Chronicles of a Jedi Master

More Surprises

2008-04-11T21:30:00.002-04:00

I know it has been ages but important business has kept me from posting once again. But here is another chapter.

I followed Anakin toward the last chamber with not just a feeling of doom but with my insides twisted.

Anakin must have felt my distress. We got to the last door and he paused.

I stopped next to Anakin feeling his hesitation as I did my own. "Are you ready?"

"I am always ready and you?”

"Yes." but why did it feel wrong? "Ready."

Anakin slapped his palm on the door control and it slid open.

I prepared myself for the worst while the panel slid open. What we encountered was a mixture of medieval torture chamber and modern world violence.

He glared. "Lovely," Anakin said stepping in on step. His eyes shot around the room. We both felt something. There was someone here but were being hidden from our sight, but we still felt them.

"Marusi." I whispered. "Octavia is not here but not as far as you might think." Where in the Galaxy was Adana?

Anakin nodded. "I believe you."

"Be careful. He might not have any Force like powers but he is conniving, cunning and does not run out of tricks easily." I waved my hand for Anakin to move around the other side while I would go to the right.

He moved slowly, carefully his light saber in his hand. He spun to look at me when there was a great gush of wind as if a huge fan had been turned on. It nearly knocked him off his feet.

"Watch out Anakin." I shouted. "Lie flat on the ground." And just after he dropped projectiles shot from nowhere throughout the room. I barely avoided being hit myself.

I dived face first on the ground. A sharp object shot so close to my head I felt it snag my hair. I gathered the force around me to shield me from them.

And then I felt Marusi. He was hiding behind a brick wall in the back corner of the chamber. //In the far back corner.//

//Got ya.// He reached out the with Force and pushed at the bricks, hard. They started to shake.

I joined Anakin and together we successfully made the wall collapse revealing Marusi who had no other way to escape.

The wind died as did the flying shards. I jumped to my feet, saber ignited. "Where is Adana?"

"Oh, she is in a safe place." Marusi replied, showing a row of yellow teeth in a wide, malicious grin.

"If you want to live you might want to tell us where!" Ankin growled.

I stood a few inches from his face, his foul breath brushing my skin. "Don't lie to us, it's over."

"You figure it out, you are the Jedi." he stood his ground.

Anakin stepped around me, his anger flaring. He slammed Marusi back against the wall and stuck the blade of his light saber so close the man’s face he flinched from the heat. "Tell us!"

I could feel him falter but he kept holding on." What is she to you anyway but another wench?" his gaze fell on me.

"A fellow Jedi." He did not need anymore information as it would only create misconceptions later on.

"A good friend. So unless you want a close shave, tell us where she is!" I could feel the anger boil inside Anakin.

"Ok, ok, ok. Don't get your panties in a bunch over that stupid Jedi H...." he growled. "Look down the hall and if you are lucky she is still alive but I fear Octavia finished her off for me."

A retort never crossed my lips and I swiftly left the room. I had to find her before it was too late. I knew the cruelty Octavia of which Octavia was capable and that she was driven by motives other than greed.. I heard a loud scream as I closed the door.

Farther down the wide hall was another door and before I even reached it I could sense Octavia’s malice. Adana's life signature was weak, almost too weak to recognize.

Anakin dragged Marusi with him as he followed me. At the scream, he elbowed Marusi in the face and knocked him out cold. He wouldn’t be going anywhere for a while.

"In here." I watched Anakin approach. "Leave Marusi for now but tie him up."

Anakin slapped some restraints on him and shoved him back against the wall. "I'll be back for you," he muttered maliciously.

"Done?" I asked more impatiently than intended.

Anakin gave him a dirty look. "No I was thinking hanging him upside down and tickling him. Yes, I am done."

"Very funny." I snorted. "Be just as careful with Octavia.”

Doubts

2008-02-17T21:06:00.000-05:00

When I opened my eyes it took a while to focus. Blinking a few times I saw Anakin's face looking down with anguish. "Hi." I said weakly.

He sighed. "Welcome back." Anakin reached out a hand to help me up.

"Welcome back from what?" I rubbed the back of my head. "What happened?"

He told me quickly. "You were about to take off my head."

"I am so sorry Anakin.” I didn't know how to say this without sounding weak. "Please don't think for one moment that I feel like this."

But I could see that thoughts were nagging him when Anakin finally answered. "It comes from somewhere, Obi-Wan. Do you regret taking me as your apprentice that much?" He looked hurt and confused.

"Force Anaki, no." I meant it. "I was young and inexperienced and if I made any mistakes in your training it is my responsibility alone."

He looked away not believing a word I had just said. "We have a job to do." Anakin said coolly. "Are you alright now?"

"Anakin." I reached out to him. "You are my brother."

He nodded not convinced. "Are you alright?" He asked again.

"Yes." What else could I say to convince him that my words were truthful? "We better get going." I sighed deeply. This mission was not going well at all and it took us in a direction I did not anticipate.

I felt the gap that had begun to appear between a while ago grow wider and although Anakin knew it was from the gas he was quiet. "Keep away from the vents, if you don’t mind." He tried to smile.

"I shall." My attempt to return his smile failed miserably..

Anakin lead the way. For what seemed like hours we crept in the shadows without seeing or hearing anything. Suddenly we found a huge locked door. He looked it over.

"This place seems to be constructed of more doors than the palace on Naboo." I stared at the heavy durasteel door.

Anakin smiled to himself when I mentioned Naboo. "A maze, a trap."

"Definitely." I applied the Force to push the door open just a bit.

" I have a really bad feeling about this," He muttered

"Same here." I added as we entered an empty room.

He slithered inside after me. A foul smell reached our noses. "Lovely." He muttered.

"Centuries of unused air." I tried not to breathe through my nose.. "Let's see where this door leads."

"To something nasty, I'm sure." Anakin growled.

"We need to find the main chamber."

"I'm going to guess-" He pointed, "It would be down those dark stairs."

"I do hope so." I said skeptically.

"I'll be very happy to be out of here." Anakin stepped down the stairs and lit his saber for light. We went down another set of stairs that curved to the right. He looked back at me and started to walk down.

I let Anakin take the lead hilt in hand as I followed him around several corners and turns which took us deeper into the building. I could feel the pain of many who had never left this place alive.

My attempts to feel Adana’s Life Force were not rewarded and worry flooded through me. I did not want to entertain any thoughts of what might have happened.

At the bottom there was a large, circular chamber with one door and nothing else. It looked like a huge water tank. Anakin gave me a pained look. "Let me guess. We go in there and something bad happens. What do you think?"

"I believe you are right." I looked at Anakin.

I smiled. "Flip you for who goes in first."

"I go first." I walked past him through the door and down another long dark passage. Suddenly my senses tingled and I stopped.

"A water tank chamber with stairs-" Anakin froze. "Here we go."

"Slow now." I cautioned.

Voices in the Dark

2007-12-29T19:55:00.000-05:00

Anakin jumped off the Rancor, and spun his light saber with unneeded zest. "Well that was too easy."

"Easy for you to say>" The Rancor's head rested on my legs as I looked up at Anakin.

"Oops, let me help you there." He gave the head a lift with Force and helped me out from under the massive head. Anakin shook his head. "Nasty things."

"Quite." I looked at the massive creature. "I wasn't aware they could live here as well." the hallways was strangely quiet after the sounds of the fight.

"They should be in the city. They must have smuggled it in," He said. "But down here in the underbelly, you can hide anything."

"Unfortunately. We need to continue and this time without interruptions I hope."

"Not likely," Anakin stated. "After you. There is a hallway in the back. I see it as I was on top of the Rancor."

I merely nodded and followed the dark and damp pathway. The walls were narrower here and the smell of stale air made it harder to breathe. The temperature grew warmer as well.

Anakin made strange breathing noises behind me and I could hear him insert his rebreather.

Something rose from the floor vents in front of me, a gas like substance, and before I could react I was pulled back by my belt.

"You are right?" He asked.

My head felt foggy and Anakin’s voice seemed to come from far away. His touch however made me want to shake him off. "I am fine." I growled.

"Your face is white," He told me. "I don't think that was poison."

"Nothing wrong with me." I shoved his hand away.

"All right then, if you are sure." Anakin stared at me for a second before he stepped around me and continued down the passage.

//Remember how Qui Gon dismissed you for Anakin//
I shook my head. No it wasn’t there, the voice did not exist.

//Don't deny it. He hurt you and you know it.//

"No, he did not." I said out loud.

The uneasy feeling tickled my neck. I looked over my shoulder at Obi-Wan as he spoke. "What did you say?"

"Nothing and it’s none of your business." Why did I talk to him that way?

//You have always resented training the boy.// she whispered.

"NO!" I said forcefully.

Anakin flinched and frowned at me.

"For Force sake, Obi-Wan!" He snapped.

//Admit it. YOU only fulfilled a dying man's wishes.// she continued.

"I will not listen to you." my head pounded.

"Master?" Anakin stopped walking to face me. His face was a mask of confusion.

//Don't give into him. He has never respected or accepted you as his Master.// her voice penetrated my mind with an intensity to which I could no longer resist.

I know that Anakin reached out with the Force to detect what was wrong in his opinion. Obviously he could not sense anything because he just stared back at me.

//Be careful or he will lead you into a trap, a trap set for you.// she insisted.

"Master?" He waved his hand in front of my face.

"No, he is not like that." I replied making a last attempt to rid myself of her.

"Who is not like what?" He shook my arm. "Obi-Wan!"

//Don't give in to his cunning nature. He will destroy you.// her voice grew stronger, more persistent.

"YOU." a growl escaped my chest as my hand found my saber.

"Whoa!" He jumped back and stared. "What is the matter with you? Have you lost your mind?"

//Now is your chance to rid yourself of him. You need neither him nor your Jedi friend Adana.//

I ignited my weapon, memories flooding my mind, memories of Master Jinn, my childhood, his death.

Anakin hesitated to reach for his saber. He stilled his hand. "Whatever you hear, it’s not real. You know that."

"Don't mock me Anakin." I stepped toward him. "At least defend yourself." I listened to my voice as if it did not belong to me.

//Yes, that is right. NOW// it was as if she stood next to me. I could sense her to a point I could smell her perfume.

"Mock you? I'm not mocking you! Don't make me defend myself!" He stared hard at me. "One of us won't walk away from it. Think, man, whatever that gas was, whatever you are thinking, its not you!"

"You don't respect me and you have rejected my teaching ...always." Speaking seemed to be more difficult than I remembered. "And now you shall pay for all of your deceit." I raised my weapon toward his neck.

Anakin’s saber shot into my hand, blade ready. He blocked mine. "Listen to me! Stop and think! Block it out! You don’t want to do this!"

"Yes, I do. It's imperative that I make an end to this charade." A quick turn of my hand and my weapon cut through his tunic sleeve.

I could see the pain in his face. Anakin swung his blade, knocking the hilt of my saber from my hand. It tumbled to the floor. It was too easy. He reached out before I could retract and slammed my body hard against the wall, holding me still with his hand, and lifted his blade. "Snap out of it!" He shouted in my face.

"Out of what? You disillusioned fool, don't you understand? It's over." I tried to pry his hands of me. "LET ME GO."

"No, you will listen. That gas is doing this to you! Whatever your hearing are lies. Think! Why are we here? What we doing? Who ARE YOU?"

//You are stronger than he is. He is still a boy. Remember that night so long ago.// her voice had lost the sharp edge.

"I am Obi Wan Kenobi and you have betrayed me from the beginning. Only because of you did I lose Master Jinn."

"Because of me? I didn't kill him! I wasn’t even there! Remember!" I shook him.

"You were because he made every attempt to rid himself of me. And if his mind had been clear he would not have died." my words poured out as if my mouth had a mind of its own.

Anakin stared at me in disbelief. "He loved you. He thought you were ready! I had nothing to do with it!

"Yes, he did and I loved him. He was like a father to me." I finally freed myself of him and called my weapon to my hand.

//This is a good Jedi.// he voice was enticing and sweet.

Anakin jumped back. "Do you think he would be happy to see you lose your control and attack the man you call your brother?" I lifted my chin. "I loved him too."

"No, you didn't. You didn't even know him. And Adana has betrayed my friendship as well. Oh, yes, she is there when you need her but that is all. Both of you can go to hell."

"I didn't? That man saved me from a life of slavery! I didn’t know him long but I loved him! And I love you!"

"Lies, lies, all lies. You have listened to Adana for too long. I know you confide in her." My blade sprang to life again.

"Lies? Fine!" He tossed my saber on the floor at my feet. "Strike me down then. I won’t stop you." He glared. "Do it!"

I lifted my saber, ready to strike him when suddenly the world around me went black.

The Beast

2007-10-21T19:16:00.000-04:00

"Nothing will get us killed." I snorted. "Have I ever placed us in danger? I am not the one who takes extra risks on missions."

He spun around. "I take extra risks? And what do I do? Play with my saber? We take risks; we put ourselves on danger. We watch out for each other, which I am trying to do right now since you are off your game." His angry voice echoed along the cold stone walls.

"I am not off my game, for the last time. Taking risks in the name of duty is fine but beyond that it is foolish." I didn't know what to make of all of this. "Anakin, can't this wait? And I never stopped looking out for you."

"Okay, fine. This isn't the place for this anyway." He answered with frustration in his voice.

"NO it is not." Suddenly I felt a ripple in the Force. "Someone is coming."

Anakin’s head shot around and he shoved me deeper into the shadows. We waited, and saw nothing but knew someone was there.

"It's large, what ever is moving out there." I moved away from Anakin. “I can feel it move."

The floor started to shake hard under our feet. We cast a look at each other. "You have got be kidding me!" He gasped in a loud whisper. "A rancor in here?"

"Hey, I know I didn't put it in here." I could not prevent from chuckling. "Looks like we are going to have our hands full."

Anaking had to grin. "One of us is probably going to have their hands full."

"I attack from the front creating a diversion and you try to strike the deadly blow." I had regained some of my balance.

Anakin took off in the shadows.

I stepped out in the open and waited for the animal to sense me. I could see the shadow of it's great form and smell its putrid stink. I ignited my blade to attract its full attention and moved slowly to the side giving Anakin room to move.

Anakin walked around the back of the heckling thing. Then it spotted me. He force jumped in the air and landed on his head. It reared back and tried to toss him off.

I called to the animal and it turned its attention back to me showing two rows of ferocious looking teeth. Hoping that Anakin would be able to finish this quickly I jumped in its path.

Rancors are not easy to conquer. Anakin had to use careful balance not to mention the way this thing roared the whole place knew we were there by now. He ran up the edge of its ugly head and slammed his light saber right through the skull to the brain.

I hardly had enough time to leap away when it fell toward me. Part of the massive head buried me. I struggled to free myself but was able to before Anakin had to assist me. "Excellent job." I grimaced at Anakin.

Saving the younglings

2007-09-24T20:52:00.000-04:00

I almost stepped on the form that emerged from the top of the steps. A few quick movements and he were silenced. "Thank you Anakin." I muttered utterly embarrassed to have missed this.

Anakin looked at me with a concerned expression most likely wondering what was wrong with me. "Master, are you sure you can do this. I sense you're not yourself," He whispered.

"I can do it alone," Anakin said with sincerity. "I think."

"I am fine, Anakin. Let's just see where the younglings are hidden. " I reached out with the Force to see if I could sense their signatures. "I think they are down the hall."

"I am grateful for your concern though." I added.

He nodded and looked away. We rushed down one of the dimly lit hallways. There was a funny smell. Anakin passed a door, stopped, and looked back. Placing a hand on the door, I noticed him reaching out with the Force. "They are in here."

"I don't like the look of this and the smell is something we might want to be careful with." I warned him. "I stand on this side and you on the other side of the door. On three...."

Anakin held his hand up. "Wasn't you that told me to try the lock first?"

"I know." I must have forgotten what I told him earlier.

He shook my head. "This isn't going to work, Obi-Wan. You can't even think, focus. You are going to get yourself killed. I can't have that."

"There is nothing wrong with me. Just do as I tell you." I regretted my words as soon as I had spoken them. "I haven't had much sleep." I said in a more agreeable tone.

Anakin narrowed my eyes anyway and then looked away. He jabbed the door lock and the door slid open and the lights flashed on. A little girl with brown eyes blinked at me. "Master Skywalker?" then ran into my arms.

I stepped up behind him finding myself hugged by the other two, a girl and a boy. "It's alright, you are safe now." Large eyes looked up at me still doubtful but with more hope.

Anakin brushed the matted hair from the little girls face. "I need you be strong. I have something very important for you." I handed her my cloned beacon. "Take this, and keep it with you. We are going to lead you to the sewers and once we are there you run, and keep running until you reach the shoot going up. Stay there and wait for us. Can you do that for me?"
She nodded.

I went down on one knee in order for them to see my face closer. "You can do it. Trust in yourselves and the Force. Follow her and stay together at any time. Find a place to hide until you see us coming." I touched their small shoulders quickly. "May the Force be with you."

Anakin sat the girl down. She clutched the beacon and my hand. "Let's get them back to the stairs and fast."

I took the other two by the hand while trying to let some of my strength penetrate their fragile minds and bodies. I had never felt completely comfortable around the many younglings in the temple and even now I had that same awkward reaction. We made it to the stairs without problems.

Anakin knelt before the girl. "You ready?" She nodded and he with a smile he said. "Go."

"Follow her, quickly." I said sending them off. A look at Anakin and we were ready to continue.

He watched them disappear. "They should be alright."

"I hope so." I looked down the slimy floor. "Are you ready?"

Anakin gave me a penetrating stare. "I'm always ready. Question is are you?"

"Of course I am. What makes you think otherwise?" I returned his stare.

"Do you have to ask why?" He shook his head.

"Anakin let's let it go for now please." I asked him. "We can talk after all this is over."

Hurt and angry, My young friend waved his hand and turned to walk off. "Fine, come on then."

There was just no way to ever find the right tone with him. I followed him, sensing his anger and hurt. "We have too little time to discuss my mental state."

"Well if you state gets us both killed, it won’t matter will it?" Anakin snapped over his shoulder in a harsh whisper.

First Encounters

2007-09-08T16:24:00.001-04:00

We tromped through the tunnels in silence. Anakin paused before walking around turn. I reached out the Force. There were human guards close by. He looked at me and tapped his nose, which meant run and attack.

I shook his head. //No, let's not attract attention to us// I cautioned through the Force. //We need to do this quietly// Anakin had a tendency to act first and think later which had caused us trouble in the past.

He sent back: //Alright, here we go// He wiggled his finger and made a large stone fall from the wall. Both guards came walking to investigate the noise. He jumped out of the shadow and chopped the guard on the neck, knocking him out.
He then slung out his elbow as the nearest guard next to him appeared. His head whipped back, eyes rolling, and he hit the slime with a splash. It was an easy exercise for Anakin.

Dragging the falling guard over to the other, I tied them both up and covered their mouths. "There will be more guards inside,” I made him aware.

"If last time we went up against Octavia and Marusi is any indication, a lot more guards are inside."

"Unfortunately my recollection is a bit shaky if you remember." I walked up a set of old stairs and shoved open a heavy door while Anakin's light chuckle followed me. I had done my best not to remember that particular mission and now it all surfaced with a vengeance. //I sense someone//

It was pitch black around us as we steeped in. I could feel Anakin close behind me but one could not see a thing in this darkness. I reached out with the Force. //Right in front of us//

A smelly affair

2007-09-01T22:09:00.000-04:00

As we sat in the seedy cantina, the plan was forming.

“We have to be prepared for any surprise attacks as well,” I said.

Anakin ordered a drink and nearly spit it out when he took a sip making a face. "Dirt! Yeah, but we can only plan for that so far. Once we get in, they'll know we are there."

"We have to disguise our Force signatures as soon as we get close to the premises. Otherwise we compromise the rescue mission." I shoved my drink way.

Anakin nodded, agreeing. "There should be an entrance to the sewage system close to warehouse. Down here, there are garbage dumps everywhere, but as you can see, they don't use them much."

I nodded feeling an odd sense of distress and looked away when Anajin noticed. I felt dislodged and wasn’t exactly sure why, an emotion I do not feel comfortable with. I sensed Anakin’s anger. “I’ll be fine, stop worrying.” I mumbled.

Anakin nodded unconvinced.

As we walked out, there were eyes watching us. Anakin seemingly ignored them outwardly but in the back of his mind he was watching just like I did. Outside, Artoo rolled out the shadows and followed us down the trash-ridden street, beeping at Anakin’s heels. We dropped Artoo and his pack off in the equally wonderful domicile I was occupying and met Anakin back on the street.

My young friend lifted my chin. "Lets get close to the warehouse and find the entrance to the sewers."

We walked in silence until we found the cover to the sewage entrance. "You first,” I said, waving my hand, half-grinning.

The entrance was located in a back ally. A gaping hole in the wall, that angled down in a shoot which ended up at the bottom. Anakin jumped up on the lip and gave me a half smile. "Naturally," he said and disappeared inside.

HE hit the bottom with a splash, but before HE pushed with Force and managed not to end up on my backside in ankle deep sludge. Anakin backed out of the way as I came out the shoot and landing on my backside. He held out hand to me.

"Need a hand?"

I grabbed my hand and jumped up with a disgusted look. "Thanks," I muttered.

Anakin hid his smile and then lifted a finger to point to my cheek. "You might want to get that off."

The rather large insect squeaked as I swatted it off his face. "We need to go that way." I pointed to the canal leading down to the left.

Anakin shrugged off his robe thankfully that his backside wasn't as wet as mine was. Of course he didn't fall either. "Take your robe off. You might dry faster." He suggested.

"Ah, good idea." I shed the wet garment and looked with revulsion at my boots. "I dare not take anything else off."

He handed me his robe, which was mostly dry. "Wipe off or they'll smell you coming," Anakin thought it to be a good joke.

"Thanks." I wiped off the dirt but it didn’t help much. I know Anakin could still smell it but he wasn’t going to say it. “Let’s go.”

Initial Plans

2007-08-26T13:43:00.000-04:00

I knew Anakin was there before he even entered the bar. Not wanting to attract any attention I remained where I was and let him approach me.

Anakin eyed the ragged, dank cantina as he walked through the door before he recognized me.
He walked up to the bar and leaned on the top. "Nice place you've found,” he muttered. “You look like poodoo warmed over.”

I looked his way. "If I had known it was you I would have cleaned up." I replied managing a loft sided grin. "About time you got here."

"Well, you know how it goes. I had to smell my way around the undercity," Anakin said, gazing over.

"Glad you found me." I motioned for me to sit down. "We are dealing with quite the mess and our plan has to be aggressive but sensitive as well."

He slid down on the stool, which was ready to break as it were. "Aggressive works. Any idea where Adana and the others are?”

"I could sense Adana for a while but lost her. Force only knows what Octavia and Marusi have done to her. They are capable of anything." I couldn't help but stare. "We have to be fast if we want to see her alive. Octavia will not let her go like she did with me... And then there are three younglings who have gone missing as well. Master Windu informed me that he had sent Adana to find them."

He nodded, remembering. "Alright. We need a plan." His eyebrow shot up. "I don't always jump in saber blazing, master."

"I know that, my friend. You are better than that."

Anankin looked thoughtful for a moment. "Do you have an idea where Octavia has them?"

"There is an abandoned ware house about a click kilometer or so away from here." I opened the holo map for him to see.

Anakin gazed over the holomap. "Heavily guarded too. Two ways in, that we can see. I bet there is third." I pointed down. "Underground and I bet it’s less guarded. They wouldn't think we would know about it or try that way." I pointed to a few locations on the map.

"The only safe way is through the sewage system." A smirk crossed his face. "Brings back memories, doesn't it,” I muttered.

Anakin smiled. "I can hold my nose if you can."

"No problems here." I closed the holo. "Once we are inside we need to find the chamber with the younglings first. I don't even want to imagine what he might have done to them."

Eyes narrowed Anankin growled. "We need to figure out where to hide them while we get Adana. If we send them down the sewer they will have to keep going, and might get lost. and its going to take both us to gat Adana."

"I know. There has to be a way to hide them for the time being."

He thought it over and reached in his pack. "I have an idea." Anakin pulled out a small beacon. "This a cloned beacon of the one I keep on me. If we give this to the younglings and tell them to run, I can track them after we get out. No matter where they are." I could see from the look in his face not to ask any questions regarding the beacon.

Ignoring the possible origin of this item I said: "It is brilliant. This way we can assure their safety why trying to free Adana.”

The Rescue Part Two

2007-08-08T22:17:00.001-04:00

I decided to contact Anakin. This mission required two people after all and who to trust more than my former Padawan and brother. I sent him an encrypted messages aware that his mission might not allow him to leave after all. But knowing him he would find a way to get here.

I needed to find a place to think. Since there was nothing open but another dingy bar I entered hood pulled deeply into my face. The drink I ordered looked like mud but I didn’t care at this point. I found a table in the back corner and leaned back seemingly asleep to anyone entering the place.

What I had found out so far left no doubt about the dangers not only the prisoners were in. Any false moves or mistakes on my part would cost them their lives. At the same time Marusi and Octavia had to be stopped at all costs. They had caused too much trouble in the past and their presence on Coruscant left a bitter taste in my mouth.

Sudden pain surged through me as Adana reached out for me only to disappear again after only moments. It was a mere whisper, a touch so soft that I almost did not feel it.

I shook my head to refocus. I had to find a way into the compound by the time Anakin reached Coruscant. The grid showed a deeply inbedded sewage system that ran below the building and it’s surrounding areas. If we found a way in we could use the sewers as an attack and escape route at once.

My thoughts kept drifting to a suggestion Mace had made after my last transmission to let someone else take over. In his opinion I was too involved in this matter due to past experiences with Octavia and Marusi. Maybe he was right and maybe he was wrong. I wasn’t sure. Another point he made was the fact that I might be too attached to the persons involved.

Of course I was since Adana and I had grown up like siblings. No other thought even occurred to me ever. We had not only spent our childhood together but most of our youth and early childhood as well. Although missions and life had kept us apart over the last years our bond had not weakened. No, there was no attachment just the deep friendship we had always felt. Our lives were dedicated to the Jedi order. Any other suggestions or assumptions were wrong although Anakin had a tendency to think differently.
She and the younglings had to be rescued and criminals brought to justice, point blank.

All I could do for now was to wait for Anakin and finalize my plan to be executed as soon as he arrived. Suddenly my comlink beeped and Anakin’s voice crackled to life. “I am on my way.” Was all he said before he faded to silence. I could not help myself from smiling as I listened to the determination in his voice.

The Rescue (Part One)

2007-06-17T17:46:00.000-04:00

(I know I am changing tenses here)

His reaction to the news was as expected. I had known him for too long and he proved to be as predictable as usual.

“So, you are telling me that both cases are definitely linked?” his voice showed no surprise even if he had been.

“Yes, Master Windu.” I answered. “There is no doubt that both cases are linked. He used the younglings as well as the other scheme to lure both of us into his trap. After all these years he finally feels he has his revenge. Hatred can keep a being alive for a long time.”

“And you are sure that Master Jahura is there as well?”

“Yes, I can feel her.”

I could hear Mace take a deep breath. “You are aware that our hands are bound and we cannot sent any help if it would be necessary.”

“Not only am I aware of this but it was made clear to me that any involvement of the council or additional Jedi would be detrimental to the prisoners. I am also sure that this is not a bluff but the truth. As much as this man likes to play games I know when he is absolutely serious.” I tried to keep worry out of my voice as not to give Mace the wrong impression.

“I have faith in you Obi Wan to free the prisoners and also apprehend Marusi and Octavia. I know that there is history on both parts. Can you complete your mission with a clear mind?”

His question came unexpected but I knew the answer. “There is nothing that will distract me from completing this mission. Octavia is a disillusioned woman who has never learned that people actually are able to resist her.”

“Good, that is what I hoped to hear. May the Force be with you Obi Wan.” Mace signed off and sat still for a moment to collect my thoughts and prepare for the coming hours.

I used the walk to my dingy hotel to figure out a plan to not only free the younglings but help Adana as well. Her pain ran like an electrical current through my body and I knew that there was not much time. Octavia was a master at torture but with Marusi backing her it would be even worse.

Once I reached my room I accessed the grid of the lower parts of the city. There had to be a place suitable for their purposes. Although I could feel Adana through the Force there seemed to be a shield around the location that made it impossible for me to hone in more closely.

Before I left I sent a message to Anakin. I had not heard from him in a while and hoped that he was not getting himself into any bad situations. As much as he thinks I did not trust him, he is wrong. But Anakin is still young and let’s his emotions speak for his actions. On second thought he was right by telling me that I worried too much.

Studying the grid closely I finally found something that would be worse investigating. I changed out of my clothes into something more suitable for my next task. I had learned to ignore the nosy looks the front desk person kept giving me and retrieved my speeder. Using the map as my guide I made good time to my designation. I parked the speeder a couple of blocks away.

I had to approach the premises with greatest care since I was not sure what I had to expect and how many guards would be placed to secure the area. Marusi was no fool and he now knew that there were Jedi about to find him. I had no intentions to walk into another trap or let anyone find me. With 4 lives at stake I had to operate differently.

Poison

2007-05-25T21:35:00.000-04:00

Sitting at the bar without being bothered by some or another female is not easy but I guess I have to play the part. I ordered several drinks for my companions although the conversations were limited to pleasantries and other meaningless conversations. It seems that women shed any inihibitions in such places.

Since there isn't anything else to do I look around, surveying my surroundings a bit more. The music is a bit too loud for my taste and everything appears flashy and overdone, but the patrons like it. It takes me a while to tune all the noise around me out enough in order to hear other voices and with luck a conversation here or there.

There is a couple making out in a dark corner, a group of younger people laugh about a strange joke, others just sit and drink. Dancers sway to the music and there are many who observe like I do only with different intentions.

I feel a hand on my shoulder and look into the eyes of a young female. Dark green, almost black eyes, gaze into mine, spine tingling at best. She is of petite built but readiates not just physical but mental strength. Her hand lingers on my shoulder before she moves it down my arm, her fingers caressing the fabric of my shirt. Her mouth parts and she licks her lips, head tilted.

I can't prevent tiny pearls of sweat forming on my forehead. The last time a female touched me in such a way was years ago on a misssion that left me close to death. I erase those memories as quickly as they surfaced.

"All alone here, big feller?" her voice is like velvet.

"I am waiting for company." not quite a lie but not the whole truth either.

"Then why don't I make the time pass faster then?" a glare from her and my neighbor frees his barstool. "Buy me a drink." she demands.

I give in since there is no need to either blow my cover or to create a scene. "What would you like?"

"I have what you have, my dear." she lowers the heavily lashed eyelids.

I place the order and shortly after she has a glass in front of her.

"Thank you." she whispers, her hand no on my thigh.

I move it back into her lap. "You are welcome."

A smile twists her lips. "I see you need a little warming up or is there someone else?"

"I am just fine, thank you." What else is there to say?

"Why don't I believe you then?" She reaches out and touches my face, her fingers leaving a hot trace on my cheek.

As I look at her she somehow reminds me of a praying mantice, ready to strike at any moment. The decision is made quickly: I have to rid myself of her before the, for whom I am waiting arrives.

"You are very lovely but I cannot give you what you might desire from me."

Her eyes grow hot, her voice laced with sarcasm, she answers. "Oh, do you not like women?"

"I do but I am not what you call a lady's man." I feel a slight sensation on the inside of my leg where her finger moves in circular motions.

"I doubt that very much." her eyes are on fire. She finishes her drink, tongue sliding across the rim of her glass.

She is using the weapons of a woman trying to persuade a man, trying to tangle her in her web until he is devoured.

"You might consider finding someone else but me."

She leans over, her lips gazing my ear, hot breath caressing the skin on my neck. "No one has ever resisted me." she says in a hushed tone. Her hands are now resting in a place I rather not mention. "Your body though proves your mind is lying."

Suddenly I grow cold in the hot air of the night club. Her words echo through my mind. I pry her hands from my body. "Octavia!"

Her face becomes a mask of hatred and spite. "How smart you are." she snarls. "And still hiding behind your useless Code."

"I have never hidden behind anything. Your anger and hatred cloud your vision." I know that none of what I say will ever reach her.

She rises, her body rigid, shaking of suppressed anger. "You are the one whose mind is clouded." she hisses. "I do have a message from Marusi though." She pauses and when I do not reply she continues.

"If you want to see your Jedi girlfriend again, follow our instructions." A satisfied expression on her face she smirks at me.

"I do not have to follow the instructions of a criminal." I can't believe I have been fooled in this fashion. "I do not have a girlfriend."

"Oh you disillusioned fool." her voice is full of pity. "But let's come to the point. You will not pursue Marusi any longer. He has done nothing that should concern you. The moment he finds out you are still sticking your nose into our business not only your GIRL-friend will die but the younglings as well."

Before I can reply she tosses the remainder of my drink into my face and quickly leaves the bar, her cold, evil laughter trailing behind her.

The bartender hands me a towel to dry my face. A difficult situation which takes more careful planning than I had done so far. Like a Padawan I have been fooled, have been lured into this situation. I pay for my drinks and leave the bar.

I have to rescue Adana and the younglings, no matter what the difficulties.

My comlink beeps and Master Windu's voice crackles to life. "Obi Wan what news do you have for us?"

"Good evening Master Windu. There are developments that might complicate the mission...."

For you Vader

2007-05-14T21:34:00.000-04:00

Well, this is currently showing at the bar....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=leEsz9ci5XE

Whispers in the Force

2007-04-28T18:37:00.000-04:00

(sorry for not posting but Darth RL has kept me unusually busy)

Once I return to my temporary quarters I sit down to meditate. It isn’t enough that Marusi has surfaced but with Ocatavia in the loop this game has taken on a different character.

I am finally able to clear my mind and begin to work out a strategy to find Marusi and his gang. My contact has given me the name of a well known bar in this part of the city and it is time to change for my next endeavor. I do have to chuckle thinking about what Mace would say if he saw me entering such an establishment.

I change into something more appropriate: a pair of black jeans, white T-Shirt, black jacket, a pair of black leather boots. Well, one does whatever is necessary to stay undetected. But to be out of my Jedi robes has its advantages too.

//I see you found me.// A female voice whispers.

Oh no, not her. It can’t be. She was not Force adept as far as I know.

//Don’t act so surprised to hear my voice.//

I try to ignore her, attempt to block her from my mind.

//Ignoring me is not going to help you.// She continues.

I walk swiftly down the streets still disregarding what she says.

//I have been waiting for this for a long time.//

One more corner and I will be there.

//And this time you will not escape.//

I can feel the anger that is brewing below the surface.

//No one will help you and I shall finish what I started.//

I stretch out my hand to open the door to the bar. Loud noises and music spill out toward me and I step inside.

//Just one more thing before I leave you to your misery.//

The dimly lit place has not changed since the last time I was here with Anakin.

// I have a surprise prisoner for you.//

And then she vanishes. I take a deep breath before I sit down at the bar. Suddenly I feel another tremble in the Force: Adana, reaching out into the Force…

Unexpected Information

2007-03-31T13:18:00.000-04:00

I spent the last two hours getting a room in a small, rundown hotel. One of Dex's suggestions. The lock on the door does not work and I after threatening the hotel keeper that he would eat his food through a straw if anything happened to my belongings walked back to the bar. The Rodian still regards me with a strange look but has no quarrels serving me. The main conversations turn around the war and how to survival in this part of town. Nothing really catches my attention so far.

A human of unidentifable age, blaster hanging off his hip, sits down next to me. "Lovely time of year." he says.

"It is even nicer in the spring." I reply and he turns to me.

"Abbuu." his introduction is short. "I am going to have what you are drinking."

"Ben." I shake his hand. "Bartender, another one for my friend here."

Abbuu downs his drink. "Hey, Rodian, let me use the blue room."

The bartender hands him a card. "Here, but don't mess it up."

"It's not that kind of client, you moron. Some people think with their brains." A large grin crosses Abbuu's face as he leads me down a dark hall into a room decorated entirely in blue.

"Are you sure he is not going to listen to us?" I do not feel comfortable.

"Don't worry. We have an understanding: I don't blab to anyone about his connections to the Black Sun and he let's me conduct business in here." Abbuu takes a seat in one of the deeply cushioned chair motioning for me to do the same.

Only with reluctance do I sit down on the plush couch. "What information do you have for me?"

Before Abbuu answers he removes an imaginary piece of lint from his jacket. "Well, that depends how much you are willing to pay."

"If the information is valuable I will pay you 500 credits, half now and half after I confirmation." I can see his face light up at the mentioning of the sum.

"YOu drive a good bargin - Ben." he studies his fingers for a moment. "Agreed."

"Good, shall we begin then?"

"The orange district is buzzing with news about a man called Marusi. He has put out word that he is recruiting anyone who would like to earn a few extra credits. I never had any dealings with him and from what I have heard about this guy I am not too keen either. I guess he has a pretty loose trigger finger." Abbuu pauses to study my reaction.

"So far so good." I say trying not to press him too hard for anything else he might be willing to tell me. The thought to influence his mind occurred to me but I let it go. He is strong minded and I can sense that he is telling the truth.

"He frequences a joint called "The Blue Angel". It's a hang out for bounty hunters and spice smuglers."

"I have heard of it. What else do you have for me?" I am most curious now.

"He has a female aquaintance named Octavia. I heard she is a cold as winter night on Hoth: Frigid." Abbuu laughs about his own joke.

I fake a good chuckle although her name makes my skin tingle. After all these years she has finally come to Coruscant.

"That is all I have for now." Abbuu gazes at me, waiting for his reward.

"I guess it's enough to find him." I growl. "Here are 250 credits for now. "We'll meet again tomorrow night. If you cross me, you won't need this money anymore. Understood?"

"Yes, understood." He takes the money from me and stores in his untility belt. "Same place same time." he says and we part.

Once back out on the street I take a few deep breaths.

//OCTAVIA//. My thought wander back two years and the memory is not a fond one indeed.

The Search Begins

2007-03-14T19:52:00.000-04:00

After disconnecting from Anakin I find myself more uneasy about his mission than before. I have no doubts about his abilities and skills but there is much he left unsaid and that is what worries me most. I know he believes I do not trust him but that is far from the truth. If he wasn't worth my trust I would have never taken him on as Padawan. Anakin is like the son I never had and will never have.

And he is wrong, he saved me 9 times only. That business on Keito Nomeidia truly does not count. He knows how to push my buttons, that is for sure but also how to bring a smile to my face. Force, I hope he'll come back in one piece.

Well, back to business at hand. Mace has provided me with little information but at least the council had no quarrels in giving me free hand conducting the search. Dex's Diner will be my first stop. My old friend will provide me with fake ID Docks and anything else that might come handy. Dex never lost his old connections and I know some of the best are right here in the city.

Dex greets me with his usual grin as I enter the diner and beckons me to sit down in a quiet corner. He joins me shortly after with a large cup of juice for me and something more potent for him.

"I heard, Marusi is back in town." Dex regards me with a long look. "And how is your Lady Jedi friend?"

"She is a fellow Jedi." I can't help but grin about his attempts to enhance my private life. "Yes, he is. Have heard anything about his whereabouts?"
He chuckles."Some say he is hiding in the lower levels, others say they have seen him in the Senatorial district."

"Looks like he is up to his old tricks. I better find him as soon as possible. I need ID Docks and some of your sources if possible."

"Anything for you my friend." Dex nods. "Give me about 30 minutes and all will be ready."

"Thank you." I say while ordering some of his food. Might as well eat before I head out.

Not long after he returns with everything I require including the address of a place to stay and a set of clothing. "You might need these." he grimaces looking me over. "You still stand out even in your civilian attire."

I shrug my shoulders. "Thank you Dex. I guess it's hard to change ones spots."

"Any time." Dex rises and we shake hands. "Good luck." he adds before we part.

Once outside I hail an airtaxy to take me to the first address on his datapad. It is one of the many bars frequented by those who live in the shadows. The taxi drops me off two blocks from the my destination. The short walk gives me an opportunity to look around and study my surroundings. It is quite sad that a wealthy city like Coruscant has just a vast population of the poor and underpriveliged. I am aware that many see Jedi as royalty and have developed a deep hatred to the order. I do hope that our image will improve again one day.

The bright neon sign that reads "The Last Resort" clashes with the blackened walls of the building. I enter carefully suprised about it's interior. The walls are decorated with painted and holographic images and although the clientelle is seedy, the atmosphere is far from it. Light colors compete with darker, more subtle colors. I walk up to the bar and order a drink.

The bartender, a Rodian, regards me with a suspicious look but then serves me without any further ado. I let my eyes roam around the premises. Not many patrons are around this time of day, I will have to come back in the evening. Hopefully my first contact will be here tonight. For now all I can do and be patient.

Interlude

2007-02-23T18:55:00.000-05:00

Well, I am off to the lower levels of Coruscant hoping that my disguise will hold what it seems to promise. Before I left I sent Anakin the new code for my com link. I still have not heard from him which does not surprise me. I only hope he is not getting into any situations out there that could prove to be detrimental to his mission. But I do have faith in his abilities.

I hid my speeder in a side isle for now and after searching for a while have found a room in one of the many establishments down here. It is a different world all together and many residents in these parts do not feel very connected to the rest of Coruscant at all, they rather feel resentment toward its politics. I do not blame them. I am on my way for an evening meal and to gather some information. I know that I will find out more sooner or later.

As I walk past one of the many bars I suddenly hear a song that brings back long forgotten memories and the realization how true its lyrics are.

I don't know where i'm going
But, i sure know where i've been
Hanging on the promises
In songs of yesterday
An' i've made up my mind,
I ain't wasting no more timeBut,
here i go again
Here i go again

Tho' i keep searching for an answer,
I never seem to find what i'm looking for
Oh lord, i pray
You give me strength to carry on,'
cos i know what it means
To walk along the lonely street of dreams

An' here i go again on my own
Goin' down the only road i've ever known,
Like a drifter i was born to walk alone
An' i've made up my mind
I ain't wasting no more time

I'm just another heart in need of rescue,
Waiting on love's sweet charity
An' i'm gonna hold on
For the rest of my days,
'cos i know what it means
To walk along the lonely street of dreams

An' here i go again on my own
Goin' down the only road i've ever known,
Like a drifter i was born to walk alone
An' i've made up my mind
I ain't wasting no more time

But, here i go again,
Here i go again,
Here i go again,
Here i go...

An' i've made up my mind,
I ain't wasting no more time

An' here i go again on my own
Goin' down the only road i've ever known,
Like a drifter i was born to walk alone'
cos i know what it means
To walk along the lonely street of dreams

A special mision

2007-02-11T22:23:00.000-05:00

I had hoped that the incoming message would be from Anakin but to my disappointment it is Master Yoda's voice that resonated over the com.

"Meet we must at once." Yoda said without any of his usual platitudes. "In the council room we will be."

I have no choice but to go and when I enter the council room I find Masters Yoda and Mace present with grim faces. I do not have a good feeling about this.

"Good evening Masters." A quick bow to show my respects.

"Good evening Obi Wan." Mace's eyes are darker than usual.

"Good for you to come it is." Yoda greets me. "A matter of urgency we have for you."

"Will you please explain." I am most curious as to what might be wrong.

"A known criminal has escaped from prison this afternoon. You are familiar with him: Marusi. He is, as you know, extremely dangerous and well connected to Coruscant's undeworld." Mace pauses for a moment.

"What makes you so sure he is still here?" I do not like the sound of this at all.

"All ports have been shut down temporarily and security has been increased. We believe he has unfinished business here in the city." Mace explains.

"And why is it I who is best suited to find him?"

"Dealings with him you had in the past. Best you know him." Yoda says.

"I am aware that I had more than my share of incidences with him but he also knows me too well. He would recognize me from afar."

"There is not other way to go about this." Mace takes a long breath. "You must dress in civilian attire and wear a disguise if necessary."

"I will do what I can. Any leads as to where he might be or any witnesses?"

"He has a female contact in the lower city. Her name is Cenna. We have information as to her whereabouts. I have a data pad with the information vital to this mission." Mace nods toward Yoda.

A few choice words form in my head but never roll off my tongue but I refrain from voicing my oppinion.

"when will the information be available to me?"

"In about an hour. Meet me at the temple landing platform and I will brief you there." Mace says with a final nod.

"A special frequency you must use when communicating with us." Yoda adds.

"If there is nothing else I shall go and prepare for my mission." With a bow indicating that I am ready to leave I turn to leave. Once outside I let out a liberating breath. This will make communication almost impossible with Anakin and I hope to hear from him within the hour.

Once in my quarters I change quickly into what seems appropriate for such a venture. I still have a window of time to relax and perhaps meditate a bit. Force help Marusi if he harms anyone on this planet. He has inflicted great damage to other beings and the senatorial district is too vulnurable.

Conversation with a friend

2007-01-28T20:56:00.000-05:00

It is late evening, 3 days after Anakin has left on his current mission and after a day of research in the archives I decided to go for a walk. The temple is quieting down at this hour and it gives me time to think.

I still cannot shake the feeling that Anakin is going to run into serious trouble on Geonosis. We might have won the battle but not the war and the locals are still hostile toward Coruscant and the Core Worlds. Time will tell and I hope to hear from him soon. As long as he keeps his temper under control all might go as the council hopes. The Force will guide him to do what is right, of that I am sure.

The hangar bay is still busy with departing troops. The war better come to an end soon. Several Masters nod toward me in aknowledgement and I return their greetings. Not many of us are left at the temple these days and the schooling and education of the younglings and remaining Padawan has been left to but a few.

I decide to pay a visit to Dex's with whom I have not spoken in a while. A bowl of bantha stew and a glass of jawa juice might help to lift my spirits on this evening. As usual his place is lively and filled with a variety of species and humans. In a far away corner I notice a familiar face, a fellow jedi. Unsure whether to join her or not I hesitate but she has seen me and with a wave of her hand signals me to come.

"Master Adana."

"Master Kenobi, come and sit with me if you like." she greets me.

"Only if I don't intrude."

"You never intrude. And now sit down please." She tilts her head to the side.

"I shall then."

Dex shovles our way with a wide grin on his face. "Now that is a nice site for my sore eyes. The two of you together at one table."

"Dex, not together, just by chance." I don't want anyone to get the wrong idea.

Dex chuckles while he hands us menues.

"A dinner among collegues." Adana comes to my rescue.

"Well, then enjoy your dinner...together." Dex just has to have the last word.

Adana laughs and I can't help but join her.

"So, Obi Wan, what brings you here at this hour?" she gives me a curious look.

"The need to eat and a change of scenery. And you?"

"My Padawan has fallen ill and I cannot leave her. No one is quite sure what is wrong. It is most unnerving."

I notice the worry in her usually bright face. "I am sure the healers will find a cure for her." I try to comfort her.

"Thank you, Obi Wan, I appreciate your kind words." Dex brings us the food and for a while silence settles between us as we dedicate ourselves to his declicious cooking.

"So, what else is on your mind?" Adana asks suddenly.

"What do you mean?" I try to ignore the meaning behind her words.

"Obi Wan, for how long have we known one another now? I was 2 when I came to the temple and you were 6. Don't you think I haven't figured out how that brain of yours works?" A small smile curls her lips.

"I know. It is not often that I confide in someone else."

"It is alright if you don't want to talk about it." She finished her meal.

"No, I don't mind." How is it that women have such intuition? "Anakin is off on a mission and we both had a bad feeling about it. There was a disturbance in the Force we could not explain."

"I see." she replies waiting patiently for me to continue.

"I am aware that Anakin is a capable young Jedi but it still worries me. Something is clouding my vision, has blocked me from seeing clearly."

"Yes he certainly is. You have taught him well. And you are not the only one who feels this way. I too have felt it for a while now. Even my dreams have been dark and murky." A shadow moves across her face.

"The war and the presence of the Dark Side is overshadowing everything. Only when we find this Sith Lord we will have peace again."

"I sometimes wonder if we are being pulled toward something we will not be able to control." she shakes her head. "I have to apologize for being such poor company."

"No, you are not. We both have much on our minds and I should head back to the temple. Anakin might attempt to contact me. And let me pay for your dinner as well." I wave off her protests. "You listened to me and for that I thank you."

She gives me a tired smile. "Thank you in return Obi Wan."

"Good night." With that said I leave the diner. As soon as I get back to my quarters my com bleeps....

Times of Change

2007-01-27T20:34:00.000-05:00

Well, after much contemplation I found it was time for me as well to make some changes. I also tell Anakin that change is good and often necessary. And I should live by my own teachings as well.

Much has happened in the last 2 years and not only I have gone through my own ordeal but Anakin's as well. Since I am a man of few words I will leave it at that but do watch for upcoming news and updates.