Archive: master_apprentice, OKEB, and my homepage only. Anyone
else, just ask.
Rating: NC-17 for oral sex
Warnings: Slash
Catagory: Angst, hurt/comfort, series
Spoilers: None for this part
Summary: Obi-Wan leaves a diplomatic voyage to a cloned world.
Feedback: This author grovels for feedback!
Dedicated to: Kalia and Padawan Tera
Thanks to: Marnee for Beta'ing this!
Amponia. The first assignment since the reunion.
Obi-Wan would do what he always did on these missions: keep his
eyes open and his mouth shut. At least, that was what he
thought before Qui-Gon began to tell him about the planet. They
were on the transport to Amponia.
"There are a few things you should know about Amponia," Qui-Gon
told him.
"Yes, Master." He looked out the observation window of the
starliner.
"The people on Amponia look human, except for one difference."
"What is that, Master?" Obi-Wan asked.
"The Amponians are a cloned race. The clones are fully grown.
Then they age backwards."
"Backwards?"
"Yes, they will assume that you are the senior member of our
team." Qui-Gon cocked an eyebrow at his apprentice.
"I'm only 20," Obi-Wan reminded him.
"Yes, but you look the same age as men in the prime of life."
"What do children look like?" he asked.
"The Amponian children look like elderly people."
"And their elders look like babies," Obi-Wan guessed.
"You're learning fast." Qui-Gon smiled. "That is why on this
mission, I would like for you to lead the negations."
"I don't have your experiences! This mission is vital..."
Obi-Wan's words where stopped by Qui-Gon's finger on his lip.
Qui-Gon arched one eyebrow. "You can't get experience unless
you use your talents."
//I'll do my best,// he vowed.
"I do have one question. Did you tell Windu that you left
Coruscant?"
"He's the one who suggested that I go after you."
"But did you ask his leave?" Qui-Gon persisted.
"No, I just left."
Qui-Gon sighed. "That explains why he mentioned you needed to
return."
"I must return?"
"You must face Windu."
"Yes, Master." Obi-Wan's heart sank.
"We are going to have a successful mission before we return to
Coruscant." He reached out, touching Obi-Wan. "I'll help you
face him. I'll make him understand why you had to go."
"Thank you, Master." Obi-Wan's words were blocked out by a
kiss.
Later, on Amponia, they waited outside the Tanaka's reception
room. The door opened, and a guard motioned them to come
inside.
A woman who looked to be in her sixties sat on a throne. She
wore flowing, ceremonial gowns. Behind her sat two people, a
man who appeared to be in his thirties, and a woman of the same
age. The woman also wore large ceremonial robes, and was a
clone of the Tanaka. Obi-Wan bowed deeply.
"We are honored to visit Amponia." He tried to sound as formal
as Qui-Gon did. Obi-Wan couldn't help but notice that many of
the court were replicas.
"I am The Tanaka of Amponia. My advisors: Most Favored Dobre
and First Elected Dunca."
"I am Obi-Wan Kenobi, this is my Padawan Qui-Gon Jinn." Obi-Wan
introduced.
"I asked for the Jedi to intervene in a problem that is in
Amponia. A severe problem that is threatening to tear open the
fabric of our society."
"We are willing to intervene to solve your problem."
Dunca asked. "How many parents do you have?"
//Master, what should I say?// Obi-wan telepathed.
//The truth.// was Qui-Gon's answer.
"Your majesty, I have one mother." The Tanaka's face grew
angry. Dobre and Dunca looked at each other with a knowing
smile. "I also have three fathers."
Dobre asked, "Then you were not born of normal humanoid means?"
"My mother gave birth to me, but I am not sure of the means of
conception," Obi-Wan admitted.
The Tanaka seemed pleased with the information. "In the past
fifty years, people from the neighboring system of Silivas
began to settle on Amponia. We welcomed this settlement. Then
Silivas had a change of govenerment. The new government now
demands control over any place where even one of their citizens
lives."
"How many Silivans live on Amponia?"
"One hundred thousand. Most are happy to live on Amponia, and
conform to our traditions. A few though--" The woman couldn't
help but wrinkle her nose. "They refuse to obey the law. They
still have children naturally. They would like a union with
Silivas."
"You would like us to mediate your talks."
Dobre's eyes flashed. "Master Jedi, our planet does not want to
go to war!"
"Then we will do our best."
"The Ambassador of Silivas arrives tomorrow morning."
"Then may I please have permission to rest until then?" Obi-Wan
requested.
"Of course." The Tanaka snapped her fingers. "Are their rooms
ready?"
"Yes, your Majesty." Dobre went to Obi-Wan. "I will show you to
your rooms."
Their rooms consisted of a large changing room and a bedroom
with a set of twin beds.
"Which bed would you like?" Obi-Wan asked.
"I think you should decide that, Master." A hint of a smile
played at Qui-Gon's lips.
//I'm not your Master!//
"They don't know that." Qui-Gon lay down on one of the beds.
His long legs dangled off the end. "Master, my bed doesn't
fit."
He was enjoying this way too much. "Padawan, you must learn to
adjust to other societies."
"Can you call room service and ask for a new bed?" Qui-Gon
pointed to a monitor button on the wall. So that was why he was
acting like a kid. They were being eavesdropped on.
"We might insult our hosts if we do that." Obi-Wan moved the
table that separated the beds. He then shoved the beds
together. "There, that should be more roomy."
"But where will you sleep, Master?"
Obi-Wan got onto the other bed. "Stop being so fresh."
"Make me." Qui-Gon smiled.
Obi-Wan kissed his Master. He felt a thrill go through him as
the older man opened his mouth to the kiss, his tongue darted
in, tasting him eagerly. Qui-Gon's hand went to the front of
Obi-Wan's pants, stroking his cock through the cloth.
//Master,// Obi-Wan moaned.
Qui-Gon unfastened Obi-Wan's belt, and began to work on the
cloth belt. "Master, why are you wearing too many clothes?"
"More for you to take off." Obi-Wan grinned. //It's been over
six months since we last made love. I've missed it,//
The belt undone, Qui-Gon unfasten his tunic. //Are you ready
for this?//
//Why wouldn't I be?//
//You were raped!//
/Every time you touch me, I feel cleaner, more whole. Please,
Master, make love to me.//
Qui-Gon kissed the younger man; as he did, he unfastened
Obi-Wan's pants. The large hands pulled the pants down, then
began to caress Obi-Wan's cock.
Qui-Gon's lips left Obi-Wan's and he began kissing Obi-Wan's
neck, giving it little nips and bites. At the same time, the
hand kept pumping his cock.
The excitement began to rise in the Padawan. "You're going to
make me come."
"That's the idea," The lips left his neck and traveled lower.
Qui-Gon trailed love bites down Obi-Wan's chest. Then Obi-Wan's
penis was enveloped in something warm, sucking. He could feel
Qui-Gon's hair blanket him. He put a hand on his Master's head
and arched backwards.
"Excuse me, Master Jedi," someone almost squeaked.
Qui-Gon pulled away from Obi-Wan and arched an eyebrow. The
Padawan stood up and began to put his clothes back on. "Can I
help you?"
The person was Dobre. "Her majesty has asked me to bring you
foodstuffs."
"That would be very nice." His voice cracked as Qui-Gon pinched
his ass. "Thank you."
"I have alerted the Tanaka to the fact that your apprentice is
in need of a new bed."
Obi-Wan moved away from his Master. "Thank you very much."
A few moments later, the servants came with a new, larger bed.
It was put in the changing room.
"There, now your apprentice can sleep alone," Dobre told
Obi-Wan. "Of course, there are the usual monitoring devices in
the changing room."
"Your planet is very hospitable." Obi-Wan understood the
implications of the warning. If they did anything sexual, it
would be watched.
Dobre touched Obi-Wan's arm, and in his mind he said. //Those
who love on this planet take a terrible risk. The Tanaka is
very strict about the ban of love. Please be careful.//
Obi-Wan was surprised that Dobre was telepathic. //We will
be.//
Servants came in with two trays of food. They put it on a
table, then all the servants left.
"Master, is it all right to eat?" Qui-Gon asked.
"We would insult our hosts if we did not." Obi-Wan sat at the
table. A few seconds later, Qui-Gon sat. They began to eat.
//Why are they monitoring us?// Obi-Wan asked.
//Did you notice the servant said the usual monitoring
devices?//
//Which means that the entire planet is monitored.//
//This might be the reason why the Council sent us.//
Obi-Wan hated sleeping alone, especially since his Master was
in the next room. His Master had been able to go to sleep
without a problem; Obi-Wan had tossed and turned, his cock
reminding him of an unfulfilled need. Nightmares haunted him,
of what Windu would do when he got a hold of Obi-Wan. Finally,
he gave up trying to sleep.
Obi-Wan dressed and went onto the balcony. He watched as the
people passed by. So many clones. He wondered how big the
genetic base was. He could feel the dark force in this place.
It beckoned him to join it.
Qui-Gon stepped out onto the porch. "How was your sleep?"
"I've had better."
Qui-Gon reached out, and touched Obi-Wan's shoulder. Their Vaar
reformed. //I missed you in my bed.//
//I need to have more control over myself,// Obi-Wan confessed.
//You have control.//
//Since we were interrupted, all I can think about is us
together.//
//Calm your mind. We will be together soon,// Qui-Gon promised.
//You need to keep your mind on the mission.//
//Yes, Master.//
//What is bothering you? Is it Windu?//
//I keep dreaming that he throws me out of the Jedi,// Obi-Wan
thought. //He told me to go after you, but I never told him
that I was leaving the planet. That was something I really
needed to do.//
//Then you are learning,// Qui-Gon told him. //Perhaps this
will be a good experience for you.//
//I keep worrying about this conference. I do not have your
diplomatic skills.//
//There is no way you can learn to use your skills unless you
practice them,// Qui-Gon said. //You've done a great job so
far.//
Obi-Wan couldn't believe it; his Master liked his diplomatic
skills!
//Thank you, Master.//
//This time I will advise, but I will not tell you what to
do,// Qui-Gon said. //This is a learning experience. Just tell
yourself that.//
//What if I lead these planets to war?//
//That won't happen. I trust in your abilities.//
Obi-Wan turned to his Master, who kissed him gently on the
lips. "We'd better get ready."
The first diplomatic event was a reception for the Ambassador
of Silivas. Ambassadors and staff from the embassies on Amponia
were guests
Qui-Gon stood several feet behind his Padawan. He was proud of
how the younger man handled himself. Through their shared Vaar,
he could feel the younger man's fear of facing Windu being
contained. He could feel his Padawan centering his mind. It
would have been much easier for Qui-Gon to do the diplomatic
work, and Obi-Wan watch, but it wouldn't be good for the
Padawan in the long run. It was time for Obi-Wan to begin to
handle, on his own, the responsibilities of being a Jedi.
Qui-Gon didn't feel much of the Force from the Aponians, but
that was to be expected for a clone race. There were two that
he did feel strongly in the Force: Dobre and Dunca. They would
glance at each other, and a spark that only Force sensitive
could feel would go between them.
//They're in love,// Qui-Gon realized. //It must be dangerous
for them.//
Then Qui-Gon noticed a black robed figure talking to the
Tanaka. The woman seemed enthralled by what she was saying.
Dobre walked to Obi-Wan. "I think you should be aware that I
have been replaced as Most Favored."
"Then you will be leaving the Tanaka's service," Obi-Wan
guessed.
"I have a new job. I am now the secretary for the First
Elected."
"Dobre, may I ask you a question?" Qui-Gon asked.
"Please do."
"What is the significance of the role of First Elected?"
"The First Elected is voted by the people of Amponia. It is the
highest elected post on Amponia," Dobre explained.
"I notice that she is a clone of the Tanaka."
"The Tanaka is what you would call the First Elected's
daughter. The tittle of Tanaka is passed from generation to
generation of clones of the original Tanaka." His eyes drifted
back to Dunca.
"Was the First Elector ever Tanaka?"
"No, she never agreed with the laws of Amponia. It was thought
she would be a risk to the government." Qui-Gon could barely
hear his voice. "I was raised to be her consort."
"I am sorry."
//We are together now, titles do not mean anything.// Dobre
looked around. //We are being taped. I will talk no more of
this.//
The conference seemed different. Qui-Gon stood behind Obi-Wan,
the same way that Obi-Wan had always done. The Padawan couldn't
help but notice that there where more guards then usual. The
Tanaka sat on her throne; beside her sat the hooded figure. On
the other side, Dunca sat with Dobre a few steps behind her.
Something was going on, Obi-Wan could feel it. Suddenly, there
were two guards between Qui-Gon and him. Another guard slapped
something around his neck. He reached up to touch it. There was
a shock. He turned to Qui-Gon, who was now wearing a similar
collar.
Qui-Gon waved his hand, the two guards flew across the room.
Then Qui-Gon sank to the floor. "Obi-Wan!"
The guards aimed their guns at Qui-Gon.
Suddenly the Tanaka stood up. "Enough!"
The guards put up their guns.
"Qui-Gon, you have broken the laws of Amponia. What is your
defense?"
"What laws have I broken?" the Master asked.
"Carnality is illegal on Amponia. Your committing it is
understandable. You are an alien." The Queen looked like she
was trying to control her temper. "The thing that you did that
cannot be forgiven is forcing yourself on a older man! Qui-Gon,
you're little more then a child!"
"Your highness, I am not a child," Qui-Gon said.
"Qui-Gon Jinn, you are formally charged with wanton acts of
carnality. You are also charged with the forcible seduction an
elder." The Queen sat down. "Obi-Wan Kenobi, you have two
choices: give your Padawan up for trial, or I will order both
of you to be arrested, and bound over for trial."
"What are these collars?" Obi-Wan asked.
"Sith collars. If you use the Force, then you will be shocked.
It's an old science, one that was used during the Sith Wars."
Obi-Wan felt the blood drain from his face. He was wearing a
Sith collar! He looked at Qui-Gon. //What should I do?//
//Give me up.//
//Master, I can't do that!//
//Let me go into custody. Then you can try to find a solution
to this.//
Through the Vaar he could feel conviction from his Master.
Obi-Wan stepped forward. "You may take my Padawan into
custody."
Qui-Gon sat in a cell. It was a small cell, only three meters
by three. The walls made of stone, a forcefield on one side.
There were two cots. The place reeked with the Dark Side.
A Sith collar. How did the Amponians get Sith collars? They
were a part of legend. They had been banned for centuries in
the Republic. The Sith had used the collars to control Jedi
prisoners.
//The Sith were wiped out a millennium ago.// Qui-Gon thought.
A woman came into the hallway. Qui-Gon could remember seeing
her earlier, when they first arrived. "I am the Most Favored
Keleti."
"What do you want from me?" Qui-Gon asked.
"Nothing." Keleti put on black leather gloves that were studded
with spikes.. "Just sit there; being passive is enough for me."
"You gave the collars to the Tanaka," Qui-Gon guessed.
"The collars had been kept in the Amponian museum. All I did
was issue them."
"The Sith collars are a part of the dark times. They shouldn't
be used."
"My dear Qui-Gon, It's not my fault that you decided to break
the law on Amponia." Keleti touched a control on her belt. Pain
shot through Qui-Gon's body. "It's a pity that you broke the
law on this planet. Torture is still very legal here."
The woman snapped her fingers and two guards came into the
hallway. The enemy touched another button and the forcefield
went down. The guards grabbed Qui-Gon, who tried to fight them.
"You have choice: cooperate, or I will tell the Queen who
should really be arrested for abusing their elder!"
"Obi-Wan," Qui-Gon breathed.
"You or Obi-Wan, which shall it be? It's just one word from me,
to have him be in your place."
Qui-Gon closed his eyes, the sight of Obi-Wan being tortured
going through his mind. He knew that Keleti would enjoy hurting
Obi-Wan.
//I promised that you would never be tortured again,// Qui-Gon
thought.
The guards grabbed Qui-Gon's wrists; this time, the Master let
them.
The conference was very boring. The delegate from Silivas had
arrived. It soon became clear that the Queen hadn't told the
full truth about the neighboring planet. Not only that, but the
new Most Favored was gone.
"Your Majesty, all we ask is for the aliens on your planet to
be allowed to reproduce naturally," the delegate said.
"Aliens know our laws when they settle here. It is not our
fault that they refuse to follow the law," The Tanaka said.
"You have excuted Silivan citizens for illegal reproduction."
"We are happy to report to you that excutions will no longer
have to happen." The Tanaka smiled. "The Amponian government
has the technology of Sith collars. All aliens will be forced
to wear one."
Dunca looked shocked. Dobre reached his hand out, touching her
shoulder. //Don't say anything!//
"Sith collars are illegal!" The ambassador gasped.
The Queen gave a tight smile, she nodded towards a guard, who
held the Silivan ambassador down and put the collar on him.
Pain flashed through Obi-Wan. He could briefly see his Master
being beaten, and the pain that his Master felt.
//Master!//
//Obi-Wan, don't think of me. It will cause you pain.// Qui-Gon
closed his mind to his Padawan's.
"Your Highness, my Padawan is being tortured." Obi-Wan said.
"Torture is legal on Amponia. Especially when we have evidence
against the perpetrator."
"I would like to see this evidence."
The Tanaka nodded and a guard handed Obi-Wan a holoalbum. A
holo film played, showing Obi-Wan being made love to by
Qui-Gon.
"Your Highness, where did you get this?"
"A loyal servant gave it to me." The Queen nodded, and the
holoalbum was taken away from him. "Enough! I will not discuss
this crime any further!"
Keleti came into the hallway, followed by two guards who
half-dragged, half-carried Dobre. The man's hair covered his
face. The forcefield was dropped, and Dobre was shoved into the
room. Then Keleti put the forcefield back into place, and left.
Qui-Gon wondered if Dobre was unconscious. He got out of the
bed and went over to him. He reached out and touched Dobre.
Dobre jerked away from him. "I'll be all right."
"What happened?"
"I ran into a wall." Dobre didn't argue when Qui-Gon helped him
sit up. His broken nose was bleeding.
"Why would you be arrested?"
"The Tanaka found out about the baby. I was given the choice,
Dunca and the baby or me."
//A baby, Dunca is pregnant?// Qui-Gon finally said, "What will
happen to Dunca?"
"She will be exiled." Dobre paused. "I know it doesn't make
sense, but I would rather die then see her hurt."
"It's called love."
"I've loved Dunca all my life. She was the only one I could
trust, the only one I could rely on. She's a part of my soul."
Dobre looked embarrassed. "I know you can't understand."
"I feel the same way about Obi-Wan. That's why I had to go
instead of him."
"He's awfully young to be your Master. How old is he? 18? 19?"
"He's almost 21." Qui-Gon was surprised by the insightfulness
of Dobre. "Did you have Jedi training?"
"When Dunca and I were children, our tutor-mentor was a former
Jedi. He taught us about the Force," Dobre admitted. "That was
before the private residence surveillances. No one knew about
our training until it was too late."
Keleti's guards returned. "It's time for you to come with us,
Qui-Gon."
Obi-Wan Kenobi had finally gotten to sleep. He had felt empty
since the Sith collar had been put on him. He could no longer
use the Force to help his Master. Not only that, the collar
seemed to dampen the Vaar to the point he couldn't feel his
Master with him.
In his dream he could see his Master chained to a wall. There
was blood dripping down his chest. His head was down, his hair
untied.
Keleti walked around him, adjusting the fastenings in her
spiked gloves. "Confess, Jedi."
"I still don't know what you want me to confess to." Qui-Gon's
voice was low, even. Through Qui-Gon's eyes, Obi-Wan could see
that the woman wore on her belt the controls to the Sith
collars.
"That would be telling." The woman punched Qui-Gon in the face.
Obi-Wan could hear the bones in his nose break.
Obi-Wan woke in a cold sweat. The room was full of darkness.
Had it been a dream? Had he really seen his Master?
Someone pounded on his door. Obi-Wan got up and answered it.
"Can I talk to you, Master Jedi?" Dunca stood at his door. She
looked drawn, tired.
"What about the recording devices?"
Dunca came into the quarters, she held up a control box and
pushed a button. "There, no more scanners. Lock the door."
Obi-Wan did as he was told. "What do you want to talk to me
about?"
The woman seemed small inside the ceremonial robes she wore.
"You need my help," Obi-Wan guessed.
"I want to save Amponia from darkness," she admitted. "The
Tanaka's always been insane, but now Keleti has made her
bloodthirsty."
Obi-Wan could feel that Dunca was holding something back.
"There's more, isn't there?"
"My beloved Dobre was given a choice, him or me." A tear
trickled down her cheek. "He chose to go with Keleti."
"Why was he given a choice?"
"The Tanaka found out about our secret." She looked away from
Obi-Wan in shame. "I am in love with Dobre."
"You need my help, don't you?"
"All I ask is that you break my Dobre out of prison."
"I can't. My Ma...Qui-Gon could be put in danger."
"I have been informed that Qui-Gon and Dobre are being held in
the same cell." Dunca paused. "There is a small underground
movement. One of the members works in the prison. He will help
you break in."
"Breaking in isn't a good idea," Obi-Wan thought. "If we can
get our lightsabers smuggled into the prison, I will make sure
that I can break out."
"Break out? How are you going to get in?"
"I'm going to turn myself into the Tanaka," Obi-Wan told her.
"Now, here is my plan...."
Qui-Gon had survived the beating. Dobre was gone by the time he
returned. The door to the cell opened, and Obi-Wan was pushed
inside.
Obi-Wan knelt beside Qui-Gon and kissed him softly on the lips.
The Master couldn't help but notice the bruises on the younger
man's face. //He's been beaten.//
"What are you doing here?" Qui-Gon asked.
"I felt your pain. I couldn't stand you being hurt because of
me."
"You told the queen the truth."
"I had to. I couldn't stand to see you hurt." Tears dripped
onto Qui-Gon.
"We will both be killed now."
"There is no shame in being killed if the cause is right." More
tears fell on him.
"You're going to drown me." Qui-Gon reached up, wiping the
tears from br />
"Make me."
Obi-Wan gently kissed Qui-Gon's battered lips. Then he pulled
away from him. "Let me finish cleaning you."
Qui-Gon couldn't help but smile at the comfort that Obi-Wan was
giving him. "Yes, Master."
Obi-Wan had a hard night sleeping. He had been woken in the
middle of the night, when the guards brought a severely beaten
Dobre into the cell. The man had cried in his sleep; the only
thing Obi-Wan could make out was "Dunca."
Then Qui-Gon was taken away.
He woke to sound of Qui-Gon being brought back to the cell.
There was a coldness from Qui-Gon. Obi-Wan's heart sank, the
Vaar was gone.
His Master looked down to him. He had more injuries than
before. "I'm not worth your turning yourself in."
"Yes, you are." Obi-Wan sat up.
"You can't give into emotions the way you have. Your emotions
for me is what made you give yourself up." Qui-Gon looked down
to the man sternly. "You've gone against all my teachings. I am
very disappointed in you."
"Yes, Master." Obi-Wan got up, and walked to the edge of the
force field.
"Our mission was more then just you saving my life. We are
Jedi. Our role is to help keep the peace." Qui-Gon's voice was
soft. "If your feelings for me will jeopardize the mission,
then there is no option but to cancel our Vaar."
"Yes, Master." He fought back the tears that stung his eyes. He
could feel his Master put his walls up.
"If we survive this place, I'm returning you to Windu."
"I am not a thing to be given away!" Obi-Wan finally said.
"No, you're an insolent child, who refuses to use any common
sense." The words cut like a knife. //You should not have given
yourself up!//
//Center, I must concentrate on the mission.// He closed his
mind to his Master's words. Soon, very soon it would be time
for the break out.
Qui-Gon watched Obi-Wan. The man had thrown up all of the walls
that Windu had taught him to use. In his feelings for Obi-Wan,
he had overestimated his abilities. The Padawan wasn't ready
for the responsibility.
A cart came by, carrying the morning gruel. It was supervised
by Keleti. As soon as the forcefield had been lowered, Obi-Wan
ran to Keleti, and snatched the Sith Collar control off her
belt. Obi-Wan threw the control in the ground and stomped on
it. It broke into several pieces.
"Guards, stop him!" Keleti ordered.
Instead, one of the guards tossed Obi-Wan something, Obi-Wan
turned in on. Obi-wan had his lightsaber! Then something else
was thrown to Qui-Gon, he instinctively caught it. His own
lightsaber.
The guards tied Keleti up and put her into the cell. The guards
helped Qui-Gon and Dobre leave the cell, then the wall was
thrown back up.
"Let's get out of here!" Obi-Wan pulled the Sith collar off.
Qui-Gon did the same, then got to his feet and followed the
guards out the back of the prison.
"Come on! I know where we can hide!" Obi-Wan got into a aircar.
Qui-Gon helped the guards put Dobre in the back seat, and he
sat beside Obi-Wan.
The Vaar was reformed. Obi-Wan looked at Qui-Gon and closed his
mind to his Master.
Obi-Wan took them to a small former Jedi Temple outside the
city. Dobre regained conscious on the trip. There were guards
outside the temple. They waved Obi-Wan on.
"Aren't you worried about recording devices?" Obi-Wan asked as
they entered the Temple. He helped Dobre walk.
Dobre gave a half smile. "The Most Favored is in control of
recording devices. I made sure this place did not have any."
Dunca came into the lobby. She no longer wore the formal robes
Obi-Wan had always seen her in. "Dobre!"
"My love." He kissed her gently. Dunca put her arm around his
waist. //Are you all right? The baby.//
//It's fine.// For the first time, Obi-Wan noticed the small
bulge the robes had hidden.
//They broke the law. They're in the same situation as I am,//
Obi-Wan thought. //Even worse. They're expecting a baby.//
"Welcome to the head quarters of the Amponian resistance."
"A resistance movement?"
"Master Jedi, we cannot allow the Dark Side to take over our
planet," Dunca said firmly. "We ask your assistance."
"I would be glad to grant you my assistance," Obi-Wan said
formally. "Qui-Gon will have to decide if he helps you on his
own. I am no longer allied with him."
"I would like to ask you some questions if I may," Qui-Gon
said.
"Why don't we sit down?" Dunca suggested. Dunca helped Dobre to
a table, then she sat down beside him. Qui-Gon sat across from
them. Obi-Wan stood away from them, his back against the wall,
his arms crossed, pain in his eyes. Then Obi-Wan turned and
left the room.
"We are willing to answer any question you have," Dunca said.
"You have expressed your hatred of the anti-carnality laws. But
wasn't it your listening devices that made it easy for the
Tanaka to enforce it?" Qui-Gon asked. "Wasn't it only because
you fell in love that you wanted the laws to change?"
"Private residences weren't bugged until the present Tanaka
came into power. I did fight that decision." He glanced at
Dobre. "Like my love, I was passed over for any official
position because of my resistance to the laws."
"The only reason Dobre became Most Favored was because of what
happened to his clone son, who should have been the present
Most Favored," Dunca explained.
"What happened to him?"
"He was arrested while trying to fight the repressions. He was
then tortured to death."
"I have fought the laws. I was incarcerated for ten
years for my beliefs. I was let out of prison to become the
Most Favored." There was conviction in Dobre's voice. "I saved
many, many people by destroying records."
"I was elected to First Elected because of my beliefs in
changing the system," Dunca said.
"What are your plans?"
"We want to make a transmission, appealing to the population to
overthrow the Tanaka."
"Then you will take over." Qui-Gon guessed.
"I am the First Elected. Until the Tanaka began to take total
power, the First Elected ran the government," Dunca explained.
"I will act as advisor to Dunca, nothing more, unless I am
elected to the post," Dobre promised.
"Master Jedi, will you help us?" Dunca asked.
"I will help you," Qui-Gon finally said.
Qui-Gon found Obi-Wan in a disused room, practicing the drills
they had always gone through together- until now. The Padawan's
pain showed through every move.
//I should have trusted him,// Qui-Gon thought. He tried to
reform the Vaar, but Obi-Wan's walls were too strong.
"We need to talk," Qui-Gon finally said.
"About what? About how childish I am? How I am too emotional? I
don't need to hear those words again." Obi-Wan turned off his
lightsaber.
"Obi-Wan...."
"Couldn't you trust me? Didn't you think that perhaps I had
something planned?" There was pain in the Padawan's voice. "You
put me in charge of the mission. Turning myself in was for the
good of the mission!"
"How?"
"Why should I tell you that? So you can tell me how selfish
I've been? That I've taken the wrong side in a civil war?"
Tears were pouring down Obi-Wan's cheeks. "No, I am still a
child in your mind."
Qui-Gon went to Obi-Wan. He reached out and touched the younger
man's cheek. He flinched, but didn't pull away. "Perhaps it was
because was wrong. I shouldn't have said those things."
"But you did, Master. It hurts to know that you don't trust my
judgment."
"I do trust your judgment."
"Bullshit! All you want to do is control! When it doesn't go
your way, you run!" Obi-Wan's words were angry. "You've left me
once, you said you want to get rid of me again! Give me one
good reason why I shouldn't go back to Windu!"
"If you want to return to Windu, I wouldn't stop you. I only
ask that you please consider staying with me."
Obi-Wan pulled away from Qui-Gon and slapped the older man.
"See? You can't even tell me why you want me to stay!
Just 'I hope you don't leave'!"
"Obi-Wan."
"We need time. You need time to recover, and I need time to
think."
"You can have all time you need," Qui-Gon promised.
"How do I know that when I wake up, you won't be gone? How do I
know you won't run from the problem?" Obi-Wan left the room.
Qui-Gon could feel Obi-Wan move around the room. He was making
green tea, in the slow seepage technique that Qui-Gon loved.
Then he heard water running and Obi-Wan moved closer to him.
Something cool touched his face, wiping it gently. Then the
Padawan gently opened Qui-Gon's tunic and wiped off his chest.
//He's still caring for me, even though I rejected him.//
He was afraid to open his eyes, afraid that his Padawan would
leave. Then Obi-Wan said, "I need to clean the wounds on your
back, turn over and take off your tunic."
Qui-Gon did as he was told, and Obi-Wan gently began to clean.
"You know, if you want to talk about stupid things to do,
giving yourself over to Keleti ranks up there with what I did."
"I was an idiot," Qui-Gon admitted. "How did you know I was
awake?"
"I know you." The Padawan rinsed the rag and began washing
again. "This doesn't mean that I've forgiven you."
"I know."
"The mission needs two Jedi. Which means getting you healthy."
"Of course, it's just for the mission," Qui-Gon lied.
"Only for the mission." Obi-Wan agreed. "What we are planning
on doing is hacking into the central communications system.
Then Dunca will make a plea to the people to join the
rebellion."
"Your idea could cause much bloodshed."
"It could also make people join our side without bloodshed,"
Obi-Wan thought. "Am I still in charge of this mission?"
"I was wrong to try and second-guess your motives," Qui-Gon
said. "You are still in charge. Just tell me what to do."
"And you won't give me orders?"
"You're in charge."
The hands left Qui-Gon's back. "I made you tea. I even talked
them into giving me some honey for it."
"Thank you." Qui-Gon sat up.
Obi-Wan poured him a mug, then added the honey. He handed the
mug to Qui-Gon and watched as he tasted it.
"It's perfect," he told Obi-Wan.
Obi-Wan smiled, then turned so Qui-Gon couldn't see the smile.
"I made you some breakfast."
"Thank you."
"I need you well and healthy." Obi-Wan handed him a tray.
"Of course." Qui-Gon began to eat.
Obi-Wan was busy that morning. He tried to ignore the thoughts
that kept entering his mind, that perhaps Qui-Gon was sorry for
his actions.
Qui-Gon would hover in the background. The bruises still fresh
on his face. It puzzled Obi-Wan that the older man hadn't tried
to heal himself.
They were sitting at a table, making plans. Qui-Gon stood
against the wall, his face impassive.
Dunca looked up to Qui-Gon. "Master Jedi, we need your help
with our plans."
"You have Obi-Wan."
"I would appreciate your input."
Qui-Gon's eyes settled on Obi-Wan. "Whatever my Master decides
will be fine."
"Qui-Gon, please. I need your advice," Obi-Wan finally said.
Qui-Gon pulled a chair out and sat down. "May I ask you
something, Dunca?"
"Please do," the woman said.
"Are there any more controls for the Sith collars?"
"No, there aren't," Dunca said firmly.
"How can you be sure?"
"Keleti found the collars in the Amponia museum. There were
only four collars and one control."
"Is there any way she could have scanned the control, and
duplicated it?"
"I don't know," she admitted.
"The main problem seems to be that the entire planet is under
surveillance," Obi-Wan said. "Most people don't know about the
devices."
"If you are able to break into the planet's transmission
service, couldn't you warn the people of the devices, and tell
them how to destroy them?" Qui-Gon suggested.
"That's a very good idea," Obi-Wan finally said. Was his Master
really going to help them?
"Dobre is the expert in the communications systems. Until he is
well, your resistance movement can't do anything."
"That might be a while, then," Dunca said.
"My Master is a skilled healer. Perhaps he could take a look at
him," Qui-Gon offered.
Obi-Wan couldn't mask his surprise. His Master thought he was a
skilled healer?
"Then I would like you to examine Dobre," the first elected
said.
Dunca took Obi-Wan to a bedroom. A medic stood as they entered
the room.
"First Elected, there has been no change in your secretary's
condition," the medic reported.
"Thank you. I have brought the Jedi to look at Dobre," Dunca
said.
"You mean to visit him."
"The Master Jedi is a healer."
"A Jedi healer." The medic bowed. "Then I will leave you to
work."
"Thank you," Obi-Wan said.
The medic bowed again and left. Obi-Wan went to the bed.
Dobre's wounds were infected. The man's dark hair hung in limp
rings around his face. Pain emanated from him.
"How are you feeling?" Obi-Wan asked.
Dobre gave a half smile. "I've been better."
"I want to try and heal your wounds, if you will let me."
Dobre looked at Dunca. "What is your opinion?"
"We need you for the revolution," Dunca said. "Without you, it
will fail."
"I'm not that necessary."
"You're necessary to me, to our baby."
"What about Qui-Gon? Why hasn't he been healed?"
"I have not asked for healing for my own reasons, not because
Obi-Wan can't heal me," Qui-Gon said.
Dobre looked up to Obi-Wan. "You're permitted to heal me."
Obi-Wan asked Dobre several questions about his wounds. Then he
knelt down, and began gathering healing forces.
Obi-Wan had a copy of Dunca's speech tucked into his belt, as
did the rest of the raiding party. They had changed into the
uniforms of communications techs, and forged passes were a
ttached to the breast pocket. The only difference in the Jedi's
dress was that they wore lightsabers.
They rode in aircars up to an ally two blocks away from the
communications center. As they parked the car, Dobre touched
his control box, disabling the scanning devices.
They went through the shadows in the ally, hugging themselves
against the wall. Qui-Gon followed at the rear, keeping watch.
They went up to the center. Dobre put his pass inside the
reader. The door opened. The building was quiet, a little too
quiet.
Dobre took them to the master control room. He began
programming the computer. Obi-Wan helped.
Qui-Gon stood outside the room on watch. On the monitor in the
hallway, Dunca's speech began to play.
"People of Amponia, I appeal to you," she said. "Our government
has come under the influence of dark forces. These forces are
lead by the Tanaka. Now, on this planet even the residences of
the people are bugged, every movement taken down by the secret
police of the Tanaka. Many, many people have died because of
the evidence gathered by the secret police. My people, as the
elected First Elector, it is my duty to call for a revolution."
The speech was cut off by someone shooting the monitor. In an
instant, Qui-Gon turned on his lightsaber. Keleti, followed by
three guards, stood in the hallway.
"Kill him!" was the order.
The guards began to shoot at Qui-Gon. He deflected most of the
shots with his lightsaber, but one shot escaped, hitting him in
the leg.
//Obi-Wan, help me.//
A instant later, Obi-Wan was in the hallway. His lightsaber on,
he was followed by the two resistance solders. Obi-Wan was able
to deflect a shot, killing one of Keleti's guards. The
resistance soldiers shot the other guards.
Keleti was the only one left. She turned and ran. One of the
solders aimed her gun at Keleti. Obi-Wan put a hand on her arm.
"Let her go."
"But Jedi, she'll go and get reinforcements."
"I have a feeling she won't," Obi-Wan said.
Obi-Wan went to the nearest window, watching. "Master, you must
see this. The revolution has started."
Qui-Gon got to his feet. The two guards helped him walk to the
window. Outside people were tearing down the recording devices.
They cheered as each one fell. Keleti ran into the street.
Several people caught her, and tied her up.
Dunca had called for a bloodless revolution. The people seemed
to be honoring her request.
Much later, Qui-Gon laid on a bed, his head propped up, his
injured leg stretched out in front of him.
"Master, you are stubborn," Obi-Wan finally said.
"So are you, very stubborn."
"So how long are you going to go around letting yourself have
unnecessary pain?" Obi-Wan asked.
"Perhaps my pain is necessary." Qui-Gon's eyes were steady.
"Jedi always heal themselves after they get hurt. I needed to
learn what pain really is."
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