Jedi Council Forums - Betrayal (Obi/Qui angst

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Author	Topic: Betrayal (Obi/Qui angst - very AU) Updated 11/2/09
PadawanKaterina Registered: Sep '05	Date Posted: 9/24/05 1:49pm Subject: RE: Betrayal (Obi-Wan/Qui-Gon angst - very AU) - Updated 8/25/05 - Date Edited: 9/24/05 1:51pm (2 edits total) Edited By: PadawanKaterina
	Yes!!! Obi-Wan finally did the right thing! Yes! He left the kriffin' Jedi! Well, atleast they have each other in cell AA23. That's gotta help some. shrug But it doesn't look too good for our Men in Tan. (Or blue, as the case may be) Qui-Gon is so infuriating! And the COUNCIL! Darn them! He didn't even get a trial! I wonder if they'll have a conversation in AA23. imitates Yoda's "hmmm..." What's happening to Atel? Why was she on Tharten's arm?!?! "Stay away. Stay away!" Darn the Sith! Generally: Darn the Jedi! Specifically: Darn the Council! Darn those blasted lying teachers! Darn whoever wrote the textbooks! Darn gutless Atel! She should be by her Master's side! The entire story is really good. I love it! I wish I could comfort poor Obi. And Qui-Gon too, I guess. But he has enough people vying for that right, methinks. -----signature----- Put me on your PM list!
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hritza Registered: Sep '05	Date Posted: 9/27/05 4:57pm Subject: RE: Betrayal (Obi-Wan/Qui-Gon angst - very AU) - Updated 8/25/05
	Wow, wow, wow, wow, wow! This is such a very good very interesting story! I just read, today. the ENTIRE story. It is really really good, so good, I created an account here JUST so I could reply to it and tell you so. You've been writing for such a long time- You talked about the twin towers at one point and I checked the date. Wow! Your stories are really believable, and the characters' decisions are so real. You've really inspired me- I wan't to write something just as good, but what this has taught me is, IT TAKES TIME to write a good story. So anyway, about the story. Qui-Gon really is the ultimate sacrifice- I just knew that horrible cell would come into it somwhow. Obi-Wan's decision to walk out was probably met with aggresion because he knows so much. About what's happening with the order and everything. When I first read but (Last night!) I thought to myself- Why wouldn't they be able to stay a Jedi? Not to contact any Jedi? Not to have a lightsaber? It doesn't make sense, as being a Jedi would not cost money- probably just a name on the list. But this sequel (even though it's not finished) really explained what happened ang why they were kicking out the Jedi. Der,they would not throw out Mace etc, because of MONEY! And of course it's one of the Sith that planted the evidence- they told us themselves - don't you just hate/love it when you know more than the characters! Are we going to have more scenes like that? Arel (sp?) (Anel?)I honestly can't remember) I really feel for her, I really do. She is a victim of the system. Her Master's values seem just like her's until they meet Qui. And then they are dramatically different! And the jealousy! She obviously thinks she and Obi are the best team- until they are upstaged by Obi and Qui! This obviously should of caused rivalry- but between Obi and someone else? Jealousy! poor girl. The fact that, in her eyes, qui is a criminal makes her feel confused- Obi was always right/agreeing, but now he is questioning EVERYTHING she was told was true- and she doesn't want to believe it (read, weak mind controlling excuse). Then what does Obi do? tries to leave the order! Poor, confused girl- she was totally thrown and her entire basis of existance is nearly gone- I don't want her to go down the wrong path! worry How terrible would it be if she were to become a Councillor!!! And Anakin! Will he ever be the Darth Vader we know and (sort of) love? Without it I feel lost, very lost indeed. oh well. Wait. What was that Yoda said about Dooku? and Maul? Arn't Sith only supposed to have one? Slips. Anyway, can't wait for the next installent! (Bookmarking now) Thanks again for the great read, Jessie
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dianethx Registered: Mar '02	Date Posted: 9/29/05 4:34am Subject: RE: Betrayal (Obi-Wan/Qui-Gon angst - very AU) - Updated 8/25/05
	PadawanKaterina - Yes, Obi-Wan did the right thing - or did he? Yes, they will be in the cell together but will it be enough to stave off the effects? It may be a post or two before you will find out. LOL on Qui-Gon being infuriating. He is a bit stubborn, that's for sure. As for all your darns, I would agree with you. The Council is made up of manipulative, greedy, controling gundarks. But Atel will be in the next post and you will see a little bit of what she thinks of the whole business. Thanks about the good story. I try, I really do. Thanks for reading and sticking with me. hritza Wow, you read the whole thing in one day!. And you got an account just to tell me! I'm honored and quite pleased. Yes, this story has been years in the making. Believe me, I wish I'd finished it a couple of years ago but, since I originally thought it would be about 50 pages long and I'm now coming up on 200 pages (the next post will go over that!), it's been a long haul. Plus I'm a very, very slow writer. Takes me a long time to write something because I'm a bit of a perfectionist. Sorry about that. Thanks about the believable. I try to always have motivation for everything that anyone in this story does. They may be hidden from you, the reader, but they do have motivations. Even the sithy Councilors all have reasons and hidden agendas for their actions. Ah, the cell. Well, I like to introduce things in the beginning and have them show up later - sort like notes in a song. It makes the story more complete to me and also more realistic. Both Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan's sacrifices are not over yet. But you will see more of the Order's problems in the near future. Wow, I guess then, that But brought you over to this story. When I wrote that, I had a whole backstory to it that wasn't transparent. That was actually a good thing because it was the basis for this story. I hadn't planned on a sequel but I was hounded by my friends and family to do it - so here it is. As for Atel, I'm so glad that you understand just what is going on with her. She is jealous but more than that, her world is falling apart as Obi-Wan retreats more and more away from the Order and from her. She would blame Qui-Gon, after all if it wasn't for this mission, they would have gone on as they had, a strong working team. She does adore her master and would do anything for him - even protect him from himself if necessary. She really is quite confused! As for Anakin, he's a minor character in this. The main focus is on Obi-Wan and Qui-Gon. Anakin will be showing up again later but it's still only a minor plot point. LOL on Yoda. I had to put him in because people kept asking me about him. I'm not a Yoda fan so I avoid writing him if I can. LOL. Yes, the Sith can only have one apprentice at a time but Dooku is heading the Separatists and being manipulated by Sidious. Maul is expendable and Sidious is making sure that he has backup if Maul is killed. But that is a very small plot point - mostly for background. Thanks. Glad you enjoyed it. Just for your information, I post on Thursdays when I post. It's usually a long time between posts. I had hoped to have one today but I still have three pages of dialogue to flesh out and so it's not happening. Next Thursday for sure. If you like, I can PM you when the story is updated. Just let me know. Thanks! -----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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bek Registered: Jul '05	Date Posted: 9/29/05 6:14am Subject: RE: Betrayal (Obi-Wan/Qui-Gon angst - very AU) - Updated 8/25/05
	I've been keeping up as far as reading as you post, but I haven't been replying like I should after I read. Please add me to your PM list. "...Until then, you will join your Master in cell AA23." He began to shake. The walls of the rooms seemed to swim in wavering patterns of reds and greens and turn sickeningly inward. He couldn't. He couldn't go back there. Not again. Oh, Force, not again. But he did not resist when the guards grabbed his arms and thrust him through the door... Not good! If the cell will enhance their fears and they'll be in there together, will things from the past come up such as Qui not initially wanting to train Obi-Wan (that is if the beginning of their relationship is the same as canon)? I wonder what some of Qui's fears are other than not being there for his wife, children, Anakin, and the Bendu. This will be interesting and probably infinitely sad and hard to take. Although I don't think they've been through many missions that would accomodate something as horrendous as this 'cell', they've experienced much in the years they were together and I'm sure they'll make it through this...somehow. -----signature----- Update 6/23/09 - Chap. 42 - Life Beyond the Code (OWK/Anakin) - Saga Update 9/3/08 - Strength to Begin Anew - (OWK/QGJ/Xan) - Saga Update 9/24/09 - Stuck in Yesterday - NM Sequel Update 11/23/09 - Somewhere in the Middle - (OWK/QGJ) - Before Saga
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PadawanKaterina Registered: Sep '05	Date Posted: 10/1/05 1:42pm Subject: RE: Betrayal (Obi-Wan/Qui-Gon angst - very AU) - Updated 8/25/05
	Oh my gosh! You're so brilliant! I was just watching aNH last night, and I noticed that the cell Leia is put in is cell block AA23! What a tie-in! Wow! How cool. -----signature----- Put me on your PM list!
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dianethx Registered: Mar '02	Date Posted: 10/5/05 2:57pm Subject: RE: Betrayal (Obi-Wan/Qui-Gon angst - very AU) - Updated 8/25/05
	bek - That's okay. I figure I have some lurkers so if you don't reply every time, that's okay. I appreciate that you are still reading! And I'll add you to the PM list. As for the cell, I'm still writing that one. It's surprisingly hard since I want to make it horrible and yet not. And, of course, Qui-Gon is not cooperating at all. Plus I might have to go through the mods but am trying to write it so that I don't. We shall see. Thanks so much for reading, even after all this time. I'm just sorry I can't write faster. PadawanKaterina Yep, that's where the AA23 is. I like to do tie-ins and little snippets of SW backgrounds whenever possible. Thanks. -----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: 10/5/05 3:07pm Subject: RE: Betrayal (Obi-Wan/Qui-Gon angst - very AU) - Updated 8/25/05 - Date Edited: 1/17/06 11:53am (1 edits total) Edited By: dianethx
	Because LE was so nice about asking me when the next post would be up, I thought I'd do it a little early today, instead of tomorrow. Again apologies for taking so long. I was writing, really I was but it wasn't Betrayal. I did one drama and 2 comedies, just to cleanse my writing palate. But I am working hard on the next post. Here's the links to the stories I did recently... Endgame Jello – It's not just for dessert anymore Swimming is for grown-ups When last we saw our heroes, Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan had just been sentenced to that cell, AA23, for some time. Atel is not happy... And now here is the next post. Chapter 22 Mercy dropth as the gentle rain from Heaven - but it doesn't rain on Coruscant "Master, no." Atel shivered in Master Tharten's arms, her vision wavering in the dim light. She could not believe that Obi-Wan, her master, the most caring person she had ever known, was even now being dragged like some criminal into the bowels of the Jedi Temple. She should have listened to him. He had told her that he was trapped. The day they left on the mission, he had told her that he didn't want to do this. She hadn't believed him, thought he was exaggerating or more tired than he would admit but he had been right. It had been a debacle from the moment they had been handed this assignment. Her master had gone from being one of the foremost operatives of the Jedi Order, respected and admired among the Knights and Padawans at the Temple, to an prisoner in a single disastrous week, and, unbelievably, all because he had tried to defend his old master. And how could he not? Ties of a long and happy partnership, of devotion and the love of a son for the father of his heart would all drive him to this moment, to save Jinn even from himself, no matter what the cost. Could she do any less for the father of her heart? She knew that she had to go to Obi-Wan, to try and undo this disaster before it was too late. Yet even as she began to tug free and follow, the blue-skinned Councilor just tightened her grip. "There, child, hush. All will be well. Master Kenobi will come to see reason in time." Atel barely heard the nonsense words. Her eyes stared unblinking at the closed bronzium doors as though by sheer will she would be able to open them, would be able to fight off his guards and make them all see what was right and just, would.... But even as she tried to escape Tharten's harsh grasp, even as she took in one ragged breath after another, she realized that it would not work. They would never listen to a mere Padawan, certainly not to his padawan. And yet she could not stand there and let them hurt Obi-Wan. Her voice was unsteady as she whispered, "Please, Master Tharten, please help him. He's only doing what he thinks is right. Surely..." "Padawan, I am aware that he thinks he is doing the right thing." The older woman drew back, patting Atel's arm in a gesture of comfort and support. "But perhaps he is not well. After all, no one in their right mind would insult the High Council and think they could get away with it." "He didn't mean... it's just... Master Tharten, please, I can make him see reason. I did it before. I can do it again." She knew that she was babbling but she couldn't seem to stop. "Please don't send him down there. He... he hates it there." For a moment, Atel thought she saw a predatory glint in the Councilor's eyes - almost as if Tharten was enjoying the pain in her voice, the thought of Obi-Wan's torment. But when she looked again, there was nothing but sympathy in the Master's face. With a gentle shake, the older woman let Atel go. "I know, child. I, too, wish that he would see reason. If we only knew the truth about this mission, things might be different." Master Tharten leaned down slightly, her gaze strong and sharp as a vibroblade. "I know that it is difficult, Padawan, but he needs to understand his position here. The time in that cell will do him little harm and may make him more cooperative." Atel backed away from the doors, away from Tharten, and looked around at the hard faces - Sle'fey watching the scene with an undecipherable expression, Xacor frowning in distaste and Zaros smirking, the others a kaleidoscope of expression from uninterested to contempt. She shuddered at the sight. But she realized that there would be no help, not without sacrifice. And she would do what she must to save him. With hesitant steps, ignoring the crunch of cracked stone beneath her feet and the harsh rasp of her own breath, she moved to the center of the Chamber. She could feel the weight of stares following her but she ignored them. And then, in one fluid movement, she knelt down and bowed her head, penitent. The room was mute with astonishment. No one knelt before the High Council, not unless they were criminals begging for mercy or murderers shoved onto the floor for final sentencing. Even her master had not used such a tactic to sway them. From behind her, she could hear Master Sle'fey talking urgently with someone, possibly Master Tharten or Zaros - she could not tell. And then the room began to fill with other voices, snippets of conversation, hurried whispers, arguments hissing sharp and strident, the biting comments of "What does she think she is doing?" and "She may be of use to us" and "She needs to learn her place". The Council Chamber resonated with discord. Through it all, Atel knelt at the very heart of the Jedi Order, and stared unseeing, down at her hands. Waiting. At last, Master Tharten called for order, prodding the Council back into session. One by one, the members of the High Council took their seats and, when Representative Zaros dropped ungraciously into the central chair, Master Tharten motioned for silence. Her voice was tired, almost indifferent as she sighed, "Padawan Sl'etah, you have something further to say?" Carefully, still not looking at the Jedi Masters, she leaned forward, her hands splayed wide, and touched her forehead to the broken tiles. "Take me instead." "What are you talking about, child? You are not making any sense." She could hear Master Sle'fey shifting impatiently in his seat and the annoyed grate of his voice as he spat out, "Get up, Padawan. You do yourself no good scrabbling about the floor. Get up and face us." Slowly, as if it hurt to move, she pushed back and, with infinite care, rose to her feet. Swaying with weariness, she wiped absentmindedly at her face. She was very alone. "Masters, please. I offer an exchange. Let me take Master Obi-Wan's place." Sle'fey turned almost grey beneath his mat of white fur and there was a snicker of derision from the bejeweled Zaros; Xacor frowned his concern. Beyond, from the corner of her eye, Atel could see the other Masters squirming in surprise. But Tharten merely sat back in her chair, steepling her fingers together, and stared at Atel. The blue-skinned Councilor seemed to ponder this seriously for a moment and then asked, "And how will that help this Council? After all, it was his defiance that led to his incarceration." Atel gathered her strength, nodding as if she knew the question before it had even been asked. "He.... Master Obi-Wan won't give in, not to save himself. Not even to avoid that place. Surely you must know this." She watched as Tharten and Sle'fey exchanged significant glances. From behind her, the buzz of whispered conversations rose into white noise and dispute. But the sounds quieted as she continued, "But if someone else, someone that he cared about, was punished because of his actions, he might... reconsider." She bowed her head once more. "Please, Masters, I can't bear it. He's been hurt enough." "Padawan, this does you credit but you must realize that we cannot allow this. He must accept that he alone is to blame and he alone should be punished for his actions." Xacor's voice sounded almost apologetic and when Atel looked up, she could see regret in his eyes. But it was only a moment's regret before it morphed back into apathy. Desperate to break through their seeming indifference to her master's fate, she begged, "I will do anything you ask, tell you anything you want to know but please don't hurt him." She looked from one to another, her violet eyes black with dismay. "Please." Tharten's reply was thoughtful. "Anything?" Beyond, fragments of conversation echoed in the Council Chamber. Sle'fey's "Padawan, calm yourself" warred with Xacor's impatient "Let her talk. It may give us insight into this mess and whatever Jinn was trying to hide" and Veendo's "Foolish girl". The rest merged into noisy debate. Kenth Zaros just rolled his eyes in contempt. Master Tharten raised her hands to bring back silence into the room. Then she stared at Atel, as if trying to gauge just how sincere she truly was. She spoke carefully, slowly enough that no one could mistake her words. "Padawan, if you are willing to tell us the truth about this mission, to tell us everything you know about Jinn and the Bendu, we are prepared to be lenient with your master." When Atel nodded eagerly, the Councilor continued, pressing her point and making absolutely clear that there would be no further bargaining. "But he must still submit to our demands when he comes before us again. Will you do your duty to the Order?" She could not get out the words fast enough, she was so anxious to agree. "Yes, Master Tharten, yes, anything. Just please, don't leave him there." With that, Sera Tharten, head of the Jedi Council, leaned back, apparently satisfied, and nodded to the Bothan for the questioning to begin. "Very well, Padawan. Start with the murders." With a diffident wave of his claws and an irritable huff, Sle'fey seemed almost uninterested in the proceedings. Atel took a deep breath, centering herself, and said, "Master Sle'fey, there were no murders. Master Obi-Wan was telling the truth. The datacrystals he gave you will prove that it was all a lie." Standing a little taller, she lifted her chin. "I cracked the code myself." Xacor's frown told of his annoyance at covering old ground. "Kenobi said the same thing." She grew hesitant at that. She knew that it was late and the Masters were already disinclined to listen further - they were all restlessness and radiated indifference - but she had to free Obi-Wan. She had their attention for the moment. She would just have to do her best to make them see that her master did not deserve to be imprisoned. He had done his duty and now she would do hers. She only hoped that it would be enough. Stiffening with resolve, she nodded. "Yes, Master Xacor, I know but it is the truth. Once you've looked at the crystals, you will know, without a doubt, that Master Jinn was framed. We never could detect who had done such a thing; it was someone with strong slicing skills and access to holonet security files but we were not able to trace it back to the source. The code was well-hidden." That seemed to catch the Zabrek's attention. His eyes narrowed in thought. "Slicers have their uses... Kenobi said it was all a lie. So someone deliberately framed Jinn, then? Who was it? Did he know?" She shook her head, "No, Master Xacor. Master Jinn said that it could be anyone. Apparently, he and the Bendu have many enemies." "I'm sure they do." Master Xacor stared at her, searching for deception, and when he could find none, he sat back in his chair and lazily brushed at his woolen robe. Pulling on a thread that seemed to be unraveling even as he spoke, almost ignoring her distress, he said, "As we told your master, Master Sle'fey and I will study the crystals and come to our own conclusions." Grief tugged at her chest while she watched him playing with the cloth. It would appear that a ragged sleeve was more important than a man's life in the Council of the most High. But she swallowed her misery and replied, "Yes, Master Xacor." "The datacrystals are irrelevant. When they have been decoded, we will know the truth. There is a more important issue here." The Rodian, slimy with irritation and sweat, said sharply, "Kenobi did not explain why Jinn was dealing in slaves." She turned to face the green-skinned Master. She was grateful that he was, at least, paying attention. "Master Veendo, my master was unable to find a direct link to the slave markets. Master Jinn would fly beings into Naboo from Tatooine and Ryloth, apparently with the correct paperwork, and then they would disappear." His bulbous eyes glistened with contempt. "Very convenient for a slaver." Atel shook her head. "Master Obi-Wan did not believe that his master was a slaver." Waving his webbed hands at the rest of the room, gathering looks of weary amusement or disinterest from his fellow Councilors, Veendo spat back, "Kenobi is a fool if he thinks that. What else could Jinn be, but a slave trader and a criminal?" "I..." Atel hesitated. She knew that her master should have reported his suspicions about the runaway safe routes when they first found out about Jinn's passengers. She knew that Obi-Wan had wanted to make sure of his evidence before he said anything, that there was no real proof. But, with the Council so antagonistic, it could be twisted into something much darker. They could imprison him for being a conspirator, perhaps even a partner in this. She would have to tread carefully. "He accused Mace Windu, the head of the Bendu organization, of smuggling slaves into Naboo so that they could be freed. My master thought that there might be several locations on Naboo where the runaways could hide until the slave hunters had left." Zaros exploded with fury. Banging his hand on the chair's armrest - the sharp sound like a crack of a whip on skin, he shrilled back, "These Bendu are no better than slavers then. Helping runaway slaves. Flaunting the laws of the Republic like that. It's completely unacceptable." Then, with an irate grunt, he rose to his feet and began stomping back and forth, muttering to himself. Stepping back, startled by his vehemence, Atel swallowed hard and cleared her throat. "Yes, Representative Zaros, but we never found any proof. And both Masters Windu and Jinn refused to say." He stopped abruptly and, pointing one bejeweled finger at her, he snapped, "We will get to the bottom of this. I will arrange for the Committee on Slave-Trading Consortiums to begin an investigation into this Bendu cult. This is outrageous that Jedi, even dismissed ones, would have the gall to mock the law." Then he twisted around and marched straight for Master Tharten. Stopping just inches from her chair, putting his hands on his hips and puffing out his chest in a deliberate attempt to intimidate, he snarled, "Tharten, you and your Jedi Council shall be held personally responsible if this is true. You should have better control of your people." The head of the most High Council of the Jedi Order was not impressed. Frowning sharply, she looked at the bureaucrat with hardly-concealed contempt and pointed out, "They are not our people any more, Representative Zaros, and you know it. They were cast out long ago. We cannot be expected to govern their lives once they are beyond our reach." He huffed at the older woman, glaring ice-daggers that promised retribution if his wishes were not carried out to his satisfaction and quickly. "Well someone will pay. I refuse to have the Republic blamed for this." Backing up and turning around slowly, he deliberately stared at the other Councilors, catching each of them in his gaze. "I suggest that you find out quickly the extent of this travesty and put an end to it. Or the Senate will have to look again at your funding and perhaps reexamine the personal files of the members of the Jedi Council. In detail." Sle'fey held up his paw, patting the air to try and calm the rising tempers. He glared a moment at Tharten and then spoke gently, soothingly to the rat-faced Zaros. "Representative... Kenth, please. Of course, the Bendu are to blame, not the Republic and certainly not the Jedi. But you may be assured that we will investigate this thoroughly and turn over the criminals for justice according to the law." With a huff and one last glare at Tharten, the bureaucrat sat back down in his chair. Still irritated, he demanded to know, "And what about this Bendu cult? What do they want?" Atel hesitated for a moment. She did not want Zaros to twist the truth but when all turned to her expectantly, she stumbled on, "Master Windu was most gracious about showing us around. He answered all of our questions about their organization and goals. Showed us the classrooms and training center, the crop farm. Explained about where they get their money and how they disperse it. He was very emphatic that the Bendu organization was not competing with the Jedi Order, that they were helping those in need, that the Bendu were not the guardians of peace and justice and were happy that the Jedi continued to be so. He also stated that the Bendu were not in violation of any Republic law." "Until the lightsabers were discovered." The flat tone in Master Tharten's voice spoke of indignation but underneath, there was just a touch of sated satisfaction, as if she were enjoying this far too much. Swallowing her unease, Atel nodded. "Yes, until then. But I was there when they were found and Master Windu was surprised, very surprised. I'm not sure he was aware of them. And Master Jinn stated that it was his fault and his alone that the lightsabers were hidden in his office. I'm not sure if he was telling the truth or not. But Master Windu was livid." With that, Master Tharten just grunted, "What else, Padawan?" She shook her head and bowed. She was finished with her report and now all she wanted to do was get back to the promise of Obi-Wan's release. This inquest had taken more time than she had wished. Too long. "There is nothing else, Master. My master gave you most of the information earlier in his first report from Naboo and then today during..." The Zabrek Master interrupted, waving Atel's explanation away. "Yes, during that rather nasty business. But you have yet to tell us about the Bendu agents." "Master?" She was taken aback. "What agents?" Xacor glared at her for a moment. Apparently, the thought of hunting Bendu was refueling his interest; at least, he had stopped playing with his ragged sleeve. "Were you able to find out if the Bendu have been hunting the dismissed ones? After all, quite a few of former Jedi have been killed and we have no explanation other than a bunch of lightsaber-wielding Bendu roaming the galaxy." Impatient to see her master again and frustrated with this over-long interrogation, she was less prudent than was wise. "If you had just listened...." But as soon as she saw Xacor's sallow face grow stark with indignation, she gentled her tone. "My apologies, Master Xacor, Masters, but it is just not possible. The people we talked to were horrified about the deaths and they accused the Jedi of killing the Bendu. If neither group is doing this, who is?" The Zabrek shot her back a withering look. It was obvious that he was not amused by her tone, her manner or her answers. "That is what we are asking you, Padawan. Is there anything that was said during the whole of your mission that could lead to information about the deaths?" Gulping back her anxiety, she stammered, "No, Master, nothing.... but..." "What is it, Padawan Sl'etah?" Tharten leaned forward, eager to hear what she had to say. "Speak up, child." "Something odd that Master Jinn told Master Obi-Wan. They thought I was asleep." Atel looked away, out into the dark sky beyond the unwashed windows, gazing at the luminescent glow of traffic winging free against the backdrop of ebony night. For a moment, she said nothing, thinking of her master and his, of how they seemed to be close even after all those years apart, how they had whispered together like family. How she had almost driven her master away with her jealousy. She would try to make it right somehow. Somehow. And then blinking, she turned her attention back to the matter at hand. "Master Tharten, you had accused my master of insider information, of helping the Bendu hunt down and kill Jedi. But it was not possible. My master and I are rarely at the Temple and we didn't know about the killings until these last few days but..." "But?" Tharten's dark eyes seemed to bore into hers, willing her to speak of secrets and Bendu and Jinn. "You were right about one thing. I heard Master Jinn tell Master Obi-Wan that the Bendu had inside information about the dismissed ones. That once the six month observations were up, the Bendu got a list of former Jedi and where they were." And then Atel waited for the reaction that was sure to follow. She did not have long to wait. "What?!?" Stunned, the Council seemed to sputter into cacophony. There were no bored faces now, no apathy, nothing but astonishment - and concern, even the faintest glimmer of dread. Atel went on calmly, shrugging off the rising noise, "Master Jinn said that they were able to rescue quite a few former Jedi once the data started coming in. He said that, before the information was available, they were often too late to help." The Councilors were all babbling at once but she could clearly hear Master Tharten growl out, "A traitor amongst us? This is intolerable." Sle'fey called for calm at this latest revelation but it was a few moments before silence fell. Staring pointedly at Atel, his fur swirling with emotion, the Council seemed to hold their collective breath as he demanded, "And the name of this informant?" "Master Jinn did not know." Atel just shook her head, "but he was grateful for the knowledge. It saved many lives." "Was he lying to Kenobi?" Master Veendo glared at her, his snout wet with outrage and anxiety. "I don't know, Master, I just don't know." Tharten drew herself up, her head held high as she said, clear and very sure, "We will find this person and deal with them to the fullest extent of the law. The justice of the Jedi will prevail." All around her, the other members of the High Council nodded their approval. Sle'fey and Xaros looked particularly pleased with the outcome and exchanged significant looks of satisfaction. Even Zaros seemed happy, all animosity gone. Atel knew that this was her moment. While the Council was still of one mind and gratified with her report, she needed to remind them of the reason she was standing before them, of the need to free her master from that awful place before another minute had passed. He had already been there far too long. Schooling her face into one of humility and humble requests, she stepped out of the heart of the chamber towards Master Tharten. Bowing as deeply as she could and then rising to meet the eyes of the head of the High Council, she said, "Master, Masters, I have told you everything I know. I have done my duty." The blue-skinned woman watched her with interest. "Indeed you have, child and well done. You may return to your quarters until you are needed." At that, Tharten turned away, leaning towards Representative Zaros; Masters Veendo, Numb and Xacor began to talk among themselves. As the other councilors started to rise from their seats, clearly finished with the business of the day, Atel just stood there, shocked. But not for long. "Masters..." Atel's voice was filled with desperation. And she stepped forward again, her hands rising in entreaty, looking about the room at the startled faces. "Please, you promised that if I cooperated, you would be merciful to my master. I beg you to release him. Confine him to quarters if you must but please let him out of that cell." Master Tharten waved her fellow councilors back into their seats. With a deep sigh and regret, she shrugged her shoulders, looking at Atel with some small apology. "That we cannot do, Padawan. He needs to understand just who he is dealing with." "Masters, please..." Her heart almost stopped beating; they had lied to her, drawing her out with false promises and, then when they were done, she was dismissed without thought. As if she were reading Atel's mind, Tharten's eyes narrowed and her voice hardened into ice. "I do not need to remind you that we have done as we promised. To be lenient and we have done so." When Atel looked horrified and thoroughly lost, the Councilor softened slightly, nodding toward her in a show of sympathy. "Padawan, normally, we would leave him imprisoned until he repented his words. Because of our promise to you, a night in the cell will suffice. Besides, it will not harm him overmuch. First thing tomorrow, after the datacrystals have been analyzed and confirmed, we will interrogate him further. If he has repented by then, this incident will be forgiven." "But Masters..." She knew the protest would be in vain but she had to try. But trying did not work and only made the Master indignant. Slapping her chair with the flat of her hand, the sharp sound cracking across the room and startling Atel into silence, Tharten glared at her. "Enough, Padawan Sl'etah. You forget your place. If you persist, we could lengthen his stay." She swallowed hard and lowered her head in surrender. "No, Master. I'm.... forgive me." The older woman sent Atel a measuring look and then turned away. "Councilors and our good friend, Representative Zaros, it's been a long day and Masters Sle'fey and Xacor still have much work to do. This session of the High Council of the Jedi Order is concluded." As Atel twisted around, hoping to leave without notice and go back to her quarters for a very long meditative session in releasing her anger and frustration, she was stopped by Master Tharten. "Padawan, attend me." She followed the Councilor out into the hallway, quietly trailing behind as befitted a Jedi Padawan, silent and attentive. She did not dare speak for fear of angering the woman further. She had already seen that pushing Master Tharten was unwise; she knew that she could not take the risk again. The realization that her master could have been punished for her impatience and foolhardy attempts at freeing him still clawed at her. It was a little time later that they reached one of the Tower balconies retained for the Council's use. As the doors closed behind them, the sheltering walls let in the gentle song of wind and far-off traffic. A few dark shapes, growing things in black round pots, quivered slightly in the breeze. From beyond the balcony's edge, Atel could see the glowing dome of the Senate and the shimmering jewels of apartment complexes scattered about, a glorious radiance of luminescent energy. As she tilted her head up, lazer-straight lines of light - speeders and transports of all kinds, treasure flying away to distant lands and safety - illuminated the sky. She could almost feel at peace here. Almost. Master Tharten waved one hand over a small panel near the door and soft glows came on, lighting the space. She stood there a moment, frowning worriedly at Atel, and then beckoned to the young woman. When she stopped an arm's length away, Sera Tharten reached out and picked up Atel's braid and stared at the many colored threads adorning it. Atel didn't know what to do so she just stood there as the Councilor looked down at the thin line of hair, seemingly lost in thought. Finally, the older woman sighed and let the braid fall away from her fingertips. "May I speak frankly, Padawan?" The Jedi Master moved to the edge of the balcony and, leaning on the balustrade, motioned Atel to her side. Her eyes were dark with sympathy and concern. "Your master is on the brink of a disastrous mistake. If he does not accede to the wishes of the Council, we will be forced to let him go and he may be arrested. I'm sure you don't want that." Shaking her head, she stammered back, "No, but Master Obi-Wan is only acting in his own conscience." The Councilor smiled slightly, nodding her agreement. "And to be admired for it but he does himself injury by defending Jinn." "I...." Atel drew back a little. She didn't know what to say, what to think any more. Was Master Tharten actually on her master's side? Tharten moved closer, her voice gentle and radiating compassion, and touched Atel's hand briefly in sympathy, a motherly pat of understanding. "Think carefully, child. You have brought us evidence, hard evidence, that Jinn is guilty of crimes against the Republic. And your foolish master is an accessory after the fact by hiding the truth from the Council. There is only so much we can do for him before the Senate will take matter into its own hands." Her voice seemed to catch slightly as she murmured, "He did nothing wrong." Looking at her once more with resignation in her eyes, Sera Tharten said, "Padawan, Atel, please. Your master has been blinded by his love for that rogue for far too many years. I would have thought that he would have realized the truth by now. But he refuses to accept reality." She shook her head slowly. Atel could almost see the admiration and regret in her face - as if a beloved child had done something incredibly foolish and now he had to be rescued once again. "You can help him." "Master Tharten, I don't see how. I beg your pardon but the Council has only made things worse by punishing him for it." Resigned, the Councilor nodded wearily. "He made that choice, by defending Jinn, by hiding the truth. And he knows that he can be released at any time if he would just ask." Softly, she chuckled, "He is too stubborn for his own good." A brief shy smile was all Atel could give in return and she shrugged. "Yes, he is. But I'm not sure..." Tharten leaned in again, close, and with rough urgency in her voice. One blue hand grabbed at Atel's ragged sleeve, holding her fast. It would seem that the Councilor wanted only the best for Obi-Wan and she was afraid for him after all. "Atel, reason with him. Make him see that you have only his best interests at heart as do we all. He must let Jinn go. If he does not, it is likely that he will be dismissed from the Jedi Order and prosecuted along with that... that felon. For his own sake and his career as a Jedi, for his life, help him." The need in the Master's words hurried her reply. "It may not be possible. He might not listen to me." "Anything is possible. He should be on the Council, not fighting it. Remind him of his duty. To the Order, to the Code, to you. Do whatever is necessary, Padawan. If you want him to remain in the Order, to be the Jedi Knight, the Jedi Master that he is capable of being, you can help him." Tharten jostled her arm once more, fear and anxiety seeming to rise with each breath. "Make him see reason. For his own sake. That criminal had led him astray. And, if he continues to side with Jinn, it will destroy his life. He will go to prison, Atel, prison. Do you want that?" "No, Master." The very idea horrified Atel. And she swore to herself that it would never come to pass, that she would do anything, anything at all to prevent it. "Then, Padawan, do what you must. Save him. From himself if necessary. But save him." -----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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Layren Registered: Oct '03	Date Posted: 10/5/05 3:33pm Subject: RE: Betrayal (Obi-Wan/Qui-Gon angst - very AU) - Updated 10/5/05 - Date Edited: 10/5/05 3:34pm (1 edits total) Edited By: Layren
	steals first review Have I mentioned just how much I really really really hate the COuncil AND Tharten??? I read this on the e-mail list first and I was just astonished at the level of manipulation the Council is doing and I just felt so sorry for poor Atel. It was really nice to see her caring for Obi-Wan come through in this post. I'd write a longer review, but I'm still fuzzy and drugged So it's probably best that I don't make any in depth analysis this time -----signature----- Proud Master to Ara-gon The Triad Chronicles http://boards.theforce.net/before_the_saga/b10475/25934993/p1/?177 (OC's) Into Another Day http://boards.theforce.net/before_the_saga/b10475/27926050/p1/?0 2008 Dear Diary Challenge I am Jinngerbread.
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LuvEwan Registered: Mar '02	Date Posted: 10/5/05 3:39pm Subject: RE: Betrayal (Obi-Wan/Qui-Gon angst - very AU) - Updated 10/5/05
	Read it right away. It was so sweet of you to post it early, so I couldn't wait until tonight. Ties of a long and happy partnership, of devotion and the love of a son for the father of his heart would all drive him to this moment, to save Jinn even from himself, no matter what the cost. Could she do any less for the father of her heart? Simply beautiful and sweetly poignant, diane. Your characterization is excellent as always. I felt so bad for Atel I could have cried. She was really doing what she thought was right to help Obi-Wan, but it backfired on the poor thing. How selfless of her, to offer to sacrifice herself to keep Obi-Wan from being sent back to that horrid cell. In this post it is especially evident that loyalty is eternal for Padawans. At least the Master/apprentice relationship remains strong, even as everything else in the Jedi Order is corrupted and disintegrated. -----signature----- What Light Breaks-AU Obi-Wan, Qui-Gon Anakin angst (collaboration with Spiritweaver) http://boards.theforce.net/the_saga/b10476/29979222/p1/?0 You want an Obi-Wan epic? We've got it right here.
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Healer_Leona Title: Manager Emeritus Registered: Jul '00	Date Posted: 10/5/05 4:48pm Subject: RE: Betrayal (Obi-Wan/Qui-Gon angst - very AU) - Updated 10/5/05
	For a moment, Atel thought she saw a predatory glint in the Councilor's eyes - almost as if Tharten was enjoying the pain in her voice, the thought of Obi-Wan's torment. But when she looked again, there was nothing but sympathy in the Master's face. Grrr, the woman's good to be able to act human in any way! He.... Master Obi-Wan won't give in, not to save himself. Not even to avoid that place. Surely you must know this." Oh no, Atel, you may have just given them the weapon they can use against Obi-Wan.. much to your detriment! Hmmm, I find myself disliking Atel again for her complete blindness and to those on the Council. She keeps doing things to try and save her master, everything but simply ilstening to him!!! How frustrating! Lovely post Diane! -----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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Yodan Registered: Feb '05	Date Posted: 10/5/05 6:45pm Subject: RE: Betrayal (Obi-Wan/Qui-Gon angst - very AU) - Updated 10/5/05
	I'm glad you posted it! I really liked Atel in this chapter, she's so defensive of her master, it's quite endearing. And to answer your question, I thought that at times throughout the story she was annoying, but only because she took all that temple dogma crap to heart. That the only reason I wasn’t a big Atel fan. I liked how Atel was willing to sacrifice her self to save her master, but it might have been a mistake to tell the council, "if someone else, someone that he cared about, was punished because of his actions, he might... reconsider." That might come back later to bite her in the butt…. I hope she can help Obi help himself... -----signature----- My wise and old Master is JadeSolo. (Emphasis on OLD ) Join http://www.JelloAnarchy.com Great Times are had by All! Escape, a Poem: http://boards.theforce.net/the_saga/b10476/24665411/p1/?0
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Kynstar Registered: Mar '04	Date Posted: 10/5/05 6:52pm Subject: RE: Betrayal (Obi-Wan/Qui-Gon angst - very AU) - Updated 10/5/05
	Stupid Council... who needs Palpy when you have the Council?? Poor Atel I soooo feel for her. She tried...she did try. If Obi only knew what she tried to do... Great job once more diane!! Totally enjoyed it as I knew I would! -----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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Musing Registered: Oct '03	Date Posted: 10/5/05 6:56pm Subject: RE: Betrayal (Obi-Wan/Qui-Gon angst - very AU) - Updated 10/5/05
	Grrrrrr... That's all that needs to be said about They Who Shall Remain Unnamed (lest I slip and express myself in terms unfit to be read). Besides, everyone else ahead of me has already said it all! Sigh The curse of not being able to grab the first post. Great job, dianethx. Even if it does make me want to rip into those #%$%#! Oops.
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Anakins_Force Registered: Jun '05	Date Posted: 10/5/05 7:58pm Subject: RE: Betrayal (Obi-Wan/Qui-Gon angst - very AU) - Updated 10/5/05
	Diane! That was perfect! I have to tell you, that post was very well done, but it was really hard for me to read. I have witnessed/personally experienced a council in action that behaved exactly like that and your post reminded me of it so vividly that I felt like it was happening again. The way they were manipulating her made me sick at my stomach. I am impressed at how well you related their--I don't even have a word--depravity, lack of integrity, something like that--and their power plays-eek. They are like rabid dogs and vultures. Sorry if this isn't coherent--it was so real to me. And poor Atel--she doesn't even realize the depth of deception. She wants to help Obi-Wan but she can't see that placing ANY trust in the Council is a big mistake. I do admire her for wanting to help though. This was a wonderful update. Thanks for doing it early! How are Obi-Wan and Qui-Gon doing down there? -----signature----- Melissa Master to YellowDart The First Blush of Sin: http://boards.theforce.net/Message.aspx?topic=23159489&brd=10476&replies=10
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-Erela- Registered: Jun '04	Date Posted: 10/5/05 8:18pm Subject: RE: Betrayal (Obi-Wan/Qui-Gon angst - very AU) - Updated 10/5/05
	I somehow managed to lose track of this fic for a couple months. I'm so glad I found it again! What an awesome post. Poor, poor Obi-Wan, and poor Atel, being manipulated like this. I'm so sad it's gonna be a very sad ending. Make it happy! Please? I can't wait for more. I love this. :-) -----signature----- "Because it's what's right! Because that way even when- if- I lose, I'll know that I tried to prevent it. That's better than nothing!" -Ben Skywalker Miana Kenobi's "Little Dude"
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