Saga A Shrouded Path (Obi-Wan, Xanatos, Anakin - Prequels AU) - FINALLY Chapter 63 Updated 03-21-09

I am so sorry to all my readers that this post has taken so long. It has been a combination of RL rearing its ugly head and a bad case of writer's block. But here is the next post.

Chapter 63

It had been hard to decide whether or not to laugh when Ben had first heard what his trials would entail. Escorting a politician was a fitting solo mission for a senior padawan, but not a task worthy of the trials. But after hearing who exactly he would be escorting and receiving proper briefing on the situation, Ben had started to question whether the Council actually wanted him to live to see knighthood.

The circumstances surrounding the mission could be summed up best in one word ? nightmare. Ben had helped spring enough traps in his time as Jedi apprentice to Obi-Wan Kenobi to know when one was likely.

The sound of voices outside the gunship caused Ben to pause in his final systems check.

?Senator.?

Ben recognized the voice of the dutiful aide to the powerful senator from Alderaan, a young woman who apparently was not accustomed to being challenged. She had been poised outside the ship for the past half an hour now, clearly irritated with what she had termed his ?inability to compromise?.

?I thought I had requested my shuttle, not a gunship,? was Bail Organa?s immediate and indignant response.

Ben let out a muffled groan. It looked as though round two was about to begin.

?You will have to take that up with your ? escort. I have found him to be a bit unyielding.? She paused, letting out a sigh of irritation. ?And they sent an apprentice.?

Ben cringed as his status was offered out in apparent distaste, and began to wonder if dealing with the senator and his aide was the actual trial. Obi-Wan would glad to know that he was putting all his diplomatic training to good use.

Deciding it was time to make it known that he was close by, Ben slipped down the landing ramp, offering a low bow as he stepped into the politician?s line of sight.

?Senator Organa, I am Padawan Ben?dek Itires, reporting as ordered.

The young woman went pale, apparently not realizing the object of her disapproval had been within earshot. If Senator Organa had any similar sentiment, it was hidden behind a carefully crafted façade ? as only expected for such a seasoned politician.

?I will take it from here, Sheltay,? Bail said. ?Just try to keep the rancors at bay until I get back.?

?I will do my best,? she said, offering a slight bow. ?And ? good luck,? she added, shooting one last glare to Ben.

Senator Organa waited in silence until his aide disappeared through the hangar doors. ?You will have to excuse her,? he murmured. ?Much depends on this mission and our nerves are all a bit frayed right now.? Dark eyes studied the Jedi padawan for a moment. ?Ben?dek Itires - you are General Kenobi?s apprentice, aren?t you??

?Yes,? Ben replied with a respectful nod of his head.

?Well, then I know I am in good hands,? Bail said kindly. It was likely only to soften the coming blow. ?Now on to business,? a wry smile tugged at the senator?s lips. ?I distinctly remember requesting that my shuttle be used.?

?Your shuttle is lacking in weaponary and maneuverability, and it can?t carry the necessary clones ??

?This is a diplomatic mission. There are to be no clones involved,? Bail objected with sudden alarm. ?I cannot convince the Premier of Chydor that the Republic is not an invasion army if I am setting clones on his doorstep.?

Ben drew in a deep breath and released his frustration into the Force. Politicians were nothing but trouble. ?With all due respect, Senator Organa, my mandate is to get you to Chydor in one piece.?

?The premier ? Taj is an old friend of my family,? Bail said softly. ?I am making one last appeal for him to come to his senses, but he is only hearing me out if I come on his terms. I trust him.?

?I don?t doubt that, Senator,? Ben offered diplomatically. ?But it is quite likely he has misplaced his trust in the Separatists and taken their word as well. After months on the front lines, I can guarantee the S

 

Epic!!

And their troubles have only just begun!

 

Wow!!

Great update.

Nice twist too. Can I be on the PM list for this one please?

Thanks

EG

 

Ben is heading for a big headache what with Xanatos and
Bail picking on him.
But after all he is Obi-Wan's apprentice, he's got what it takes .

great update.

 

Well, I think Ben will definitely have earned his knighthood after this mission. Good work.

 

Wait a minute, does that mean...
Like, does Xan...
Did Xan..
Are you foreshadowing that he...
Wait, is he...
OH CLIFFHANGER!!!!
Dang, you're so GOOD at cliffhanging.

Excellent work, though.

tapping fish
i despise mortgage

 

Yikes! Is this a test for Ben, Xanman or both?

 

Here's the problem with too much RL inbetween posts you start to forget the story arc. Xan is working as a double agent here right?
Ill have to go back and reread some posts to refresh my memory. Always enjoy your writing even if my brain is mush!

 

Xanthos... hope Ben chops him up...

Well done on forcing the shuttle to land... well written tactics

 

Great update, but you've left us hanging. Looking forward to the next post!

 

Oh I so agree with the others! Wonderful update indeed! Love how Ben handled Bail patience is a virtue that's for sure! Hope he can handle Xan!

 

Great twist - perfect conflict.

 

Loved the buildup of the tension, the way Ben kept arguing with Bail and how Bail gave back as good as he got. The confrontation with Xan is not going to go well. I don't see how Ben will survive this.

Great job.

 

Truly enjoyed how Ben handled himself and the tense situation with Organa. Obi's influence was noticeable. And yikes! Wonder why Xan is there and what it means for Ben and his mission. The situation could get sticky.

 

I am really loving how Ben is becoming so confident and strong, it's wonderful. I also loved the little insights you gave us into the way the trials work. I always thought it was something the Council had devised, but the way you made it into something the Force itself does...well, that's just brilliant.

 

I think we're in for a bumpy ride! I can't wait!

 

Looks like Ben's day just go worse

Great work

 

Your story is awesome.Plot, characters...there is nothing I could complain about, even if I want. Not that I really would.Great, just great.

Ben is an OC you just have to like...and he is in real trouble.
At the beginning of the mission it was clear that something bad was going to happen.
But a confrontation with Xanatos...you are evil, you know that?
Xanatos is a double agent and helping Ben is impossible for him.I am not sure what his mission is but no matter what it is, it won`t be good for Ben and the Senator. And as much as I don`t want to say this, if Ben does not get any help he will be in serious trouble. He still has to protect Senator Organa. Even if they get out alive (and I seriously hope that), they will most likely be hurt, perhaps so much that completing the mission will be next to impossible. I don`t like the situation.

Could you please send me a PM when you update?

 

just found this story, love it, please more and an update.

if you have PM-List put on it.

 

A post! A post! My kingdom for a post!

... Well, if I had a kingdom, that is ....



Hope the Muse visits soon.

 

I just finished re-reading this story, and I still love it! Just wanted to up it and keep it nice and un-locked in case more is coming. I adore Ben and am anxious to see how his meeting (confrontation?) with Xan goes.

For giving us such a lovely read!