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Author	Topic: Betrayal (Obi/Qui angst - very AU) Updated 11/2/09
dianethx Registered: Mar '02	Date Posted: 9/22 7:10pm Subject: Betrayal (Obi/Qui angst - very AU) Updated 5/31/09
	Musing – Yes, first post. I'm glad that the fight worked for you. I did have fun putting together the scenario with the barn and all the moving pieces. Trying to keep them straight was fun, too. Poor Mace. But I thought Maul needed to kill someone or else he'd be rather ineffective. Whistles about the resolution with Le'orath and the baby. That will become more apparent after the next post. Yes, Merlin has sucked me into that universe and I'm really obsessed at the moment. It doesn't mean I'll never come back but I will be writing Merlin fic for a while at least. Thanks! Seremela – It was a hard decision to make but Star Wars just doesn't have my heart at the moment. It belongs to a magician hiding his powers from a maniac king – Merlin. Besides, I've been trying to get back into the EU and every time I think about it, I just can't. So Star Wars is gone for now. But I won't say I'll never be back, just not now. Thanks about the story and the intense fight. I really had a great (but difficult) time writing it. It was certainly fun to set it up so that my characters could play. Yes, poor Mace but someone had to die to prove that Maul was a strong Sith and I wanted Anakin to survive. Thanks so much for replying. I really appreciate it. Healer_Leona – Thanks so much. Glad you enjoyed the action. I took a group of seminars recently with Mike Stackpole and Aaron Allston (fabulous) and they really helped me with my work for the next post. Yes, things change. I did try to keep up my love for SW but it's just not happening. Yes, my new love is Merlin and I'm writing fic for that tv series. Thanks for understanding. Cole_Kenobi – Thanks so much. Glad you enjoyed the fight. Yes, it's always hard to lose interest in something that has been such a large part of my life. I'm hoping it will come back someday. Thanks for all your support. Ocelotl_Nesto – Mace is down and out but at least he went well into that good night. I did think that Maul would be even more of a threat with experience. Just glad it came through. Jedidas3 – long time no hear. I hope you are still writing. I must admit I haven't been to Before much but you have such a gift, you need to keep writing. Thanks for everything! ardavenport – Had a great time at Dragoncon. It was lovely to see you again. And CC was fun! Yes one Sith down and one to go. Mother and son are still alive. But there's still one Sith and he's a pretty powerful one. Thanks for reviewing. Jedi_Perigrine - Thanks. Glad you liked it. It was hard writing that scene and the next one was worse. Hope you like it. Gkikenny – thanks. I appreciate it. bek – Yes, Mace is dead. I needed to show that Maul was a powerful Sith and Mace would really be the only one to take him out so, of course, he had to die. Ben and Anakin are fine and Le'orath survived but I wouldn't leave much hope for the baby. Maul stabbed her in the gut. Thanks. I'm having a great time in my new Merlin fandom, reading like mad and writing, too. I feel giddy just enjoying it, like I used to with Phantom Menace stories. But good luck with you and Star Wars stories. You have a great gift! Kivas - Thanks Glad you enjoyed this one. A new post is coming up. Jaira – Glad you liked it. I do love intense! -----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: 9/22 7:14pm Subject: Betrayal (Obi/Qui angst - very AU) Updated 5/31/09 - Date Edited: 9/22 7:14pm (1 edits total) Edited By: dianethx
	Chapter 37 - The Will of the Force In the distance, someone was screaming. Trying to breathe, his arm on fire, his mind reeling, Obi-Wan felt as if he'd been shredded, as if every nerve had been fried in an electrical storm. He lay there for a moment, disjointed, confused. He didn't know whether he should try and get up or sink back into the abyss. But he knew he had to do something or be someone or rescue… Deep groans off to his left, and beyond his blurred vision, a voice rose in terror. A sharp hiss, an off-pitched whine cutting through superheated air. A laugh, pleasure-filled and obscene. The screaming stopped - abruptly. The sounds almost didn't register, almost seemed part of a nightmarish vision from someone else's universe, one he could ignore if he would just let it. Just let it go. But between one shuddering, pain-filled breath and another, his confusion cleared. Palpatine. They had to take down Palpatine or Sidious or… it didn't matter what he called himself. He was a Sith Lord. That line of thought crystallized into certainty. If he didn't find the strength to get up and confront that madman, he never would. He'd be the next sacrifice in a sea of bloodied corpses. And he had very little time. Every movement was an effort but somehow he was able to lift his head and push himself into a half-sprawled confusion of raw skin and agonized nerve endings. It hurt to breathe, to think, to be; black spots threatened to tunnel into his vision and there was a buzzing in his mind. Or was it from a lightsaber blade cutting the air? He tried to shake his head, bring focus back to his mission but that wasn't exactly a good idea. His sight grayed, the pain trying to pull him back into unconsciousness. But he couldn't allow it, not now. Instead, he used all the powers under his command, used the Force and his own stubborn will to shove it aside, to lock his damnable weakness behind durasteel walls. He found enough strength to twist upright, knees digging into the carpet, hands splayed wide to keep him from falling over. Ignoring the pain, he lifted his head and looked around. Carnage shrouded the room. There were bodies everywhere, some moving, others still as death. Out of the corner of his eye, he could see a few had escaped the hideous outpouring of destructive energy and even now were fighting for their lives near Palpatine's desk. Red saber fire and a bright flash and then there was a line of blue energy. Someone was fighting hard to push back the Sith's blade and the bark of effort was Sle'fey's. Obi-Wan couldn't see Master Xacor anywhere but Rostak's green saber was brilliant in the room. The Jedi seemed to be winning, after all. There was a flash of satisfaction in his chest. A Jedi was taught from early childhood to ignore such a self-absorbed emotion but Obi-Wan reveled in it. It felt good, for once, to know that their efforts had not been in vain and Sidious, Palpatine, Sith Lord, whatever that madman's name truly was, would get what he deserved. But the balance could shift again, all too easily. Qui-Gon, Qui-Gon had to be his first priority. Obi-Wan could not feel him in the Force. The currents were too filled with corruption to see more than shadows but he knew his master was alive; he knew it. Now all Obi-Wan needed to do was find him, and release him from the binders before it was too late. And then join with the other Jedi to bring Sidious to justice. All it would take was effort - and luck. He frowned, trying to get his bearings, trying to find Qui-Gon. His master had been further from the center of the firestorm than the others and half-shielded by the Senate guard when the attack came. That same guard was now a corpse, one among many. One knee still pressed against the carpet, Obi-Wan balanced, struggled to get up. He needed to stand, the better to locate his master among the pile of bodies but before he could get to his feet, his eyes caught a glimpse of dark leggings and boots - they looked like Qui-Gon's, and the rest was hidden from view by the guard's large bulk. Beyond he could see Atel's saber. Then, in a kind of nightmarish twist, the corpse began to move, writhing or was it a struggle to shove him aside somehow. Under the moans and another shriek of pain in the distance, Obi-Wan could hear Atel's soft voice. "Qui-Gon? Master?" His chest burned with relief and he let out the breath he'd not realized he'd been holding. She was alive and from Qui-Gon's deep groan, it was apparent that he, too, had survived. It was more than he could have hoped for, more than he'd ever thought possible after the Sith's brutal attack. Still balanced on one knee, he reached over, pulling at the guard's dead weight. It was a struggle. The body was caught on something and as he yanked hard, the corpse finally slid off. There was a soft wheeze and, as Qui-Gon struggled to sit up, his master whispered his thanks. Atel sent Obi-Wan a relieved look and turned to remove Qui-Gon's binders. Somewhere behind him, there was a cackle of insane laughter and a wail of saber song. Too close but Sidious was shouting obscenities and there was a tangle of screams and snarls and the sharp spit of lightsaber battle. Obi-Wan knew he had to get up. He was too vulnerable like this, kneeling on the carpet; his reactions were sluggish and weak. He must have been more injured that he'd thought. But Qui-Gon looked worse, the shredded tunic and the char of an energy bolt blackening his shoulder. Atel clutched one hand to her chest, luckily not the saber hand but it needed medical attention and she was pale with shock. But there was no time for healers. "Take this." Reaching to his belt, he unhooked Qui-Gon's lightpike and shoved it into his hands. The older man would need it once the binders were off and his sense of the Force returned and Obi-Wan didn't know if he'd have another chance to give it to him once he'd entered the fight. Qui-Gon nodded, blinking at the weapon in his hand, seemingly puzzled by it. It was worrisome. Perhaps there was head trauma on top of his other obvious injuries. Before he could say anything else, Atel looked past his shoulder, her eyes widening in alarm. "Master!" There was another bright flash of red light. Obi-Wan jerked back, getting to his feet just as a head bounced past, black blood spraying a gory trail. Knight Rostak's skull split apart on impact. Obi-Wan's saber was already lit when he wheeled around. That bit of inattention had almost cost Obi-Wan his life and he wasn't about to make the same mistake again. Confusion, the agony of lifting his shoulder, trembling from too much too soon, somehow he gathered strength enough to push it all aside. He swallowed hard. He could now see that Master Xacor was slumped over the desk, either unconscious or dead. The other Jedi were scattered, unmoving in the wreckage, some of them in pieces. But Sle'fey was still fighting the rsshak slime. Alone. Battling back and forth, Jedi and Sith, a blur of red and blue energy that cut into his vision. Through it all, he could feel the Force, a roiling sea of black ooze and grief, intense flashes of brilliance amidst corpse shadows, a chaotic mixture of light and darkness. He'd used and obeyed the Force all of his life and now it was tainted beyond anything he'd ever imagined, Sith-corrupt. He could hardly bear to touch it. But it would be madness to refuse. As he leaped forward, hoping to help Sle'fey, he didn't have time to wonder who else had survived or who had died. While he was acting like a crècheling, hovering over those he loved, he had been ignoring his duty. Precious moments he could have used to help bring down Sidious. Selfish, selfish fool that he was. "Ah, Kenobi." The Sith laughed again, mocking, cruel, utterly sure of victory – and sent a great swipe of sick brilliance toward him. "Good of you to join us." Filthy rsshak slime. Fury flared in his gut but he ignored it. Now was not the time for thoughts of revenge nor would it help him in the fight with that corrupt grub-worm. Survival first, then he would see about bringing Sidious down. Obi-Wan wheeled backwards, trying to avoid the Sith blade. But under his boot, there was something soft, a hand or perhaps entrails and he slipped. His balance unsteady, his arm flared in pain as he pulled at muscle and half-healed bone; his skin was intense with plasma burns. Luckily, Sle'fey was still there or else he would have been skewered. He would have whispered his thanks if he had any breath to speak. Instead, regaining his footing, he kicked behind him, desperately trying to clear space. The sprawl of bodies, Jedi, guards, Senate lackeys, was scattered around the room, broken dolls, once living beings but now just bloody obstacles in his path. It was difficult to defend himself with so much pain in the Force pulling at him; his focus kept wavering. Yet Sidious seemed to be reveling in the darkness, growing stronger and more confident with every passing moment. Then there was no more time for thought. Sidious was a consummate swordsman, using every trick Obi-Wan had been taught and a few he'd never seen before to put both Jedi on the defensive. Sle'fey shoved his blade high, obviously hoping to catch Sidious unaware but the Sith twisted around, using his saber to push him back. Obi-Wan stepped forward, fighting to give the Bothan master enough time to regroup, while he tried to figure out a strategy that wouldn't end with all of them dead and Sidious triumphant. Qui-Gon was shouting something, but Obi-Wan couldn't take his focus away from the battle enough to listen, not for an instant. Instead he pushed himself further, trying to bring the Sith Lord down before anyone else got killed. The air was ablaze with power. Obi-Wan's blade painted lines of blue fire in the growing shadows but Sith red was present time and time again, constantly on the attack. Blocking, parrying, going high and then low, his frustration, his exhaustion grew with every blow. He needed help and soon. Another stumble and he could feel the Sith blade heating his skin as he twisted aside. That had been too close. A few millimeters to the right and Sidious would have ended Obi-Wan's life. Blast him, where was Sle'fey? From somewhere behind him, he could hear a weapon powering up. Qui-Gon's distinctive lightpike. It was too soon. His master would never be able to defend himself against a Sith without the Force to guide him. But Obi-Wan didn't have time to argue. He could only push Sidious back and hope it would be enough. The Sith Lord must have realized how vulnerable Qui-Gon was. He stepped up the attack, trying to get to his master. A blur of red death in his hands, a feral smile on his face, he seemed exultant, almost euphoric as if he knew Obi-Wan would be helpless to stop him. But then things only became worse and worse. Another shout and Atel was there. Blasted girl. She wasn't ready to battle a Sith Lord, no matter how adept she'd been in the training rings. She hadn't the experience and now she was trying to protect them both. She'd only get herself killed. With all the impetuousness of raw youth, she leapt forward ahead of Qui-Gon, shouting hoarsely, blade at the ready. "I won't let you hurt him. I…" "Little fool." Sidious sneered, already waiting for her attack. With a flick of his wrist, he sent a wave of Force energy cresting toward her, throwing her into the air. Qui-Gon had just enough time to catch her and they both went down in a tumble of limbs and silenced lightsabers at the far side of the room. Obi-Wan seized the moment, sliding his saber blade up the line of red light and singeing Sidious's forearm. There was a sharp hiss as the Sith jerked back. As he stepped forward, trying to press his advantage against the Dark Lord, Sle'fey was suddenly there again, hounding Sidious, keeping him off-balance. As he roared toward them, rage swept across the Chancellor's face. He was everywhere, red saber battling against blue blades. The brilliant light seared into Obi-Wan's vision; he tried to blink away the pain, struggled to focus on battling the Sith. Somehow the area around their feet was free of bodies and Obi-Wan didn’t have to worry about stepping on soft corpse-flesh but trying to keep from getting killed was taking all his concentration. Worse, the agony in his shoulder had returned. It was making him sluggish, distracted. He didn't know how long it would be before his focus collapsed and his life ended with the turn of a lightsaber blade. "Master!" The sound of her voice filled him with dread. It hadn't been enough that she'd been flung aside, out of the line of fire. Now, Atel had scrambled back somehow, over the pile of corpses, and was ready to defend him, ready to take down the Sith Lord, danger be damned. Sweeping her lightsaber back and forth, threatening Sidious's flank, she was daring that monster to go after her. Obi-Wan couldn't allow it. She would be cut to ribbons. Before he could say anything, do anything to make her back off, in that instant, Qui-Gon was there again, a bright light in the Force at last. Off to one side, just at the edge of his vision, Obi-Wan could see his old master struggling toward them, limping badly but with lightpike at the ready, hastening to meet the threat. Injuries or no, he knew that Qui-Gon would join him, even if there were no chance for victory. But at least he had the Force to guide him this time. When Qui-Gon slotted into place next to him, Obi-Wan knew that the Dark Lord of the Sith was trapped at last. Four lighted sabers surrounding the scourge at the center of the universe. Darth Sidious. Everything stopped and in that breathless moment, there was a crystalline stillness, as if they were waiting for the storm to break and tear them all into pieces. Palpatine stood there, lightsaber tip pointed down toward the ground but not off. Looking around, he shrugged and a gentle smile, so grandfatherly, so understanding and mild, resurfaced. "My friends, we seem to be at an impasse." Obi-Wan was livid. The man was a consummate actor. How he could stand there, cool as water, and act as if they were merely having a minor disagreement was beyond his comprehension. "Chancellor Palpatine, you are under arrest for the murders of Master Xacor, Knights Rostak and Derst and complicit in the deaths of several Senators as well as members of the Jedi Order and other innocents in this room. I suggest that you submit." As he spoke, Sle'fey's fur was raised high, swirling madly with fury; Obi-Wan had never seen him so distraught but his lightsaber blade was steady and his voice was cold. "I… would delight in killing you here and now. Please - give me an excuse." Palpatine’s smile turned reptilian, triumphant, looking as if he held the upper hand and this was nothing but an inconvenience. "I am appalled at the insinuation, Master Jedi. It was self-defense, not murder." "While Zak was barely conscious and unable to defend himself, you gutted him and left him to die. Master Zak Xacor." Sle'fey's expression frosted into ice. "He never had a chance. So don't bother lying, Chancellor." "He was scum." A low rumbling sneer and Sidious was staring at them all as if he were about to crush them under his boot – and enjoy it. A predator toying with prey. "Hardly worthy of my notice. An insect asking to be obliterated." Looking furious enough to forgo any pretense at justice, Sle'fey's claws tightened on the lightsaber hilt and there was the slightest tremble in the blade but he only said, flatly, "He was the finest Jedi I'd ever known and my friend." "Finest?" Looking around at the four of them, Sidious laughed, a delighted, mocking sound. "His skills were pathetic at best. Jedi standards must be quite lax for him to have become a Master." Then his mouth quirked upward, his eyes sharp with disdain. "Unless you trained him, Sle'fey. That would certainly explain his inability to…." Sle'fey didn't give him time to finish. Bringing his blade a few centimeters closer to Sidious's skin, the threat was clear. "The saber, Chancellor. Last chance." "Surrender, to you? A Bothan rodent, not worthy of licking my boots? I think not. And as for the rest of you…." Blackest poison jetted out into the Force, clouds of shadow and pain and despair spilling out into endless night. A thousand agonies, echoing over and over until it seemed to fill the universe. Obi-Wan felt rather than heard the Force command Sidious sent out but as he thrust his saber forward, hoping to destroy the Sith before another moment could pass, something shoved into him. A hand, torn and bloody and behind it bodies began to rise and weapons the dead guards had held, decorations and the shattered remnants of sculpture. It was as if the entire room was a cyclone of disemboweled corpses and the debris of Sith hatred. Moans grew as those who could still feel pain, were still alive, were used as bludgeons against the Jedi. It was utter madness and through it all, profane laughter echoed triumphant in the Force. A deep whimper sounded as a half-dead body tumbled past. Bile rising in his throat, for just an instant, Obi-Wan struggled with the knowledge that he'd have to kill innocents to get to Sidious and take him down. There was no choice. The Sith Lord had to be destroyed or he'd send the galaxy into darkness for all eternity. As another body clipped Obi-Wan, he staggered back under the onslaught. Charred hands clutched at him, and there was an agonized cry for help. He didn't recognize the man. He only knew that his fingers were caught on the gold bullion of a shredded vest, were roughened against the sharp edges of gemstones, and the blood-bruised face looked familiar somehow. He didn't think to ask his name, didn't have time to show compassion for the wounded; instead he just shoved him aside, reached for Sidious instead. Qui-Gon was already there, slashing first at bloody meat and transparasteel shards and then battling Sidious. The Sith's saber was stark against green and, with a great shove, Sidious forced him away. Atel jumped into the breach, trying to cut across his legs, apparently hoping to bring him down but another body slammed into her and she fell back. But not for long. As Qui-Gon began to recover, Atel was there again, her blade clashing with the Sith blade, a brilliant flash of light painting her face crimson. Splattered with blood, Sle'fey seemed tireless, relentless, trying to get in hit after hit while Sidious battled them all. But it was superficial damage, nothing that would end this conflict. The rich tunics that Palpatine wore were only singed and the few shallow lines of seared flesh did not hold the Sith Lord back. Blast it all, Sidious was too fast for any of them. As Sle'fey retreated, a stark line of burn across his fur, Obi-Wan shoved into the fight. His arm was on fire, the pull of muscle and half-healed bone almost unbearable but he refused to allow anything to come between him and that madman. It was almost his undoing. Extending his blade, the pain flared up abruptly, sending a sheet of agony across his chest and down his back. He couldn't breathe, couldn't think, couldn't do anything. Spasming, muscles torn from overuse, he curled inward slightly, and it was enough to signal the Sith that he was vulnerable, that he could be struck down with a single blow. Sidious moved in for the kill. "Look out!" Atel was screaming, jumping in front of him, protecting him, her saber blazing, all fire and determination. A warrior, a guardian, an almost-daughter protecting her father from harm. A Jedi. It wasn't enough. Mouth pulled back, a smile on his face and insanity in his eyes, the Sith Lord looked triumphant as he shoved his lightsaber into Atel's chest and out through the back. No, no, no, no…. NO! Bright death in a single blow. The rsshak slime didn't even bother to pull it straight out, just slashed through flesh and bone, Atel a melted doll collapsing away and no longer a threat. Sidious kicked at her ruined body, stepping on one outthrust hand and began jabbing death at Sle'fey and Qui-Gon Jinn. Struggling for air, her face agony-etched, she stared up into Obi-Wan's unbelieving face. Blinking away at vision gone blurry with grief, shaking his head in denial of everything he’d seen, he looked away. He couldn’t bear seeing her like that, couldn’t bear to watch her gasping out her last breath - whispered, horror in his throat, "No, it can't be." It was all his fault and he couldn’t think about her looking up at him with such devotion. He didn’t deserve it or her. Somewhere in the room, under the sharp hiss of sabers battling and groans of the dying, there was a deep self-satisfied laugh. Sidious, it was Sidious reveling in Atel's death, delighting in it. And Obi-Wan couldn't... he couldn't…. The world went red. Snarling madness, he turned, searching for Sidious amongst the carnage of broken bodies. He wanted desperately to crush that knowing smirk into the back of his braincase, pulp rising out to splatter the blood-red carpeting. He wanted Palpatine, Sidious, that sneering monster, to die in a thousand ways and through a thousand lifetimes for what he had done and Obi-Wan wanted to be the one to make it all happen. "No, Obi-Wan. Stop!" He didn’t listen to Qui-Gon’s hoarse desperate plea. He didn't react to anything but the thought of Sith flesh melting under his blade. It was impossible but the Sith seemed to grow stronger as Obi-Wan’s fury grew. Almost as if Sidious was feeding on his anger. Ignoring the warnings, ignoring the feeling of malice and corrupt satisfaction coming from that filthy grub-worm, Obi-Wan brought his saber up, slashing sharply through the heated air. He missed Sidious's head by a hair's breadth. But as he lunged in to try and take the Sith Lord out again, he nearly skewered Sle’fey. Too close. A flash of startled eyes and white fur and Obi-Wan backed away. Qui-Gon’s blade went low, aiming for legs and vulnerability but Sidious was impossibly fast. There was only so much space and they kept getting in each other’s way as they tried and failed to take out Sidious. Looking down, his glance swept past Atel’s pale face and grief stabbed through him again. Swallowing back the sorrow that threatened to overwhelm him, he poured more and more energy into the fight, his blade too fast to see, the tangle of sabers a brilliant blur of red and green and blues, the after-glow blinding him as he pushed and pushed. Ignored Qui-Gon, ignored Sle’fey, ignored everything but taking down the Sith Lord. Finally, finally, Sidious was beginning to tire. A slip and Sle’fey’s blade did more than nick the skin, scorched a trail of fire down the Sith’s arm. Qui-Gon took advantage and went again for the legs, cutting through almost to the bone before the Dark Lord spat his outrage and started to collapse. Obi-Wan saw his chance, put everything of frenzy and fury and hopeless grief into one final effort and lunged true - stabbed through flesh and bone and black blood. Into the heart of the Darth Sidious, Dark Lord of the Sith. Looking almost surprised, his eyes glaring hate-yellow, Sidious fell back, his body sliding off Obi-Wan’s blade. Still intact, still alive but not for long. The Force was suddenly filled with fury, a thick profanity of pain and hatred so vast that it seemed never-ending, corruption mixing with icy revenge, loathing and putrification and the shadows of madness, darkness billowing black and more black, stealing all light. And shattering through it all, the screams of a thousand, thousand tortured beings, high-pitched wails that grew and grew and grew until it seemed to fill the universe with their cries. Taken aback, he didn't see Sidious lifting one hand toward him, sending a blaze of blue lightning crackling across the air and into Obi-Wan’s chest. He couldn’t breathe, couldn’t think, could only feel his body convulsing in shrill agony, every nerve writhing in a fire of such unimaginable pain that it was almost pleasure. As he fell to his knees, Obi-Wan struggled to retain control, not to slide into the relief of unconsciousness, no matter how much he wanted it. He had to make sure Sidious would never hurt anyone ever again. There was something, something he realized later was the sound of a lightsaber blade’s angry hiss. But by then, he was too far gone to care. Unable to do more than collapse into a tight ball, Obi-Wan did not even see the blow that took off Sidious’s head. He only knew that the blaze of Sith lightning was suddenly gone and he could breathe again. The relief from pain was almost a torment. He lay there, trembling and exhausted and thoroughly numb, watching as Sidious’s sneering face came to rest against Sle’fey’s boot. There was blood and bone still steaming from the remnants of a saber blade before a cloth dropped over the gore but Obi-Wan couldn't bring himself to care. "Obi-Wan? Obi-Wan, can you hear me?" Qui-Gon's soft voice sounded worried. It took nearly all of his strength to look up into his master's worn face. The man looked ill, his tunic charred, a shoulder wound open and oozing. Qui-Gon was trembling, too, but at least he lived. He lived. So many others had not, so many and she… he did not want to think about it but at least he should gather up the courage to go to her, watch over her body until it was time. Ignoring Qui-Gon's question, he turned over, still hunched, still aching from the battle to end Sidious's life. Forcing himself to move, he rose up a bit, kneeling on that hard, red carpet, so full of blood and entrails and the remnants of death; he didn't have enough energy to stand but at least Atel's body was not far away. He could crawl to her and wait there until they took her to the Temple. Qui-Gon must have understood. A hand offered and quickly withdrawn when he shook his head. His master didn't push to help him up, just seemed to accept that Obi-Wan was on the remnants of ragged strength, on the edge of despair. Qui-Gon walked slowly beside him, and didn't say a word. She laid there, her face untouched but the ruin of her body was plain. A bright bubble of blood rose in her open mouth and her eyes were half-closed. She looked more at peace than he'd seen her in a very long time. Another bubble and she was breathing, shallowly, impossibly still alive. "Atel? Atel?" She was a dim spark in the Force and he knew she only had a few moments more. He wanted to tell her how much he loved her, his almost-daughter, how much he'd hoped for them to remain connected even when she went off to do her own missions. He wanted to say so much but all he could do was rasp out, "I should have listened." A small frown, her mouth grimacing in pain. "Master? I…" And then she stopped. Eyes glazed over and there was silence and then the sound of last breaths, and the look on her young face as it melted into death. Obi-Wan could only stare and watch her change into a shell, all light and life gone, knowing that he was powerless to prevent it. Leaning forward, he reached out and closed her eyes for the last time. "My fault, Atel, my fault. I should never have come back." A large hand on his shoulder and then Qui-Gon was kneeling beside him, mourning, too. His voice was harsh with remorse. "It is not your fault. It is mine." Too much, too much for him to cope. He was sick of death, sick of life, sick of faults and mistakes and the knowledge that he'd never see her again. His gangly, shy girl. He curled inward, leaning his face against the carpet. Ignoring the agony of burnt skin and the pull of over-extended muscle, ignoring the smell of death and the soft moans of those still alive, ignoring everything except loss and endless grief, Obi-Wan wept. -----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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Valairy_Scot Registered: Sep '05	Date Posted: 9/22 7:25pm Subject: Betrayal (Obi/Qui angst - very AU) Updated 9/22/09
	Well...I guess I'm not updating anything of mine tonight - I'm too blown away by this. Wow - just wow. Chaotic maelstrom of emotions and emotions...diminishing to - simple grief. That was the perfect way to pull us from all the energetic can't-breath to a simple indrawn gasp - that was a perfect way to end this chapter. But Atel... Poor Obi-Wan! But Sids is dead! -----signature----- http://boards.theforce.net/fan_fiction_resource/b10304/25405090/p3/?52 Prolific Author thread: list & links there. Muse fueled by coffee. Often AWOL despite frequent sipping. Writes on inspiration, not a schedule. 2007-2008 the quality years
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Jedi_Perigrine Registered: Apr '08	Date Posted: 9/22 9:52pm Subject: Betrayal (Obi/Qui angst - very AU) Updated 9/22/09
	Unbelievable post. You handled the complexity of the scene wonderfully and tugged all the right strings. Poor Atel's scene was marvelously sad, and as well done as the entire post. Wonderful stuff, I really look forward to more of this. Awesome! -----signature----- Check out the Talons! They RULE! http://boards.theforce.net/beyond_the_saga/b10477/28126755/p1 I can't believe Darth Writer's Block only abandons me for NaNo. NaNo word count: 52,501
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Musing Registered: Oct '03	Date Posted: 9/23 3:08am Subject: RE: Betrayal (Obi/Qui angst - very AU) Updated 9/22/09
	*peeks out from under the bed" Is it safe to come out now? And here I thought the battle between Maul, Mace and Anakin was so impressive... What a fight! It's like the scenes from Naboo in TPM and in the Chancellor's office in ROTS all rolled into one. Poor Obi-Wan! Losing Atel like that may be the loss of his final tie to the Jedi. Good thing Qui-Gon survived the fight. Without him, it looks as if Obi-Wan would be completely lost. Be a shame if Palpatine/Sidious was able to score a win, even with his death, by turning Obi-Wan to the Dark Side. Great work, dianethx!
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Kynstar Registered: Mar '04	Date Posted: 9/23 6:24am Subject: Betrayal (Obi/Qui angst - very AU) Updated 9/22/09
	So intense! Wow totally wow indeed! Woman, thy name is amazing! Poor Atel so sad Hey you weren't supposed to kill her off but what a way to do it! Man oh man! Glad Sle'fey survived he is one of my fave OCs in this tale Yay! Qui survived as well as Obi-Wan! But...at what cost? Poor Obi So much gone...and now Atel as well. Blame upon blame, he isn't going to be in too good of a shape after this. But the evil is gone, so hopefully that'll be some conciliation if any. Well done! Soooo enjoyed the fighting! And so graphic as well! Juz so much to say, but not enough time. Gotta hurry to my meeting, but I had to read this before!! LOL bad me in having fun before work dianethx you have blown me away once more with this chapter. You juz can't stop, but hey! That's the way uhuh we like it...uhuh yeah that's the way we like it! (my sad attempt at that song ) Thanks again for continuing the tale! And as soon as I can get to the library I'm gonna read up on the Merlin tales my work won't let me in that site...which is weird, because I can see these boards... totally don't make sense. -----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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Ocelotl_Nesto Registered: Oct '04	Date Posted: 9/23 2:53pm Subject: Betrayal (Obi/Qui angst - very AU) Updated 9/22/09
	Wow! That was terrible and terrific. Sad to see Obi loose Atel. But it was very well done.
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dianethx Registered: Mar '02	Date Posted: 9/23 5:13pm Subject: Betrayal (Obi/Qui angst - very AU) Updated 9/22/09
	Val – thanks so much. I really appreciate you reviewing this here and on ff.n, too. I wanted to start intense and work it down until we reach a low. Grief for all he'd lost and he's mourning more than just Atel but his whole life at the moment. Hopefully he'll get better with time. Jedi_Perigrine – I'm glad that it came across. I wanted to leave the reader wrung out and I hope I did that. Sadness for poor Atel and Obi-Wan is also what I was going for. Poor guy has been through the wringer. Thanks for reviewing. Musing – LOL Yes, it's safe to come out now. The two main Sith are dead. As for the fight, the Maul fight was so intense using the environment to escalate the conflict, I needed something more gruesome to make it even harder for our Jedi to fight. After all, Sidious would use anything at hand, even living beings if he had to. Yes, poor Obi-Wan. He's really exhausted and grief-stricken at the moment. Qui-Gon may be able to help him or maybe not. Obi-Wan did come mighty close to using the Dark. So he'll need someone to guide him back into the Light. Glad you liked it! Kynstar – I had to kill Atel off. If she was still around, there would be less conflict for what Obi is going to decide next. Obi-Wan certainly isn't in good shape at the moment and hopefully Qui will be able to help him. I'm so glad that it came across. I was a bit worried that I wouldn't be able to top the Maul fight scene. I did want it to be graphic, more than just because it was unsettling but because Sidious would use every tool in the book including living beings to use as weapons. I've never seen that in other stories and I wanted to do something different. I hope I succeeded. As for the Merlin tales, I also have them on tf.n. I thought ff.n would be easier but since you can't get onto the site, here's the tf.n listings. I'm especially proud of Conversations with a sorceress. I thought it was one of the best things I've ever written. conversations with a sorceress miscommunication Merlin drabbles Draca alysan Ocelotl_Nesto – Thanks so much. Glad you enjoyed it. It was very hard to write but it came out the way I wanted it so I was quite happy when I was able to post it. -----signature----- Betrayal - http://boards.theforce.net/s/b1/10935143 updated 11/2/09 jedidas3's Master Merlin - Diplomatic Immunity - http://boards.theforce.net/nswff/b10808/30459852
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bek Registered: Jul '05	Date Posted: 9/23 6:07pm Subject: Betrayal (Obi/Qui angst - very AU) Updated 9/22/09 - Date Edited: 9/23 6:08pm (1 edits total) Edited By: bek
	Obi-Wan and Qui-Gon are both going to need time to heal. I wonder if Qui-Gon will fall back into Master mode despite everything that has gone on back at home. Will he be strong for his former padawan and help him overcome his grief and brush with the dark side, or will Obi-Wan have to shake off his own grief to be strong for his former master in dealing with Qui-Gon's wife's injury, the possible demise of their unborn child and Mace's death. I hope Obi-Wan doesn't decide to stay with the Jedi. Or perhaps the Bendu will return and help rebuild the Order. So many possibilities. The scene with Palpatine was wonderfully done! The tension was so thick it was like a veil over the whole scene. Can't wait for more! -----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 11/10/09 - Somewhere in the Middle - (OWK/QGJ) - Before Saga
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dianethx Registered: Mar '02	Date Posted: 10/20 5:13pm Subject: Betrayal (Obi/Qui angst - very AU) Updated 9/22/09
	bek - Yes, they are both going to need to heal. Obi-Wan is pretty overwhelmed at the moment, in pain, grieving and mistrustful. As for Obi-Wan staying with the Jedi, we shall see. There are lots of possibilities. Thanks about the scene with Palpatine. He was a lot of fun to write. Chapter 38 - Aftermath - part 1 Empty. All he felt was empty. Exhausted, only half-aware of his own injuries and not particularly inclined to move even if he had the strength, Obi-Wan sat there, and tried not to think. He was surrounded by bodies. Next to him, Atel sprawled, a lifeless corpse, her hand already cooling in his. In some corner of his mind, he supposed it was his duty to get up, to go help sort out this debacle, give aid to the survivors, cover the dead. But he couldn't leave her, not like this. And he was so tired. Catching his eye, Qui-Gon gave him a sharp concerned look and then turned back to comfort one of the Senators who had a little earlier called for his Master's death. Even injured, his shoulder blackened, his movements slow and deliberate, still his old Master managed to show compassion for those who would have wished him harm. A true Jedi in every sense of the word. Sle'fey, on the other hand, was rushing about, talking furiously into his comlink. All bustle and business, the Bothan didn't appear to be the least bit affected by the carnage. Master Xacor, supposedly Sle'fey's good friend, and the other Jedi were dead by Sidious's hand but he seemed to ignore the devastating losses. His fur was matted with blood and surely there were other injuries, hidden under his tunics. But his bark was still strong and his eyes clear and steady. He looked almost happy. "Phen, we have at least 25 beings dead, Senators and bureaucrats as well as the Chancellor." Sle'fey stopped pacing for a moment, frowning down at the butchery around him, and then shook himself free and sank back into the manipulative slime Obi-Wan now knew him to be. "Yes, our sources were correct. He was a Sith Lord. There will be hell to pay but we still have a few people alive up here so send as many medivacs as you can." Sle'fey must have noticed Obi-Wan looking at him. Scowling, his fur whirling slightly in agitation, he turned, facing him squarely, but continuing to answer whatever questions were being asked on the other end. "Of the twelve in our group, only three of us, Jinn, Kenobi and I, are still able to function." There was an almost imperceptible flash of sorrow in the dark eyes, so brief that Obi-Wan thought it might have been his imagination. "Most of the rest are dead, including Master Xacor, and some of the ones still alive may not survive." Another nod as the Jedi Master said, "Be prepared to answer questions put to you by the Senate but stall as long as you can. I'll brief the Council when I return. Sle'fey out." As he shoved his comlink into the fastness of his tunics, the Bothan watched Obi-Wan for a moment longer, looking for all the galaxy as if he were weighing his options and finding the balance unacceptable. Or finding him unacceptable - Obi-Wan wasn't sure which - but it didn't matter. He'd lost everything he'd ever held sacred and now there was nothing left. Sle'fey's little games meant nothing to him, less than nothing. All he wanted to do was sleep and forget what he'd done, what had been done to him - and to her. Sle'fey must have come to some conclusion because his gaze flicked up toward the entrance to Palpatine's office. A rustling behind Obi-Wan and he twisted, not quite curious, to see the doors open and Senator Amidala sweep into the room. "Chancellor, I…." She stood there, looking over the devastation, seemingly shocked for a moment, then straightening up, suddenly alert and obviously ready for anything. Obi-Wan had read of her courage during the Siege of Naboo and she was showing it again. No frail blossom here. She looked pale but stood vigilant, her hand gripping a blaster that she must have concealed under those vast robes of hers. Obi-Wan hadn't even seen her reach for it. An able young woman. Behind her stood a dozen armed Naboo and a few Republic guards trailing them. "Qui-Gon? What happened here?" Her voice was sharp with concern and Obi-Wan could see that she was assessing the situation, weighing the hidden potential for danger against the need for helping the injured. Before Qui-Gon could reply, Sle'fey hustled toward her, paws wide, all oily manipulation. There was just a hint of groveling in his voice. "Senator, how fortunate that you have arrived. There has been a situation. I've called for medivacs but if your entourage could help with the survivors, it would be most appreciated." "Of course, Master Jedi." Nodding, she motioned her staff to fan out. The way the Naboo moved quickly to the few still breathing spoke of long experience with triage. The Republic guards stayed by the door, clearly protecting the exit, whether to keep the Jedi in or intruders out, Obi-Wan couldn't tell. Trying again to engage her in conversation, perhaps divert her attention from the fact that there were so many dead or that Palpatine's half-covered head lay jumbled among the rest, Sle'fey started to thank her but she shrugged him off, turning to Qui-Gon instead. "Qui-Gon, please, what happened?" His wound was still oozing at his shoulder, and as Qui-Gon stood up, to her credit, Senator Amidala winced in sympathy. "Padmé, it was a trap. Palpatine…." Stepping further into the room, her hand out as if to meet Qui-Gon half way, suddenly, one of the Republic guards, taller than the rest, leapt forward, shoving himself in front of the Senator. Putting up his hand, he said flatly, "Senator, I cannot permit this. You may be in grave danger. The Jedi are the only ones left standing. We must assume that the Jedi did this." Glancing quickly at Qui-Gon and then Master Sle'fey, Amidala straightened up, bristling at the implications. "At the moment, we don't know what happened. But until we do, we need to take care of the living and assess the situation." And as she tried to step around the man, he followed her, a wall of stubborn duty. "Madam, you are the senior Republic representative here and must be protected at all costs." Obi-Wan could hear the persistence in the man's voice, although he had to admit that Amidala was looking more furious by the moment. "At least wait until backup arrives, Senator." "My own forces are quite capable to protecting me, Lieutenant, and while I appreciate your diligence, you will let me pass." When he still didn't move, she shoved him aside – in other times, it would have been amusing to watch this slight girl pushing past a huge hulk of a man - and ignoring his protests, started to pick her way toward Qui-Gon. Short of bodily removing her from the room, there wasn't much the Lieutenant could do. Looking thoroughly unhappy, he trailed behind her, muttering into his comlink, apparently waiting for more guards to appear. With so many now looking after the few survivors, Amidala must have realized that her help was no longer necessary. As she reached Qui-Gon, she gently pushed aside his tunic and looked at the wound, shaking her head at the mess. "I'm afraid there is nothing to be done until the medivacs arrive with supplies." "I thought as much." He stood there, white as a shroud, and Obi-Wan thought Qui-Gon might be going into shock. He seemed to shake it off as he gazed down at her but his voice was husky with pain. "Padmé, it was a trap." "Master Jinn, perhaps you should wait until you have seen the Healers." Sle'fey's voice was as pointed as shattered glass, obviously trying to contain the situation but the Senator wasn't having any of it. Sending a scorching glare in the Bothan's direction, she began to look more closely at the carnage, growing paler and more appalled with every second. Piles of bodies, some shredded from plasma bolts, limbs sticking up and the smell of blood and cooked meat, the sharp ozone of lightsaber blades. It was almost overwhelming for Obi-Wan and he had been in the heat of it all. She was coming into it with fresh eyes. Obi-Wan could only imagine what she must have been feeling. The horror bled through her voice. "How many dead? And where is Chancellor Palpatine?" "Padmé…," Qui-Gon hesitated, obviously trying to soften the blow, but there was nothing to be done. "At least 25 and there may be more before the night is done." And with a tiny grunt as he shifted to one side, he nodded toward the gore-strewn pile. "Palpatine is dead." Her gaze slid past him, searching among the dregs of corpses for a familiar face. She must have found it because her head snapped back and even from Obi-Wan's vantage point, she looked like she was going to be sick. "Where is the rest of him?" Before Qui-Gon could say anything else, still hovering near Amidala's shoulder, the Lieutenant pulled out his blaster and pointed it straight at him, the other Republic guards gathering up behind him with weapons drawn. "You three are under arrest for the murder of Chancellor Palpatine." She whirled on the man, her voice sharp as a blade, "Stand down. You have no proof at present for arrest. Until there has been an investigation sanctioned by the Senate Judiciary, you will refrain from making allegations of that kind." The guard was sputtering with indignation. "But he's been murdered. His head is…." She drew back, straightening, sending him a glare that would have destroyed lesser men. "Since you insist that I am the senior representative here, you will stand down until I tell you otherwise. Is that clear?" "If they escape, it will be on your head, Senator." But he motioned his men to return to the doorway and stood there, stone-steady, blasters drawn, waiting. Once she realized that the Republic guards would stay put for the time being, Amidala walked over to the half-covered head and pulled back the cloth. This time she didn't recoil from the gore but her frown grew thunderous. As she stood up, she looked first around at the carnage in the room, then settled her gaze on Trest Sle'fey. "It would seem that a lightsaber was used to kill Chancellor Palpatine. Do you have an explanation for this, Master Jedi?" Her eyes were as hard as durasteel and winter-cold but he didn't back away from her accusations. "Self-defense, Senator." Master Sle'fey straightened, muzzle up, standing there as if ready to battle anyone who would dare challenge his words, looking every inch the leader of the Jedi Order. "Chancellor Palpatine used some kind of plasma weapon on us. Most here did not stand a chance." Her eyes widened as she took in the implications. "Are you accusing the Supreme Chancellor of the Republic of murder?" Qui-Gon flinched at the hostility in her voice. He must have been more injured than Obi-Wan realized. Usually, his old master would be the epitome of stoic calm, even in the face of overwhelming odds. "Yes, we are." He stepped forward, leaning down, his eyes soft with sympathy. "I'm sorry, Padmé. I know he was a friend but he fooled us all." She jerked away, looking around again at the bodies. "What are you saying?" "We were about to arrest him and turn him over to the Senate for investigation when he attacked us." His fur whirling madly, Sle'fey growled contempt as he nodded toward the severed head. "Chancellor Palpatine was not the genial, grandfatherly leader we all thought, trying to save the Republic from itself in these troubled times." To Obi-Wan's eyes, Sle'fey was hesitating too long, staring at her, looking suspiciously like he wasn't sure if he should tell her everything or twist things as he had always done. Obi-Wan's experiences with him, the Jedi Council and their flexibility with truth made him wary. The Bothan was devious to a fault, the consummate trickster but he must have decided on honesty - for a change. "Senator Amidala, he was a Sith Lord." There were hurried whispers in the background; her face paled with shocked disbelief. "Do you have proof?" Looking thoroughly sure of himself, Sle'fey bowed toward her. "Oh, yes. More than enough." From the entrance, there was loud condemnation. "He's making it up. It's not possible for our Chancellor to be one of those Sith creatures." Growls of agreement followed; apparently the Republic guards were not happy about the situation or believed the Jedi for a single moment. But the mutters died down when Senator Amidala sent them a distinctly haughty stare and then deliberately turned her back on them. "It will have to be put before the Judiciary and there will certainly be an uproar. I would assume for your sake that you are prepared for the worst. They may dissolve the Jedi Order over this." "That is one potential outcome, yes." Sle'fey sounded smug as if he'd already planned for that eventuality. Even Amidala sent him a questioning glance but he merely ignored her looks. "I am sure that the Senate will find the Jedi and the Order clear of all charges. Now if…." He never finished the sentence. The first of the medivacs swept into the room and in a moment it was controlled chaos. Amidala quickly stepped forward and began to direct the efforts, making sure that the still-living were quickly hoisted into hoversleds and whisked away to the nearest infirmary, the Jedi to the Temple Halls of Healing and non-Jedi to Manarai Medical Center. All the while, the Republic guards at the entrance kept their eyes on Sle'fey, Qui-Gon, and sometimes sent a glance toward him, likely trying to make sure none of them escaped. As if he would bother. Amidst the bustle, Obi-Wan sank back again. No longer even mildly curious as to what was being said or done, too tired to think, he was sure someone would come for him eventually and it would be an effort to care. Instead, he turned away, staring at nothing and then reluctantly down at the shell of his Padawan, now just a cooling corpse. Closed his eyes, trying to block out the pain, the memories, the horror of it all. Tried to ignore the taint of the still darkened Force, all that sorrow spilling over into the oily currents, all that death. He didn't even hear Qui-Gon hobbling toward him, just felt the slight breeze as he knelt down. "Obi-Wan? We will need to leave soon." He grunted in return. He knew he should put it aside, let his feelings go into the Force like a good Jedi would and be at peace but perhaps he wasn't that man any more. Qui-Gon didn’t say anything else but he could almost hear his reproach. Obi-Wan let out a long, slow breath. "Do you think she knew what she was doing at the end?" There was a long silence before Qui-Gon murmured, "Yes, she knew." Then he placed his hand on Obi-Wan's uninjured arm, giving it a sympathetic squeeze. "We will honor her sacrifice, Padawan. When we return to the Temple…." "Don't." He shook off the contact. He didn't want to hear it, didn't want to be offered pity or understanding or any of the other compassionate Jedi platitudes. He'd led her here to her death, killed her as if he's wielded the saber with his own hands and he didn't need Qui-Gon reminding him of duty and sacrifice. "Do you think I'm a good Jedi, Qui-Gon?" He wasn't sure he wanted to hear the answer; he wasn't sure he should have asked the question. But Qui-Gon didn't protest, must have realized that Obi-Wan was still exhausted, at the end of his rope and thinking of letting go. "I think you are a good man in need of rest and meditation. These last days have been difficult." He said quietly, "When you've regained your balance, Obi-Wan, I think you will already know the answer." There was a rustle of long skirts and Senator Amidala stood over them. "Qui-Gon, Master Jedi, we need to clear the room so that the Republic investigators can begin. If you will follow me, I will see that you are sent safely back to the Temple. Under guard unfortunately, but I'm sure you understand that." She seemed to hesitate, perhaps understanding how much Obi-Wan had lost. "The bodies will remain here for the time being but once the Judiciary team has taken the evidence needed to make a determination, all the Jedi dead will be sent back to the Order for cremation." As Qui-Gon helped him to his feet and they stumbled away to the door, he thought about what would happen next. They would take samples, handle her body as if it were nothing, treat her like the corpse she was. The Jedi would agree, would remind him that her body was just crude matter, that Atel was already one with the Force and when her remains came back to the Temple, they would burn the shell into ash. But when he looked back, all he saw was her face, white and still, and wondered where his shy girl had gone. -----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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Valairy_Scot Registered: Sep '05	Date Posted: 10/20 6:10pm Subject: Betrayal (Obi/Qui angst - very AU) Updated 10/20/09
	"Do you think I'm a good Jedi, Qui-Gon?" He wasn't sure he wanted to hear the answer; he wasn't sure he should have asked the question. But Qui-Gon didn't protest, must have realized that Obi-Wan was still exhausted, at the end of his rope and thinking of letting go. "I think you are a good man in need of rest and meditation. These last days have been difficult." He said quietly, "When you've regained your balance, Obi-Wan, I think you will already know the answer." Force, poor, poor Obi-Wan - and thank the Force for Qui-Gon. That might be the only - the best - answer possible. As Qui-Gon helped him to his feet and they stumbled away to the door, he thought about what would happen next. They would take samples, handle her body as if it were nothing, treat her like the corpse she was. The Jedi would agree, would remind him that her body was just crude matter, that Atel was already one with the Force and when her remains came back to the Temple, they would burn the shell into ash. But when he looked back, all he saw was her face, white and still, and wondered where his shy girl had gone. Hammer home the grief, the price and the sacrifice the peacekeepers pay. Diane - a magnificent, horrible, update. -----signature----- http://boards.theforce.net/fan_fiction_resource/b10304/25405090/p3/?52 Prolific Author thread: list & links there. Muse fueled by coffee. Often AWOL despite frequent sipping. Writes on inspiration, not a schedule. 2007-2008 the quality years
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Musing Registered: Oct '03	Date Posted: 10/20 7:33pm Subject: Betrayal (Obi/Qui angst - very AU) Updated 10/20/09
	After all the action of the previous post, dianethx, the aftermath seems kind of unreal. I'm sure Obi-Wan probably wishes it was. It's great to see Padme taking charge of things. She sure knows how to put people in their place. Too bad she couldn't do a more thorough job on Master Sle'fey. I like that he's kept in character as an oily manipulator, Jedi or not. Interesting how Obi-Wan characterizes Qui-Gon as a "true Jedi" for his compassion towards others, but wonders whether he himself is a "good Jedi." He knows how a "good" Jedi should feel and act, but can't bring himself to care. Not really a surprise, given how Obi-Wan's been pushed to his limits and beyond in every way. Great job, dianethx!
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Kynstar Registered: Mar '04	Date Posted: 10/21 6:23am Subject: Betrayal (Obi/Qui angst - very AU) Updated 10/20/09
	He definitely will need healing and meditation and not juz healing of the body. Poor Obi man that's juz gotta stink! LOL how the guards reacted and kept up their auto fingering of the Jedi as if they're the guilty ones. Well hope they all feel badly later when they realize that the lil ole 'fragile' Chancellor was not all that. Man to be a fly when they see all that he does... Great update once again Recover and ready a case what fun...the work for 'afterwards' seems more time consuming than the prepping sometimes! Thanks again! -----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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Ocelotl_Nesto Registered: Oct '04	Date Posted: 10/21 10:38am Subject: Betrayal (Obi/Qui angst - very AU) Updated 10/20/09
	Great Post!... Will Obi/Jinn/Padme be informed of events on Naboo? Perhaps they will feel the impact of the Sith destruction...
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dianethx Registered: Mar '02	Date Posted: 10/21 1:08pm Subject: Betrayal (Obi/Qui angst - very AU) Updated 10/20/09
	Val - I wanted to show that Obi-Wan is questioning everything that he was and what he needs to decide for the future. Plus this post was a transition piece to show that the Jedi need to deal with the reprecussions of Palpatine's death. I'm glad it worked for you! Musing - Yes, it's always tricky when there has been such a buildup of tension and suddenly it's released. Sort of like the aftermath of a rollercoaster ride. It leaves you feeling disoriented and unreal. Yes, I'm sure Obi-Wan would have preferred it to be unreal. He's in a lot of pain, poor guy. Yes, Padme is a taking charge kind of person. She was in Ep. 1 and mostly Ep 2. As for working on Sle'fey, he's a Bothan manipulator and good at what he does. He honestly thinks he's doing the right thing. Thanks. Glad you liked it. Kyn - I took some time off from my Merlin story for this update. Yes, Obi needs rest and healing for everything, body and mind. Poor guy. Yes, the Republic guards would think that the ones not dead would be the guilty parties. I'm sure they'll be quite unhappy when they find out they were wrong. Thanks. Glad you liked it. Ocelotl Nesto - Thanks. Yes, the events will become clear either in the next post or the one after that. Padme was a little busy in this post but I'm sure she'll find out soon what happened on Naboo and be able to pass along the info. 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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