| Should As Strangers We Meet |
| “How much further do we have to go?” Danni inquired, her voice betraying the weariness she felt climbing the steep, rocky mountain face. “Just to the ledge,” Qui-Gon motioned above before turning and taking an account of his companion. I shouldn’t have permitted her to come, he mentally berated himself, scrambling down the few feet to her side. “You know it may be wise…,” he began, reaching for her arm to assist her. “No! I am not going back or waiting here,” she replied in no uncertain terms, wrenching her arm out of his grasp. Staring at her with pursed lips, he considered using the Force in effort to gain her compliance. Eyeing the look of stern contemplation on the Jedi’s face, Danni raised a finger, shaking it in his face. “And before you go thinking about using your magic on me, just you remember who sprung you from the lab.” Looking down at the young woman standing there, her face knotted in severe umbrage, one finger wagging in front of him, he could almost laugh at her overzealous tenacity if not for the gravity of their situation. Suppressing a desire to shake his head in amusement, he couldn’t help but believe that only a woman as strong-willed and fiery as Danian was capable of keeping a man as stubborn as Obi-Wan in line...though he bristled at the thought of the explosive nature of their personalities during a disagreement. “Fine then,” his tone firm, “at least let me help you.” He held out a hand. “Fine!” She responded curtly. Clapping onto the extended hand with an iron grip, she pulled herself up to his position and followed as they resumed their ascent. After a few moments, he felt his arm pulled back when Danni halted. “What is it?”, he asked feeling her stiffen, seeing her eyes staring blankly ahead. “It’s Obi,” she whispered in fear. Immediately reaching for her mind, cautious to mask his presence, he was relieved to find the cause of her distress was only that the young man was attempting to contact her. Extending his own shields, he wrapped her mind in an impenetrable wall. When he finally felt Obi-Wan withdraw he sent waves of calming energies to Danni. “He’s not very happy with me,” she said discouragingly, coming back to herself. “Yes, but we now know that he’s still unharmed,” Qui-Gon smiled reassuringly, gently tugging on her arm, “we must hurry.” Making a meticulous examination of the exterior, Xanatos slowly circled the object, padding with a feline grace. One delicate hand, lightly brushing the surface, trailed behind as he made his circuit. The almost living warmth beneath his fingertips intrigued him, as well as the pilfered memory from Qui-Gon Jinn that asserted the interior of the vessel was far more spacious then the exterior implied. As expected...(another tidbit of information procured from the Jedi Master’s mind), the Force was ineffective in penetrating the hull and it’s secrets remained securely locked away. *Fascinating.* At any point, he could readily enter the ship, having gleaned the knowledge of the doorway from Qui-Gon, but he was curious as to how much like his alter-dimensional counterpart this Obi-Wan was. He was unconcerned with the fact the young man had turned down his offer of apprenticeship, if he deemed Obi-Wan of value to him there were many ways to extract his obedience. “Well,” he called out to the young man who waited some distance from the ship, “what do you think?” The inquiry setting him in motion, Obi-Wan answered as he joined the man. “I get no sense of it...invariably Force-resistant, but it’s no simple transport.” “That much is obvious,” Xanatos replied with a smirk. “Now how do you propose we open it?” Stepping back he allowed Obi to move forward and make his own inspection. Moving around the capsule, a grim smile on his face, Obi-Wan felt a decidedly awkward sense of being under evaluation. A feeling reminiscent of that long ago time in the Jedi Temple...when assigned some deceptively simple task where a Master would appraise him of not just if the task was completed but how the task was accomplished. That uncomfortable feeling nagged at him and he found himself growing resentful at the presumption of the man to test him and for the first time he seriously wondered at the Telosian lord’s intentions and his own wisdom in accompanying him to the planet. A little late now Kenobi, he told himself. After his stroll around the object he paused, staring at its creamy-white surface. “There’s something here,” he muttered distractedly, reaching out a hesitant hand. It was nothing he could see...this part of the structure was no different than any other...a smooth, seamless construction. Yet, as his fingers closed on the area that drew his attention he sensed the slight, tingling resistance of an electro-field. A holo-graphic force-field, he smiled. Very clever. Only a Force-sensitive being would even notice the unusual energy it emitted and only one with some type of training in the Force would be able to circumvent it. Pressing with the Force as much as his fingers, the holo-gram wavered and disappeared as he broke through the field to reveal a rectangular control pad. Following a quick assessment, he pressed the largest of the buttons. An elongated crack appeared in the exterior, slowly widening. “Well done!” Xanatos was suddenly at his side, a hand clapped his shoulder in congratulations. “Yes, perhaps,” Obi-Wan commented warily, “but why no security codes?” “An unnecessary feature if the door itself and the means to open it are well hidden?” Xanatos answered matter-of-factly. Still, it seemed too easy to him. If the Jedi was as dangerous...and vengeful as Xanatos claimed wouldn’t he have taken greater care to protect his transport...especially knowing his enemy’s Force abilities nearly equaled his own? “After you,” the elder entreated, an arm raised in invitation. Stamping down the unease he felt, Obi-Wan nodded and stepped through the threshold. Hanging over the cliff face, her legs scrambling wildly for purchase, Danni held on to the Jedi Master’s hand. She watched his face intently as he pulled her up and she saw his head tilt to the side as though something caught his attention. “Damn. They’re inside.” he hissed, helping her to her feet. “How do you know?” she brushed off the small pebbles and dust that clung to her clothes. There was no need to ask of who or what he referred to. “Obi-Wan... my Obi-Wan and I discovered the transport was impervious to the Force. It’s virtually impossible to sense anything through it.” The Jedi had explained much to her on their journey, much that if it weren’t for their present circumstances she would not have believed. Alternate universes, duplicates of people she knew living lives the same, yet different from those here.. it was almost too much to conceive of. And then there was Obi-Wan, an Obi-Wan that had never left the Temple. One that had been chosen as apprentice by Qui-Gon himself. Any disbelief had quickly fled as she listened to the obvious affection with which the Jedi Master held for his charge. A small part of her had ached in sympathy at all her Obi had missed out on and yet had his fate been different she would never had met him...never had loved him, never had had the joy of carrying his child. Out of curiosity with what the Jedi Master had explained of the transport device, she reached out with her mind, searching for the other being at the end of her life bond. A quick intake of air was her response at what she found. Following the bond thread, she was shocked to discover it end abruptly into nothingness. Searching through the Force she could gain no feel of her life mate...not even the slightest hint of his Force signature, almost as if he had never existed at all in the Force. Sensing the woman’s apprehension, Qui-Gon gently grasped her shoulders, turning her to face him. “He’s fine,” the Jedi’s face grew dark with weighted concern. “Danni I need you to listen and mind what I say. Obi-Wan’s life may depend on it. When we are close, I want you to promise me you’ll stay in the shadows, out of view.” Danni looked deep into his eyes and nodded solemnly, hoping that fate wouldn’t deem it necessary to break her promise. Satisfied with her answer, the large man released her, turning toward the cave and stepped into the awaiting darkness. Upon entering the cave, Danni could make out a faint light from far ahead but as the large Jedi led her into the tunnel all light was blocked by his massive form and she was plunged into complete darkness. A fleeting question had form in her mind as she groped sightlessly in the blackness. Why didn’t the Jedi use his lightsaber to illuminate their way...but before her mind fully closed on that thought the answer stilled her tongue. If they were to be noticed... At that, she hurried her step, hand outstretched in front of her. As soon as her fingers made contact with something other than rock, she latched onto it. Qui-Gon felt as Danni clasped onto the back of his shirt and knew instantly the girl was relying on her eyes instead of the Force. A rueful smile played on his lips. Tahl could certainly teach her a thing or two, he thought affectionately of his sightless Jedi friend. Adjusting his stride to accommodate the much shorter woman, Qui-Gon continued, keeping a keen ear to the large chamber he knew lay ahead. He paused nearing the end of the tunnel and peered intently into the much wider expanse. The capsule standing at the far end bathed the chamber in its dim glow. Staring at the structure it felt as though it had been weeks, not days since his misfortunate dislocation. No, he chastised himself for that errant thought. This was no accident...it was the will of the Force. There had been a sense of some purpose in his arrival in this dimension...something thrummed in the Force, a voice, however unclear. At first, he believed it to have some connection with Mace, who had for ten years felt at least in part, responsible for the death of this universe’s Qui-Gon. But after Danni related the vision she experienced, he knew unerringly the mission the Force had chosen for him. Not strong himself with the prescience of the Unifying Force, he still had no doubts whatsoever that Danni had truly been granted a view of the future. A view of the possible future, one that was always in motion and one that he had to make sure never became fact. These thoughts passed through his mind in a nano-second, his attention pulled to the murmuring voices inside the capsule. Deciding to move with expedience as there was advantage to Xanatos being inside the Force-resistant structure, he pulled out his lightsaber. *Remain here* he sent to Danni, casting a perma-steel glare over his shoulder, pausing only long enough to see the nod of her head. Turning away, saber hilt in hand, he stepped from the darkened tunnel and silently made his way to the capsule. Stepping through the doorway, Obi-Wan felt a wave of unreality wash over him as though stumbling into some outlandish dream and Xanatos’ unsurprised demeanor of his surroundings only added to the unsettling sense of dreaming. What he saw around him was theoretically impossible. The interior of...whatever this device was, was at least four times larger then the exterior. A quick shake of his head did nothing to change this and inhaling deeply, he could detect no trace of chemical that would account for hallucinations. The black-clad lord, his attention now otherwise engaged, paid him no mind as he moved uncertainly about the capsule. Turning, stepping back to the door, meaning to take another look at the exterior, Obi-Wan was shocked motionless at the unbelievable sight of the Jedi Master in the chamber outside. Treading cautiously, angling his approach so not to be in front of the open entranceway, Qui-Gon was unsurprised as a figure stepped into the doorway. At seeing Obi-Wan, he immediately sent out waves of calming, non-threatening energies through the Force as they stared at each other for a decisive second. Obi-Wan gazed at the man, astonished that he’d not only escaped from the medlab, but that he managed to make it here to the planet. Examining his feelings, he found he carried no animosity toward the Jedi. Still, there was Danian back on board the starship that he had to think about. “Xanatos!” the young man called out somewhat regretfully. The dark lord reacted instinctively to the Obi-Wan’s call. A habit borne from years of making numerous enemies in his quest for power and wealth. Almost flying through the door, he couldn’t have been more surprised if Yoda himself stood there. “I see I’ve severely underestimated you Qui-Gon,” Xanatos smiled cruelly, waiting expectantly for a chiding rebuke on the reliance on assumptions or some other meaningless Jedi philosophical drivel. As the moment turned into a pregnant pause, his smile gradually fell. A vexed frown replaced it at the silent snub. “No matter,” he scowled, gathering the dark energies of the Force around him. “I’ve bested you once old man,” accenting his words with the humming sweep of his crimson blade, “I’ll grant you a more honorable death than to be put down as a worthless cannoid in my lab.” Watching from her place in the tunnel, Danni had been overjoyed when Obi strode into view. That joy had instantly been cut short by his warning shout to Xanatos. Kriff Obi! she cursed silently, I’m gonna clobber you for your stupidity! In a flash, the dark lord had exited the structure, weapon ablaze and she listened to his cold-hearted taunts. For a moment while he spoke, the man’s gaze drifted beyond the Jedi’s formidable form, lighting onto the tunnel where she hid in the shadows. Sensing more than just his prying eyes directed her way, she involuntarily stepped back, pressing herself into the cold, rough cave walls. Something dug painfully into her hip and she forcibly restrained herself from yelping aloud at the sharp, stabbing sensation. When the repulsive feel of Xanatos’ gaze abated, she quietly massaged her tender hip and a new confidence filled her at the discovery of the cause of her pain. Her eyes riveted to the man in black, she carefully extracted the forgotten blaster tucked safely into the pocket of her skirt. If I can just get off a clean shot, she prayed, raising the weapon and taking aim. Holding her breath, a steady finger on the trigger, she was rocked back in shock as Xanatos made a move. Faster than she ever though possible, Xanatos sprang into the air, seeming to fly across the chamber like a huge, freakish wasp poised to strike. To her horror, the Jedi master merely stood there, lightsaber held casually at his side. Only at the last possible moment, as Xanatos sliced down did a green blur flash and he sidestepped the lethal swing. In the minutes that followed the two adversaries battled. Xanatos attacked with vicious precision, hammering powerful blows that exploded in sparks and smoke, each move countered by the emerald blade. Feeling the dark waves of the Force buffet against him, Qui-Gon opened himself completely to the Force. Drawing in its power, at the same time submitting himself to its will he found his calm center. Xanatos fought savagely, all thought given over to aggression and hate. He attacked with furious blows and cunning speed, yet each time the Force guided Qui-Gon in perfect defense. Striking high, they’re sabers clashed, locked in close quarters amid a flurry of sputters and hisses. “You’re weak Master,” Xanatos whispered as they stood face to face, close enough for Qui-Gon to feel the breath of his words. Wordlessly pushing the younger man off, they circled each other in ancient dance. “You realize you’re no match for me?” Xanatos laughed, feinting a slash, then thrusting fiercely at the larger man’s chest. Prompted by the Force, Qui-Gon twirled in time and the red, glowing blade met with only empty air. Xanatos charged, battering the Jedi Master with an onslaught of furious strikes, their blades clashing again and again, the heavy scent of ozone filling the chamber. “Is that the best you’ve got?” Xanatos snarled, showing no signs of tiring as he drove the Jedi back. “My own Master was more sport than this and easily destroyed.” Remaining neutral, parrying blow for blow, Qui-Gon ignored the barbs intended to illicit a rise from his base emotions. On the contrary... they strengthened his resolve to follow the light side of the Force. With a pang of disappointment in himself, he understood it was the surrendering to anger that sealed the downfall of this dimension’s Qui-Gon Jinn. Concentrating on the here and now, the Jedi Master could feel the boiling emotions that stirred in his opponent, a fury incensed further by the intentional disregard of his words. Good, he thought, an angry man could always be counted on to make a mistake. Gathering the serenity of the Force, enfolding it, accepting it, he changed the rhythm of his strokes. Now extending into bold, offensive moves he slashed a powerful arc, catching Xanatos’ shoulder in the process. Surprised by the sudden shift of tactics, Xanatos had barely enough time to jump back as the green lightsaber slashed at his shoulder, burning a hole through both cape and shirt, leaving a deep, blistering wound from neck to nipple. Hissing in pain, he dodged the larger man, jumping and kicking the cave wall he shot up, flipping over Qui-Gon’s head. Landing closer to the capsule, he cradled his lightsaber in his now, almost useless arm. Danni had watched all, the blaster trained on the men as they battled around the chamber. There was no way for her to get a shot off. As quick as she could get Xanatos in her sights, the combatants would move and there was no way to guarantee hitting the right man. Finally, after receiving what she hoped was a devastating injury, Xanatos moved back towards the capsule. “Help me, Kenobi,” he called out ,leaning heavily against capsule for support. Smart enough to know better then to get in the way of the warring men, Obi-Wan had kept to the interior of the structure viewing the battle with increasing unease. As the contest progressed, his senses were inundated by the raw power of the Force that exuded from the men filling the cavern. It didn’t surprise him to feel the sinister tendrils of the dark side wafting through the tranquil energies of the light side. What did confound him was from whom the dark waves emanated. Hearing the injured man call out to him, he was at a loss of what he should do. If Xanatos was indeed a dark side user, then everything the Telosian lord had told him was a lie...yet it was he who still held Danni captive. Wondering why the Jedi wasn’t finishing the man off, Danni leveled her aim at the solitary lord... “Obi-Wan...” Xanatos pleaded . Feeling he had no choice, Obi-Wan took a hesitant step to the open doorway only to be grabbed by powerful, invisible hands and abruptly hauled out of the capsule by the dark lord and used as a shield. “Enough of this Xanatos, you cannot win..” Qui-Gon spoke with quiet authority. “I can still prevent your returning to your own world Master.” the crimson blade suddenly sprang to life, now inches from Obi-Wan’s neck as he was held in place between the two men. “And you will still die,” a statement of fact, not anger on Qui-Gon’s part. “But before I do, I’ll give you the pleasure of watching this pathetic excuse of a life form die!” At that Xanatos threw the young man to the rough cave floor with the Force and raised his saber overhead. Danni was about to squeeze the trigger when to her horror, Xanatos seized Obi and pulled him in front of him. She stared in frozen terror, not hearing the words exchanged by the two men. Then as her mate was thrown to the ground , she found herself petrified with fright in place. Move, she commanded her body and suddenly she stepped out into the light. “No!” she screamed loudly, hoping to gain the needed second of Xanatos’ attention to be able to shoot him dead. Only now as the second played out, she stood transfixed, her finger unable to move. Xanatos looked toward the voice, hatred etched deeply into his face. Everything happened fast and the Jedi Master had little time to react. Hearing Danni’s strangled cry as Xanatos was about to cut down her life-mate and knowing the strategy Xanatos would use in dealing with the woman, he did the only thing he could from this distance...the only thing the Force instructed. He stayed her finger from the trigger, not allowing her to fire the lethal shot that he foresaw deflected back at her. Then with an almost imperceptible flick of his wrist, detected only by Qui-Gon from the varying hum of the lightsaber he held, Xanatos sent a blast of Force energy at the young woman. Her body was violently rocked back, her hand still holding the blaster, clenched in reflexive response, triggering the firing mechanism as she was flung back into the dark tunnel. “Danni!” Obi-Wan roared on seeing her, forgetting the man who had thrown him down, now standing over him preparing to kill. The sudden explosion and whiny ‘zing’ he heard was enough warning to reel back as a ruby fire ball flashed by striking Xanatos in the chest just as he was about to cleave him in two. Thrown against the capsule, an astonished expression on his face, the lightsaber dropped from his functional hand, it’s red blade winking out before clattering harmlessly to the floor. His hand shakily rose, pressing to the burnt, gaping wound over his heart and he bonelessly slid down the capsule in a heap. Instantly Obi-Wan scrambled away, barely getting to his feet as he made his way to Danni. “Get away from her!” he shouted to the Jedi who was already bending over her. Qui-Gon straightened, giving the young man room as he rushed to her side. Obi-Wan reached for her tenderly, pulling her into his lap. “Danni?” his voice trembled with distress, his fingers lightly stroking her cheek. The woman moaned softly, her head rolling on his arm. “Shsssh, don’t move.” He pressed a kiss to her forehead thanking the gods for her life. Through the Force, Qui-Gon could feel that Danni, though injured would be fine and turned his attention to a more serious matter. He strode cautiously, lightsaber ready, to where Xanatos lay sprawled by the capsule’s entrance. Standing over him, lips pressed into a grim mask, he kicked the lightsaber hilt away from the fallen man. At the sudden movement Xanatos struggled to raise his head from its slumped over position. Straining, he forced it up and back, letting it rest on the warm shell of the capsule, his eyes immediately meeting those of the Jedi’s. “Ma..Mass ter ... I’m d..dying” Xanatos stared at the looming Jedi master, eyes wide and shiny like a frightened child. With tremendous effort, he held up a bloodied hand. Delving into the Force, Qui-Gon searched out the man’s real intentions. He was far too familiar with Xanatos theatrics to be fooled by such simple a tactic. There was no need to assess the injury as one look at the openly flowing wound was enough to ascertain it was mortal, though even the inevitability of death wouldn’t preclude a final effort on his part to inflict harm. Once reaching the Telosian’s ebbing signature, Qui-Gon found a surprising lack of Force energies. There was no bright, thrumming comfort of the light side he had been witness to when attending the passing of a Jedi in the Force. Even the dark Force that had for so long held rule over him was no more than a weak blur as it fled, having exploited all it could from him. All that the tainted side of the Force had left to Xanatos was pain and fear, both radiating in lessening waves from the dying man. Gazing down at him, Qui-Gon felt his heart fill with regret. Regret at the destruction the man had wrought in this and other dimensions. Regret that he himself was in part responsible for that happening...regret for everything he had once hoped of a talented, vibrant boy that never came to be. Redemption was beyond his to grant, such was for higher powers than he, but the Force and his own compassion directed he offer what comfort he could. Kneeling beside him, Qui-Gon placed a large hand on Xanatos’ chest, feeling him recoil under his touch. Tapping the Force, he brushed Xanatos’ mind, sending tranquil waves to alleviate his fear, all the while absorbing the agony of his wounds. Accepting the pain, the Jedi Master redirected it and released it into the Force, noting the look of gratitude in younger man’s gaze. As each breath became a labored task, Xanatos grasped at the Jedi’s arm with frantic determination, his eyes ladened with sorrow. Garnering his last reserve of strength he had, knowing he had little time, he gripped Qui-Gon’s hand in desperation. “M... master” Xanatos’ voice gurgled wetly, with obvious strain, “ p..please... fo..ggg..ive...” There was no need of contemplation on this. Compassion for all beings was one of Qui-Gon’s strengths and it was the Jedi way to forgive even the greatest of enemies with the cessation of hostilities. In response to the query, Qui-Gon sent a number of images to Xanatos rapidly weakening mind. Images that had until now been locked deep in the furthest recesses of his memory. A young, black-haired boy receiving his first Padawan hair-cut, his Master weaving his own hair into the braid. A sparring tournament, the same boy now older, being congratulated by a proud and loving Master. A vision of a worried-faced Master huddled over the injured form of the young man, his large hand entwined with the smaller. As the images passed from one man to the other, Qui-Gon could feel the drawing of a rasping breath and as it was released in hitches he sensed a grateful ‘thank you’ as the bond he had created dissolved and Xanatos’ passed into the Force. Kneeling there a moment longer Qui-Gon released the last of his regrets to the Force, marveling at the great sense of peace that replaced them. He thought he had dealt with his guilt over Xanatos years ago when the man had ended his own life by stepping into the polluted, toxic Sacred Pools on Telos. Now he realized he’d merely pushed them deep inside instead and recognized that by extending his forgiveness he had relinquished his own demons thereby healing an old wound. With the Force, the Jedi Master called the deceased man’s lightsaber to his hand and tucked it into the secure pocket of his jumpsuit. Using a combination of Force and sheer strength, he lifted Xanatos’ mortal remains and carried them away from the capsule to a niche in the far wall of the cavern. Once that was done he strode to where the young couple were. Though he moved without a sound, Obi-Wan felt the approach of the Jedi and glanced up, his eyes flicking nervously to the blaster that lay within reach. Qui-Gon could read a number of emotions playing across the young man’s face, most notably fear and indecision yet he didn’t slow his pace. As the large man advanced, Obi-Wan felt the twinge of apprehension knot sickeningly in his stomach and as his eyes lighted on the blaster that rested by his feet his panicked mind screamed out to pick it up…if only in defense. He had shot, drugged and all but delivered the Jedi to his death. Granted, his initial intentions aboard the shuttle had been relatively honorable, from a certain point of view. His behavior had stemmed from his recollection of the death of Qui-Gon Jinn and how would anyone really be expected to believe the man’s fantastic story. Thereafter, he’d been lied to and manipulated by an apparent master of deception. Just how far these excuses would go in justifying his actions were difficult at best to tell. And he wasn‘t even going to delve into the that fact that Danni had seen through Xanatos, had in fact warned him countless times which he had blatantly ignored. Yep, now there was something to really fear, this was not something she was about to let him forget. Now as he drew near, Obi-Wan attempted to gage the man’s frame of mind but came up against powerful shields and a face that was utterly unreadable. Swallowing his uneasiness, resigning to accept whatever fate had in store for him, (but hoping that Jedi mercy would prevail) he steeled his nerves as the man squatted next to him. Feeling an inward smile, Qui-Gon maintained a neutral face at the man’s rather strained expression. How so like his own apprentice this Obi-Wan was. He had seen that same look of anxious resolution a number of times over the years on his Padawan Learner’s face. Usually while contemplating a suitable punishment for some infraction of conduct on the boy’s part. These thoughts let loose a sudden constricting pang in the Jedi‘s heart. Since coming here he had managed to keep the task at hand in mind, that of returning to his own dimension. He didn’t allow himself to entertain thoughts of failure or wallow in the deep sense of homesickness he felt in this world. And with his return imminent (barring any unforeseen disasters), now was not the time to indulge in wasted musings. “Danni,” he said softly to the conscious, but still groggy woman, “where does it hurt?” “My head... I think ” she winced at the loudness of her voice, though it was only a whisper. Lightly tracing her head with his large hands, he found a large knot where her head had connected with the floor. “Oww…” she pulled away at his touch. Gently, he placed his palm over the offending bump. Gathering at the Force, he sent healing waves through his hand, feeling the knot slowly reduce in size. Extending his senses he looked further, assessing the rest of her. Everything was fine, he noted with satisfaction as he pulled out of the Force. “Thank you,” Danni said with a relieved smile sitting up. Her eyes suddenly widened and she looked around anxiously. “Xanatos?” her hands clenched involuntarily. “Dead,” Qui-Gon answered gravely and Danni imagined a hint of sorrow in his tone. “By knocking you back, he caused the blaster to fire, in effect causing his own demise. It was the will of the Force,” his voice held no emotion now as he helped Danni to her feet. Bushing off her clothes with short, brusque swipes she glared at Obi-Wan expectantly, her head tilting with impatience. She’s not wasting any time, Obi-Wan thought disparagingly, almost shrugging like a child as he turned toward the Jedi and away from the eyes boring into him. “I... um..”, he released a breath, straightening his shoulders. “I owe you an apology.” “You owe him more than one,” Danni muttered under her breath, causing the young man start in embarrassment. “Danni...!” he whined disparagingly his face reddening, one foot shuffling nervously. “Well, if you’d only listen to me once in awhile...” “Danni,” he whispered pleadingly, “Please, I’m sorry...but can‘t this.. wait?” To her credit, Danni took pity on his pathetic looking expression and refrained from speaking her mind, though her gaze told him that there would be a lengthy discussion in their not too distant future. Obi-Wan glanced up sheepishly at the Jedi, his eyes begging for understanding and rescue. Yes, this woman was just who Obi-Wan needed to keep him on the straight and narrow. He could easily see how well they complimented each other and for a moment he envied them the life they would have. Rarely had he been gifted with visions from the Unifying Force, but he had a sense that Danni and Obi-Wan would live a long and fruitful life, one encompassing great love and companionship and he could see a sizable Kenobi brood. Raising an eyebrow, the only hint of the amusement he felt at Obi-Wan’s predicament, Qui-Gon relaxed his stoic features, refusing to give in to the desire to torment the young man as he would his own apprentice. “I gather you’re ready to fulfill your part of the bargain?” he asked with a kind smile, motioning to the capsule. Obi-Wan smiled in return, grateful for the Jedi‘s sense of propriety. “Yeah,” He accompanied the Jedi to the structure. “But I still don’t get it. As hard as it may be to believe, I understand that you’re from another dimension and all, but why me? Why is it my help you need?” “My Padawan and I were sent on a mission to find a suspected time transport,” Qui-Gon began without hesitation, keeping a mindful sense on Obi-Wan’s emotions. “This is the device we discovered and during our examination my apprentice sliced into the computer triggering the start-up sequence. He managed to escape before the hatch closed. I... was not as fortunate. Once here, I attempted to reactivate it but found the computer would only operate under the code of my apprentice’s handprint. I found it necessary to search out his alternate here in this dimension to assist me.” The Jedi Master paused, letting his account register. He hoped it would be less traumatic for Obi-Wan to come by the understanding on his own.. His own discovery of the fate of this world’s Qui-Gon Jinn had been disturbing and with Obi-Wan’s previous anger toward the Jedi Order he wasn’t sure of what response to expect in learning of another Obi-Wan who had accomplished what in his own life he had been unable. “That’s all very interesting but what does that have to do with m...” The words trailed off as his expressions went from puzzled to incredulity. “Your apprentice...?”, his mind was having difficulty grasping the notion, his thoughts skittering around like a Gabali puck. It was one thing to accept for fact the idea of alternate dimensions and beings, especially when the permacrete copy of someone you’d known to have died was standing right in front of you. It was quite another thing altogether to contemplate a double of oneself... one who had apparently succeeded at the very thing he himself had once strived so diligently for. “Obi-Wan Kenobi is your Padawan Learner?” he asked blankly, still trying to reconcile the idea. “Yes,” Qui-Gon answered serenely, sensing the turmoil in Obi-Wan’s mind. “He’s a fine young man, strong in the Force, with an unswerving dedication to the Jedi Order. Though sometimes overcome by a streak of stubbornness and hotheadedness you’d find familiar.” From behind them came the distinct sound of unrestrained snickers. Glancing at Danni, Obi-Wan smiled as all his previously held disappointments and anger dissolved. In its place was the understanding that had his life not transpired in exactly the way it had he may never have met Danian Chaboska and he suddenly knew without a doubt that had he the chance to relive his past he would not change an a thing. It had been the will of the Force, he thought with clarity and for that he would be eternally grateful. “Then we need to get you back where you belong,” He grinned at the large Jedi. “No telling what kind of trouble your apprentice may get up to without someone to watch over him.” He shot a sassy wink at Danni. Wordlessly, he followed Qui-Gon into the capsule and with his direction activated the computer. “Are you sure this will work?” Obi-Wan asked, looking over the strange jumble of words he saw of the monitor. “You could be jumping into another dimension for all you know.” “That is a risk I have to take.” Qui-Gon laid a hand on the young man’s shoulder, leading him to the door. “ If I do nothing then I would be going against everything I believe in. I‘ve got to try.” “There’s is no try,” Obi-Wan recounted the well-used phrase of Yoda’s, “do or do not.” “Exactly.” Qui-Gon laughed, thumping him on the back. Danni hovered at the door, waiting as the two men strode toward her. “You‘re going to leave then?” she asked the Jedi mournfully. “You know you could always stay with us. The clan would welcome you.” “That’s a very gracious offer, but I must decline. Anyway I believe you’ll have your hands quite full in a few months.” he smiled knowingly, catching a questioning look from Obi-Wan. “Then let me make this quick, I hate goodbyes.” Reaching up she embraced the large man. “Thank you for everything.” she kissed him chastely on the cheek, then hurried away. “I suggest you leave here before Xanatos’ men come looking for him.” the Jedi turned to Obi-Wan. “I hope you make it home,” Obi-Wan said, “And may the Force be with you.” “With you also, my young friend.” he clapped Obi-Wan’s shoulder. “And make sure you look after them.” he called out as Obi-Wan stepped out of the capsule. “What is he talking about?” Obi-Wan questioned his mate, a look of hopeless confusion on his face. Qui-Gon sat in the chair in front of the computer screen, reaching a single finger out and pushing the ‘back’ button. As the door began to slide shut he glanced out to see Danni slip her arm around Obi-Wan’s and giggle mischievously. “Come on, bantha brain. You and I need to have a talk. I’ve got something to tell you.” Qui-Gon heard just before the door closed. Sitting back in the seat, the Jedi gazed up at the energy field that began to descend. Relaxing his mind, opening it to the Force, Qui-Gon Jinn said a silent prayer as he felt the electrical static of the energy field engulf him. |
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| The End |