|
Jedi Knight Obi-wan Kenobi sat back in the cockpit seat of his ship with a sigh. He had just finished informing the Jedi Council that he had found the last person, last except one. Tola Hgual was currently asleep and had no knowledge of what had become of Anakin Skywalker. Just like the others. he thought in disappointment.
For the past three and a half years since his Knighting, his mission had been to locate and rescue all of the occupants of the transport that had been sent to the Agri-corps, and never arrived. In particular, to find Anakin. It had been a long three years.
The Council had sent Jedi to follow the ship's path. They had learned that the transport was destroyed by pirates. Everyone in the Temple was grief stricken. Seven children and two pilots had been on that ship. The Council was dismayed to learn that pirates had begun encroaching on the Inner Core of the galaxy and mourned the loss of the children. They had gained guidance from the Force and had determined that some of them may still be alive. Obi-wan had requested that searching and rescuing them be his first mission. The Council granted it.
Obi-wan slumped in his chair wearily. He recalled that Qui-gon was completely certain that Ani was alive. The most likely theory was that everyone on board was sold as slaves. He hoped so. Anakin could survive being re-enslaved until they freed him again. The alternatives were much worse. It's getting harder to believe that Ani lives.
The Council had given he and Qui-gon their full support. It was the least they could do. Obi-wan recalled. The bitterness had past eventually. Qui-gon had spent much of his time searching for the clues they needed. The Council's contacts with the Republic's intelligence network had been most helpful with accurate information. However, it was too often slow in coming and they never discovered the name of the pirates responsible. And neither they nor us have heard anything about these pirates in over a year.
He had found the first child within a few months. He was elated that that the teenager could tell them what happened. He remembered the attack and the pirates boarding the ship. Obi-wan mused. He especially remembered the pirates' anger when they discovered nothing of value aboard. No money or cargo to plunder. No wealthy or important passengers that could be held for ransom. Just two Republic pilots and seven kids. he thought ruefully. My, how disappointed they must have been. Its a wonder they didn't just slaughter the poor children.
The boy had confirmed that everyone had been told they would be sold as slaves. However, he didn't remember a little blond nine year old. Qui-gon had discovered the location of one of the pilots. Together, they went to fetch her. Yet our hopes were dashed again. She did not know what became of Ani. The Council agreed with Qui-gon that Ani was likely a slave once more. And so a pattern developed of searching and rescuing, but still learning nothing about Anakin Skywalker.
What would his mother think, now that not only have we lost her only child, but we also can not find him? It was almost a relief that as a slave herself she could not afford to send a holo-message to her son and would not expect one from him. Even if she could have asked, I wonder if the Council would have told her anything at all? Obi-wan thought gravely and with a spark of instantly controlled anger. Like they didn't tell Queen Amidala. The Queen had sent messages and had been politely told that Anakin was not able to send any messages to her and would not for the near future, however they would inform her when this changed. I think she's finally stopped trying. He didn't like it. Yet Qui-gon agreed with the Council that they were better off not knowing and worrying these past three years. Their evasiveness is foolish. Don't they know that his mother and the Queen are worrying anyway?
Ani, where are you?
Obi-wan guided his ship to land on the planet Yoj below. His young charge, Tola Hgual, was not well and had become worse in the night. He wasn't really surprised. A few of the other teenagers that he had been sent to recover had also contracted illnesses due to the terrible conditions they endured as slaves. He'd found this one on the Outer Rim. Obi-wan knew she was ill, however he had no knowledge of how to heal a Nufevah. So, he made a detour for the Eituc system. The planet was reputed to have excellent hospitals and in their response to his call they assured him that they could help her.
The healers were very nice and took good care of young Tola. They said they needed to keep her over night and Obi-wan gave them the code to his ship should they need to contact him. I'm really glad to get out of there. Obi-wan thought in relief as he exited the hospital. Healers always bothered him. And those in particular smiled too much. He rounded the corner and began to walk down the street to the ship hangers.
*danger*
Obi-wan slowed his pace and stretched his senses in anticipation. Some thing to do with that first hanger. Silently, he moved to the wall and vaulted to the roof of the neighboring storage building. He crept to a row of grimy windows and peeked in.
He could sense and see two figures arguing and six more nearby emanating hostile intent. Hmmm... bit much to handle on my own.
The dispute inside was escalating. Obi-wan ignited his lightsaber and carefully cut away the window. As he expected the noise of a ship in pre-flight mode and the loud insults effectively hid what little sounds he made. He walked out on to so
tched.
"I'll laugh last kid." one man said.
I'll dub him Big Ugly./ Obi-wan thought.
"Then you must think the slowest." Kid smarted back.
Big Ugly was stalking around while the Not Nice Thugs were hefting their weapons.
"You owe me, little pimple." Big Ugly demanded. "And you can pay with your life if necessary."
"Nonsense, I intend to live forever." Kid declared. "And I'm not paying you anything."
Now Big Ugly drew his blaster. "Last chance."
This looks like my cue. Obi-wan prepared to jump down, but paused when he heard the kid speak.
"How many of you believe in telekinesis?" Kid asked. "Please, raise my hand. Oh, you can't can you. Well, I'll just raise yours!" And with that every blaster, pike, and whip flew out of the Not Nice Thugs hands. Obi-wan leapt quickly and landed behind the teenager.
"Can I play?" Obi-wan asked.
"It's a Jedi!" One of the thugs yelled and with that the whole lot of them fled out the door as fast as they could run.
"Well that was disappointing." Obi-wan commented. He watched the weapons drop to the ground and waited for the kid to turn around to look at him.
Obi-wan examined the teenager intensely. Darkening blond hair, blue eyes, and a sour expression. The boy was as tall as his shoulder and his voice was beginning to deepen with the advent of approaching manhood. And using the Force...
"Anakin?" Obi-wan exclaimed in shock. The tousled haired youth looked him straight in the eye. For a long moment they just stared at each other. Qui-gon and I have searched all over the galaxy and I just stumble across him? he thought stunned.
"Hi, Obi-wan." Anakin replied. "I'm surprised you recognized me."
"Where have you been!" Obi-wan exclaimed.
"In and out." Anakin answered. "Mostly out."
"We know that the pirates sold everyone on that ship. We've found all of the others." Obi-wan told him. I can't believe he is really here! "We have been searching for you everywhere."
"You needn't of gone to the trouble on my account."
"Come back with me to the Jedi Temple." Obi-wan asked with a smile.
"Why?" Anakin scoffed. "So you Jedi can lock me up?"
Obi-wan scowled at that, "Have you earned imprisonment?"
***
Anakin didn't answer. His eyes flashed with hidden emotion. Obi-wan looked at him with concern. Anakin had grown a lot in over three years and looked thinner. He looked a bit thin before, but now...
"I'll see you later." Anakin replied flippantly and began to walk to the small ship in preflight mode.
Obi-wan was puzzled and dismayed. He followed the boy to the ship's access ladder. "I was sent to take you back with me, Ani. Everyone is very worried about you and..."
"And I really need to be going." Anakin interrupted. He moved closer to the ladder, but Obi-wan stepped in his way.
"And you didn't answer my questions."
From outside they could hear the ship's computer ping that it was ready for flight.
"Tell Master Qui-gon that I'm sorry I didn't get to see him, for me, will ya?" And with that Anakin used the Force to vault up to the ship's hatch and shut it abruptly, cutting off anything else Obi-wan might say or do. Obi-wan no choice but to back away as the craft took to the sky.
"I have a very bad feeling about this." Obi-wan said in frustration.
***
How am I ever going to explain this to the Council? Wait, how am I going to tell Qui-gon! Obi-wan had spent the last hour sifting through the Yoj database of incoming and outgoing ships. Once he had the all of the identification and information he could find on Anakin's ship he prepared to call home. Should I speak to them over an open Com, or just send a holo-message? What would they order me to do? Or not do? Obi-wan was more worried that they might tell him to return to Coruscant then that they might disapprove of him taking matters into his own hands.
Should I tell them what Anakin said? How he refused to come with me. About his contempt when he spoke. And that he is using the Force?
He settled on a quick message. "Masters," he began. "I have seen Anakin Skywalker. I request that someone be sent to pick up Tola Hgual from the Yoj Hospital here on Eituc. I am sending all of the information I could find of the ship Anakin is on and the star systems I feel he is likely to be traveling to and which ones I intend to search first. I will find him." Obi-wan ended the recording and prepared to send another to Qui-gon.
Anakin, Obi-wan thought to himself. If I don't catch you...
Within an hour Obi-wan was in pursuit of Anakin Skywalker.
***
Qui-gon was tired. That's an understatement. I'm exhausted.
He was pleased that the situation on Ecineb was resolved. Master Qui-gon and two Knights had been sent to evacuate refugees. As usual, Qui-gon had searched the planet for any indication that Anakin Skywalker had been there. No, the boy hadn't come here. After more than three years, the constant feeling of failure had become alarmingly routine. Technically, it was Obi-wan's mission to find the boy, however no one objected his decision to search as well. When he learned of a possible location the Jedi Council always gave their full support as he took off to search another region sometimes with his former apprentice and sometimes alone. In between those missions the Council would often send him on assignments to areas of space they had not yet examined for traces of Anakin.
Yet, he did not feel even the slightest bit hopeful when he saw a message waiting for him on the Republic transport carrying the Jedi back to Coruscant. Emotionlessly he played the message.
"Qui-gon," the holo of Obi-wan revealed that the young man had made no effort to disguise the distress on his face. "I've found Anakin, but he refused to come with me and has taken off in a ship alone. I think he might be headed for Esor or Sielilyad. I will arrive on Esor in a day, if I don't find him there it will take another day for me to reach Sielilyad. He is bitter, Qui-gon, and using the Force. I'll explain more later."
Qui-gon stormed from his cabin to the transport's cockpit. "Captain!" Master Qui-gon called aloud. "We must make a detour for the Sielilyad system, at once!" The captain immediately complied without even thinking about questioning the Jedi Master. Qui-gon looked up as the two other Jedi entered and looked at him sensing his distress. "We have a boy to find he." informed them. And without another word, Qui-gon returned to his cabin.
***
Gingerly, Anakin Skywalker crept along the roof. This is stupid. I should have said no. he berated himself. If I were to refuse just once maybe...? No, not worth it. It was dark and the night was quiet. It had rained earlier and the wet roof was treacherous, but Anakin did not worry. When he reached a blank, uninteresting spot he paused. This is it. Removing tools from his small pack, Anakin began to cut a hole into the concealed ventilation shaft. It was very narrow and he was much too large to climb in it. Time for plan B.
He reached into his pack for a small machine. It was painted a soft green with a domed top and flat bottom. It was small enough to fit in the palm of his hand and was currently his most prized possession. He had really struggled to build this little droid. It was much harder than building Threepio had ever been. At least then most of the parts he needed were in Watto's shop. This time, finding tiny enough parts had been nearly impossible and the little motor he'd managed to find wasn't in the best of condition. All too often he had to redesign and rebuild many of the parts from scratch. He could only hope it worked.
Swiftly the little droid dropped down the hole. Please work! Anakin winced when he heard it plop on the grating below. Anxiously he peered down the shaft. To his relief he could see two little lights moving and the soft whine of a tiny vibro-saw cutting metal. Alright, Kaely! he nearly yelled. This was K-LE1's first field test. The droid was nearly finished and gave a small wail of surprise when it fell through the hole it made.
I should have made her practice more. Anakin decided and bit his lip in concern. I wish I'd had enough time to install her repulsor lifts. He was really proud of Kaely. He'd spent the past year building her during every spare moment of his time. The little compartments filled with useful gadgets, like the vibro-saw, were the most difficult. He had to actually take a hand-held vibro-saw and remove most of the blade and circuitry to make it small enough. He was still amazed that it had worked. Anakin had plans for even more improvements. I can't wait to see Kaely fly. As it was she had only her tiny wheels to carry her and they only worked on a flat surface.
He began moving away from the hole and farther along the rooftop. She'll be okay. She's tough. Anakin reassured himself. But he couldn't help but worry. She's all I have. He leaped down to a balcony's tall floor window and waited. Assuming K-LE1 didn't get lost, she'd be keying the electronic release on the bottom edge of the window soon. I really hate waiting. Anakin thought. But it can't be helped. He smiled when he sensed with the Force a small object moving inside. These buildings had simple, yet effective, security systems and one very convenient flaw. When a door or window was activated from the inside no alarm would sound.
The opaque window clicked and slid open and Kaely wheeled backwards out of his way. "Good girl." he praised the tiny droid. She chirped in reply and followed him out into the hall. Together they silently crept through the dark. Anakin had no need for a light to see and he was beginning to wish that he'd found a way for Kaely to see in the dark. Her petite eyes shone much brighter than he'd expected. Reaching the stairway, Anakin vaulted up all three levels and landed on the intricate metal rail without a sound.
"Come on!" Anakin whispered down to his companion. Kaely trilled in confusion and flashed her yellow eyes at him. Briefly he toyed with the idea of just grabbing her with the Force. No, she needs to learn to do things on her own.
"Use your magnetic grapple." Anakin rolled his eyes and sighed. Sometimes talking to Kaely was like speaking to a baby. What am I thinking, she's only a year old, she is a baby. He watched as his droid obediently fired her grapple and rode it up to him. No more of this until I teach you to fly, little one. Gently he detached her from the railing and stuffed her in his pack.
Entering the second door, Anakin found himself in a private office. He felt along the wall and concentrated. I hope that their information was correct. He nearly passed it. Very clever. Anakin noted. He slid his fingers along the wall and sensed the miniscule cracks. He could feel the interior of the hidden compartment and pulled it open with the Force.
***
Sielilyad was currently a quiet system. Most of its economy relied on tourists who came for its wonderful pink and lilac beaches and warm green water. However, it was winter on the more famous half of the planet Ylil. Cool rain and harsh winds had once again driven the tourists away. Through a gentle drizzle, the Jedi's ship arrived in the night.
"Be alert." Master Qui-gon reminded, perhaps unnecessarily, the two Jedi Knights with him. "This boy can use the Force. We need to convince him to return with us."
For the third time since they began to enter Ylil's atmosphere, Qui-gon searched for Anakin with the Force. There! Finally, he felt him. And he is drawing strongly on the Force.
"Land in the city in that region of the coast." Qui-gon pointed to an area on the map near the equator that was shrouded in night.
***
Anakin Skywalker was very happy. This was nice and easy. And even K-LE1 did well. he cheered. He'd found what he'd come for without anyone noticing or any alarms sounding. Smoothly, he returned to the window and went out into the night. As Anakin made his way to the roof a feeling of faint unease alerted him. What?
He turned to look behind him as Jedi Master Qui-gon Jinn stepped into view on the wet roof.
"Hello, Anakin." he said calmly.
For several moments they looked at each other in silence. The wind began to tear at Qui-gon's robe and the cool air sent chills down Anakin's spine.
"It's good to see you alive and well, Master Jinn." Anakin replied politely. "I'm very sorry I never had the chance to say goodbye."
"Anakin, the Council has retracted their decision to send you to the Agri-corps. If you would just come with me..."
"No thank you. I really don't think that would be a good idea."
"Why is that?" Qui-gon was puzzled.
"They don't want me and I don't want them."
"Ani,.."
"Its true! Besides I'm doing just fine on my own."
"Do you have a job?"
"I do what I need to do." Anakin responded with equal lack of emotion.
"That's not much of an answer."
"It's the only one I can give."
"You will come with me." Qui-gon subtly gestured with his hand.
Anakin did not answer with words, but the look of anger on his face did.
"Who is training you?" Qui-gon inquired with barely concealed alarm.
Anakin bolted.
|