Echo - Chapter Four
Every nerve in Qui-Gon's body sang with anticipation. The feeling only increased as the evening wore on. Something was very wrong. He spoke quietly to the guards, moving them closer to the delegates, and then went to explore the area in search of the threat.
The storm was at its height. An attack would not come from the air in such weather and little would be moving outside of the ruins. Qui-Gon slipped through broken archways and half collapsed walls looking for the telltale traces of someone's passing. He found nothing. Why then this feeling of fear in the Force? Certainly the delegates were ill at ease, but none of them were emanating this kind of emotion - the kind that one felt before committing to an irreversible path.
Then it happened. The screams of dying people filled his mind.
Qui-Gon whipped his lightsaber from its clip and ignited it in a fluid motion searching for a target. When he found none, he ran full-out back to the delegation.
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Bail was awakened abruptly by sudden movement. Obi-Wan's lightsaber flared to life and cut through the exterior of the shelter. The Jedi immediately launched himself out into the storm.
The Prince was momentarily stunned to inaction. Bitingly cold wind flooded the shelter with a flurry of snowflakes as Bail attempted to understand what had happened. When his mind connected Obi-Wan's sudden act with the concept of a threat, his heart sped up. Had Obi-Wan felt something through the Force?
Fear left little room for reason in Bail's mind. He was afraid, but not of being hurt. He was afraid that something might happen to Obi-Wan; afraid of being left alone. A hand instinctively grabbed at the hilt of the blaster strapped to his body and he scrambled toward the hole in the shelter in an effort to see what was happening.
Squinting to keep snowflakes from his eyes, Bail looked out into the night. Snow filled the air so thickly that Bail could barely see more than a meter away but it didn't stop him from quickly finding the dark outline Obi-Wan.
Bail couldn't help but stare. Obi-Wan remained still, his eyes closed in concentration. The Jedi stood with his ignited lightsaber before him in both hands, his hood thrown back and robes flying around him. Snow sizzled and flashed as it struck the blade creating a small island of luminescence in the night. There was something breathtaking about it - something incredibly elegant and awe inspiring. It captivated Bail so completely that he forgot the danger.
Obi-Wan, however, did not.
Without opening his eyes, the Jedi removed his right hand from the lightsaber and thrust it outward. The Force push impacted Bail squarely in the chest and flung him backward into the shelter. The piece of wall that Obi-Wan had cut swiftly followed, covering the hastily made exit. Bail was plunged into darkness.
With the darkness the Prince's panic returned - compounded by the unknown and lack of comforting companionship. Shaking, he fumbled with the blaster until it was free of the holster and clutched it in both hands, a finger on the trigger. He huddled there in the shelter, the muzzle of the blaster pointed at where he thought the opening was. In truth, he wasn't sure where anything was; the darkness was so complete that he could see nothing at all.
All his life, Bail Organa had been taught that violence was failure, that weapons were evil. Yet now, here he was, holding a blaster in his shaking hands and ready to fire it at anything that came at him. What had happened to his high ideals? Where was his morality and conviction now? It had left him with the light.
Suddenly, Bail understood in a very tactile way what the Jedi taught. The blaster in his hands encapsulated the lesson. It was easy to pretend that you walked a path of pacifism when in the light of day. The light brought the illusion of safety. But darkness was always there waiting, full of powerful emotions that could consume you. In the dark, when you faced the unknown and fear held you captive, it was easy to loose your way. It was easy to fall and give in to your weaknesses and hates - to act without forethought and, in so doing, commit yourself irreversibly to violence. No, true pacifism came when one made the conscious decision to do no harm. True pacifism was knowing you could destroy a thing, having the ability to cause harm, and exercising the restraint and compassion to withhold the hand of retribution. It was holding fast to the light - even in its absence - and in so doing being a beacon for others.
Like Obi-Wan and his lightsaber.
Bail put the blaster down. It wasn't, he thought ruefully, as if he had ever fired one. The thing probably had a safety latch anyway. If it came to a fight, Bail realized, he would be defenseless. The deception of security given by the hard metal of a blaster would not change the reality of the situation. He was dependant on another for protection in a hostile environment but he must let it be lesson. There might come another day when he faced darkness again - faced it alone - and he would remember this night. From this moment on his lofty words would hold behind them the power of true commitment. His pacifism would be a choice - not the result of naive platitudes or the hypocritical consequence of his inability to defend himself.
The Prince swallowed hard and closed his eyes. He pictured Obi-Wan in his mind, standing without fear to face the unknown, and allowed the image of the Padawan and the brilliant blue of the 'saber to be his light in the darkness.
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Iaco Stark paced back and forth on the bridge. He'd taken many calculated risks in his lifetime, more than his share, and come out on the upside. This time, however, he had the sinking feeling his luck would not hold.
The Guild President sat with Shu Mai, the two talking in low voices. Iaco didn't trust either of them any more than he trusted the bastard in the hologram. Shu Mai had her own agenda and the President was a weak minded fool ruled by greed. No matter what, the Guild would take the fall for what happened here at Rhen Var. Iaco knew it sure as he breathed.
Reports came in from the scrambled drone fighters as they returned to their docking bays. The Republic Cruiser had been taken out quickly. While they had strong shields, Cruisers were diplomatic vessels and had no weapons. The Tanthal Alliance ship had scrambled its few fighters and then attempted to run. Coordinated bombardment from the Guild Cruiser and its escort Starship had quickly stopped the escape.
The Trade Federation ship had put up a hard fight. The Guild got their droid starfighter squadrons from the Trade Federation so they were evenly matched. However, once the Tanthalan ship was destroyed and the Guild Starship turned its attention to the orbiter the battle was over.
"I hope you realize what you've done," Iaco said icily. "We've alienated the Trade Federation and the Republic in one move."
Shu Mai turned her attention from the President to Iaco. "I didn't hear you offer any viable alternatives. At least, this way, they have no real evidence."
"Oh, they don't?" Iaco stalked over to the pair and gestured toward the viewscreens. "What about all that debris out there? Do you really think the Republic isn't going to conduct a full inquiry? That they won't collect evidence? That the Jedi won't scan the wreckage and put a name to the attackers?"
"Perhaps they will, but Lord Sidious assured us that he controlled enough of the Senate to keep any inquiry stalled indefinitely." Shu Mai smiled as the President continued. "If we are lucky, this incident will ensure the treaty will not be signed. We will have fulfilled our part of the agreement. Sidious will be forced to hold up his end of the bargain."
Iaco didn't even bother with a response. He snorted loudly to indicate exactly how much he believed in Lord Sidious' promises.
"Mister President, I suggest we return to Castell." Shu Mai tried to keep the smile from her face. Everything was working out wonderfully. Soon she would have the money required to buy her world back from the Commerce Guild and, if she was lucky, the power to take over the Presidency. The loss of revenue this incident would cause was just the leverage she needed. "Our business here is finished."
"Yes," the Guild President replied. "However, there is one more item."
Iaco didn't even see the butt of the blaster that hit him in the back of the head. He simply felt the blinding pain and collapsed.
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Qui-Gon didn't have to go far before the light of the fire came into view. A quick glance showed nothing amiss and he deactivated his lightsaber. Frowning, he approached the group and talked quietly with a guard. The discussion confirmed his suspicion that nothing had happened.
Doman Beruss got up and approached. He moved to the Jedi's side and pitched his voice low to keep from waking the other delegates. "Qui-Gon, what is wrong?"
The Jedi waited a moment before speaking. The echo of death in the Force was still strong. "Senator, our ships have been destroyed."
"Do I want to know how you know this?"
Qui-Gon said nothing; he simply stared off into the darkness, arms folded in his sleeves and his eyes focused on some distant nothing.
Doman let out a long low sigh.
"The rations will run out by mid-day tomorrow." Qui-Gon's voice was detached. "Assuming that the investigation team left when I did not make my report, it will take two standard days for them to arrive. I believe it now prudent to presume our attackers will return to finish what they began. Relocating on foot would be dangerous and time consuming. There is also the matter of Senator Organa to consider. As soon as the weather breaks I would like to scout for a new location, somewhere to the north. Once I have found a safe hiding spot, I will shuttle you there one by one."
The Jedi continued to look off into the distance. "There is something strange about this planet, Doman. What I sense here, it is more than simply the history of this place. There is a darkness here I have not felt before. It clouds and taints everything." Qui-Gon paused and turned to focus his blue eyes on the Senator. "I think it best not to share the destruction of the ships with the other delegates. I see no reason to add to their distress."
Doman nodded his agreement. Soon enough, idleness and lack of food would cause tempers to flare. "And the missing Senator and Padawan?"
"After the move is complete, I will search for them."
"I must say that I am more than a bit concerned, Qui-Gon. This storm..."
"Certainly it does not make the situation easier for them," Qui-Gon's posture stiffened just a touch, "However; I have not sensed anything out of the ordinary from Obi-Wan."
The Senator put a hand on Qui-Gon's shoulder. "You can't fool me Qui-Gon. I know you too well. You're worried about him."
Qui-Gon's expression softened a bit. "He is headstrong and impulsive but the Force is strong in him."
"And who else does that remind me of?" Doman said with a smile.
The pair stood silently for a while, each absorbed in their own thoughts. Finally Qui-Gon spoke. "Did you speak with the Tanthalan Ambassadors?"
Doman nodded. He glanced toward the fire before speaking. "It seems the Guild made overtures for shipping rights about a year ago. They also attempted to take over two business concerns on one of the worlds. The Ambassadors insist they have had no contact with the Guild for months now and that all association was severed well before we began treaty negotiations."
Qui-Gon frowned and shook his head. The information he had still didn't make sense. "Thank you, Doman. Had I asked the questions they might have been less forthcoming. I know you might find it hard to believe," Qui-Gon looked sidelong at the Senator, "but there are some people that don't trust the Jedi."
"Qui-Gon, are you making fun of me?" Doman tried to look indignant and failed.
The Jedi grinned. "Why, Senator, what could have given you that impression?"
Doman laughed. "With an example like you, is it any wonder Obi-Wan is headstrong?"
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The wind cut right through Obi-Wan's Jedi robes. He had to suppress the impulse to go back inside the shelter. Something was terribly wrong. He had heard screams and laser cannon fire. He had felt terror and pain. Obi-Wan reached outward, probing the night, but there was nothing outside - nothing but bone chilling cold, sharp crystal snowflakes, and darkness.
The sounds still reverberated in his head; fragments of urgent communication, shots fired, and then, finally, empty silence.
Into that void came panic. Sharp focused panic. It emanated nearby, just to Obi-Wan's right. Bail. It was Bail.
Obi-Wan reacted immediately. He didn't understand what had happened and there could still be a threat. He abruptly thrust out his hand and shoved with his mind, throwing the Prince back into the shelter and sealing it shut as best he could. The feelings of fear from Bail increased but Obi-Wan couldn't allow it to distract him. He had to be certain they were safe.
He had no idea how long he stood there in the bitter cold. In a way, the bite of the wind on his skin was welcome. Obi-Wan knew it was real. Part of him desperately wished for his Master; for Qui-Gon's strong and quiet presence, his steady confidence, his knowledge and experience. Though their relationship was turbulent and they often disagreed, Obi-Wan depended on his Master's advice and direction in the same way he depended on the Force. Qui-Gon was always there; sure and steady, a calming hand.
There had been a time, not so long ago, when it wasn't that way. They early years of Obi-Wan's bond with Qui-Gon had been as tenuous as his ability to embrace the Living Force. But time had built trust and now it was sometimes difficult for Obi-Wan to conceive of a day when he would no longer be Qui-Gon Jinn's Padawan. It was like trying to conceive of a day when there would be no Jedi.
The echo of death faded and left only the faint elusive malevolence Obi-Wan had felt since they landed on Rhen Var. Even Bail's panic seemed to recede. Obi-Wan could sense nothing nearby to bring them danger. He deactivated his lightsaber and headed back to the shelter.
When he removed the hunk of snow he had cut from the side of the dome, Obi-Wan heard a rustle of fabric. In the darkness, he could barely make out the form of Bail Organa huddled inside.
"Bail. It's Obi-Wan."
The form didn't move.
Obi-Wan frowned in the darkness. He was letting cold air and snow into the shelter and that had to come before his concern for the Prince. He backed into the shelter, dragging a pile of snow with him, and then pulled the sliced bit of the exterior back into place. Removing his gloves, Obi-Wan felt for drafts and used the loose snow to help create an ice seal around the cuts. His hands quickly numbed but it was far better to have one slightly frostbitten set of hands than two frozen bodies. He spoke while he worked.
"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to frighten you. I just..." Obi-Wan searched for a way to describe what had happened to him. "I heard something. I had to be sure it was safe."
When he was finished Obi-Wan groped his way toward Bail. The Prince still hadn't spoken. His hand brushed against the discarded blaster before making contact with the thermal blanket. He gathered up both in one arm and reached out with the other. "Prince Organa? Are you all right? Did I hurt you?"
Obi-Wan's hand brushed against the fabric of Bail's robe. He could feel the Prince shivering but wasn't sure if it was from cold or fear. "Bail?"
"I was just thinking about home." Bail's voice was soft. "Have you ever been to Alderaan, Obi-Wan?"
Obi-Wan nodded in the dark and then realized it wouldn't be seen. "Yes."
Bail shifted slightly, turning toward Obi-Wan's voice. "I miss it. I miss the water and the bright blue skies. I miss the forests and the sunrises. Coruscant has its own charms - the soaring buildings, the orange sunsets, the hustle and bustle - but I love my home."
Obi-Wan put down the blaster and reached forward to wrap
the thermal blanket around Bail's shoulders.
"I suppose that's natural.
My Master and I, we go so many places and see so many things, but the
"Where was that?"
For some strange reason it felt comfortable to talk to Bail. Obi-Wan sensed that it made the Prince less edgy to hear his voice. "A planet called Melida/Daan."
"Is that where you were born?"
Obi-Wan moved to Bail's side in the darkness. The Prince fumbled with the thermal blanket and finally managed to drape it so that it rested partly on Obi-Wan's shoulders and partly on his own.
"No." Obi-Wan's voice grew a bit distant. "No. I wasn't born there."
Bail's shivering lessened. He groped in the dark and took hold of Obi-Wan's hand. "Talk to me," he whispered. "Tell me about it."
"Master Jinn and I, we were sent there to rescue another Jedi. It was such a sad place. Full of hate." Obi-Wan closed his eyes and lost himself in the memories. "It was a world consumed by war. But, in the midst of it, I met The Young..."