Jedi Council Forums - Betrayal (Obi/Qui angst

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Author	Topic: Betrayal (Obi/Qui angst - very AU) Updated 11/2/09
Kivas Registered: Mar '05	Date Posted: 5/22/07 7:57am Subject: RE: Betrayal (Obi-Wan/Qui-Gon angst - very AU) Updated May 19
	well done, you could sense the anguish and frustration with Anakin. -----signature----- Spectres they may be, Your spectres they are Hurt you they can.
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Ara-gon Registered: Dec '05	Date Posted: 5/23/07 5:03pm Subject: RE: Betrayal (Obi-Wan/Qui-Gon angst - very AU) Updated May 19
	Diane, You’re spoiling us. Stop it! No, actually, don’t. I like the more frequent posting. Mace is right. Ben does need help. Le’ is a mother and she can handle the mother stuff, but Ben needs help with those nightmares as well. Le’ can’t do that. For a minute, I thought Anakin was picking up on Palpatine’s desire to kill Qui-Gon (which would be really creepy). But I think he’s picking up on Qui-Gon’s fears in the torture chamber. “And try not to think about the fact that Anakin and young Ben weren't the only ones having nightmares. A demon face in black and red standing firm in a pool of blood. The Force was warning them. Something was coming and it dealt in death.” Oh, dear. So Mace is having those nightmares, too. Or are they visions? Do something, Mace! Don’t just sit and wait. -----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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Sionnach-Airgid Registered: Jul '05	Date Posted: 5/24/07 7:31am Subject: RE: Betrayal (Obi-Wan/Qui-Gon angst - very AU) Updated May 19
	The Force was warning them. Something was coming and it dealt in death. What sense of foreboding that is! I'm guessing from the visions that Darth Maul is on the prowl . . . I hope the Bendu are ready! I like that Mace was able to keep Ani from going against the will of the Force to rescue Qui, but those dark tendrils that were radiating off Ani have me a bit concerned . . . Excellent post as always and lookig forward to the Obi angst post! More please? -----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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Tahi Registered: Jun '02	Date Posted: 5/26/07 9:59pm Subject: RE: Betrayal (Obi-Wan/Qui-Gon angst - very AU) Updated May 19
	Loved the descriptions of the inner workings of the Force, especially how Mace "sees" emotions in the Force. That is something that fascinates me. Le'orath didn't know what to do with her son. Force-blind, she wasn't able to comfort Ben in the way Qui-Gon might have. Her physical presence and warmth of her embrace weren't enough, Mace knew, but she was also very stubborn. All motherly concern, she had insisted on handling it herself. For the moment, he was willing to let her have her way. She needed to regain some control of her life, and he wasn't about to take that small comfort away from her. Very perspicacious of old Mace. Has he studied psychology? LOL Tense dialogue between Mace and Anakin. Loved the way you describe Anakin through his mannerisms. But oh dear - what horrible visions!!! I shall have to have a cup of tea to calm down. -----signature----- "To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven." Ecclesiastes 3:1 Master to THE_PIED_PIPER
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BrightFeather Registered: Nov '05	Date Posted: 5/27/07 5:48pm Subject: RE: Betrayal (Obi-Wan/Qui-Gon angst - very AU) Updated May 19
	Wow. Just wow. I can see, though, how this mirrors the canonical vision of Shimi in danger. Sorry it took so long to leave feedback; for some reason the boards are being stupid... I just got the PM that this was updated today. Bright -----signature----- Padawan of Layren. Creator of Darth Cookie E-sis of DaenaBenjen42 and BrentusofGath. http://boards.theforce.net/the_saga/b10476/22518786/p1/?3 http://boards.theforce.net/the_saga/b10476/22764026/p1/?2
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Independence1776 Registered: Feb '06	Date Posted: 5/31/07 9:27am Subject: RE: Betrayal (Obi-Wan/Qui-Gon angst - very AU) Updated May 19
	Hope you had fun at CIV! I'm going to Star Wars Weekends this weekend! Oh, wow. Anakin's vision is a nightmare. I don't think Qui-Gon would have handled it the way Mace did, but I approve anyhow. He was able to get through to him. And I'm glad, very, very glad that he's taking the vision seriously. -----signature----- "Independence forever." John Adams Padawan to Luna_Nightshade Fics in bio Mostly lurking at the moment
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Healer_Leona Title: Manager Emeritus Registered: Jul '00	Date Posted: 6/1/07 8:17am Subject: RE: Betrayal (Obi-Wan/Qui-Gon angst - very AU) Updated May 19
	DAmn, had no idea I was so behind, but then how wnderful to find I've 3 posts top read. Thank you Diane. It was great getting the chance to neet you as well!! 12/13/06 Whoa, I'd really begun to think Obi-Wan might have absorbed some of the darkside there for a bit. How unsurprising to find him trying to protect Atel and Qui-Gon. What a double horror, the knowledge that everything you held sacred was so tainted and that he'd intentionally tortured another being. This is going to drastically change him I fear. 5/12/07 Besides, Tharten did not know who he was, did not know that Darth Sidious was really Supreme Chancellor Palpatine. He had hidden his identity well. Oh really? He believed Tharten didn't know? Interesting... heh, heh. Grrrr at his manipulations. A boo and hiss as well. 5/19/07 I hope Mace is inauiring after the nightmares of both Ben and Anakin. Might give some clue as to what is going on. Good he is. What a horrid thought that for all Qui-Gon has done in surrending himself that he might lose his wife and son. Wow, just wow here!! -----signature----- Break away from everybody Break away from everthing If you can't stand the way this place is Take yourself to higher places
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ardavenport Registered: Dec '04	Date Posted: 6/11/07 8:33pm Subject: RE: Betrayal (Obi-Wan/Qui-Gon angst - very AU) Updated May 19
	Well, Palpatine is just so evil. If Qui-Gon were a fly, Palpatine would be pulling his wings off. Eeeewwwwwwwwwwwwww. And back at the farm...........at least they're feeling the warnings of something coming after them. Hmmmmmm, what a fight. Young Anakin and Mace against Maul. Or I assume that this is how it will shape up. If Mace can just keep a leash on Anakin they may get through it without tragedy. And I look forward to seeing how the others go, especially since now they all know that Palpatine has been the Big Bad for years and they're all totally hosed. -----signature----- Links to all fics -- http://boards.theforce.net/Message.aspx?topic=25405090&brd=10304&start=26223917 The Heart of the Jedi -- http://boards.theforce.net/b/b1/26013327 ---- Qui-Gon, Obi-Wan, JA and everything you wanted to know about lightsabers
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Dooku-Darklighter Registered: Jun '06	Date Posted: 6/22/07 4:54pm Subject: RE: Betrayal (Obi-Wan/Qui-Gon angst - very AU) Updated May 19
	Hi, Diane! Sorry, I'm so late! I've recently been accepted as a Padawan! XXXI: Wow, talk about chilling! Your decriptions are so vivid, I love it I really, really hope Qui isn't one sacrificed. I'm with the Bendu Master, I fear fire, too. Anakin is still his impulsive self, but his heart's in the right place. Well done. Eagerly awaiting more, Padawan Dooku -----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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Musing Registered: Oct '03	Date Posted: 7/27/07 11:51am Subject: RE: Betrayal (Obi-Wan/Qui-Gon angst - very AU) Updated May 19
	The latest installment of For the Love a Son made me want to re-read the most recent posts here, if only to revel in loathing a truly evil Sith like Palpatine. Jacen just doesn't cut it - he's more pathetic than anything else. Any chance that Le'orath was modelled on Mara? Or maybe it's vice versa? They seem to be alike in a lot of ways, apart from having sons named Ben.
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dianethx Registered: Mar '02	Date Posted: 7/28/07 11:11am Subject: RE: Betrayal (Obi-Wan/Qui-Gon angst - very AU) Updated May 19 - Date Edited: 7/28/07 3:14pm (1 edits total) Edited By: dianethx
	I don't think I'll be able to get to this story again for a month or so. I'm going to finish "For the Love of a son" first since it's almost done plus I have a quilt to finish in the next couple of weeks. Plus vacation and Dragoncon. I would like to thank whoever nominated this story for the categories it made or didn't make. The thought was really wonderful and I'm very happy that people would think of this story! Edit: I'm hugely surprised and rather stunned to find out that this story won Best AU (sharing it with Jade_Max's Lady Luck), Best All-around and that I won Best Author. I couldn't have done it without you, my readers. The ones who stuck through this story through thick and thin and long waits for updates. You are all the best!!! On to replies: JediNemesis – I love writing Palpatine. I just think of the slimiest people I know and magnify. He's always been one to turn everything to his own advantage plus he's smart enough to manipulate things/people so that they have little choice but to do what he wants. I just love writing him. He's so evil… I thought I'd remind people that Qui has loved ones back home who may be in danger and not realize it. Mace, of course, is powerful but Palpatine can cloud things very easily. As for the canon version, I did try to make them as canon as possible considering their circumstances. I hope that they still have the central core of what they were in the movies. Thanks. Glad you liked the lines. I do love visuals! Glad you are still reading… even after all this time. Layren – you'll just have to try harder next time. LOL. Musing – I was on a roll but now I'm off the rolling wagon again and my usual slow self! Yes, entrance Darth Maul. Mace and Anakin may have their hands full! Thanks for reading. Kitara – The Sith are coming, the Sith are coming. Are you sure you want them there? They are pretty nasty when they want to be. Thanks for reading! Jaira – The Sith are indeed coming. Unfortunately, I've been writing other things. Sorry! Kynstar – Anakin? Stupid? LOL. Not this time. Mace should pay more attention but he's just so annoyed with Anakin at the moment, that he's not seeing clearly. The visit will happen just not the next post (whenever that is). Next post will be Obi/Qui/Atel and others. It was lovely to see you at CIV. We should do that more often! Ocelotl_Nesto – Thanks. Glad you enjoyed it. The frequent posts are really difficult since I'm writing more than one story at the moment. Sorry about that. But thanks for reading. Luna_Nightshade – Thanks. I liked writing that. It was fun to try and figure out the visuals and yet not give too much away. I'm glad to see that the familiarity isn't so far out that it becomes too much. I always worry about that. Thanks. Just happy that you're still reading. Kivas – Thanks. I'm so glad it worked! Ara-gon – Never assume I can keep up the pace. It was killing me to write so much so fast. I actually am exhausted when I'm done with a chapter – almost as if I'm doing just as much work as the characters! Mace is right. Ben and Le' do need help, more than they think they do. Anakin was picking up on Qui-Gon's fears. After all, as Master and apprentice, they would have a strong bond between them plus Anakin is very strong in the Force. Yes, Mace is having the same nightmares. The Force is trying to tell them something. Don't worry. Mace may be annoyed at Anakin but he's not going to ignore clear warning signs. Thanks for reading. Sionnach-Airgid – Yes, Maul is on the prowl and getting very close. The Bendu may not be ready but they'll have to be if they are going to defeat Maul! Thanks. Mace is an interesting character to write. He's not my favorite – I didn't really like him much in the movies but he does help Qui-Gon in this story at least. Yes, next post – when it comes – will be Obi angst. Thanks for reading. Tahi – Thanks. I try to put the Force into the scene whenever I can since I figure the Jedi would see it almost as part of them but it's darn hard! It's not like the Force has dialogue or anything. LOL. Mace is perceptive in some ways but I think married life has given him some insights he might not otherwise get. Thanks about the tense dialogue. Anakin drives Mace crazy. LOL. Glad you enjoyed it. BrightFeather – Thanks. Don't worry about the feedback time. I'm so slow anyway. Thanks so much for leaving comments. Independence1776 – I had a blast at CIV but was glad to get home. I sleep much better at home and I was getting really tired by the end. Mace isn't Qui-Gon and sees Anakin more of an annoyance and someone that needs firm discipline than Qui-Gon would. I think past the anger, Anakin respects Mace but thinks that Qui-Gon really needs to be rescued and is willing to do just about anything to do it. Thanks. I really appreciate your comments. Leona – Great to see you at CIV. We should do that more often. Next time, I'll try to hang out at the tf.n table more! Obi-Wan's realization that he'd been tricked all this years and the torture of Tharten is weighing heavily on his mind. He's a bit unbalanced at the moment and the events of the last few hours haven't helped any. He's been tainted with darkness and it will take time to heal. I'm not sure he has that time but we'll see. Gotta love Palpatine. He's so much fun to write. Plus he's not all powerful. He's great at manipulation but doesn't always have the facts. It may be his undoing. Mace is worried. He's having them, too, so he's not dismissing Anakin's concerns but he has to calm Ani down before the kid does something stupid. Yes, Qui-Gon leaving his family has put them in danger. Thanks. ardavenport – Palpatine is so evil that he's just a dream to write. Pulling wings off flies, yep! As for Mace and Anakin, yes, there is something coming and at least they are both aware of it. How bad things can get is another problem. Anakin on a leash… may be harder than you think! In the next post (which won't be for a while), you'll see how the Council will react to the news and Obi/Qui/Atel as well. Thanks for reading. Dooku-Darklighter – Congrats on being accepted as a Padawan! Thanks. I love vivid descriptions. As for sacrifice, there will be sacrifice but you'll just have to see who it is. Fire is a problem but maybe for Qui or maybe not. Thanks. Glad you enjoyed it. Musing – Hello again. I would have waited until I had another post before doing author replies but your question was so intriguing, I thought I'd answer it sooner than later. In my original idea for this, Le'orath was going to be Mara's mother (since she's pregnant in this story). At the time, no one knew whether Mara was older or younger than Luke so I thought it would be neat to tie the OT and this story together. That's the main reason why Le' has red hair and green eyes. However, on reflection, I decided that that was too cliché so I ditched it. But by then, the physical appearance and some of the character traits for Le'orath were already written. So their strong wills, their attraction for Jedi or former Jedi, their willingness to sacrifice for their loved ones are all similar in that regard. Le'orath is more fragile, though, than Mara in that she hasn't had the same experiences. Le' was devastated by the death of her first husband and is more cautious in many ways than Mara. Also Le' wanted childen desperately but was willing to wait until Qui-Gon was comfortable with it whereas Mara seemed rather hesitant (took her 5 years to have a child). I think, too, that Mara and Le'orath would make different choices given the same circumstances. Mara would be more go-get-them whereas Le' would be more likely to let those more able to take care of dangerous things. Except when it comes to their children. Le' is much more protective than Mara was in the last several books. So yes they are alike in many ways but not absolutely so. I didn't want to make Le' a softer copy of Mara but her own person. I hope I accomplished that…. Does that answer your question? -----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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Musing Registered: Oct '03	Date Posted: 7/29/07 6:19am Subject: RE: Betrayal (Obi-Wan/Qui-Gon angst - very AU) Updated May 19
	In my original idea for this, Le'orath was going to be Mara's mother (since she's pregnant in this story). ...However, on reflection, I decided that that was too cliché so I ditched it. I'm not so sure that the idea's too cliché. Qui-Gon as Mara Jade's father isn't an idea that I've encountered before. It would be an interesting form of revenge for Palpatine to take upon that 'Bendu slime-toad" by turning her into his Hand. Does that answer your question? It does, indeed. Thanks, dianethx!
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wolf_kenobi Registered: Nov '07	Date Posted: 11/6/07 7:32pm Subject: RE: Betrayal (Obi/Qui angst - very AU) Author's thanks and replies
	Just upping this awesome story!!!! -----signature----- Is God willing to prevent evil but not able? Then he is not omnipotent. Is he able but not willing? Then he is malevolent. Is he both able and willing? Then whence cometh evil? Is he neither able nor willing? Then why call him God. -Epicurus Proud Vegan
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dianethx Registered: Mar '02	Date Posted: 11/7/07 4:20am Subject: RE: Betrayal (Obi/Qui angst - very AU) Author's thanks and replies
	Musing - hummmm, must ponder further on Mara Jade's parentage - but not in this story. Thanks. wolf_kenobi - Now that Attraction is done, I'm working on the next chapter of this story. Thanks for upping. -----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: 11/10/07 7:50am Subject: RE: Betrayal (Obi/Qui angst - very AU) Author's thanks and replies - Date Edited: 11/10/07 8:56am (1 edits total) Edited By: dianethx
	I finally finished Attraction Sorry but I was having too much fun tormenting poor young Obi-Wan with silliness. Plus I needed a break from all the doom and gloom I'd been writing. But now I'm back! Believe it or not! Hope you enjoy this update. Sorry it's not longer but I figured I'd better update sooner than later. When last we saw our heroes, Obi-Wan had just announced that Palpatine was the Sith Lord. Chapter 31 - Dejarik 101 - Players in motion "And Chancellor Palpatine is at the heart of it. Palpatine is the Sith Lord." The impossible, inevitable words - of Sith Lords and Supreme Chancellors, of a Republic gone rancid under a monster's fists - dropped into astonished and utter silence. Obi-Wan finished choking out the truth and then slumped back into the bed and let the pain wash over him. It had taken everything in him to tell his old master and Atel of Palpatine's triumph. But now it was done. He'd sacrificed his life, his duty, his spirit to the Jedi Order and to the Force and he'd been repaid in blood and betrayal. It was over. He had nothing left to give. Staring out of the viewport into the glowing night sky, ignoring the beauty of the cityscape and the glittering, never-still traffic overhead, he refused to look at the two people he loved most in the galaxy. He couldn't bear to see the horror on Qui-Gon's face or hear Atel's denial. Their reactions to this absurd little reality would have made it final somehow and he couldn't accept one more blow or else he would fall into pieces. Perhaps he already had and he just didn't know it yet. Closing his eyes, trying to avoid touching the currents of the Force already defiled with icy clots of Dark, trying to ignore all the horrors he'd committed in the name of the Jedi Order, still the bitter memories twisted in Obi-Wan's gut. He was drowning in it, profane black ooze seeping into his skin, pouring into his lungs with every breath he took. It was death and despair and the loss of hope and around him, through him, in him, there was only darkness. "Obi-Wan, are you sure?" The husking voice of his master was soft with doubt. He wanted to laugh at such a question. Did Qui-Gon think he would make up something so insane? Did he think that he would spread lies about the Supreme Chancellor and risk everything and everyone if he wasn't sure? Obi-Wan curled inward, husbanding the pain. He didn't want to think, to feel, to do anything but curl up and sleep. If he was not believed, it would all be for nothing - all for nothing. Qui-Gon must have felt his anguish. "Let it go, Obi-Wan. Release your anger into the Force and things will become clear again." A gentle hand stroked his hair and Atel echoed the words, "Master, please listen to him. We'll find a way to make it right." They didn't believe him; that was obvious enough. Opening his eyes to glare at them both, he shook off her hand and all but snarled at them, "Don't patronize me or treat me like some wayward child." His padawan looked hurt, glancing lightning-quick at Qui-Gon and then back again at him. "Master, you've been wounded. You need to rest and regain your strength. Perhaps later we can discuss..." "Don't think you can just sweep this away." He flung out one hand toward the glowing tower in the viewport, an accusing finger pointed straight at the Council chamber and then pulled his arms around his chest, grunting at the movement. The ache blossomed in his shoulder but he reveled in it, too. The pain meant he was still alive. "They hid their petty little agendas behind platitudes and exploitation and it only drove them deeper into the trap." He turned back to bristle at their horrified faces. "Palpatine is the Sith Lord and nothing - not denial or finding balance or releasing anger will change it. If you can't or won't believe me, then I'll just have to deal with him myself." As Qui-Gon and Atel both started to protest, from the entryway a voice range out. "Well said, Knight Kenobi." The air seemed to freeze as Master Sle'fey stepped into the room. For a single heartbeat, no one moved. It was almost as if time itself wanted to hold back and keep the future from careening headlong into the present. Then the moment shattered. With a growl, Obi-Wan tried to launch himself at the Bothan, his hands scrambling to untangle his legs from the bedding and throttle Sle'fey, but he was held back by Atel's firm grip. He snarled at her, "Let me go. He's responsible for everything. He deserves to..." "Obi-Wan, stop this." Master Qui-Gon shouted over the din. "You'll reopen your wound. Stop!" When Obi-Wan continued to struggle, ignoring him, Qui-Gon forced himself up, getting out of bed and trying to hobble over to Atel. But after only a few steps, he swayed, his legs giving out and he collapsed to the floor, panting. "Master Jinn," Atel cried out. She looked as if she didn't know what to do - keep Obi-Wan from Sle'fey or go to Qui-Gon's side. But her words penetrated through the red haze in Obi-Wan's mind and he stilled. "Atel, help him. He'll start bleeding again if he doesn't get back into bed." He all but spat out, "Damn fool." In all the madness, Obi-Wan had not seen him but Master Xacor was close behind Sle'fey. Now the Councilor hurried to Qui-Gon's side and, with gentle hands, carefully helped him up and supported him back into his bed, away from the fracas. Obi-Wan sank back into the bed, confused, furious, shamed. He knew he had no chance to pay Sle'fey back for all he'd done, not while he was on the brink of exhaustion and hampered with his wound, but the opportunity to wrap his hands around that Bothan's neck again had been too tempting. Now, looking down at his fists, the skin pulled so tight that his hands seemed almost translucent, he wondered just how dark he had become. The loss of control horrified Obi-Wan, but what was worse, that it had felt right. He had wanted to destroy Sle'fey in that instant, send him back into the abyss for what he'd done to Qui-Gon, to the Order, to Obi-Wan's life. This was insane. Even as he was thinking about what he'd almost done, he knew it was wrong. He needed to regain his center. Qui-Gon and Atel had had the right of it. He needed to let it go before he drowned in hatred. Atel must have realized that he wouldn't try to attack Sle'fey again, that his fury had died back into self-loathing. Her hand withdrew and, with a worried frown, she looked over at Qui-Gon and asked, "Master Jinn, do you need a Healer? Have you reopened your wound?" Nodding to Master Xacor in thanks, he stared at Obi-Wan for a moment before turning to her. Obi-Wan twisted away in shame but could still hear Qui-Gon say, "No, Atel, it seems to be all right. My strength isn't what it was a few days ago. Blood loss." A pause and he could almost feel the worry in Qui-Gon's voice. "See to Obi-Wan. His shoulder may have worsened in the struggle." Staring out into the night, Obi-Wan shook his head, saying sharply, "I'm fine." For another long moment, there was silence. Obi-Wan didn't need to see to know that Atel and Qui-Gon were sharing a look of exasperation mixed with concern for him. The Force was stained with it, but more than that, he could feel approaching danger. The sensation was slithering under his skin and setting his teeth on edge. Something was going to be demanded of him, something he wasn't sure he could handle it without shattering. He desperately needed time to meditate, to come to grips with his own darkness, to find the Light again. But it would seem that time was running out. He heard that detested voice, Sle'fey's sly smooth voice, say, "I am relieved to see that both of you survived Tharten's attack. Your sacrifice will be honored among the Jedi, especially yours, Master Jinn." Still out of control, still furious, still in core-deep need of regaining his center, Obi-Wan turned back to glare vibroshivs at the Councilor. "What do you want, Sle'fey? All this talk of honor and sacrifice is a cover for something. What is it?" Wringing his paws, his fur whirling with emotion, Sle'fey said, "You must believe me. I never wanted to use you this way but Master Tharten was so focused on you that it was easier to.... " "You never stop, do you? Never stop trying to manipulate everyone into doing what you want and you sit there, letting others do your dirty work and you remain pure and oh so noble." Obi-Wan stopped, his throat choked with memories. From out of the corner of his eye, he could see Qui-Gon and Atel exchanging worried looks but he ignored them as Master Xacor stepped forward, "Knight Kenobi, he is telling you the truth. We had thought to bring you into our circle when this first started but felt it would be too dangerous to do so. You would have acted differently around Tharten. We..." "And you are no different, Xacor, following him around like a boar-wolf, using people to your own ends. How many have died because of you both? How many?" Obi-Wan remembered Bant's young face and the faces of all the others who were sacrificed over the years - hundreds of them. And for what, political gain? The battle between good and evil? He wasn't sure any more; he wasn't sure of anything. "Knight Kenobi..." Sle'fey was speaking again, all soft tones and exploitation. "Obi-Wan, you must listen to me." If looks could kill, the Bothan would have been a red pool of blood and bones. Instead, with all the loathing he could muster, Obi-Wan spat out, "You are a lying, corrupt rsshak slime. I will never believe you again." Sle'fey nodded, seeming to accept the rebuke. "I deserve your contempt for all I've done to you, but nevertheless we need your help, yours and Master Jinn's." When Obi-Wan sent him another glare, the Bothan hesitated, glancing at Xacor who just shook his head. It looked like the two of them were contrite. Whether that was truth or more manipulation remained to be seen. Sle'fey continued, "Darth Sidious is bound to be suspicious by now. The Temple is in lock-down, although we have continued to act normally once outside the Temple to avoid drawing attention." "And you want our help." Obi-Wan's voice was cold enough to freeze most of Coruscant. Master Xacor spoke up, "Sidious targeted Master Jinn for some reason. Tharten was very clear on that. If we don't do something, he's likely to try again." It sounded all so reasonable but Obi-Wan couldn't believe them. He didn't dare. "This time we had some information as to who was working for him, Tharten and her followers. Next time we may not be so lucky," Sle'fey pointed out. "You are really quite a manipulative, little..." Obi-Wan snarled. Qui-Gon interrupted, "Padawan, he's right. Sera Tharten said that I'd angered Sidious. That he wanted me dead." Shaking his head, he said thoughtfully, "The timing was odd, though. I would have been more vulnerable once outside the Temple and yet she tried to kill me while the Council was in session." Sle'fey said, "He may have his own timetable. I know that Palpatine was scheduled to go on a fact-finding mission in the Outer Rim area today but he canceled it at the last minute. Rumors were flying that he was going to meet with Count Dooku, the Separatist leader, maybe broker a treaty with him. The Count's power has been rising in the area and there have been rumblings of war between the worlds aligned with Dooku and the Republic." Obi-Wan refused to listen. "You want something. You always do and it's everyone else who has to pay the price." The price was too high, even now and yet all he could say was, "What do you want, Master?" Sle'fey didn't even blink at the rebuke in Obi-Wan's voice or the disrespect. "We've found evidence that he'd been ordering the deaths of former Jedi for some time. Also, through intermediaries, bribing or blackmailing or killing Senators or former Senators who refused to accede to his demands. Dozens of illegal activities ranging from slaves to the spice trade to diverting weapon systems to the Separatists. Small and large scale. Tharten was quite busy making sure he'd not be able to move against her once she'd taken over the Republic. She had many files." He sounded almost bewildered. "Fool that she was. A Sith Lord was not someone to defeat so easily." "You have what you need, then. The rest is none of my concern." But Obi-Wan knew there would be more. There always was. Sle'fey didn't take long to point it out. "It is your concern, yours and Master Jinn's. Sidious wants him dead. My guess is that he'd like you gone as well. Your association with Master Jinn condemns you." When Obi-Wan just glared at him, he explained, "We need to get Palpatine to come to the Temple. We can arrest him here, away from the Senate or his guards. Surrounded by Jedi Masters, he should be relatively easy to subdue." There was an inelegant snort and then Obi-Wan spat out, "And after that? Are you going to kill him, too? Like I did Tharten?" "We have enough evidence to condemn him in the courts. Force-suppression and isolation in our most secure cell should be enough. Killing him is a last resort although execution is a possibility if the courts so rule." Sle'fey sounded certain but with Obi-Wan's continued dismissal of the plan, Xacor spoke up, "You know that, Obi-Wan. A last resort only. That is the Jedi way." "Now why don't I believe you? Either of you." He couldn't think why they would expect him to trust them again. There were too many times when he had and they'd taken his trust and turned it into desecration. "It's imperative that we neutralize him and to do that, we have to trap him somehow." The Bothan hesitated, his eyes flicking to Qui-Gon and back to Obi-Wan. He looked almost ashamed. "We will need bait to draw him in." "Bait again." He was growing tired of this. He could not keep the loathing out of his voice. "Used like a piece of meat and then tossed aside when you have what you want - power and the Temple under your command. And how many more lives are you going to destroy in your lust for control, Sle'fey? How many?" Obi-Wan decided that it was better to explain it in uncertain terms and perhaps then they'd finally realize that he would never cooperate. "Because I refuse to do it. I've had enough of your games. Now leave and don't come back." "You are not the bait, Obi-Wan." Sle'fey hesitated again and turned toward Qui-Gon, the Bothan staring at his Master with melancholy eyes. "I'm sorry but it has to be Master Jinn. He's...." "No! I absolutely forbid it." He wanted to throttle Sle'fey for suggesting such a thing, especially after all that had happened. But Atel was there, pressing him back down again, prattling on about wounds and regaining his strength. He shook off her hand, saying "Qui-Gon, don't listen to him. He's lying." Obi-Wan knew that his old Master might just accept such a burden. It sounded all so reasonable, so much of a sacrifice to the greater good. To bring down a Sith Lord, one who had been the reason for so much destruction, was a great and necessary task but Qui-Gon was not bound by duty to this. He was wounded and weak. He had sacrificed enough. But he should have known better. Qui-Gon said softly, "Obi-Wan, I think we should hear him out first." Twisting around to face his old Master, he snapped, "You are a fool if you expect anything but treachery from him." "Thank you, Master Jinn," Sle'fey said. "The Jedi Order is deeply in your debt." Qui-Gon frowned at him, "Don't thank me yet, Councilor. Obi-Wan is right. I would be a fool to trust you after all that you've done but the Force is working in this. I will listen." "Don't do this, Qui-Gon, don't." Obi-Wan husked out the words, a half-whisper, a breath of defeat. He already knew that his old Master would not heed his warning, not when the Force was telling him otherwise. There was danger and death ahead; he could feel it in the murky currents. Only the slimmest of hopes glimmered in the darkness and yet the Force was urging them into a final confrontation with Sidious. His Master said what he always said, what he always would say until the day he drew his last breath. "I will do what I must, Obi-Wan." Obi-Wan buried his face in his hands. Qui-Gon's decision might have just condemned them all. -----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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