Saga Untouchable: Clone/Jedi Romance, Adventure/Drama, Obi & OCs, updated 2/22/13

:shock: :shock: in earlybird-obi-wan's fics, people lose the Force but it's usually after a catastrophic life-threatening illness, and the Healers are able to "awaken" and rejuvenate the midichlorians, which were damaged or hindered. This doesn't look to follow something physical, it's probably psychological, which wouldn't surprise me, given all this turmoil Kalinda's in. I'm glad she has some clarity about not wanting or being able to go back. Gives some hope for Stone then. Obi-Wan's declaration was terrific, just late. I at your nudge to lurkers at the end.

I think Kali hit it on the head why she and Obi-Wan won't work and why as Jedi they can't work - she wants him to be something other than who he is. Conditional love. Still love, with all the joy and heartache, but just - lacking.

And of course it must be a trap - but one or two, here or there.

@Jade_eyes, you're on the right track with Kali's loss of the Force! Thank you so much for reading & commenting!

@Valairy Scot, sigh. Yes, Kalinda wants something from Obi that he's not able to give. It doesn't mean he's not a wonderful man, but maybe he's not the man she's meant to be with. Thank you for reading & commenting!

*****

Chapter Ten: Anything and Nothing

Command protocol told Stonewall that he should report to the Jedi immediately upon the squad's return from the city. However, Crest was remarkably assertive for someone normally so jovial so Stone found that he was all but forced to try and catch a few hours' rest while the Jedi were at the session of Parliament. At first he lay awake for several long minutes until he caught a glance from Traxis, who had risen from his bunk to step to the 'fresher.


“You should sleep.”


Stonewall nodded, but said nothing. Finally he glanced at the scarred clone. “Easier said than done.”


At this, Traxis frowned and his gaze dropped for a split-second. “I didn't mean to....cause any trouble,” he said after a pause. “Between you and her...I just....” He ran a hand over his face in frustration. “Look, a while ago I had a buddy who was like you...he fell for one of the Human technicians on our ship – pretty girl – and she...well, let's just say it didn't work out, though he was given reasons to think otherwise.”


“What happened?”


Traxis sighed. “You can guess, can't you? We're trained to do pretty much anything and everything, but none of it did him any good in the end. They were just too different and he was never the same after it all...in fact, he was so distracted, he let himself get blown up by one of those kriffing droidekas.” There was a long pause before the scarred clone spoke again. “You're always telling us to 'keep our minds on the mission;' I just thought that maybe you needed to hear it, too.”


The room was silent for a few moments before Stonewall found his voice. “Thanks, Trax.”


“You really should get some rest, Captain.” After he returned from the 'fresher his brother slipped back into his own bunk and immediately fell into a deep sleep with a soldier's practiced ease, though it took Stone a bit longer to follow his lead.


Of course his dreams were of Kali.


He was standing alone in the garden, listening for her quick tread and hoping that somehow he'd been mistaken when she hadn't replied to his admission. The ground trembled as though crumbling beneath an approaching tank and then he heard her voice reverberating in his head, laughing and telling him how silly he was for thinking that she could – or would – ever love him. The garden around him grew hot, hotter than he could stand but he found that his legs were unable to carry him to safety; smoke from an unseen source choked his lungs.


And then he thought he heard the voice of Drake, a brother long dead, speaking in a mocking tone. You're like a wall, vod, made of stone. Nothing can touch you.


Kali's voice replied. But that's not true, is it? When he looked for her all he could see was a statue wreathed in flame, a figure he only partly recognized as the dark-eyed woman who'd broken him.


Upon his awakening, he didn't recall much beyond that which was a small mercy.


In a silent acknowledgment of his distress, his brothers gave him space when they all awoke several hours later. At one point they heard footsteps in the next room and he stiffened; Weave, who'd been studying a 'pad, approached him. “Do you want me to report our findings?”


It was a kind offer, but Stonewall refused to shrug off his duties in light of his own personal discomfort, so he shook his head and thanked his brother before he slipped into the Jedi's quarters. For a moment he stood in the living area and listened to the hum of conversation that he could hear coming from her room though he couldn't make out any of the words that were being said. He went to the door and took a few deep breaths to calm himself.


It was then that he heard her, quite clearly. “...I wanted you to be, but it still hurts, okay?”


The pain in her voice made his heart skip a beat and for a moment he forgot how much she'd hurt him, forgot that she didn't love him as he loved her; all Stone knew was that the woman he loved was in pain and he had to put a stop to it. Without another thought he entered the room and braced himself as he said Kenobi's name. He didn't mean for it to come out as it did and out of habit he corrected himself as soon as he realized what he'd said, but neither of the Jedi seemed to notice. The whisper of air at General Kenobi's passing was the only sound in Stone's ears for a moment until he looked back at Kalinda, when he found he could not hold her gaze even as he spoke to her.


“Are you injured, General Halcyon?” He refused to make the same mistake again, to think of her as anything but his CO. The order of his world was thrown off kilter, but he was resolved to set it right. Now I know all that I have to know, and nothing more needs to be said. He kept his eyes away from her and told her whatever it was that he was supposed to tell her before leaving the room as quickly as he could. When he stepped back into the quarters he and his brothers were sharing he found that his hands were trembling as he activated the panel by the door to shut it behind him.


“What's the word?”


Stone looked up to see Crest watching him from the edge of his bunk, the others gathered around him; he wondered what they'd been discussing. “They're not ready to meet,” he replied. “But we'll be notified.”


Nodding, Crest held up a deck of cards. “In the meantime, are you up for a few hands?”


We should spar, or try to get some kind of practice in.It isn't good to just sit around all day and wait for someone else to act. However, he suddenly felt exhausted so he nodded and moved to sit with his brothers. “Sounds good.”

*

Despite all appearances, it was not what the captain had said to him that pushed Obi-Wan to leave the room. Rather, it was the outpouring of emotion that emanated from Stonewall – directed at Kali – that made it almost dizzying to remain in the same space. He loves her...perhaps more than I ever could.


Of this he was certain.


Eventually his steps took him back to the garden and he took a few minutes to collect himself and set his thoughts in order while he was surrounded by the presence of burgeoning life in the form of budding plants. He found a spot beneath a thick biraj tree and sat, closing his eyes and his mind against all distractions. As Obi-Wan sank into the familiar rhythm of meditation, a feeling of calm came over him and he found that he was able to place aside the personal feelings he had for Kali so he could turn his mind to the revelation that she couldn't use the Force.


I don't know what would cause something like that to happen. He gave a sigh and leaned his head back against the tree, feeling the gentle hum of life that it emanated. Perhaps she's ill? I should contact the Temple. Perhaps... At that moment, his comlink chirped, the image of one of the clones – Weave – appearing at his wrist.


“General Kenobi. Whenever you're ready, we'd like to discuss our findings with you, sir.”


“Very good,” Obi-Wan replied, getting to his feet. “I'll see you in a moment.” He paused to take another deep breath and felt the Force ripple around him, the one constant in his life. I cannot imagine what it would be like to have it vanish.Whatever has happened to her, hopefully we can resolve it soon.

*

The sitting area in the Jedi's quarters was large enough to accommodate all seven adults, but Crest felt that the space was far too small to contain both Stonewall and General Halcyon; though they stood several meters apart from one another they seemed to be miles away. Standing at attention among his brothers, the captain's gaze was fixed on the wall beyond the Jedi, while she was so still she may have been a statue. Crest cast a glance at Weave, who nodded and contacted General Kenobi; the other Jedi agreed to return to the room so that they could discuss the next step.


As the transmission ended and silence again reigned, Crest found that he couldn't stand it any longer. “So...what's the deal with this festival everyone keeps going on about?”


The general blinked once before she replied. “There aren't many historically-based holidays on Aruna,” she said after a moment. “And the passage of the seasons is marked by celebrations at each equinox and solstice. Apparently, it's not an event to be missed if you can help it.”


“What happens?” Crest asked.


Weave gave him a look. “I thought you read through the intel?”


“Must have skipped that part,” he replied as his brother shook his head. However, the general's reply was halted as the other Jedi entered the room. Wow, Crest thought as his spine straightened automatically under the bearded Jedi's gaze. You'd need one of Trax's knives to cut the air in here. There's more going on than the captain's told us, I guess. And I thought that having more Jedi around meant that our mission would be easier. He watched as Kenobi took a seat and indicated that they should do the same, though General Halcyon remained standing.


“What information have you collected?”


After a nod from Stonewall, Weave spoke. “We did as you requested, General Kenobi. We journeyed into the city and tried to....get a feel for the place.” He explained how the people had refused to speak with them and Crest watched as the Jedi's hand went to his beard, though he made no comment. “However, we did manage to make contact with some locals,” Weave added, glancing at Crest.


At this, General Halcyon looked at him. “How?”


Despite, or perhaps because of the tension in the air, Crest smiled. “We ran into some very obliging folks who gave us some first-hand insight into the workings of this place,” he replied. “And learned that we clones are not fit for proper society; of course, I could have told you that, at least about Traxis. Sir,” he added, glancing at the other Jedi.


“We're considered 'untouchables,'” Weave said. “A fact we learned when we encountered a few of the Aruna who are part of that caste.”


The dark-haired Jedi frowned and looked at Kenobi. “I hoped that wouldn't be the case, but I suppose I shouldn't be surprised, given Sita's reaction.” He nodded but made no reply.


Stonewall spoke next. “We made an arrangement with several of the locals: an elder named Kesin and his daughter, Danu. They've agreed to use their network of contacts to provide us with the information that you need.”


“In return for...?” General Kenobi's hand went to his beard.


“Danu would like her caste to have a voice in the Parliament,” Weave replied. “She knows it's a long shot, but is convinced that you and General Halcyon will be able to urge the queen to consider such a thing. We're to meet with her again tomorrow night.”


“And you agreed to this?” General Halcyon's voice was quiet as she looked at Stonewall, who met her gaze at last.


“I made no promises, General.”


Kenobi looked thoughtful. “It is unlikely that she will agree to such a thing,” he replied. “But the possibility should not be ruled out.” He glanced at his fellow Jedi before looking back at the clones. “In any case, we have a new challenge ahead of us. The queen wishes to make a pilgrimage of sorts to a temple outside of the city; though Kalinda and I both feel it would be unwise to divide our forces, Sita is rather insistent on the matter.”


“I'm going to accompany her,” the dark-haired Jedi replied. “And I'd like to take two of you as well.” At this her eyes fell on the captain and Crest saw his shoulders tense.


“Can I volunteer, General?” he heard himself ask.


General Halcyon nodded and gave him a small smile before looking at the others. However, before she could speak, Traxis stepped forward. “Me as well, General. The city's a bit crowded for my taste.” There was a moment when she looked again at Stonewall, though she said nothing.


Kenobi took a deep breath. “Very good. I'll keep an eye on things here while you and your men escort the queen. Hopefully this Danu will be able to provide some real evidence.” He paused and looked back at the clones. “Good work, by the way. I see that you all live up to your reputations.”

*

Though the minute she'd set eyes on Stone during the briefing she'd known that he would never look at her the same way, a small part of Kalinda's mind still hoped that she was wrong. Perhaps if he comes with me we can talk...we can work it out somehow. She'd tried to use the Force again to touch his consciousness, but it was a worthless effort, as she could barely sense any of the others even though they were standing in the same room.


“You probably don't want to wear a dress,” she said as she watched Sita hold up a bright purple silk gown. “Do you have anything that might be more comfortable?” She had found her way to the sitting room of the younger woman to inform her of their plans and was presently curled up on one of the silk pillows that lined the floor, watching as the queen and one of her servants were selecting traveling clothes for the following day. It made for a pleasant distraction, if nothing else.


Sita gave her a wry look. “I am not you, Kali. Dresses are comfortable.” She smiled at the expression that crossed Kali's face. “You looked so beautiful at my wedding, you know. It's a pity that the Jedi code prohibits you from wearing anything nicer than those drab robes.” The servant held up another gown but the queen shook her head and said something in Arunai, nodding moments later when the servant reappeared with a more practical pair of pants and matching shirt.


“Pretty clothes don't do much good when you're crawling through the jungle in search of some wayward Separatist goon,” Kali replied, indicating the pile of colorful silk that had been discarded on a nearby bench. “I'll take my boots and tunic any day. That looks comfortable,” she said with a nod to the pants. “Perhaps not with such a nice shirt, though?”


The younger woman nodded, though she paused and looked down at her bangled wrists. Finally she glanced up and spoke in Arunai to the servant girl, who bowed and slipped out of the room a moment later. “Kalinda,” Sita said, coming over to the Jedi. “Something is wrong.” Her pale blue eyes met Kali's dark ones. “You helped me so much when you were here last, I wish I could return the favor.”


Kali took a breath. “You don't have to, Sita. I was doing my job. You owe me nothing.”


“No,” Sita replied. “That's not the proper way of things, Jedi or not.” She frowned. “Since dinner last night...that's when I noticed. Is it Master Obi-Wan? Did you quarrel?”


At this Kali laughed, though it was a bitter sound. “Sort of, though it's more complicated than you might think.” At the younger woman's expression she sighed again. “Sita, I know that when we were here last you....formed an impression of us, but that wasn't....it didn't....”


“I remember,” Sita replied, holding up her hand. “Though I think that you still care for each other, no matter what you say. But now...” Her head tilted as she regarded the Jedi. “There is something else.” Kali said nothing but her thoughts turned to Stonewall. The queen took a seat beside her. “No,” she breathed. “I know that look. It's someone else, isn't it?”


After a long moment, Kalinda nodded.


“Another Jedi?”


Kali paused before she looked back at the queen. “No, Sita. Someone you've met, actually.”


The white-haired woman gave a sharp inhalation and covered her mouth with her hand. “You don't mean....one of the clones?”


“They're men. Even though they share the same face, they are all individuals.”


The queen frowned and shook her head. “But....you are so different from them, are you not?”


“As different as a farmer's daughter from a king?” The words came out harsher than she'd meant but she made no apologies.


“It's a surprise to me, that's all,” Sita said after a moment's silence. “I never would have expected such a thing.”


Kali sighed and hugged her knees to her chest. “You're not the only one.”


They talked a while longer before Kali decided to try and speak to Stone again. Maybe I can fix this somehow, she thought as she bid goodbye to the queen and headed back to the clones' quarters. Maybe there is still hope.


They weren't there, but it wasn't difficult to track them down, as she could clearly hear Crest's voice from an open section of the garden where they had started a sparring session. “Come on, shiny. You can do better than that!”


Kali smiled to herself at the indignation in Milo's reply. “Shiny? Really? After all we've been through?”


“Cut out the chatter and focus,” she heard Traxis say. “Newbie.”


As Kali entered the garden, she paused by the statue to watch them for a few moments. Traxis and Milo were circling one another while the others stood to one side, offering suggestions, pointers, and – in Crest's case – jeers. “Hey Trax, don't look now, but your fly's open.”


“Shut it, baldy.” At this, all of them – Stone included – chuckled as Milo leaped forward to tackle the scarred clone.


Suddenly, Stone looked over at her and she watched his face change. Though she knew that she couldn't reach him through the Force any longer, she tried to impart her desire in her gaze. Please, Stone, I just want to talk to you. Please. There was a moment where she wondered if he would turn away, but he nodded almost imperceptibly and murmured something to Crest before tilting his head towards the inner section of the garden. She followed him until they came to a spot far enough that she couldn't see the others but close enough to still hear them, as if he was reluctant to stray too far.


They stood before one another until she found her voice. “Is there anything I can say to make you come with me?” She watched as he inhaled, as his hands opened and closed at his sides and knew that he was organizing his thoughts. Never in her life was it so difficult to be patient as she waited for him to reply.


At last he shook his head, though the movement seemed more in response to his own thoughts rather than to her question. “You don't want me like I want you. I only wish I'd realized it sooner.”


“Stone-”


“General,” he said, lifting his hand. “I would fight for you until my last breath, if I knew that you....” he grimaced. “If I knew that you loved me, too. But I see that it can't be that way, though it's not your fault....we're just too different.” His eyes met hers. “I know that now. It was foolish of me to think otherwise.”


For one insane moment Kali was glad that she couldn't sense him through the Force; she was certain that the feeling would have brought her to her knees if the look in his eyes was any indication. “No, Stone...that's not true. We're not so different and even if we were, we could find a way. I know we could.” She reached for his hands and was relieved when he allowed her to take them. “Please.”


“I want to.” His voice was quiet. “You have no idea how much. It was enough for a while, but I want....more from you than you can give me, I guess. I know that I don't have a right to. I know what I am and I know what you are.” Here he lifted his hands from hers and took a step back. “Kali...we were living in a dream.”


She almost couldn't breathe as she looked at him. “You don't mean that, Stone. You know how I feel about you.”


“Then why won't you say it?” Though soft, the words were a slap across her face; her mouth opened but again, nothing came out and he nodded. “You see? A dream. That's all it was.” In the distance they could hear the others laughing and shouting. “We're too different,” he said again, shaking his head. “As different as a bird from a fish....where can we find a common ground?”


As she listened to him, Kali was aware of a part of her mind that was screaming at her: say something, say something, say something. But she was silent, the fear that was hammering within her chest was so loud that she was unsure if her voice would carry over the sound.


At last he looked at her again and took a deep breath. “For what it's worth, I would have given anything to know that it was real.” With that final arrow in her chest, he slipped away through the dappled shadows of the garden.

*

At daybreak, Kalinda, Crest and Traxis accompanied Queen Sita and her guards as they made their way into the mountains.

*****

A/N: From here on out, the angsty stuff takes kind of a backseat to the "adventure" portion of the saga, though there is still a good bit of story left. I promise that questions will be answered, though you may have to be patient. Thanks for sticking with me!

laloga: After a while ... that door will be sealed shut and barricaded and the chance to speak will be gone. And the ones involved think: You had the chance to speak your heart but didn't. Stone has drawn a conclusion from her continued silences. When/if she decides to speak, he will be doubly hard to persuade. No bloke wants to feel they're "runner-up"...

Obi-Wan can't give Kali what she wants and Kali can't give Stone what he wants. No ones happy although everyone cares about everyone.

@Jade_eyes True words, indeed. But is the door closed? Thank you for reading and commenting!

@Valairy Scot Sadly, we're well-entrenched in the angst right now. Things will get better, eventually. Thank you for reading and leaving a comment!

******

Chapter Eleven: Hard Lessons

Though he had enjoyed the bustle of Rudral, Crest found that he liked the broad stretch of sky above his head almost as much. The air was fresher here, a fact that he noted when he took his helmet off on a whim as the queen's open-topped transport moved across the terrain of the countryside. One of her guards shot him a glance that was filled with disdain, but Crest merely grinned at the Arunai. “Nice day, huh?” The man's eyes turned away and Crest mentally shook his head and instead looked at the young queen, seated in front of him beside the Jedi.


She was wearing clothing that – he supposed – were meant to be of the sturdier variety, though she still looked a little too nice to be traveling though country that was growing wilder and wilder with each passing minute. Her head was bent towards the Jedi and she seemed....attentive. Concerned. Crest remembered that the general had been here for the queen's wedding and that they had been friends, of a sort. She seems like a good person. A little scared. Unsure, maybe. But nice enough. He grinned to himself. Not bad to look at – for what it's worth, which isn't much, I guess. I'm nothing to someone like that, after all. That thought was enough to make him turn his eyes away from the Arunai woman.


The group had been mostly silent all morning, save for the quiet murmur of conversation between General Halcyon and the queen, though Crest could see that the Jedi was not in a particularly chatty mood. I'm not sure how I feel about the whole thing. She did a number on the captain, but I don't think she meant to hurt him....they're just from such different worlds. You'd have thought a Jedi – of all people – would understand that.


He glanced at Traxis, standing beside him and watching the road as one of the queen's guards guided the vessel over the rocky path. Only bad part about going bucket-less is that I can't talk to him without the others knowing...or can I? After a moment, Crest cleared his throat and leaned over to Trax. “How's it going?”


As expected, the use of the Mandalorian language brought his brother's attention to him. “Fan-kriffing-tastic,” he replied in kind.


“No need to be so snarky,” Crest said. “I was only asking.” He nodded to the road before them. “What do you think this temple looks like?”


“Why do you care?”


“Just trying to make the time pass,” Crest replied, still in Mando'a. “Don't mind me.” At this point, he noticed the general's head incline in his direction, though she didn't turn around, and he wondered if Stonewall had taught her any Mando'a. Possibly.But it shouldn't matter; it's not like we're talking about her. After a moment, Traxis removed his own helmet, frowned and glanced at him. Crest sighed. “What is it?”


“I feel....” The scarred clone stared at his bucket as his eyebrows knitted. “Weird.” At Crest's look he shook his head. “About the captain. I think....I may have made a mistake.”


Crest's eyes widened in shock. “And you're admitting it? Wow...I guess I owe the shiny some creds.” Traxis frowned again and shook his head, causing Crest to wince. “Sorry....reflex. What do you mean?”


There was silence for several minutes before his brother spoke. “I just...it's strange, you know? Him and the General....” His eyes narrowed and he looked at the Jedi. “He's changed. He's not like the rest of us anymore. But now, after seeing both of them....I think I made a mistake, saying what I did.” He glanced back at Crest. “Don't tell anyone I said that, or I'll shave your eyebrows in your sleep. With my vibro.”


“Believe it or not, I can keep my mouth shut,” Crest replied. “But you might want to say all that to him once we get back.”


Traxis snorted. “I think it's a bit late for apologies, don't you?”


“Maybe.” Crest looked at the general again. “But you never know.”

*

I feel so empty, Kalinda thought as she sat beside Sita and watched the city melt into rugged countryside as the time passed. Like I have nothing left inside of me. The Force was well and truly gone; she wasn't able to do so much as lift a blade of grass. It was painful to think that she might never have it again, the feeling made even worse because she couldn't say why it had left her to begin with.


In an attempt to distract herself from that thought, she turned her mind to other matters, specifically her argument with Obi-Wan. I shouldn't have been so angry with him....it's this place bringing up old memories, stirring up old wounds. She had managed to leave without speaking to him again, though he and the other clones had come to see the group off in the early hours of the morning. He'd looked as though he wanted to say something to her, but she refused to give him the opportunity.


As the transport moved over the ground the mountains grew taller, looming above their heads and giving Kali a sense of foreboding. She hugged her arms to her sides despite the warmth of the sun on her back.


Beside her, she felt Sita shift in the padded seat and cast her a curious glance. “Kali?” She set a hand on the Jedi's arm and looked at her. “Is there anything I can do for you?”


“No, Sita,” Kali heard herself say. “But thank you.” She paused and straightened. “However, there is something that I need to discuss with you, though I'm not sure how you'll take it.” The younger woman nodded and Kali took a deep breath. “My men went to the city the other night and made a few contacts within a group of people who feel that they can get information about Neerja and whatever she may be attempting.”


“That is good news.” She tilted her head and regarded Kalinda again. “But you do not seem pleased. Why would I not like this?”


“The people are of the lowest caste,” Kali replied. “Untouchables. And there is something that they want in return from you.” She met the queen's gaze. “They wish to be represented in Parliament.”


“As I'm sure fish desire wings,” Sita said with a laugh. “But some things are simply not possible.”


Kali felt her hands clench at her sides. “I know that I may be an outsider, but I also like to think that we are friends. Do you feel this way, too?” She watched as the younger woman nodded, her expression doubtful. “Then, can I offer you some advice?”


Sita straightened and gave her a wary look. “You may, though I make no promises as to whether I will take it.”


Despite herself, Kali felt a smile creep to her face. “You married Badal out of love, right?” Sita nodded. “And in doing so, you knew that one day you might be faced with the burden that you have now, correct?” Again, the queen nodded, though she looked slightly pensive.


“But I didn't know that this would happen, Kalinda.”


“You did,” Kali said, shaking her head. “You are not a stupid woman, Sita. You knew very well what might happen to you should your husband die, yet you still chose to wed him and bind your lives together. I know he didn't force anything.....you made the decision. Now you have to live with the consequences.” She watched as the queen frowned and shook her head, her gaze falling to her clasped hands.


“I'm trying.”


“Trying isn't enough,” Kali replied. “I know that you could be a fine ruler if you chose to be, but you have to stand up for yourself. You may only be a farmer's daughter-” she said as Sita opened her mouth to argue. “-but that is in the past. If anything, the fact that your station changed so abruptly and drastically should give you further conviction that you have the right to rule, that your gods accept you as the leader of this system....”


“But Neerja...”


Kali held up her hand. “Is ultimately under your authority. Sita, you have to let go of your fears. You have to accept the responsibility that has been placed upon you by your own actions.” She met the younger woman's gaze. “If not for your own sake, then for the sake of Aruna, for the sake of peace.”


“But I'm not....”


“You are, Sita,” Kalinda said, shaking her head. “You are more than able.” She sighed and closed her eyes for a moment. The sunlight streaming through the clouds offered a bit of warmth that contrasted with the chill of the air around them. “If you don't, Neerja will have her way and all that Badal worked for will be for nothing.”


“Why did I call the Jedi here at all, if you refuse to help me?” The queen's voice was bitter.


Kali sighed again and rubbed at her eyes with the heels of her palms. “I'm trying to help you help yourself.”


Neither woman spoke for a moment until Sita took a deep breath and looked back at the Jedi. “I'm sorry, Kali. There is a lot on my mind of late.” She touched the Jedi's arm and gave her a small smile. “And now you are cross with me, too.”


“No, Sita. Only with myself.” She glanced at the sun. “How much longer?”


“A few hours, perhaps.”


Kali nodded but made no reply, as she heard the quiet murmur of a familiar language behind her: Crest and Traxis, speaking in Mando'a. Stone taught me a little of it, but only a few phrases I'm pretty sure they're not saying to one another.


Stonewall....


Her eyes closed.


The mountains grew closer, until the road was surrounded on both sides by steep, rocky hills and the air was silent.


About an hour later, they had stopped for a quick break to stretch their legs. Sita's guards, three men of middle-years who had served under Badal approached the two women. “Majesty,” the closest one said. “We've heard that there have been sightings of malcontents in this area. We'd like to take a look around, if it pleases you.” He paused and his eyes fell on Kali. “But I have reservations about leaving you without any protection.”


“You should be well aware that a Jedi is protection enough,” Sita replied, raising her chin.


The guard nodded and bowed, though Kali thought that she caught a glimpse of some hidden malice in his eyes. It was useless to try and use the Force, but she thought that she felt another flicker of apprehension anyway. “As you wish, your highness.”


Sita raised her brow. “Return quickly. I don't want to delay any longer than we have to.” After giving another low bow, the three men slipped off, leaving the young queen with the Jedi and the clones.


They had been gone perhaps five minutes when Kali heard a faint rumbling sound in the distance. Alarm flooded her as she looked up to see a line of dust and tumbling rock that was heading for the group from the steep hill beside the road. In the next moment, Traxis began shouting into his comm as he and Crest lifted their blasters, though Kali knew that no amount of weapons fire would stop the avalanche and never in her life had she missed the presence of the Force quite so much.

*

For the umpteenth time during the course of the morning, Obi-Wan told himself the same thing that Qui-Gon had said to him so often, though he found the words a small comfort at the moment. Worry is a useless emotion, Obi-Wan. As is fear. Neither are helpful when it comes to trying to find a solution to a seemingly difficult situation, but both are quite effective at preventing you from doing so. In the long years since his old Master's death, Obi-Wan had often thought back to those words and marveled at the simplicity of their wisdom.


But they felt hollow and distant to him now. He found that he was unable to suppress his concern for Kalinda and the queen; he could not shake the feeling of unease that went beyond Kali's revelation. She is a capable woman – even without the Force – and she has help as well. No, something else is troubling me.... perhaps there is more going on here than Neerja's simple desire for power. We know that the priestess has an agenda, but how will she go about enacting it?


Presently he was taking a walk through the city, something else that Qui-Gon had often done in order to get a feel for the Living Force and possibly gain a greater understanding of the task at hand. He could see that more and more people were entering Rudral, as evidenced by the sudden swell in the number of Arunai around him. The festival is soon, he remembered. I suppose that accounts for the increase in population.


Soon he found that he was in the marketplace. As he strolled through the stalls, his comlink chirped. “Yes, Captain?”

“General Kenobi,” Stonewall's voice sounded alarmed. “We've received an emergency transmission from Traxis. It cut off before he could give any details, but from what we could make out there was a rock-slide of some kind.”


Obi-Wan glanced around the crowded marketplace; the press of people was growing thicker and thicker as the day progressed and he thought that it would be nearly impossible to make his way through the crowd using normal methods. Our ship isn't within reach at the moment; one of the Arunai vehicles will have to do. “Go to one of the guards and tell him that you need a speeder,” he said. “Then meet me on the way out of the city....you'll have to take the service route that goes around Rudral as I don't think you'll be able to pilot a craft through the main streets right now.”


“Yes, sir.”


The transmission ended and Obi-Wan cast a glance around him. Though a Force push would be effective, I doubt it would make me any friends. A grim smile crossed his face as he began to slip around the Arunai as best he could.


I only hope we're in time.

*

“But we're supposed to meet with Danu tonight,” Milo said as he followed Stonewall and Weave through the palace in search of one of the guards. “If we're not back in time....”


“Don't worry about it now, Milo,” Weave said, glancing at the captain who said nothing as they made their way to the main throne room.


Stonewall felt his jaw clench in frustration. The entire time we're here there are servants and guards lurking everywhere. Now, when we need one, not a kriffing sign of any of them. The throne room was empty, as was the queen's study, as was every room they checked. Finally, they caught a glimpse of someone turning a corner; a few sprints and Stone managed to catch up with the servant, who looked at him and his brothers with unconcealed disdain. “There's been a problem with the queen. We need a transport to take the other Jedi and reach her as soon as possible.”


The servant, whom he recognized as the one who'd led them to their quarters upon their initial arrival, blanched. “The queen?”


Trying to bite back his impatience, Stonewall tried again. “Yes, the queen is in danger. We need your fastest-”


“You are not allowed to drive one of those,” the man said, narrowing his eyes. “I'll call her majesty's other guards to fetch her.”


“There's no time for that,” Stone replied, his voice sounding feral and strange in his ears. Unbidden, an image of Kali came to his mind and he felt his heartbeat quicken with fear. “Never mind,” he added, turning away. “We're resourceful. We'll figure it out. Come on,” he said to the others as they made their way to the nearest hangar.

*

Traxis sprang for the helm and powered the vehicle up while Crest turned and raced for the young queen. “Sita, get to the ship,” Kali called over the din as the rocks and dust began to churn towards them. She grabbed the young woman's arm and pushed her towards the transport, but it was obvious that the Arunai woman was not fast enough. However, Crest was. He lifted the queen up as if she weighed no more than a leaf and made his way to the ship, Kali at his heels. Even without the Force, at least I can still run.


The ground beneath them shivered and groaned, dust kicked up in the air and the world seemed to turn upside-down as the tumbling rocks began to grow closer, some of them going airborne as they hit their larger, more steadfast companions at the base of the mountain. Traxis gunned the engine and shouted. “Come on!”


Crest and Sita reached the transport first, Kalinda a moment behind them and they leaped aboard as Traxis urged the vessel to accelerate. Overhead, the sun was blotted out from the sky as a large fragment of rock was carried up by its own momentum; Kali felt smaller chunks of rock and stone pepper her shoulders and even as she tried to shield the queen with her own body she was aware of Crest doing the same thing. The wind tore at her hair as the transport leaped forward and the clattering sound of rock against rock filled their ears.


At last they were free of the debris, though the road behind them was covered in rubble. When Traxis halted the ship so that everyone could take a breath Sita looked at each of the clones and smiled. “That was....very brave. Thank you.” Her gaze fixed on Crest, who actually flushed and dropped his eyes.


“Just doing our jobs, your majesty.”


Sita glanced back at Kali and gave her a tight smile. “I see that your concerns were not entirely unfounded.”


Understatement of the year. “Are you hurt?” Kalinda asked, releasing a breath of tension as the younger woman shook her head. “Crest, Trax? You guys are okay as well?” Both clones nodded and she looked at Traxis. “Did you reach anyone?”


“I think so,” he replied. “It's difficult to say...comm's not working now. Imagine that.”


Kalinda and Sita exchanged glances, the younger woman gesturing to the road ahead of them. “We're safe for now,” she replied. “We need to continue on.”


“Sita, I think that we should go back,” Kali said. “Something's obviously wrong...those guards left right before the avalanche....it's beyond suspicious. We should return to Rudral, at least to get reinforcements.”


“No, Kalinda,” Sita replied, straightening her shoulders. “You were right; I need to start acting like a leader. This was my decision and as much as you feel it was in error, I know otherwise.”


Of all the times for her to listen to me. Kali sighed and rubbed at her forehead, her hand coming away covered in reddish dirt. “I understand that you feel strongly about this, I really do, but-”


Sita looked at her and lifted her chin. “You may do as you wish, Kali, but I am continuing on with or without you.” She nodded to Traxis. “You may take us out.”


The scarred clone glanced at Kalinda, who frowned as she considered. Finally she sighed and shook her head. “Apparently, we're still going to the temple. Let's make it quick, shall we?” As the ship started up again she looked at Sita. “If I can contact the others, will you at least allow me to tell them that you're okay? If Trax's transmission went through, the others are on their way to rescue us right now.”


At some point Sita's hair had come loose from its braid and was now whipping over her head with the wind. “Very well,” she said after a moment. “But one way or another...I'm going to that temple.” Her voice was firm and Kali couldn't help but smile.


Her comm was also damaged, though not badly enough to prevent her from sending a transmission. “Obi-Wan? Are you there?” For several moments, all she could hear was static until his voice sounded.


“Kali....you....and Sita...?”


Gritting her teeth she all but shouted into the receiver. “We're fine, but you should watch out for her guards. The queen is unharmed and we're proceeding as normal. Stay in the city until further notice.”


Obi-Wan's voice was muddled but she could still hear his annoyance. “Kalinda, are you sure?”


She glanced at Sita, whose eyes were fixed on the road ahead. “I'm sure. Obi-Wan?”


Static.


Blast this kriffing excuse for technology....all the fancy starships in the galaxy and we can't get a decent communication system. “Obi-Wan?” There was only static before the signal died. Kali frowned at her comm as she considered tossing it over the side of the transport. “Hopefully he heard me,” she said to the queen, who nodded but made no reply. Beside her, Crest gave a quiet chuckle and Kalinda turned to him. “Do I want to ask?”


He paused, then shook his head. “Probably better if you don't.”


The mountains drew closer.

*****

Wait...it was a trap? I know that no one saw that coming! It wouldn't be Star Wars otherwise, I guess.

What will happen once they reach the temple? What are Stone and the boys of Shadow Squad going to do? Will Kali ever figure out what's going on with the Force? (Hint: it's been alluded to in earlier chapters...as well as in my story What Remains. Shameless plug, I know.)

Thanks to everyone who's been reading!

Very suspenseful! And great character moments, too

Laloga! Gasp! I don't think I got the tag but I filtered for Saga and found this update. Wonderful conversation between Kali and Sita. Kali is very inspiring and motivating. Whew! I'm glad they got out of that relatively unscathed, so far, but I sure wish Kali would "get" the Force back

So, Sita's growing a backbone with help from Kali. I'm glad she listened to Kali, because sometimes one needs a kick in the pants to drop out of some attitude and pick up another.