| Should As Strangers We Meet |
| "What so you think he'll do with us?" Danni asked, skeptically partaking of the morning meal provided by their 'host'. Pausing between mouthfuls, Obi-Wan looked up from the plate he had piled high, an expression of irritability creasing his brow. "You make it sound like we're his prisoners," Obi-Wan observed with annoyance. "I don't recall being locked in a room an excepted practice of common courtesy", she answered, matching his derisive tone. "Danni,” Obi-Wan gestured, fork in hand, "Lord DeCrion explained his need of security. What did you want to do...go snooping around the ship in the middle of the night?" "Of course not!" She replied, a bit too emphatically, then hastily looking away. That was exactly what she wanted to do. Obi-Wan may have taken this Xanatos at his word, but she didn't trust the man or his explanations. She knew if given half a chance, she could find something that would prove to her mate that her distrust was justified. "Just what is it that you have against the man?" Obi-Wan quirked a smile, attempting to lighten the serious tone of the discussion. Danni bristled at his change of tactic. Whenever he was of the mind that his reasoning was more accurate, he began to question to her as if instructing a child. Using his superior training and experience, he managed to make her feel as if her senses were not as valid as his own. Sure, he may have been a Jedi at one time, but that didn't make him always right. "I could ask the same of you and the Jedi," she snapped acerbically, hitting his sore spot. The wounded look on his face was more then enough to make her regret her affront to his pride. The last thing they needed was to get into that old argument. Though he denied any resentment to the Jedi order, at times it was painfully obvious that Obi-Wan still harbored some lingering bitterness at being overlooked for apprenticeship. She had seen the rather caustic way he dealt with Master Jinn. Nor was the way he all too readily believed the incredible accusations of the Telosian lord lost on her. It was as if he was receiving some sort of satisfaction from the Jedi's dishonor. "What is that suppose to mean?" he leveled at her, setting the utensil down with an audible *clank*. Damn, she thought, forgetting that the bond they shared left little privacy, even to one's own thoughts. "Obi," she began, choosing her words carefully. "It's just that we don't know anything about this Lord DeCrion..." "And we know so much about Jinn? Danni, I was there when word of Qui-Gon reached the Temple. Everything Xanatos said makes perfect sense. How else would you explain the sudden appearance of a man officially declared dead by the Jedi Council?" Not wanting the discussion to escalate into a full-blown argument, Danni carefully shielded her mind. "Things may not always be as they appear," she recited a well-used phrase of his. "Who is it that's always spouting that particular adage?" Obi-Wan sat back, peering at her thoughtfully. A soft brush against her mind revealing the reinforced walls and his eyes creased disapprovingly. "Obi, I don't understand why you can't see that that man means us no good? We should find the Jedi and find a way out of here," Danni entreated. Obi-Wan's face pinched at the suggestion. "Did it ever occur to you that your incessant defense of Jinn is the result of a Jedi mind trick, something that I can attest to his being quite skilled at?" It was Danni's turn to register displeasure though she held her recriminate thoughts unspoken, safe behind her shielded mind. This acute condemnation of the Jedi Master was far beyond Obi-Wan's usual generous nature. There may be hard feelings, even suspicions of Jinn, but to completely disregard what the Jedi had done for him and aggressively side with this self-professed Lord was unlike the man she knew so well. It made no sense. *Jedi mind tricks* Obi's words floated back to her. Sudden comprehension seemed to explode inside her and with it came a dawning uneasiness. DeCrion was a former Jedi, the former apprentice of Jinn himself, someone almost as well trained as the Master perhaps. Whether it was intuition or the Force, Danni felt certainty creep over her, causing an uncontrolled shiver. Obi-Wan's expression softened considerably at seeing Danni tremble. Going to her side, he pulled her into an embrace. "You're still not well," he whispered, stroking her arms in an attempt to not only warm, but comfort her. "Obi," she stammered fearfully, interrupted by the tone of the door as it opened and an uninvited Xanatos entered. "I trust you had a good night?" Xanatos asked cheerfully, "All your needs seen to?" "Yes, thank you Lord DeCrion, you've been more then generous," Obi-Wan said, Danni still clinging to him. "Please, call me Xanatos. No need for formalities among friends," the tall, dark form swept closer, like an animate shadow. As he drew near, Danni stepped back, practically hiding behind her mate. Seeing the questioning look of their host Obi-Wan offered apologetically, "I'm afraid that Danni has yet to recover fully." "Really?" Xanatos frowned. "If you like I'll have a medic sent up to look at her?" He crossed the room to the desktop commlink. "No...no, that's quite alright," Danni hastily stated, releasing Obi-Wan and pushing herself away, "I'm fine, really. Just a little disoriented." "Well, if you're quite sure?" His hand hovered over the commlink, "I would hate to see anything happen to you because of our little misunderstanding. I feel quite responsible you know." Approaching her, Xanatos reached for her hand, offering a gentle caress. "If there's anything I can do, please feel free to ask." His smile widening, Danni couldn't help but notice the dark pools that were his eyes held no evidence of the amity he promised. Maintaining the shields erected earlier, she forced a smile to her lips, laboring to suppress the compulsive desire to snatch her hand away at his touch. "I'm really fine Lord..." He raised his eyebrow to her. "Xanatos," she substituted, turning to Obi who held a smug, I told you so, smile on his face. "In fact," she said, undaunted by Obi's attitude, "We wouldn't want to be any more a burden than we've already been. If you could show us to our shuttle..." "Ahhh, now that's what brings me to you." Xanatos bemoaned regretfully. "Apparently the electro-pulse did more damage to your transport than anticipated. My technicians are working on it as we speak, but it may take some time." "Until then," he brightened, clasping his hands together in exaggerated delight, "you'll just have to remain my honored guests." "I should take a look at it," Obi-Wan declared. "I've repaired that ship more times than I care to remember and your men may be confused by the amount of non-standard components I've installed. I've had to work with whatever's at hand." "Nonsense," Xanatos placed his hand on the younger man's shoulder. "I'm responsible for the condition of your vessel and will see to its repairs." "Anyway, if my techs are unable to work around your er...modifications, they don't deserve the wages I'm paying." he added with a chuckle. *He's lying.* The thought struck Danni with vivid certainty along with an underlying sense of Force manipulation aimed at Obi. She watched with dismay, noting the minute pause in his manner, quickly replaced by a compliant smile. "If you insist," Obi-Wan's head nodded submissively. Obi how can you be so blind, Danni mused despondently over the exchange. "What of the Jedi, Qui-Gon Jinn?" she interrupted boldly. Xanatos head spun around, his eyes blazing. Instantly, she could sense the air around her grow heavy and oppressive as the dark lord focused his attention again on her. Struggling to remain calm, Danni felt the prying fingers in her mind, covertly angling for a way past her shields. A quick glance at Obi-Wan offered no comfort, his face etched with a critical scowl. "Your woman concerns herself with a most dangerous man," Xanatos directed at Obi-Wan, gladdened by the grim expression. "Yes, she concerns herself with small children and strays too," Obi murmured good-naturedly by way of apology. "Ahhh, a woman of great compassion," answered Xanatos. His comment, to Danni's ears, tinged with distaste. "I assure you my dear, he is in most capable hands. I can take you to him if that would put your mind at ease?" Stunned by the offer, Danni hesitated, the barest shadow of doubt creeping into her mind. Had she allowed her imagination to cloud her judgment of this man? It was only after he smiled, showing that wide predatory grin, chilling her to the core, that she knew, indisputably, her initial assessment of him was unerring. "If it wouldn't be too much trouble," she said swallowing the acrid taste flooding her mouth. The sinister aura behind his smile producing the same effect as biting down on a flimsy of foil. "No trouble at all." Xanatos moved to the door bidding them to follow. “As you can see, he's been quite will cared for," Xanatos remarked, striding confidently to one side of the large, unconscious man. Moving to the opposite side, Danni noted with muted displeasure that Obi-Wan had chosen, not to stand by her, but to take position next to their *host*. Was this unconscious criticism for what he considered maleficent behavior on her part toward the Telosian Lord or a blatant show of disfavor. She chose to believe the former being that Obi-Wan had never before manifested a spiteful bone in his body. "We've attended to the rather nasty burn he had," Xanatos stated full of pride, pulling back the sheet that covered the Jedi's chest. Uncomfortable and embarrassed by the knowledge that her mate had caused the injury, Danni's gaze darted to Obi-Wan. Her eyes locked with his, meeting only cold indifference, his only reaction to her silent reproach an apathetic shrug. Looking down at the senseless man, she reached out, lightly touching the pink, mottled patch, the only vestige left of the previously angry looking wound. Her eyes traveled down the thick arms observing the tiny red dot in the crease of his elbow. "Is he drugged?" she asked without looking up. The small pinprick and the fact that the Jedi barely stirred upon their arrival was all the evidence needed to attest to the obvious. "A mild tranquilizer," Xanatos explained, "when he first was brought in he was quite disoriented and belligerent. It was necessary to sedate him in order to treat his injuries." "And these?" she uncovered Qui-Gon's hands, revealing the metal binders that secured him to the cart. "For his own protection as much as our own. As I stated he wasn't in his right mind and I had to think about the safety of my men. I could hardly expect them to contend with a massive, violent Jedi Master now could I?" Xanatos words bordered on resentment. His reasoning was logical she thought, listening to the rationale and yet, she knew there was more to it then what he let on. Mindlessly fingering the binders, she was curious by what their touch revealed. Though the binders looked ordinary enough, contact with them produced a most peculiar sensation. An...offensive sensation, as if touching the dark side itself. I'll have to ask Obi, she thought to herself, looking up at him. But not now, not with *him* around. "What are you going to do with him?" Danni leveled point-blank at their host. "Do with him?" Xanatos repeated, a hurt look on his face. "Why notify the Jedi Council of course. I can't imagine what it is you'd believe me do if not for that," his expression dropped into the perfect mask of sincerity. "You said yourself this man was you enemy?" Danni allowed her suspicion to vent unbridled. "My dear," the man's voice rose slightly in righteous indignation, "I would defend myself or my men to the death if necessary, but I'm hardly the type to take advantage of a fallen opponent. Lest you forget, I myself was once Jedi." "Danni, I hardly think it necessary to insult Xanatos," Obi-Wan admonished, breaking his silence, "he's done nothing but shown us immeasurable hospitality." Xanatos offered the young man a small, grateful smile, inwardly ecstatic at his rush to defense. "Obi-Wan...?" a dry, hoarse voice spoke. Looking down, Obi-Wan saw the Jedi was coming to, his head turned toward him. "Pa..padawan." the large man called, his eyes grudgingly peeling open. Exhausted, physically and mentally from the terrible seizures that had besieged him, Qui-Gon had openly welcomed the numbing oblivion his mind had again slipped into. As comprehension surfaced and the voices began, he had pushed them away, ignoring their unintelligible words and unfamiliar tones. Striving to center himself in the soothing darkness his concentration was abruptly broken, his attention compulsively drawn to the third voice, one he instantly recognized. His mind still confused, he willed himself from the depths of the blackness he'd sought comfort in. There was something he had to tell his apprentice...something of importance. Prying open crusted lids, he called out to the young man. Through a clouded haze he searched his mind for the vital information he had to impart. "Padawan..." he croaked through a parched throat and dry, cracked lips. "I believe he's talking to you,” Obi-Wan stated, turning his head to this host. Qui-Gon's gaze followed Obi-Wan's, his brain taking time to recognize the figure. Xanatos? His mind reeled at the sight of the man standing next to his apprentice. Both confusion and alarm danced through his head only, he couldn't be sure if he was confused at the alarm or alarmed at the confusion. Trying to piece together the fragmented thoughts that swirled in side in mind, he grasped onto the strongest of them. "Obi-Wan.. my Padawan..." he pushed out, chuffing with distress. Trying to unsuccessfully to rise from the table, his head fell back with a bang. " danger... Xanatos... dark side... help me.." Obi-Wan frowned at the haggard-looking man, only half wondering what the man was trying to say and caring even less. He found it difficult to feel any pity for the once great Qui-Gon Jinn and what the man had now become. Over the years, he had come to believe the Jedi Order was far too blind and strict in its adherence to archaic codes and ancient laws. His thinking may be overly hard due to his perceived slight from them, but perhaps the man's fate was only repercussions for the Council's narrow, shortsightedness. Observing young Kenobi, pleased at the severe expression on his face, Xanatos placed a friendly hand on his shoulder. "Poor man, he was one of their best," he clicked his tongue, shaking his head in remorse. "Don't touch my Padawan,” Qui-Gon cried out weakly. "Leave the boy alone Xanatos, your dispute is with me." The Jedi Master's words produced an equal though dissimilar response in each man. While Xanatos' eyes narrowed in restrained emotions, Obi-Wan's widened with total bewilderment. Out of the numerous things he may have expected the Jedi to voice, the claim Obi-Wan heard was most undoubtedly not one of them. "Obi-Wan... your Padawan?" Xanatos baited expertly as though astonished at the very concept. "Stay away from him," Qui-Gon rasped darkly, straining against the binders that held him in place. "So full of hate and anger, it's no wonder his mind snapped," Xanatos patted the young man's shoulder. "He's delusional," Obi-Wan agreed earnestly. "That would account for the fantastic story he told me on the shuttle." Danni had stood by, wordlessly taking in both the Jedi's appearance and the exchange between the three men. Qui-Gon had looked as if he's aged a great many years. His face lined deeply, his once compassion filled eyes now yellowed and weepy. It would certainly appear that something more had happened to the man since captured by Xanatos. She found it unlikely that a person's mental and physical state would degenerate so rapidly on its own. And there was something about the yellow eyes and the smell of his breath... these reminded her of the hopeless, drug-addicted dregs that inhabited the poverty-stricken cities on Corellia. Delusional my blaster, she thought, keeping a neutral face. "Come," Xanatos said, letting his hand fall behind Obi-Wan's back, guiding him away. "We should let Qui-Gon rest. I'm sure to hear from the Jedi Council on his disposition soon." "No Obi-Wan…" Qui-Gon exclaimed, "you must not listen to him..." The trio left the med lab with the excited cries of the Jedi Master following their heels. "What are your plans now?" Obi-Wan inquired of his host as they walked amiably down the hall. "I think my first business should be to locate Qui-Gon's transport. I'd like to know what kind of repairs the Jedi was unable to complete himself," Xanatos stated, continuing down the hall, his boots clicking neatly with each step. "I'd be interested myself to know what the man wanted of me," Obi-Wan turned to the dark-haired man. Xanatos paused for a moment, as if considering the young man's unasked offer. "Of course, under the circumstances you're more than welcome to accompany me. That is provided your ladylove has no objections." Following behind them, Danni's mind was pulled from her own deep thoughts to the exchange of the men before her. Irritated, though not surprised by Obi's submittance of help, it was the ease at which the dark lord shrewdly manipulated her mate that caught her attention. She could see Obi bristle at the well-placed barb to his male ego. Even with his back to her, the sudden tensing of this shoulders was enough to know the comment struck its mark. "He hardly needs my permission," she chimed in quickly, hoping to minimize any injury to his pride. There was little hope now of trying to dissuade Obi-Wan from proving himself in front of the Telosian Lord. "Why yes, of course," Xanatos countered apologetically, "I meant no disrespect." Danni glared at the man's back, understanding that he had now succeeded in making her sound overly defensive. *That man is a practiced master of deceit...*, Danni cut off the thought as the man turned back, glancing at her before turning to Obi-Wan. "Well, then it's settled," Xanatos stated, stopping at the door to their suite. "As soon as we're in orbit I'll come round to get you," he told Obi-Wan who nodded in agreement. Smiling, Xanatos gave a short bow of departure and strode away gracefully, his dark cloak billowing out behind him. Turning, Obi-Wan hesitated before following Danni's retreating form into the room. Running a hand through his long hair, a heavy sigh escaping as he readied himself for the inevitable argument he was sure would ensue. "Danni..." he said softly, attempting to keep a neutral tone. "Obi,” cutting him off, she walked over, placed her arms around him and her head on his shoulder. "I'm sorry, I don't like when you're angry with me. It's just…," she deliberated the futility of trying to explain her feelings, feelings he appeared blind to. "I'm just concerned I guess." "It's ok," he held her close, whispering in her ear. "I'm not angry, though I'm not the one you owe an apology to." He felt her stiffen in his arms and instantly regretted his last comment, as he waited for her to pull away and blast him with both barrels. Though he couldn't understand her incessant animosity for Xanatos, the last thing he wanted was for the temporary intrusion of the Telosian Lord in their lives to cause a rift in their relationship. After a short time, Danni settled back into his embrace. "I'll just be glad when we're back safely with the clan." Breathing a silent sigh of relief, Obi-Wan gave her a gentle squeeze, kissing her forehead. "I know," he mouthed, his lips lingering on her skin, "I will too." "Promise me one thing,“ she said, raising her head to look into his eyes. "Promise me when you go with him you'll be careful." "Of course, don't worry," He answered a little to quickly, making her aware he didn't take her misgivings seriously. He was merely placating her as he would the irrational fears of a small child. This only increased her resolve to set her own plans into motion. In under two hours Danni found herself sitting alone in the suite. Xanatos had come and spirited Obi-Wan away amid a chorus of flattering words and flashy smiles. Now came the hard part...to wait. Normally a very patient woman, she found it increasingly difficult to contain herself, her body wanting to work off the nervous tension that grew within. But there was still that unsettling sense of spying eyes upon her and it would do no good for them to see her pacing like a caged animal. That would only encourage a more watchful eye. Instead she forced herself to find a comfortable seat and attempt a relaxation technique. Closing her eyes, allowing her head to rest against the back of the hair chair she sat in, she concentrated on long, slow breaths. As her body relaxed, she felt her mind cycling up, her thoughts turning to Obi's departure. Obi-Wan had seemed genuinely excited when Xanatos came to collect him. Watching with a close, furtive eye, she had seen Obi-Wan interact with the man, not as the new, treacherous acquaintance he was, but as a long and well know associate. It came to her at that moment, whether by her own deduction or some Force inspired whisper she didn't know, but she understood why it was the Obi allowed himself blindsided by the Telosian Lord. It was a matter of wanting to connect to the world he once knew. Simply put, he missed his life with the Jedi. Understandably so, from what he had told her. Unfortunately due to his long held insecurities he was building a familiarity with the wrong Jedi. Danni could clearly see how in Obi's mind Qui-Gon Jinn represented everything he once strived for and to that end, all his failings in the Jedi Order. On the other hand Xanatos, the Xanatos he saw, was a kindred spirit. As she pondered her mate's attraction to the man, a multitude of scene's seemed to flicker behind closed eyes. Blurred visions of a dark, marauding army roaming cities and countryside's, slaughtering not only those who stood against them but those who tried to flee. Scenes of people being herded out of their homes at blaster point. Men, women and children being taken away, every degradation possible being inflicted by their captors. Killings, both private and public, even as loved ones stood by, sobbing and pleading for mercy. These visions flashed by between beats of her heart. Location and time indeterminate, yet the horrid visages held one common factor. The dark specter of Xanatos reigned silently nearby, watching the army, the people, the executions, a hooded, shadowy figure always at his side. And just as the visions began to slowly fade, Danni could hear Xanatos' evil laugh. "I told you my friend. All is meant to be ours... all we need do is take it." The dark shadow turned, the hood pulling back to reveal menacing blue-green eyes. "Yes, my master," a scarred-faced, more mature Obi-Wan grated with a malevolent smile. "NO!" Danni screeched through a throat clenched tight with fear. Her stomach twisted violently and she bolted for the refresher, sicking up what little breakfast she had eaten. Coughing and spitting the vile taste from her mouth, she fell back exhausted on the refresher floor. "Please," she pleaded aloud, tears streaming down her face, "don't let it be." Minutes passed before she was able to gather her composer and rise from the floor on shaky legs. Rinsing her mouth and wiping the sour-smelling stains from her blouse she gazed at the small, frail looking woman staring back in the mirror. Watching absently, she saw a shudder run through the reflection as the visions played themselves out unbidden in her memory. "You can't stop it," the mirror image murmured meekly, its voice filled with doubt and fear. "I must," Danni felt herself respond, unconsciously rubbing her stomach. Staring hard into her red-rimmed eyes, she reached inside herself to that bright, shining light that was her bond with Obi-Wan. Immersing herself in the warmth and comfort it provided, she smiled as the face in the mirror changed its sorrowful expression. Her eyes narrowed with a glint of steel determination and her voice carried the strength she felt throughout mind and body. "For my family I will do it!" Making her way to the med lab had proven far easier than she could possibly have hoped. Of course, the fact that she looked like sith and smelled like puke did wonders when the guard appeared at the door. Obviously, a locked door hadn't enough guarantee for Xanatos to retain his 'guest'. No sooner had she used the room's communication monitor to ask for help when the door swished open and there he was. A mature, severe-faced man dressed in a black uniform, the blaster at his side suggesting he was security. It was apparent from his sudden appearance that the man must have been just outside the door. I really shouldn't be surprised, she surmised regretfully. I didn't exactly hide my feelings of the man. No time to worry about the past, she reproached herself. "I'm sick, she whimpered softly, cradling her abdomen, "I need to see a medic." Eyeing her suspiciously, the man took a number of steps toward her, his hand resting casually on his blaster. Stopping suddenly, his face contorting with disgust as the foul-smelling odor that coated the girl hit him. Bending over and moaning, Danni had to hide the grin that erupted on her face as the man literally hopped back in reaction to her. Reaching for his personal commlink, the guard walked to the other side of the room and spoke briefly into his handheld unit. Unable to discern the mumbled conversation, Danni waited, slowly rocking back and forth. More so an unconscious nervous gesture than acting the part of ailing female, it nevertheless caught the guard's attention. Casting a distasteful glance in the direction of the moaning girl as he waited for an answer from the med lab, the guard had an occasion to think on his initial excitement when first sent to watch over one of the Lord DeCrion's 'guests'. It was known that a Jedi Master had been captured and that another in his party had ties to the Jedi Order. Visions of heroics and promotions danced in his head at the thought of tangling with a Jedi but those had been quickly squashed when told his assignment was only a woman that had accompanied the Jedi. Worse still, he thought listening to her simpering, this was turning into nothing but a babysitting job. Disengaging his commlink, frustrated at what he'd been told, he walked over to the girl, looking down at her with little sympathy. "The medic can't leave the lab. You'll have to go to him," he announced curtly. "Can you walk?" "I th..think..so," she sniffed, slowly pulling herself to her feet. Managing to keep her pace at a Jawa's crawl, the guard walked impatiently beside her, making sure to stay half a step behind her. "You're quite the accomplished pilot," Xanatos complimented from the copilot's seat as Obi-Wan maneuvered the small ship through the planet's rough upper atmosphere. It had been years since he had the opportunity to pilot a craft that wasn't decades old and held together by fibersteel patches and cannibalized parts. When Xanatos offered the pilot's seat, Obi-Wan couldn't resist the chance to fly the sleek, state of the art transport. "A ship like this hardly takes any skill at all. It could probably fly itself." the young man answered, clearly impressed with the vehicle the Telosian Lord had idly referred to as his 'toy'. "Don't sell yourself short," Xanatos scolded, then as an afterthought in an all too startling imitation, "Lead one astray, false modesty can more swiftly than pride, hmmm?" Obi-Wan's head swiveled around, jaws unhinged, eyes wide with disbelief. "Come now," Xanatos chuckled at the astonished expression on the Obi's face, "don't tell me you've never 'done' Yoda?" "I..um..," Obi stammered, with embarrassment, "I was never very good at it when I tried." "Try not. Do or do not. There is no try." Xanatos mimicked with exact precision and timing. "Oh man," Obi-Wan chuffed lightly, his head shaking in mild with controlled amusement, "how many times did we hear that growing up." "Yes, life in the temple was certainly fraught with hardship," Xanatos added glibly, pleased at the young man's use of 'we'. "What with the threat of Yoda's gruel hanging over our heads." "Arrgghh" Obi groaned loudly, giving way to Xanatos raucous laughter. "Imagine being apprenticed to Yoda's last Padawan?" the tall man turned a quirked eyebrow at him. "I've eaten enough of that slop to kill a rancor." Obi-Wan felt an odd stillness in the air as their laughter died away, one that was suddenly filled with rather strong...rather negative energies from the lord's last comment. Surprised at the severity, Obi-Wan cautiously reached out with the Force only to encounter the calm, neutral mind of Xanatos. Whatever dark emotions the Lord harbored had fled as quickly as they appeared...if they'd ever really been there in the first place. Setting aside, what he assumed was only his imagination, he return his attention to the landing of the ship on Dolari Tunz. I'm getting as paranoid as Danni, he thought with an imperceptible snort. |
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