Saga Wicked Dreams (Obi, Qui, Yoda ~ AU post-RoS) PRE-move update 3/18: cha. 20- Darth Sidious arrives.

Hi obi. Glad you're catching up.

Obi-Wan has a lot of tricks up his tunic sleeve, and he shall need them. Existence can be particularly rough upon Mustafar.

Sidious is heading to Dagobah, with devious intentions. Your ominous foreboding is quite appropriate.

 

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[b]Wicked Dreams[/b] by [b]epithree[/b]

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[b]Chapter 20: Heated Mentality[/b]

Part I

[u]Dagobah[/u]

[b]Q[/b]ui-Gon Jinn, the Jedi grand master, sat at the unfamiliar controls of the abandoned Slave I. He had spent the last ten standard minutes studying the ship's advanced weaponry system, and he was fairly confident that he now knew the activation sequences.

As far as technological prowess went, Qui-Gon was a fast learner. However, he was quite certain that he'd have a better understanding of the controls if Obi-Wan were there to assist him. His padawan had taught him much in the days of his apprenticeship.

Then Qui-Gon thought about the one they had lost to Palpatine. He grabbed at his chin as the reflection came. Anakin would be able to fly the vessel immediately. After all, he had thwarted the trade federation with a single Naboo starfighter. Qui-Gon attempted to squelch the thought before unwanted feelings arose.

The desired effect was attained as he centered himself through the force. A calm swept over Qui-Gon that he needed desperately. Recollections of Skywalker were counterproductive, especially when he needed to focus upon the task at hand. 'Obi-Wan.' The Jedi master was still trapped at Mustafar. 'I have to save Obi-Wan.'

Slave I's realspace engine began to whine as Eethree neared the completion of his repairs. The loyal droid was now working on the interior of the ship, patching up the repulsorlift unit. Qui-Gon had noticed several indicators lighting up as the last few systems were brought online.

Qui-Gon pondered the current situation much within the last hour. Three dozen elite clonetroopers were on their way to the nearby clearing just outside. If Eethree didn't finish with those repulsors soon, then Qui-Gon might have to engage those clones.

Even though the hyperdrive unit was still damaged, Qui-Gon Jinn had ordered the droid to fix the repulsors first. This way, he could at least get off-planet while Eethree focused on the hyperdrive. Time was running short. Qui-Gon could feel the presence of the clone threat approaching.

'At least they won't see Eethree.' The droid had finished with the exterior repairs. 'That should buy me some time.' Qui-Gon believed that the clones wouldn't approach the ship unless they saw a threat. Standard protocol dictated that they would have to secure the perimeter of the clearing first, before scanning the Slave I. To ensure this belief, Qui-Gon cut the realspace engines, for an abandoned ship posed no danger.

Suddenly, matters became worse. Through the force, Qui-Gon could sense the second ship breaking out of the clouds above. He still could not determine how many people were aboard, due to all of the jungle canopy creatures residing between him and the craft. Nevertheless, Qui-Gon knew that several members of the crew were force sensitive.

Surely the imperial vessel would land near the clone transport and its crew would follow the troopers. What exactly was the dark lord's plan? At least Qui-Gon didn't sense *his* presence.

Now came the hard part. All Qui-Gon could do was wait. Would the clones arrive before Eethree finished the repairs? The Jedi master didn't know, but he had made an important decision. If he had to face the unit of clones, he would not dispatch of them unless it became an absolute necessity. As easy as it was to use his newfound abilities, Qui-Gon would opt to resolve the matter with civility, as he always did.

The Jedi master began to meditate.

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[u]Mustafar[/u]

[b]O[/b]bi-Wan Kenobi unclipped the case of rations from his utility belt. He had trekked halfway across the huge northern caldera, and decided it was time for a much needed break.

The journey had taken the Jedi master all night, and he wasn't sure if the mountainous region on the other side would contain any settlements. Regardless, he *had* to get there. It was his only option at this point.

Day and night upon Mustafar were still hard to distinguish from one another. The slight brightening of the harsh sulfuric clouds is what led Obi-Wan to assume it was daybrea