Summary: A dangerous and well-kept secret of the Jedi Order is
revealed. Obi-Wan and Qui-Gon must act quickly before the
repercussions destroy a world unaware of the force. (a.k.a.
What if Jedis Roamed the Earth?)
Disclaimer: All previously used characters from the Star Wars
Universe belong to George Lucas. Anyone else is mine. I'm not
making any money off of this.
Part 1
Obi-Wan tripped as he hurried down the darkened corridor. He
was trying to keep up with his Master and several other Jedis.
As he tripped he muttered a silent oath. He thought no one
noticed but the look on his master's face told him his master
knew of his anger and was not pleased. That frustrated Obi-Wan
even more. His clumsy footing was the latest in a long series
of mistakes and fumbles.
He had only been an apprentice for four months when his Master,
Qui-Gon Jinn, had been summoned back to Coruscant. Although he
had enjoyed their adventures together it was nice to be back on
familiar territory. Obi-Wan couldn't wait too tell his friends
Brant, Garen Muln, and Reeft, the story of how he had become
Qui-Gon's apprentice.
Unfortunately this expectation had set Obi-Wan up for the first
disappointment of his visit. All three of his friends were on a
field trip to Terrace Spree, a training center on the opposite
side of Coruscant, and could not be contacted for several days.
Qui-Gon had left Obi-Wan on his own that morning. Without
anyone else to talk to Obi-Wan had decided to practice the use
of his lightsaber.
Normally he felt comfortable when practicing in the temple.
This day, however, he had felt an unexplained tension that
permeated through out the temple walls. On top of this he felt
very little sense of his master. He and Qui-Gon had only the
beginnings of a Master-Padawan link. Obi-Wan could not feel its
presence, a presence he had grown to rely on for reassurance.
It's unexplained absence had created the distraction of doubt
in Obi-Wan's mind. As he practice with a training droid he
managed to split the shoulder seam of his tunic. That
completely broke his concentration and caused him to take a
nasty laser hit on the cheek.
He was even more frustrated with himself when he left the
training area and managed to run into Master Krill. Obi-Wan
received a strong tongue lashing from the Master Krill about
paying attention to where he was going. While he was being
berated Obi-Wan could sense the tension in the Jedi before him.
Through the force it felt as though every advanced Jedi Master,
Knight, and Padawan was upset and were trying not to show it.
Obi-Wan decided he must talk with Qui-Gon right away. Searching
him out with the force had been useless while their link was
closed. Obi-Wan acted on a hunch and had headed to the Jedi
Council chambers.
Obi-Wan believed his day couldn't get much worse when he ran in
to Bruck Chun and Aalto in the temple halls.
"Well if it isn't old Oafy Wan." Bruck enjoyed using the
nickname Obi-Wan hated the most. "So tell me, how does your
garden grow Oafy? Or have the Agri- Crops kicked you out
already?"
"I'm not in the Agri-Crops, Bruck." Obi-Wan spoke with his head
held high. "I have been accepted as a Padawan,' he paused for
effect, "to Master Qui-Gon Jinn."
To Obi-Wan the silence that followed was the sweetest noise he
had ever heard. Although a Jedi should not be vindictive, he
knew how badly Bruck had always wanted him to fail. He also
knew Bruck had hopes of becoming Qui-Gon's Padawan as well. The
knowledge that he had bested Bruck in this made him very happy
in a spiteful way.
The next sound Obi-Wan heard was laughter from Bruck and Aalto.
"Oh Oafy," Bruck said as he doubled over with laughter. "The
air on Bandomere must be thin. You haven't gotten enough oxygen
and now you're hallucinating."
"It's true," was all Obi-Wan could say.
Bruck was now laughing so hard that tears were forming in his
eyes.
"No it's not," he said. "All Padawan claims must be made
official by being entered in the Jedi Council's records. No one
has made such a claim for you, Oafy."
Obi-Wan could feel himself shrinking inside his clothes.
"Qui-Gon will enter me now."
"Why do you think we're laughing?" It was Aalto's turn to
speak. "All entries must be made before the Padawan turns
thirteen. If it isn't made official before that time the Jedi
Council will not accept the claim. Your thirteenth birthday was
several weeks ago."
Obi-Wan had nothing left to say. He only knew he wanted to
speak with Qui-Gon right away and started for the Council's
chambers once again.
"Looks like you are out of luck again, Oafy." Bruck called
after him. "But please, give Master Jinn my regards. He's
obviously still looking for a worthy apprentice."
Obi-Wan waited outside the Council Chambers until Qui-Gon
emerged. When He did, the Master Jedi was in a heated debate
with Master Mace Windu.
"The Council is setting themselves up Mace," Qui-Gon insisted.
"Surely you see this."
"The Council is firm in their decision," the dark skinned Jedi
replied. His tone was as agitated as Qui-Gon's. "To shut it
down goes against Jedi law."
"A law that was created years ago," Qui-Gon countered. "Even
the Tarakians stop following laws when they become obsolete.
And they live to create and follow laws. Besides, if what I
have been told around the temple is true..."
"Believe in rumors, the danger is great." Obi-Wan watched as
Master Yoda followed the other Jedis from the Chamber. Several
other Council Members left the chamber and looked nervously at
Qui-Gon and Mace Windu. They hurriedly stepped around the two
Jedi and left the area.
"Normally I would agree with you Master," Qui-Gon continued.
"But the Portal complicates things. It should never have been
left as a temptation to the students."
"No one expected it to be found," Mace Windu countered.
"If a Jedi is tempted by the dark side and knows of the
portal..." Obi-Wan could sense the normally checked emotions
radiating out from his master's body.
"Power they may seek," Yoda finished for Qui-Gon. "To find
power through the Portal, easy it shall not be. We must remain
calm Padawan."
Mace Windu agreed. "It would be foolish for someone to follow
the path of Padawan Gregor."
"But not unthinkable, especially to an immature student."
Qui-Gon said. "It was foolish to keep the location of the
portal so poorly hidden. I'm surprised it took so long for a
curious youngster to find it."
"Guarded it shall be." Yoda said. "Destroy it we shall not." He
closed his heavy lidded eyes and spoke again quietly. "A
purpose I foresee."
Qui-Gon sighed. Obi-Wan suddenly felt overwhelmed by
frustration and was unsure if it was his or his Master's that
he felt more. He was slightly relieved to feel Qui-Gon restore
their bond in an effort to find him. Apparently Qui-Gon had
been so immersed in the conversation that he had not noticed
his Padawan standing nearby. Qui-Gon turned to look at Obi-Wan.
"Your tunic is ripped," was all he said. It was not the
greeting Obi-Wan had expected.
"It happened during lightsaber practice," Obi-Wan replied.
"From the look of that burn I'd say he could use the practice,"
Mace Windu made a reference to Obi-Wan's cheek.
Obi-Wan had wanted to speak to Qui-Gon about being his Padawan
but he suddenly felt nervous in front of the Council Members.
Although he knew several healing techniques, Obi-Wan could not
yet control the force properly to heal his burn quickly. It now
seemed to sting more as it was noticed by the other Jedis.
"You should be more considerate of your appearance when
addressing members of the Jedi Council," Mace Windu added.
Before Obi-Wan could respond a large blast was heard. The force
of the explosion knocked Obi-Wan to the ground. It had come
from somewhere deep inside the Temple. Qui-Gon's anger was
growing again. Obi-Wan felt it as Qui-Gon helped him to his
feet in a very rough manner.
"It will be guarded?" Qui-Gon asked Yoda and Mace.
It was soon after that when Obi-Wan found himself tripping
behind his Master and the other Jedi as they made their way to
the lower levels of the temple. He didn't understand what had
happened. What could have caused Qui- Gon, the perfect example
of one who has mastered the art of being calm, to become so
emotional. Or was this just a side of his master that he had
never seen before?
Obi-Wan finally caught up with the Master Jedis in a part of
the temple that was off limits to students and Padawans. They
were standing outside the remains of a solid metal door that
had been blown out with some type of explosive. The blast had
injured two Jedi Knights who apparently had been standing
outside the door when it blew. Obi-Wan was confused at how
someone had gotten past two Jedi Knights to cause the
explosion.
A crowd of Jedi Masters, Padawans, and students started
gathering at the door. After someone arrived to care for the
injured, Obi-Wan watched as Qui-Gon stepped through the
remainder of the door and disappeared into the smoke of the
room beyond. He was quickly followed by Mace Windu, Yoda, and
the rest of the crowd.
As Obi-Wan waited for his turn to enter the room he took a
moment to try and calm himself. He closed his eyes and took a
deep cleansing breath just as Qui-Gon had taught him. A
disturbance in the force slam against him, nearly knocking him
off his feet. The disturbance was not necessarily positive or
negative. It was obvious to Obi-Wan, however, that the force
was being manipulated in a way that he had never felt before.
If anyone else had sensed the same disturbance they did not
respond to it openly. The source of it appeared to be coming
from the other side of the blown out door. When he finally got
the chance to enter the room he felt the disturbance even
stronger.
It was difficult to not stare in awe at the room he had just
entered. It was large with an arched ceiling towering overhead.
The wooden paneled walls were covered with ornate carvings; a
tribute to a Jedi tradition that had fallen out of favor many
years ago.
Obi-Wan noticed his Master and the Council members standing
near the center of the room. They stood looking at a metal
plate lying flat in the center of the floor. A colorful tile
pattern surrounded the plate and the Jedi Masters stayed back
from the area. Qui-Gon moved around the opposite side of the
plate. As he did Obi-Wan notice his image blur ever so slightly
when the plate was directly between his master and himself.
Obi-Wan sensed that the plate was the cause of the disturbance
he felt in the Force. He closed his eyes and concentrated on
the plate. A slight feeling of nausea crept over him. It was as
if the Force was creating a vortex around the plate on the
floor.
Obi-Wan could not quite grasp the force well enough to focus
clearly on the vortex. As he tried he could only feel the
constant spinning of the vortex and he began to feel dizzy. He
opened his eyes and turned his attention away from the now
invisible vortex to try and calm his stomach. As he did he
noticed his master staring at him in a peculiar way.
Qui-Gon's day had started out poorly and proceeded to grow
steadily worse. He had been called back to Coruscant by the
Jedi Council. Qui-Gon had not been to Coruscant since he had
accepted Obi-Wan as his Padawan, and had hoped they would not
have to return for some time. He wanted time alone with his new
apprentice so they could established a strong Master-Padawan
link. He also wanted Obi-Wan to realize how important it is to
control the force through the practical experience of missions.
It would give the boy incentive when sheltered in the Jedi
Temple.
They had gotten to Coruscant late the night before. Try as he
might, Qui- Gon had not gotten a good night's sleep. He felt as
though he was catching a cold. Attempts to heal himself were
only able to reduce the illness down to a sinus headache and a
slightly runny nose.
He felt the tension in the Temple the next morning while
sitting down for breakfast and a much needed cup of tea. There
he was told the Portal of Rasme had been discovered by a couple
of young students playing in an off-limits section of the
temple. Qui-Gon was also told that the Council was already in
session to discuss how to handle the situation.
Immediately Qui-Gon had snapped his shields in place without
consideration for Obi-Wan's reaction. The Portal of Rasme
always triggered his anger. It was dangerous and Qui-Gon felt
sure it would only bring trouble to the Jedi Order. Worse yet,
in the wrong hands it could be used to introduce new worlds to
the Force. Many races were unprepared for such an encounter.
The lessons of the past taught that such encounters could
easily lead to exploitation, fighting, and destruction. Qui-Gon
left his breakfast to address the Council.
Walking in unannounced to a Council session was not a smart
thing to do. Walking into an already heated Council debate was
far worse. Qui-Gon did both.
"This is no business of yours, Master Jinn." Mace Windu
responded to the intrusion first. "I suggest you follow the
correct protocol next time you seek an audience with the
Council."
"The Portal of Rasme is the business of every Jedi," Qui-Gon
reported coolly. "Its discovery has placed it in high priority
at breakfast table conversations this morning. While you are
here debating how to handle it young students are becoming
curious over what everyone is talking about."
"Are you suggesting that curiosity is a bad thing, Master
Jinn?" Master Ki-Al-Mundi asked.
"With all due respect," Qui-Gon replied, his shoulders taut.
"This is not the time for an intelligent debate over the
curiosity of children. The portal must be destroyed."
"How can you so eagerly want destroy such a specific
manifestation of the Force?" Windu asked. His anger at Qui-Gon
was obvious. "The Portal was Master Rasme's gift to the Jedi.
It should be treated with our respect."
"Yes it should. But that is not possible." Qui-Gon's
intimidating gaze traveled to all the council members. "I
believe this council refuses to destroy the Portal out of fear.
You are all intimidated by what you don't understand. You are
not leaving the portal alone out of respect."
Many of the Council members looked at each other.
"So you've come here to make accusations about the Council's
motives?" Mace Windu stood to address Qui-Gon with his full
height. "Are you sure it's not your own paranoia about the
portal that upsets you so much? Maybe it is you who doesn't
understand."
Qui-Gon sensed the discomfort of the Council members. Although
he and Mace were old friends, they had been known to come to
blows in the past.
"I understand that the portal is something which can easily be
misused. What of those who seek the darkside?" Qui-Gon threw
back. "I was called back to Coruscant because of this."
"Possibility it is," Master Yaddle spoke up. "Certainty it is
not. Investigated it must be."
"This is why you were called back to Coruscant, Master Jinn."
Ki-Adi- Mundi added. "The Council has reason to believe the
darkside has planted a seed here in the Temple. We want you to
investigate the possibility."
"Who?"
"If you had waited to be called before the Council, we might
have had that information for you." Windu appeared to toss away
long years of friendship with his tone. "We would have been
able to discuss the situation in a more constructive manner.
Now your presence before the Council will no doubt add to the
tension already felt here."
The debate had continued in the same manner for quite some
time. If Master Jinn had not been so engulfed in his emotions
he might have noticed the unusual absence of on important
council member's voice. It was not until Master Yoda called for
a recess that Qui-Gon realized Yoda had been
uncharacteristically silent through out the debate.
"Enough," the diminutive Jedi said. "Step away, we must.
Guarded the portal will be."
Many of the council seemed relieved when the recess was called.
Qui-Gon used the opportunity to try and reason with Master
Windu as they left the council chambers. In the midst of his
frustration he had all but forgotten Obi- Wan. He had trusted
his Padawan to stay out of trouble on Coruscant so he reasoned
that he could pay less attention to his Padawan's needs.
Qui-Gon hadn't meant to shut himself from their newly forming
bond either. The Portal of Rasme was on of the few things that
touched a deep emotional spark in Qui-Gon and the seriousness
of it being used scared Qui-Gon deeply. Obi-Wan did not need to
be affected by his master's fears. Or so Qui-Gon justified to
himself.
He sensed the error of his reasoning when he saw the burn on
Obi-Wan's cheek. Qui-Gon should have used the opportunity to
teach Obi-Wan more about healing techniques. He should have
been there when he had gotten the burn in the first place. He
should have known what had happened so he could counsel Obi-Wan
on how to prevent the same thing from happening again.
Qui-Gon knew a good master is mindful of his apprentice.
Instead he had been ignoring Obi-Wan, caught up in a crisis
that should never have been allowed to happen. It was too early
in their relationship to force such a separation. Qui-Gon could
not let his emotions come between he and Obi-Wan, like they had
with Xantos. Today, Qui-Gon realized, he had allowed that to
happen, even as he saw his apprentice trip and become angry in
a way Qui-Gon didn't understand.
Then he was standing before the Portal of Rasme, looking into
one of the strongest manifestations of the force. A force so
refined, so specialized, that only an advanced Jedi could fully
recognize it.
Obi-Wan could see the portal. Qui-Gon realized Obi-Wan's
awareness and couldn't help looking at him in amazement. In the
few months they had been together his new Padawan had continued
to surprise Qui-Gon. Now was no exception, but unfortunately
not the time for Qui-Gon to act on it.
Mace Windu stood just at the edge of the plate on the floor and
pressed the palms of his hands to the edge of the unseen
vortex. Master Yoda looked at the floor on which he was drawing
imaginary lines with his stick.
"There were two who entered," Mace finally said.
"Can you determine who they were?" Qui-Gon asked.
After a few moments of concentration Master Windu stepped back
from the portal.
"The Force in the Portal is so strong it has overwhelmed the
Force signatures of the two." Master Windu spoke again. "I
cannot determine who they are or where they went."
"Go after them, someone must," Master Yoda spoke without
looking up.
Qui-Gon took a deep breath and felt the ease of resignation
pass through him. His fears, now realized, were no longer a
concern. Now he knew what must be done.
"I'll do it."
Mace Windu looked at his old friend steadily.
"Qui-Gon, I'll admit you were right all along. But are you sure
you know what you're saying?" He asked. "We won't be able to
help you through the Portal."
"That's exactly why I must go. I am the only one who has
prepared for this possibility." Qui-Gon sighed as he spoke. "I
guess my paranoia wasn't so bad after all."
Mace Windu stared at him with a sad smile and then watched as
Qui-Gon look to Obi-Wan Kenobi. Obi-Wan instinctively moved to
Qui-Gon's side.
"Are you sure about taking Obi-Wan?" Mace Windu asked.
Instead of responding Qui-Gon spoke quietly to his Padawan.
"Obi-Wan, I'm about to ask you to do something I do not have
time to prepare you for. You sense the Portal?"
Obi-Wan nodded in reply.
"The Portal of Rasme is a way of transporting to another place.
Unfortunately it cannot be controlled. If we travel through the
Portal there is a good chance that we may never be able to
return to Coruscant, or anywhere near here, ever again. You
don't have to come with me. If you don't I will completely
understand and your training will be continued with another
Master."
Obi-Wan could see the seriousness of the situation reflected in
his Master's eyes. He matched that seriousness in his reply.
"I understand Master, and I want to go with you."
"Thank you Padawan." Qui-Gon smiled with his words and Obi-Wan
sensed relief in his Master.
Qui-Gon turned back to Mace Windu, placed his hand on Obi-Wan's
shoulder, and spoke. "My Padawan and I will help each other."
There was a rustling noise next to Qui-Gon. He noticed two boys
looking at him angrily. Before he could explore this Mace was
speaking again.
"He's very young Qui-Gon," Mace Windu cautioned. "Too many
mistakes have already been made today."
"Proceed together they shall." Master Yoda finally looked up
from the floor. "As with Master and Padawan it always should
be. Be mindful of the Force. Where you need to be, it shall
take you. Trust in the Force. Trust in each other."
Master Yoda turned his attention back to the floor. Qui-Gon
noticed a slight droop in his former Master's shoulders. His
Master's eyes were wide; too unfocused to really be looking at
anything.
Qui-Gon turned back to his Padawan.
"Obi-Wan, we're going to step into the Portal. It should allow
us to follow the path taken by the two Jedis who entered it
earlier."
Qui-Gon looked at Mace Windu who nodded solemnly in reply.
Turning his apprentice towards the plate on the floor, Qui-Gon
took a deep breath. He was ready to move onto the plate when he
sensed a quiet plea from his former Master. It whispered along
their former Master-Padawan link so softly that Qui-Gon almost
missed it.
/Come back Padawan./
He took one last look at his former Master and stepped onto the
plate, Obi-Wan standing in front of him.
Qui-Gon put his hands on Obi-Wan's shoulders. He immediately
felt the Force swirling around them. He closed his eyes and
tried to center himself on his own living Force. A wind seemed
to blow against him form every angle and he tightened his grip
on his Padawan. A loud ringing penetrated his hears and he felt
as though he was falling. His heart beat at an accelerated pace
as if in competition with the ringing in his ears. He called on
the Force out of reflex in an attempt to center himself.
That was a mistake. The force soared around him so ferociously
that he could no longer protect against it. He felt he was
being ripped apart and then he felt the material of Obi-Wan's
cloak slipping beneath his fingers. He opened his eyes and
grasp at the material only to feel his Padawan being torn away
from him. Nearly blind Qui-Gon reached out in front of himself
with a yell for Obi- Wan.
Part 2
The swirling stopped abruptly as Qui-Gon's hands landed against
something solid. The force of the impact was felt through out
his body as it sank in the same direction as his hands,
realigning itself to a newfound gravitational Force. As his
vision cleared, Qui-Gon realized he was pushing himself off
black pavement with shaky limbs. He pushed himself to his knees
and nearly collapsed against a wall to his side. His chest hurt
with every breath he took. He tried to relax and sat back
against the wall. Slowly he became aware of his surroundings.
He was apparently in an alley. The inhabitants of this world
obviously didn't believe in recycling, as there were several
bags of what smelled like refuse in large metal containers
around him.
Soon Qui-Gon began to sense the living force around him. It was
strong and also fast paced. The rhythm of it reminded Qui-Gon
of Coruscant but the air was far more polluted with the
remnants of fossil fuels. He heard voices and footsteps and
other noises he couldn't identify. Looking around one metal
refuse container he say people walking past the opening of the
alley. A couple of teenaged boys walked past and Qui-Gon
immediately thought of his Padawan.
His head still reeled but he concentrated on the Force, calling
on it to search for Obi-Wan. Qui-Gon dismissed the thought that
Obi-Wan had not come through the Portal and landed in the same
place. "Take you where to need to be, the Force will," Master
Yoda had said. Surely Obi-Wan had he were needed together.
To his relief, Qui-Gon could sense Obi-Wan's life Force nearby.
Qui-Gon could also sense that Obi-Wan was just as disoriented
as Qui-Gon felt. Contacting him through their link proved
futile. Qui-Gon would have to find Obi-Wan first. He leaned
against the building to steady himself as he pulled himself to
his feet.
A wave of nausea threatened to overcome the Jedi Master but he
called on the Force to control it. It was all he could do to
use the Force to locate Obi- Wan and calm his body. He moved
slowly to the street at the end of the alley. Across the street
he saw a park and above the trees, not too far away, stood a
large white obelisk. People were looking at it as they walked
by.
Sensing that Obi-Wan was farther away at the opposite end of
the park, Qui-Gon made his way out of the alley and followed
the flow of pedestrians in front of him. Because of the current
strain on his system he felt no warning when a vehicle on the
opposite side of the street burst into flames. A vehicle that
was directly between the burning one and Qui-Gon, swerved
suddenly in reaction to the flames. The last thing Qui-Gon
heard were screams as he felt himself being struck by the
vehicle, thrown into the air, and colliding with a brick wall.
Obi-Wan found himself on his hands and knees. He looked around
and appeared to be between a small wooden booth and a large
vehicle, capable of carrying several people. Obi-Wan was
shaking but he managed to pull himself to his feet. Using the
booth as a support he walked to where he could look around the
vehicle. There was a large staircase leading up to a white
building on the other side of the vehicle. Inside the building
Obi-Wan could make out the statue of a large sitting figure.
Several people were walking up and down the stair and admiring
the statue. Another vehicle pulled up and several people
started to get off of it. Obi-Wan decided to move to a less
crowded area.
He took several deep breaths to try and calm his stomach.
Obi-Wan looked around for Qui-Gon but saw no sign of him. Using
the force he could sense his Master was nearby. Following the
direction of the Force Obi-Wan walked into a large park. At the
far end he could see a large white Obelisk rising above the
tree and reflected in a long narrow pond in the center of the
park.
People walked around the park and took no notice of Obi-Wan.
They appeared to be too busy taking in the statues around them.
Obi-Wan came upon a group of statues surrounded but a shiney
black wall. Thirteen life-sized statues, men in uniform and
with some sort of blasters, appeared to walk without motion on
a bed of green ground cover. In the wall around them were
carved the faces of several others that watched the stationary
men. None of the living people who walked among the statues
spoke very loud. Obi-Wan noticed an older man lean down and
talk to a small child and he pointed to one of the statues. The
solemn nature of the surroundings was not lost on Obi-Wan.
Unfortunately, the peace was quickly broken when he heard a
squealing noise and some screaming coming from the opposite end
of the park. A large cloud of black smoke rose up from the
trees. Obi-Wan centered himself and tried to sense his Master
once again. His task was cut short when several people rushed
past him and knocked him to the ground. He tried again but
could not feel his Master through the Force.
The confusion around him did not make the situation any better.
His stomach seemed to react violently with every movement he
made. He started to walk towards the smoke. His movement was
further slowed by the many pedestrians that seemed to have the
same idea he had.
The Washington D.C. police arrived quickly on the scene of the
accident. The firemen and two ambulances were soon to follow.
The pedestrian who was struck was quickly loaded into the
ambulance as were three women who had driven into a light pole
to avoid the car which had caught on fire. Several officials
were called to the scene and the police kept busy by
controlling the large crowd of onlookers whom quickly gathered.
No one noticed the two figures in long hooded cloaks that moved
away from the excitement.
Obi-Wan helplessly observed the chaos around him. It had taken
him several minutes to make his way to the source of the smoke.
When he arrived he saw his Master lying on a stretcher as it
was being loaded into a vehicle. Obi- Wan could not get close
enough to seen Qui-Gon clearly. The vehicle left the scene and
he could not follow where it went. To make matters worse,
several people leaving the area had shoved him. Ahead of him he
could see smoke and flames coming from a vehicle of some kind.
Workers were trying very hard to put the fire out. Obi-Wan say
a man in a dark blue uniform directing people away from the
area. Suspecting that he was an authority figure, Obi-Wan
decided to approach him for information.
He took one step forward and completely lost his balance. His
stomach flared violently as he fell to the ground. Obi-Wan felt
himself shake as he braced himself on all fours.
Something gave way in Obi-Wan's composure. He felt as though he
couldn't take any more frustration and started fighting against
it in his own mind. In an odd sensation his frustration seemed
to build into something more. A spark of the Force surged
inside him. It felt as though his anger and frustration were
one wave flowing towards a second wave that was the Force. He
felt energy building inside him as they the waves came
together. Before that happened, Obi- Wan felt a nudge against
his foot.
"Hey you," he heard a voice say.
Obi-Wan felt his anger dissipate with the shock of someone
talking to him. He opened his eyes to see a woman standing in
front of him.
"Yeah you!" She said. "Quit broadcasting and get a hold of
yourself now." She held out her hand. "Get up."
The woman appeared to be human and was younger than Qui-Gon.
She had dark brown hair and eyes that held no amusement in them
what so ever. She wore a long tan coat that hung open.
Underneath that she had on some sort of black pants suit. She
also had on a pair of shoes that had so much material missing,
Obi-Wan couldn't imagine them being functional.
"I don't have all day," the woman said as she shook her hand in
Obi-Wan's face.
Obi-Wan accepted her help and stood up. A wave of nausea hit
him as soon as he got back to his feet.
"Great!" The woman said and grabbed him roughly by the arm.
"Come on." She led him quickly to the park and over to a waste
receptacle.
Obi-Wan didn't try to control his nausea and emptied the
contents of his stomach into the receptacle. As soon as he did
he started to think more clearly. He realized how he had almost
let his anger take over. The woman must have noticed his
shudder because he felt her move a hand to his shoulder. A wave
of calm washed over him. He closed his eyes and took a deep
cleansing breath, concentrating on the living force around him.
He detected a strong source of the light nearby and he drew on
it to help control his body and his mind. The light engulfed
his spirit and he felt his anger leave him completely. Only
guilt remained.
He felt calm when he looked at the woman again. He quickly
realized she was the source of the force he had been drawing
on. She looked at him with a curious expression and handed him
a small white cloth folded into a square.
"Thank you," he said as he accepted the handkerchief and wiped
his face off.
"What's your name Padawan?" The woman asked. Her face was still
impassive but the tone of her voice had softened.
"Obi-Wan Kenobi."
"And where is your Master, Obi-Wan Kenobi?" She asked.
Obi-Wan thought for a moment.
"Be mindful of the Force," he heard Master Yoda's words echoing
through his memory. "Where you need to be, it shall take you."
"I don't know." Obi-Wan said at last. He then spoke on impulse.
"Are you a Jedi?"
There was a brief moment of surprise in the woman's expression.
However, instead of reacting she just stared at him and
continued to breathe evenly.
"Please," Obi-Wan found the courage to speak again. "You have
to help me find my Master, Qui-Gon Jinn. I believe he was
injured. I say him lying on a stretcher and being loaded into a
large vehicle. I don't think he was conscious."
"Where?" She asked and Obi-Wan pointed towards the vehicle that
was no longer burning.
"The vehicle he was being loaded into, did it have flashing
lights on it?"
Obi-Wan nodded. "And a siren."
The woman reached into an inner coat pocket and pulled out a
rectangular device. After pressing several buttons she held it
up to her ear and mouth.
"Chi, its Maury. Call me back as soon as possible. It's
urgent."
She looked at the device and pressed more buttons. After a
pause she was communicating through it once again. She looked
over to the smoldering vehicle as she spoke.
"Hey Harry, it me." She said and then paused. "No, just and
engine fire that got out of control. I don't think it is
anything we need to worry about. At least not until DCPD
forensics has a look. Listen, something has come up. Mind if I
skip out for the rest of the day?" She paused again. "Will you
shut down my computer for me?" She paused again and Obi-Wan saw
a slight smile at the corners of her lips.
"Thanks Harry," she said. "I owe you one."
She closed the communicator up and turned back to Obi-Wan,
taking a deep Breath as she addressed him again.
"Your Master was taken to the nearest hospital, Washington
General. My brother, Malachi, is a doctor there. He'll find
your Master and take good care of him." She paused and Obi-Wan
noticed the first real change in here demeanor.
"How are you feeling?" She asked with apparent concern.
"Better" Obi-Wan replied.
She jerked her head to the nearest road.
"My car is just over there." She said. "Come on. We'll get you
something to settle your stomach and then we'll talk about your
Master."
Malachi Lee unconsciously swiped at his pager when it vibrated
on his hip.
"Maury," he mumbled to himself as he finished up some emergency
room paperwork. "You'll just have to wait."
The Emergency Room at Washington General was an unexpected mad
house. Usually on bright and sunny days people weren't as eager
to come in with injuries. Most realized their injuries weren't
that bad, and preferred to quickly throw on a Band-Aid or take
an aspirin and continue playing outside. Today was an
exception.
"Dr. Lee, exam three." A heavyset nurse came up to Malachi.
"Little boy with a gash on his forehead. Possible eye injury."
"How's he doing?" Malachi asked.
"Kids fine, but his mother is a mess. Yelling at everything
that moves. Sounds like she's right up your alley." Joanne
smiled a wide grin. "But don't worry Malachi, I'll protect
you."
Malachi snorted and grinned in return. He then looked at the
full ER waiting room.
"What happened Joanne?" He asked as he picked up the boy's
chart.
"I heard a car bomb went off downtown. Someone probably tried
to off the President."
"Republicans must be getting restless with the election coming
up," another nurse added as she hurried past them into an exam
room. "They think they'll have a better chance running against
the Vice President."
"A car bomb isn't republican style. They're all packin." Joanne
called after her. "Democrats are more likely to blow someone up
and make a big show out of it."
"Let's just keep all weapons out of the hands of all
politicians, shall we?" Malachi spoke as he walked towards room
three. "Maybe we'll make the world a safer place."
"Amen to that!" Joanne agreed as she followed him.
The boys cut was not serious and his eye was not injured.
Malachi was Quickly able to dispel the mother's fears, which is
why he was given the case to begin with. The entire ER staff
wondered how Dr. Lee could make even the most distraught
patients relax. But rather than question it, Joanne used it to
an advantage. She never questioned Malachi and made sure that
the patients that needed the most comfort, children especially,
got a chance at what she referred to as 'Dr. Lee's Special
bedside manner.' Of course she was the first one to give him
trouble about it whenever she could.
Malachi was just finishing up the last of the boy's stitches
when he felt it, a life Force. Everyone had them but this was
different. Malachi briefly thought of his sister but dismissed
the thought. He could still feel her presence, even across
town. This was someone new, someone strong with the Force, and
someone in pain.
"Dylan, you're going to be fine." He reassured his patient and
then turned to the boy's mother. "Joanne will give you some
forms that will tell you how to take care of his cut. I'll
write a prescription for some antibiotics just to be on the
safe side but you want to make sure you keep it clean. His
pediatrician will take the stitches out in a couple of weeks."
"Thank you Doctor," the mother said. "Could you please tell
me..."
Malachi felt the new life Force quickly growing weaker and he
stood up.
"Mrs. Keisler," he spoke as he backed toward the exam room
door. "I think Joanne can answer all of your questions."
Ignoring Joanne's stunned expression he left the room and
followed the Force signature he felt across the hall. He stood
outside the door to exam room one and saw the man lying on the
exam table. The man was unconscious but Malachi could feel the
Force radiating from him.
As if in slow motion Malachi entered the exam room and watched
as the ER staff stripped the clothes from the man's body. They
were traditional Jedi robes. Malachi had never seen anyone
alive wear them before. His grandfather had opted to wear
clothes more suitable for farming in Northern Missouri. His
funeral had been the one and only chance Malachi and Maureen
had to see him so adorned, before he was cremated.
While he had rarely seen the uniform Malachi knew it
intimately. He watched and checked off the name and purpose of
each piece as it was removed from the Jedi's body. The outer
cape. The inner tunic. The belt and the boots. The belt...
"What do you think this thing is?" Malachi heard a nurse say as
he held up the Jedi's lightsaber.
"Who knows," someone else said. "I've given up trying to figure
out what people carry on the street."
The lightsaber was tossed on a cart to Malachi's left but
Malachi continued to focus on the man on the table. He vaguely
heard the discussion around him. Someone mentioned something
about x-rays, hemorrhaging, and shock.
Without even questioning himself, Malachi moved to the Jedi's
head. The man's skin was cold but Malachi could feel his Life
Force though his fingertips. There were broken ribs, a
punctured lung filling with blood, and a mild concussion.
The Force called to Malachi and he responded. This was what he
was meant to do. He could not completely heal the wound but he
could control the damage. He focused on directing all the man's
torn blood vessels close and function normally. Slowly the
internal bleeding subsided; the lung functioned as it was
supposed to Malachi turned his focus to the remaining injuries.
"...Lee, Dr. Lee." Broke into Malachi's concentration. "Hey
Malachi!" The words finally caused him to look up from the
Jedi.
"You okay?" His co-worker, Dr. Chadwick, asked.
Malachi ran his fingers though his dark hair and nodded his
head.
"Yeah, sorry." He replied.
"You know this guy?" Dr. Chadwick asked.
Malachi made a split second decision.
"I was never here," he said with a wave of his hand. The three
ER attendants turned back to their patient. Dr. Chadwick heard
a noise and saw Malachi looking into the room from outside the
exam room door. After a moment Malachi turned away.
"Must have changed his mind," Dr. Chadwick muttered and went
back to the task at hand.
In the doctor's lounge Malachi felt his hands tremble as he
dialed his sister's phone number.
Maureen Lee felt the disturbance in the Force the moment she
pulled up outside the Mall. In a world with very few Force
sensitives it was easy to detect a Life Force pattern change.
Instead of dwelling on it Maury decided to focus on her job.
Her grandfather had always emphasized patience and she knew the
source of the disturbance would reveal itself, given time.
She got out of her car and walked towards a group of DC police.
After four years in the FBI's anti-terrorism unit she knew the
local police well enough not to have to flash her badge when
she entered the scene of a crime. It was a courtesy that Maury
appreciated. Very few policing agencies like the FBI. It was
distrust founded in jealousy, lack of communication, and
politics. Maury, however, felt very little of that tension in
the field. She was well respected by the local police because
of what they called her "good instincts."
"How do you always stay so calm?" Her old partner Kenny had
asked. "You and your brother both."
"Kenny," she laughed in response. "If you only knew."
Maury also believed in communication and did nothing to cause
problems with other agencies. When someone is being held
hostage at gunpoint there is no place for political games.
Captain Benton waved to her when he saw her, and she smiled in
response.
"Sorry to waste you're trip Agent Lee," he said. "Appears to be
a simple car fire. So much for German engineering, huh?"
"Was anyone hurt?"
"In the fire, no. No crispy critters this time." The Captain
reasoned. "But there were several people on the street when the
flames got going. Another vehicle hit a pedestrian and a second
accident sent some tourists to the nearest hospital. I don't
know how bad anybody was."
They noticed several people with official looking badges were
making their way into the scene.
"Great," Captain Benton said. "Just what I need. More men in
black." He quickly turned to Maury with a smirk. "No offense
Agent Lee."
"None taken Captain." Maury offered a soft smile in comfort.
"This close to the Mall you're going to get every agency out to
inspect. Besides, it's been a slow week."
"I know," Captain Benton straightened his tie as he spoke. "Why
do you think I got pulled out from behind my desk in the first
place? Here goes nothing."
"Go get 'em Captain," Maury called as he headed towards the new
comers.
She watched the firemen in action for a few minutes and allowed
herself to become aware of changes in the Force. There was a
distinct signature of anger present and Maury felt the hair on
the back of her neck stand up.
She turned to try and pinpoint the source of the sensation. It
was nearby. Through her line of work and her good 'instincts'
she was very good at picking out people carrying negative
energy. She followed the direction of the Force to a young man
sitting on the ground just outside the mall.
The one item that confused her was his clothing. The
traditional Jedi robes contradicted the negative feelings he
projected. Things continued not to make sense after she
approached him either. His anger was quickly brought in check
when she talked to him. After he had gotten sick she realized
he was calling on the Force to calm himself. It had taken him
sometime, indicative of one not in complete control of the
Force. His appearance confirmed Maury's suspicion that he was
just a Padawan, the short braid behind his ear, the ripped
shoulder of his tunic, the burn on his cheek.
Maury remembered her Grandmother telling her the story of how
she had first met Grandpa. He had been in much the same
condition, sick to his stomach and wandering helplessly on a
country road in Missouri. Grandpa had later referred to his
condition as 'Vortex-Lag' in a play of words on earthly Jet
Lag. Maury also remembered her Grandfather lovingly holding her
Grandmother's hand.
"Where who I be, Anna, if you hadn't picked me up on that
road?" He asked her so many times in Maury's memories.
Maury couldn't turn away from Obi-Wan just like her grandmother
hadn't turned away from her grandfather. Besides, there was a
question as to why Obi- Wan was there in the first place. Other
than introducing herself, she didn't speak as she drove him to
a McDonald's and sat him down in a booth in the back. At that
time of day it would be easy to talk without anyone overhearing
them.
"Try this," she said as she placed a vanilla milkshake in front
of him. "Its sweet but ice cream usually settles my stomach
when I'm sick. Hopefully it will work for you."
She placed her cell phone on the table in front of her and took
of her coat. She realized Obi-Wan probably got a glimpse of her
9-mm under her suit coat but she didn't care. He had
lightsaber. The weapons weren't equal but were both effective.
Obi-Wan sipped the drink tentatively at first and then spoke.
"You never answered my question."
Maury sighed before she responded.
"You're right. I sure didn't." She said. "Tell you what,
Obi-Wan. I'll answer your questions truthfully if you promise
to answer mine. Do we have a deal?"
When he nodded she continued.
"My Grandfather was a Jedi Knight. He came to Earth, this
planet, several years ago. He trained Malachi, my twin brother,
and myself in the Jedi arts."
"Then you are a Jedi."
Maury grimaced a little.
"Not really. Grandfather believed he had trained us well with
the resources he had available. Unfortunately around here those
resources are limited. Chi and I simply are who we are. We just
happen to be Force sensitives, using it to enhance our
abilities, not dominate them."
"Are there others like you?" Obi-Wan asked, sipping on his
shake with more interest.
"There are Force Sensitives here but very few people can
control the gifts they have. The Living Force is present but
midichlorines are few. Earth simply lacks a natural deposit of
them. Those who do have a natural concentration usually don't
have a strong enough one to do anything with it. If there is
anyone else here who is Force sensitive and trained in the Jedi
Arts, we haven't found them."
Maury thought a moment before she continued.
"Obi-Wan, I have to warn you. It is the general nature of
people here to fear things they don't understand. Force
Sensitives are usually referred to as psychics. They are often
ridiculed and have been persecuted in the past. Grandpa always
taught my brother and I discretion. You have to be discreet as
well."
She watched Obi-Wan's reaction with interest. He slumped a
little and started scraping the wax off the cup in front of
him.
"What about Qui-Gon?" He didn't look at her as he spoke.
"I left a message for my brother. When he calls me back I'll
explain the situation and he'll find your Master." She tried to
reassure him. "I'm sure he'll be fine."
There was something else bugging the kid. Maury recognized
guilt in his posture.
"You haven't been with him long, have you?" She asked.
Obi-Wan shook his head, again without looking up. Maury decided
to try another approach.
"Do you always get angry?"
Her question was answered with wide eyes.
"You were projecting pretty strongly." She continued, not
wanting to scare him. "It's easy to do if you haven't had a lot
of practice in control. How old are you, Obi-Wan?"
Obi-Wan looked away again.
"I turned thirteen a few weeks ago." He said, a flush spreading
across his cheeks. "I shouldn't have gotten so angry. Master
Qui-Gon would not be happy with me if he knew."
"Obi-Wan, were you in a fight? Is that why you're here?"
"I don't know why we're here," he tried to explain. "I had an
accident while I was practicing today."
He went on to describe the events that had led up to He and
Qui-Gon coming through the Portal. Maury sat quietly and
listened as Obi-Wan told her all the frustrating details. She
remembered her own frustrations while training with her
grandfather at night and on weekends and trying to be a normal
kid the rest of the time. When Obi-Wan finished he started
playing with the cup again and Maury could tell he was holding
something back.
"We'll Obi-Wan," she smiled softly. "You have officially been
hit with what is known as a bad day. They'll be more of them,
so you might as well learn to live with it." She motioned for
him to move closer across the table. "But there are a few
things we can do to remedy the situation."
She placed her hand over the burn on his cheek and concentrated
on it, calling on the living Force to heal the tissue there.
When she removed her hand Obi-Wan's cheek was considerably less
red.
"Healing techniques are Chi's department," she explained. "But
I can handle the easy stuff. As for your tunic, we can go
shopping for a new shirt. I doubt you are as clumsy as you make
yourself out to be, Obi-Wan. You're probably just going through
a growth spurt. That's something else you are going to have to
get used to, I'm afraid."
Obi-Wan thought for a moment.
"I guess I hadn't thought of it that way," he finally said.
"Thanks."
"Someone once told me that when you feel out of control,
sometimes doing a simple thing, one that you know how to do,
can help you regain your control and our composure."
"Your grandfather?" Obi-Wan asked.
Maury smiled a genuinely friendly smile.
"Actually it was my grandmother."
The cell phone rang and Maury picked it up quickly, already
knowing it was Malachi on the other end.
"Hello."
"You'll never believe who got brought into the E.R." Chi said.
"I'm hoping it is a Jedi Master named Qui-Gon Jinn," Maury
replied. Obi-Wan looked at her in anticipation and there was a
pause on the phone.
"Do I want to know how you know this?" Chi asked.
"I'm sitting across from his Padawan Learner," Maury said. "How
is he?"
"He's unconscious so I can't verify his identity. He has long
sandy brown hair and a beard and mustache. He's a big man and I
guess he's in his late forty's." Chi spoke as he watched
Qui-Gon being taken to X-Ray.
Maury relayed the description to Obi-Wan who confirmed it was
his Master.
"That's Master Jinn," she said into the phone.
"He's got some broken ribs and is still unconscious. He
apparently got hit by a car but I think he's going to be okay."
Malachi paused for second time before speaking again. "Any idea
why they're here?"
"All Obi-Wan knows is that they had to follow someone through a
portal. He and Qui-Gon got separated before Qui-Gon could fully
brief him." Maury could mentally feel her brother's
apprehension.
"A portal, huh?"
"Grandpa always said this could happen," she responded.
"Yeah, I know." Chi replied. At the mention of his grandfather
a sense of responsibility kicked in place in his brain.
"Listen, my shift doesn't end until six. I'll keep an eye on
Master Jinn and see if I can get him out of here quietly."
A wave of frustration hit Maury as her brother spoke.
"You okay?" She asked.
Chi leaned his head against the wall he was standing by and
sighed. "I'll tell you about it later. Okay Maureen?"
"Yeah. Call me if you need me."
"Hey Maury," he caught her before she hung up. "He's gonna need
some clothes and a new pair of shoes."
"We'll take care of it. Later."
Chi hung up and made his way to the front desk.
"No, it was a cylinder, about a foot long and make of stainless
steel." One nurse was talking to Joanne.
"What's that used for?" Joanne asked.
"I have no idea," the nurse replied. "But it disappeared. I
could have sworn I put it with that John Doe's clothing. The
one that got hit by the car."
"Well, give me a minute and I'll help you look for it." Joanne
returned and looked at Malichi. "Hey Dr. Lee! You got a
prescription ready for that Jerome kid?"
Back at McDonald's Maureen slid out of the booth to put her
coat on.
"Your Master is fine," she assured Obi-Wan. "He's unconscious
and a little banged up but Malachi is looking out for him.
He'll be there when Qui- Gon wakes up."
Maury could see the relief in Obi-Wan's face.
"Now," she continued with a smile, "we have to go shopping."
As he regained consciousness, Qui-Gon felt a wave of nausea
flow through him that he couldn't control. Suddenly there was a
pair of strong hands helping him to his side and supporting his
head. He didn't have the strength to fight and gave into the
nausea. After the spell subsided he felt one of the hands
moving to the back of his neck, cool fingers positioning
themselves along his vertebrae. A reassuring Force flowed over
Qui-Gon.
"Master Jinn," a voice spoke. "Can you hear me?"
Qui-Gon looked up to see a young man standing over him. As he
became more awake the pain in his body became more pronounced.
His side and his head hurt, and there was an oddly cool
sensation on the back of his hand. As if sensing his pain, the
young man moved his fingers along the base of Qui-Gon's skull
and closed his eyes in concentration. The pain was relieved.
"That should make you feel better," Malachi said as he eased
Qui-Gon back in the bed.
"Where am I?" Qui-Gon asked, still having trouble focusing.
"You're in a hospital," Chi replied and gave a nervous glance
around the room. When he spoke again he used a hushed tone.
"You're on a planet called Earth. The nausea you feel is your
body's reaction to traveling through the Portal of Rasme. It
should go away soon."
Malachi raised Qui-Gon's bed as he continued.
"You are also suffering from four broken ribs, a bruised pelvis
and a mild concussion." Malachi continued. "But you're going to
be okay."
"Obi-Wan," Qui-Gon spoke as he felt his strength slipping away.
"He's fine. He's with my sister Maureen." Malachi moved closer
to Qui- Gon. Even in his current condition Qui-Gon could sense
the seriousness of what Malachi was about to say next.
"Master Jinn, you have to listen to me. They don't know about
the Jedi Order here. They don't know about the Force. Anything
you do with the Force will be looked at with suspicion. Do you
understand?"
Qui-Gon looked at Malachi and nodded.
"Get some rest. I'll come back when you wake up."
Qui-Gon needed no help in falling asleep.
Part III
Qui-Gon woke to the feeling of a tugging sensation on the back
of his hand, and the sound of nearby voices.
"Sir?" One voice asked. "Can you hear me, sir?"
Qui-Gon opened his eyes to find a man, different than the one
who had been with him earlier, attaching a new bag to the tube
in his hand.
"Sir," the man spoke again. "I'm Dr. Chadwick. You're in
Washington General Hospital. Can you tell me your name?"
"Jinn," Qui-Gon rasped out.
"Mr. Jinn, do you remember what happened to you?"
Qui-Gon thought a moment, trying to make sense of what had
happened to him. The warning from his previous visitor was
foremost in his mind.
"I hit a building." He finally replied.
Dr. Chadwick smiled and Qui-Gon heard someone else in the room
chuckle.
"It is probably more appropriate to say you were hit by a car
and then thrown into a building." Dr. Chadwick spoke as he put
a strange looking device in his ears. "I need to listen to you
chest. I want you to sit up and take as deep of breath that you
can."
Qui-Gon did as he was told. With each breath he became more
aware of his surroundings. The cold of the device against his
chest helped to awaken his senses as well. The stethoscope was
moved to his back and after a few minutes Dr. Chadwick was
shaking his head and taking it out of his ears.
"Mr. Jinn," he said, wrapping his fingers around Qui-Gon's
wrist and looking at his watch. "You are one lucky man. With
the impact you took you're lucky you didn't puncture a lung."
Another man in the room, wearing a blue uniform, stepped closer
to Qui-Gon's bed.
"Mr. Jinn, I'm officer Ramone. The man who hit you was swerving
to avoid a car fire. You'll be happy to know he was properly
insured."
Dr. Chadwick shined a bright light in Qui-Gon's eyes as Officer
Ramone continued to speak.
"Mr. Jinn, I'd like to ask you a few questions for our
records."
"You don't need to ask him any questions."
Qui-Gon recognized the man who had been with him earlier as he
walked into the room. The police officer closed the notepad he
was holding.
"I don't need to ask you any questions." Officer Ramone said.
"You can contact me if you need to." Malachi spoke as Qui-Gon
recognized the Force control the young man had.
The Officer repeated what Malachi had said and Malachi turned
his attention to Dr. Chadwick. Again Malachi's words were
mimicked.
"I normally keep people with possible head injuries overnight.
However, I'll make an exception in your case. You're free to
leave once this IV is done."
Qui-Gon watched as the men left the room. Malachi held his hand
out and finally made a proper greeting.
"Master Jinn," he said. "I'm Malachi Lee."
"You're a healer." Qui-Gon spoke as he shook hands.
"We call ourselves doctors here." Malachi responded with a
smile.
"You've taken me by surprise, Dr. Lee. I wasn't expecting to
find any trained Force sensitives this far from..." Qui-Gon
paused as he considered this unexpected turn of events.
"From Coruscant." Malachi finished for Qui-Gon. "Yes, I
understand. My grandfather was a Jedi. He came here through the
Portal of Rasme over fifty years ago our time." He looked at
Qui-Gon steadily as he continued. "I have a twin sister named
Maureen. She has been trained as well."
Qui-Gon took in what he was being told and asked, "Your
grandfather, what was his name?"
"Noipreen Delco."
A faint recognition showed in Qui-Gon's eyes.
"I know that name." He spoke with some astonishment. "He was an
earlier apprentice to my Master."
Chi turned his attention to the floor and rocked on his heels.
"That would be Master Yoda," was his reply. Qui-Gon could see
that Malachi was not frowning, but he was not smiling either.
It was the same look Yoda had when discussing the same man.
Qui-Gon unconsciously rubbed his stomach as he thought. Seeing
this, Malachi responded immediately and started unhooking the
IV.
"The bathroom is right over there," Malachi spoke as he worked.
"Once I unhook this you will be able to move about more freely.
One of your ribs nicked your left lung but I managed to keep
the injury from getting worse. You'll have to take it easy,
however. I can only do so much. If it gets re-injured we may
have to operate."
"I'll take it easy then." As a test Qui-Gon tried to send out
some reassurance through the Force but immediately felt the
other man's shields. They were so tight Qui-Gon could almost
see his attempt at reassurance bouncing off Malachi.
Malachi picked up a bundle of clothing he had brought into the
room earlier and handed it to Qui-Gon.
"It's standard procedure to cut off any clothing that gets in
our way when working with a patient." Malachi said. "I'm sorry
but you lost most of yours. You can put these scrubs on for
now. Maury and your Padawan are out shopping for you as we
speak."
Qui-Gon speculatively eyed the blue scrubs Malachi had handed
him.
"Oh," Malachi said as he reached into an inner pocket of his
lab coat and pulled out Qui-Gon's lightsaber. Handing it to
Qui-Gon he continued. "I held on to this for safekeeping. The
rest of your things are in my car. Get dressed and I'll take
you home."
"Thank you."
Maureen threw a package of T-shirts into a shopping cart as
Obi-Wan exited a dressing room, carrying a pair of jeans.
"They fit okay?" She asked.
Obi-Wan nodded in reply.
"How tall is Master Jinn?" She asked, watching Obi-Wan
intently.
Obi-Wan frowned slightly before he answered.
"He's very tall." As he spoke he pointed to the '5" mark on the
measuring tape outside the dressing room. Then he frowned again
and became interested in the pattern on the carpeting below his
feet.
"Are you always this quiet?" Maureen asked.
"What do you mean?"
"I mean I seem to be the only one asking questions here."
Maureen started looking through stacks of jeans. "You're going
to have to start asking more questions when you're on missions
or you won't learn anything about the cultures you're working
with. Or did you sleep through that lesson back on Coruscant?"
Again Obi-Wan didn't meet her gaze.
"Obi-Wan, will you please tell me what's wrong?" She lowered
her shields enough for Obi-Wan to gain a sense of her
sincerity. "I'd like to help, if you'll let me."
Obi-Wan looked at her with a sad expression.
"Your brother is bringing Master Jinn to your house?" It was
more of a statement than a question.
"Yes." A frown creased Maureen's brow as she replied. "Is there
a reason why you don't want to see him?"
Obi-Wan ran his hand over the stack of clothes in front of him.
"I want to see him." His voice was a little shaky. "It's just
that I got angry today. Really angry."
"Yes. Getting angry isn't always a bad thing, Obi-Wan." Maureen
tried to explain. "It is how you deal with that anger that
matters."
"Master Jinn lost his last apprentice to the darkside of the
Force. He almost didn't take me as his Padawan because of
Xanatos." Obi-Wan sighed and then continued. "He didn't want me
at first. No one did. Everyone said I have too much of a
temper."
Maureen thought for a moment and started flipping through
shirts on a rack in front of her.
"About two years about I got shot while on duty. My partner
Kenny and I were following up a lead on a possible air plane
bombing. What we didn't know was that our suspect was having a
fight with his girlfriend when we knocked on his door. Law
officers hate domestic disputes because you never know what can
happen.
"Anyway, we knocked on the door and the suspect let us in.
About that time the girlfriend jumps into the room and emptied
ten rounds from a 9mm gun. It's a weapon that fires projectiles
called bullets. It's the same type of gun I carry for my job.
"I woke up in intensive care four days later. Chi was there
with me. I had taken two bullets to the chest." She paused a
moment before continuing. "Kenny wasn't so lucky. He died
before the ambulance got to the scene. He and I had been
partners ever since I had graduated from the Bureau's Academy.
He had three kids, all under the age of twelve. After Chi told
me Kenny had died I got really angry. Kenny was a good friend,
partner, father, and husband. To me it didn't seem fair that he
was the one who got killed."
Maureen threw a shirt into the cart and started moving toward
the shoe section. Obi-Wan followed.
"What did you do?" He asked.
"I closed down and felt sorry for myself. I didn't leave my
apartment. I didn't exercise. I wouldn't talk to anyone, not
even Chi. I was horrible to myself but I was worse to everyone
else. And then Chi had enough of my self pity and decided to do
something about it."
"What did he do?" Obi-Wan urged her to finish the story.
"He took me downstairs. We live above a warehouse that is used
as a Parks and Recreation Center. They have different classes
there, including martial arts training which Chi and I help
teach. Anyway, he took me downstairs, handed me my lightsaber
and told me to do my damnedest."
"You have a lightsaber?" Obi-Wan's eyes were bright with
surprise and Maureen chuckled a bit at his reaction.
"Yes, we both have lightsabers. Grandpa didn't leave Coruscant
without bringing some supplies with him" She smiled at Obi-Wan
and leaned on the cart to finish her story. "Knowing the
dangers of my anger, Chi still challenged me to fight him. It
was a brave move on his part because he really sucks with his
lightsaber. Up to Jedi standards, I'm sure we both do, but he
hadn't beaten me for close to twelve years."
"What happened?"
"I gave him everything I had. I put every ounce of anger and
frustration into my fighting. I felt all-powerful and I could
feel the draw of the darkside. That's when my overconfidence
got the better of me. I tripped and Chi gave me a second-degree
burn on my shoulder. I still have a scar."
Obi-Wan looked away and Maureen could tell he was considering
all that she had told him.
"Chi and I have a unique perspective on evil." She continued.
"Through our work we've both seen the damage caused by anger
and hatred. Nobody wins with the darkside. But I needed someone
to show me that, to teach me how to control my anger. That's
why the Jedi have the Master-Padawan system. It is important
that you learn from those who have more experience than you do.
I don't know your Master, but I do believe that he will want to
help you. You have to tell him what you're feeling. You need to
keep those lines of communication open or you'll both lose."
Obi-Wan nodded distantly. He was still considering what he had
been told and what he was going to tell Qui-Gon.
"Now," Maureen said in an ice breaking tone as she looked at
the bottom of a pair of boots. "How big are your Master's
feet?"
Obi-Wan looked at her and wrinkled up his nose.
It was the books that Qui-Gon first noticed when he entered the
twin's apartment. The walls were filled with shelves of them
stacked every way imaginable. Malachi tossed his keys onto a
table and started turning on lights.
"Here we are," he said moving down a hallway. "The guest
bedroom is right in here and the bathroom is the next door
down. Clean towels are under the sink."
Qui-Gon only half heard what Malachi was saying as he took in
his surroundings. He was drawn to as grouping of pictures on
one wall. Qui-Gon could easily recognize Malachi's sister
because of the resemblance. In one picture the twins were
hugging an elderly couple from behind. The older man's face
brushed at Qui-Gon's memory.
"This is your grandfather," he said.
"That's right." Malachi confirmed and pointed as he spoke.
"That's he and grandma at their 40th wedding anniversary. This
one is of our parents. They were killed in a plane accident
when Maury and I were very little. Our grandparents raised us.
And no, mom was not Force sensitive." Malachi added the last in
answer to Qui-Gon's unspoken question.
"I take it your grandfather is no longer living?" Qui-Gon
asked.
"No." Malachi smiled a sad smile. "They both died when we were
in college. Grandma got sick and died first. Grandpa took her
death very hard and died a year later. It's been just Maury and
me ever since."
"Hello," Maury called from the kitchen as she and Obi-Wan
entered through a back door. They dumped a number of bags on
the kitchen table. "You home?"
Qui-Gon and Malachi walked into the kitchen in response. The
room brightened visibly when Obi-Wan saw Qui-Gon.
"Master," he said, breathing a sigh of relief.
"I'm happy to see you too, Padawan." Qui-Gon replied as he put
his arm around Obi-Wan and hugged his shoulders, a genuine
smile on his face. "And you must be Maureen." He extended his
hand to Malachi's sister.
"Please, call me Maury." She replied and introduced Obi-Wan to
her brother. After introductions the twins fixed a light meal
and filled the two Jedi's in on different aspects of the United
States and Earth in general. After dinner Qui-Gon felt he had a
better understanding of his surroundings and he talked about
why he and Obi-Wan had traveled there.
"The Portal of Rasme was created over a century ago. It was
created by a Jedi who believed the Force could be utilized to
travel without the aid of a vehicle." Even though he was
addressing the twins as well as Obi-Wan, he directed his
attention towards his Padawan. "Master Rasme studied the Force
and meditated constantly to achieve this goal. He was so in
touch with the Force when he passed into it, that he was able
to direct his life force to become the portal, the very
manifestation of the Force he had been looking for all his
life."
"That doesn't sound bad." Obi-Wan said. "What did Master Rasme
do wrong?"
"Nothing," Qui-Gon answered in a voice Obi-Wan recognized as
his Master's teaching voice. "For all purposes Master Rasme
intended the portal to be his last gift to the Jedi."
"But even though something is created with good intent doesn't
mean it will be used with good intentions." Obi-Wan sounded as
though he were thinking out loud.
"Very good Padawan." Qui-Gon knew a lesson had been learned.
"At first the portal was use with good intentions. The outcome,
however, was difficult to control. You didn't always end up
where you thought you would. To compensate for this Rasme had
left a key of some sort to help control the portal. Then a
disturbed Padawan by the name of Putain Grigor found the
portal's temptation to be to great. He stole the key, entered
the portal and never returned."
"But others have traveled through the portal knowing they
didn't have the key to control it," Obi-Wan pointed out. "Why?"
"I don't know Padawan." Qui-Gon looked at the twin as he spoke.
"At least not this time."
Obi-Wan noticed the exchange of looks between the three.
Quietly Maureen fiddled with the pendant on her necklace. Her
brother was sitting with his arms crossed and not meeting
anyone's gaze.
"Apparently there was a rebellion within the Jedi Order."
Maureen looked to Qui-Gon who nodded for her to continue. "It
was peaceful but it caused a lot of hard feelings. Those who
had opposed the council decided they could no longer abide by
the council's rules so they left through the portal."
"The council gave them little choice in the matter." Qui-Gon
added. At this Malachi looked at Qui-Gon.
"You are obviously not a council member, Master Jinn." As he
spoke Malachi's feet twitched nervously on the coffee table
where they rested.
"Was your grandfather one of the rebels?" Obi-Wan asked as he
tried to put the pieces together.
"No. But Grandpa didn't agree with the council's decision to
force the rebels to leave." Malachi continued the story. "He
had recently passed his trials when his Master, Master Yoda,
took a council seat. They argued over the council's decision.
Before they had a chance to resolve their differences Grandpa
left Coruscant through the portal. It was his way of
protesting."
Qui-Gon watched as Maureen shivered involuntarily and Malachi
continued his defensive posture.
"Master Yoda saw that they portal was sealed so that it could
never be used in that way again." Qui-Gon tried to reassure the
twins. "He rarely speaks of your grandfather. I know he is very
sorry that they never had the chance to overcome their
differences."
"Well, we can't change the past." Maureen sighed as she spoke
and turned the conversation to the present. "If someone took
the risk of entering the Portal of Rasme, without any
guaranteed way of returning, they probably believe they can
find the key to control the portal. That has to be their
motive. So what does this key look like?"
Qui-Gon shook his head.
"The time lines between our worlds are different. All this
happened before I came to Coruscant. The portal is rarely
spoken of. Students aren't even told about it until they study
Rasme's teaching in the later years of their education."
"How many students are we talking about?" Maureen asked.
"At least fifty. Then there are all the Jedi who have been
knighted. We number in the thousands."
"So much for narrowing down the field on who came here before
you." Maureen commented with a sigh. "I'll admit, I'm not sure
where to start with this one."
"Grandpa might have a clue." Malachi got up and pulled a large
book out of a bookshelf. "He kept a journal for most of his
life. Maybe he had an idea about this key." He handed the
well-worn book to Qui-Gon as he continued. "Most of it contains
writings on things grandpa didn't want to forget. Things he
tried to teach us about the Jedi and his life before he left
Coruscant. If he did have an idea on the key it would be in
here."
"I'll look it over." Qui-Gon agreed.
Obi-Wan noticed he was starting to miss parts of the
conversation. The next thing he realized was his Master
encouraging him to go to bed for the night.
Qui-Gon was reading the journal when Obi-Wan woke up. He sat in
a chair by a window in the quest room. Framed in sunlight
Qui-Gon looked as intimidating as ever.
"Is something bothering you Padawan?" Qui-Gon asked without
looking up from his reading.
Obi-Wan knew there was no need to pretend he was sleeping so he
sat up.
"I didn't mean to rip my tunic Master. Or burn my cheek, or
trip in the hall at Coruscant." As he spoke Obi-Wan looked at
his hands in his lap. "I just wasn't having a good day."
Qui-Gon had a crease across his forehead when he closed the
journal. He moved to the edge of the bed and tugged on
Obi-Wan's braid, a signal for his Padawan to look at him.
"I know you didn't do these things intentionally Padawan."
Qui-Gon spoke with sincerity. "I was concerned, but things
being as they are, I haven't had the chance to tell you."
"You shut me out."
Qui-Gon sighed in response.
"Yes I did Obi-Wan, and I need to apologize for that. I guess I
wasn't having a good day either. This business with the portal
has a lot to do with council politics, and always manages to
bring out my anger. Yesterday you showed up a bad time for both
Master Windu and myself. Please don't take his comments
personally. As for our link, I closed it so that you could
enjoy your day off and not be distracted by my emotions. It has
been a while since I've had a Padawan, Obi-Wan. It's going to
take me some time to get used to having one again."
"But I am your Padawan? The council knows this?"
"Of course," Qui-Gon said, the crease on his forehead was back.
"Master Windu and Master Yoda were extremely pleased. Frankly
the rest of the council members had given up on me ever taking
a Padawan again. Nothing against you Obi-Wan, but I think they
paid more attention because it was I who was taking a Padawan."
Obi-Wan relayed his conversation with Bruck along with the
other problems he had with Bruck and his friends in the past.
When he finished Qui-Gon was leaning back against one of the
posts of the bed.
"No one's opinion matters but your own Obi-Wan." He spoke
quietly. "Before you became my Padawan you were, in a sense, in
competition with the other students at the creche. The Jedi
aren't supposed to promote this sort of competition but I know
it exists between students trying to be chosen as Padawans. Now
you don't have to compete that way anymore. The only one you
are competing against is yourself. And you may find yourself to
be a fierce competitor, the only one who can really hold
yourself back."
"I imagine guilt can be part of that." Obi-Wan spoke but didn't
look away from his Master.
"Go on."
Obi-Wan told Qui-Gon of the events and his emotions that led up
to his meeting with Maureen. Qui-Gon never flinched at what he
was being told. He simply sat quietly and listened.
"I wasn't sure I should tell you all this," Obi-Wan finished.
"I was afraid because of Xanatos."
The corner of Qui-Gon's mouth curved up into a sad smile.
"Do you know, Obi-Wan, that I can never remember having this
conversation with Xanatos? Maybe if I had, if Xanatos had been
brave enough to be honest with me, I wouldn't have been so
blind to his faults. But then again, he would have been a much
different person.
"Padawan, I am not pleased that you became angry." His blue
eyes seem to look into Obi-Wan's soul as he spoke. "But I would
be more upset if I found out you were trying to face your anger
without asking for my help or listening to me. You do have an
aggressive temper."
Obi-Wan straightened his shoulders quickly but Qui-Gon raised a
hand and continued.
"And so have many other Jedi's. We have all been exposed to the
dark power of the Force, on more than one occasion. That's why
everyone must be a Padawan before they become a Jedi Knight. My
job as your Master is to teach you and help you through the
rough times. What you felt yesterday won't be the last of it.
The more you learn about the light of the Force, the more you
will learn about the darkside."
"The more we control, the more we need to learn control,"
Obi-Wan repeated a basic temple lesson.
"Exactly."
"I guess it's a good thing I met Maury when I did." Obi-Wan
said with a smile. "What do you think?"
Qui-Gon thought a moment but was reluctant to return Obi-Wan's
enthusiasm.
"I think," he said after a moment, "that it is a good thing we
met both Maureen and Malachi before anyone else did."
Maureen walked into the kitchen drying her hair with a towel.
She reached towards her brother as he poured a cup of coffee.
"Gimme, gimme, gimme." She tried her best to sound desperate.
Malachi handed her the cup and she sank into a kitchen chair as
she took a large gulp.
"That's better," she said with a smile on her face.
"You're pathetic." Malachi shook his head at her.
"Thank you Mr. Pot-Calling-the-Kettle-Black!" Maureen replied
as she continued to grip the cup with both hands, savoring the
aroma. "Do you think they have coffee on Coruscant?"
"Grandpa never mentioned it," Malachi said as he sat down
opposite her. "I made a full pot, just in case."
"Then I hope they don't so I can drink Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan's
share." She took another drink and then set the cup down so she
could look at her brother clearly. "So, are you going to tell
me what's bothering you or do I have to guess?"
"I don't know." Malachi frowned and thumbed the edge of his
cup.
"Then let's begin with that little stunt you pulled last
night."
Knowing his sister wouldn't stop questioning him until he told
her the truth Malachi gave in to her inquiry.
"Qui-Gon was Master Yoda's Padawan." Malachi finished his
coffee and moved to the sink to rinse the cup out.
"So?"
"So, every time I think about Master Yoda it bother's me,"
Malachi continued. "He's the reason Grandpa left Coruscant.
Doesn't that bother you?"
Maureen grabbed an orange from a bowl on the table and started
to calmly peel it. "Nope," was her only reply.
"Well, it bothered Grandpa," Malachi flared at her.
"No, it didn't." Maureen was still calm. "It may have bothered
Jedi Knight Noipreen Delco, but it did not bother our
grandfather."
"What's the difference?" Malachi asked in exasperation.
"Grandma," she said as she started eating. "And mom and us.
Grandpa said that he thought he would never feel anything as
painful as fighting with his Master and leaving Coruscant
without reconciling with Master Yoda. That was until Grandma
died." Maureen looked seriously at her brother. "You know that.
You were there after Grandma's funeral when he told us."
When Malachi didn't meet her eyes she continued.
"Look, I understand that this bothers you. It would bother me
too if I took the time to dwell on it, but I don't. And unless
I've missed my guess, Grandpa's fight with Master Yoda isn't
what's bothering you."
Malachi fumbled with his mug and Maureen waited for him to
speak.
"I used the Force on Dan Chadwick yesterday. Twice." He spoke
quietly. "I've never done that to one of my coworkers before."
"You've used it on patients to calm them down. Right?"
"This is different." Malachi paced a little as he spoke. "I
wasn't helping Dan. I was wiping his memory so he didn't know I
was there."
"But you were helping Master Jinn," Maureen pointed out. "Don't
forget that."
"How can I forget it?" He threw his arms wide as he spoke. "I
was helping a Jedi. All my life I've known one Jedi, Grandpa.
And suddenly one shows up in the ER. I've been a plain old
doctor for years and now I have to start depending on the
Force. At least Master Jinn is human so I could help him." He
stopped and groaned a moment. "What in the hell are we gonna do
if those other two aren't human?"
"Hang on a minute," Maureen held her hand up to derail her
brother's train of thought. "One issue at a time here. Since
when do you have to stop being a plain old doctor?"
"Since they're here!" He pointed out into the apartment and
lowered his voice.
"I don't see that at all." She sat back in her chair,
scrunching up her face. "Master Jinn and Obi-Wan are here to
stop whoever came here before them. And let's not worry about
what species they are until we know exactly who we're dealing
with." She looked sternly at her brother before she continued.
"The fact that the Jedi Council sent Master Jinn and Obi-Wan
here indicates to me that they aren't happy with the situation
either. They don't want others doing the same thing."
"Okay," Malachi returned her seriousness, "that may not be what
the Council wants, but what about those other two? We don't
know what they want."
"We'll find them."
Malachi paced a little more.
"You know," he started. "It never bothered me that Grandpa
wasn't from Earth. It just didn't. And I didn't question the
Force or how to use it. I guess I thought I'd never have to.
When I saw Master Jinn, when I felt his presence, I realized
that I had to really use the Force. That I'm not a normal
doctor."
"Chi, you never were a normal doctor!"
"What's that supposed to mean?" He asked.
"How many doctors do you know are licensed chiropractors?
Practice acupuncture? Hell, you've got a whole shelf full of
books on herbal medicine and aromatherapy. Does Dan Chadwick
know any of those things?" She shook her head and continued.
"You didn't learn about alternative medicines because of the
Force. You did it because you really like to help people. And
you aren't closed minded enough to believe drugs are the only
way to heal. Don't let this situation try to change you into
something you're not. Just be yourself."
Chi thought for a moment and looked at her with a smile forming
at the corner of his mouth.
"I guess you do have a point." He said "Since when did you
become the wise one?"
"I didn't." Maureen replied as she started working on her
orange again. "I actually paid attention to the speech you gave
me after Kenny was killed."
Malachi smiled and nodded. He grabbed a wadded up paper towel
that was lying nearby and flung it at Maureen.
"Brat!" She spoke as she returned the favor with a piece of
orange peel. It was only then that they noticed their exchange
was being observed by Qui-Gon.
"Good morning," Chi chuckled as he spoke.
Part 4
For the first time since meeting them, Qui-Gon had the chance
to really look at the twins. The fact that they were brother
and sister was apparent in their physical appearance. They both
had dark brown hair; cut just below the chin on Maureen and
slightly longer on Malachi. Their eyes were the same shade of
brown. Even though Malachi sported a full, closely cropped
beard and mustache, Qui-Gon could see they had the same shaped
face, down to their slightly crooked noses. They were both
shorter than Qui-Gon but they would be considered tall by any
standards, and they were both physically fit.
It was the little things they did that proved them to be twins.
They both tilted their heads to the left when they smiled. They
unconsciously used the same hand gestures and had the same
posture. There was also the ease in which they communicated
with each other that made it clear they were bonded. It would
have been obvious even if the Force didn't flow through them as
freely as it did.
Qui-Gon stopped making comparisons at Malachi's greeting.
"Good morning," he replied and entered the kitchen. "I didn't
want to intrude." He was smiling now that some of the tension
had left the atmosphere.
"Well, the clothes seem to fit," Maury commented. Qui-Gon stood
before them wearing a dark blue T-shirt beneath a long sleeved
denim shirt and blue jeans. Maury looked beneath the table.
"Any of the shoes fit?"
Qui-Gon rocked on his heals in a new pair of tennis shoes.
"Yes," Qui-Gon replied. "You and Obi-Wan succeeded."
Malachi looked at the tennis shoes and then at his sister.
"Not exactly standard Jedi issue there Maury." He commented.
"Give me a break!" She returned to her brother with a
challenging look.
Malachi laughed at her and turned to their guest.
"You'll have to excuse Maury, Master Jinn. Mornings aren't her
best time of day. Can I offer you something to drink while I
fix breakfast? We have a drink called coffee or I can make you
a cup of tea."
"Tea would be fine." Qui-Gon moved slowly to take a seat.
"How's the side?" Maureen asked as she held her coffee cup out
for her brother to refill.
"Sore," Qui-Gon said as he tried to mentally shake the
stiffness that had settled in over night. "But it will pass."
"Good. Take it easy and everything should be okay." Malachi
spoke as he placed a cup of hot water and tea bag in front of
Qui-Gon. He then raised an eyebrow at Maureen as he refilled
her cup.
"I don't want it to go to waste." She explained with mock
innocence.
Qui-Gon missed the exchange as he looked at the tea bag in
front of him speculatively and then slowly lowered it into his
cup.
"I haven't had the chance to properly thank you for all you
have done for my Padawan and myself," Qui-Gon said.
"Not a problem. The Force takes you where you need to be."
Maureen took a drink of coffee as she spoke. When she looked
back at Qui-Gon, he was staring at her.
"I'm sorry." She suddenly became concerned and Malachi turned
his attention to Qui-Gon as well. "Did I say something wrong? I
meant no disrespect." Qui-Gon shook his head.
"It's all right," he said and smiled to reassure the twins.
"I'm just not used to hearing Jedi lessons spoken from someone
not taught at the temple. I am sorry that you have had this
thrust upon you."
Malachi shrugged and turned back to frying a pancake.
"Grandpa always taught us to be prepared." He flipped the
pancake as he spoke. "He believed he wasn't the first Jedi to
come to Earth through the portal. He said it would be foolish
to think he would be the last."
"Your Grandfather was a very wise man. I can tell as much from
reading his Journal."
"Thank you, Master Jinn," Malachi smiled as he replied. "That
means a lot."
Maureen quietly tugged on her necklace and smiled as well. Her
smiled turned into a laugh as Obi-Wan entered the room wearing
jeans and a Bruce Lee T-shirt.
"Obi-Wan," Maureen said, "that shirt is absolutely you." She
then turned to head off any questions Qui-Gon may have had. "He
was a popular martial artist here. Kids Obi-Wan's age get a
kick out of wearing shirts with all sorts of stuff on them.
He'll blend in just fine."
Qui-Gon was about to comment when a telephone started ringing
in the next room.
"Great," Maureen stood up to retrieve her cell phone.
"So much for taking the day off," Malachi said as she left the
kitchen. "Good morning Obi-Wan. Sit down and I'll serve you
some pancakes. They're my specialty."
"Good morning Malachi, Master." Obi-Wan said as he sat down.
Malachi froze as Obi-Wan's words.
"Oh, you might want to refrain from using the term master when
you're here," he said. "People here have a hard time with
underage kids calling adult males master. It might make someone
suspicious."
"We understand," Qui-Gon assured him. "Obi-Wan go ahead and use
my name for the time being."
Malachi set a plate of pancakes in front of his guests and was
about to join then at the table when his head snapped in the
direction of his sister. Qui-Gon rose from his seat and
followed Malachi into the next room. Obi-Wan was at his heels.
Maureen was listening to the phone. She didn't speak but
pointed at a closet door. Malachi nodded and moved in the
closet's direction. Maureen opened a closed compartment on a
book shelf to reveal a safe. The two Jedi watched as she
twisted the controls of a primitive lock and opened the safe.
She pulled out her handgun and checked the clip.
"It's a type of blaster," Obi-Wan explained to Qui-Gon in a
hushed tone. "It fires projectiles."
"I understand Harry." Maureen said into the phone. "I'll be
there as soon as I can." As she hung up Malachi pulled a heavy
black vest from the closet and threw it to her.
"What?" He asked.
"Hijacking," she answered as she pulled the bullet-proof vest
into place. "Tour bus downtown. DC Police are sending a car."
She turned her attention to the two Jedis. "Bus hijackings are
common only in the movies here."
"You think it may be the other Jedi?" Qui-Gon questioned her.
Maureen shook her head.
"I won't make any assumptions until we get there, but there is
a chance." She buttoned a shirt over her vest as the sound of a
police siren could be heard just outside the apartment. "You
can come with me but you have to promise me you stay out of the
way and do exactly what I tell you." Turning to her twin, "You
got your bag?"
"Yeah," Malachi responded as he a black leather bag into a
backpack.
"All right." Maureen placed her 9mm in her shoulder holster and
walked up to Qui-Gon. "I'm going to have to ask you to give
your lightsabers to Malachi. He'll keep them in his backpack
and he'll stay with you."
Obi-Wan looked wide-eyed to his Master for guidance.
Qui-Gon's blue eyes locked with Maureen's brown. "No," was
Qui-Gon's firm answer.
"Master Jinn," Maureen unconsciously rolled her shoulders
before squaring them. "This world is decades away from
lightsaber technology. "
"But what about the other Jedi?" Obi-Wan asked.
Qui-Gon's eyes never left Maureen, even as she looked away to
answer Obi-Wan's question.
"We don't know if this is them." She said. "But I can assure
you that the first person that pulls a lightsaber in a public
situation like this, will have half the United States Military
down their throats in a very short time." She looked back to
Qui-Gon. "I'd rather they not be going after either of you."
"I'll stay with you or I will give them back to you if we have
to separate." Malachi added.
"Please Master Jinn," Maureen requested. "At least until we
know what we're up against here."
As she spoke the siren could be heard stopping just outside the
building. Qui-Gon unhooked his lightsaber and handed it to
Malachi, instructing Obi-Wan to do the same. Malachi put them
in the backpack when someone starting pounding on the door. He
quickly turned off the stove and followed his sister.
"Coming," Maureen called and opened the door up to reveal a
uniformed officer.
"Agent Lee?" The officer asked.
"Yeah, let's go," she answered not wanting to waste time. When
the officer hesitated after seeing Malachi, Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan
head towards the door Maureen raised her hand and added, "We
don't have time for this. They're coming with us."
The officer turned and headed down to his car, aided by a
slight brush of the Force.
The ride to the location of the bus was short and uneventful.
Malachi quietly explained why cars moved out of the way of the
police car they were riding in and why they were effectively
locked into the back seat of the car. Soon they came upon a
police blockade. Maureen was out of the door the moment the car
stopped. Malachi and the Jedi's quickly moved to an area where
onlookers were gathering.
"I'm here." Maureen took a deep breath as she alerted he boss
to her presence.
"Good," Harry Eatinger said and held up a hand, concentrating
only on the FBI agents around him. "Harris, Tyler, see what you
can do about moving this crowd back. Johnson, pass the word
that we are going to make a switch."
He finally concentrated on Maureen by grabbing her upper arm
and heading towards the bus.
"Thanks for coming Maury." He said. "This one's weird."
"Who are we dealing with?" She was speaking to her boss but
neither of them looked at anything but the bus standing by
itself in the foreground.
"That the problem. We don't know."
"You mean the kidnappers won't identify themselves?" She asked,
"I mean we have yet to speak to anyone we can identify as
having taken over the bus."
Maureen stopped and looked at Harry as he continued.
"At approximately 8:15 am. tour shuttle number four left
Arlington National Cemetery to make it's usual stops around the
mall. It made routine stops at the Washington Monument, Lincoln
Memorial, Smithsonian, Air and Space Museum and the White
House. It was on it's way to the Jefferson Memorial when it
just stopped." Harry nodded to the bus before continuing.
"Someone on board has a cell phone because they called 911.
We've had the line patched through and I've got Bill Faber
trying to talk with them now.
"And?"
"And the phone just keeps getting handed off from one
hysterical tourist to the next."
As they continued their approach Maureen noticed Agent Faber
had one hand knotted in his own hair as he talked into a hands
free microphone. Sweat marks were starting to show around the
bulletproof vest he wore. Maureen tried to project a feeling of
calm to him as she listened to her boss.
"Kidnappers don't usually allow their hostages to make a lot of
noise like that," Maureen thought out loud.
"Hell," Harry snorted in reply. "We're not even sure how many
people are on board. Thirty seven got on at Arlington but with
all the stops they have made, who knows."
They finally got close enough to Faber to hear his half of the
conversation.
"Ma'am, if you could just calm down and give the phone to who
ever is in charge. I know you are scared ma'am, but ma'am..."
Faber started to pace as he spoke.
"Do we know what's being used to hold the bus?" Maureen asked.
"We assume someone has a gun, but there could be a bomb. We
can't get the hostages to agree on anything. We don't even have
a consistent count of the number of kidnappers. We do have
sharpshooters in place but they haven't been able to identify
anyone through their scopes."
Maureen could help but let her chin drop in disbelief as she
looked at Harry once more.
"Welcome to hell Maury," Harry said with a grim smirk. "You
ready?"
Maureen nodded as her boss signaled they were about to move her
into position. She used the Force to brush against Faber's
shoulder. It got his attention because he turned around and
made an excuse into the phone so he could make his exit.
Qui-Gon, Obi-Wan, Malachi stood at the back of a crowd of
onlookers and watched as Maureen walked towards the bus alone
with her hands open and held out to the sides for the hijackers
to see her clearly.
"This is what Maury does best." Malachi watched his sister
intently as he spoke. "She's a damn good listener in these
situations."
On his right hand Malachi started thumbing a simple ring he
wore. Qui-Gon observed the similarity to the way Maureen played
with her necklace.
"Negotiations skills are very important," Qui-Gon offered.
"Especially in our line of work."
"Mast...Qui-Gon," Obi-Wan grimaced a little in using his
Master's real name. "Something doesn't feel right."
"I agree," Qui-Gon said as he continued to watch the bus.
Malachi glanced at Qui-Gon and nodded before returning his
attention to his sister. He started thumbing his ring more
quickly.
Maureen lowered her shields to take in the Force around her.
There was an unnatural darkness centered around the bus and she
let out an involuntary gasp at the chill that swept over her.
She collected herself quickly and focused on being calm as she
waited for the phone to ring.
The crowd pushed in around Qui-Gon and he felt slightly annoyed
at the distraction. He still needed to heal and found it
difficult to maintain his calm.
"George?" A voice said next to him. "George, dude, it's got to
be you, man."
Realizing he was being addressed Qui-Gon turned to see a man
close to his own age with long graying hair drawn into a braid.
He wore a bandanna around his neck and a white T-shirt with a
picture of a skull and a red and blue circle on the front.
"It's me George," the man pointed to himself. "Arnie, from
Chicago."
"I'm sorry, you must be mistaken." Qui-Gon assured the man and
turned his attention back to Maureen who was obviously talking
to someone through her headset.
"No man," Arnie was persistent. "It's me."
Qui-Gon looked at Arnie and considered what he could do to
quietly make Arnie less of a distraction.
"Hey man," Malachi interrupted to help Qui-Gon out. "Jerry
Garcia lives."
"Oh you know it!" Arnie beamed. "Long live the Dead."
"Hey, did you see Rosie over there?" Malachi asked Arnie and
pointed to the opposite end of the crowd. Arnie's eyes went
wide as he spoke.
"No, is she here?"
"Yeah man," Malachi continued. "I think I saw her over there by
those buildings."
"Really," Arnie was quite interested and started moving in that
direction. "Thanks bro."
After he left, Qui-Gon turned to Malachi.
"The Dead?" He asked.
Malachi was focusing on his sister but let out a slight smile.
"They're a music group. I'll tell you about it later."
"I see," Qui-Gon sighed as he spoke, but his voice did not give
his frustration away. He tried to center himself and remembered
Obi-Wan. He was considerably surprised to find that Obi-Wan was
no longer standing on the other side of Malachi.
"Obi-Wan?" He called. Malachi turned to look for the missing
boy as well.
"There he is." Scanning the area Qui-Gon saw his Padawan
exiting the crowd and running behind a building. Qui-Gon
started pushing his way through the crowd to follow him.
"Qui-Gon wait!" Malachi called as he nervously looked back at
his sister and then to the Jedi Master. He glanced once more at
his sister and then started after Qui-Gon. With his back turned
he didn't see Maureen hold her hands out in a stopping motion
as the bus jerked forward and started driving in her direction.
Part 5
Obi-Wan noticed the back of the Jedi cloak as the figure
wearing it pushed their way through the front of the crowd. He
looked nervously at Qui-Gon and Malachi who were busy talking
to a stranger. The figure in the cloak moved away from the
crowd and headed towards a nearby alley. Not wanting the Jedi
to get away, Obi-Wan followed, making his way quickly through
the crowd.
When Obi-Wan entered the alley the Jedi in front of him
stopped. Obi-Wan stopped in response, his anticipation made it
impossible to speak. For several moments only the bottom of the
Jedi's cloak moved as it swayed slightly in the breeze. Then
the Jedi jerked to life and sprinted towards the end of the
alley.
As the Jedi ran a mass of golden hair and a padawan braid fell
out from the hood. Obi- Wan didn't let his surprise stop his
pursuit. He still could not see the Jedi's face clearly but he
suspected it was one of the older padawans.
Obi-Wan chased the other padawan through a maze of back alleys
and side streets. Finally, the padawan ducked around yet
another corner. When Obi-Wan followed he found himself blocked
by a tall fence. The other padawan had obviously used the Force
to help them climb the fence because he or she was already over
it and well across the construction site on the other side.
Obi-Wan quickly climbed the fence and jumped to the other side.
He landed on the other side with his ankle twisted and he
briefly fell to the ground. He got up and limped after the
other padawan.
He was halfway across the construction site when he noticed the
other padawan had again stopped in front of him. Obi-Wan slowed
down to accommodate the pain in his ankle and felt frustrated
at his clumsiness. The Jedi just stood still; their back turned
to Obi- Wan. As he approached Obi-Wan grew angry with the other
Jedi. It was their fault he had fallen. It was their fault that
he had come to this world in the first place.
In an easy manner the golden-haired padawan walked away from
Obi-Wan.
"Of all the arrogance," Obi-Wan gritted through his teeth. His
limp became more pronounced and his frustration grew. Not
seeing a large rock in front of him, Obi-Wan tripped and landed
in the dirt. The Jedi didn't look back. Obi-Wan slammed his
palm against the ground and cursed. A bitter grimace crossed
his face. The other padawan came to another fence and smoothly
climbed it.
The padawan's profile revealed nothing to Obi-Wan. The padawan
was female was definitely older than Obi-Wan. She was in an age
group that didn't have much contact with Obi-Wan's group.
Obi-Wan's shoulders trembled as he watched her walk away. He
would have to tell Qui-Gon he had lost her.
Thinking of his Master, Obi-Wan took a deep breath to center
himself. Some of his frustration left as he exhaled. A tendril
of guilt plagued him once again as he pushed himself to his
feet. He turned back to where he had entered the lot to find
his Master and Malachi on the other side of the fence. Qui-Gon
was doubled over and Malachi was gently lowering him to the
ground.
Maureen rubbed her temples as she studied the smashed car in
front of her. It was the car she had been standing in front of
just moments before, when the bus had started rolling toward
her. The bus hadn't been going very fast, but it moved fast
enough to total the front end of a car that had been it's only
blockade.
The pounding in her head seemed to alter Maureen's perception
of what was happening. FBI agents were rushing around her as
dazed passengers started filing off the bus. She felt someone
brutally shove her to the ground. Distantly she heard Harry's
voice telling her to lie still. As she lay there the oddest
sensation washed over her. It was as if she had been swimming
in the deep end of a swimming pool. The strange pressure was
dissipating around her and she slowly cut through the fog of
her senses.
"All clear," someone yelled from the bus. Harry dragged her to
her feet.
"What the hell were you doing standing there like that Maury?"
He asked as he turned her around to look at her, his hand
firmly gripping her upper arm.
"I'm not sure what happened," Maureen stammered in reply.
"I'll tell you what happened," Harry continued. "When that bus
started rolling you moved out of its way. Not very quickly, I
might add. Then you just froze as it collided with Agent
Wilkin's Taurus. And you just stood there when we stormed the
bus. You know better than that Agent Lee. We're you trying to
get yourself shot?"
The use of her last name shook the final cobwebs away from
Maureen's mind.
"What we got?" Harry asked an agent who was just leaving the
bus.
"We've got nothing sir," he said. "No guns, no kidnappers, no
nothing."
"I just heard one of the passengers say there was no kidnapper
and he was demanding to know what's going on."
Maureen carefully considered all that she had heard. Somehow
she knew this turn of events was connected to the pressure she
felt when she started trying to negotiate with those on board
the bus. As was her norm, Maureen tried to send out a calming
effect to those she was talking to over the phone. This time
when she used the Force, however, it did not have the desired
effect. She felt a strong sensation of darkness and quickly
became engulfed in a feeling of pressure. The pressure had
slowed her responses and she had been sluggish to move away
from the bus. When the bus had collided with the car she felt
something snap within the Force around her.
"I guess it's a good thing they didn't find any guns. Right
Agent Lee?" Harry asked sarcastically and then roughly released
her arm.
Maureen followed Harry as he walked towards the bus. Paramedics
were working with the bewildered passengers. The FBI agents
started moving off the bus to make room for the forensics team.
As one of the men exited Maureen noticed he kicked a small rock
out of the bus. Maureen saw that Harry was preoccupied so she
moved over to stand by the rock. She bent down as if to brush
the dirt off the front of her jeans and quickly palmed it. The
rock vibrated as it came in contact with her hand. As she had
suspected, it was Force sensitive.
Sliding the rock into her pocket she turned her attention to
the crowd of onlookers, already sensing that Malachi was not
there. She brushed off the paramedic that Harry had sent to
check on her and moved to her boss' side. It was time to let
the forensics crew do their job, even though Maureen was
already certain they would find nothing.
It had only taken Qui-Gon a minute to push through the crowd
and follow his apprentice. He was initially concerned over
Obi-Wan's disappearance but now he was more concerned with the
boy's impulsiveness. That trait was quickly becoming a problem
for their Master-Padawan relationship. But Qui-Gon also knew
that Obi-Wan had seen something important to make him act so
quickly.
He was able to follow Obi-Wan's progress through the alleys,
catching glimpses of him as he rounded corners and dodged
behind buildings. Luckily these streets were empty with almost
everyone in the area going to see what was happening with the
bus.
Qui-Gon tried to keep up with his padawan despite the
tenderness in his side. He had not fully healed from the blow
he had sustained and his muscles were constantly reminding him
of their discomfort. He also suspected that his discomfort was
well known to Malachi who was only a few paces behind and
gaining on him quickly.
When Qui-Gon rounded the last corner his breathing had become
labored. He stopped at the fence and then made an effort to
climb it. The strain on his side was too much. A bolt of pain
swept through him and it was all he could do to cling to the
wire of the fence without falling. He watched helplessly as
Obi-Wan fell to the ground and the other padawan escaped. A
strong pair of arms encircled his torso and supported him,
helping him off the fence. Malachi supported him as he gently
lowered Qui-Gon to the ground.
"Easy Qui-Gon," Malachi said as he performed an initial check
of the Jedi Master. "I need you to lie still. Take deep
breaths."
Qui-Gon flinched when Malachi touched his side but he continued
to breathe without interruption. He heard Malachi breathe a
sigh of relief.
"We you didn't do yourself any good, but I think you'll live."
Malachi said grimly. "Qui-Gon you have to give yourself time to
heal."
They looked up to see Obi-Wan scaling the fence near them.
"Mast...Qui-Gon," Obi-Wan corrected himself. " Are you
alright?"
"I'll be fine Obi-Wan," Qui-Gon assured him. "You should not
have run off like that."
Obi-Wan hung his head.
"I'm sorry Master," he said quietly.
"We'll discuss it later," Qui-Gon said as he slowly moved to
his feet with Malachi's help. "Did you recognize the padawan?"
"I don't know her name but I've seen her before," Obi-Wan
offered after thinking a moment. "She's older than me. She's a
blond human. I think I've seen her with Master Bereethe."
Qui-Gon closed his eyes and focused on his breathing. Deep
breaths were coming easier to him.
"I believe Master Bereethe's padawan was a blond female." He
spoke quietly. "And Master Bereethe is an expert on Master
Rasme."
Malachi noted the frown Qui-Gon wore on his otherwise placid
face. He did not try to stop Qui-Gon when he moved to stand up.
He could see Qui-Gon's shoulders were slightly forward.
"A friend of yours?" Malachi asked.
Qui-Gon nodded but did not look up from the ground.
Obi-Wan caught everyone's attention when he asked, "What about
Maury?"
Malachi focused on his sister for a few moments. He became
confident she was all right as he noticed members of the
construction crew returning to their work in the adjoining
field. Apparently the show was over.
"She's fine," he said. "But she'll probably be busy for a
while. I suggest we take the subway home and let Qui-Gon rest.
I'll call Maury and let her know. She will meet us as soon as
she can."
Malachi started walking away, keeping a close eye on Qui-Gon.
The Jedi Master walked as if there were lead weights holding
him down. This bothered Obi-Wan who fell into step beside him.
After a moment Qui-Gon placed his hand on Obi-Wan's shoulder
and gave his apprentice a sad smile. The group traveled in
compatible silence until they made their way back to the
apartment.
It was almost 5:00 p.m. by the time Maury made it home. She
heard noises coming from one of the recreation rooms below the
apartment and stopped in there before going upstairs.
Malachi and Obi-Wan were in full sparring gear, going through
some basic Taekwon Do fight combinations. Maury stood in the
doorway and watched them for a moment. Obi- Wan was obviously a
fighter but was just as obviously unfamiliar with hand to hand
fighting techniques.
"Keep your guard up Obi-Wan," Maureen shouted in encouragement.
"Chi has long legs, be prepared."
Obi-Wan managed to hold his own very well but was no match for
the seasoned black belt. In an unguarded moment Obi-Wan found
Malachi's left foot on inch away from the right side of his
head. Malachi slowly retracted his leg and smiled.
"And that's why you need to keep your guard up," He said.
"I haven't had much training in hand to hand combat." Obi-Wan
panted as he started removing his headgear.
"Let me guess," Maury said as she walked into the training
room. "They concentrate on lightsaber practice first."
Green eyes bobbed as Obi-Wan nodded.
"Makes sense," Malachi added. "Weaponry takes more time to
master. Especially a lightsaber." He turned his full attention
to his twin. "I needed a work out and Obi-Wan obliged. What did
you find out?"
Maury crossed her arms in front of her and sighed.
"Where's Qui-Gon?" She asked.
"Upstairs resting," Malachi answered. "He should be doing much
better now. I made him concentrate on healing himself."
"The forensics team found nothing," Maury paced the living room
as she spoke. "Not that I expected them to find anything."
"We know the other Jedi who are involved," Qui-Gon said from
the sofa he had been resting on. "That will help us."
"Easy for you to say, Master Jinn. Our people have a hard time
with things they can't explain."
"It would have been helpful if I had caught Master Bereethe's
padawan." Obi-Wan frowned as he spoke.
"You must focus on the moment Obi-Wan," Qui-Gon instructed.
"Not dwell on the past. Perhaps some meditation is in order
while I hear what Maury has to say."
"But..."
Qui-Gon lifted his hand and gently pointed at Obi-Wan.
"Your anger has gotten out of control twice since we came
here." Qui-Gon's eyes copied the seriousness of his voice. "You
cannot risk letting it overtake you at a more inappropriate
time. Our success depends on clear thinking."
"Yes, Master."
When Obi-Wan had settled himself in the kitchen the
conversation started again in the living room.
"As I was saying," Maury continued. "It will be frustrating
dealing with this hijacking knowing what I know and not being
able to tell anyone."
"As long as we can stop these two Jedi, without anyone getting
hurt, this problem will eventually go away." Malachi offered.
"But how did they manage to take control of the bus in the
first place."
Maureen reached into her pocket, pulled out the stone she had
picked up at the bus site, and tossed it onto the coffee table
in the middle of the room. The pale green color of the stone
was reflected in the shiny wood below it.
Qui-Gon picked it up to inspect it.
"Correlian marcasite." He said as he handed it to Malachi.
"I've never heard of it being Force sensitive before."
"This rock was on the bus." Maureen said. "Is it possible that
the Jedi used it to control the hostages?"
Qui-Gon said nothing for a long time. Malachi noticed the pause
but continued to inspect the stone. After a few minutes Maureen
grew restless.
"Excuse me," she glared at Qui-Gon impatiently. "I asked you a
question."
Qui-Gon looked directly at her.
"I was trying to remember if I had heard of such a thing." His
face was grim. "I don't believe I have. But, it is possible."
"Thank you," Maureen punctuated her words by returning
Qui-Gon's glare back to him. She started pacing again.
"So they used this as an amplifier for the Force?" Malachi
asked.
"Hello," Maureen gave him and exasperated look and pointed to
Qui-Gon. "He just said that. Weren't you listening?"
"Well excuse me," Malachi threw back at her. "You don't need to
jump down my back. I didn't take a bus load of people hostage."
Qui-Gon looked from one sibling to the other and shook his
head.
"I don't think either one of your attitudes is helping this
situation."
"Back off Master Jinn," Malachi glared. "We didn't exactly ask
for this."
Maureen responded by moving closer to her brother and fixing
him with a hard stare.
"Yes, I think we've already discussed that this morning."
"Apparently, you both were not well trained in dealing with
sibling rivalry." Qui-Gon spoke under his breath but loudly
enough for the twins to hear him."
"And just what it the hell is that supposed to mean?"
Obi-Wan sat in a lotus position in the kitchen and concentrated
on his breathing. He tried centering on his frustration and
letting it diffuse into the Force. As he tried, however, he
felt it bouncing back into his being. He continued to
concentrate and try and pinpoint the source of his problem. A
sluggish feeling draped over his thoughts and he started to
feel an overwhelming sense of pressure in the force. It was
forcing his anger back upon Obi- Wan.
Obi-Wan opened his eyes in realization. It wasn't his fault
that he had lost control of his anger. Someone or something was
using his emotions against him. It was the same as when he had
first come to Earth and when he had tried to confront Master
Bereethe's padawan.
"I have had enough of this bickering!"
Qui-Gon's yelling caught Obi-Wan's attention. He moved into the
living room where his Master, Malachi, and Maureen were all
yelling at each other.
Fighting back the impulse to give into his frustration and join
the argument, Obi-Wan tested the Force to find the source of
the disturbance. He eyes were quickly drawn to a pale green
rock sitting on a table between the other three. Obi-Wan could
feel the negative energy emanating from this stone.
He looked around quickly and noticed two pieces of metal
tubing, a little larger than the size of a lightsaber, sitting
on a bookshelf. One tube was silver and the other black. Obi-
Wan grabbed the silver one and noticed a small light bulb
behind a polymer sheet on one side. Despite the plastic end the
tube felt solid. Obi-Wan stepped over to the arguing adults and
slammed the rod down on the rock, smashing it into smaller
pieces.
Part 6
Qui-Gon inhaled deeply and blinked his eyes. The tension of the
room splintered and broke apart, like the piece of marcasite
Obi-Wan had smashed. The air seemed cleaner as if some choking
gas had been vented. Across from him Malachi sank down into a
chair, face slightly gray with fatigue and Maureen pressed her
fingers against her temples as if fighting a headache. The
tightness in her features betraying her pain.
Obi-Wan's face wore a sheen of sweat and his skin was
unnaturally pale.
"The stone," Obi-Wan looked to his Master, his voice a little
dazed. "I think it had something to do with my anger. Or at
least, something was helping me lose control, just like it was
doing to the three of you."
"I think you're right, Padawan. I believe Master Beerethe and
his Padawan were able to channel emotions using this stone as
an amplifier."
"The fear on the bus," Maureen commented with an effort, still
rubbing her temples. "People have become more and more afraid
of terrorist acts in the U.S."
"My guess is the stone amplifies an emotion already present."
Qui-Gon added.
"That would explain why the people on the bus overreacted to
nothing," Maury agreed. "And our frustration."
"So much for emotional control." Malachi frowned.
"We are still human," Qui-Gon assured them. The trace amount of
humor in his voice had a comforting effect on the rest of the
group. "That isn't always a bad thing."
A corner of Malachi's mouth tilted up.
"I'll try to remember that." He said.
Maureen pushed both hands through her hair and rotated her head
from side to side.
"Okay," she sighed. "Someone tell me what the chances are that
this is the only stone they have."
"Force sensitive stones are not as rare as we would like to
believe." Qui-Gon inspected a small chunk of the jade as he
spoke. "I've never seen one with this property before. But I
doubt anyone would risk traveling the Portal without being
prepared." He pushed the larger pieces of marcasite aside and
collected the remaining dust in his hand. "We should separate
the remaining pieces so they can't be used together." Opening
the front door he gently blew the dust outside.
"How did Master Beerethe and his Padawan come in contact with
this stone at the temple?"
Qui-Gon contemplated Obi-Wan's question as he watched the
marcasite dust disappear in the breeze.
"I don't know Padawan," he said. "But we've run out of time.
They're going to hurt someone if we don't stop them."
"If only we had some idea of what they were looking for."
Maureen slumped into a chair and continued to rub her temples.
"God, I need a work out," she grumbled under her breath.
Qui-Gon straightened up and moved back to the couch, picking up
the journal that had belonged to the twin's grandfather.
"It's time to consult our elders." Qui-Gon skimmed though the
pages of the journal as he spoke. "Your grandfather mentioned
the names of two people in his journal. He believed these were
members of the original group of Jedi who had left Coruscant
and ended up on Earth." Finding the page he was looking for,
Qui-Gon read the names out loud. "Bodhidharma, and Rasputin."
"Legend has it that Bodhidharma was a priest who lived in China
close to two thousand years ago." Maureen said with a slight
frown. "Supposedly he traveled to a Buddhist temple in the
mountains. When he got there he found the priests inhabiting
the temple were very sickly, malnourished, and weak. He set up
an exercise program to strengthen their bodies, minds and
spirits. What he started has been passed on and is now the
foundation of modern Martial Arts. The Taekwon Do that Chi and
I teach is one type of martial art."
"And the other?"
"He was considered to be a very shady character who lived in
Russia in the earlier part of this century." Malachi started.
"The heir to the thrown at that time was a very sick child.
Rasputin seemed to be able to help the child and the child's
mother became very influenced by this man, making others
jealous. He was murdered and I think it was his death that made
Grandpa believe he was a Jedi. According to legend he had to be
shot, beaten, stabbed, exposed to the elements and drowned
before he finally died. Through out the process he escaped
several times making Grandpa believe he had some control of the
Force."
"Grandpa and I had differing opinions on that point. He may
have had some control of the Force, but Rasputin was not on the
same caliber of man as Bodihidharma." Maureen interjected.
"Good old Grigory was a womanizer and an opportunist. He didn't
do anything that would not have helped him financially or
politically."
"What did you call him?" Qui-Gon asked.
Maureen replayed her words in her mind.
"Oh, I'm sorry," she said. "Rasputin's full name was Grigory
Efimovich Rasputin."
Qui-Gon inhaled sharply.
"That's him," he said. "The Padawan who stole the key to the
Portal of Rasme. His name was Putain Grigor."
________________________________________________________________________
Lost in his or her own thoughts, no one spoke for a long time.
Eventually Maureen rubbed her face with both hands and gave out
a little chuckle.
"What?" Malachi asked.
"Oh, nothing," she shook her head as she spoke. "I just
realized that Grandpa was right ....again. Like I shouldn't be
used to that now." She rubbed her face again.
"At least now we have a direction to move in." Qui-Gon
commented. "What else can you tell me about this Rasputin?"
"Not much I'm afraid," Maureen frowned. "Russian history isn't
my forte."
"That's something in itself," Malachi rubbed his chin as he
spoke. "Russia is on the other side of the Earth. If this
Master Beerethe and his Padawan could somehow guide the portal
to take them where they needed to go, why come here? And all
this doesn't explain hijacking that bus."
"I don't think they were interested in the bus at all," Obi-Wan
spoke up.
"Why do you say that?"
"Because when I saw the other Padawan, she was leaving the
area. Once the crowd had formed she was no longer interested in
what was happening with the bus."
"So she was creating a diversion," Qui-Gon said thoughtfully.
"This bus is a form of public transportation, correct?"
A pair of nods confirmed his suspicions.
"Is there anything on the bus route that could be related to
Rasputin or Russia?"
"Well there's Arlington National Cemetery," Maury extended her
fingers as she named the landmark sites. "The Washington
Monument, the Lincoln Memorial, the Smithsonian..."
She stopped and looked intently at her brother. Twin pairs of
eyes glowed with realization.
"Of course," Maureen said. "I must be losing it. I need to make
a call."
She held out her hand and called her cell phone to her with a
touch of the Force. Pressing a button she placed the phone to
her ear and started pacing a little.
Malachi moved over to a bookshelf.
"The Smithsonian Institution is probably the greatest
collection of museums on Earth." His fingers brushed across
several volumes as he spoke. "And they recently had an Exhibit
on Russian Antiquities. Ah, here it is. This was such a neat
exhibit that I bought the catalogue."
Obi-Wan and Qui-Gon watched as Malachi flipped the pages.
Glossy photos showed images of Russian artistry and wealth from
a time long past in the countries history.
"Captain Benton please. Maureen Lee." Obi-Wan heard Maureen say
as she paced just inside the kitchen door. He continued to look
at the book Malachi had presented while he kept watch of
Maureen movements.
"Here, this is what I was looking for." Malachi stopped
flipping pages and pointed to a picture in the book. " I
remember there being at least one item attributed to Rasputin."
Obi-Wan looked closely at the picture provided. It was a solid
gold cross with elaborate metal work and encrusted with several
jewels. At the center of the cross was an uncut stone that
seemed misplaced amongst the delicately jeweled ones around it.
"Hello Captain," Maureen was speaking again. "Yes, it was an
interesting situation. No, I'm fine. Thanks for asking. Captain
have you heard of anything interesting happening at the
Smithsonian today? Really?"
Maureen slowed her pace and listened intently for a long time.
Her pause in speech attracted Qui-Gon and Malachi's attention
as well.
"Interesting," She said at last. "Were they hurt? Good. I'm not
sure. It just seemed logical if you consider the bus route.
Thanks Captain. I'll keep you informed." She hung up the phone
and turned to the rest of the group. "Obi-Wan, you get a gold
star. The bus incident was only a diversion. While much of DCPD
was busy with the bus, someone entered the rooms where the
Russian Antiquities exhibit was located."
"Is that so strange in a museum here?" Qui-Gon asked.
"No," Maureen continued. "People come and go throughout the
Smithsonian all the time. What our friends didn't anticipate
when they planned their diversion is that the Smithsonian
increased their security once they heard about the bus. They
were on the look out for suspicious activity. And when someone
deliberately entered a closed off area of the Smithsonian, it
caught Securities attention."
"Closed?" Malachi's eyebrows knitted together. "Why was the
exhibit closed?"
"Because the exhibit ended last Friday," came the reply. "It
has been packed up and waiting to be sent to the West Coast for
another showing."
"You asked if someone had been injured," Qui-Gon said.
"Yes, two security guards were dispatched to intercept the
trespasser. When security caught up with them they were sitting
on the floor, confused about what had happened."
"Master Bereethe used the Force on them." Qui-Gon hung his head
as they spoke the words.
"Apparently this Master Bereethe was trying to find out where
the exhibit had been moved to." Maureen then added, "He didn't
hurt them. That's significant."
Qui-Gon nodded but continued to frown.
"So where is the exhibit now?" Malachi asked.
"The museum curator's are not saying but how would you send a
priceless exhibit across country?"
Malachi thought for a moment about all the security lessons his
sister had told him in the past.
"I'd probably fly it unmarked aboard a commercial passenger
flight." He said finally. "That's where the best security is."
Maureen nodded in agreement.
"Dulles?" Malachi asked.
"No," Maureen answered as she picked up the flashlight Obi-Wan
had used to smash the Force Sensitive stone. "Baltimore
International." She tossed the flashlight to her brother and
retrieved the black one from its resting-place. "We might need
these."
With a frown Malachi looked at the flashlight in his hand and
nodded. Stepping back he used a touch of the Force to activate
the lightsaber within the cylinder. A soft white beam with
intermittent patches of blue, pink, and green emerged with a
familiar hum. Malachi moved the saber through a riposte to
check for balance and then powered the saber down.
Qui-Gon's eyes widened.
"You have lightsabers?" It was a statement more than a
question.
Maureen copied her brother's actions with her own saber. Her
blade was a deep amber color.
"Yes, Master Jinn." She answered carefully. "Grandpa insisted
on it but we've never used them in public. I meant what I said
earlier. This world is not ready for the Force and the
technology that you are used to."
Malachi chuckled a little as he thumbed a red button on the
side of his lightsaber's casing.
"When Grandpa told us about the portal he emphasized that
someone else could come through it at any time, and that we
should always be prepared for when that happened. We keep these
disguised as flashlights so we can carry them if we ever need
to, without attracting too much attention." Malachi explained.
"The saber cannot be turned on without using the Force to
activate the blade. But the flashlight is just a simple
flashlight. Obi-Wan broke my bulb."
"Better that than your focusing stone," Maureen commented.
Setting her lightsaber down she left the room to gather some
supplies.
"May I?" Qui-Gon asked and held out his hand.
"Of course," Malachi said as he turned his saber over to
Qui-Gon to inspect. "We promised Grandpa that we would never
use these unless it was absolutely necessary. It feels strange
to be faced with that prospect at this time."
"I've never seen a saber that's multicolored before," Obi-Wan
commented, watching the colored patches of the saber glow as
his master examined the blade.
"The focusing crystal is an opal." Malachi explained. "A friend
traveled to Australia and brought back a simple rock for me as
a gift. When she gave it I could feel its Force sensitivity
immediately. She had no idea that inside the rock was the
crystal I had been seeking to finish my saber. My only concern
is that opals are naturally fragile."
"You grandfather brought the rest of the materials with him?"
Qui-Gon asked as he finished his inspection.
"All of the important components, yes." Maureen answered as she
reentered the room. "He brought several supplies with him when
he left Coruscant. It was up to us to find and cut our focusing
crystals. Mine is made of a smoky quartz crystal I found in a
river bed. Now we must hurry. The airport is an hour away from
here and our Jedi friends have several hours of a head start."
Malachi picked up his doctor's bag and grabbed his car keys off
a nearby table.
"I'll drive." He said and they headed out the door.
To be continued...Comments always welcomed at
Sphinx@hyperchat.com
Part 7
Qui-Gon watched the scenery pass by from the back seat of
Malachi's car. He gently tugged on the straw to a vanilla milk
shake he had received when the group stopped for food. Maureen
had not eaten since early in the morning and the sun was
rapidly setting to the West. Qui-Gon's expression had shown his
surprise when Obi-Wan placed his own order. Instead of
questioning this, Qui-Gon requested the same and was now slowly
sipping a drink that was a little too sweet for his taste.
In his mind Qui-Gon considered the events of the past few days.
He could sense that when they met with Master Bereethe and his
Padawan their situation would reach a climax, and that climax
was fast approaching. Even more frustrating for Qui-Gon was his
relationship with Obi-Wan. There seemed to be no improvement in
their relationship and that bothered the Jedi Master. Obi-Wan's
bouts of anger, although artificially induced, had reawakened
Qui-Gon's doubts about his training abilities. Could he still
be the type of Master able to lead a young mind away from the
dark and show him the right path? Without question Qui-Gon
could see that Obi-Wan was very intelligent and full of promise
to the Jedi Order. Would not that promise be better trained by
someone who was younger and more confident in their abilities?
Yet Qui-Gon remembered the smile on his Padawan's face when
they first saw each other after traveling through the Portal.
Obi-Wan's smile had done much to remove the lingering pain
Qui-Gon experienced as a result of being hit by the car. Behind
a slight smile Qui-Gon thanked the Force for bringing Obi-Wan
into his life.
"So what's the plan?"
Malachi's question intruded on Qui-Gon's thoughts.
"We know the airline, so finding the correct hanger won't be
difficult." Maureen turned in her seat so she could look at all
the car's occupants. "However, I am concerned about security.
It will be tough to get through without raising suspicions."
"In what way?" Qui-Gon asked.
"As an F.B.I. agent I can get us in the door. But I don't want
to use that advantage." Maury paused to consider her words
carefully. "I don't want to place my concerns about the future
ahead of stopping this Master Bereethe and his Padawan.
However, it will be much harder for Malachi and myself to
explain certain things if my presence here is recorded
officially. And there will be security cameras."
"Then we will have to disable the cameras."
"Actually, that might not be necessary." Maureen reached into
the bag she brought and pulled out two small electronic
devices. "These are a type of radio transmitter a friend of
mine was developing at work. He was trying to create a better
wireless radio for negotiators and I helped him test these. The
problem was that in all film footage of the test my image came
back extremely blurred. My friend eventually scrapped the
project because the radios didn't meet his expectations. I kept
the transmitters for just this type of occasion."
Qui-Gon inspected one of the devices.
"I'm not sure why my image was blurred," Maureen continued.
"But I believe it has something to do with the Force. No other
image was blurred on the film. There are two drawbacks. The
first is that I only have two of these."
"You and Malachi should keep these with you." Qui-Gon said.
"You are in more danger of being recognized. What's the second
drawback?"
Maureen shrugged and continued.
"Even if these distort our image on security tape, there's no
guarantee that the F.B.I. lab can't remove the distortion
later."
"That's a risk we'll just have to take," Malachi said with
conviction.
"Agreed," his sister replied. "And if we're lucky, and we stay
close to each other, the radios may keep all of our identities
concealed."
"We should separate into two groups," Qui-Gon said. "Which of
you has the best skills with your lightsaber?"
"Maury does," Malachi spoke without hesitation. "But it's been
awhile since either of us worked with them."
"Then I want Obi-Wan to go with you, Maureen."
"The are several buildings that make up the hanger structures
for the airlines. There may be a lot of ground to cover."
Malachi paused as they passed under a highway exit sign.
"Maury, once we exit I'm going to pull over and change places
with you. You can drop Master Jinn and I off by the maintenance
road. That will take us straight to the holding hangers."
"Understood," Maureen nodded. "Obi-Wan and I will slip in from
the opposite end."
Twenty minutes later Qui-Gon and Malachi walked quietly toward
the proper hangar. Although the airport bustled with activity,
the hangars seemed quiet. The younger man mentioned third shift
being low on personnel but Qui-Gon remained cautious. There was
little chance they would be able to enter the hangar
undetected. As they passed by a light pole Qui-Gon noticed a
security camera focused on the surrounding area. A little red
light indicated that the camera was recording.
Malachi and Qui-Gon entered the large hanger easily, a happily
sleeping security guard no longer posed a threat.
"Surgeon General says we aren't getting enough sleep," Malachi
said as he gave the guard a Force suggestion. "As a doctor it's
my duty to see this man follows the General's orders."
Qui-Gon let out a quiet snort of amusement but continued to be
aware of his surroundings. He could sense a fluctuation in the
Force around him, as though someone was trying to hide their
presence. In that moment he knew Bereethe and his Padawan were
already here.
Across the airport Obi-Wan and Maureen were cautiously making
their way through a terminal.
"Once we get outside the hangars it will be easy to slip into a
hanger through the employee entrance." Maureen spoke quietly to
Obi-Wan. "If I remember correctly there is a staircase just
over..."
"Maury? Hello, Maureen Lee."
Maureen stiffened visibly before Obi-Wan's eyes. He watched as
she transformed her face into a strange smile and turn around
to meet the man who had called her.
"Kevin, hello." She said as she turned to the man who
approached her. "Imagine seeing you here."
"Yes, funny isn't it?" Kevin seemed rather nervous as well when
he spoke. He was a little taller than Maureen. Obi-Wan guessed
that he was about the same age as well even though he was
slightly balding and with small wire rimmed glasses. Next to
him stood a beautiful young woman with flowing blond hair.
Obi-Wan noticed the other woman was not smiling and looked at
Maureen in a very guarded way.
"We just came back from Cozumel," Kevin stammered, blushing
slightly. "Sort of a vacation for us."
"A second honeymoon sweetheart," the woman corrected as she
plastered herself against Kevin. Obi-Wan could feel the tension
in the area rising.
"Hello Jackie." Maureen smiled. "How wonderful for you."
"Yeah," Kevin looked down at his feet. "So what are you doing
here?"
"Uhm, I am bringing..." she paused and looked at Obi-Wan, "my
student to meet someone. This is..."
"Ben," Obi-Wan offered.
"Hello Ben," Kevin smiled at him. "It's nice to meet you. And a
martial artist as well. I can tell you you're getting the best
training in D.C. You have a great teacher, two actually."
"I hate to interrupt," Jackie smoothed her hand over Kevin's
chest. "But we really must get going."
"Of course," Kevin blushed a little more as he spoke. "It was
good seeing you Maury. Tell Chi I said hello."
"You too, and I will."
Maureen didn't move for a few minutes as the couple left them.
Finally she closed her eyes and exhaled loudly.
"Well that was uncomfortable," Maureen offered at last.
"Who was that?" Obi-Wan's curiosity got the best of him.
"That was my ex-husband and his wife."
"Your ex-husband. You mean here you don't bond for life?"
Obi-Wan's eyes widened a little as he spoke.
"I used to think so, Obi-Wan. But no, not always."
They turned back to their original task but Obi-Wan noticed
Maureen was more subdued than before the meeting. Finally, as
they reached the door they were looking for, she stopped.
"You're very lucky Obi-Wan." Her voice was quiet as she spoke.
"You live in world where your gifts are accepted and
understood. Where there are others who share those gifts. Here,
even those you think will understand, who you think will accept
you despite your differences, don't. It makes relationships
hard. I'm just thankful Chi and I are so close."
She smiled a sad smile and then shook her head as if to toss
away her train of thought.
"And what's this Ben stuff?" She asked with a playful tone.
The hangar was quiet but Qui-Gon could feel an unease settling
in the air. He let the Force lead. There was a muted presence
nearby, a life Force that seemed to be slowly but steadily
diminishing. This confused Qui-Gon but he did not let it
distract him.
Finally they came to a closed door in a darkened area of the
hangar. The lock to the door lay in pieces at their feet.
Qui-Gon raised his lightsaber but did not ignite it. Malachi
followed his actions and nodded. In one swift motion Qui-Gon
kicked the door open and entered the room, Malachi following
behind.
The back of a dark figure stood over some crates on the other
side of the room.
"I knew you were coming Master Jinn." Master Bereethe
straightened his shoulders as he quietly spoke. "Your Force is
so strong."
"Bereethe," Qui-Gon spoke firmly. "We know what you are looking
for. You and your padawan must stop and turn yourselves over to
me. We need to go back to Coruscant, to the Jedi Council."
Bereethe bobbed his head up and down a little but didn't speak.
Malachi shifted his gaze between the two Jedi present.
"I cannot go back with you, Master Jinn. Jeslyn will not go
back." The voice was almost a whisper as the older Jedi slumped
before them. "It will not be allowed."
"I don't understand." Qui-Gon took a cautious step forward as
he spoke but kept his guard up.
"Funny," Bereethe said. "I thought you would." He slumped
forward, his cloak vibrating over shaking muscles. In a quick
movement he groaned and then turned to face his adversaries
while igniting lightsaber. Malachi nervously clutched his
lightsaber, ready to ignite it when Master Jinn did the same.
"Please don't do this Master Bereethe," Qui-Gon begged as the
older man faced him. The words were merely absorbed by the
humming of Bereethe's lightsaber as he lunged at Malachi.
Obi-Wan moved cautiously between the rows of shelving and boxes
in one of the airport's hangars. He and Maureen had been led in
this direction, not by any strange direction in the Force, but
by a trail of sleeping security guards and destroyed security
cameras.
"Apparently we didn't need to worry about security after all.
Our friends from Coruscant have taken care of that problem for
us."
These were the only words Maureen had spoken since they had
found the first guard. Obi-Wan sensed her growing agitation
with each of the four guards they had found. As they each
walked down a separate isle in the building, Obi-Wan could see
her in between the boxes that separated them.
A loud crack, the sound of wood bending under strain, echoed in
the building and they stopped their progression. Maureen looked
at Obi-Wan and he nodded, his shoulders straightening for the
task ahead. Cautiously they moved forward once again.
Master Bereethe's Padawan, Jeslyn, was so engrossed in
searching the crate in front of her that she didn't notice
their approach. They watched as she pulled bubble wrapped
objects and stuffing out of the crate. Finally she stopped and
carefully lifted a smaller object with an odd sort of
reverence. Even though it had been made amorphous but the
packaging around it, Obi-Wan and Maureen could make out the
vague shape of Rasputin's cross.
The air around the three men crackled with unseen energy.
Qui-Gon easily deflected Bereethe's blows but between each
riposte there was a pause as the men considered their next
move. Malachi followed Qui-Gon's lead and did nothing past
defense in those few moments of calm before the fury, blocking
a blow to Malachi's head, another to Qui-Gon's forearm. Qui-Gon
tried to reason with the older Jedi.
"Master Bereethe, you are out numbered. Throw down your saber
and we can discuss this."
Malachi deflected three thrusts in quick succession, not
backing up but managing to hold his ground. His confidence with
his saber skills started to increase the more he entered the
fight.
Qui-Gon side stepped a vertical swipe and stumbled over a small
crate, almost losing his balance.
Another lunge and a Force thrust knocked Malachi off his feet.
He rolled immediately into a crouch as Qui-Gon leapt to protect
him but stopped as Bereethe sagged where he stood. The older
Jedi was trembling, his breathing labored, one hand
unconsciously rubbing his chest.
"I do not want to fight you Master Bereethe." Qui-Gon spoke
carefully. "I sense that you do not want to fight either."
Haunted eyes answered Qui-Gon.
"You cannot fight what you do not see, Master Jinn."
Bereethe yelled as he resumed his offense with jerk like a
puppet thrown on stage. Malachi jumped to his feet to aid in
the fight but Qui-Gon was very much in control of the
situation. Lunges and thrusts were met with effective blocks.
Master Bereethe, however, was not without tricks and he
maneuvered close to Qui-Gon. Their glowing blades locked,
pouring sparks in a blazing fury near Qui-Gon's head. With the
strength of the Force Qui-Gon threw Bereethe off and the older
Jedi spun backwards, the cloth of his tunic tearing as he fell
against a crate, his lightsaber falling from his hand.
Qui-Gon called the other saber to him and deactivated it.
Malachi and he looked at the fallen Jedi speculatively for any
signs of aggression. It was then that they noticed a large burn
on the other man's chest where his tunic had been ripped open.
Dr. Malachi moved into prompt action, carefully helping
Bereethe onto the ground where he could examine the wound more
carefully. Bereethe did not resist, but watched with glassy
eyes some turmoil only his brain could see.
"He's got a full thickness burn here," Malachi said as he
pulled his doctor's bag out of his backpack. "He was exposed to
whatever burnt him for some time."
Qui-Gon surveyed the area and finally noticed a small pouch
that had apparently been torn off of Bereethe in his fall. Once
he retrieved the pouch it opened to reveal a stone of Corellian
Marcasite. Malachi paused in his ministrations to look at the
stone with a grim face and then turned back to his work.
Qui-Gon laid the stone on the ground and reignited his saber.
With stoic control he lowered the beam of focused light onto
the stone. An eerie hiss filled their ears followed by a loud
pop. When he removed the blade of his saber the charred,
shattered remains of the crystal were revealed. Qui-Gon ground
the remains to dust with the heel of his shoe and moved to
Bereethe's side. The older Jedi raised a weak hand to him.
"Jeslyn," he whispered.
"She was controlling you with the stone." Qui-Gon said gently.
"I should have been stonger. I should have detected her
deception sooner, before she had control of me."
Qui-Gon smiled a sad smile filled with memories of Xanatos.
"It is hard to acknowledge deception where we don't want to see
it," he offered in simple understanding to the Jedi before him.
Malachi opened a packet of white cream and gently smoothed it
over the charred skin at his fingertips.
"Your burn is deep, but it will heal," he said. "But we'll have
to get you somewhere where we can care for it properly." After
he spoke he shook his right hand and then drew it into a fist.
"Maureen has ignited her lightsaber." He looked at his hand and
then added. "The stone in my ring is from the same stone as her
focusing crystal."
"I'll go." Qui-Gon spoke as he stood. "See what you can do to
help Master Bereethe."
"Master Jinn," Bereethe spoke in a tone that caused Qui-Gon to
stop. "What she is looking for, Jeslyn will not find here. But
still, you must stop her."
Obi-Wan watched as Maureen slowly reached behind her back and
pulled her gun out of its holster. She jerked her head at
Obi-Wan and he hid behind a crate. The gun would be no match
for a lightsaber, but Obi-Wan hoped Maureen could catch the
Padawan by surprise. He gripped his lightsaber tightly.
"Freeze!" Maureen yelled at the Padawan.
Jeslyn jerked her head in Maureen's direction and hissed at
her. Suddenly Maureen was knocked backwards against some
shelving. Obi-Wan watched as Jeslyn ignited her lightsaber and
leapt at Maureen. She looked like a savage animal as she
attacked.
Maureen rolled out of the way of the first blow and ignited her
lightsaber in response. Although she knew how to handle her
lightsaber Maureen was definitely outskilled by the enraged
Padawan. Obi-Wan moved to help his friend when he noticed
something. Jeslyn was no longer holding the cross. Looking back
towords the crate in which the cross had been packed, Obi-Wan
spotted the cross on the ground. Jeslyn must have abandonded it
when she attacked Maureen. Maureen continued to successfully
block the attack so Obi-Wan moved to the crate to pick up the
cross. He started to reach for it when he heard a sickening
thud followed by the heavy clatter of a lightsaber across the
floor.
Obi-Wan turned around to face Master Bereethe's Padwan, her
saber pointed at him. Maureen lay on the floor, apparently
knocked unconscious by her fall.
Obi-Wan took in Jeslyn's full appearance for the first time.
Her face was gaunt, her eyes sunken, her mouth slightly open.
Her breath's came in a ragged staccato that made her appear
more like a wild animal than a controlled Jedi. She was more
skilled than Obi-Wan but he quickly pushed thoughts of failure
out of his mind. He would defend his friend, the Jedi, and the
Portal of Rasme. He cleared his mind and called the Force to
him just as Jeslyn thrust towards him with a loud yell.
The hum of her saber sang past his ear but he blocked it in
time. Another blow landed on the ground by his feet with a
shower of sparks but he jumped away, forcing himself to remain
calm. Jeslyn continued her assault with wild movements but
Obi-Wan refused to follow. He continued to release his anxiety
and felt the strength of the Force behind his defense. A block
to his midsection, a twist and another swipe at his head.
Obi-Wan continued to defend himself.
After a few moments of the heated battle, however, Obi-Wan felt
himself growing tired. He held on in amazement at the other
Padawan's stamina. Something in the back of his mind told him
her abilities were unnatural, even to the Jedi.
He followed the Force and tried to land a blow to Jeslyn's arm
but by some adrenaline induced state she was able to fend him
off and catch him off guard. He twisted his ankle just as he
saw her blade heading for his chest. A flash of green caught
his eye as Qui-Gon entered the fight, protecting his Padawan.
Soon the two of them were fighting side by side. In the
excitement Obi-Wan realized Jeslyn was between them and the
cross. She stepped back and bumped against it on the floor.
A sickening smile crept across her face when she realized what
she had bumped against. She no longer attacked and the other
Jedi stopped.
"Jeslyn," Qui-Gon spoke calmly, despite his labored breathing.
"We have Master Bereethe. Let us take you both back to
Coruscant where we can help you."
Jeslyn just smiled. In a quick motion she called the cross,
still wrapped in bubble wrap, into her hand.
"Padawan!" Qui-Gon spoke more forcefully now. "I know you are
under the spell of some Force you cannot control. If you fight
it we can help you."
Behind him Obi-Wan heard Maureen stirring. Keeping his eye on
Jeslyn, he moved to Maureen side to keep her from moving.
Somehow, with one hand Jeslyn managed to removed the wrapping
from the cross and hold it up. She rubbed the center stone with
her thumb. Obi-Wan and Qui-Gon felt the shift in the Force
around them. She had opened the Portal of Rasme, the vortex
swirling near to her side.
"Jeslyn," Qui-Gon attempted to move closer to her as he spoke.
"Think of Master Bereethe, your Master. He's hurt. He needs
you. Do you really want to go against him like this?"
The shift in Jeslyn's eyes was subtle but Obi-Wan saw her
momentarily shift from being a crazed animal to a human being
once again. Her grip on the cross loosened.
"Jeslyn stop!" Master Bereethe yelled from behind Qui-Gon. He
was walking into the room with Malachi's support.
Jeslyn looked at her Master and horror filled her eyes. Whether
it was fear of her Master or acknowledgement of what she had
tried to do no one would ever know. At the moment she looked
away Qui-Gon turned off his saber and struck down with the
casing, hitting her on the wrist of the hand in which she held
the cross. The cross dropped to the ground as Jeslyn was thrown
into the Portal. She screamed as she disappeared into thin air.
The group stood still with the realization of what had just
happened. Only Master Bereethe moved as he walked to the Portal
and held his hand in front of it. After a few minutes of silent
meditation, the Force creating the Portal dissipated.
Qui-Gon watched Master Bereethe while he lifted the cross off
the floor.
"May I?" Bereethe asked and Qui-Gon handed the cross to him.
In the back of the room Malachi turned his attention to his
sister who was attempting to sit up.
Master Bereethe handled the cross almost reverently. So this is
what Padawan Greigor took with him."
"Then the center stone is the key to the Portal," Qui-Gon spoke
as he watched the older Jedi.
"No," Bereethe shook his head. "It isn't." Qui-Gon looked at
him in surprise until Bereethe spoke again. "Master Rasme left
no physical key to unlock the Portal. After all, he had to pass
into the Force in order to create it. By then it was too late
to leave anything solid behind."
"Then how..."
"The key is in the mind, Master Jinn." Master Bereethe handed
the cross back to Qui-Gon as he continued with his soft
whispery voice. "A Jedi can open the Portal if he or she has
the proper focus to do so. This was Jeslyn's sole purpose for
coming here. She controlled my actions but she never asked me
about the key itself. When she finally had her hands on what
she thought was the key she was so focused on opening the
portal that she was able to do so without realizing she was
doing all the actual Force manipulation herself."
"Where did she go?"
Bereethe looked away and sighed. "She will travel wherever her
focus takes her. Then, hopefully, she will travel no more. I do
not know why she turned to the dark. But I can only suspect
someone or something else was behind this."
"Ow! Cut it out."
The attention of the Master's was drawn to Obi-Wan, Malachi,
and Maureen.
"Don't be such a baby," Malachi chided his sister as he looked
at the purpling bruise that was starting to form on her temple.
"You're going to be okay but you'll have a nasty headache for a
while." He turned his attention to the rest of the group.
"Everyone okay?"
The Jedi nodded in response.
"I suggest we get out of here." Maureen offered. "The sooner
the better.. Let the police think there was an attempted break
in."
Obi-Wan looked around the room. Although several crates had
been knocked about, and one obviously opened, there was little
sign of the battle that had been there. He watched as his
Master placed the cross back in the crate it had come from. As
Qui-Gon turned to help Master Bereethe he looked to Obi-Wan and
smiled. Obi-Wan smiled back, an unspoken indication of their
partnership and friendship. With that the group cautiously made
their way out of the hanger.
The next morning the group stood in the main recreation room of
the center below the twin's apartment. Everyone felt relieved
when the headline news mentioned a break in at Baltimore
International. However, since nothing was stolen, the
investigation was focusing on it being a robbery attempt and
nothing more. Malachi had seen to Master Bereethe's burn but
had voiced some concerns of the Jedi's overall health to Master
Jinn in private. Both Qui-Gon and Chi suspected that the
emotion of losing his padawan would be an important factor in
the older Jedi's recuperation.
"The Portal can be opened anywhere," Master Bereethe said to
the rest of the group. "This discovery came to me after
studying Master Rasme's teachings for several years. I never
shared this knowledge with anyone for fear the Portal would be
misused. Obviously I was correct in this assessment. It is time
for me to return to Coruscant and unravel the mystery of my
Padawan."
He smiled slightly and then turned to the twins.
"Thank you for all your help. Your grandfather would be proud."
Both twins smiled at this and then turned toward Qui-Gon and
Obi-Wan.
"I guess this is goodbye." Maureen said with a sad smile.
"Things aren't going to be half as exciting with you gone."
"That may not be such a bad thing," Qui-Gon offered with a
smile as he shook her hand.
"True," Maureen chuckled and then turned to hug Obi-Wan. "You
take care of yourself kiddo. I'm really gonna miss you."
"I'm going to miss you too," Obi-Wan hugged back. "Thank you
for everything."
Malachi held his hand out to Qui-Gon who shook it in
friendship.
"Be careful Master Jinn." Chi said. "You can tell the council
that we'll be watching things at this end, should something
like this ever happen again."
"They'll be glad to know that." Qui-Gon tried to release from
the handshake but Malachi held on.
"And thank you for helping me see the truth about the Jedi."
Qui-Gon smiled at Malachi. The unspoken understanding flowed
between both men and was quickly picked up by Maureen who also
smiled at her brother.
With the final goodbyes the group waited quietly as Master
Bereethe focused on opening the Portal. As the Force created
the vortex within the room the twins stepped back to give the
Jedi plenty of room. Master Bereethe was the first to enter the
Portal. Peacefully his robes swirled around him and he was
gone.
Obi-Wan and Qui-Gon moved to the vortex, Qui-Gon's hands
planted firmly on his Padawan's shoulders.
Just before they were about to enter Obi-Wan turned and waved
to the friends they were leaving behind. Chi and Maury waved
back as they watched the two Jedi disappear from their sight.
"Do you think we'll ever see them again?" Malachi asked as he
and Maureen stared into the empty room.
"I don't know Chi. But would it be a bad thing if we did?"
He looked at her and shook his head.
"No," he said, "but just incase I think we out to look into
some Kendo classes. A little Japanese swordmanship training is
probably a good idea."
"I agree," Maureen said as she rubbed her bruised temple. "I
definitely agree."
With that the twins turned out the light and left the room.
Traveling back through the Portal was not as bad as their first
experience. When they stepped out on Coruscant both Qui-Gon and
Obi-Wan were feeling dizzy and slightly nauseated, but not
seriously so. They instantly met Mace Windu who was pacing back
and forth with his hands on his hips. Upon seeing them he let
out a sigh of relief, his features haggard from lack of sleep.
"Welcome back Qui-Gon, Obi-Wan." His face lite up with a smile
as he approached them, eyeing their clothing. "It looks as
though you two had an interesting time."
Qui-Gon chuckled softly, then asked immediately, "Master
Bereethe?"
Mace directed his attention to the other side of the room where
a healer was checking Master Beerethe.
"He came through the Portal a few minutes before you did." Mace
explained. "We've been waiting for your arrival and have had
healers here since you left two days ago. He told us about his
Padawan. I suspect this was the seed to the darkside that we
discussed earlier."
Qui-Gon watched the healer attend the elder Jedi and then his
gaze fell on his own Master, sitting quietly in a dark corner
of the room.
"The Council would like a full report as soon as possible."
Mace caught Qui-Gon's attention once again. "Perhaps we can
ascertain what happened to Jeslyn."
"We'd like to change clothes first." Qui-Gon said.
"Fine," agreed Mace with a grin. "I'll set a meeting up for one
hour from now." He then directed his attention to Obi-Wan.
"It is good to have you back Padawan Kenobi." Mace's genuine
smile eased any lingering fears Obi-Wan had of the Councilor.
"The Council looks forward to hearing your views on this
mission as well."
Obi-Wan looked to his Master with slightly wide eyes. Qui-Gon
smiled encouragingly and placed his hand on Obi-Wan's shoulder.
"Thank you Master Windu." Obi-Wan said, a bright smile across
his face.
"Padawan," Qui-Gon said, "I'd like to speak with Master Yoda
before the Council meeting." He turned to where the diminutive
Master had been sitting only to find that Master Yoda had left
the room. A crease formed on Qui-Gon's forehead. "Well, never
mind."
He turned back to Obi-Wan and smiled again.
"Obi-Wan," he said, "ready to go home?"
"Yes Master," was all the assurance he needed.
Epilogue:
Qui-Gon sipped tea as he nonchalantly glanced to his master.
The council meeting had taken longer than expected. According
to the healer's (and Malachi's) instruction, Master Bereethe's
activity was limited, but he had been allowed to address the
council while seated. His body appeared small and Qui-Gon
realized this was due to the older man's posture. Qui-Gon could
almost see himself in the Master Bereethe. It had not been that
long ago when Qui-Gon had to report to the council about
Xanatos. The heavy weight of a fallen padawan on their master's
shoulders was easy to recognize by those who had experienced it
first hand.
And what had his master looked like when Noipreen Delco had
left Coruscant? Losing one's padawan to the Dark was something
every Master accepted as a possibility, even if they kept those
thoughts in the most distant corner of their minds.
"But to have a student simply walk away from you," Qui-Gon
thought to himself. "Would that be easier or harder to take
than losing someone to the dark?"
"Good looking, Noipreen's grandchildren are. Healthy. A
resemblance I see." Yoda's spoke his first words after
inspecting the gift the twins had sent back to him. It was a
framed photograph of them with their grandfather. Noipreen's
eyes showed his pride as he hugged his adult grandchildren
tightly. Master Yoda had quietly looked at the photo for a long
time before speaking.
"As I said in the council meeting, they are very strong
individuals. They have been well trained." Qui-Gon
unconsciously eased into his chair now that his Master was
speaking once again.
"More questions you will receive, I believe," Yoda moved across
the room and placed the picture on a shelf. "Curious many will
be about Force sensitives trained outside Coruscant. Concerned
many will also be."
"How many Jedi left through the Portal of Rasme?"
The little Master hung his head and closed his eyes for a
moment.
"With Padawan Greigor, 37 there were. Made it 38, my apprentice
did. Hard to lose him it was."
"I read Knight Delco's journal Master," Qui-Gon offered in
comfort. "By his own words I know it was a hard thing for him
to do as well. He missed you. But he also loved his family on
Earth."
A slight smile raised the corners of Master Yoda's eyes and he
nodded.
"His place he found." Master Yoda agreed. "Good that is. For
all Jedi the same, one can hope."
"Master, what caused the discontent among the Jedi all those
years ago?"
"Believe we stressed knighthood too much, they did." Yoda
sighed before he continued. "Give the option of becoming a
healer, member of agri-corps, or other, to the students we
should."
"Many have the same argument now." Qui-Gon spoke gently. "Even
though there is no shame in being a member of the agri-corps,
many see assignment there as a sign of failure."
"Much worse is was, in Noipreen's time. Change there has been.
More there is needed, perhaps."
With a thump of his gimer stick Yoda was standing up again.
"More tea for you Master Qui-Gon," he spoke as he moved to his
kitchen area, pausing only to adjust the position of the
picture he had just received.
The corner of Qui-Gon's mouth curled up as he watched his
mentor.
"Only a cup more," he said. "I need to start working with
Obi-Wan on his hand to hand combat tactics."
"Ah yes, good training this will be." Master Yoda called. "More
about your Padawan's progress, you will tell me. Excellent hand
to hand fighter Norpreen was. Told you of this, have I? "
Obi-Wan sat with his friends in the dining hall, filling them
in about becoming Master Jinn's Padawan and all the adventures
he had experienced.
"Chi took care of Master Beerethe's burns before he allowed us
to leave. And Maury went to a store and bought me and Master
Jinn books to read."
"What about?" As Bant spoke Obi-Wan observed her eyes. He
hadn't thought it possible that her eyes could become wider
than they already were.
"She gave my Master a book on the history of the martial arts
they practice. He says I can read it after he's finished with
it. Me, she gave a book about some girls adventure through a
looking glass." He frowned a bit and then continued.
"Apparently it is a classic and book she grew up with. She said
I would appreciate it more after I read it a few times."
"And the Portal of Rasme?" asked Reeft, who had forgotten to
eat during Obi-Wan's tale. "Are the Jedi going to start using
it soon?"
"Yeah, Obi," Guy Muln added. "When do we get our chance to
travel to another world?"
Obi-Wan folded his hands on the table in front of him and shook
his head.
"The Council destroyed it after we reported to them." He didn't
look his friends in the eye as he spoke. "But trust me guys,
you wouldn't want to use it even if you could. It makes my
stomach upset just thinking about it." After a moment he looked
back at his friends and smiled. "And just wait until I make all
of you a milk shake. They're terrific."
The four friends chatted happily for a while until Bant
stiffened in her seat.
"Oh, oh," she whispered. "Don't look now but Bruck and Aalto
just came in."
As if that were a que, Bruck noticed Obi-Wan and his friends.
"I heard you were back Oafy!" He chided as he approached the
group. "Probably a good thing too. I heard you've been signed
up for some extra classes by Master Jinn. He must have realized
how much work you need."
For a moment Obi-Wan closed his eyes and took a deep breath.
Bant unconsciously brought her hands to her face while Reeft
and Guy Mulen looked nervously at each other and their friend.
"I believe you're right Bruck." Obi-Wan said at last. His green
eyes were calm as he faced his childhood nemesis. "I'm sure
Master Jinn has found several skills I need to work on. That is
his job, as my Master." The slight emphasis on 'my' was not
lost on Bruck.
"Yeah, well you'd better work on it." As he spoke Bruck jabbed
a finger into Obi-Wan's chest. "Because I'm going to be working
too, and you're going to see me at every competition and in
every class you attend."
Bruck was caught completely off guard by the genuine smile that
spread across Obi-Wan's face.
"That will be fine Bruck," Obi-Wan spoke easily. "Competition
can be fun. But as I learned recently, I don't have to compete
with you or anyone else if I don't want to. The only one I
truly compete with is myself."
"You're exactly right Obi-Wan."
The group had been so engrossed in the scene before them that
they had not noticed Master Jinn enter the dining hall. He gave
Obi-Wan's friends a polite nod before turning to Bruck.
"You're Bruck Chun aren't you?" He asked. "I owe you a large
debt of thanks."
"Sir?"
"You were the one who realized the Council had not officially
recorded my taking Obi-Wan as my Padawan learner."
Obi-Wan bit his lower lip as his Master continued to talk.
Bruck grew pale as he listened to the elder Jedi.
"We were away when I chose Obi-Wan and I assumed Master Yoda
had taken care of the paperwork." Qui-Gon smiled pleasantly as
he spoke. "But one learns we should never assume anything.
Thanks to you I have corrected that error. Of course it was
suggested that it may have been too late to enter Obi-Wan as my
Padawan. But that was easily taken care of. Thank you again for
ensuring Obi-Wan's place as my Padawan." He turned to Obi-Wan
and continued. "If you don't mind visiting with your friends
later Padawan, I was wondering if you could assist me. I could
use your help on some chores."
"Yes Master." Obi-Wan said as he stood up from his seat and
waved his good-byes. He didn't quite succeed in hiding his
smile as he walked past Bruck. Obi-Wan didn't speak again until
he and Qui-Gon were safely in their quarters.
"Master," he hung his head a little when he spoke. "It doesn't
feel right lying to my friends."
"I know Obi-Wan," he said with a reassuring smile. "As Jedi we
are often called to do things that make us uncomfortable. In
this case, however, I know you are aware of just how dangerous
the Portal of Rasme can be. As the council decided, it is best
that we make everyone believe the Portal has been destroyed."
"And you're not angry with their decision?" Obi-Wan asked. "You
told me you were angry that the Portal had not been destroyed
earlier. Why doesn't it bother you that the Council isn't going
to destroy it now?"
Qui-Gon looked away from questioning eyes a moment and thought.
"You ask a valid question Obi-Wan. One I hadn't thought about
until now. I'm not sure I know why myself." He paused a moment
and signed. "Perhaps the thought of a Force sensitive in a far
away galaxy isn't as frightening as it first was. In any event,
the Portal is a link to the Jedi who left through it in the
past. Perhaps there will be a need to contact them or their
descendents in the future."
Obi-Wan nodded his head with a smile that faded as he turned
his attention to the carpet.
"Master...uhm..." he said with hesitation. "Just now...with
Bruck in the cafeteria..."
"Yes, Obi-Wan?"
"I...uh...didn't expect you to...well...thank you Master."
A larger smile dominated Qui-Gon's face.
"Believe it or not Obi-Wan, I was also an apprentice at one
time." He spoke with a mischevious glint in his eyes. "And
you're very welcome."
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