Saga In The Shadows Book 1: Emergence Of The Jedi *Updated 9/26/15*

Cool post with sithyness and banter.

 

You did really well with the Gungan-speak. Plus I love the banter between Obi-Wan and Xan. Very good stuff.

 

This is very interesting. I think I remember reading this before. I don't know if I missed it, but is Siri Kenshin's mother?

 

I'm glad you enjoyed it

Thank you

Yes, you probably have. It's a rewrite of "Jedi Uprising" No, Siri is not his mother.

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Chapter 11

Padme looked out the window of her bedchamber to the rising sun lighting up the horizon with a multitude of colors against the partly cloudy sky. She wore a red, long sleeved dress and her long brown hair had been pinned up into a tight bun. Her face was free from makeup as Padme preferred a simple look.

The streets below remained empty except for Gungan patrols. The battle, while no one had been killed, had sent the population of Theed into a state of shock. For a planet where its people lived in relative peace, any thought of a massive attack by the Gungans was the last thing anyone would have ever suspected.

All the Naboo guards, advisors, and handmaidens were locked up, along with Queen Misika. Those outside of Theed either didn’t know what was happening or knew something was amiss. There would be a public address to the people by Boss Nass later in the day. Padme closed her eyes and slowly exhaled. When she had answered the Queen’s call, Padme had not imagined that this was the way it was going to turn out. Perils lay in the path she had walked into but she would be strong, be brave, and persevere. There was no room for fear or wavering, she would continue on.

Padme turned away from the window and made her way to the throne room. She cleared her mind of all distracting thoughts to focus on the meeting with the Jedi so that by the time she entered the sat down upon the throne, her mind was sharp and focused. Minutes later the large doors opened and Gungan guards admitted in three Jedi.

The Jedi, in their brown robes and hands tucked into the sleeves of their cloaks, stopped a couple feet before the throne and bowed simultaneously. Padme noted the two she had met the night before. The younger Jedi stood to the right and two steps back of the elder Jedi who she had not met yet. The black haired Jedi stood to the left of the elder Jedi, standing side by side.

“Jedi, Boss Nass and I have heard the details of the treaty from Queen Misika and see no alterations that need to be made except for a minor change in the mode of communication. For now we must focus on appeasing the Sith Council and then afterwards, if all goes well, Boss Nass and I will sign the treaty.”

The elder of the Jedi nodded his head. “The Jedi Order is grateful that we have been given a new chance for a treaty.”

“We have much to do before the Sith arrive.” Padme told them. “Let us get started.”

~*~*~

Anakin woke up on the cold cement floor, his muscles stiff from the position he had fallen asleep in. He stood up and did some stretches, spotting the lightsaber on the floor as he did so. He walked over to it and picked up the lightsaber before heading out of the bedroom.

He scrunched up his face in thought as he stopped by the door that would take him out into the corridor and then, making up his mind, he opened the door and went out into the corridor. He quickly memorized the room number beside the doorframe before walking on down the corridor.

“Where do you think you’re going?” Someone asked him from behind.

Anakin froze and spun about on his heel to see a girl in her early twenties looking at him. She had long flowing red hair and dark green eyes that seemed to have small flames of fire dancing in them. “Umm, I wanted to take something apart but I need some tools.”

“Relax, Anakin. I was sent to make sure that you are settling in alright. My name is Nemiraa Sunrider. What did you want to take apart?”

Anakin showed her the lightsaber. “I want to take this lightsaber apart. I..I like to see how things work and are put together.”

Nemiraa gave soft smile. “I have tools for a project like that in my utility belt. Let’s go back to your quarters and I’ll give you the tools and some tips as you disassemble it.”

Anakin looked at her hesitantly, “I’d rather work on it by myself.”

Instead of being angry or accusing him of being distrustful, Nemiraa simply nodded her head and handed Anakin the tools. “Here you go. I’ll be in the corridor if you need anything.”

“Thank you.” Anakin said as he accepted the tools and then headed back to his assigned quarters.

Anakin placed the tools and the lightsaber down on the table and began to work on taking the lightsaber apart, piece by piece. A couple hours later he had reduced the lightsaber into a multitude of parts and he picked up the lightsaber crystal and held it in the palm of his hand.

The crystal was warm to the touch and seemed to hum in his hand. Putting it aside, he examined the other parts of the lightsaber and then put it back together. Hanging the lightsaber back onto his belt, he collected the tools and took them back to Nemiraa who was standing patiently beside the doorway despite the hours that had passed. “Thank you.” He told her, handing the tools back to her.

“You’re welcome.” Nemiraa responded, accepting the tools back just as her com went off. Unhooking it from her belt she answered it and after a quick conversation she put it away. “You are to go to the Council chamber now. I’ll escort you.”

“Okay.” Anakin answered and they started walking don the corridor.

“My Master, Darth Milter, is on the Council. He says that they are all curious about you. You have an extremely high midi-chlorian count.” Nemiraa asked, breaking the silence.

“What are midi…midi-chlorians?” Anakin asked, curious.

“Well they give us the ability to use the Force and the more you have, the more you can do without burning yourself out. We are able to do things non Force users can’t.” Nemiraa explained.

“Oh.” Anakin looked at her, a question forming in his mind. “Can the Force be used to bring back the dead?”

Nemiraa came to an abrupt halt and Anakin thought he saw pain flash through her eyes. She knelt down to his eye level and looked into his eyes. “Anakin, listen to me. Despite many who will tell you otherwise, no Sith has ever successfully brought back the dead. No amount of midi-chlorians can help you do that.”

Tears pricked Anakin’s eyes, “It’s not fair! I told mom I would protect her! But I was asleep while a Jedi murdered her!” Hot angry tears rolled down Anakin’s cheeks.

“Accept it and move on, Anakin. You can’t change the past, but you can make a difference for the future. Train. Fuel your anger. And if the Jedi appear again, you’ll be ready to take your revenge.” Nemiraa told him and then straitened up and continued walking.

Anakin followed behind her after wiping his face with his shirtsleeve. Her words hurt, doing nothing to comfort him. How could he dishonor his mother by taking revenge when his mother had taught him that revenge is wrong and would make him no better than the people who wronged him?

Ten minutes later they reached the lounge of the council chamber where Darth Sidious and Darth Maul were waiting for him.

“Come!” Sidious commanded him and Anakin followed Darth Sidious and Darth Maul into the council chamber.

They stopped in the center of the chamber, standing side by side and bowed to the Sith council. Anakin quickly followed with a bow, swallowing hard as he felt the intense stares on him.

“We have discussed the boy’s future,” Darth Venamis began, “and find it clouded. He holds much light, still holds on to his mother’s love.”

“Boy, do you wish to avenge your mother’s death?” Darth Secrenosh asked.

Anakin felt sick, still undecided as to which path he should take. His mom would not want this, but there was a part of him who wanted to avenge her death. “Mmasters…I…” Anakin’s tongue felt thick and clumsy in his mouth. “Darth Sidious already found and killed my mother’s murderer… I think is that enough?”

New anger surged in the room and the air crackled with it. “Enough?” Darth Fraunel screeched. “Deluded boy! The Jedi have torn many families apart, shattering them to pieces, and now they are back after a millennia to continue their ravaging! How many others beside your mother have they killed? No boy! It is not enough that one Jedi is dead!”

Anakin licked his dry lips and swallowed.

“The Sith Order requires intense dedication, loyalty, and strength. There is no room for weaklings!” Darth Milter spoke.

Darth Plagueis looked at Darth Sidious, his former pupil. “We have a mission for you all that will help us determine the fate of the boy. Boss Nass, leader of the Gungans contacted us that they have arrested the Naboo Queen and taken over Theed. They have found evidence that the Queen has been collaborating with the Jedi and had attempted to have an election. The Gungans believe that there may be Jedi on the planet and are scouring the planet for any traces of these Jedi. We approved Boss Nass’ request to put a temporary Naboo ruler in place to maintain the peace until you arrive. You are to go to Naboo and find these Jedi, deal with the Queen and put a new ruler in place.”

Darth Sidious bowed his head. “It will be done.”

/If the boy fails the test, kill him! Better him dead then risk him joining the Jedi./ Darth Plagueis mentally instructed Darth Sidious as the trio left the room.

/It will be done, Master./ Darth Sidious obediently replied.

~*~*~

Padme entered the study of the Palace, a room used by the many rulers of Naboo. The study was simple but elegant. Two windows opposite of the door let in a steady stream of sunlight. Light purple silk curtains bordered the two windows; its frilled edges falling just two inches above the polished, brown stone floor. In the middle of the room was a cushioned chair with an ornate back. In front of it was a polished wooden desk with a few datapads stacked neatly on top of each other along with a communication device at one end. Across from the desk were two wooden straight back chairs with velvet cushions.
The weight of responsibility to the people of Naboo weighed on her heavier then it had been when she had become Princess of Theed. Padme sat down on the chair in front of the desk and closed her eyes. When the Sith arrived she had to be calm, collected, and singularly focused.

The communication unit started beeping and Padme pressed the button on the communication unit. “Yes?”
“Leiarra Viatha wishes to has a audience with yousa." A Gungan guard spoke.


“Send her in.” Padme instructed.

The tall arched doors opened and Leiarra entered and walked up to the desk.

“Leiarra, this is a surprise.” Padme said as the doors were firmly shut.

“Was it necessary to have the Gungan army attack to bring the Queen into custody?”

Padme smiled, “Have a seat, Leiarra. It was quicker and no one got killed.”

Leiarra frowned but sat down on one of the chairs across from Padme. “Why would the Queen attempt to collaborate with the enemy of the Sith?”

“I don’t know but her actions were reckless. The Sith will be here in a couple of days to take her into their custody and select a new ruler.” Padme responded, her face turning stern.

“Does Boss Nass really think that the enemies of the Sith are still on Naboo or is it just a precaution?” Leiarra asked.

“If they are here then it is better the Gungans find them first and lure them into a trap. That way the Sith won’t remain on planet for to long.” Padme told her. “Would you like anything to drink?”

Leiarra shook her head. “What kind of enemy would warrant such a search?”

“I’m sorry Leiarra, I can’t say anything more about who it is we’re rounding up.”

“So we all sit in our homes doing nothing until the Gungans or Sith apprehend this enemy?” Leiarra answered, irritation leaking into her voice.

“Yes, for everyone’s safety. Who knows how the enemy of the Sith will respond now that the Queen is in custody.” Padme responded.

Leiarra sighed. “So we sit tight and wait.”

“I do have an assignment if you would like to take it. I need someone to go with one of the Gungan guards to distribute any supplies the people will need during the lockdown.” Padme offered.

Leiarra nodded her head. “Anything’s better then sitting around.”

Padme picked up a datapad and typed on it for a few minutes before handing it to Leiarra. “Just give it to one of the guards when you leave and they’ll take you to the Gungan in charge of distribution.”

Leiarra stood up and took the datapad. “You do know this will only distract me from my questions for a little while.”

Padme smiled, “I’ll just find more things for you to do. Save your questions until after this situation is resolved, that will be better for all of us.”

“Sure.” Leiarra headed for the doors and then stopped, turning to look back at Padme. “Are you going to have a handmaiden assigned to you? You should have one for a decoy.”

Padme’s became passive, “I am only temporarily ruling until the Sith come to select a new ruler.”

Leiarra shrugged her shoulders, “Yes but it may not be a bad idea to have one.”

“I will consider it then.” Padme answered.

“Stay safe, Padme.” Leiarra said and tugged open the door.

Padme shook her head after Leiarra left. Leiarra was like the younger sister that she never had, but she was as bossy and nosy as Sola. Lightly laughing, Padme set her focus on the datapads.

 

What a difficult! situation the Nabooians find themselves in Anakin too.

 

Indeed. Things are heating up. The next chapter should be ready by Saturday or Monday.

 

Looking forward to seeing what happens to Anakin.

 

Poor Anakin. I've often wondered about those who were raised as Sith.

 

Thank you for reviewing

Yeah

Nyota's Heart
JediMaster_Jen
ZaraValinor

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Chapter 12

Obi-Wan sat outside the ship meditating, refreshing himself after a long two days of preparation work before the Sith were to arrive. He had awoke in the middle of the night and had been unable to fall back to sleep. It was still five hours before dawn and the air had a chill to it. The swamp was alive with the sound of the many night creatures which inhabited it.

Breathing deeply through his nose, he slowly let his breath leave his mouth, sinking deeper into the caressing currents of the Force. A sudden ripple in the Force caused Obi-Wan’s awareness to snap back to reality. He stood up, searching around him with his eyes and with the Force.

Probing with the Force even further, he felt two oddities deep in the swamp and Obi-Wan frowned. He recognized the cloaking technique. It was a variation of the Force cloak that was used by the Jedi. He had taught the variation to those on the Orcin Council as it kept Jedi from detecting those hidden with it unless they knew what they were looking for.

Setting off at a run after cloaking his presence, Obi-Wan headed toward the presence. Fifteen minutes later Obi-Wan came upon a small clearing where he spotted a small ship, its landing lights glowing lightly in the darkness. Summoning the Force, he used it to unlock the ramp’s lock mechanism and used the Force to muffle the sound. Before the ramp even hit the ground, Obi-Wan was on it and entering the ship. He closed the ramp behind him and went to head to the cockpit but then at the last second headed for the lounge.

Sitting down on the cushioned bench facing the doorway, Obi-Wan made himself comfortable. Enhancing his hearing with the Force, he heard two voices coming down the corridor and toward the lounge. The door slid open and Garen stepped into the lounge, followed by Bruck. The two froze in their tracks when they saw who was sitting in the lounge. “Obi-Wan!” The two said at the same time.

Obi-Wan mentally smirked despite his anger at them, he had caught them completely off guard. “I do hope both of you have a really good reason for being on Naboo.” His voice stern.

Bruck and Garen walked to the center of the room and stopped.

“I am sorry, Obi-Wan but Garen insisted on finding you and I couldn’t stop him. I came with him instead to make sure he did not do anything else besides find you.” Bruck told Obi-Wan.

Obi-Wan nodded his head. “Thank you, Bruck. Garen,” Obi-Wan’s eyes settled on Garen’s. “What was so urgent that it couldn’t wait until I get back?”

“The mission to Tatooine.” Garen swallowed hard when he saw Obi-Wan’s eyes narrow. “Obi-Wan, we tried to stop them, we really did!”

Obi-Wan stood up, the buried fear that Torsine was right ripping toward the surface. “Who?”

“The child you had sent me to retrieve, Anakin Skywalker, has been taken by the Sith.”

A bubble of rage popped inside of Obi-Wan as his fear roared to the surface like a hungry beast. Within seconds, Garen was thrown against the metal wall of the ship, Obi-Wan’s hand pressing against his throat.

“Obi-Wan, stop it!” Bruck called out, fear in his voice.

Garen tried to pry Obi-Wan’s hands away from his throat, only to have his throat squeezed even more. He suddenly froze as he saw Obi-Wan’s eyes turn yellow.

Obi-Wan dimly heard Bruck shouting at him as the Dark Side began to envelope him.

“Good, Good. Let your anger fill you. Use the power within your grasp.”

“NO!” Obi-Wan mentally shouted back, snapping back to his senses. His eyes cleared to a dull gray and he released Garen who immediately fell to the floor gasping for air. Trembling, Obi-Wan numbly walked over to a chair and plopped down on it.

Bruck let out a breath of relief and then studied both of his Jedi brothers. Garen was on the floor, regaining his breath. The skin on his neck was bruised by the fingers that had held his throat. Bruck looked at Obi-Wan, who was as pale as a sheet. Bruck visibly shivered, despite the warmness of the ship’s lounge. Tension still hung thick in the air, the only sound was of their breathing.

Garen slowly stood to his feet, his head remaining down as he broke the silence. “I’m sorry.”

Obi-Wan remained silent, unable to form a coherent thought. The Darkness teased his senses as it advanced, retreated, advanced, and retreated. Sweat formed on his brow as he battled his anger and fear, desperately trying to drive it back within its confines. His center had been shaken, and now he was adrift, floating aimlessly in a storm of emotions.

Bruck touched Obi-Wan gently on his shoulder and felt Obi-Wan shudder at the contact. Slowly and with care, Bruck began sending Obi-Wan feelings of warmth, caring, love, and peace. Ever so slowly, Bruck felt his friend begin to relax as he accepted Bruck’s help.

Still standing against the wall, Garen looked on at Bruck and Obi-Wan.

Opening his eyes, Obi-Wan glanced at Bruck and then at Garen. They were his friends, his brothers, and yet he had hurt one of them. I lost control. I should not have lost control. I am stronger, better, then this. Taking a deep breath, Obi-Wan slowly let it out, imagining his tension draining away from him like his breath.

Seeing that Obi-Wan was finally calm, Bruck walked over to Garen and worked to heal the bruises on Garen’s neck.

Obi-Wan watched Bruck and Garen in silence for a few minutes before he spoke. “I’m sorry Garen. I shouldn’t have reacted that way. Please, tell me everything that happened on the mission from the beginning.”

Garen nodded his head and recounted the entire mission to Obi-Wan. How they had found out Anakin and his mother were slaves, their master’s unwillingness to set them free, their plan to bet on a podrace and win Anakin and his mother’s freedom that way, the arrival of the Sith, the confrontation, the death of Garen’s master, and the framing.

Obi-Wan closed his eyes in thought for a time and then opened them to look at Garen. “I am sorry for your loss Garen. The mission was not as simple as it had seemed to be.”

“I am sorry for failing you, Obi-Wan.” Garen told him.

“You said you gave your lightsaber to Anakin. Is it possible he still has it?” Obi-Wan asked.

Garen’s lips thinned in thought. “Maybe, I don’t know, Anakin was so confused and hurting.”

Obi-Wan pulled his lightsaber off his belt and stared at it thoughtfully. “Bruck, take your lightsaber apart, we are going to need the crystal.” Obi-Wan told Bruck and then sat on the floor to take his own lightsaber apart.

Garen looked at Obi-Wan in confusion. “I thought the crystal technique is flawed?” He sat down on the floor with them.

“It is.” Obi-Wan responded, not looking up as he worked on his lightsaber. “But in this case it may give us insight into what’s going on with Anakin.”

Garen nodded his head. “Yes, if it works, if it ever really worked.”

Bruck looked up at Garen, pausing disconnecting a wire. “Lightsabers were made differently back when the technique was developed. The crystals might have been bigger then what are used now.”

“Maybe.” Garen agreed but still not convinced. “Either way we need to get Anakin back somehow.”

Obi-Wan removed his blue crystal from the crystal chamber of the lightsaber and looked at Bruck who was just about to remove his green crystal. When Bruck was finished, he handed his crystal to Obi-Wan. Obi-Wan placed the crystals in the middle of their circle.

Settling into meditation positions, they closed their eyes and centered themselves with the Force before reaching out to each other with the Force. In the darkness of their meditation they saw gold strands flailing, reaching out toward each other. Like threads weaving in and out of a loom, the two strands from each of the friends reached out, found their friends and grew taunt as the strands connected. From above, the sight resembled a double triangle, pulsing with steady bright light with its centers solid gold.

Obi-Wan spoke in the ancient language of the Jedi and Bruck and Garen repeated after him. The crystals on the floor seemed to hum as they sent a stream of Force pulses at the crystals. Obi-Wan continued speaking in the ancient language, the crystals began to glow and a thin double strand of gold began to flow between the two crystals.

A faint image of a third crystal pulsed into existence, one gold strand from each of the first two crystals stretched out to meet the third crystal. The air around the padawans began to crackle with energy and Obi-Wan reinforced the barrier that hid their Force signatures and masked any ripples in the Force they might be creating.

Slowly the third crystal became more solid and the green color of the crystal became more bold. With the connection made to Garen’s crystal, the padawans probed the crystal to try to gauge the emotions of its current user. Without warning, the connection shattered and Bruck and Garen were thrown out of the meditation meld.

Obi-Wan sensed the shattering of the connection and withdrew from his link to Garen and Bruck. Drawing the Force tighter to himself, he sprung, like if he had jumped into the vastness of space. In his mind’s eye he saw galaxies, stars, solar systems, planets and moons, and then…a ship.

Concentrating, Obi-Wan stilled the ripples in the Force and sent his awareness into the ship where he sensed an untrained but powerful presence.

The colors within the ship were muddied from the auras if the Sith onboard the ship but, where the young boy, Anakin sat, the colors were alive and vibrant. “Ja’mak,” Obi-Wan whispered. His eyes widened when the boy turned his head and looked straight at him in confusion as the boy could not see him. He heard me? Thought Obi-Wan in astonishment.

The brief contact drained the rest of Obi-Wan’s energy and he let himself be pulled back to his body. When Obi-Wan opened his eyes, he saw Bruck and Garen looking at him in concern.

“What happened Obi-Wan?” Bruck asked.

“Someone shattered the crystal. I latched onto one of the pieces and managed to track it to Anakin. He’s on a ship, traveling toward us.” Obi-Wan told them.

Garen handed Obi-Wan a cup of warm tea and Obi-Wan accepted it gratefully. “So we can get him from the Sith then if he comes to Naboo.” Garen responded.

Obi-Wan shook his head and took a sip of his tea. “It’s not going to be that simple Garen. The Naboo mission is on complete communication silence and there are things going on that we can’t afford to mess up. Already both of you being here complicates matters.”

Bruck ran a hand through his straight white blond hair and scratched the back of his neck. “How complicated?”

Sipping his tea, Obi-Wan felt his energy start to return and his thoughts become more fluid. “High risk complicated.”

“I’m sorry Obi-Wan, I acted impulsively.” Garen said, intently studying the markings on the floor. “I thought simply hiding our presence would be sufficient.”

“So, what should we do then?” Bruck asked.

“I don’t know yet. For now keep your presences hidden and don’t leave the ship. I would not recommend leaving the planet until I know if your ship was detected or not.” Obi-Wan answered and then drank up the rest of his tea.

“What about Anakin? If he is coming here we need to do something!” Garen questioned.

Obi-Wan looked at Garen through narrowed eyes. “The Naboo mission is high priority right now. Once the Naboo mission is completed then we will plan on how we’ll get Anakin back.”

“But the Sith…” Garen began to protest.

“There is nothing we can do at this time.” Obi-Wan interrupted him.

Garen stood up in a huff and marched out of the lounge.

Bruck shook his head, “He thought he was doing the right thing, Obi-Wan.”

Obi-Wan set the empty cup of tea on the floor beside him. “The right thing would have been to wait until I returned to the Temple. Garen should have been detained by the Orcin Council.”

“Garen is an Orcin Council member, he would have suspected we would try to detain him. I spoke with Bant and she didn’t object to me following him.” Bruck responded.

Obi-Wan closed his eyes and massaged his forehead with his fingers before looking back at Bruck. “Order 34 applies to Orcin communication and overrides my command to contact me if anything goes wrong. What it does not override is my instruction to not do anything without ‘my’ authorization! Garen should not have been allowed to leave the Temple! You and Garen are breaking a number of rules by being here right now!” He picked up his lightsaber crystal and began the process of rebuilding his lightsaber.

Bruck looked gloomily at his own lightsaber parts. “I did try to keep him from landing on Naboo.” He murmured.

Obi-Wan shot a glare at Bruck. “You were put in charge until I returned because I trusted you to follow orders and the rules! Not make excuses!”

“I...” Bruck shook his head. “I’m sorry Obi-Wan.”

Obi-Wan’s face softened as he took long deep breaths to calm himself down. “I forgive you.” He looked down at his lightsaber and placed his crystal in the crystal chamber and secured it. He looked back up at Bruck who was working on his own lightsaber. “I’ll figure out a way to get you and Garen out of this mess.”

Bruck looked back at Obi-Wan. “What are we going to do about Anakin?”

“Whatever will be done has to be after this mission is done.” Obi-Wan responded as he reassembled the lightsaber hilt around the crystal chamber. Finished putting his lightsaber back together, Obi-Wan put his tools back into his belt compartment and stood up. “I need to get back before I’m missed. You and Garen must stay aboard the ship at all times. I will be back as soon as i’m able to. Absolutely no communications and keep your presences cloaked. And be mindful of your bond with your Master. Understood?”

“Yes Obi-Wan. I understand.” Bruck responded.

“Good.” Obi-Wan said and, without another word, left the lounge.

 

Nyota's Heart
JediMaster_Jen
ZaraValinor

Here is the next chapter.

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Chapter 13

Obi-Wan sat down heavily on a downed tree several feet from the ship he had traveled on with his Master and Xanatos. Filtered light from the sun danced along the ground as the wind blew against the trees. He closed his eyes and drew the Force to himself and released the last of his negative emotions, casting them far from himself. He still felt cold…sick. He had hurt his friend, had let his anger take control. How long had it been since he had last lashed out in anger? Seven…eight years ago?

Obi-Wan sensed Qui-Gon approach, heard the crunch of leaves underneath boots.

“You missed breakfast.” Qui-Gon stated, sitting down on the downed tree.

“I couldn’t sleep. So I came out here to meditate and then went on a run.” Obi-Wan responded before opening his eyes and looking at Qui-Gon. “Zao-Opak still haunts me.”

Qui-Gon looked at Obi-Wan with concern in his eyes. “It’s in the past, Padawan. You have grown stronger and firmer in the light since that time.”

Obi-Wan shook his head and looked away from Qui-Gon. “And yet the temptation of the darkness grows still stronger. Mental blocks only block the memory, it can’t erase the taint.”

Qui-Gon was silent for a time before he spoke. “Don’t center on your fear, release it. Keep your concentration on the here and now.”

“Master Yoda says I should be mindful of the future.” Obi-Wan responded, looking back at Qui-Gon.

“Yes, but not at the expense of the present. Your focus determines who you are.” Qui-Gon responded.

“Yes Master.”

Qui-Gon laid his hand on Obi-Wan’s shoulder, a faint smile appearing on Qui-Gon’s face. “You will be a great Jedi, my young Padawan. You will make me proud.”

Obi-Wan basked in his Master’s reassurance and confidence of him, letting it be a soothing balm to his soul. Obi-Wan smiled, “Thank you, Master. I am appreciative of your training and proud to be your Padawan.”

They clasped hands, their bond of trust and respect strengthening.

~*~*~

Bruck and Garen sat around the dejarik table playing their seventh round of dejarik. Garen ran his hand through his dark hair, his eyes narrow, as one of Bruck’s pawns decimated one of his pawns on the round table. “Playing this game is a mistake. I can’t win against you.” Garen grumbled.

Bruck smirked. “If the game had ships as pawns then you wouldn’t be losing so bad.”

Garen rolled his eyes and pressed the controls on the side of the table to move another pawn. “Strategy has never been my strong point. Now piloting, that takes skill.”

Bruck watched Garen’s pawn snare one of his own pawns and shook his head. “But strategy is important even if it’s not your strength.” Bruck said as his pawn automatically took Garen’s pawn out in a scissor move.

“I do feel better now that Obi-Wan knows what happened on the Tatooine mission but I realize now that it was a bad move on my part to rush to tell Obi-Wan.” Garen said reflectively. “I was so focused on telling Obi-Wan that I disregarded every rule that is meant to protect us as we work to bring peace and justice back into the galaxy.” Garen looked pointedly at Bruck. “Why didn’t you try harder to stop me?”

Bruck’s white blond eyebrows drew together as he mulled over the question in his mind. “I had assumed that the Naboo mission would have been completed by the time we arrived.”

“Yes, I remember you saying something about that possibility.” Garen moved another of his pawns across the table and glanced at the chrono on the wall of the ship. “It’s almost night. I must have done a good job landing the ship undetected.”

“We’ll find out when Obi-Wan arrives.” Bruck stated as his pawn crossed the table and ended the game with a swift defeat to Garen’s top pawn. “Game over.” Bruck stood up and stretched his arms. “If it makes you feel any better. I still haven’t won a game of dejarik against Obi-Wan yet.”

Garen looked down at the dejarik table, examining the pieces thoughtfully. “At the end of the day dejarik is still just a game.”

“Do you want some tea?” Bruck asked.

“Sure. Make some for Obi-Wan too.” Garen yawned, covering his mouth to hide it.

Bruck nodded and headed to the galley to make the tea. While they didn’t know the exact time Obi-Wan would come, this time they would not be caught off guard.

A short time later, Bruck and Garen were sipping on their tea when they heard the ramp open and close. Bruck placed his cup down on the low table and poured Obi-Wan a hot cup of tea from the teakettle.

The lounge door slid open and Obi-Wan entered the lounge, accepted the cup of tea and sat down on a stool that was across from his friends. He sipped on his tea for a few moments before speaking. “Very nice piloting Garen, the ship landed undetected. Also Xanatos and Qui-Gon are still unaware of your presence on Naboo.”

Garen sipped his tea, hiding his grin behind the cup. Bruck, however, kept his face a complete emotionless mask.

“That’s good but how long can we remain here undetected?” Bruck asked.

“The Sith should be arriving the day after tomorrow. If all goes as planned the Sith shouldn’t remain anymore then three to four days after they arrive.” Obi-Wan responded. “I want you both to leave Naboo tonight and head back to the Temple.”

Garen placed his half-empty cup of tea on the table in front of him. “What are we going to do about rescuing Anakin? Every day we don’t rescue him, the more time the Sith will have in corrupting him.”

Obi-Wan took a careful sip of his tea. “I will handle the rescue. The two of you will return to the Temple.” The firmness of his voice made it clear that his decision was final but that didn’t dissuade Garen.

“If the Sith really are bringing Anakin to Naboo, how are you going to get him from their grips without jeopardizing the Naboo mission?” Garen asked. “Either way you are going to need our help.”

Bruck glared daggers at Garen but as quickly as the emotion appeared on his face it was quickly gone.

“It is not a request. It is an order!” Obi-Wan told Garen sternly, his voice laced with warning.

Garen bit back a retort, Obi-Wan’s mind was made up.

“What shall we tell the Orcin Council then? Extracting Anakin is not going to be an easy task. The Sith will sooner kill him then let the Jedi have him. And if you do successfully extract Anakin, the Sith will hunt you both down until they get Anakin back or he has been eliminated.” Bruck stated and drank the last drop of his tea and set the cup on the table.

Obi-Wan closed his eyes and searched the currants of the Force for an answer. He considered the possibilities, the consequences of each choice, the alternatives. He sank deeper into the Force for an answer, letting it fill his mind, and enhance his perceptions. When Obi-Wan finally opened his eyes, he had his answer. “I will go to Coruscant and secretly train Anakin in the way of the Jedi.”

Bruck froze. That was not what he had expected to hear. Not what he had wanted to hear. Breath…Breath…He commanded himself…In out…In out...In out.

Garen laughed, almost spilling his tea on himself. “Oh that’s a good one Obi-Wan!” His laughter died away when Obi-Wan’s face remained serious. A sinking feeling filled the pit of his stomach and his disbelief turned into outright rejection of the idea. “You can’t! It’s to dangerous! And what about your son? This plan will take years to complete!” Garen turned his head sharply to look at Bruck who had yet to utter a word. “Say something Bruck!”

Bruck heard Garen’s voice but it was as if it came from miles away and the words were lost before they reached his ears. His icy blue eyes met blue-gray eyes that held steel determination in them. Bruck’s lips parted but no sound escaped them. He licked his lips and swallowed before trying to find his voice again. “Garen, I need to talk to Obi-Wan alone please.”

“I’ll go make some more tea.” Garen said, picking up the teakettle and leaving the lounge.

“Is there no other way we can get to Anakin?” Bruck asked Obi-Wan.

“Without sending the whole Sith Empire into an uproar? No. The Jedi are not ready to go into all out war. While the Sith now know that not all Jedi teachings had been destroyed, they are comfortable enough that they are not going to search us out. Because of the situation on Naboo, they will be more alert than previously anticipated but not so much that they will scour the galaxy for us.”

Bruck nodded his head slowly. “And so rescuing Anakin now is not an option.” He leaned forward, his elbows on his legs and fingers laced in front of him. “What about the Jedi Council. Could they alert the Jedi undercover at the Sith Temple and maybe one of them train Anakin?”

“It would take to long and the Jedi Council will ask to many questions. No, this is something I will have to handle myself.” Obi-Wan replied, his determination unwavering.

“What about Kenshin? This will affect him too.”

Obi-Wan got off the stool and placed his empty cup on the table and then walked over to a round viewport. “If there was another way, I would take it. We are on the brink of war. The Jedi will become what they should not be. Soldiers. Commanders of armies.” Looking out the viewport into the darkness, Obi-Wan drew in a shuddered breath. The path ahead was not going to be easy. “As a soldier does his duty and will leave his family to fulfill his duty so I must also do my duty.”

“And what of the investigation of a Sith within our ranks?” Bruck pressed.

“Master Dooku and Woren are in charge of the investigation.” Obi-Wan stated and then turned away from the viewport and looked at Bruck. “How is Kenshin doing?”

Bruck straightened up. “He misses you and…he’s been having nightmares again.” He stood up and withdrew a camcorder from out of his cloak pocket and walked over to Obi-Wan to hand it to him. “He recorded a message for you.”

Accepting the camcorder, Obi-Wan held it close to himself. “When did his nightmares start?”

“About two days after you left.” Bruck took a deep breath as he continued. “He dreamed that he saw you wearing a black cloak and wielding a red lightsaber. You were also training a young boy.”

Obi-Wan walked passed Bruck and sat down heavily on the bench. “His nightmares are only manifestations of his fears.”

“There’s more. He also had a nightmare of you killing Master Qui-Gon in a duel and of himself being killed by your own hands.” Bruck added and joined Obi-Wan on the bench. “His nightmares have been growing in intensity.”

Obi-Wan looked down at the round flat camcorder in his hands and turned it slowly around. “He’s never had nightmares before. His reaction to his first nightmare is what is bringing on his nightmares.”

“You don’t believe its visions?” Bruck asked.

Obi-Wan shook his head. “No. Other than the nightmares, how has Kenshin been doing?”

“He’s been short-tempered with his teachers, but other than that he is doing well in his studies. He misses you.” Bruck answered.

Obi-Wan closed his eyes, banning the emotions that threatened to reveal themselves. He very much wanted to see his son again, to comfort his son and banish the nightmares, and to watch his son grow up. But…he had his duty to help bring peace and justice back to the galaxy. To make the galaxy a safer place to live in and to protect the innocent. Obi-Wan opened his eyes back up and looked at Bruck. “I am going to proceed with my plan to go to Coruscant.”

Bruck’s face tightened. “Then let Garen and me go with you, Obi-Wan. The darkness is suffocating there, you said so yourself.”

“I was younger then and not as far into my training as I am now. You and Garen need to go back to the Temple.”

“And what if something goes wrong? You are going to need backup, Obi-Wan.” Bruck pressed, not giving up.

After a few tense minutes, Obi-Wan spoke. “Very well. I will still need you and Garen to get off planet until the completion of the Naboo mission. Go to the Alui system and wait for me there.”

“We will do so.” Bruck responded.

Obi-Wan stood and headed for the lounge door just as it opened and Garen entered with a steaming kettle of fresh tea and a plate of pastries.

“I got some hot tea and a snack.” Garen announced, smiling. He frowned when Obi-Wan walked passed him without a word and out of the lounge. “What did I miss?”

“Garen, pour me some tea please.” Bruck requested. “We are going to Coruscant.”

 

Bruck's concerns and advice are wise and well-founded I think Kenshin's dreams I do believe are visions of the future that need to be circumvented -- I'm glad Obi-Wan took to heart some of what Bruck said but I hope he's not setting the stage for inevitable disaster I do love the warm and open Qui/Obi relationship. Obi-wan's choices do seem to be governed by thoughtfulness and care and the circumstance, not reckless disregard, but the Sith are sneaky manipulators ... There is one central truth though: No solution exists that is quick or easy.

 

Just started reading this tale and I am hooked. Brock is being wise with his concerns. Never can be sure what to do with the Sith.

 

Me thinks Obi-Wan should be a little more concerned with Kenshin's nightmares than he appears to be.

 

Things are not going to get any easier for Obi-Wan, as you all will see shortly. Thanks for reading and reviewing

Welcome I am glad you are enjoying this story.

Yes, he should.

Thank you all for reading and reviewing Here is the next chapter. Enjoy


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Chapter 14

Obi-Wan entered his cabin aboard the ship and locked the door behind him. He still clutched the camcorder in his hand, its contents waiting to be revealed. In the darkness of the cabin he sat down on his bed and switched the camcorder on. An image took shape in the darkness until it solidified into the image of his son’s face.

“Hi daddy, I miss you. When are you coming home? Can you come home soon and keep the bad dreams away?” Kenshin paused as he tried to smile. “I went on a fieldtrip with my science class today outside the Temple. Can we go camping when you get back? I want to show you the new kata I’m learning in lightsaber class.” Kenshin yawned. “I’m sleepy. Bruck says he’ll get this message to you. I love you, daddy.” Kenshin said, finally smiling and waved at the camcorder. “Come home soon.”

At the end of the message, Obi-Wan switched the camcorder off and blinked at the wetness in his eyes. He yearned to see his son again, but the rescue of Anakin was his priority. Obi-Wan removed an nearly empty pouch from his belt that normally held credits and emptied it so that he could fit the camcorder inside. Sealing the pouch, he tied it around his neck so that the pouch laid against his chest, and he tucked it underneath his undershirt. Then he laid down on the bed, suddenly feeling exhausted. His eyes drifted shut and he fell into a deep sleep.

When Obi-Wan woke the next morning he felt refreshed and centered, he dressed into some clean clothes and met his Master and Xanatos in the galley where they were finishing up breakfast.

“Get enough sleep, Obi-Wan?” Xanatos asked as he swallowed the last of his food.

There was a subliminal tone in the question that gave Obi-Wan pause before he spoke. “Yes, the runs at night have been beneficial. I should have started doing them the first night we were on Naboo.”

Qui-Gon sat a plate of reheated food on the table and cleared away the used plates. “Xanatos has found a shuttle that we can use after the Sith leave. We’ll need to transfer any important stuff to the shuttle before noontime. I have already taken care of things on my end so that just leaves you and Xanatos.”

Obi-Wan drank some juice to wet his throat. “Any idea when the Sith will arrive today?”

“I am not certain, but we should not delay in our preparations.” Qui-Gon responded.

Obi-Wan nodded as he quickly ate up his breakfast. Twenty minutes later, he and Xanatos were headed out into the swamp with the things that could not be left in the ship.

They made quick work at loading the shuttle and then putting the camouflage cover back over it. “I hope the Council will be understanding of us blowing the ship up.” Obi-Wan spoke as he doubled checked the cover.

“This mission is more important to them then the ship right now so it shouldn’t bother them to badly. Maybe it will get them moving to procure more ships.” Xanatos responded and then abruptly changed the subject. “You disappeared in the Force both times when you left the ship on your ‘runs’. Why?”

Obi-Wan turned around so that he was facing Xanatos. “We’ve been hiding our Force presences ever since we left the Temple. I’ve been practicing improving the technique since we arrived on Naboo.”

Xanatos crossed his arms over his chest, his face revealing that he was not at all convinced. “Really? Because you use the technique like you were familiar with it and you were gone for hours during your first run.”

Obi-Wan pressed his lips tightly together in a thin line, his eyes narrowed ever so slightly. “What are you fishing for Xanatos?”

“There is only one other person I know who had ever mastered that technique. I asked Yoda about it and he told me that it is a technique long forgotten by the Jedi Order. Who did you learn it from? There are no teaching materials available about how to learn the technique.” Xanatos questioned.

A small smile formed on Obi-Wan’s face. “This is getting old you know. The Council and Master Qui-Gon accepted long ago that I will not tell them who trained me before I was discovered. You should let it be also.”

“Have you been teaching others this shielding technique?”

Obi-Wan fought to keep the smile on his face from disappearing to quickly. “Should I teach others the technique?”

Xanatos glared at him. “I sensed Bruck nearby briefly last night. Why is he here? And why did I sense shock and fear travel through our bond in that brief instance?”

Obi-Wan steeled his face and drew on the Force to calm himself. Xanatos was not going to back down easily now, especially now that he knew Bruck had been on the planet. “Bruck delivered a message from my son to me and he had asked me about how the Naboo mission was going. He had arrived the day before yesterday but I didn’t allow him to leave until yesterday to make sure his ship had not been detected by the Naboo.”

“Bruck would not break the rules to deliver a message! Especially when a team is under communication silence!” Xanatos responded, anger in his voice.

“Did you tell Qui-Gon that you sensed Bruck last night?” Obi-Wan asked in a low voice.

Xanatos tapped his fingers impatiently against his crossed arms. “Not yet. Now tell me the truth. Why was Bruck here?”

“He came to deliver a message from Kenshin. No one is perfect Xanatos, Bruck made a mistake.”

“Was the message so important that he would break the rules to deliver it?” Xanatos shook his head. “You’re hiding something.”

“It has no impact on our mission, Xanatos. Let’s finish the mission first and then I’ll tell you what’s going on.”

Xanatos raised an eyebrow, suspicious that Obi-Wan was now willing to tell him only after the mission. “I have your word on it?”

“Yes but you must not tell Qui-Gon anything about Bruck being here. At least not until after the mission is completed.”

“So if I don’t tell Qui-Gon then you’ll tell me why Bruck was here after the mission.” Xanatos watched Obi-Wan nod his head once in confirmation but something made him uneasy. Was it his own feelings that made him uneasy or was it the Force warning him? He wasn’t sure, he would have to meditate on it. “Agreed.”

“After the mission then.” Obi-Wan said and then walked away from the shuttle and headed back in the direction of the ship.

~*~*~

Anakin looked out the viewport in his cabin watching the buildings become bigger and bigger as they approached the hanger near a tall structure. It was nothing like Tatooine or Coruscant. There was so much green and water, so much water. Anakin looked in awe at the buildings, simple but elegant. Not tall and strict like the buildings on Coruscant and not worn and rundown like the buildings on Tatooine. A bubble of excitement filled Anakin, dispelling his feelings of uncertainty, if only for a moment.

The ship set down with a jolt, almost making Anakin lose his balance. The hangar was filled with pointy yellow starfighters with clear buble cockpits on the top of them. Tearing his eyes away from the view, Anakin grabbed the black cloak he had been given from off the bed and quickly headed to the ramp.

When he got there, Sidious and Maul were already there waiting for him.

“About time!” Maul snapped.

Anakin swallowed hard. “I’m sorry.”

Sidious pressed the controls to lower the ramp and then looked down at Anakin. “Anakin, you are to observe and stay silent. Is that understood?”

Anakin looked up at Sidious and nodded. “Yes sir.”

“Put on your cloak and walk behind us.” Sidious ordered and Sidious and Maul walked down the ramp.

Putting on his cloak, Anakin hurried after them. The hanger was massive, Anakin wished he could check out the starfighters, but Sidious and Maul were walking so fast that he had to focus on keeping up. He forced himself to look at their backs so that he would not become distracted, even pulling his hood up so he wouldn’t glimpse things out of the corner of his eyes.

Minutes later they were at the large structure’s doors and were ushered inside by beings that Anakin had never seen before. They stepped into a massive hallway full of windows and tall pillars. He was distracted long enough to find that he had to run to catch back up. He caught back up with Sidious and Maul just in time as they were entering through another set of doors and into a large circular room.

Across the room a large, round being sat in a chair that was to small for his large form. To the being’s right stood a young girl with brown hair made into a tight bun on the top of her head and captivating brown eyes. She wore a red, long sleeved dress with a high collar that split open an inch underneath her chin like a fancy vase he had seen one time in town with his mom. The dress shimmered in the light and the bottom of the dress lightly dusted the floor. Anakin looked back up at her face, to which he could not compare to any other face and wondered how much more beautiful her face would be if she smiled. As he was wondering what her smile was like, Anakin bumped into the back of Maul who had come to a halt.

Maul turned his head to glare at Anakin and Anakin quickly stepped back a few paces and muttered an apology.

“Boss Nass,” Sidious spoke, “The Sith Council is pleased that you have uncovered the treasonous actions of Queen Misika.”

“Isa weesa duty to da Sith Order to maintain stability.” Boss Nass answered and he gestured toward the young woman. “Dis is Amidala, Princess of Theed. She hasa maintainin order here for da pass few days. Da Naboo people has been disgruntl about da Gungan occupation of Theed. Amidala isa eager to return to her original position.”

“Has any Jedi been found on planet?” Sidious asked.

“Weesa interrogation of Queen Misika reveal da is three total Jedi possibly on planet. Missa troops isa combing da planet as weesa speak.” Boss Nass responded, giving a big throaty chuckle. “Thesa no escape us.”

“My apprentice and I will join in the search. When the Jedi are dead we will return and appoint a new Queen. Our protégé, Anakin, will remain here until we return.” Sidious told Boss Nass.

“Captain Tarpals ganna give yousa updat information regard da search. “Yousa find him at da gatehouse at da main gata.”

Sidious and Maul turned around to leave and Sidious stopped briefly to tell Anakin to remain with either Boss Nass or Amidala.

Anakin nodded and watched as the Sith quickly left the room and when they were gone he looked up at Amidala.

“Would you like to have a snack?” Amidala asked, her face still emotionless.

“Yes, please.” Anakin responded, enraptured at her voice, so soft and sweet. She was almost like an angel that the traders and pilots talked about back home, except Amidala didn’t smile and angels did.

Amidala nodded. “Come, we’ll eat out in the garden.”

Anakin followed after her through another door in the room at a steady pace. Moving much more slowly, Anakin got the chance to examine the corridors and glance out the windows that they passed by. They stopped briefly as Amidala spoke with a servant and then they continued to move on. They descended a circular stairway and entered a garden filled with flowers of every type.The smell was sweet and the colors were relaxing.

They walked the cobblestone pathway till they came to a grey stone table and bench. Nearby, unseen among the flowers a brook bubbled along.

Amidala sat down on the bench and Anakin sat down across from her at the table. “It’s very pretty here. I have never seen so many plants before! Or water!” Anakin blurted out.

A faint smile appeared on Amidala’s face. “Thank you. Which planet are you from?”

“Tatooine.” Anakin answered.

“Ah, not very far from here. Have you started your training yet?” Amidala asked.

Anakin shook his head. “No. The Sith took me in several days ago after the Jedi killed my mom.”

Shock flickered across her face. “I’m sorry for your loss Anakin. Do you have any other family?”

“No, it was just me and my mom.” Anakin looked down at the table and traced a groove with his finger. “I miss her.”

Amidala placed a warm hand over Anakin’s hand that was on the table and gave it a small squeeze. “She’ll live on in your heart, Anakin.”

A tear escaped Anakin’s right eye and he wiped it away with his free hand. “It still hurts.”

Just then a servant girl came up to them with two big glasses of juri juice, a platter with a selection of small muffins and a platter of sliced fruit.

Amidala thanked the servant and picked up a nutty muffin with sugar glaze and placed it on a small plate that was provided.

Anakin selected a sugarberry muffin and a slice of purple fruit and put them on his plate. “What does a Princess of Theed do?”

“Theed is the city we are currently in. Unlike other planets who use the term mayor, we prefer to use the term princess or prince. A princess or prince of a city leads the government of that city they reside in. The princess or prince report to their regional governor and the regional governors report to the Queen or King.” Amidala explained.

“You like what you do?” Anakin asked before biting into his muffin.

“Yes, I do.” Amidala took a sip of her juice. “Would you like me to give you a tour of Theed?”

Anakin’s eyes widened. “Can I see the starfighters too?”

“We can, and please, call me Padme. Amidala is my formal name.” Padme told him, smiling at Anakin’s excitement.

“Wizard!” Anakin responded, a smile lighting up his own face.

 

Enjoyed that first meeting between Anakin and Padme. She is very warm and compassionate, and he seems untainted by the Sith. I hope!

 

Loved Anakin's excitement about seeing the starfighters!

 

Nice scene with Anakin and Padme. Nice to see how happy he was about star fighters.

 

I'm glad you enjoyed it

A bright spot in all the gloom.

Thank you.


Author note: Sorry it's taking so long with the next chapter. I have been indecisive about a fate of a character and its important that i do it right. So bear with me, i might have the next chapter written before the start of the new year. Hopefully.

 

Chapter 15

Obi-Wan sat in the stillness of meditation, letting the rippling currents wash over and through him. The currents energized him, smoothing out his thoughts and actions. His emotions were carefully held in check and his mental shields were solidly in place. His Force signature was bright and loud, encouraging the Sith to come like a moth to a spider. In the Force he could detect Xanatos and Qui-Gon at a safe distance from the ship, at the halfway point between the ship and the shuttle. It was nearly time, the trap was set and now they waited.

Anticipation filled the lounge of the ship as the dark cloud that was the Sith came ever closer, little by little. Which Sith he fought did not matter, the goal was that the Sith believe that they had defeated the Jedi presence on Naboo. The overconfidence of the Sith was their weakness and in time their pride would be their undoing.

Light swirled around him, encasing him in a globe of white light as he tapped into powers and skills that were unknown to both Jedi and Sith. His Force signature shifted, warped, changed until he perfected the masquerade. It wasn’t the best disguise as it was really simple and his first Master would have been able to see through it quite clearly but to the Jedi and Sith the technique was not known, speculated on, but not known.

The light ebbed, absorbed back into his body. Anyone who knew him would be unable to recognize him. Bushy flaming red hair and brows, narrowed eyes with bright blue orbs, pointed ears, long slender fingers, and dark brown skin.

A warning in the Force sent Obi-Wan into an attack stance as the lone Sith entered the ship. Mouth set in a grim line, Obi-Wan’s hands clenched around the cool metal as he waited.

The attack was swift, the dark form wasting no time in raining down blows on the Jedi. The intensity of the darkside sent icy prickles down Obi-Wan’s skin and he couldn’t help the tremble even as he blocked the first blow. Drawing on the light, Obi-Wan chased away the icy fingers of darkness and delivered a flurry of strikes at the Sith, each one successively blocked.

Obi-Wan recognized this Sith as the Master Sith that had been aboard the Trade Federation flagship some time ago. His face hardened further as his brows knit in concentration. The Sith must be very confident in his apprentice to have sent his apprentice after the other two Jedi. Unless it was all just luck, not that he believed in luck.

A smirk spread on Obi-Wan’s face as their blades sang through the air and clashed, hissing and spitting against one another like a pair of sand vipers: deadly. Obi-Wan fell deeper into the currents of the Force, his every sense and reflex enhanced as he dueled in the confined space. He was in his element, he was one with the currents of life. He was Obi-Wan Kenobi the elusive shadow.

~*~*~

Anakin looked up at the yellow, pointy nosed, starfighter and grinned. “These starfighters are awesome! I wish I can fly one.”

Padme smiled gently at him. “You’ll get your chance, someday.”

Anakin climbed up the ladder next to the fighter and peered into the cockpit. “Podracing is a popular sport on Tatooine. My mom didn’t like it though. Said it was too dangerous and encouraged gambling.” Anakin turned away from the ship and sat down on the top of the ladder and looked down at Padme. “Watto would take me to the racetrack to watch the podraces. That was always fun to look forward too and I got the day off from working in the shop.”

Padme frowned. “Working in the shop? Did you go to school?”

Anakin shook his head, “No. Slaves don’t go to school.”

“You were a slave?” She said, looking up at him in shock.

Anakin glared at her, “I’m a person.”

Padme shook her head, “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to offend. The galaxy beyond my world is strange and foreign to me.”

“You’ve never been in space?” Anakin’s eyes widened in surprise, “But you’re rich and free, you can go anywhere you want.”

“I choose to stay and serve my people.” Padme responded.

Anakin wrinkled his nose and studied her intently for a few moments. “But have you ever wondered what’s out there?”

“My duty is to my people. Why would I wonder about things I won’t be able to see or do? What’s the point in it?” Padme told him, turning her gaze from him to look out at the landingstrip in the center of the hangar.

Anakin’s brows creased and he climbed back down the ladder. “But you know things about other planets.”

“We learn only what is needed in order to fulfill our roles in society.” Padme explained and looked back at Anakin. “It is an understood fact here on Naboo that the majority would rather keep to themselves and not get involved with affairs outside of our world.”

Anakin crossed his arms, frowning deeply. “But why not?”

Padme gestured for him to follow her and they left the hangar and walked onto the empty streets of the city. She led Anakin to a short domed structure constructed out of white stone and a gray plated roof. Padme twisted an ornamental flower on the right side frame of the door and did the same to the other six flowers scattered about on the doorframe. Twisting the last one, the door swung open, beckoning them inside a lightly illumined space and a circular staircase.

“Where are we going?” Anakin asked, his curiosity piquing as he stopped to look at an artfully painted picture painted on the stone wall.

“This structure houses the records of our ancestors. The Gungans are native to Naboo, but the Nubians are not. A long time ago our ancestors traveled the stars, they were explorers, a people searching for a home to replace the one they lost. In their travels they visited many worlds, engaged many cultures yet they were a private people and never stayed very long in one place for anyone to learn more about them. Their interaction had a positive influence on many worlds and in time they became well respected.” Padme paused her narration and continued walking down the stairs.

“How did they find Naboo?” Anakin asked, letting his hand graze the cool, rough stone, tracing his finger along a winding river of blue.

“It is said that a group called the Je’daii told our ancestors about Naboo, a planet sparsely populated by the natives who may be willing to share their land with our ancestors.”

“Who are the Je’daii?”

Padme looked up at Anakin, “We don’t know. There is only the brief mention of them in our records and then nothing.” She chuckled. “It is one of those mysteries that is not solvable but yet intriguing just the same. Our instinct to explore hasn’t left us Anakin, but has merely been suppressed.”
“Why?”

Padme continued down the steps without responding until they came to a smooth wall blocking their way. Padme placed her hand on the wall and for a moment nothing happened and then there was a whirring of servo motors and the wall lifted into the ceiling, allowing Anakin and Padme to pass through.”

“Wizard!” Anakin said in amazement as the lights in the chamber turned on and the wall lowered back into place, giving a loud thump as it clicked into place. The chamber held a single short brown column in the center of the room.

Padme walked up to the column and pressed a series of buttons. The room darkened and a large 3D map of the galaxy filled the room.

“Whoa!” Anakin exclaimed and touched a nearby star with his finger. Immediately the map shifted into a solar system. When he touched one of the planets data began to scroll over the planet’s surface.

“The history we have of all the planets that were visited by our ancestors is stored here but has not been updated since about a millennium ago.” Padme told him, her gaze lingering on a distant star. “When the Order of the Sith rose up and there was chaos in the galaxy, Naboo led other planets in a fight against the Sith. The effort was in vain and the leash of the Sith grew tighter and the death toll soared. The Naboo realized then that their efforts were only bringing more suffering to the galaxy and so withdrew back to Naboo where they petitioned the Sith Council for a resolution.”

Anakin blinked, his mind churning with the information as he tried to make sense of it. “I don’t understand.”

Padme looked at Anakin with a deep sadness in her eyes. “In exchange for the genocides to end, the Nubian people will remain on their homeworld and will order the other planetary leaders fighting the Sith to stand down. Also, the election of the planetary ruler will be determined by the Sith Council.”

Anakin frowned deeply. “You’re saying that the Sith are bad? But the Sith rescued me from the Jedi and freed me.”

“I don’t consider the Jedi to be any better than the Sith, Anakin. My people have lived in peace for years after the end of the war and then the Jedi come to unravel that peace by trying to draw Naboo into a war. A war where many people will die.”

“Oh.” Anakin sat down on the ground with an audible sigh. “So the Jedi are bad and the Sith are bad, but I want to be good, like my mother.”

Padme sat down beside him, her dress pooling around her. “Tell me about your mother.”

“She always had a smile on her face, she was kind, gentle, worked hard, generous, spoke nicely, even to rude people. She never harmed anyone.” Anakin’s voice grew strained. “Why did the Jedi kill her? Why?”

“I don’t have the answer to your question Anakin. Injustice is never pretty.” Padme responded, laying a gentle hand on his shoulder.

A tear trickled down Anakin’s cheek, “They said I should seek revenge, but I just want my mother back.”

Padme pulled Anakin into a hug and they sat that way for a long time, underneath the stars, in the silence.

~*~*~

Darth Maul snarled as he clumped through a tangle of ferns. His prey was close, he could sense it. He drew on the fire within him, the coals of darkness aglow. The anticipation of the battle to come thrilled him to the core, he could already smell the sweat of battle, the anguish cries as his prey were defeated, the scent of burned flesh heavy in his nostrils. He thirsted for the Jedi’s blood, his desire for retaliation whipping up the fire within him. The Jedi…they will tasted the darkness…taste the blade.

He stepped into a clearing, his feet sinking into black slimy mud as he spotted his quarry disappear back into the woods. His eyes burned yellow with hatred and he ignited his double blade. The blade hummed menacingly, vibrating underneath his grip. He frowned, he would have to fix that problem later but it would in no way hinder him in the battle to come.

The Jedi came at him from two directions and he spun about to catch their blades with his. The air crackled and popped from the energy of the lightsabers meeting, the air growing warm from the lightening quick strikes.

The two Jedi were flawless in their chosen style of combat, but every style had a weakness and he would exploit those weaknesses and make them into a weapon for his own use. Yes…he would win for he was Darth Maul the destroyer.

~*~*~

Obi-Wan’s blade sang as he blocked a strike to his calf. The lounge of the ship was filled with scorch marks, sparking wires dangled from the ceiling and debris littered the floor. With a powerful Force push, Obi-Wan slammed the Sith into a far wall and then sprang backwards toward the door. The door slid open and Obi-Wan sprinted for the ramp of the ship. It was time to initiate the next phase of the plan. It was…perhaps…not the greatest of plans but it would be convincing enough. He pulled the detonator switch from his utility belt as he sensed the Sith pursuing him. Drawing the Force to himself he formed a protective bubble about himself and as his feet touched the ground he pressed the button.

A loud pop sounded within the ship and the Sith appeared at the top of the ramp, then the world became red as the ship exploded.