Traditions

P_Stotts, AprrenticeM and Jane Jinn -- Thanks for the positive feedback! I'm glad you think that Obi&Qui are acting in character.

Healer Leona -- Glad to have you back

HannahBates -- Thanks, I wanted something that would give the story line a little twist, I'm happy it seems to have worked.

Sarah K -- What fun would it be if Qui wasn't angsting Liked your comment about others being quite willling to beat up Obi! How true.

Speaking of Qui-angst . . .

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Carra and Drew brought Qui-Gon to an old deserted looking hotel in a very bad section of town. From an alleyway half a block away, the three of them watched the building.

?This is the right place,? Carra said. ?I can feel it.?

?If it is the right place, how can you sense anything through the muters,? asked Qui-Gon. He could sense no living things in the building.

?I can sense life everywhere but there. It?s a giant empty space, not even any rodents or insects. The muters are blocking our ability to sense this place, so this must be where they are,? rationalize Carra.

?Couldn?t we have used that idea to look for them before,? asked Qui-Gon irritability.

?Yeah, if you wanted to walk up and down every street on the planet looking for an area we couldn?t sense. Asking around took less time,? answered Drew.

Nodding, Qui-Gon said, ?I?ll contact Alberich to get his infiltration team ready.?

?Why not just take care of it ourselves, now?? demanded Drew. ?Why wait??

?We suspect they are in this building, but where in the building? How many guard the children? Are the children, Obi-Wan and Ryss all in one place? While we are fighting our way into the building, they may kill the hostages to prevent them from being retaken. I want to rescue them as soon as possible, but I want to increase the odds that we will recover them alive. Alberich?s team will do that,? argued Qui-Gon. He knew his reasoning was sound, that storming the building now would most likely end with some, if not all, of the hostages dead. That knowledge didn?t help assuage the feeling he was letting Obi-Wan down by leaving him a moment longer in the clutches of the bastards that had hurt him so badly.

Carra and Drew glanced at each other, not saying anything for a moment. ?All right. But we go in with the team. Agreed??

?Agreed. Let?s get moving."

 

Wow! I just went through For the Sake of Peace and To Defend and Protect before reading this one... It's left me totally breathless! Awesome, awesome stories! I loooove how you alternated between Obi-torture and Qui-torture

But now, I've hit the end of your last post and all I can do is beg for more!!!

 

I'll beg for more too Greencat.Please post more!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

All right, Qui-Gon! Good way to put your emotions behind you and do what has to be done, no matter how hard it might be!

 

I can't tell you all how great it is that not only are you still reading this, but you also want more!

So, more you shall have . . .

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It was late at night when Obi-Wan awoke to the sounds of Ryss twisting and turning. Concerned, he went to her as quickly as he could.

?What?s wrong? Is there anything I can do?? whispered Obi-Wan, trying not to wake any of the children.

To Obi-Wan?s surprise, Ryss blushed a deep red. ?I have to use the ?fresher and I don?t seem to be able to sit up on my own.?

?Oh. Uhmmm . . . do you want me to get Silva?? asked Obi-Wan.

?No. If you don?t mind, I?d rather let the girl sleep. She?s taken on a lot of responsibilities for such a young kid. I think that if you help me up and get me over there, I can take care of the rest of it,? replied Ryss, quietly.

As gently as he could, Obi-Wan helped Ryss stand up. When Ryss stumbled and tightened her grip on his arm, he couldn?t prevent a sharp intake of breath at the stab of pain that ran through his joints.

?Damn. I?m sorry. I can?t believe I forgot you were hurt, too. Get Silva and go lay back down,? Ryss apologized.

?I?m okay, really. You?re right, Silva needs the rest. She took care of you, Nissa and the rest of the children. Even put that splint on your arm.? Obi-Wan said. When they reached the refresher door, Ryss used the wall to steady herself. She closed the door after she went in.

After a few minutes, Obi-Wan began to get a little worried. It seemed like Ryss was taking a long time. He was about to knock on the door, when the sound of sobbing drifted through from the other side. Understanding her desire for privacy, he waited until he could no longer hear Ryss crying. Knocking softly on the door, he asked, ?Are you all right??

The door opened to reveal a pale, red eyed Ryss. ?Sorry to take so long. For some reason I?m not moving as fast as I usually do.?

?Can?t imagine why,? Obi-Wan said, with a half smile. Taking her arm, Obi-Wan helped Ryss start back to her spot on the floor.

?You?re a credit to the Jedi, Obi-Wan Kenobi. I want you to know, no matter what happens, that it has been an honor to know you.? Ryss said, suddenly.

Shaking his head, Obi-Wan whispered back. ?No. Thank you, but I?ve done nothing but fail. A true Jedi would have been able to keep you and Nissa from getting hurt, or even captured in the first place. I haven?t even been able to think of any way for us to escape.?

?Bantha poodo. I?ve got at least five winters on you and I haven?t thought of any way for us to escape, either. Or keep us from getting hurt, for that matter. You?ve been very brave, stayed calm, and helped me and the kids, even though you?ve been hurt, too. If anyone?s failed, its me. Running my mouth off at that guy got me a worse beating. I?m a Ytrayuit. I should have been able to handle these traditionalists better.?

Should he tell her? There was nothing she could do. She was badly injured. Upsetting her more might only make things worse. On the other hand, if the situation was reversed, he would want to know what was really going on. Making sure that all the children were asleep, Obi-Wan whispered, ?They?re not traditionalists. Modernists hired them to make it look like traditionalists took us. Furthermore, the man in charge has a grudge against Qui-Gon.? Obi-Wan paused, uncertain as to whether he should continue.

Noting his hesitation, Ryss said, ?What?s the rest of it? Why would modernists want to make people think that traditionalists kidnapped us??

?They are hoping to create a backlash against traditional ways.? Obi-Wan whispered.

?They?re planning on killing us, aren?t they? Us to discredit traditionalists, you to get back at Qui-Gon.?

Obi-Wan nodded.

?That changes things. If we?re going to die anyway, its better to die trying to escape than just wait to be tortured and slaughtered. Maybe we can think of something that will get most of the kids out of here.?

?The next time they

 

Good post, greencat! You're mounting the suspense terrifically! Can't wait until Qui-Gon finally gets there and gives Chavin (or whatever his name is) what he deserves.

 

Oh, that would be ironic, if Qui-Gon and the troops came to rescue the kids and found they'd already escaped, but didn't know where they'd gone!

I love the way Obi-Wan and Ryss were both thinking how inadequate they were, and how brave the other one was.

 

AAAHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Escape plans are always good, but why do I have a feeling this one won't go as planned? And Greencat, please post soon...We need more!!!

 

I NEED MORE, MORE, MORE, MORE, MORE, AND MORE, AND MORE!!


*please????

 

Uh oh, two injured people entertaining guards while the others escape... I sense more pain coming

Don't make us wait too long!

Oh, and LOL! Thanks for the guestbook entry

 

We are almost done, just 3 more posts after this one. Not much action in this post, I'm afraid. Hope its not to boring, the next post should be a little more exciting.

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In a secured conference room, Officer Alberich, Officer Galen -- commander of the infiltration team, Qui-Gon Jinn, Carra and Drew studied the blueprints of the targeted building on a computer screen. The two security forces officers had objected to the inclusion of the civilians Carra and Drew on the mission, but they had been overruled by the Jedi Master. Officer Alberich was getting slightly annoyed at being overruled by the Jedi Master. It was becoming a rather irritating habit with him.

The computer had merged the schematics of the building with data from the sensor probes. ?There are three floors plus a basement.? Officer Galen pointed to the corresponding images on the screen. ?The basement and ground floor have only a few life forms on them, primarily near the entrances. The main concentrations of life forms are on the second and third floors. We believe the hostages are being held here, on the third floor. The sensors are detecting several smaller life forms located in this room. There is another concentration of life forms on the second floor, but based on their larger size and the fact that they are more spread out, we believe they are the terrorists.

The first teams to act will be Alpha and Bravo teams. Using stealth fliers, both teams will be will be dropped on the roof. Part of Bravo will rappel from the roof to positions by the third floor windows. They will crash the windows at the same time Alpha Team and the rest of Bravo breach the ceiling. Alpha team, the team you and the two civilians have been assigned to, Master Jinn, will have as their priority securing the hostages. Bravo team?s purpose will be to take a protective position, to fend off any incursions from the tangos and neutralize any tangos attempting to interfere with Alpha Team?s evacuation of the hostages through the ceiling breach. Air support will then remove the hostages to a safe location.?

?Tangos?? interrupted Drew.

?Terrorists. Charlie Team will then enter the building from street level and seal the lower floors from anyone leaving. This will put the tangos into a sandwich between Charlie and Bravo. When the basement and ground floor are cleared, Charlie will advance up the stairs, towards Bravo.?

Frowning, Officer Galen said, ?I want to again state that I object to the inclusion of two civilians on this operation, regardless of what experience you say they have. I also want to remind all three of you that although out here you outrank me, Master Jinn, once the operation is in motion you will follow my orders. If any of you think you will be unable to do so, back out now, rather than endanger this operation. Do I make myself clear??

?Perfectly, Officer. We will comply with your commands. Won?t we?? Qui-Gon sternly told Carra and Drew. The two agreed to the conditions of their participation.

A wrist band with a small computer screen was strapped to each person?s wrist. It would show the location of each hostile on the floor the Team member was assigned to, downloaded from the computer in the surveillance van. It would also serve as a communication device, to synchronize the assault. The three teams moved into position.

 

Sounds very realistic to me! I liked the terminology of tangoes for terrorists, and hostiles, and the way the one military leader was tired of being overruled by Qui-Gon.

 

lol doesn't wants the civilians.... even when one's a jedi ah well.... oh I figured I'd better delurk and say that I've really enjoyed your story.... um sorry I've lurked so long (well you see i found your story awhile ago... then lost it and forgot the title cause I lost my bookmarks and only rediscovered it today sooo not truly lurking the whole time.... honestly. )

.... oh and um do you mind please posting again very soon please.

 

hehe..Maybe Alberich should talk with Obi about always being overruled by Qui...Now on to the rescue!! BTW, Greencat, in case you didn't get that, that's a plea to you to post soon!!

 

Nothing boring about that post, greencat! Nice buildup in the tension!

 

Boring?? ?

Great job, greencat! I look forward to the ending!

Sarah >^,,^<

 

I had been concerned that the last post should have been 'acted out' rather than just having Galen explain the plan. I'm glad it worked out. My bother-in-law Jim gave me alot of help working out the details of the rescue to make it more realistic.

FYI I've started on the next story, Skirmish in an Ancient War. Something a little different from what I've written so far. Dark Powers want to get rid of Obi to change the future. There is obi-torment, but its more psychologial than physical. I hope you'll give it a shot when I start posting it in a couple of days.

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A muffled explosion and blaster fire sounded close by. Obi-Wan gripped the wooden slat taken from one of the couches. Ryss, leaning against the wall beside the door, held another wooden slat. The slats were not much, but they were better than nothing. If the Force was with them, whatever was going on out there, in addition to their own attacks, would be enough of a distraction for the children to get out. The children had been told to scatter as soon as they got out of the door and head for any exits they could find.

Suddenly, like sunlight pouring into a dark room when the curtain is drawn back, Obi-Wan?s bond with Qui-Gon was restored. ?It?s Master Qui-Gon,? he said joyfully.

Right on cue, the bright green blade of a lightsaber cut through the door to the room. Led by Qui-Gon, the members of Alpha Team entered. As the children had been instructed, they began to run towards the door.

?Stop,? called out Obi-Wan. ?They?re here to rescue us!?

?Everyone stay together, follow them,? ordered Ryss.

?Quickly, this way? Qui-Gon said. The smaller children were carried by the commandos. The rest of Alpha Team made a defensive perimeter around the children as they were escorted out. Impatient with Ryss? slow progress, one of their rescuers swept her up into his arms. Qui-Gon stayed protectively near Obi-Wan as the group moved to the hole in the ceiling. The children, Ryss, and Obi-Wan were lifted up to the commandos on the roof, then loaded into the waiting fliers.

The sounds of battle faded as the fliers took off, taking the freed hostages to safety.

The confrontation between the terrorists and the Security Force Commandos was short. Bravo and Charlie Teams cleared the building, capturing the terrorists. Chavin was found cowering in a closet and none too gently apprehended.

 

Great post, greencat! Was that the last of the story, or will there be one more post? So, Chavin's not such a big man when he's backed into a corner. Just another bully.

 

Oooh, rescued in the nick of time! Great! I loved the way Obi-Wan was waiting with a wooden slat in his hand, not knowing what was going on outside, but already planning it as a further distraction. And of course Chavin would be cowering in a closet! I loved the way he was "none too gently" apprehended.

Your next story sounds very intriguing. Psychological torture, huh? I'm looking forward to it already.

 

Yeah! They were recused and no one was hurt! BTW Greencat, Skirmish sounds interesting...psych torture huh? Count me in to read it

 

There is one more post after this one.

Enjoy

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Late evening in the Med Center. Qui-Gon was using the Force to reattach Obi-Wan?s severed padawan braid. It was a slow, painstaking task. Each hair had to be individually bonded in place. Neither of the two Jedi had spoken in some time. Qui-Gon was aware his padawan was upset, but knew that Obi-Wan would not talk about it until he was ready.

The willingness of the ultra-modernists to slaughter children in order to discredit their political opponents was extremely distressing to the young man. He was far from being a sheltered, naïve youngster, but the ruthlessness of such actions was difficult for him to fathom. By contrast, Chavin?s acts of torture to get revenge against Qui-Gon was relatively easy to understand. Qui-Gon had stopped Chavin?s highly profitable gladiator fights, so Chavin had hurt him back through his padawan. Being paid to kidnap a few additional people was just an added bonus for the slaver.

?Why?? Obi-Wan finally asked in dismay. ?Planning to murder young children to achieve some political objective. How could they do something so horrible??

?There is no simple answer, my padawan,? Qui-Gon replied. ?Greed, self-interest, sometimes even extreme idealism can blind people to what is right and wrong. Their own needs or beliefs are so paramount they do not see anything else as being important or having worth. ?The end justifies the means? rationalizes their actions.?

?But you can?t separate the means and the end results,? protested Obi-Wan. ?An evil action will taint any outcome, even if it was done with the best of intentions. Evil is Evil.?

?How can you tell when an action is evil?? asked Qui-Gon, ever the teacher. ?Is attacking other beings with the intent to disable, possibly kill them, evil? When we attacked your kidnappers, how was that action different from when they attacked you and the others??

Obi-Wan thought for a moment, choosing his words carefully. ?Intention and action, means and end are interconnected. Why something is done is as important as how it is done. The kidnappers? attack was the first strike in an action meant to cause harm. The rescue was defensive, to prevent any more harm from being done. The first is an evil act, the second isn?t.?

?But the modernists believed they were working towards improving Ytrayuit way of life, by forcing them to abandon traditions they thought were hindering them. If the lives of a handful of children could lead to a better life for billions, isn?t it worth the cost? The modernists might have believed what they were doing was not evil, because it would contribute to the greater good.? Qui-Gon had finished reattaching the last of Obi-Wan?s braid. He began to comb out the hair.

Obi-Wan frowned. He himself had used the argument that the good of the many was more important to explain his willingness to sacrifice himself for others.

?Master,? Obi-Wan turned around to look at him, pulling his hair from Qui-Gon?s fingers. ?Are you saying that because they were trying to do something they thought was good, that the actions of the modernists were not evil??

?No, Obi-Wan. As you said, evil is evil. However, I do want you to understand that many who commit evil acts do not think that they are doing anything wrong. The Dark side can be very seductive, hiding its true nature behind clever arguments and rationalizations. Humans in particular are quite skilled at thinking of reasons to explain why it is all right for them to commit some evil act in the name of good. Each time an individual does this, it gets easier and easier. As a Jedi, you will have to deal with many different cultures and points of view. Being able to deal with them effectively means you will have to understand why people do certain things. At the same time, you must never forget the Jedi way. Following the path of Light is always much harder. Often it means not doing something you very much want to do, or letting go something you very muc

 

Great post, greencat! Very well thought out rationalizations. That's why the Hitlers of the world come to power in the first place...people fail to look behind the inspiring words and look at the actual deeds. Will there be any more?