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Author	Topic: Betrayal (Obi/Qui angst - very AU) Updated 6/28/08 and thanks for the noms
dianethx Registered: Mar '02	Date Posted: 3/16/03 7:49am Subject: Betrayal (Obi/Qui angst - very AU) Updated 6/28/08 and thanks for the noms - Date Edited: 6/28 10:22am (136 edits total) Edited By: dianethx
	Cover art done by the ever-wonderful Princess_Arulmozhi Title: Betrayal Author: Diane Kovalcin Summary: Qui-Gon Jinn was dismissed from the Jedi Temple when the Senate decreed cost cutting measures. What the Jedi didn't know at the time was that the Senate was under the control of the Sith. It is now 10 years later and former Jedi Qui-Gon Jinn is accused of illegal activities. Knight Obi-Wan Kenobi and his Padawan are forced to investigate. Other stuff: TPM never happened and this fic takes place at the same time as AOTC. Sequel to the fanfic But in the Archives. Rated PG. Definitely AU, and Qui-Gon Jinn is in his mid-sixties. Hey, it could happen. For those who don't want to read all the replies, this story is also on my website (in my bio) up through Chapter 20. I do update here much faster than the site, though... This means thoughts, this means /telepathy/ Disclaimer: These characters belong in total to George Lucas. I'm just borrowing them for a while. No credits have changed hands. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Chapter 1 - And so it begins "Do you have it?" His low, harsh voice growled in sibilant tones, hemorrhaging a cold, repellent vibration into the icy night air. No one would have dared deny that voice, and the few that did had died for their efforts, in excruciating and prolonged agony. As the malevolent sounds vanished in the echoing silence that followed, the speaker shifted slightly, arm extended to grasp his latest prize. "Yes, my Master." The dark-cowled apprentice bowed, and dropped his gift neatly into the waiting hand of the other. As Darth Sidious moved again, the light spilling from the luminous Coruscanti night briefly lit his face. Jarring in power-mad intensity, the Dark Lord's visage had been called grandfatherly, a kindly man some said, with cobalt-blue eyes and generous mouth slightly turned upward in a politician's smile. Here the shroud was stripped away, the eyes dead-cold, the smile snake-bright. The Master peered at the item, satisfied. It was a woman's hand, once delicate, fingers now shredded, flesh ripped open between thumb and forefinger to show veined sinew and harsh bone. Burned, too, across the top with long straight strokes, the hand was encrusted with the reddish-brown remains of old blood, and curled slightly inward as if trying to grasp a weapon in the last moments of her life. It was cauterized neatly at the wrist. The hand had just begun to decay, the slight sickeningly sweet odor of death. Slowly, Darth Sidious began to stroke the corpse's palm, following her torn lifeline with his manicured fingertips, lightly, intimately, moving with a delicate touch. Then, still faintly smiling, he brought the putrid hand to his face and stroked his cheek with it. He could smell the rot, almost taste the sharp metallic tang of dried blood. His sigh was breathless, long and low, sensual. As he closed his eyes, briefly he could feel in the Force the fear and power in her final breath. The memory of the Knight's crushing anguish and defiance even as her body was torn apart was imbedded in her skin. To Sidious, it was profoundly satisfying. After a few moments, he lowered his arm, still gently holding the dead woman's hand in his. "Did she give you much of a fight, my apprentice?" Darth Maul's tattooed visage creased with a dark pleasure, mouth twisted eagerly. "Yes, my Master. Ales'tka fought well. Even at the last, in agony, she seemed to enjoy the struggle." His eyes shut for an instant, his voice rumbling with suppressed laughter. "Playing with her was most....stimulating." "Did you dispose of the body as per my instructions?" "Yes, my Master." Maul hesitated, then reached into some fastness of his cloak and brought out a lightsaber. It was as battered and torn as the woman's hand and covered with the same encrusted residue. "She used this." The Dark Lord's bark of laughter was clear, ice-sharp. Looking again at the decaying appendage, he shook his head in disdain. "Oh, little Jedi. They threw you away, forbid you anything of them and you still clung to..." He glanced at the fouled saber, clutched in Darth Maul's grasp. "Ales'tka, you defied the Jedi Council. It speaks... well of you. Too bad you could not be turned. You would have been a valuable asset." He tossed the filthy remains to the apprentice. "Enough of pleasure. Put that with the rest." Maul nodded briefly as he tucked away the decaying flesh and then offered up the lightsaber to the other. Sidious sneered, "You make keep your trophy. She won't need it again." With a dismissive shrug, Sidious brought out a datachip and handed it to his apprentice. "Here is the list of Jedi discharged from the Temple six months ago. They should be ripe for the picking by now. As always, the Jedi Council will not be paying attention to those gone from the Temple that long. They have too much else to worry about...." His voice was icy with contempt. "Isolate and destroy these fools as with all the others." He looked at Maul, contemplating all the lovely, exciting, terrible ways to kill a Jedi. "Dispatch them as you like, but don't take too long. There are other matters that need attention." Maul nodded again and growled, "My Master, there is still the matter of Jinn and his associates. They are too well guarded and more flock to him every day." Sidious pondered this revelation. "Yes, it has been difficult. He is a wily opponent. But I have decided to let the Jedi Council deal with him." Maul moved to object but stilled his protest as his Master glared at him. "Do you question me?" The malevolent voice was low and insistent, death waiting, longing to strike; his apprentice quickly shook his head. "Good." Sidious smiled, "I enjoy the irony of the Temple punishing one of their own without our having to lift a finger against him. I will have my agent suggest it." He looked out into the vibrant, glowing Coruscanti landscape, his gaze sweeping over the distance and stopping at the brilliantly-lit Temple in the distance. "I'll have them send Kenobi. Yes, Kenobi should be just the Jedi to dispatch Jinn." And Sidious began to laugh, deep, roiling, vicious sounds sweeping out into the bitter night. Some people have asked that I post links to the posts so that they don't have to wade through the comments. I have Chapters 1-20 up on my website. Here's the rest of the links for the story so far. chapter 21 (go to the next page for the post - somehow this link doesn't go to the exact post even though I've tried several times) chapter 21 part 2 Chapter 22 part 1 Chapter 22 part 2 Chapter 23 Chapter 24 Freefall Chapter 25 - Down the Stairway to Despair Chapter 26 - Conversations with the Living and the Dead Chapter 27 - Walking Wounded Chapter 28 - Servants of the Force Chapter 29 - The Truth can set you free... or not Chapter 29A Chapter 30 - Hard to see the darkside is Chapter 31 - Dejarik 101 - Players in motion Chapter 32 - The consequences of choice Chapter 33 - Approaching fate Chapter 34 - Headlong into danger -----signature----- Betrayal - http://boards.theforce.net/s/b1/10935143 updated 6/28/08 Fragments of Illusion- http://boards.theforce.net/bts/b10475/28456473 updated 8/16/08 Freeze frame - http://boards.theforce.net/s/b10476/27820434 Master to jedidas3 Impeach Bush!
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DarthBreezy Title: Retired Mos Everett Cantina Founder & JMPR Registered: Jun '02	Date Posted: 3/16/03 9:09am Subject: RE: Betrayal (Qui/Obi AU - sequel to But on FanFictionArchives)
	Well it's very intriguing... -----signature----- Although the singer is silent, There is still the truth of the song. http://boards.theforce.net/beyond_the_saga/b10477/28747916/p1/ Sailing little Boats - with GoldenJedi Anywhere is possible.
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Dyanne_Kindred Registered: Nov '02	Date Posted: 3/16/03 12:15pm Subject: RE: Betrayal (Qui/Obi AU - sequel to But on FanFictionArchives)
	Oh he would suggest that they send Obi-Wan. He loves irony. I hope they didn't brain wash Obi-wan into thinking that Jinn could be the dark Jedi. -----signature----- Kindred - Jedi Thief
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dianethx Registered: Mar '02	Date Posted: 3/17/03 4:25am Subject: RE: Betrayal (Qui/Obi AU - sequel to But on FanFictionArchives)
	Darth Breezy -Thanks. The plot thickens with the next post and Obi-Wan shows up in this one. Dyanne_Kindred - Yes, Sidious is rather ironic and he loves to play with people. I plan to post every other day or so. I have 11 chapters finished (most are much longer than Chapter 1 so I'll probably post in multiple parts). Hopefully, by the time I finish writing the fic, my posts would have caught up to my writing. I'm very slow... Anyway, thanks for reading and the next chapter is below... -----signature----- Betrayal - http://boards.theforce.net/s/b1/10935143 updated 6/28/08 Fragments of Illusion- http://boards.theforce.net/bts/b10475/28456473 updated 8/16/08 Freeze frame - http://boards.theforce.net/s/b10476/27820434 Master to jedidas3 Impeach Bush!
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dianethx Registered: Mar '02	Date Posted: 3/17/03 4:39am Subject: RE: Betrayal (Qui/Obi AU - sequel to But on FanFictionArchives) - Chapter 2 is up - Date Edited: 7/5/06 5:54pm (5 edits total) Edited By: dianethx
	Here's the next post. Chapter 2 - Enter stage left The Jedi Council chamber was bathed in the mellow-red glow of sunset, crimson light splashing across the ornate floor. Circular in design and majestic, with pillared windows framing the onset of coming night, the room was a breathtaking center of calm and beauty, the very heart of the Jedi Temple. The dying light hid well the worn tiles and cornered dust of neglect. Obi-Wan Kenobi, Jedi Knight, ignored the bleak evidence of his eyes and the brilliant glare of blood-red luminescence streaking across his face. The siren call of the lights of approaching night did not tempt him. He was here to be briefed on his upcoming mission, not look at the increasing decay that was the Jedi Temple. And so, standing in the very center of the Council Chamber, arms folded, face stony and shuttered, mental shields up, Master Kenobi waited and watched. By his side, his Padawan, Atel Sl'etah, stood as well, silent and ready for the briefing to begin. Obi-Wan glanced at his apprentice, frowning slightly. Atel was nearly 20 now, with violet eyes and maroon hair, a slight purple tint to her skin but otherwise human. Dressed in typical drab grey-beige tunics, frayed chocolate robe, and worn boots, she looked threadbare and destitute. Only the lightsabers truly indicated that they were Jedi and even the sabers were shabby, showing signs of much use. *Damn,* Obi-Wan thought, *She looks like a refugee, not a respected member of the Jedi Order.* His frown deepened. She deserves better than this. If only I could make them understand that money spent on proper clothing is not a waste of resources. Appearances do matter to those in power. Looking down at his own tattered garb, he grimaced. *I don't look so wonderful myself.* His thoughts turned towards Atel again. It did not seem possible that she had been his Padawan for ten years. Had it really been that long? mused Obi-Wan. Ten years since the first of the dismissals, since the beginning of the strangulation of the Jedi Order over...money. He snorted silently, *It was always about power, never money.* Closing his weary eyes for a moment, he gently sighed. *I wish...that things had been...different.* The Jedi Knight tried to bring his thoughts back to the matters at hand but he was tired, exhausted really, and he knew Atel was, too. They had only just returned from a grueling assignment a few hours ago. That one had been disastrous all right but somehow, somehow, they had managed to pull out a success from a very near failure...again. *Now,* Obi-Wan reflected wearily, Another task and another and another. How can they expect success every time when they keep pushing us beyond the limits of endurance? He swayed slightly. *Perhaps because they want us to fail?* That was an uncomfortable thought, but it wasn't the first time Kenobi had pondered the question. It made sense, too, with the exhausting workload, the back-to-back missions, doing the work of two or three teams and no one to pull the Jedi out when they got into serious trouble. *And here we go again.* He closed his eyes for a moment and breathed a slow resigned sigh. He thought that his actions would not be noticed. But his ever-alert Padawan glanced towards her Master and sent a gentle pulse through their bond. /*Focus, Master.../ Obi-Wan sent her a weak chuckle tickling back. And then he centered himself, breathing deeply, settling in to wait for the briefing to begin. As the seconds stretched into endless minutes, Kenobi began to wonder why they were still waiting. He said nothing, of course. It was up to the Council to decide when and how briefings, or for that matter any discussions within these chambers, were to be conducted. Perhaps they were waiting for more information, perhaps another Council member was to join them or...perhaps it was a subtle form of power play, to impress upon this Jedi Knight just what his place in the Order was. At the moment, Obi-Wan noted that only three Jedi Council members were in attendance, none of whom he knew well. Kenobi began to feel the slightest pinprick of apprehension. The white-furred Bothan, Trest Sle'fey, head of the Committee for Jedi Missions, was known for his strict adherence to the letter rather than the intent of Republic law. The green-tinged Rodian, Veendo, was in charge of Sedition Activity Investigations, a group that had grown recently, much to Obi-Wan's dismay, looking into all aspects of Temple activity with great alacrity. The last, Sera Tharten, was a tall blue-skinned human female of indeterminate age. She was exceptionally outspoken on the uses of Temple regulation control and had written the stringent, restrictive code for 'Standards for Jedi Behavior' instituted last year. Of these, only Master Tharten had had any significant interaction with Obi-Wan. And those confrontations had been unpleasant; he avoided her whenever possible. The Masters were all youngish, too. No older, more experienced Councilors - knowledge yes, but there was no wisdom here, only likely punishment for petty and cryptic infractions. Obi-Wan's tickle of unease began to increase to a full-blown itch. This was not going to be pleasant. Silently sighing, he wondered what marginal offense he would be accused of this time. Unlike his former Master, Qui-Gon Jinn, Obi-Wan Kenobi was not known for bending the rules, but he had been tainted by association and it had gotten him into trouble on more than one occasion. For a few more long moments, no one spoke. The Jedi Councilors shifted uneasily in the rounded chairs as though anxious to be away. Then, from behind Obi-Wan, a derisive voice sounded. "Do you know why you have been called here, Jedi Kenobi?" "No, Representative Zaros." Obi-Wan quietly replied to the rat-faced, overly-dressed man. Making his way ponderously around the the dusty, darkening room, his ornate red robes glistening with fine embroidery and sparkles of light as he strutted past the bars of fading luminescence, hair perfectly in place, Kenth Zaros came to stand before the Knight, his condescending, narrowed eyes boring into him. The garish gemstones in the man's cravat alone were blinding. Kenobi's words had been perfectly polite and did nothing to betray the absolute loathing that he felt for the foppish, decadent human. Luckily, Zaros was not a Jedi or else Obi-Wan might have faced a severe reprimand for his wayward thoughts, and a reprimand these days was not a thing to take lightly. "We have a special mission for you, one for which you are uniquely qualified." Zaros smiled slightly, paused and then deliberately sat down in the centermost seat, nodding regally toward the other members of the High Council as he did so - as if he thought that his mere presence was a priceless treasure and they should take joy in it. In happier times, no outsider would have dared such a thing and yet Zaros thought nothing of sitting in the midst of the Jedi, a fat arachnid among his willing prey. Not there,* Obi-Wan's thoughts raged, *Not there. You have no right.* Kenobi moved imperceptibly, almost in protest, and then eased back to ready stance and waited, tight fists clenched under his threadbare Jedi robes. He breathed out, trying to get some semblance of control of the almost involuntary wish to throttle the man, and swallowed hard. When Kenth Zaros, Senate Representative of the Oversight Committee on Jedi Affairs, smiled, misfortune certainly followed. Kenobi's revulsion spiked, his thoughts on a fast jumble of past missions, of the anguish and death that this man seemed to relish. He tried to tamp down the roiling emotions before the other Jedi seated in the chamber could become aware of them and comment. His Padawan hastily glanced at him, an admission that she was reading her Master far too well. "We want you to investigate...." Zaros paused for dramatic theatrical effect and Obi-Wan's simmering apprehension skyrocketed. But he said nothing, immovable, and the degenerate bureaucrat continued. "...Qui-Gon Jinn. Your old Master, I believe." Obi-Wan went absolutely rigid with shock, shields buckling for a brief moment before regaining his calm. Zaros's smirk grew predatory, his beady eyes glittering, and he nodded as if pleased with the traumatic effect that he was inflicting on the Jedi Knight. Kenobi replied softly, "Sir, I have had no contact with Master Jinn for ten years. I have repeatedly asked to be allowed to do so but...every request has been refused." Zaros snickered and waved his bejeweled fingers, flicking an imaginary piece of dust from his glittering ornate robes. "Yes, I know. He was a bad influence on you. It was in the best interests of the Jedi Order that contact be denied." Obi-Wan moved again, stepping towards the Senate representative, furious eyes narrowed with revulsion. His voice was low, cold, dangerous. "What do you mean by that?" The Rodian Council Member spoke up, dismissively, "We all know that Jinn was a rogue." Obi-Wan's eyes widened in stunned disbelief, angry beyond words as the other Jedi members murmured in agreement with Veendo's assessment. "Again and again he went against the Jedi Council, following his own path, ignoring the direct orders of his obvious superiors. It was blatantly, openly rogue behavior. And, what's more, it was sedition of the worst kind. " Kenobi could not believe what he was hearing. If possible, his voice iced further. "He was following the will of the Force." The Rodian snorted. "So he said...." Obi-Wan closed his weary eyes for a moment, trying desperately to regain what little calm remained to him. He knew if he protested too much, he would be punished and Atel as well. For her sake, he breathed deeply once, twice, but the bile rising in his throat, anger pushing past all reason...he must regain control. Zaros spoke up again, voice dripping with derision, oblivious to what Kenobi was feeling or, perhaps, not caring. "Good riddance to bad rubbish. Damn old fool." Zaros had done many things over the years, to both Kenobi and to his beloved Jedi Order. This last statement was almost too much, a small thing amongst all of the other countless injustices, all the deaths and destruction that this man had wrought on the Jedi. Now, Obi-Wan stepped quickly forward, shaking hands rising. The Bothan barked out, white fur whirling in dismay. "Yes, Kenobi, you have a comment...?" Obi-Wan Kenobi stopped abruptly, looked at his alarmed young apprentice and, then with shoulders slumping, stepped back into the center of the Chamber. Quietly, he said "No, Master Sle'fey." "Good. I would hate to have to reprimand you for any insolence shown to the Senate Representative." "Of course, Master." Zaros continued as if nothing was amiss. "Glad to hear that you will be cooperative, Kenobi." "Of course, Representative Zaros." Obi-Wan clenched his aching jaw at such an impossible lie but knew it would suffice for now. But he would have to release his anger to the Force soon. His wearied thoughts turned to the request at hand. "May I ask what the mission is and how it pertains to Master Qui-Gon?" "Former Jedi Jinn has been doing the work of a Jedi Knight these past years in strict violation of his mandate." Leaning forward, Zaros thrust his immaculate, manicured hands into the air, frowning and splattered his words into the chamber, sneering voice rising with emphasis. "Jinn's dismissal was very clear...as you well know, Kenobi... He defied the Council again and again and what's worse, he failed a number of times to complete his missions. When the cost-cutting efforts started and with his failures and attitude, it was clear that he would be one of the first to go. He is no longer with the Jedi Order and he is not allowed to act as a Jedi. He must desist his current activities. You... have been chosen to investigate and bring him into custody, if necessary, because you know him so very well. Who else but you?" The man leaned back, satisfied, a fat crimson arachnid spinning his cruel web. Obi-Wan Kenobi murmured, "Who else indeed?" -----signature----- Betrayal - http://boards.theforce.net/s/b1/10935143 updated 6/28/08 Fragments of Illusion- http://boards.theforce.net/bts/b10475/28456473 updated 8/16/08 Freeze frame - http://boards.theforce.net/s/b10476/27820434 Master to jedidas3 Impeach Bush!
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Jane Jinn Registered: Jan '00	Date Posted: 3/17/03 4:44am Subject: RE: Betrayal (Qui/Obi AU - sequel to But on FanFictionArchives)
	I'm so glad you're posting this here! I had been lurking over at QGJDL until I left that list, and enjoying it very much. Now I can give you feedback. Ewww, it made me shiver with disgust when Darth Sidious raised the severed hand to his lips! And when Maul said that playing with the dying Jedi Knight had been most stimulating. UGH! It's so horrible to think of the Jedi Order having to dismiss its own knights, and then not even seeming to care about them once they're gone. "Jinn and his associates" seem like a bright spot in the galaxy -- perhaps the only bright spot left -- and now Darth Sidious is plotting to have the Jedi Council turn to punish him -- and even send Kenobi to do it! Horrible, awful situation! I can't wait for more! -----signature----- Mostly retired now Just making the occasional guest appearance
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Shaindl Registered: Jun '02	Date Posted: 3/17/03 7:32am Subject: RE: Betrayal (Qui/Obi AU - sequel to But on FanFictionArchives) Chapter 2 is up
	Diane, What a great start! I can almost smell the decay of the Temple and the Republic. Poor Obi-Wan is so weary and sick of what's going on. I can't wait for his reunion with Qui-Gon - I somehow suspect Qui-Gon won't welcome him with open arms. More soon? Shaindl -----signature----- Halfway Moment - Qui, Obi, Anakin AU - http://boards.theforce.net/The_Saga/b10476/20110461/?0 - UPDATED JULY 3!
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Dyanne_Kindred Registered: Nov '02	Date Posted: 3/17/03 9:00am Subject: RE: Betrayal (Qui/Obi AU - sequel to But on FanFictionArchives) Chapter 2 is up
	Obi should have knocked that guy into next week for pretending to understand Jedi. Perhaps because they want us to fail? -----signature----- Kindred - Jedi Thief
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Jane Jinn Registered: Jan '00	Date Posted: 3/17/03 11:34am Subject: RE: Betrayal (Qui/Obi AU - sequel to But on FanFictionArchives) Chapter 2 is up
	I didn't see that second post -- looks like I was writing while you were putting it up. You've described the scene so well! Everything seems so different and so un-Jedi-like; not just the worn tiles, the worn and shabby clothing, the exhausting workload, but also the remaining Councilmembers themselves. I really liked the way you wrote "knowledge but no wisdom". They don't sound like wise Jedi at all, they sound petty and controlling. And what's this with Sedition Activity Investigations? Punishment for petty infractions? What have the Jedi become? I can't believe Zaros, who is not a Jedi, being allowed to just walk in like he owns the place and sit in the chair reserved for the head of the Council. No doubt he feels he deserves the honour. And then telling Obi-Wan that Qui-Gon was a bad influence on him? Grrr. The scene was so tense! Obi-Wan must really be afraid of punishment. Poor Obi-Wan, having been denied any contact with Qui-Gon for the last ten years, and now suddenly sent out to 'investigate' him and bring him into custody if needed. I really liked the description of Zaros as a fat arachnid spinning a cruel web. You also said, from Obi-Wan's POV, that it was Zaros who was responsible for wreaking death and destruction on the Jedi. So nobody suspects that Darth Sidious even exists, let alone that he is controlling all this from behind the scenes. Oh, dear. Excellent story, excellently written. -----signature----- Mostly retired now Just making the occasional guest appearance
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LuvEwan Registered: Mar '02	Date Posted: 3/17/03 2:25pm Subject: RE: Betrayal (Qui/Obi AU - sequel to But on FanFictionArchives) Chapter 2 is up
	I remember 'But...' very well. It was an excellent short story...and now a sequel! That's great! So far, it's been amazing. So well-written, with an original plot and characters. The Council seems disgusting now, and you've written them, as well as Obi's reaction to them, perfectly. Great job! Now---more!!! -----signature----- So it was Anakin's butt after all. He supposed he might take a modicum of comfort from that. -Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith, by Matthew Stover
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dianethx Registered: Mar '02	Date Posted: 3/18/03 5:22pm Subject: RE: Betrayal (Qui/Obi AU - sequel to But on FanFictionArchives) Chapter 2 is up
	Thanks for all your replies. Real life has been intruding (when doesn't it?) so I haven't been able to get back to you as soon as I would have liked. Jane Jinn - I'm so glad to see you. I've posted a couple of chapters since you left QGJDL so, at least you'll be caught up here!! Yes, the hand touching. Well, I figured that Darth Sidious is the most despicable being in the universe and, frankly, he tortures people all the time. I thought it might be nice to have him enjoying his work....LOL. Besides, this is a PG board. As for Jinn's group being the bright spot, maybe and then again maybe not. However, the Jedi Temple just gets worse with time... And another reply by Jane! Wow! The knowledge but no wisdom was inspired by Dex's remarks in AOTC. As for the Jedi, if you notice in most large corporations, when things start to go bad, they start tightening everything, including thought and behavior (as if that would make things better). It only makes things worse as the grip strangles creativity and innovation. The Jedi are in trouble and became so the day they allowed the Senate to dictate what they could do by controlling the money. As for Zaros, he's from the Senate and believes that he has the power to control the Jedi. How better to show his power than by manipulating powerful beings.... Yes, Obi-Wan is afraid of punishment and rightly so. I'll have a description in one of the next few chapters. Shaindl - Thanks. You have it exactly. Poor Obi-Wan is heartily sick of the Jedi's decline but, being the honorable man that he is, he feels that he must do his duty, no matter what. As for Qui-Gon's reception, he might be happy to see Obi-Wan or then again maybe not...LOL. You will find out in a couple of chapters from now. As for posting quickly, I could do that but then I would run out of the chapters I've already written and I am so slow. I write about a chapter a month! Yikes! I'll post at least one more this week then another next week. -----signature----- Betrayal - http://boards.theforce.net/s/b1/10935143 updated 6/28/08 Fragments of Illusion- http://boards.theforce.net/bts/b10475/28456473 updated 8/16/08 Freeze frame - http://boards.theforce.net/s/b10476/27820434 Master to jedidas3 Impeach Bush!
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dianethx Registered: Mar '02	Date Posted: 3/18/03 5:35pm Subject: RE: Betrayal (Qui/Obi AU - sequel to But on FanFictionArchives) Chapter 2 is up
	No, I haven't forgotten Dyann and Luvewan. I'm just paranoid about losing what I have written so far...It's happened to me more than a few times. I don't think my computer likes me very much. Anyway... Dyanne_Kindred - Yes, I wish that Obi-Wan could have given into his anger because Zaros deserves it mightily. And I think he enjoyed goading Obi into almost attacking him. Another power play. You will see Zaros again but not soon... Luvewan - Thanks. Actually, I never meant to do a sequel to "But". It was a sad piece and I thought just right. But I was inundated with requests to not let Qui-Gon go gentle into that good night (not just on the boards, either. Even my own daughter harassed me!). So I thought about it for a long time since I knew a sequel would be long (for me). I get nervous writing anything over 20 pages and I figure this one will be about 100. Anyway, I tried to make the known characters as close to the movie characterizations as possible within the framework of the fact that it is 10 years later and a lot of things have happened. I hope that has come across. I'll post again soon. Now, life is calling me yet again..... Diane -----signature----- Betrayal - http://boards.theforce.net/s/b1/10935143 updated 6/28/08 Fragments of Illusion- http://boards.theforce.net/bts/b10475/28456473 updated 8/16/08 Freeze frame - http://boards.theforce.net/s/b10476/27820434 Master to jedidas3 Impeach Bush!
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dianethx Registered: Mar '02	Date Posted: 3/19/03 4:34am Subject: RE: Betrayal (Qui/Obi AU - sequel to But on FanFictionArchives) Chapter 2 is up - Date Edited: 1/17/06 11:22am (1 edits total) Edited By: dianethx
	Yes, it's Chapter 3. I won't be posting again until next week since I'll be away for the weekend. Chapter 3 - Past Lives The briefing, if it could be called that, lasted another grueling two hours. Aside from the cutting, snide comments of Master Jinn's unworthiness and roguish behavior from Council member Veendo and admonishments on maintaining proper 'Standards of Behavior' at all times from Master Tharten, Kenth Zaros had gone into inordinate length condemning Qui-Gon Jinn's current activities. But there was little real information about those activities. And, in the end, the Bothan Master Sle'fey carelessly tossed him a datapad with a terse "Read it." Obi-Wan was seething by the time it was done. After the Council Chamber doors slid closed behind them, Obi-Wan and his Padawan made their slow way towards the turbolift. The Jedi Knight may have been tired but the boiling adrenalin was coursing through his veins now and he needed to...to break something very large and very expensive, preferably something that made a great deal of noise when it shattered. His young apprentice kept glancing at him and shaking her head in dismay. She spoke softly, "Well, that was fun." Atel gave him a shy, quirky smile and he sensed that she was trying unsuccessfully to divert him from his anger. He wasn't willing to give it up just yet. A little furrow line marked his brow, the frown only pulling in the painful effects of the last few hours. He closed his eyes for a moment, breathing deeply, trying unsuccessfully to stave off the exhaustion. The fury, too, remained, swirling in his braincase like some hungry beast, steel claws tightening their ferocious grip. An intense headache blossomed suddenly, agony shooting across his eyes, arching around and down to the base of his skull. He moved his shoulders in a futile attempt to release the stress and tension, to no avail. It had not been a good day. He rubbed his eyes slightly, in one last attempt to push the pain aside and then, gesturing towards the turbolift, he told his weary Padawan. "I need to walk for a while. You go back to our quarters and get some rest. I'll be along shortly." But Atel had other ideas. With quick, feline grace, she moved closer and touched his worn sleeve. "Master, I must respectfully disagree. The last thing you need right now is exercise." He glared at her for a long moment. "You know we're both exhausted. Come back with me. Rest." She grinned slyly. "I'll make you a nice cup of tea." Obi-Wan snorted at that. Tea would not relieve his concerns or that blasted fury lingering behind the pain. He needed to walk - no, run as far and as fast as he was able - needed to do something to lash out at the incredible injustice of it all. But he could not, would not. That's not what a Jedi Master would do. He smiled slightly at his concerned apprentice, her violet eyes searching his haggard face. "Padawan, I truly appreciate your concern but I must do this, to think about what just went on in the Council chambers. You can go back to our quarters if you wish or you can come with me. Your choice." "My place is by your side, Master." Her words seemed to echo forever in the darkening hallway. Another Padawan had said those very words to his Master and meant them, meant them then and meant them now. Obi-Wan blinked away sudden tears. Ten years. Ten years since I last saw Qui-Gon? How is that possible? I should have tried harder to contact him. I should have made sure he was all right. Will he understand the circumstances? Do I? Do I have enough courage to look my Master in the face after a decade with that shame? Growling, he slammed down hard on his thoughts. Now was not the time for this. When he saw Qui-Gon Jinn again, there would be moments enough for regrets and apologies. "Come then." With one last longing look at the lone working turbolift, Atel sighed lightly and fell into step beside her wearied Master. They turned as one towards the stairs and began the long, slow descent towards the living quarters. As their footfalls echoed into the hollow depths of the deserted stairwell, the Padawan pulled her ragged cloak tightly about her. It seemed chill here and dark, the dusky space strobing with dim light as the glowlamps flickered randomly. The litter of time hung in forgotten corners, paint peeling in places, the railing worn and in need of repair. She had seen better kept dungeons. She quietly glanced at her Master but he did not appear to notice the neglect as they glided ever downward. The constant twists and turns of the stairs seemed to give him comfort. Obi-Wan's pain had lessened as his body remembered to walk and step, concentrating on soothing movement rather than the intolerable tension of that ghastly meeting. He felt more at ease, centered, accepting that the future may hold trials and problems but this moment was for living. At last, when the Jedi reached the residential level, when they finally sprung from that dim place, Obi-Wan seemed preoccupied. He stopped, looking about him. Chuckling slightly and startling his puzzled apprentice, he gestured toward the stairwell and its battered durasteel door. "I remember this place so well. Did you know that I met my Master for the first time by that door? Or rather the door met him..." Her violet eyes grew wide as Obi-Wan reached with one hand and caressed the ancient metal, gently following the lines of misuse with his fingers. "We, Garen and I, were trouble-makers even then. I couldn't have been more than seven or eight, devious as sin and bent on breaking every rule at the Temple." He gave a quick, warm laugh. "I had bet Garen that I could race all the way down from the Council Chambers faster than the turbolifts. He was skeptical, of course but accepted the wager. What he didn't realize was that I had pressed the buttons for every floor as I raced away, running headlong down these very stairs. I would have made it, too, if a certain Jedi Master hadn't gotten in the way." He laughed again. "I don't know who was more surprised, Qui-Gon or me." Shaking his head, his grin widened. "You should have seen him, the staid Jedi Master flat on the floor, hair wild, his blue eyes smoky with anger. And me, sprawled on top. I'd tripped on his legs, of course. Once he collected himself, he grabbed me as quick as lightening, holding me by the scruff of my tunic, bending down to see what hooligan had dared pull a fast one." "I was terrified. He was renowned, a brilliant swordsman, said to be the best in living memory and I was just a stupid kid who had gotten caught. I expected to be scrubbing the Temple floors from here to the top of the tower but he surprised me." Obi-Wan's face was relaxed, his blue-grey eyes alight with remembrance. "Qui-Gon stared at my face for a moment, then looked at the door and I knew somehow that he had figured out what I had done. Just then, Garen raced up and began to berate me for cheating, never noticing that a Master still held my tunic. And, his eyes, my Master's eyes, grew bright with mischief as he looked at us, quarreling, making accusation and counter-accusation. I couldn't believe it when Qui-Gon began to laugh. Stopped us both cold. In the end, we were all laughing and then he let us go. Last thing I remember about that day was peering back at Qui-Gon as he walked away, chuckling and shaking his head." Obi-Wan's face grew still. "That was before Xan's fall, of course, when he was still happy. It took me a long time to help him bury those demons....but that day, I made him laugh." His eyes closed briefly in despair and loss and then he peered at Atel, sighing. "How I miss him." The Padawan stood rigid with shock. "But...Master... I thought you hated him." Now it was Obi-Wan's turn to be stunned. "Whatever gave you that idea?" Atel was thoroughly confused, looked down and then into her Master's questioning eyes. "Forgive me, Master. But you never talk about your old Master. You've never said a word about him. I thought you were ashamed to be trained by that rogue Jedi." Obi-Wan's startled voice grew harsh and strident, his eyes hard as stone. "How dare you. Don't ever call him that again. Ever!" He closed his eyes, the pain roaring back, spiking with intense urgency. He knew he should not be berating his Padawan like this; she had told the truth from her perspective. But to hear such accusations coming from her mouth after the Council's lies, it was too much. "Go back to our quarters. I will discuss this with you when I have calmed down." "But...." "Now, Padawan." She nodded and turned, dejected. Obi-Wan stood, arms crossed, face scowling and watched as she scurried away. Then, shoulders slumping, he leaned against the door, weary and bewildered. He muttered, "Blast! I shouldn't have done that. Why would she think such a thing? How could she? Qui-Gon a rogue? Never!" Gritting his teeth, he pressed the heels of his hands into his eyes, trying to will away the pain and exhaustion. But it did no good. "Damn the Council for this mess. And damn Qui-Gon for leaving me here." Still unnerved by his Padawan's accusations, the Master knew that he needed a sanctuary, somewhere safe to try and capture his lost serenity, to find his calm center. He yearned for a place of quiet meditation. Contemplating his limited options in these troubled days, a warm thought came to him. It was obvious; he knew just where he had to go. The Room of a Thousand Fountains was ancient, older certainly than living memory, with a quiet beauty that was timeless and breathtaking. Known for its bubbling streams and stunning vistas, roaring waterfalls and cool breezes, it was the one sanctuary known to all. To Obi-Wan, it had always held a special place in his heart. So much of his past, so much history had taken place within its lush confines, both good and bad. He knew it would be the perfect place to find serenity again. Smiling, he moved towards the distant gardens, past the living quarters, past the empty creches and the silent gymnasiums, past all the problems that had plagued his heart this day. When, at last, he reached his destination, he paused outside the ancient carved wooden doors, savoring the moment, welcoming the thought of all that greenery pulsing gently with the Living Force. He knew that much-needed tranquility was just beyond the ornate doors. He was so wrong. As he pushed the heavy doors wide, a overwhelming glare of harsh lights blinded him. Thrusting an arm upward to cover his now-tearing eyes, he noticed the artificial hum of mechanicals, the smell of rank fertilizer and grim taste of crushed greenery. He could not believe his eyes. Gone were the rivers, streams, swaying trees and flowers of every kind. Instead, row upon row, tiering upward, as far as the eye could see, were the plants and fruits of commerce. They had turned his beloved sanctuary into despised Bandomeer, into an agricultural factory. He stood there, stunned, swaying with disbelief. Scrubbing at his eyes to wash away the appalling vision, he looked again. Plants filled the entire space, orderly rows of vegetables, vines heavy with fruit hanging along the sides of the terraces as they mounted up towards the ceiling, exotic herbs swaying in the breeze. Every space conceivable was filled with the green of industry. Nowhere were the stone pathways, the swards of grass, the gentle grace of blooming flowers...nowhere. He must have made some sound of anguished protest, some small noise. A human-sized droid, obviously in charge, floated up to him. "Master Jedi, you should not be here." "What...what happened? Where is the mediation garden? What have you done?" Obi-Wan's voice was rising, almost in panic. "Master Jedi. Please leave or I will have to call someone in authority. Go now, sir." The droid was polite but adamant. A mechanical arm swept out, grasping the Jedi's cloak and gently but firmly led Obi-Wan out into the corridor. Releasing him, it turned, without a backward glance, and closed the door. The clang of locks turning in place, sealing the space, echoed in the darkened hallway. The Jedi just stood there, mouth open, eyes unblinking. He breathed a small "No" and then seemed to fold into himself, legs buckling as he collapsed onto the tiled floor. Pulling his legs up, hugging them as he moved into a fetal position, burying his face in his hands, Obi-Wan rocked back and forth. He sat there for a very long time. -----signature----- Betrayal - http://boards.theforce.net/s/b1/10935143 updated 6/28/08 Fragments of Illusion- http://boards.theforce.net/bts/b10475/28456473 updated 8/16/08 Freeze frame - http://boards.theforce.net/s/b10476/27820434 Master to jedidas3 Impeach Bush!
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Shaindl Registered: Jun '02	Date Posted: 3/19/03 9:44am Subject: RE: Betrayal (Qui/Obi AU - sequel to But on FanFictionArchives) Chapter 3 is now up
	Wow, what a grim portrait of desolation and despair you're creating. Obi-Wan's grief and anger are palpable as is his loss as to what to do. I like the Padawan you've given him too - I hope we'll get the chance to know more about her. Looking forward to more, Diane! Shaindl -----signature----- Halfway Moment - Qui, Obi, Anakin AU - http://boards.theforce.net/The_Saga/b10476/20110461/?0 - UPDATED JULY 3!
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Jane Jinn Registered: Jan '00	Date Posted: 3/19/03 11:51am Subject: RE: Betrayal (Qui/Obi AU - sequel to But on FanFictionArchives) Chapter 3 is now up
	Oh, what a horrible place the Jedi Temple has become. The memories of Obi-Wan's first meeting with Qui-Gon were so beautiful in comparison, so happy and carefree that they must have happened in a completely different galaxy, or so it seems. What a shock to find out Atel's assumption that Obi-Wan hated Qui-Gon, and to hear her opinion that Qui-Gon was a rogue. I think she more than just assumed that Obi-Wan was ashamed of him. She probably felt that he -should- be ashamed of him and hate him. Poor Obi-Wan, to have his feelings so misunderstood, when he was probably struggling so hard to keep his pain inside! And even worse, to discover what had happened to the Room of a Thousand Fountains! Obi-Wan and Atel have obviously been away from the Temple for a long time, or have only had brief moments there between missions. Otherwise how could he have missed such a massive change! It sounds so completely ... well, I would say horrible, but it's really only horrible in contrast to what he was expecting. It actually seemed nice enough; orderly and abundant, at least. Although it was described as the "plants of commerce", and then there only seemed to be droids tending it, not Jedi gardeners using the Force. Oh, dear. I wonder what Yoda thinks of all this. I wonder where he is; what he's doing. He certainly wasn't part of that tiny little Council meeting. Is -he- still at the Temple? You've painted such a terrible picture of the Temple, how it's changed for the worse and fallen into decay, and then for Obi-Wan to find out the hard way that things are even worse than he thought -- sounds like he's going into culture shock here. Anything that Qui-Gon is doing has got to be better than this. -----signature----- Mostly retired now Just making the occasional guest appearance
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Dyanne_Kindred Registered: Nov '02	Date Posted: 3/19/03 2:29pm Subject: RE: Betrayal (Qui/Obi AU - sequel to But on FanFictionArchives) Chapter 3 is now up
	Darn Palpatine!! With all the changes done its a wonder knights have not turned... wait... :/ It makes sense now... not good but it makes sense. -----signature----- Kindred - Jedi Thief
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