Before - Legends Enemies Among Us - Obi/Qui, pre-TPM - Thank-you So Much To My Readers - Completed 2/3

Kynstar - Glad you liked it!

Jedikma - Yes, I did have fun.

o_e -

diane - Yes, she should be ashamed of herself. [face_shame]

sis - Uh oh! Drooling wookies.

opal - Well, I'm glad you did.

Jaxx_w - Thought she would have pounced on him there and then!

 

I'm going to post two chapters today because the first one is pretty short.
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Chapter 7

Lighting was dim in the small dining room in the Marinou?s private suite, and the glow from a corner fireplace lent warmth to the otherwise austere décor. Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan sat at the small table enjoying light conversation after the evening meal. Obi-Wan was thankful that there had been no mention of the earlier situation.

?Athan?s efforts have been quite remarkable. In his few short years in office we have gone from a reclusive society to the verge of joining the Galactic Republic, and all with overwhelming public support.?

?My wife is generous in her praise. It has actually been a combined effort. The praise should go to many.?

?Who hid behind you and your office as you took the brunt of the attack from those opposed,? she interrupted, the conversation taking a detour from its earlier jovial tone.

Athan took a sip of his drink and looked down into his glass as he swirled the contents.

?I expected opposition and there are some who still disagree with me. I have always felt that it is my job to face all attacks as the decisions are ultimately mine. I couldn?t have my supporters in the legislature reveal themselves until I was sure I had public support.?

?The legislature tried to have you removed from office, Athan.?

?And the motion was voted down by the people. That?s all that matters.? Athan looked up, allowing his gaze to settle on his wife, eyes fixed into sternness. Phedra bowed her head, understanding the clear sign to steer away from the line of conversation.

He paused and looked in the direction of the two Jedi.

?But, I am sure you both have seen enough political bickering to last several lifetimes. This should be a week of celebration.?

The silent communication between the minister and his wife, and its accompanying emotion had not been missed by the two Jedi.

?So, can you tell us the events planned for tomorrow?? Qui-Gon asked, attempting to diffuse the underlying tension.

Athan smiled, the warmth returning to his eyes.

?A good idea, Master Jinn. Tomorrow I thought you both might like to get out and see some of the capitol city. There is a banquet tomorrow evening. It is a formal state function and many district governors will be attending along with my council of advisors. I have actually been meaning to discuss this with you.?

Athan shifted uncomfortably and directed his gaze towards Obi-Wan.

?Traditionally,? he stopped and smiled, carefully choosing wording, ?minors are not permitted to attend formal functions in our culture. It?s a matter of protocol, which leaves us with a dilemma as you are one of the representatives of the Republic.

?I understand completely Minister Marinou. My master and I have run across similar traditions before. It will not offend me to stay in the guest quarters for the evening.?

Minister Marinou smiled again.

?Thank you for your understanding in this.?

Light conversation continued as Phedra Marinou, still seething from being reprimanded, excused herself from the table, and disappeared into one of the rooms.

Chapter 8

Obi-Wan was comfortably stretched out on the sofa in sleep pants and a light tunic, enjoying the solitude of the guest quarters. A young woman from the residence?s staff had delivered a meal earlier. Having finished his meal, he was now reading through several data pads on Denuran history.

He smiled to himself as he thought of Qui-Gon at the evening?s banquet. Knowing his master?s dislike for elaborate social functions, he felt sorry for him. He was actually glad to be missing it, if for no other reason than to be free of Lady Marinou?s presence for the evening. It seemed that every time he had seen her during the day he was looking into a piercing stare. He now understood the unsettled feeling of being stalked. The fact that his master could actually find humor in the situation didn?t help his frustration.

He blinked his eyes and rolled his shoulders ba

 

Phedra was visiably seething because Obi wasn't allowed to go to the banquet? ummm something about her!

Now Obi-Wan has been kidnapped!

Great chapters! Looking forward to more.

 

Oops! Miscommunication there about why Phedra is seething. I went back and edited it, so hopefully it's clearer.

 

Hmmm. The plot thickens. Good chapters, Noi

 

Uh oh! Not good!

 

And the suspense thickens!! Wonder who's behind it? Hmmm guess we'll find out shortly, eh?

Poor Qui feeling guilty. Awesome chapter!

 

Oh dear and now Obi-Wan is kidnapped and I have the feeling Qui-Gon might be shortly -- excellent updates! I am eagerly awaiting more. SO nice to come back and find this fic updated

Keep up the good work!

 

The plot thickens. Interesting.

Poor Obi and Qui. And Qui is already feeling quilty. Hurrah for Qui guilt! (that is so mean of me...not even his fault)

 

I return from Hawaii to find Obi kidnapped? ANd how could I have missed the shower scene???

Well, I still think you deserve choc covered macadamis nuts for this one. hands out treats to author

 

Jedikma - Thanks for helping me catch what was unclear there.

Opal Hmmm

o_e Yeah, not good.

Kynstar - Yes, you get to find out shortly, and you can just keep saying poor Qui.

Layren - Qui may just wish he was kidnapped after he sees what is in store for him.

Jaxx_w - Hurrah for Qui guilt!

Kitara - Ooooo! Chocolate. Thanks for catching up!

Healer_Leona - Welcome! Glad you are enjoying this little fic.

oh sure, that's what they always say and it never turns out that way. yep

OOhh, I liked that it twisted from what I thought was going to happen. So kidnapped instead of seduced?

Couldn't do what eveyone expected now, could I?
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Should have the next post up in a little bit.

 

Chapter 9

?I?m listening,? said Qui-Gon as he rose from his kneeling position and turned to face Advisor Macres. Standing now at his full height, Qui-Gon easily towered over the shorter man. He sensed a momentary nervousness before the man gained his composure.

?I?ve always been curious Master Jinn,? he said as he stepped closer. ?I have heard that the Jedi master and apprentice relationship can be as close as that of any parent and child. I?ve heard that you can sense each others? thoughts and emotions.?

Qui-Gon said nothing.

?Tell me Master Jinn, what do you sense right now??

Qui-Gon reached out to find his apprentice still unconscious, but remained neutral and silent. Macres? features curved into a malicious sneer as he spoke into a comlink.

?Wake him up,? he commanded.

The two men waited in silence for a few moments until Qui-Gon felt his apprentice?s unshielded end of their bond come to life with a mixture of disorientation and panic. Qui-Gon exhaled slowly as he felt his apprentice?s mind reach for his. He sent waves of reassurance through the Force.

Seeing the change in the Jedi master?s demeanor, Macres broke the silence.

?Now that you two have been reunited, in a way, we can have that discussion.?

Qui-Gon stared Macres in the eyes with a gaze devoid of the emotional turmoil he now felt within.

Cyril Macres clasped his hands behind his back, assuming a very authoritative stance.

?You will not speak to anyone about this conversation. You will not leave the residential grounds, unless it is an outing that has been officially arranged by myself. You will not try to communicate with anyone concerning this, including your temple.? He paused for emphasis.

?What do you want?? Qui-Gon asked.

?You will kill First Minister Marinou at the official signing ceremony in two days. If you complete this task, your apprentice will be safely returned.?

?You seriously expect that I will meet this demand??

?I am very anxious to see how much your apprentice means to you. Is he merely your student, or is he your son??

?He is a Jedi and would not want me to kill, no matter the circumstances.?

?We?ll see. Should you fail to complete this task at the appropriate time, we will kill your apprentice immediately.?

Qui-Gon?s feeling of dread intensified.

?Please put this around your wrist Master Jinn.?

?What is it??

?A tracking device. I want to know where you are at all times. It will alert me if you go beyond the residential walls or if it is removed.?

?And if I refuse to wear it??

Macres whispered into his comlink, and Qui-Gon felt pain tear through his mind so intensely it caused him to once again drop to his knees. Macres squatted down to look the Jedi master in the eyes, picking up the large man?s hand and snapping the tracker around the Jedi?s wrist.

?The rules are not open for discussion, Master Jinn. Your apprentice will pay the penalty should you break any rules.?

He turned and started towards the door, pausing before he exited.

?Be aware Master Jinn. I have eyes and ears everywhere.?

 

Oi vey!!! Oh man oh man! Evil dude! He knows a lil toooo much about the relationship between a Master and a Paddy. Hmmm he'll utilize that bond to his extentful evil means. oh man! I feel for Qui! What a hard decision to make, let's see if he does obide by what the Code would have him do. (which would be not to kill the guy regardless of the situation) or if he can find a way out of this.

And Obi having to pay if Qui doesn't follow the 'rules'. Scary stuff!!

Awesome chapter!

(edit: Sorry Master of mine must be our bond for reading the same story at the same time hehehe)

 

Oh what a horrible cliffe! more!! I'm first I'm first! yay!

Oh dear Qui-Gon seems to be in a bit of trouble doesn't he..

one wonders how Qui-Gon will get out of this one -- most excellent update!


Edit --ACK PADAWAN I wanted to be first!!

 

Ooohhhh these people are quite diabolical.

Great chapter. Looks like Qui-Gon has his back against a wall, can't wait to see how he handles this.

 

aha! the plot thickens...

 

Aack! Evil cliffie alert! Don't leave us hanging there, have mercy!

 

I see you have been reading the evil author handbook

 

this is a very intresting story and i am realy enjoing it.

 

Oh, I've missed a bunch of posts I have to work but I'll be catching up soon!

 

I missed a load of posts, too. Will try very hard to remedy that tonight. Superb story, by the way.

 

Wow, I got two nominations for this. I'm speechless.

 

Poor Obi. And yes much as it pains me, poor Jinn! Congrats on the noms!

 

I'm glad everyone liked my evil cliffie. Unfortunately, the situation is not likely to be resolved in one post.

I like being able to keep up with posting every other day, but I know some folks are still catching up and I want to give them that time. I also know that some are really busy with the whole nominations thing.

So, what I have decided to do for those who want more is to post smaller posts for a little while. I should have the next up in a few minutes.
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Kynstar ? Yes, Qui has a hard choice. I kind of thought it was twisted to have Obi?s well-being rest in Qui?s ability to follow the rules.

Layren ? Just a little bit of trouble

Jedikma ? Yeah, they are pretty evil. We?ll have to see how Qui deals with this.

vivid_scripts ? yes, it does.

VaderLVR ? what is mercy?

Kitara ? Wow, there?s a handbook?

JEDI-KNIGHTS_R_L ? Thanks for reading!

tangled_sphere and BrokenNoseOfQui-Gon - Sorry, I kind of dumped some longer posts on everyone there. Thanks for sticking with me though.

obi_ew - Wow, I made you feel sorry for Qui-Gon.