. “He is a compassionate man. You knew him for years and you could think this of him?” Exactly! How could you, Obi-Wan?! It’s sad how both Qui and Obi feel as though the other’s been forgotten which plainly isn’t so evidenced by Qui’s holo pics. Is Obi going to arrest him here? If so, I hope they finally clear the air. Obi broke the code of behavior by giving Mace the data. There’s hope for him yet! He may be starting to realize the difference between civic and moral law, let’s hope! Adi and I have two daughters, strong in the Force…That’s great news, Mace! Very glad to see that the Bendu are fiercely protective of their children. “…We will not cripple our own for your peace of mind.” Well said pointed words, Master Windu. It’s really quite distressing to see how eager Atel was when she found the lightsabers in Qui’s office. Might be a bit of a stretch, but I’m not positive their his. Sidious is setting him up for a fall, after all. That’s our Qui…noble-hearted but stubborn, always! I stand corrected…and really find Qui-Gon’s earnest explanation for ‘allowing’ them to be found intriguing. “Do you...have you accepted Knights that leave the Jedi voluntarily?” Dare I continue to hope? Can it be…Obi-Wan may join the Bendu? Good luck, son! Oh, the guys returning to the Temple, are! Trouble and understandings wait for them there, yes? Chapter XIII: Duty?! Obi-Wan’s allegiance and duty are to the Force, not the Jedi…just as Qui’s is. I don’t find Atel’s remorse for Obi-Wan sincere, at all! She’s haughty and smug, like Anakin. The guys are nearly without hope…is it possible that they each can replenish the other’s with the guidance of the Force? -----signature----- Favorite Characters: Dooku (RIP), Obi-Wan (RIP), Biggs (RIP), Dorsk 81 (RIP), Master Streen (RIP), Gilad (RIP), Peckhum (MIA), Talon, and YJK Zekk
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Dooku-Darklighter Registered: Jun '06	Date Posted: 8/5/06 6:34pm Subject: RE: Betrayal (Obi-Wan/Qui-Gon angst - very AU) - Date Edited: 8/9/06 11:43pm (5 edits total) Edited By: Dooku-Darklighter
	Chapter XIV: If Qui-Gon was the better swordsman, why then did he die, in Episode I? Of course, I know why….but it’s still sad. Atel’s thinks Qui-Gon is going to maim them? Never! He’ll probably come along with hardly a breath of protest. Wouldn’t that surprise her! Side with Jinn…may it be! “Go now. Before she comes back and we are lost.” I believe Obi-Wan’s intent is kind and genuine but wrong. He wishes to spare Qui, I understand and respect this. I also fear it’s not to be…what an incredibly grueling tightrope they’re walking! Soon, something must give the strain is too much. Lost, will they be? It is precisely because of Qui’s honorable nature that he is so accepting of his fate and forgiving and compassionate towards Obi-Wan. “Padawan, I must return to Coruscant.” I admire Qui-Gon’s faith and trust in the Force, but what happens now? Obi-Wan cares deeply for his old Master. Qui-Gon feels equally for him. I just hope they fare whatever awaits them at the Temple, intact! I can imagine what will happen to them, there. Like this, I do not. I just knew Anakin was going to show up and make things difficult! Growls Can you tell I don’t like him? If sacrificed Qui-Gon is meant to be, it will be. I just hope it isn’t! Resolute, Jinn is. Gasp Surely you won’t kill one of them?! Wow, Atel sure is forward and even a bit brutal. Perhaps, hasty to judge, Atel, I was. She may yet see the Light… He tried desperately to stop the youth. Speaking softly, he whispered, “Anakin, we are on the same side.” I believe you, Obi-Wan. I think Qui trusts you, also. “Do you think me a fool, Jinn? Master Obi-Wan can hold his own against any half-trained boy.” My, Atel is an arrogant one. Obi’s overtures of ‘I’m not your or his enemy’ are real. You’re a dolt sometimes, Anakin. Obi…Qui-Gon’s enemy, I think not, Skywalker. Ani, jealous? You bet! Too late to do what’s right?? Surely not, Obi-Wan! I empathize with Ben’s position but though I think Obi-Wan has been tainted, evil he isn’t. The farewell between father and son, was deeply moving. The farewell between husband and wife, shattering! Obi-Wan forget tearing the Jinn family apart, never. Forgiving himself will be an arduous journey, also. Have I said how beautiful this is? Chapter XV: …the set of his hunched shoulders and bowed head spoke volumes of his misery. I should think so! You can’t be serious…you won’t rob Qui-Gon of his family completely will you? (Yes, I am including Obi in this plea.) Now that their together, their bond will likely be almost obliterated before it actually serves as their redeemer…? (I hope!) Ugh, Noname is still around? He won’t be further trouble, will he? …Like old friends or perhaps conspirators…Yeah, I hope it’s both. Obi-Wan’s luxury comment is ironic but amazingly fitting, Qui may find out just how fitting upon arrival at the Temple…he’s not going to like what he sees and endures at all, I feel it. Why did Jinn interfere with the fight between Anakin and Obi-Wan? Because witnessing one son-of-his-heart killing the other wasn’t tolerable and probably against the will of the Force, Atel! Giving Anakin to Obi-Wan for judgment was a profound display of trust between Qui and Obi, girl. Qui’s fate already decided is. Will he be killed as the Sith desire, not likely. However, suffer he will…Atel condemned Qui-Gon, has. Hope for her and him still, there is…? Well, at long last…Atel and Qui-Gon agree on something. Does this herald strengthening of bonds or does it whisper of their doom? What lesson did Obi hope to teach Ani with his sentence? Mercy, responsibility, empathy, fair-mindedness…am I close? Also it could be a take on Obi-Wan bit in Ep. II regarding rethinking one’s life choices. “I want to help you. Let me...” Your heart’s in the right place Obi and you’ve endured much. Yet, endure a while longer you must. Keep trusting, youngling. They’re both going to be imprisoned, tortured aren’t they? This just gets more intense all the time. Well done, I can hardly put it down! Chapter XVI: A registry of all Force-sensitives as a governmental demand is dastardly. At this rate, they’ll do it, though. Finally, Anakin may have found his wayward clue! He’s beginning to realize Obi-Wan was sincere after all. About time, it is. Sympathy musically do I feel for young, brash Skywalker. Quite a feat that is! Oh, could run into ex-apprentice, Yoda will? Humph…interesting that thought is. (Especailly due to Dooku being my favorite Sith! ) The meting of punishment not being pleasant, I hear that. Once again a job superbly done! -----signature----- Favorite Characters: Dooku (RIP), Obi-Wan (RIP), Biggs (RIP), Dorsk 81 (RIP), Master Streen (RIP), Gilad (RIP), Peckhum (MIA), Talon, and YJK Zekk
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Dooku-Darklighter Registered: Jun '06	Date Posted: 8/7/06 6:29pm Subject: RE: Betrayal (Obi-Wan/Qui-Gon angst - very AU) - Date Edited: 8/14/06 12:10pm (9 edits total) Edited By: Dooku-Darklighter
	Chapter XVII: Well, Sidious is mentioned anew is he? Oh, please! No wonder Atel despises Qui-Gon….she’s been fed nothing but lies and twisted, insidious horror stories. Atel really is TOO much! Will nothing tarnish the Jedi in her naive eyes??? Chapter XVIII: “In a way, I’m glad we’re here. Now you’ll find out just how much he’s deceived you and then you can go back to the Jedi where you belong.” I’m a hairsbreadth away from slapping Atel! Does she not have any empathy, at all?! Oh, my! Are Obi and Atel truly going to fracture apart reminiscent of the spilt that the Order tried to impose upon Obi and Qui, years past? (Without success, thankfully!) Always hopeful and understanding, Qui-Gon is. “No, not a Jedi in the path of Light.” Ah, Qui has hit the nail on the head! He’s exactly right. Due to her vision, will Atel understand…at last? Love isn’t wholly blind, but it is enduring, trusting. Well, Atel still lacks faith and trust, but she sure is resolute. I hear the pale whisper of hope for her. Chapter XIX: Obi and Atel have uncovered a few breadcrumbs of truth, which hints at Qui’s innocence, will it be enough? Will the guys still be sacrificial offerings? So, jealous of Qui, young Atel is. Atel is repentant and has acknowledged her responsibility in mistrusting Jinn! She apologized! cheers What a steadfastly kind soul, Qui is! They are on the edge of a vast turning point that could reshape the Bendu and Jedi lifeways...May the Force smile upon It's servants. Bravo! Can't wait to see how things at the Temple unfold! Chapter XX: I have to ask, it was on my mind all day, yesterday…Is Master Mundi dead? Ki was my favorite Jedi Councilor…The restored ease of affection between Qui and Obi is heartwarming. Qui-Gon is bound and determined to spare as many others as he can of pain and displaced guilt. His heart is nearly golden with kind intent but I fear he’ll fail…Sidious’ involvement is NO small thing, Obi-Wan. He’s the very heart of the Darkness! Qui’s light, genuine humor is rather enjoyable. Sighs Well…they’ve arrived to face their fates, at last. Silently offers comfort to all three people waiting to be judged Well did, but where’s Yoda? How is the Jinn Clan doing? Will Anakin Turn?? Yes, yes, so many questions I have. I’m still not keen on Atel’s leanings but I don’t see her as utterly lost any more. Chapter XXI: I totally get Obi’s reluctance to disembark from the liner. Ah, another key admission from Atel…in control, she is not. I like how Zabreks look but don’t much care for their demeanor very often. Arrogant and pompous the Council is…assuming the Authority is theirs! What is with everyone’s (minus Obi and maybe Atel)’s gleeful hatred toward a true Servant of the Force? Zak may be the first Councilor to show a barely perceptible speck of sense and compassion. Will it grow? Impressive, the Bothan also may be beginning to recapture the concept of fairness and decency… Gives heart-wounded Obi a crushing hug Don’t give up, the Force will heed your unspoken pleas for relief. Maintain hope, young one. Sle’fey is so clueless…ummmm….no, Sidious DOESN’T care an iota that Qui-Gon freed his people! He probably RESENTS it. Resistance to tyranny should increase…Qui a thorn to the cause of justice…NOT so! He is a stellar example of it. . “I will be heard in this.” Go, Obi-Wan! Though, you’ll probably get another sentence yourself for your staunch loyalty. “…decide to pursue…” I believe you’re missing a d on decide in Obi’s explanation of innocence to the Council. Master Thartan is SO out of line blaming Kenobi for the false records! I can’t even articulate how infuriating Thartan is! Hisses & Grumbles The petty in fighting is so tiresome. Get over yourselves, already! I think Obi made the correct choice trusting the Bothan with the data. Sle’fey made me curious, has. Bendu sympathizer, may he be? Of course lightsabers were used in the murders! Sith use them too…Sends calming thoughts to Obi via the Force Obi-Wan drew himself up, durasteel strong, “I am no one’s puppet, least of all yours.” Score one for Master Obi-Wan! There was nothing to say. He would not betray his Bendu brothers, not even in a thousand days of darkness. I knew that being in the Force-void cell was going to play into the Council’s revenge against brave, noble Qui. Hisses in disdain “No, I have finally become sane after years of madness.” My heart aches for poor Obi! He resigned! cheers About time. Is it possible the Jedi and Bendu could merge and attempt healing the glaring wounds of distrust and past harm? Pleads Well, one pinprick of hope in all this: Qui and Obi still have each other even in that damnable cell! There’s hope still. Sle’fey and Atel may yet wake up completely to the Truth. Superb. Can’t wait to see what happens! Chapter XXII: The sentence to that cell could shatter Obi-Wan in not only mind but spirit also. WOW! Atel has officially stunned me! ‘Take me, instead’? Does she get it now? Or is she merely doing what she believes Obi did for Qui…a misguided attempt to spare her Master? Interesting. Sle’fey has gone ashen at the Padawan’s suggestion, the others have at least taken notice Is this the beginning of a turn of events? Awww…Obi is now being the strong, steady one for a terrified Qui. That’s so precious. Self-harm, an escape from the terror…effective but not very nice. Chapter XXIII: Appalled Maul slurred and threatened Jinn’s family! Grrrr….No! You’re gonna kill Dooku, NOOOO! Voices ineffectual pleas in the old one’s defense Surely, Ani isn’t the only soul that’s worthy of redemption? Qui’s old Master was a fairly decent guy…excluding the Dark Force lightning. He did tell Obi the truth about Sidious…So, 2 are under Sidious’ thumb. Figures. He’s deceived nearly everyone, the snake! Trest and Zak are sympathetic and have been in the same position Obi-Wan was! Cheers May they soon have a breakthrough. Good luck, Jedi brothers! “I, too, grow tired of the charade.” I bet! Hugs the bone-weary Councilors Sle’fey’s had a vision of restoration??? If true, that’s GREAT!!!! Trest and Zak are going to have a lot of repenting and amend-making to do…but, I’m glad they’ve proven as loyal and true as possible as I suspected and hoped they would. Aside from Obi and Qui…Sle’fey is my favorite character. Is he yours or from the books? Oh, hearing the disgust and seeing the shame of the old, close friends left me shivering in empathy! Two decent logs have been added to hope’s fire. Just hope the guys can forgive their fellow resisters and brothers. Chapter XXIV: “I, sir, am a Jedi Master, a guardian of peace and justice. And I say that you can either sit down and listen to the truth or you can leave.” Well said. I knew my hunch of liking Sle’fey was right. Good job, Sir Bothan! “You have not taken over the Jedi Order yet and if I have anything to say about it, you never will.” More genuine words, but Sir Sle’fey may have said too much, too early. . “The Jedi Order has taken its last command from the likes of you.” Have I said how much I admire Sir Bothan? Sle’fey rocks!!! Not only is the Bothan Master longsuffering, he’s charismatic and very brave. He’s also commanding when he chooses. Oh my, Sle’fey has cut it to the bone. Qui could die! Chapter XXV: WOW! I have no words… Chapter XXVI Oh, that’s revolting! Tharaten is sickly twisted. She’s acting as though Obi is a thing to be owned! Qui didn’t know Master Dooku ‘fell’? Color me surprised! Chapter XXVII: Is anything salvageable? Atel and Obi are now officially fractured? Obi a rapist?! Have to admit, I don'’ see that. What's the reasoning behind it? -----signature----- Favorite Characters: Dooku (RIP), Obi-Wan (RIP), Biggs (RIP), Dorsk 81 (RIP), Master Streen (RIP), Gilad (RIP), Peckhum (MIA), Talon, and YJK Zekk
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dianethx Registered: Mar '02	Date Posted: 8/14/06 4:02am Subject: RE: Betrayal (Obi-Wan/Qui-Gon angst - very AU)
	Ara-gon – Sometimes I like to give my readers something to read, even if the muse is being very, very uncooperative. Luckily, she showed up at the awards and I've been writing furiously ever since. Indeed, the hardest part is yet to come. They are very trapped and see little way out of the situation. I don't think they would team up with the Bendu, I'm not sure the Bendu would be easily swayed to join them at the moment. But you'll have to wait and see. Thanks for reading. Dooku-Darklighter – Welcome. Glad to see that you're enjoying the story. Wow, you read the whole thing and commented. You are wonderful. Okay, here goes…. Hunting for Reasons – You aren't supposed to like Tharten but she does have a motivation. It isn't a good one but… well, she does want Obi-Wan. At least she has good taste. Chap. 1 – Thanks about the ice terms. I decided that he would be cold and cruel. Ice was a natural. Chap. 2 – Poor Obi-Wan indeed. The guy just can't seem to get a break. As for Atel, yes, she and the Jedi are destitute in more ways than one. I'm glad that you caught that. The Council has their own agenda. Sometimes they need to be cruel to hide what they are really doing. Chap. 3 – Thanks about the memory of Qui-Gon. I wanted something that would contrast with the horror that he was living with now. The Room of 1000 fountains had always been, in my mind, the center of the Order, filled with peace and serenity. Now it was just commerce. A metaphor for the desctruction of the Order. Chap. 4 – Monitored corridors in order to make sure that Jedi are of the right mind-set. Never mind that it's wrong. Yes, Obi-Wan seeing Qui-Gon will be a turning point but it was very painful for both of them. Chap. 5 – I'm glad you like Qui-Gon's family. Le'orath is very protective of Qui-Gon and doesn't like to see him hurt. She has her own ideas of what should happen but Qui is a stubborn man. Ben's adorable. I figured he'd have his father's stubbornness and his own sweetness of personality. Chap. 6 – You are quite correct. The Bendu have many functions, one of which is as an underground railroad for slaves. They are also doing good works and making sure that peace and their people are secure and happy. Chap. 7 – Atel has a problem. As a Jedi of this Order, it is her duty to report him. No attachments and all that but she's really attached to him as a father figure. She loves him even if she thinks he is wrong. LOL on the good, bad thing. It's always great to see a reader engaged with the story. Chap. 8 – Love that you don't like Maul and Sidious. They are twisted indeed. Dooku won't really show up in the story but he will be talked about. Far down the line. Chap. 9 – It is indeed agony for Obi-Wan to find out about all the things that are going on. The deaths of his Jedi are horrible to him. Obi-Wan joining the Bendu. Well, he is still working through all the pain of what he is learning. But he will consider it. A lot. Chap. 10 – Thanks about the beauty of the description. I am rather known for that. Glad to see that I've still kept your attention. Chap. 11 – LOL. Glad to see that you are really into the story now. Obi-Wan has been buffeted by all that information and his apprentice is giving him a hard time as well. No wonder he's confused. Glad you liked the Bendu Sanctuary. I based it on a number of places I've been. It was fun describing it. Chap. 12 – You seemed to really enjoy this one. I know it was rather a heartbreaking one and Qui-Gon looked very guilty, especially with the sabers but Obi-Wan knew that Qui would not go to the dark, even with all that evidence. Thanks for reading. Chap. 13 – Duty was something that Obi-Wan still had at the heart of him. He knew that the Force needed him at the Temple for some reason but he doesn't know why yet. But he doesn't have to be happy about it. Chap. 14 – Ah the fight scene among the Jedi and Bendu. I love writing that one. It was such fun and I really enjoyed using the environment to be used as weapons. The fight is also a way of showing the reader that Obi-Wan and Qui-Gon's struggles are also about duty and honor and love. I do like Anakin, he's just very headstrong and he loves Qui-Gon very much. He just doesn't realize that he needs to let Qui-Gon decide his own fate. Really glad you enjoyed this chapter. Chap. 15 – I can see that you are liking this story a lot. You really seemed to get into it. I think this chapter shows how much love there is between Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan even after all this time. You are right about Qui-Gon not wanting either of his heart-children to be hurt and especially not by each other. As for the lesson Obi wanted to give Anakin, you are right. He wanted to show Ani that the Jedi, especially this Jedi could be fair-minded and merciful. He also knew that if he took Ani to Coruscant, the Council would imprison him for attacking a Jedi. Chap. 16 – Thanks about superbly done. I liked this chapter because it gave Mace and Ani some face time and allowed the reader to see another side of Mace. He may be stern but his heart is in the right place. We'll be seeing more of Mace and Ani later. Chap. 17 – Atel is a tough nut. She's been fed lies for a decade and Obi-Wan, in a misguided effort to shield her, has only crippled her insight. Chap. 18 – Atel is still working through her jealousy. She realizes that it is inappropriate but can't seem to let it go as yet. Don't worry. I really like Atel, even if she's stubborn and pigheaded and doesn't always see truth when it's right in front of her. Chap. 19 - Glad you are still enjoying the story. Turning point, indeed. I was worried that this chapter had too much talking in it but then this story has a LOT of dialogue. Glad to see it didn't disappoint. Chap. 20 – Mundi isn't dead, he's on a mission for the Bendu but he won't be in the story. It's really a story about love and redemption and the sacrifices one makes to do what is right. LOL on all your questions. They will be answered eventually. The Jinn clan is fine for the moment, although Le'orath is mourning the absence of her husband and is still angry with him. Anakin turning? No, not in this story. It is an AU, after all. LOL. Chap. 21 – The scene with the Council was a turning point for Obi-Wan. He finally had to confront the darkness in the Jedi and see what he needed to do. I can see that you really enjoyed this one. It was full of drama and pain but a lot of things needed to come out. Obi giving the crystals to Sle'fey was a good idea. But he won't know that for a while. Chap. 22 – Atel stunned you? She does understand that what she was doing could harm her Master but it's still that she wants to save Obi from that horror. I thought the use of pain to focus and keep the terror at bay was appropriate. I'd heard that it is sometimes effective but not in the long term. Glad you enjoyed this chapter. Chap. 23 – Glad you liked the discussion between Xacor and Sle'fey. All the OCs are mine. I did take the last name from one of the Bothan characters in the NJO books because I wanted to have family ties. Plus the Bothan in that book was sneaky but loyal in the end. I'm not sure people caught that, though. Chap. 24 – Sle'fey has been hiding all these years waiting to take back the Order. Now is the moment he has been waiting for. Thanks about Sle'fey. He is one of my favorite characters. I tried to put some of the Bothan characteristics in him, sneaky, smart, willing to sacrifice himself or others for what he wants, brave when needed, and able to ferret out information. Wow, you seem to like the story enough to keep on reading. Thanks so much for your comments. I really appreciate it! -----signature----- Betrayal - http://boards.theforce.net/s/b1/10935143 updated 11/2/09 jedidas3's Master Merlin - Diplomatic Immunity - http://boards.theforce.net/nswff/b10808/30459852
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dianethx Registered: Mar '02	Date Posted: 8/14/06 4:14am Subject: RE: Betrayal (Obi-Wan/Qui-Gon angst - very AU) - Date Edited: 8/15/06 6:27pm (1 edits total) Edited By: dianethx
	I just want to thank all my readers for nominating Betrayal for so many awards. Even though it didn't win in any of the catagories, the nominations were truly the best part of the awards. Thank you so much. I'm sorry that I haven't updated in quite a while. My muse was not cooperating and then I went on vacation and other RL things started happening. Luckily, for some reason, the awards energized my muse and I was writing the whole time the awards were going on. Now I wish they had them every week.... LOL. Just kidding. As always, if you want me to send you a PM or if you want to be taken off the list of people I do send PMs to, just let me know either way. No problem. As some of you know I posted a snippet of this upcoming post. For those that read it already, I've put in a *** marker so that you can skip it and just read after that. When last we saw our heroes, Qui-Gon was near death's door and Obi-Wan had just mind-raped Tharten and killed her. Now, let's see what is going on in the Council.... Chapter 28 - Servants of the Force "Palpatine." The word dropped like a meteor into the noisy chaos of the Council Chamber and, for a second, the spread of silence was as tangible as shockwaves through superheated air. Only moments before, the room had been filled with accusation and loud demands for action. Hoarse shouts of denial from Veendo, wet apology stumbling out of Numb's mouth, quick gulps of fear from some of the other Masters - they had all but overwhelmed the quiet backdrop of Xacor's hurried request for a Healer and the blue-tinged buzz of frenzied fighting that raged far below them. Sle'fey had let the Councilors broil in the heat of furious argument, ignoring their pleas and taunts and obvious plays for power. This day had long been planned, the trap set with Kenobi's unknowing sacrifice, and a few insults from those who had allowed the Jedi Order to come to this were nothing. Instead he had watched, with heavy heart, the horror of battle between Obi-Wan and that rrshak slime, Tharten. He knew, he accepted that he had had a very large part in Obi-Wan's life-and-death struggle and wished that it could have been otherwise. But the survival of the Order must come before the life of one lone Knight. Or so he believed - until the fateful word... "Palpatine." Sle'fey just sat there, muzzle open in shock, not really seeing what else was taking place far below them. He did not watch as the Healers trundled an unconscious Jinn out of transmission range; he did not listen to Obi-Wan's desperation and rage; he did not feel the icy darkness that lingered in the currents of the Force nor taste the venom that had been Tharten's final legacy to them all. Kenobi had done it, found out who was behind the desecration of the heart and spirit of the Jedi. Palpatine. But Sle'fey knew what it really meant - disaster. The Sith were rising again. They had gotten their claws into the Jedi Order but more importantly, Palpatine, Supreme Chancellor of the Republic and revered throughout the Galaxy, was behind the plot. He was untouchable, virtually invulnerable, and there was nothing he or Xacor or Kenobi or any of the other Jedi could do about it. Disaster indeed. *** It was only a heartbeat later when the collective astonishment of the Council sputtered back into frenzy. Above the din of desperate inquiries and furious denials, Veendo shouted out his contempt. "Palpatine? A Sith Lord?" One green hand sweeping through the air as if to brush away his fury, he twisted to glare at the Bothan Councilor, "This is outrageous. The Sith have been extinct for a millennium and now we are expected to believe that they have risen again and that the Supreme Chancellor is our deadliest enemy. Absurd." White fir swirling with disbelief, Sle'fey shot back, "Tharten..." The Rodian was adamant, his voice growling scorn. "Master Tharten, Sle'fey. She was head of the Jedi Council and your superior. She deserved better than to be gutted like that. Mind raped by that worthless Kenobi. His vicious attack... " Frowning at the implication that Sera Tharten was somehow innocent in all this, Sle'fey leaned forward, half-out of his seat as he snarled, "Master Tharten named him Sith Lord, not I." His eyes as hard as durasteel, he pointed one claw at Veendo and said, "Do not think to turn this back into something other than what it is. You and Tharten and your followers have been trying to gut the Jedi Order for years, turning it into a mockery of everything the Jedi once were. It stops now." But the Rodian Councilor just snorted with disbelief. "And how are you going to do that, Sle'fey? By arresting Palpatine? That's impossible and you know it." He thrust himself back in his chair, pulling hastily at his tunic as if by doing so he could rid himself of the absurd idea of capturing the Supreme Chancellor. Then , staring pointedly at the guards flanking the doorway for a moment, he turned his attention back to the other Masters, apparently looking for support. The chamber quieted and there was more than a few heads nodding at Veendo's words. His smile of triumph was not lost on the Bothan. "No one is beyond justice." But even as he said it, Sle'fey knew that he was lying, to Veendo, to the rest of the Council - to himself most of all. It was an impossibility and yet he had to think of a way past impossible and make it happen. Somehow. Veendo's bulbous eyes gleamed victory as he pressed his advantage. He spat out, "Master Tharten would never align herself with such a creature, not even to further her own position. The Sith were treacherous and cunning by all accounts. She would not be such a fool." Xacor's tattooed face was tight with outrage as he interrupted Veendo's reinterpretation of what had happened only a few moments before. "And yet she had. By her own admission." Swiveling around to stare at the Zabrek master, Veendo's snout tightened, malice-strong. Then he deliberately looked away, sweeping his gaze quickly across the room. He must have liked what he saw. With a satisfied smile, Veendo began to speak again; each word was clear and sharp as an ice dagger. "Kenobi forced her to speak such lies. He needed some excuse for murdering her and this was the perfect opportunity." Sle'fey could feel the fur rising behind his neck, a sure sign that he was fast approaching the end of his patience. He knew that he should let Veendo, Nunb and the others prattle on for a while; after all, it was said that information could be more easily won by letting your enemy fall into the fever trap of hurried words and fury than by any debate of cold logic. But he also knew that the time to end this was soon. As he looked around, trying to think of how to force the dispute into satisfaction and success, his gaze first brushed past and then refocused on the blue-tinged mist of holocam transmission in the center of the room. The gentle electronic sputter could sometimes soften the edges of harsh reality; its flickering light might hide sharp edges and fine detail but not today. Instead, he could see, with crystal clarity, the gory spill of entrails spattered across the horror of the cell floor, the splotchy lines of purple-dark blood, Master Tharten's sprawled body. Beyond, beside a frowning Padawan Sl'etah, Obi-Wan sat, slightly rocking, his shattered expression stark in the haze. The rush of bile threatened to overwhelm him. He had betrayed a man who didn't deserve such a fate and he would pay for it later but there was no time for regrets. Kenobi would have to deal with his own darkness. Right now, Sle'fey had other problems. Forcing down the acid in his throat, he twisted away and glared straight at Veendo. Time to push back. "You can't blame Obi-Wan for this." His muzzle curled a bit in disgust, the derision in his low growl unambiguous. "She brought it on herself." Veendo's eyes bulged dark as he grabbed at the edge of his seat. He sounded thoroughly annoyed, "Master Tharten was the head of the Jedi Council. If she was guilty, she should have been tried before us, not gutted like a piece of meat." If anything, the cold contempt in Sle'fey's voice chilled further. He said flatly, "She was in league with a Sith Lord. For years. What Kenobi did was not murder but justice." As he looked around to see the rest of the Council staring back at him with confusion or fear or determination to find out the truth, he drew in a deep breath and pressed his attack. "I begin to wonder just how much you do know, you and Nunb and your friends on this Council. For all of your bluster, your protests do nothing but make you appear more guilty." While Veendo sputtered in outrage, Sle'fey shifted slightly, nodding to Xacor. One subtle gesture from the tattooed Master and the guards at the entrance to the chambers straightened, as though readying themselves for arrest or battle. It did not go unnoticed. Nunb made a gulp of protest and two of the others in Tharten's circle - A'Ala-Tanze of Indoctrination and Holu TaKet of the Espionage group, those who had supported Tharten and her past schemes, began to look decidedly ill at ease. Veendo just radiated fury. Sle'fey knew that his tenuous hold on the Council was stretched thin but he still had enough Masters on his side to take control of the Order - especially now with Tharten dead. But even if it had only been himself and Xacor and no one else, still he would have seen this through. He would not let the Order fall into the hands of the Sith - not as long as he drew breath. Tension began to build in the Force; the slushy ice-morass of darkness was a cold swirl of treachery and lies and he could almost taste Veendo's contempt. There was apprehension there, too. The Rodian was still hiding something for all his protests. And Sle'fey needed to know the truth. He barked out, "Have you had contact with the Sith Lord?" "No, absolutely not. She never said a word. I would never have..." There was anger there and exasperation and just a touch of fear but the nugget of truth shone through. Veendo hadn't known about Sidious. Sle'fey could almost relax in the realization that Tharten may have been working alone in her dealings with him. But also he had to know what else had been promised, what had been planned for the Jedi Order. Sle'fey cut across Veendo's protest, pointing one accusing claw at him. "And yet you went along with her, time and time again." Even before the Rodian could begin to argue, Master Nunb shot back, "So did you." And there were rumbles of agreement from the other Masters, even from those whom Sle'fey had counted as allies. Everyone here had bowed to her indomitable will at one time or another. Waving off the comment with a sharp flick of one furred paw, Trest Sle'fey growled out, "What did she promise that would make you betray the Order, Veendo?" Veendo looked ready to rocket out of his seat straight at Sle'fey; his snout was wet with fury. "I never betrayed the Order. It is the Senate who has betrayed us. Making us into lackeys and fools." He raised his voice, hoarse and contemptuous and full of certainty. "The Jedi Order should have been the crowning glory of the Republic, not trash to be discarded with the next squeeze of credits. It was obvious that we had to be strong enough in order to take back what was ours. Sera knew this." It was ironic. In some twisted, horrifying way, Sle'fey agreed with him. The Jedi should have been the foremost line of defense for the Republic, the guardians of peace and justice - and Light. But Sera Tharten had not tried to accomplish that with truth and the rightness of her actions but with lies and pain and death. Death. Hundreds of former Jedi had died because of her actions. That thought only deepened Sle'fey's disgust. "Strong? How, Veendo? By dismissing Knights? By siphoning off money desperately needed by the Jedi? By gutting the Order?" The derision in the Rodian's voice was unmistakable. "Don't be such a fool. We were making it better." The air seemed thinner suddenly or maybe Sle'fey had just forgotten to breathe. "Better? By bleeding it dry?" "How can you not see? By culling out the weak and useless, of course." Veendo dismissed the rumble of denial from the other Councilors, his gaze flicking toward the guarded door for a moment before settling back into his chair. Nodding toward Sle'fey, he snickered softly, triumphant. It was obvious Veendo believed what he had done was right but it only made the Bothan more furious. With a voice as cold as a dead star, Sle'fey said softly, dangerously, "Culling?" There were many things that Sle'fey had regretted over the years - the deceptions, the secret meetings, the way he bent his neck to that rsshak, Tharten, in order to hide what he was doing - all those things that he had told himself was necessary for the good of the Order but nothing had given him more pain than the loss of the dismissed ones. The Jedi Knights who had done nothing but gotten in the way and they had died for it. And Veendo, the gorach-slime, was enjoying this... this obscenity. The low growl rising in Sle'fey's throat would have warned another Bothan of the danger. But Veendo did not seem to realize just how close he was to having paws wrapped around his neck. Instead, ignoring the question, he only said, "We should be running the Galaxy, taking our rightful place as rulers of the Republic. For that, we needed only the most powerful of the Knights, those with the right mind-set, the right aptitude. Anyone else would just get in the way. Surely, you know this." For one moment, the Chamber seemed to fill with an astonished hiss, the collective sound of indrawn breath and disbelief. And then there was silence - except for the creak of Nunb's chair as he turned toward Veendo and nodded agreement. Into the waiting stillness, his muzzle pulled back, his paws curled so tight that he thought his bones might shatter, Sle'fey barked out, "We are servants of the Force, not slave masters of the Republic." The Rodian was shaking his head, amused and confident. "You really are blind, Sle'fey, if you think that. Have you learned nothing in the last ten years? The Senate doesn't care about the Jedi nor do the vast wasteland of force-blinds. We have been slaves to every whim of those puling hordes of bureaucratic filth for millennia. We should be dictating what they should do, not waiting for the knife to slit our throats." Another low growl and Sle'fey felt himself beginning to rise out of his chair, his paws opening and closing, the click of claws on nerfhide a soft counterpoint to the fury he was feeling at the moment. Did Veendo not see how he had betrayed the Jedi, how he had slaughtered those dismissed Knights just as much as if he'd gutted them himself? His own patience was gone; he could feel it eating at him - banked anger at the fools before him, fear that he would not succeed in returning the Order to its roots, raw guilt that he had not done enough to help those former Jedi avoid the unseen hunters that stalked them still and, under it all, the pain that came with the realization that he hadn't been clever enough to discover the Sith until now - until it might be too late for the Jedi Order. They needed to find some way to pull the Jedi back from the brink of disaster. Palpatine had engineered all this. And all Veendo could do is prattle on about taking over the Senate. Absurd fool. A gentle cough, so out of place in this room of broken tiles and unswept corners and fury, cut through the haze of emotion and, confused, Sle'fey blinked at the sound. Turning, he found Xacor glaring at him, shaking his head sharply and frowning in concern. Then, with his gaze deliberately sweeping across the room, the Zabrek reminded him of just why he was there, why they were all still there. The Hunter's Group under Xacor's guidance had not yet completed their task. They would need more time. Sle'fey realized that he would have to draw out this little farce a while longer. Taking back the Order had to be their first priority; Palpatine could wait for a few hours. Sending Xacor a grateful look, he settled back down into his seat. Drawing a deep breath, he blew out the fury of these last few minutes. His paws still ached with pain but it also reminded him of what was at stake. Sle'fey knew that they needed to solidify their position, removing those who would oppose such a move, and only then could they focus on the real trap. It would not help them to be fighting granite slugs while the Temple was under siege. He must not lose control. Besides, he had to admit with some satisfaction, Veendo had just condemned himself with his own words. Now Sle'fey needed to know who else had been willing to cull those in the Light for political gain. Glancing around the room, he stared at each of Tharten's group of Masters - Nunb and Indoctrination's A'Ala-Tanze and Holu TaKet of the Espionage group, trying to decide if they believed in this travesty. "And your accomplices?" A huff of patronizing amusement and Veendo waved his green hand airily towards the others. "Nunb agrees with me but as for the rest... it would appear that they don't have the will to accept their destiny." He shook his head, as if astonished that anyone would reject power and the ability to rule over billions. "Tanze here is a fool and Holu plays along for her own reasons." Ignoring the glares of the Councilors he had just so casually dismissed, Veendo snorted, "They may have been among Master Tharten's collection of right-thinking Jedi but they were told what to do and when to do it. I don't know what hold Sera had over them and... I don't care. But you and your little rebellion have now destroyed whatever chance we had of grabbing control of the Republic." For the briefest moment, he gazed at the entrance to the Chambers, staring at the attentive guards. Then, frowning slightly at the floor, thoughtful for a moment, he seemed to come to a decision. With growing agitation, Veendo said, "Or perhaps not. Tharten is dead but few Jedi know that yet. And the Senate could not possibly have a chance to react to this. We could turn it to our advantage." Sle'fey twisted away, looking toward Xacor, and shaking his head at such folly. With the Order abused over these last ten years, the numbers of Jedi dropping to the point of ruination, the shame of being helpless in the wake of the Senate's disregard of all of the good the Jedi had done over the millennia - still he would never agree to such a thing. Apparently, the Rodian Master must have thought silence to be agreement. Into the astonished wake that followed his statement, he said, "If you think that a Sith Lord is going to allow anything less that the destruction of the Order, you are mistaken. If Palpatine is really such a creature, we need to strike now while he is off-guard. And then we can take over the Senate...." With absolute distaste, Sle'fey reminded Veendo, "The idea of Jedi ruling the galaxy was one long ago rejected by the Order." And that was quite true. When Sle'fey and Xacor had been but newly minted Knights, several of the more aristocratic Masters, those whose blood-ties to royal houses had been acknowledged but not encouraged, had argued for just such a thing. But the Jedi Council had rejected it outright, claiming that Jedi were not meant to rule. Compassion and duty to a higher good were their callings, not some misguided struggle for control over the teeming masses of the galaxy. The Council had been right to do so. They were servants of the Force and only that. Rigid with annoyance, Veendo spat out, "And look what that decision cost us. We are only a step above slavery - them telling us what to do and when to do it and, if not, we are dismissed like week-old garbage. We deserve better." But Sle'fey was not listening. Instead, something else in the Force was nagging at him, some distant danger about the idea of a Senate takeover. Not Palpatine but something else, something that had happened in the past and was happening now. Rulers and Jedi Masters and pushing the Order in a direction that was.... With a chill, Sle'fey realized that, just before the first dismissals, one of the most unrelenting Masters in that long-ago group of aristocrats had left the Order of his own accord. He had rejected the Jedi way, claiming that the Republic was falling apart and no longer worthy of his effort. Strong in the Force, he had been one of the best swordsmen of the age. One of the Lost Twenty when the Order was still counting the loss - before the greater losses of dismissals and death. And that Master had remained strong in his convictions. He was now heading the Separatist movement. Dooku. Dooku and the Jedi. The Republic and rebellion. It didn't make sense. Why would Tharten and Veendo and Nunb even think to take over the Senate? They must have known that it would never work, not without massive backing from other political and militaristic organizations. Did they have such backing? Was there a connection among the Councilors under Tharten's influence and Dooku and ... Sidious? The very idea was appalling and yet it felt so right. That the Separatist activity could be part of a plot engineered by Sidious - it might indicate that this septspider web of deception and death was far-flung indeed. He would have to talk it over with Xacor after this meeting was done. But, for the moment, it was just a distraction. He shook himself free of it; now was not the time. Instead, he turned back to an impatient Veendo, asking, "You mentioned culling... The ones the Order dismissed.... did you help Tharten arrange for their deaths as well?" "Deaths? What are you talking about?" The Rodian was frowning at the question as if he didn't understand the change in subject. Then he blinked, shaking his head as though irritated to be asked such a question. Straightening, his hand brushing the lightsaber against his hip, he said almost casually, "Of course not. We had nothing to do with killing those fools. Why would you say such a thing?" The reaction only confirmed Sle'fey's suspicions. "We have proof that Tharten had been feeding information on the whereabouts of the dismissed ones to an unknown source, a source we now know to be a Sith Lord. They usually died very quickly once the data was sent out. Did you have a hand in this?" But, from Veendo, there was a too-quick "Don't be absurd" before he lapsed into silence and a glittering, black-eyed stare. It was an answer of sorts. Trying to keep his fury at bay, Sle'fey turned away deliberately and gazed steadily at the other major player in this. "Then I will ask you, Master Nunb. Did you have anything to do with the deaths of the former Jedi? After all, you were in charge of the dismissals and you kept track of their location for the first six months. Information that would be very useful to the killer." "No, nothing." Another, too-quick response but the Sullustan's voice shook with anxiety. He was sweating, too, his brown skin mottled and damp, a wet sheen of deception. "I knew nothing of what happened to them after the surveillance time was up. It's only been the last few months that I even realized they were dying in large numbers." Nunb glanced hurriedly at Veendo who was busy silently staring at the guarded door. But when he realized that there would be no support from his colleague, Nunb looked away, puzzled, staring down at his hands, mumbling, "Master Tharten wanted the lists and I gave them to her." With that, he glanced up, his face rigid as stone. "What she did with them after that is not my concern. I'm not here to protect some useless fool who was stupid enough to be cast out of the Order." He looked thoroughly guilty. "And the lists themselves? Did you use the information to rid yourself of your enemies? Send them to their deaths because they opposed you in some way?" Sle'fey had regained his equilibrium. He was certain now that they had handed over lists of those to be dismissed, not to strengthen the Order as Veendo had put it but to get rid of their political foes. But if they had kept releasing the lists to Tharten even after they realized that the dismissed ones were dying in great numbers... Veendo shifted abruptly and, glaring at the Bothan Master, spat out, "I don't like your tone, Sle'fey. Or your implications." There was a whisper of sound on his left. From out of the corner of his eye, Sle'fey could see Xacor talking urgently into his comlink. He couldn't quite make out what was being said but the Zabrek kept looking toward the doorway, as if expecting more guards to enter at any moment. A wash of relief shivered through Sle'fey; this was almost done. Staring back at the Rodian, his voice was space-cold, "My implication is that Tharten was following the orders of a Sith Lord. And you were first among her closest allies. I ask again...." But, apparently, he had not been the only one to notice Xacor's hurried murmurs. With a great show of annoyance, Veendo gathered his cloak about him and stood up. "This is outrageous." A hand hovering just above his lightsaber hilt, glaring first at the guards and then at Sle'fey, Veendo spat out, "I've had enough. More than enough. If not for those hulking animals of Xacor's, I'd have left this interrogation center long ago. But I refuse to be berated by someone as small as you, Master fool." His black eyes were stone and determination. "Order those idiots out of my way or I'll move them myself." As Veendo began to walk hurriedly toward the door, Sle'fey was there first. Behind him, the guards stood warily, ready to do battle if necessary, but the Bothan signaled them to stand back. He would handle this one. "You are not going anywhere except to a prison cell." The room was filling with sound - the hurried intake of outraged breath, loud protesting mutters and frantic whisper of Jedi robes as the rest of the Masters sprang to their feet and surrounded the pair. But Sle'fey ignored all but the ragged noise of Veendo's fury. "Don't threaten me, Trest. I've beaten you before in the arena. Or have you forgotten?" Veendo's hand was full of saber hilt and he pushed it forward, emitter pointing straight at Sle'fey's muzzle. "I thought that we could come to some kind of arrangement but apparently not." With that, his gaze swept across the doorway, and then locked eyes with the Bothan master once more. "Now get out of my way." Sle'fey did not even glance down at the lightsaber threatening death mere centimeters from his head. His voice was full of certainty, steady and clear, as he said, "You are under arrest, Veendo, for conspiring to aid the enemies of the Republic, accessory to murder, bribery, theft, falsifying records.... need I go on?" The saber hilt wavered just for a moment but the rage in the black eyes was rising fast. "You have no proof." "I've been following you and your friends for quite a while. Leaving the issue of murder aside, I have enough evidence on other charges to send you away for a very long time." He stared into Veendo's now-sweating face, watched cautiously as the Rodian's guilty gaze dropped and then flicked away to look around the room. It was obvious that he was counting heads, trying to make sure he had enough support to slip through the cage of Hunter's Group guards and Jedi Councilors. But, in the Force, the muck-swirl of polluted energy was already beginning to solidify around Veendo's spirit; there was no escape - except through Sle'fey. His own saber was warm in his pawed grip. Moving slightly as the Rodian's alarm began to distract him, Sle'fey angled away from any direct attack and began to sink into ready stance. It was clear that Veendo would not go down without a fight and Sle'fey needed to survive this. There was too much at stake here. Knowing that fear can be a powerful motivator and distraction could bring mistakes, Sle'fey pushed again, trying to goad Veendo into foolishness. "Did you think you'd get away with stealing Jedi artifacts and equipment and selling them on the underground market? Or bribing government officials to take part in siphoning off the Order's funds for your own use? Never mind the slaves you bought for Tharten in the last year. Did you think...." The sound of a door opening and the several voices beyond was enough. With a hoarse shout, Veendo's blade shoved down toward Sle'fey's face but the Bothan was already moving - although not quite fast enough. The ozone stench of the lightsaber burning fur and flesh was quickly followed by pulse-pounding agony in his right arm. A small brand across his skin blossomed fire and his smoldering tunic was adding to the pain but he didn't have time to react to it. Veendo was moving again, trying to angle past and reach freedom. And then all hell broke loose. Nunb saw his own chance to escape and rocketed for the door, only to be swung around by one of the guards and then backhanded by Xacor. Flung back, he narrowly missed stepping into the Head of the Espionage group, Holu, who was being pummeled by one of the younger Masters of Sle'fey's contingent, Master Medza. The two other Councilors, Tanze from Tharten's group and Master Phen who was a protege of Xacor, were scuffling in the far corner and the guards were trying to separate friend from foe. It was a brawl of fists and lightsaber swings. More of the Hunter's Group poured into the room, sabers blazing but it was too dangerous to do more than defend. A wheeling blade could cut friend as well as foe; the melee made it impossible for anything but swift jabs and hand-to-hand combat. While Sle'fey was pedaling backwards, fighting desperately to keep from being hacked into pieces by Veendo, Xacor punched Nunb again, sending him flying into one of the chairs, hard enough that he lay there half-conscious and unable to do more than stare at the Councilor. The Sullustan didn't even have the strength to protest when a guard slapped a pair of Force cuffs on him, and he merely laid back again, groaning and pulling at the manacles without success. Ducking a sharp sweep of whining blade, Sle'fey did not see Xacor sizing up the situation and then pelting over to help him. He was trying too hard not to lose a limb or, worse, his head. Behind the Zabrek, the guards and some of the Masters were still fighting the other two of Tharten's group; the lightsabers from both sides were blazing in short sweeps of color and spitting sound. Those trying to escape, Tanze and Holu TaKet, the Council members who had cheated and stolen with Tharten's encouragement, fell back before the onslaught of combat-hardened guards until, at last, they were shoved down and cuffed. But Sle'fey was still fighting for his life. Veendo's blue blade was a globe of death-colored light and no one could get near enough to help the Bothan. Xacor moved to one side, looking for an opening but every twist of the blade pushed aside both attacks. Veendo was good, very good. But he was also alone and surrounded - and furious. Sle'fey could feel him drawing on the dark; the currents of the Force were filthy with the red-black muck of anger and desperation. It seemed to give the Rodian greater power and his blade whirled at a frantic pace. As he watched Veendo backing up toward the door and freedom, Sle'fey knew he had to end it somehow. It was Xacor that found the key. A distant clatter of debris, broken floor tiles and pieces of ceiling and captured sabers, grew into a roar as they whizzed past Sle'fey's ear, straight at Veendo. The Rodian slashed furiously at the wreckage, slicing the bits and pieces into scrap, and then focused back on his escape, his lightsaber still whirling fire and death. Astonishingly, Xacor was not done. The smaller fragments became a hailstorm, pummeling the Rodian, slipping past his guard and straight into his face. Veendo tried to fend off the attack, blinking furiously, one hand up to protect his eyes and then using the Force to push away the rubble even as he continued to slash with his saber. It was all too much for the Rodian. One small chunk of tile got through, clipping the corner of Veendo's eye, and in that distracted fraction of a second, Sle'fey's blade sliced through Veendo's own saber and most of his hand as well. With an agonized howl, the green Master curled inward, cradling his charred flesh, and collapsed. And then there was a relieved quiet. As the discordant whine of lightsabers stilled and the hoarse shouts of denial and fury silenced, only Veendo's pain-filled whimpers remained. Xacor was first to speak. "Isolate the Councilors in cell AA23. I assume that Master Tharten's body has been removed?" With the nod from one of the guards, he said, "Keep what has happened here quiet but see that Master Veendo has medical attention. We are not barbarians, after all." His eyes flicked toward the blue-hazed transmission still gently humming in the center of the room; the spatter of blood on the prison floor was clearly visible. Frowning, Xacor said, "The Force shielding must remain on at all times in the cell but do not engage the feedback loop. That device will be dismantled in the next day or so." The guards nodded as one and began to gather up the cuffed Councilors, Nunb and Holu and Tanze. The three seemed to be dazed by the swiftness of their capture and the painful loss of Force-sense. As they were pushed past the groaning Veendo, the group looked both furious and chagrined. "Each of you will be charged with treason against the Jedi Order. In addition, various charges will be leveled depending on your activities over the last few years." Sle'fey frowned at the trio, looking at them with exhausted eyes. But his voice was clear and cool and very calm, "It will be in your best interests to cooperate. Think carefully about this and council for your trials will be available to you as soon as we can arrange it. I think you will appreciate that we may need to attend to other matters at the moment." There was no reaction from the defeated threesome, although Nunb, with his face a grey-sludgy brown map of hatred and promised retribution, growled out something imperceptible. Instead, they allowed themselves to be herded out the door and into the reception area without protest. Master Xacor did not even bother to hide the triumph in his face as he turned toward the fallen Rodian. "Knight Rostak, cuff our Master Veendo and then help him to his feet. He is obviously having problems and the sooner we get him into the cell, the sooner we can get bacta on that wound." As the guard pulled Veendo up and snapped the Force binders on the remains of his hands, the green Master sent a glare towards the older Masters that was lazer-sharp enough to cut durasteel. A deep growl of fury sounded in his throat, "You won't get away with this, either of you. You have both written your death sentences." With an indifferent shrug, Sle'fey said mildly, "Perhaps. But I won't go down alone. You will be there before me." "You'll pay for this, I swear it." Veendo's voice was shrilling up, spouting venom and retribution as the guards pulled him closer to the door. Resisting the pressure to move, digging in his heels, he twisted for a moment, to stare back at the Councilors. "You haven't heard the last of me." And with a great shove, he was through the entrance to the Council Chambers, shrieking foul warning to any and all who would listen, as he was dragged away. Xacor pulled the last of the guards aside and said softly, "Knight Rostak, I'm putting you in charge of this. Keep it quiet. I don't want anyone else to know for now. They will learn of this soon enough." The foremost of the Hunter's group bowed his head in acknowledgement, "I won't let you down, Master. And now, if you will excuse me, I have a few prisoners to attend to." And with a quick nod of approval, Rostak hurried off after the other guards. The Masters could still hear Rodian curses echoing in the hallway, warbling in furious denial, and the clipped snap of nerfhide boots on tile. They let the sound wash over them, pleas from the guilty and orders from the guards until, a few moments later, the turbolift door closed, cutting off Veendo's condemnation mid-sentence. And it was quiet at last. As the other Masters looked on, expectant, Sle'fey allowed himself a moment of relief. The first part was done. Now they only had to arrest a beloved Supreme Chancellor, force the Senate to recommit to a Jedi Order that served the Light, and, a small matter, get Obi-Wan Kenobi to forgive them. Impossible but it would have to be done, and soon. Master Trest Sle'fey turned toward the two younger masters. "Master Medza, Master Phen, well done. You have helped the Jedi Order to regain its lost Light with your actions. But I would ask for more, if you would allow it." "I could do nothing less, Master but what now? The threat of Palpatine looms over us all." Tion Medze looked pale but determined. He had also put his finger on the pulsepoint of the problem. Her face drawn with worry, Master Phen agreed, "And there is a bigger danger. Because of the belief that the Sith were destroyed over a thousand years ago, it is not against the law to be a Sith Lord. We have no legal recourse." Sle'fey patted the air with his paws, trying to gentle down the anxiety that threatened them all, "Masters, Masters, I agree that it looks grim. But we have a few things to take care of before we can tackle what to do about Sidious." Exchanging skeptical looks, the two younger Councilors bowed their heads and waited for instruction. The Bothan was humbled by their faith in his ability and he sent a silent plea to the Force that he might see them through this. And then he got down to business. "Master Medze.... Tion, I need you to check up on our friend from the Senate Oversight Committee, Zaros. Make sure that he's comfortable and tell him that we will see him presently and answer all of his questions. Tell him nothing else." With a snort and a quick shake of the head, smiling grimly, Tion said, "Sending me into battle already?" The other Masters shared his trepidation but someone had to deal with that pompous bureaucrat. Better a Jedi who had never opposed the man before. It would confuse the ornate buffoon. "Very well, Master. But I must admit that I'd rather face a nest of gundarks without a saber than him." Xacor clapped the young man on the shoulder, and snickered softly, "So would we all." Joining in with a quick yip of amusement, enjoying the moment, Sle'fey was reluctant to let it go but time was pressing fast. He turned to the other young Master, "Phen, check on Obi-Wan Kenobi and Qui-Gon Jinn. I need to know what their conditions are and when they will be able to function again, particularly in defense of the Jedi Order." She nodded gravely. "Since I have some experience in hospital field triage before taking over my current post, I can tell you right now that Master Jinn will be marginally functional within a day or so. The method that Padawan Sl'etah used was quite effective and since it cauterized a stomach wound, it will be much easier to repair than the shoulder wound of Knight Kenobi. I'm not sure how badly Kenobi is hurt. He may need further surgery and extensive physical therapy. But I will check for you." The news was less than he had hoped but that could not be helped. She had experience and she would know what questions to ask. "Good. Report back here in half an hour. We will discuss our options then." With that dismissal, both Masters bowed and hurried off - gathering information that might be vital to their cause. When they were out of sight, Sle'fey let himself go and slumped boneless into his chair. Xacor stood over him, looking down with concern. "Trest, next time, let me take the lead. You haven't been to the arena in a long time. Lightsaber fighting takes practice if you don't want to lose a few parts of your anatomy." Deep in his chest, a sound of exhaustion and fear rumbled there. He nodded wearily, "A lesson I learned quite well today." As he leaned back, he wiped a paw across his eyes, trying to will away the tiredness. "I didn't want it to end like this. I had hoped that they would have seen reason." The Zabrek Master snorted, an inelegant sound but he was never one for ignoring the truth. Or avoiding it. "Tharten's group? Not in this lifetime." Shaking his head, he said, "It turned out better than I had hoped, considering the circumstances." Sle'fey looked at Xacor with affection. Straightforward and true, he was a good friend and the only one Sle'fey would have chosen to guard his back. Well, with the exception of one other and Kenobi would never have accepted the idea anyway. Shoving aside the errant thought, he rubbed his eyes again, and winced as the charred skin on his arm pulled tight. But he ignored it. There were more important things to think about than a few lightsaber burns. Bleakly, he admitted, "Zak, I thought it was Mas Amedda. I was expecting him as our opposition, not Palpatine." He looked away, into the late morning light, not really seeing the beauty of the day but only the duty he must follow. Even if that duty led to his death, he would do right by the Jedi Order and bring it back to the Light. He was puzzled and confused at the information that Kenobi had obtained. "Palpatine hasn't been in the Senate or Chancellor for long enough to bring the Order to this. Amedda was Speaker of the Senate. For years, and in the bureaucracy for more. It made sense...." Sitting abruptly into his own chair, Xacor nodded, "Palpatine had everyone fooled. The question becomes what do we do about it." "That's just the problem. I have no idea." -----signature----- Betrayal - http://boards.theforce.net/s/b1/10935143 updated 11/2/09 jedidas3's Master Merlin - Diplomatic Immunity - http://boards.theforce.net/nswff/b10808/30459852
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JediNemesis Registered: Mar '03	Date Posted: 8/14/06 4:28am Subject: RE: Betrayal (Obi-Wan/Qui-Gon angst - very AU) Gasp Updated 8/14 at last
	Whoa! Talk about bringing matters to a head! It's good to see that Tharten's co-conspirators have been dealt with - but I'm uncomfortably aware that they're not dead. If Palpatine can spring them out of jail, then he'll have two tame Jedi all ready to testify that Sle'fey and Xacor are to blame. Added to which, the fact remains that the Order is far smaller than it should be, and won't be able to hold out for long against the combined forces of Sid, Maul, Dooku and the Separatists. Even the Bendu may not be enough to tip the scales. Can I say again how much I love this OC Council you've created? Every single one of them is 3D and real. Sle'fey and Xacor in particular. Oh, and would there be any chance of Xacor running into a certain Sith Lord? Synchronicity ain't got nothing on it As always, superb. Nem -----signature----- BeTS Best Author '08 NEW Bad Dreams - http://boards.theforce.net/a/b1/29893091 Eleven Summers - http://boards.theforce.net/a/b1/29657584 Into The Shining Day - http://boards.theforce.net/a/b1/29224914
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