Jedi Council Forums - Descent Into Darkness AOTC AU A/P, Z/?, O/S, Xan. Updated 11/7 Xan and Obi encounter

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Author	Topic: Descent Into Darkness AOTC AU A/P, Z/?, O/S, Xan. Updated 11/7 Xan and Obi encounter
jacen200015 Registered: Jan '02	Date Posted: 5/13 2:16pm Subject: Descent Into Darkness AOTC AU A/P, Z/?, O/S, Xanatos. Sequel to Family Bonds. Updated 5/11
	GeneralKenobi7: Nice chapter, but the Council really has me frustrated there Sorry for not responding to the last chapter... Thanks. Yes the Council is being annoying. Valairy_Scot: I always find it fascinating how authors can work different characters into canon scenes and so flawlessly. Well done. Thanks It's not an easy thing to do and can be a very fine line to walk. earlybird-obi-wan: Nice update and with Anakin and Zane both going with Padmé things might turn out differently. Thank you. We shall see. And Mace always quoting the code. grr Yeah. -----signature----- If I review then PM me when you update. thanks so much. Send me your completed 'the saga' stories! Check out my new story Descent Into Darkness Don't quote me the odds. I shall do as I must. Do or do not, there is no try.
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jacen200015 Registered: Jan '02	Date Posted: 5/18 8:42am Subject: RE: Descent Into Darkness AOTC AU A/P, Z/?, O/S, Xanatos. Sequel to Family Bonds. Updated 5/18
	Chapter 7 Anakin and Zane stood outside of Padme’s bedroom and watched as Padme and Dorme rushed about the room, throwing luggage together, Padme’s sharp movements revealed her mood. /She is definitely not happy./ Anakin commented. /I can see that./ Zane said as Padme stopped what she was doing to speak to Jar Jar, who had entered the bedroom. /It looks like Jar Jar gets nervous when she’s visibly upset and angry./ Anakin nodded in agreement. /But you have to admit, his manners have improved somewhat./ Zane snorted. /Heavy responsibility will do that, but he has far to go./ Jar Jar left the bedroom and Anakin and Zane slowly entered. “I do not like this idea of hiding,” Padme said emphatically. “Don’t worry. Now that the Council has ordered an investigation, it won’t take Master Obi-Wan long to find out who hired that bounty hunter,” Anakin responded. “And while your master investigates, I have to hide away.” “That would be most prudent, yes,” Anakin said. Padme gave a little sigh of frustration. “I haven’t worked for a year to defeat the Military Creation Act to not be here when its fate is decided!” “That is frustrating, but life does not always let us do what we want,” Zane replied. Padme finished tucking a piece of clothing into her luggage and looked at Zane. “I’m sorry, I’ve been rude, I never got your name.” “My name’s Zane, you know, the kid that talked to you while you were cleaning Artoo after we got past the blockade.” “Oh.” Padme paused and studied Zane’s face fully this time. She shook her head, “It certainly has been far to long. So how is it you were assigned with Master Kenobi and Anakin? I know that masters don’t have two padawans at a time.” “My former master, Master Jinn, was unable to take field missions, so the Council tended to assign me to go on missions with Master Kenobi and Anakin.” Zane swallowed down a painful lump in his throat and excused himself. He went to stand near a window so he could regain his composure. Anakin watched Zane in concern and then looked at Padme. “Master Jinn died last night. The Council had assigned Zane to this mission knowing full well that Master Jinn was on his death bed.” The words came out somewhat bitterly when he said them. Padme looked at him stunned. Was the Council really so callous as to deny a padawan to be at his master’s side until the end? Her frustration was temporarily quenched as she focused on the two padawans instead of herself. Anakin walked over to Zane and placed his hand on his shoulder. He sent waves of comfort to Zane through the Force until he was able to regain his center of calm. “I’m sorry to hear of your loss,” Padme told them. “Thank you,” Zane said. Footsteps sounded outside the bedroom and Obi-Wan and a Jedi initiate walked into the bedroom. “Aeryn, what are you doing here?” Zane asked. Aeryn ran up to Zane and gave him a tight hug. “Daddy needs to ask Dex something, and I asked if I could go with him and he said yes!” She froze and she felt Zane stiffen as she suddenly realized what she had just said while there were others in the room who did not know of the family connection. She released Zane and spun around, red coloring her cheeks. “Oops.” She looked at Obi-Wan, who was massaging the sides of his head to ward off a headache. “I’m sorry, it just slipped.” Obi-Wan let out a sigh and folded his arms into the sleeves of his cloak. “What’s done is done, Aeryn.” He looked at Padme, who was looking at them all curiously. Padme waved away the coming explanation. “Your secret is safe with us, Master Kenobi.” Dorme nodded from a shadowed corner of the room as she folded another of Padme’s dresses. Padme smiled at Aeryn. “Is this your first time outside the Temple?” Aeryn shook her head. “No, I’ve been outside the Temple before, just not off planet. What’s your planet like? Does it have a lot of buildings too?” “Not this many buildings. We have a lot of planet life.” Padme closed up her luggage. “Are there climbing trees?” Aeryn asked, fascinated. Anakin laughed and gave Aeryn a quick hug and kiss on the head before going to grab the luggage. “You and your trees.” “Lots. My sister and I used to climb them all the time when we were younger,” Padme responded. They all left the bedroom as Captain Typho arrived to tell them that their shuttle had arrived to take them to their transport. Fifteen minutes later, they arrived in the industrial sector that housed many of the freight docks. Captain Typho, Dorme, Obi-Wan, and Aeryn stood outside the shuttle exit, having taken the speeder and arrived before Padme and the two padawans. “Be safe, M’Lady,” Captain Typho said with genuine concern. It was clear that he was not thrilled with allowing Padme out of his sight and control. He handed a pair of small luggage bags over to Anakin and gave a nod of confidence to the young Jedi. Thank you, Captain,” Padme replied, her voice thick with gratitude. “Take good care of Dorme. The threat will be on you two now.” “He’ll be safe with me!” Dorme put in quickly. Padme smiled, appreciating the small attempt at levity. Then she embraced her handmaiden in a great and tight hug, squeezing all the tighter when she heard Dorme start to weep. “You’ll be fine,” Padme whispered into the other woman’s ear. “It’s not me, M’Lady. I worry about you. What if they realize you’ve left the capital?” Padme moved back to arm’s length and managed a smile as she looked over at Anakin and Zane. “Then my Jedi protectors will have to prove how good they are.” Dorme gave a nervous chuckle and wiped a tear from her eye as she smiled and nodded. Obi-Wan stopped listening to the two women speak and pulled Anakin off to the side. “Remember what I said in the turbolift, Anakin.” “Yes, Master,” Anakin said, understanding the meaning behind Obi-Wan’s words. Obi-Wan nodded, not saying a word, and then walked over to Padme. “I will get to the bottom of this plot quickly, M’Lady. You’ll be back here in no time.” “I will be most grateful for your speed, Master Jedi.” Anakin let out a quick breath and strode forward. “Time to go.” “I know,” Padme responded, her tone indicating that she was still very displeased with being made to go off planet. Zane gave Aeryn a hug and a kiss on the forehead before grabbing the luggage he had set down. “Keep out of trouble,” he told her with a grin. Aeryn smiled back at him and waved. “Bye.” “May the Force be with you,” Obi-Wan said. “May the Force be with you, Master,” Anakin replied. Zane repeated the same. Aeryn kept waving her hand until they were out of sight and then turned around and looked up at Obi-Wan. “Can we go eat now?” Obi-Wan smiled, letting his serious expression melt away. “Yes, let’s go eat.” Aeryn skipped merrily over to the speeder and got in, waiting impatiently for Obi-Wan. While she waited, she watched as a transport began to lift off. The transport looked like half of a fish with a huge jaw – well, maybe with a little imagination. Finally Obi-Wan got into the speeder and they headed off for Dex’s diner. They went to Coco town, where Dex’s diner was, not far from the industrial sector. Dex’s diner was small, with foggy windows, metallic and brightly painted walls, and lettering on the door that was falling off. Despite the rugged appearance outside, Aeryn remembered that the inside was a lot nicer. When they finally arrived she was delighted to see it like she remembered. It was her favorite place to eat, despite the fact that the visits were rare. It was a quiet hour of the day when they entered the diner and they easily found a small table that was currently being cleaned by a waitress droid. Obi-Wan sat down on the stool and Aeryn sat down on his lap. “Can I help ya?” the droid asked. “I’m looking for Dexter.” The waitress droid made a rather unpleasant sound. Obi-Wan just smiled. “I do need to speak with Dexter.” “Waddya want him for?” “He’s not in trouble,” the Jedi assured her. “It’s personal.” The droid stared at him for a short while, sizing him up, then, with a shake of her head, she moved to the open serving hatch behind the counter. “Someone to see ya, honey,” she said. “A Jedi, by the looks of him, and a little kid.” Aeryn wrinkled her nose. “I’m not little.” A huge head poked through the open hatchway almost immediately, accompanied by a line of grayish steam. A wide smile—on a mouth wide enough to swallow Obi-Wan’s head whole—with huge block teeth grew on the immense face as he set his gaze on the visitors. “Obi-Wan! Aeryn!” “Hey, Dex,” Obi-Wan replied. Aeryn moved off his lap as he stood and headed for the counter. “Take a seat, old buddy! Be right with ya!” Obi-Wan glanced around. The waitress droid had gone about her business, tending to other customers. He moved to a booth just to the side of the counter and Aeryn sat in the seat across from him. “You want a cup of ardees?” the droid asked, her demeanor much more accommodating. “Thank you, and can you get a glass of blue milk for Aeryn and a kids menu please?” The droid moved off toward the counter, slipping aside as the infamous Dexter Jettster moved through the counter door, walking with a stiff gait. He was an impressive sort, a neckless mound of flesh, dwarfing most of the toughies who frequented his establishment. His great belly poked out beneath his grimy shirt and breeches. He was bald and sweaty, and though he had seen many years and did not move fluidly any longer, with to many old injuries slowing him, Dexter Jettster was obviously not a creature anyone wanted to fight—especially since he possessed four huge arms, each with a massive fist that could fully bust a man’s face. Obi-Wan noted the many respectful glances that went his way as he moved to the booth. “Hey, ol’ buddy!” Dex greeted. Obi-Wan stood up and they gave each other a firm hug. Aeryn stood up in her seat as she patiently waited her turn, a smile on her face. Dex walked over to her and gave her a gentler hug. “Hey kiddo. Finally got your old man to bring you down here again, huh?” Dex chuckled. “Say, you grew a few inches.” Aeryn nodded her head. “Yep.” Dex set her down on the floor so that she could sit next to Obi-Wan and then squeezed into the seat that Aeryn had been sitting in. The waitress droid was back by then and set two steaming mugs of ardees in front of the old friends and a tall glass of cold blue milk in front of Aeryn. “So, my friend, what can I do for ya?” Dex asked. Aeryn sipped quietly at her drink as she listened to the conversation. “You can tell me what this is,” Obi-Wan answered. He put the dart on the table, watching Dex all the time, noting how the being quickly placed his mug back down, his eyes widening as he regarded the curious and distinctive item. “Well, waddya know,” Dex said quietly, as if he could hardly draw breath. He picked up the dart delicately, almost reverently, the weapon nearly disappearing within the folds of his fat fingers. “I ain’t seen one of these since I was prospecting on Subterrel beyond the outer rim.” “Do you know where it came from?” Dexter placed the dart down before Obi-Wan. “This baby belongs to them cloners. What you got here is a Kamino saberdart.” “Kamino saberdart?” Obi-Wan echoed. “I wonder why it didn’t show up in our analysis archive.” Dex poked down at the dart with a stubby finger. “It’s these funny little cuts on the side that give it away,” he explained. “Those analysis droids you’ve got over there only focus on symbols, you know. I should think you Jedi have more respect for the difference between knowledge and wisdom.” “Well, Dex, if droids could think, there’d be none of us here, would there?” Obi-Wan answered with a laugh. The Jedi Knight sobered quickly, though, remembering the gravity of his mission. “Kamino…doesn’t sound familiar. Is it part of the Republic?” “No, it’s beyond the Outer Rim. I’d say about twelve parsecs outside the Rishi Maze, toward the south. It should be easy to find, even for those droids in your archive. These Kaminoans keep to themselves, mostly. They’re cloners. Good ones, too.” Obi-Wan picked up the dart again, holding it between them, his elbow resting on the table. “Cloners?” he asked. “Are they friendly?” “It depends.” “On what?” The Jedi looked past the dart as he asked, and the grin on Dexter’s face gave him the answer before it was spoken aloud. “On how good your manners are and how big your pocketbook is.” Obi-Wan looked back at the saberdart, hardly surprised. Aeryn was halfway done with her milk by the time the waitress droid returned and Aeryn gave her order for a bantha sandwich and keesy fries. After giving her order, she looked at Obi-Wan who was putting the saberdart away. “Are you going to have anything to eat?” “Mmm, that’s a good idea.” Obi-Wan looked at Dex. “Is the steak sub special still around?” Dex chuckled. “Today’s your lucky day. It is today’s special. I’ll go fix it up for you myself and then we can update each other on what’s been happening.” He scooted out of the seat with a little bit of difficulty and headed for the kitchen. Aeryn sipped again at her milk and then began to talk about a prank one of her friends had done a couple of days ago. -----signature----- If I review then PM me when you update. thanks so much. Send me your completed 'the saga' stories! Check out my new story Descent Into Darkness Don't quote me the odds. I shall do as I must. Do or do not, there is no try.
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Valairy_Scot Registered: Sep '05	Date Posted: 5/18 8:56am Subject: Descent Into Darkness AOTC AU A/P, Z/?, O/S, Xanatos. Sequel to Family Bonds. Updated 5/18
	The whole gang's in this chapter! "Daddy," indeed. Small kids, big mouths. -----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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GeneralKenobi7 Registered: Jan '09	Date Posted: 5/19 4:28am Subject: Descent Into Darkness AOTC AU A/P, Z/?, O/S, Xanatos. Sequel to Family Bonds. Updated 5/18
	Lovely scene with Dexter, he can be such a nice guy Now let's see if Anakin and Zane behave themselves -----signature----- Ewan Mace:"Sometimes a Jedi's most important duty is to stand and wait. I presume you've mentioned that to Anakin on occasion?" Obi-Wan: "Not more than twice a day." Proud Padawan to EG Kenobi
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jacen200015 Registered: Jan '02	Date Posted: 5/22 12:30pm Subject: Descent Into Darkness AOTC AU A/P, Z/?, O/S, Xanatos. Sequel to Family Bonds. Updated 5/18
	Valairy_Scot: The whole gang's in this chapter! Yep "Daddy," indeed. Small kids, big mouths. Indeed. GeneralKenobi7: Lovely scene with Dexter, he can be such a nice guy He sure is Now let's see if Anakin and Zane behave themselves Well... -----signature----- If I review then PM me when you update. thanks so much. Send me your completed 'the saga' stories! Check out my new story Descent Into Darkness Don't quote me the odds. I shall do as I must. Do or do not, there is no try.
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jacen200015 Registered: Jan '02	Date Posted: 5/22 3:11pm Subject: RE: Descent Into Darkness AOTC AU A/P, Z/?, O/S, Xan. Sequel to Family Bonds. Updated 5/22
	Chapter 8 Zane yawned and stretched as he woke from his nap on the thinly padded bench. “Did you have a nice nap?” Padme asked from a bench on the opposite side with a small table in between them. Rolling his shoulders to get the kinks out of them, he looked at Padme. “Very nice, and we have to spend a week on this transport.” He rolled his eyes and then worked the kinks out of his neck. Padme smiled. It was true the transport wasn’t very accommodating, but in a way it had a relaxing and freeing feel to it. She looked over to Anakin, who was sleeping on a curved bench that was between theirs. He was restless, she noted, wondering why that was so. It amazed her every time that when one sleeps they look completely innocent and somewhat younger. Zane watched Padme watch Anakin and smiled to himself. There was definitely chemistry between them. He looked over to where Artoo was and saw that the droid was having a bit of trouble. Seeing it as a good opportunity to make himself scarce for a little while, Zane left the table and headed to help Artoo. “No droids in the food line!” the server yelled. “Get out of here!” “Sorry sir,” Zane said and patted Artoo on the head. “My little droid here tends to be over helpful.” Artoo blatted out an indignant sound and swivelled his head. The server shook a spoon at Zane, causing mush to fling off it and hit random people and objects. “Excuses! I do not want to see your droid in the serving line again!” “Sorry sir,” Zane apologized again. “Now can we get that mush that passes for food, please?” The server grunted and slopped the mush into three bowls and placed a slice of bread in each. “Here, now go away!” “Thank you,” Zane said as he handed one of the bowls to Artoo for the droid to hold and collected the other two bowls. Zane and Artoo left the serving area and headed back over to the table, just as Padme was waking Anakin from his nightmare. Zane set a bowl on the table in front of Anakin and Padme and then took the one Artoo held before sitting down. “Are you hungry?” Padme asked Anakin when he didn’t seem that interested in the meal. Anakin sat the rest of the way up and a rubbed a hand through his hair, shaking his head in an effort to dispel the disturbing dream. “We went to hyperspace a while ago,” she explained. “How long was I asleep?” Anakin asked. Padme smiled at him, trying to comfort him. “You had a good nap,” she answered. Zane scooped up a bite of mush with his spoon and grimaced at the taste as he swallowed it down. “A nap is better than this mush, but…” he shrugged. “There’s food worse than this.” Anakin managed a small smile and scooped up a bit of the mush with his bread and took a bite. “It’ll be nice to see Naboo and get to enjoy it this time,” Zane remarked. “Has it changed much in ten years?” “No, it’s still the same. Quite and peaceful,” Padme said and took a bite of her bread. After chewing thoughtfully and then swallowing, Padme asked. “Zane, is Aeryn your sister?” Should have seen that question coming. “Yes,” Zane admitted. “I thought attachment is forbidden for a Jedi?” Padme said, looking at the two padawans. “It is,” Anakin said grimly, looking at Padme. “Or, so many Jedi claim. When one actually questions the code of no attachments, it really doesn’t make much sense. If one truly did not have any attachments, then they would have no loyalty to any group, they would be distant, cold, unfeeling.” Zane added, “From the very beginning, even before a child is born, there is the need for attachment. Attachment to the mother as it develops, attachment to the link from which the child gets it nutrients from the mother.” Anakin nodded and continued. “Sure one can be detached from something, but attachment will still exist in some form. There was a study once, a long time ago, where someone actually experimented to see if a child can survive with no attachment. The experiment failed because there was no attachment, no love, and as a result the child died.” Anakin paused, his eyes staring at nothing and everything. “Detachment has not solved the problems the Jedi of the past had. We have the same problems today as in the past, except now we have the rule of no attachment. Detachment is killing the Jedi.” Silence descended on the table except for the occasion clink of spoons against dishes as they ate. After Anakin finished the last of the bread and mush, he broke the silence. “There are times to be detached and times to be attached. The real problem of attachment is that it can lead to obsession, which can have negative consequences. The Jedi do not teach on how to deal with the negative effects, instead they teach detachment in order to avoid the problems of attachment.” “I get the picture,” Padme said before Anakin could continue. “So Master Kenobi doesn’t believe that attachment should be forbidden.” “Yes,” Zane said, leaning against the back of the bench. “Although it did take my father and my mother many years to reach that conclusion and to learn how to properly deal with a couple of the negative effects certain attachments can bring.” “Padme, after we get to Naboo do you think we could make a little detour to Tatooine so I can check up on my mother?” Anakin asked. Padme gave Anakin a warm smile. “Of course we can. It may even throw any possible assassins off our scent too.” It’s better than just sitting around on Naboo waiting for Obi-Wan to complete his investigation. “We’ll have to meet with the Queen and visit my family first so that we don’t attract any suspicions or inquires.” Anakin nodded. “That sounds reasonable.” Zane dug around in a basket that was under the table and pulled out a stack of cards. “Anyone for a game of cards?” ~~~ Obi-Wan stood in front of one of the busts in the archive as he patiently waited for the Jedi archivist, Madame Jocusta Nu, whom he had called for earlier. He stood patiently, studying the strong features on the bust, the high and proud cheekbones, wide and alert. This was the man who had found a zigattee and had given it to Qui-Gon, who in turn had given it to Zane. While the action was innocent enough, he had to wonder how Dooku had gotten his hands on a Sith training device. Was there a warning in this? He didn’t know much about Dooku except that he had been Qui-Gon’s master, Qui-Gon had kept Obi-Wan and Zane at a distance from Dooku. Dooku was involved with the Separatists in some way, and Captain Typho had indicated that Dooku may possibly be involved in the assassination attempt on Senator Amidala’s life. From the glimpses he’d had of Dooku, he knew that this bust captured his essence perfectly. There was an intensity about the man as palpable as that which had sometimes surrounded Master Qui-Gon, especially when Qui-Gon had found a particularly important cause and would go against the Jedi Council when he felt that he was right. Yes, Obi-Wan had seen this kind of intensity in Qui-Gon on occasion, but what he knew of Dooku was that, unlike Qui-Gon, the man had never been able to shut it off, had always been stomping around, chewing over an issue. The lights in his eyes were ever-burning fires. But Dooku had taken it to extremes, and dangerous ones, Obi-Wan realized. He had left the Jedi Order, had walked out on his calling and on his peers. Whatever problems Dooku must have seen, he should have recognized that he could better repair them by remaining within the Jedi family. It will take a long time to repair things in the Jedi Order, yes, but… His eyes widened a bit as he let the possibility enter and run through his mind. If repair doesn’t work, then crush and rebuild. “Did you call for assistance?” came a stern voice behind Obi-Wan, jerking him out of his thoughts. He turned to see Madame Jocasta Nu standing beside him, her hands folded together before her, practically disappearing within the folds of her Jedi robes. She was a frail looking creature, quite elderly, and noting that brought a smile to Obi-Wan’s face. How many younger and less experienced Jedi had looked upon that façade, the thin and wrinkled face and neck, the white hair tied tight, thinking that they could push the woman around, getting her to do their studying for them, only to encounter the truth that was Jocasta Nu? She was a firebrand, that weak façade hiding her true strength and determination. Jocasta Nu had been the Archivist for many, many years, and this was her place, her domain, her kingdom. Any Jedi coming in here, even the most exalted of Jedi Masters, would play by the rules of Jocasta Nu, or they would surely face her wrath. “Yes, yes I did,” Obi-Wan finally managed to responded, realizing that Jocasta Nu was staring at him inquisitively, awaiting an answer. The old woman smiled and walked past him to regard the best of Count Dooku. “He has a powerful face, doesn’t he?” she commented, her quiet tome taking the tension out of the meeting. “He was one of the most brilliant Jedi I have had the privilege of knowing.” “I never understood why he quit,” Obi-Wan said, following Jocasta Nu’s look to the bust. “Only twenty Jedi have ever left the Order.” Perhaps she knows something that might either prove or allay my suspicions. “The Lost Twenty,” Jocasta Nu said with a profound sigh. “And Count Dooku was the most recent and the most painful. No one likes to talk about it. His leaving was a great loss to the Order.” “What happened?” Even Qui-Gon would not speak of it. “Well, one might say he was a bit out of step with the decisions of the Council,” the Archivist replied. “Much like your old master, Qui-Gon.” Even though Obi-Wan had just been thinking the same thing, somewhat, to hear Jocasta Nu speak the words so definitively caught him off guard and painted Qui-Gon in a more rebellious light than he had ever considered. He knew his former master had his moments, but he had never thought of Qui-Gon as that much of a rebel. Apparently, Jocasta Nu, who had her finger as squarely as anyone on the pulse of the Jedi Temple, did. “Really?” Obi-Wan prompted, wanting the information about Dooku, of course, but also wanting to see if she saw something more in Qui-Gon than he had. Often an outside perspective could see things one on the inside might just miss. “Oh, yes, they were alike in many ways. Very individual thinkers. Idealists.” She stared at the bust intently, and it seemed to Obi-Wan as if she had suddenly gone far, far away. “He was always striving to become a more powerful Jedi. He wanted to be the best. With a lightsaber, in the old style of fencing, he had no match. His knowledge of the Force was…unique. In the end, I think he left because he lost faith in the Republic. He believed that politics were corrupt…” Jocasta Nu paused for a moment and looked at Obi-Wan, a very revealing expression that showed she did not think Dooku as out of step as many of the others apparently did. “And he felt that the Jedi betrayed themselves by serving the politicians,” the Archivist stated. Obi-Wan blinked, soaking in the words. He knew that many, Qui-Gon included—even himself included, at times—often felt the same way. “He always had very high expectations of government,” Jocasta Nu went on. “He disappeared for nine or ten years, then just showed up recently as the head of the separatist movement.” “Interesting,” Obi-Wan remarked, looking from the bust to the Archivist. “I’m still not sure I understand.” She is implying that he left because the Republic is corrupt, not because the Order itself has problems. Is it the combination of the two? Is it possible that Dooku is planning something against the Republic, the Jedi, both? If only Qui-Gon were still alive, he would have been able to give him the answer that he needed. “None of us does,” Jocasta Nu replied, her serious expression melting into a warm smile. “Well, I’m sure you didn’t call me over here for a history lesson. Are you having a problem, Master Kenobi?” “Yes, I’m trying to find a planet system called Kamino. It doesn’t seem to show up on any of the archive charts.” “Kamino?” Jocasta Nu looked around, as if she was searching for the system right then and there. “It’s not a system I’m familiar with. Let me see.” A few steps brought them to the computer screen where Obi-Wan had been searching. She bent low, and pressed a couple of commands. “Are you sure you have the right coordinates?” “According to my information, it should be in this quadrant somewhere,” said Obi-Wan. “Just south of the Rishi Maze.” A few more taps of the keyboard brought nothing more than a frown to Jocasta Nu’s old and weathered face. “But what are the exact coordinates?” “I only know the quadrant,” Obi-Wan admitted, and Jocasta Nu turned up to regard him. “No coordinates? It sounds like the sort of directions you’d get from a street tout—some old miner or furbog trader.” “All three actually,” Obi-Wan admitted with a grin. “Are you sure it exists?” “Absolutely.” Jocasta Nu sat back and rubbed a hand pensively over her chin. “Let me do a gravitational scan,” she said, as much to herself as to Obi-Wan. The star map hologram of the target quadrant went into motion after a few more keystrokes, and the pair studied the movements. “There are some inconsistencies here,” the sharp Archivist noted. “Maybe the planet you’re seeking was destroyed.” “Wouldn’t that be on record?” “It ought to be, unless it was very recent,” Jocasta Nu replied, but she was shaking her head even as she spoke the words, not even convinced herself. “I hate to say it, but it looks like the system you’re searching for doesn’t exist.” “That’s impossible—perhaps the Archives are incomplete.” “The Archives are comprehensive and totally secure, my young Jedi,” came the imposing response, the Archivist stepping back from her familiarity with Obi-Wan and assuming again the demeanor of archive kingdom ruler. “One thing you may be absolutely sure of: If an item does not appear in our records, it does not exist.” The two stared at each other for a long moment, Obi-Wan taking note that there wasn’t the slightest tremor of doubt in Jocasta Nu’s declaration. He looked back to the map, perplexed, caught within a seemingly unanswerable question. He knew that no one in the galaxy was more reliable for information than Dexter Jettster, unless that person was Jocasta Nu, and yet the two were obviously at odds here concerning their information. Dexter had seemed every bit as certain of the origins of the saberdart as Jocasta Nu was now. Both couldn’t be right. The puzzle of finding Senator Amidala’s would-be assassin would not be easily solved, it seemed, and that troubled Obi-Wan Kenobi for many, many reasons. With Jocasta Nu’s permission, the Jedi punched a few buttons on the keyboard, downloading the archive information on that region of the quadrant to a small hologlobe. Then, the item in hand, he left the area. But not without one long, last look at the imposing bust of Count Dooku. -----signature----- If I review then PM me when you update. thanks so much. Send me your completed 'the saga' stories! Check out my new story Descent Into Darkness Don't quote me the odds. I shall do as I must. Do or do not, there is no try.
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GeneralKenobi7 Registered: Jan '09	Date Posted: 5/23 2:05am Subject: Descent Into Darkness AOTC AU A/P, Z/?, O/S, Xanatos. Sequel to Family Bonds. Updated 5/22
	I hope Anakin and Zane will be able to save Shmi... And not half turn to the Dark Side if that isn't the case -----signature----- Ewan Mace:"Sometimes a Jedi's most important duty is to stand and wait. I presume you've mentioned that to Anakin on occasion?" Obi-Wan: "Not more than twice a day." Proud Padawan to EG Kenobi
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bek Registered: Jul '05	Date Posted: 5/24 2:28pm Subject: Descent Into Darkness AOTC AU A/P, Z/?, O/S, Xanatos. Sequel to Family Bonds. Updated 5/22
	You're weaving the new events and characters into canon so flawlessly it's almost like they were there all along. Zane is a very likeable character; it's easy to become fond of him. He and Anakin seem good for one another, even if they both can be hot headed at times; they balance one another. I hope someone can be found to continue Zane's apprenticeship. Is Garen around by chance? This is a very enjoyable fic! I've been keeping up with it here and at ff.net. -----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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jacen200015 Registered: Jan '02	Date Posted: 5/26 7:04am Subject: Descent Into Darkness AOTC AU A/P, Z/?, O/S, Xanatos. Sequel to Family Bonds. Updated 5/22 - Date Edited: 5/26 12:41pm (1 edits total) Edited By: jacen200015
	GeneralKenobi7: I hope Anakin and Zane will be able to save Shmi... And not half turn to the Dark Side if that isn't the case Well... bek: You're weaving the new events and characters into canon so flawlessly it's almost like they were there all along. Thanks Zane is a very likeable character; it's easy to become fond of him. He and Anakin seem good for one another, even if they both can be hot headed at times; they balance one another. Indeed I hope someone can be found to continue Zane's apprenticeship. Is Garen around by chance? Garen's around This is a very enjoyable fic! I've been keeping up with it here and at ff.net. Thank you -----signature----- If I review then PM me when you update. thanks so much. Send me your completed 'the saga' stories! Check out my new story Descent Into Darkness Don't quote me the odds. I shall do as I must. Do or do not, there is no try.
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jacen200015 Registered: Jan '02	Date Posted: 5/26 2:48pm Subject: RE: Descent Into Darkness AOTC AU A/P, Z/?, O/S, Xan. Sequel to Family Bonds. Updated 5/26 On Naboo
	Chapter 9 The next day, after a restful night’s sleep, Obi-Wan decided to seek out Yoda to get his opinion regarding the mysterious puzzle. He didn’t have to travel far and soon was on the veranda, where he paused and simply watched the class below him. The scene was soothing to him, a reminder of innocence, an innocence he once had. The innocence he saw was enough to briefly brush off his frustration as if it didn’t exist at all. Master Yoda was leading twenty of the youngest Jedi recruits, children only four or five years old, through their morning training exercises, battling floating training droids with miniature lightsabers. Among the group of younglings was Tad. Obi-Wan was reminded of his own training and for a moment pretended he was back to being an initiate, when the only complicated things were deflecting the stinging bolts of the training droids. The youngsters wore protective full-face helmets, but it was easy to imagine all the possible emotions playing across their faces, faces still so full of innocence. It was a common cycle among the younglings as they did this training exercise. Their little minds will be intensely focused on the task, complete concentration, or as much as they could manage. Then when a blast would be successfully blocked there would be an abundance of joy. That elation would disappear as quickly as it had come when the next little bolt hit a body part. The shock would bring total distraction, resulting in another energy bolt slipping by the youngling’s guard. Obi-Wan fondly remembered the time when he had managed to get hit in the backside, he had been so embarrassed that day, especially when everyone said how funny he looked hopping and twisting around. It did notch down his pride, those stinging bolts tended to do that. The backside was the worst place to get hit. While the training was humiliating, especially since the class was located where every passing Jedi can stop and watch, it was energizing. Failures were always followed by success and each success built up confidence and which each failure something new was learned that helped bring the success. It also helped with learning new insights of the Force, to build up the connection to the Force that made them unique from the rest of the galaxy. Obi-Wan felt himself warm as he watched Master Yoda leading the group, just the same as he had many years ago when Obi-Wan was only an initiate. “Don’t think…feel,” Yoda instructed the group. “Be as one with the Force.” Obi-Wan, smiling, mouthed the exact words as Yoda finished, “Help you, it will.” How many times he had heard that! His eyes locked onto Tad, who made the mistake of looking toward Obi-Wan, losing his focus on the hovering training droid. Tad recognized his mistake a second too late as a bolt stung his upper arm. Tad let out a loud yelp and fumbled with his lightsaber as he turned to try to block the bolt that followed it. Obi-Wan chuckled softly. And another lesson is learned. He was still grinning widely when Yoda turned to him. “Younglings, enough!” the great Jedi Master commanded. “A visitor we have. Welcome him.” Twenty little lightsabers clicked off and the students came to attention together, removing their helmets and tucking them properly under their left arms. “Master Obi-Wan Kenobi,” Yoda said, keeping enough gravity in his voice so that the younglings wouldn’t feel mocked. “Welcome, Master Obi-Wan!” the twenty called out together. “I am sorry to disturb you, Master,” Obi-Wan said with a slight bow. “What help to you, can I be?” “I’m looking for a planet described to me by an old friend,” he explained, and he knew that Yoda was absorbing every word. “I trust him and the information he provided, but the system doesn’t show up on the archive maps.” As he finished, he showed Yoda the hologlobe he had with him. “An interesting puzzle,” Yoda answered. “Lost a planet, Master Obi-Wan has. How embarrassing…how embarrassing.” A couple of the younglings giggled in response. “An interesting puzzle. Gather, younglings, around the map reader. Clear your minds and find Obi-Wan’s wayward planet, we will try.” They went into a room to the side of the veranda. A narrow shaft was set in the middle, with a hollow depression at the top. Off to the side, Obi-Wan took up the hologlobe, then moved and placed it in the hollow of the shaft. “Liam, the shades,” Yoda said. The young human boy quickly complied and the shades were lowered, darkening the room. The star map hologram appeared, glittering distinctly. Obi-Wan paused a moment before presenting his dilemma, allowing the younglings to get past the initial excitement. He watched with amusement as some reached up and tried to touch the projected starlights. Then, when all quieted, he walked into the middle of the projection. “This is where it ought to be,” he explained. “Gravity is pulling all the stars in this area inward to this spot. There should be a star here, but there isn’t.” “Most interesting,” Yoda said. “Gravity’s silhouette remains, but the star and all its planets have disappeared. How can this be? Now, younglings, in your mind, what is the first thing you see? An answer? A thought? Anyone? Obi-Wan took Yoda’s quiet cue and paused then, watching the Jedi Master look over his gathering. A hand went up, and Obi-Wan wondered at the quickness of it. Yoda nodded to the student, who answered at once. “Because someone erased it from the archive memory,” J. K. Burtola said confidently. “That’s right!” Tad agreed at once. “That’s what happened! Someone erased it!” “If the planet blew up, the gravity would go away,” Mari Amithest called out. Obi-Wan stared blankly at the excited group, stunned, but Yoda only chuckled. “Truly wonderful, the mind of a child is,” he explained. “Uncluttered. The youngling is right, the data must have been erased.” Yoda started out of the room and Obi-Wan moved to follow, flicking his hand as he passed the reader shaft, Force-pulling the hologlobe back to his grasp and instantly the scene of stars disappeared. “To the center of the pull of gravity go, and find your planet you will,” Yoda advised him. “But Master Yoda, who could have erased information from the Archives? That’s impossible, isn’t it?” Or not. The very thought of it is troubling. “Dangerous and disturbing this puzzle is,” Yoda replied with a frown. “Only a Jedi could have erased those files. But who and why, harder to answer. Meditate on this, I will. May the Force be with you.” He bowed respecttifully to Yoda who had returned to working with the children and then Obi-Wan left to make preparations for his departure and within fifteen minutes was on the landing platform where his starfighter waited. Mace was there to see him off when Obi-Wan arrived. “Be wary,” he said to Obi-Wan. “This disturbance in the Force is growing stronger.” Obi-Wan nodded. “Has Master Yoda gained any insight as to whether or not this war will come about?” While the possibility had not been openly spoken, the approaching darkness was a good indication that a war was looming and that the Council would be meditating on its meaning. Master Yoda himself would be the one to personally probe the dark side. “Probing the dark side is a dangerous process,” Mace stated. “I know not when he will choose to begin, but when he does, it is quite possible that he will remain in seclusion for days.” Obi-Wan nodded in understanding and Mace gave him a smile and a wave. “May the Force be with you.” “Set the course to the hyperspace ring, Arfour,” Obi-Wan instructed his astromech droid, an R4-P unit that was hardwired into the left wing of the sleek, triangular, starfighter. Silently, the Jedi Knight added to himself, Let’s get this thing moving. ~~~ It was with great relief when they finally arrived at Theed after spending a week in the rickety old transport. Zane had wondered more than once if the crew of that ship thought the people were crates of cargo instead of actual people. At least they had gotten to Theed safely. Theed had a softer feeling than Coruscant, which was definitely hard core. Instead of steel and other metals, the buildings here were made of stone and other materials that gave the city an earthy feel to it. The vines that grew alongside and on the buildings only enhanced that feeling. There was the smell of flowers, different plants, and fresh baked food, unlike Coruscant, which had an oily, bland, dirty smell. Zane, Anakin, and Padme lugged their bags across a familiar square, a place where they had seen battle a decade before against the droids of the Trade Federation. R2-D2 came behind them, rolling along easily, whistling a happy song, as if he were an extension of the comfortable aura of Theed. Zane noticed that Padme kept covertly glancing at Anakin, who was wearing a serene face and a widening grin. “If I grew up here, I don’t think I’d ever leave,” Anakin remarked. Padme laughed. “I doubt that.” Anakin shrugged. “Perhaps I wouldn’t have appreciated Naboo as much then, but Naboo was the first planet I had been on that has a large amount of water and plant life.” “I agree,” Zane said. “Also the Force feels so much more peaceful here. It’s almost like the gardens in the Temple, except bigger and better.” Anakin nodded. “The palace shimmers in the sunlight that is not blocked by pollution and doesn’t burn at high noon. The air here smells like flowers, not oily with pollution and dry because of lack of moisture.” “And the soft sound of the distant waterfalls,” Padme added. “The first time I saw the capital, I was very young. I’d never seen a waterfall before. I thought they were so beautiful. I never thought that one day I’d live in the palace.” “Well, tell me, did you dream of power and politics when you were a little girl?” Anakin asked. Again Padme had to laugh aloud. “No, that was the last thing I thought of.” She could feel the wistfulness creeping into her, the memories of those long-ago days before her innocence had been shattered by war, and even more so, by the constant deceptions and conniving of politics. “My dream was to work in the Refugee Relief Movement. I never thought of running for elected office. But the more history I studied, the more I realized how much good politicians could do. So when I was eight, I joined the Apprentice Legislators, which is like making a formal announcement that you’re entering public service here on Naboo. From there, I went on to become a Senatorial Advisor, and attacked my duties with such a passion that before I knew it, I was elected Queen.” Padme looked at Anakin and shrugged, trying not to throw all humility away. “Partly because I scored so high on my education certificate,” she explained. “But for the most part, my ascent was because of my conviction that reform was possible. The people of Naboo embraced that dream wholeheartedly, so much so that my age was hardly an issue in the campaign. I wasn’t the youngest Queen ever elected, but now that I think back on it, I’m not sure I was old enough.” She paused and locked stares with Anakin. “I’m not sure I was ready.” “The people you served thought you did a good job,” Anakin reminded her.” I heard they tried to amend the constitution so that you could stay in office.” “Popular rule is not democracy, Anakin. It gives the people what they want, not what they need. And truthfully, I was relieved when my two terms were up.” Padme chuckled as she continued, adding emphasis. “So were my parents! They worried about me during the blockade and couldn’t wait for it all to be over. Actually, I was hoping to have a family by now…” She turned away a bit, feeling her face flushing, and even more when she finally registered that Zane had dropped back a couple of feet to give them some privacy. She looked back at Anakin, and she felt so at ease, so comfortable with him, almost as if they had been friends for all their lives. “My sister has the most amazing, wonderful kids.” Her eyes were sparkling, she knew, but she blinked the emotion away, as she had often blinked away her personal desires for the sake of what she perceived to be the greater good. “But when the Queen asked me to serve as Senator, I couldn’t refuse her,” she explained. “I agree!” Anakin replied. “I think the Republic needs you. I’m glad you chose to serve—I feel things are going to happen in our generation that will change the galaxy in profound ways.” “A Jedi premonition?” Padme kidded. Anakin laughed. “A feeling,” he explained, or tried to explain, for it was obvious that he wasn’t quite sure what he was trying to say. “It just seems to me as if it’s all grown stale, as if something has to happen—” “I think so, too,” Padme put in sincerely. Zane watched them from a distance. Through the Force he could see a strong bond forming between them, a bond of love, and he wondered what consequences that would cause. He sped up as Anakin and Padme reached the great doors of the palace. -----signature----- If I review then PM me when you update. thanks so much. Send me your completed 'the saga' stories! Check out my new story Descent Into Darkness Don't quote me the odds. I shall do as I must. Do or do not, there is no try.
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Valairy_Scot Registered: Sep '05	Date Posted: 5/26 11:22pm Subject: Descent Into Darkness AOTC AU A/P, Z/?, O/S, Xan. Sequel to Family Bonds. Updated 5/26 On Naboo
	Very nice. -----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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GeneralKenobi7 Registered: Jan '09	Date Posted: 5/27 7:39am Subject: Descent Into Darkness AOTC AU A/P, Z/?, O/S, Xan. Sequel to Family Bonds. Updated 5/26 On Naboo
	Zane is quite an observer, isn't he? Good chapter. -----signature----- Ewan Mace:"Sometimes a Jedi's most important duty is to stand and wait. I presume you've mentioned that to Anakin on occasion?" Obi-Wan: "Not more than twice a day." Proud Padawan to EG Kenobi
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AZURASKYE Registered: Jun '07	Date Posted: 5/28 11:42pm Subject: Descent Into Darkness AOTC AU A/P, Z/?, O/S, Xan. Sequel to Family Bonds. Updated 5/26 On Naboo
	I love how your incorporating Zane into all thats going on. I think the poor kid needs a break or some good luck to come his way though. Will you be getting back to Xan soon?, Are we gonna get to find out what Qui was telling him at the end?
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jacen200015 Registered: Jan '02	Date Posted: 6/4 6:43am Subject: Descent Into Darkness AOTC AU A/P, Z/?, O/S, Xan. Sequel to Family Bonds. Updated 5/26 On Naboo
	Valairy_Scot: Very nice. Thanks GeneralKenobi7: Zane is quite an observer, isn't he? He sure is. Good chapter. Thank you AZURASKYE: I love how your incorporating Zane into all thats going on. I think the poor kid needs a break or some good luck to come his way though. Well... Will you be getting back to Xan soon?, Are we gonna get to find out what Qui was telling him at the end? It'll be a couple chapters, but yes we will be getting back to him soon and then we will start seeing more of him A/N: After i get back from my job orientation today i'll finish editing the next chapter and post it sometime today. And maybe, just maybe, i'll post another chapter tomorrow -----signature----- If I review then PM me when you update. thanks so much. Send me your completed 'the saga' stories! Check out my new story Descent Into Darkness Don't quote me the odds. I shall do as I must. Do or do not, there is no try.
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earlybird-obi-wan Registered: Aug '06	Date Posted: 6/4 11:48am Subject: Descent Into Darkness AOTC AU A/P, Z/?, O/S, Xan. Sequel to Family Bonds. Updated 5/26 On Naboo
	Love how you get Zane and Thaddeus interacting with the canon characters. And I hope Zane will be safe during the things to come. -----signature----- writer and Star Wars fan FANART [link=http://boards.theforce.net/fan_art/b10020/25793899]fanart[/link] stories in my bio
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