Unwanted Allies, Unexpected Enemies (another fic by me)

Here's some more

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Another round of persuading, and the Jedi and Allai were in Councilor Kaak?s private room. It made Allai sick to see the Lokiarian in bandages, but she forced herself to face him. The Jedi spoke to Kaak first, then moved aside to introduce Allai. He could speak, but his voice was hoarse and scratchy and it was slow. She explained to him of who attacked him and why. He listened silently until she was done.

Obi-Wan Kenobi stood silently beside his Master, half listening to Allai?s tale and half of his mind wandering. //Master? Are we heading back to Umgal?//

//Yes, Padawan. After we secure the councilor?s safety// came the silent reply.

//What are we to do about, Du?lin?//

The Master turned ever so slightly to his Padawan, a little surprised by the question. //Theirs is no doubt we will continue working with her//

Obi-Wan frowned. //Wouldn?t that be dangerous?//

//Do you fear?//

//No, Master, but what of Vindu and his family?//

There was a pause while Qui-Gon thought of his reply. He couldn?t give his Padawan a sure answer about the trustant and his family, if they were indeed his family. He was wondering about the trustant?s sincerity. He had no doubt that Vindu himself was innocent, but he had picked up something odd from Kindu. Lishi seemed to check out fine, but he sensed naiveté from her. //We must protect them as well, Padawan//

 

Um, I KNOW there's a hidden post in there! eek.gif

 

I haven't read for a while! This is getting very good, very exciting! Post more soon!

 

Before they left for Umgal again, Allai found fresh clothing and ditched her old bodysuit. There were many aspects of the suit she admired, like all of the weapon pockets, but if she was going to remain inconspicuous, she couldn?t dress like a Kett or any of the others. So, she settled for a civilian?s tunic and women?s trousers. But she kept her knee-high black boots and her weapons, which she had to find new places for.

They met Vindu in hyperspace and were escorted into the bland building again. Vindu and Lishi knew nothing more of Kaak?s attack and Kindu wasn?t present. Allai and the Jedi were escorted to their chambers, the trustant insisting on their resting before taking action. Allai just thought of it as a needless distraction from what they needed to do. Kenobi seemed to agree and she caught his eye roll.

At least they could agree on something.

Allai was settling down for some rest when there was a knock on her door. She opened it cautiously to find Lishi waiting outside. The young Umgal was carrying some towels and robes. ?Ah, Miss Du?lin,? she greeted with a smile. ?My father just wanted me to make sure you are safe and happy. Here are some towels and an evening robe for you.?

?Thank you,? Allai said, taking the towels. As she did, Lishi took the gesture as an invite and barged on through. Allai sighed and tossed her new things on to the sleep couch. ?Sure, come on in.?

?Thank you,? Lishi beamed. ?I hope these quarters are satisfactory??

?Very much, thank you,? Allai said. ?Is their anything I can do for you??

The girl?s eyes widened. ?Oh, no! I did it again, didn?t I? My father says I?m just completely daft when it comes to these things. I just talk my head off and forget that there are others who would rather say something or I?m just incredibly stupid and rude!? She blushed, her pale face brightening. ?I?m doing it right now. Sorry!?

Allai smiled kindly. ?That?s all right.?

?Oh, you will be a good friend to me, Allai Du?lin,? Lishi said with a smile. ?A very good friend indeed.?

 

This new girl reminds me of one of my friends that is EXACTLY like her! Post more soon please!

 

In a story where people are not what they seem, I can't help but wonder if Lishi is really as daft as she acts.

 

Chap 9


?We are to protect her life now, Padawan,? Qui-Gon told his apprentice, wondering how he would react. To his surprise, Obi-Wan just nodded from where he sat on the floor, legs crossed and just coming out of meditation.

?What about the trustant and the councilor?? Obi-Wan asked, his eyes slowly coming open. ?And his family.?

?We will watch out for them as well,? Qui-Gon said. ?But Allai is the intended target. And so are we.?

?We?re always the target, Master,? Obi-Wan said, his mouth quirking slightly. He unfolded his legs and stretched his arms.

Qiu-Gon smiled and nodded. ?I believe our little spy warned us that she was going to be trouble.?

?I believe I warned you,? Obi-Wan countered, only a little annoyance in his words. ?You never listen to me,? he chided.

?Oh, I listen,? Qui-Gon said lightly. Obi-Wan snorted and headed for his sleep couch. The Padawan would probably only doze lightly and use a Jedi rest technique, much like Qui-Gon would. They were probably safe for the moment, but given the swiftness and subtleties of Du?lin?s agency, they couldn?t fully relax.

 

TOO SHORT! More please

 

Allai didn?t sleep well, but then she hardly ever slept well. Even with the Jedi in the next room over, she couldn?t feel safe. She only napped for maybe three hours, and even then it was only portions of that time. Lishi had stayed and talked with her, mainly just excited chatter with no real point to it. Allai wondered if the Umgal girl had many friends or if she was isolated from them. She seemed very sincere and genuine, and Allai hated to think of the sweet girl getting into a big mess that Allai was sure to bring upon them.

It must have been early morning when there was a knock on her door. Allai didn?t answer it at first, sure that it was the Ketts coming after her. There was another knock, an urgent knock. ?Who is it?? Allai called, hating the note of fear in her voice. She was no match against the Ketts. They were trained killers.

?It?s Lishi! Hurry, my father must speak with you!? the girl called, her voice wavering.

Allai froze. ?Lishi, are you all right??

?Uh, yes!? Lishi called. ?Quite fine! Hurry!?

The trained spy knew something wasn?t right. There was fear in the Umgal?s voice and the air tingled. Allai picked up her blaster and knocked on the Jedi?s door. ?We?ve got company,? she called, not bothering to wait for an answer. She listened for a moment and heard movement.

?Allai!? Lishi called again. ?Please hurry! My father!?

Allai reached the door and had her blaster ready. She began to open it?and it slammed back into her with such a force she saw stars. She cursed herself for getting in the way, but didn?t have time to dwell on her mistake, because she was being gagged. With a sudden clear mind, she struck out and fired her blaster. There was a cry and then the weapon was knocked away. She heard Lishi cry out and knew the girl was hostage.

Kicking out at her assassins, Allai was able to free herself and race for the door to the Jedi?s room. That?s when she realized they were having their own problems. She could hear the hiss of the lightsabers the shouts within the room. Wonderful.

It was definitely the Ketts. The black-clothed assassins had already hauled her out of the room and had her gagged and paralyzed. She had forgotten the Kett?s numbing weapon. Her mind was completely clear, but she couldn?t move her body. The only comfort was that they hadn?t killed her yet. But then that comfort was quickly diminished when she realized they had something even bigger planned for her.

 

No replies? Oh well!

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?They took her, didn?t they?? Obi-Wan said, nudging the black figure limp on the floor. Six other assassins laid dead, either disembodied or stabbed clean through.

?Yes,? Qui-Gon said, examining another body, checking for any clues. ?This must me the Ketts.?

?They knew they couldn?t kill us,? Obi-Wan said thoughtfully. ?They must have sent the unlucky ones after us for a distraction.?

?They were pretty quiet about it,? Qui-Gon said, frowning at nothing in particular. He could feel the urgency to do something, but if they were hasty they might miss an important clue. ?Their timing was excellent. We couldn?t hear her and she couldn?t hear us.?

?I couldn?t sense them until they were in the room, Master,? Obi-Wan frowned.

?Nor could I,? the Master nodded. ?But we were alerted to something before they attacked. At least they weren?t using any ysalmari.?

?What are those??

Qui-Gon stood up from the dead body and looked at his apprentice. ?Creatures from a planet called Myrk that somehow push away the Force. They form a bubble around themselves. In that bubble, the Force has no presence.?

?Then how do they live?? Obi-Wan asked, not sure how it was possible without the Force.

?They have the midi-chlorians like any other lifeforms, I believe,? Qui-Gon said. ?I?m not sure how they work. I?ve only heard some of the other Masters mention them.?

Obi-Wan nodded and attached his lightsaber back to its hook. It was still warm from the fight and the room smelled of charred flesh and cloth. His nose smarted and he rubbed it to ease the tickle. ?Vindu and his men will be here shortly,? he said.

Qui-Gon frowned, his eyes trailing to Allai?s room. ?Something isn?t right.?

A moment later, Vindu and a contingent of guards came racing in. The Umgal paused, eyes widening at the Jedi. "My daugher! Where is she?? Vindu demanded.

?Your daughter?? Qui-Gon asked, suddenly realizing what had been bothering him.

?She?s missing! And now we find them!? Vindu pointed at the six dead bodies around the Jedi. ?What happened??

?We were attacked by assassins,? Obi-Wan said. ?They took off with Allai.?

?My daughter!? Vindu cried. ?They took my daughter!? The Umgal flung his long arms in the air, voice ringing against the walls. He whirled around back on the Jedi. ?Find her! I order you to find her!?

 

?They took her, didn?t they?? Obi-Wan said, nudging the black figure limp on the floor. Six other assassins laid dead, either disembodied or stabbed clean through.

?Yes,? Qui-Gon said, examining another body, checking for any clues. ?This must me the Ketts.?

?They knew they couldn?t kill us,? Obi-Wan said thoughtfully. ?They must have sent the unlucky ones after us for a distraction.?

?They were pretty quiet about it,? Qui-Gon said, frowning at nothing in particular. He could feel the urgency to do something, but if they were hasty they might miss an important clue. ?Their timing was excellent. We couldn?t hear her and she couldn?t hear us.?

?I couldn?t sense them until they were in the room, Master,? Obi-Wan frowned.

?Nor could I,? the Master nodded. ?But we were alerted to something before they attacked. At least they weren?t using any ysalmari.?

?What are those??

Qui-Gon stood up from the dead body and looked at his apprentice. ?Creatures from a planet called Myrk that somehow push away the Force. They form a bubble around themselves. In that bubble, the Force has no presence.?

?Then how do they live?? Obi-Wan asked, not sure how it was possible without the Force.

?They have the midi-chlorians like any other lifeforms, I believe,? Qui-Gon said. ?I?m not sure how they work. I?ve only heard some of the other Masters mention them.?

Obi-Wan nodded and attached his lightsaber back to its hook. It was still warm from the fight and the room smelled of charred flesh and cloth. His nose smarted and he rubbed it to ease the tickle. ?Vindu and his men will be here shortly,? he said.

Qui-Gon frowned, his eyes trailing to Allai?s room. ?Something isn?t right.?

A moment later, Vindu and a contingent of guards came racing in. The Umgal paused, eyes widening at the Jedi. "My daugher! Where is she?? Vindu demanded.

?Your daughter?? Qui-Gon asked, suddenly realizing what had been bothering him.

?She?s missing! And now we find them!? Vindu pointed at the six dead bodies around the Jedi. ?What happened??

?We were attacked by assassins,? Obi-Wan said. ?They took off with Allai.?

?My daughter!? Vindu cried. ?They took my daughter!? The Umgal flung his long arms in the air, voice ringing against the walls. He whirled around back on the Jedi. ?Find her! I order you to find her!?

 

I am here! I am replying! Very good! INTERESTIG! MORE please.

 

uh oh! Two girls kidnapped--what is a Jedi to do?

 

Another plot twist! All right, Obi-Wan, go in there and rescue Allai, and don't forget Lishi, either! Good action scenes, and I liked the way that Lishi and Allai had a pre-arranged signal for distress!

 

Very good,Amidolee. I agree with Jane, very good action scenes.

Hurry with more!

 

Ugh, I'm just now getting on the computer! Driver's ed, then homework, then bro using it But I'm here now!
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The drug wore off and Allai would have been able to move if it hadn?t been for her tightly bounded ankles and arms. She would have seen and talked, but she was blindfolded and gagged. The floor she was laying on was cold and hard. She could hear little rodents scurrying about and her skin crawled when one brushed against her.

She could hear soft whimpering from somewhere else and knew it must be Lishi. The poor, innocent girl. She must be so frightened, Allai thought. If Allai could get her blindfold off, she could get them out of this mess and somewhere safer. If there was such a place. She wondered why the Ketts hadn?t killed her off in the first place. Then she wondered where the Jedi Knights were and how they had survived the attack.

The whimpering turned into a soft crying. Allai rolled in the direction and tried to say a few comforting words to the Umgal. It came out muffled and gurgled, but Lishi recognized Allai?s voice and seemed to calm down a bit.

Allai tongued the gagging device, testing its strength and material. She couldn?t gnaw her way out of it, but if she could rub against something sharp, then she would be free of that. The major question was the blindfold. She couldn?t tell what it was made of. Probably the same as the gag. Allai rolled against the cold wall and banged her head. There was no metallic tinge, so the device was escapable. That was a relief.

Now she had to find something sharp. Allai scooted along the wall, feeling for something to poke or jab her. At one point, she felt some crawling creature run across her arm she almost vomited. She was about to give up when a quick jab and pain in her shoulder brought her to a halt.

 

Come on, Allai! Who needs Jedi to rescue you when you can do a perfectly good job yourself? (Though, hopeless romantic that I am at the moment, I can't help but wish Kenobi would fall in love . . . .. AGAIN) Uh-oh what poked her? A guard? Or the Ketts?

 

There will be a delay in the next posts. I don't know when I will get the next one up because my brother was in a wreck and we'll be leaving for the hospital soon. Would you please say a prayer for all involved?

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?I don?t even know where it begin,? Obi-Wan said, studying the schematics of the planet?s systems and cities. ?They could have gone into hyperspace and be anywhere by now.?

?No!? Vindu shook his head and paced in front of the two Jedi. ?My daughter is on this planet! And she is not too far!?

?How can you be so sure?? Qui-Gon asked.

?Umgals have a clan sense,? Vindu explained. ?My daughter is near.?

?Obi-Wan,? the Jedi Master said, turning to his Padawan. ?Draw up all possible entrances and accesses into this building. Any, even the ones that look impossible.?

The apprentice nodded and his eyes scanned over the various diagrams and maps. With quick order, he had about ten routes brought up and was already tracing to all possible leads. Qui-Gon folded his arms inside his robes to wait, knowing not to bother the young man when he found a lead. Vindu fidgeted and looked ready to interrupt, but one look from the Master settled him down.

?I think I?ve found something, Master,? Obi-Wan said, not quite able to hide the young excitement and anticipation in his voice. His index finger traced a particularly confusing and very difficult route and passage. ?It leads into the old armory. According to the database, the armory has been abandoned for years. It has passages and accesses all around the city. Even reaching as far as to us.?

Vindu nodded. ?Yes, yes. This used to be headquarters to for the hierarchy during Umgal?s war a century ago. It was meant to access to the armory and other strategic locations in the capital.?

?Would the Ketts do something that obvious?? Obi-Wan asked, leaving room for doubt in his theory.

Qui-Gon frowned thoughtfully. ?Although their attack was planned, it was rushed and a little sloppy. I?ve got the sense that they?re running on a schedule and our little rendezvous with Allai has set them off. They may not have had the time or patience to fully study the region.? He nodded to his Padawan. ?But we have. I suggest we invesigate.?

 

This isn't the greatest post. My motivation last night was at a nill.

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She froze and waited silently. Lishi was whimpering softly, but no one else was in the room. Allai inched forward and was rewarded with another jab of pain. She eased off and then inched cautiously forward, letting the object only touch her lightly. It?s tip came to a point, a nice, sharp point. Gritting her teeth against the pain, Allai rubbed her head against the point, feeling it slice her right cheek and release the blindfold.

She shook her head and blinked as the device fell away. It was nothing more than extreme cloth. Primitive for the Ketts. She looked about the room, even more surprised to see her and Lishi in a cellar like chamber. The floor was hard dirt and the walls were stone. There was a door in one corner, no doubt locked. Lishi was huddled in one corner, blindfolded, gagged, and bounded. Allai turned from the girl and blinked at the object she had just rubbed against. It was a piece of droid servo-motor stuck in an old crevice. Odd.

Allai turned and sawed at her manacles, gritting against the stabs of pain when a sharp edge cut her skin. After a few minutes they came loose and she was freed. She set about to removing the gag and her ankle binders. Then she stretched her joints and turned to Lishi. ?I?m going to get us out of here,? she said.

Lishi nodded, her whimpering stopped. Allai set about to removing the blindfold, praying there were no surveillance monitors.

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Obi-Wan Kenobi paused, his eyes casting about the black darkness, searching for the annex. Qui-Gon was only a meter away, but he couldn?t even see his Master. The Force flowed through them, testing every possible clue. He was beginning to have his doubts about his route and theory. They had been walking through the tunnels and passages for a few hours now, almost all sense of direction lost.

The young man calmed himself with the Force. He must stay focused on the moment and not think of losing his sense of being. If he became to caught up in his anxiety, he would surely get them lost. And that would not be good.

There was a breath of air and the Padawan turned, his eyes accepting the darkness. He stepped forward, the shallow water sloshing softly. He could sense Qui-Gon investigating the new sense as well. The Force rippled and Obi-Wan nodded to himself. ?This way, Master.?

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I'll try to write more sometime today

 

I hope your brother is all right. Despite your lack of motivation and outside distractions, this last post was good. I like Allai's resourcefulness and the way she doesn't panic in such a situation. I also like the way Obi-Wan has to rely on the Force to guide him because he can't see in the darkness. Best wishes for a speedy recovery to your brother!

 

This is the same old Ejedir(and the same old message for those of you who have already seen this ) Had dumb problems. Oh well. I like this! Especially her resourcefulness. She's very cool. I wish Obi-Wan would trust and like her a little more Post more soon!

p.s. I thought I added something! I really hope that your brother's okay! I'm sorry that I didn't say anything! I thought that I had. Tell us what happens


[This message has been edited by Ejedir2 (edited 05-20-2000).]

 

Our prayers are with you and you brother Amidolee.

And agree with Jane and Ejedir the post was awesome and Allai is very cool! The more I read about her the more I like her.

 

UGH!!!!!!!!!! Finally some reponses and I'm at a block! I was on a roll until last night Grrrr...........

Someone give me their creative brain waves, please!!!!!!!!

 

*pops creative brain waves in microwave* here ya go, Amidollee . . ..

 

I only got a little bit squeezed out of my head. Jai, are ya sure you didn't overcook? Thanx anyways

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?Do you have any idea where we are?? Allai asked Lishi, working on the girl?s manacles.

Lishi shook her head. ?We could be anywhere on the planet. But my guess is we are in one of the old bases.?

?Bases??

The Umgal nodded. ?Yes. From the time of war.?

Allai began working on the ankle binders. ?Where are all of the bases located??

?I don?t know for sure. There?s one in the capital. Not too far from father?s place,? Lishi said. She had stopped crying and was calming down, believing Allai would get her out of this mess.

Allai freed her and stood up, dusting her hands off on her pant legs. She looked about the cellar-like chamber and to the door. She could just go up and see if it was locked and guarded, which it most likely was. Or, they could find another escape route. Unfortunately, it didn?t appear to be any other way out.

Still, Allai prodded along the walls, searching for an annex of some sort. She searched for a long time, and Lishi soon caught on and helped. But there was no escape to be found. The Ketts were obviously smart enough to put her here, even though she had begun to think they were sloppy. Now she knew they were in control and she was stuck.

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