| Should As Strangers We Meet |
| With that decided, Qui-Gon followed an anxious Obi-Wan to the outskirts of the city and the Terrian's camp. Passing the camp's perimeter, Obi-Wan whistled loudly, imitating the call of a wild animal. Instantly in response, answering cries could be heard off to either side as the duo continued walking to where a large fire blazed in the center of the commune. Exiting one of the small dwellings that surrounded them, a tall figure approached. Qui-Gon noted the stiff, cautious strides, the way the man's hand hovered over his side, betraying the weapon hidden there. He saw Obi-Wan flick his hand at his side as if brushing something off his trousers. At the gesture, the approaching man visibly relaxed. Pausing and looking past them, the Terrian motioned with his head and the four men Qui-Gon had already sensed hidden in the shadows stepped out into the flickering light of the campfire. As they reached the still man, Qui-Gon could feel the man's appraising gaze on him. The Terrian was tall, though not as tall as Qui-Gon. Thin, though his rolled up sleeves showed hard, sinewy muscles. Deeply tanned, his face was lined with tiny wrinkles giving him a much older appearance than the spark in his dark eyes alluded to. "Obi," he said, his steady gaze never straying from the stranger, "oomi says an there's evil omens in the wind and we must leave this place." his tone ominous and full of concern. "Is tomorrow soon enough Efrem?" Obi-Wan asked with a smile. The Terrian's eyes jumped in surprise to the young man. "You have it then Obi, you have brought the money?" The man's face lit up with hope. "No, Efrem" Obi-Wan said with confidence, "I brought something even better, my friend. I brought a Jedi Master. Efrem Chaboska, meet Jedi Master Jinn." "Ah, a Jedi" Efrem bowed in respect, "we've heard much of the Jedi from our friend Obi. You've come to help us free our Danni?" Danian Chaboska sat on the hard bench meant to be used as a bed. Her knees were drawn up, hidden by the ankle length skirt she wore, her arms wrapped protectively around them. She had been imprisoned in the small jail cell for almost forty-eight hours now, without any word as to when she would be released. Nor was she charged with a crime or allowed to see anyone. This scared her to no end. Being a gypsy, she was accustomed to suspicion, prejudice and mistreatment by the numerous peoples she encountered on the numerous planets her clan had set temps on over the years. Her people were eyed with distrust and sometimes outright hatred for only their way of life. Thieves, beggars and parasites, they were considered by many because of fear and misinformation when the opposite was far more true. Yes, they called no planet home, but that didn't mean they lived like the Tatoooine sand spider that would invade an animal's burrow, kill and eat it's occupants then move on after filling the burrow with left-over carcasses and excrement. The Terrian's were a proud and self-reliant people, choosing to live outside the normal realm of society and for that they were often persecuted and reviled. Danian had fallen victim to it many times herself and usually at the hands of some so-called law enforcement officer. It was not something new to her, this barred cell. This was not what bothered her as she sat rocking back and forth on the bench, her shoulder length chestnut hair swinging as she moved. After being discovered at the transport company she had quickly found out she had been at the wrong place at the wrong time. Whisking her away, they had interrogated her through the night, questioning her alliances, accusing her of spying. Of course they didn't believe the flimsy excuse she had used when first caught. It was stupid, to be sure, but being lost was the first thing out of her mouth and that obvious lie only incensed them, making them more determined to learn the truth. It was pretty apparent that trespassing was nary an issue and she realized from their insistent behavior that what had looked like a simply cargo shipment was something far more sinister. They had then confined her in the local jailhouse without any outside contact. She had been given food and water, brought to her by a disgusting pig of a man in uniform. One who saw fit to manhandle and grope her shamefully. She had expected to be assaulted, that also wouldn't be the first time. But after fighting off his advances he had ceased, laughed at her malignantly saying it was lucky for her his sovereign lord wanted her untouched. This had frightened her more then his attack. At least once he had gotten his way she would probably have been released. It had happened before. There were far worse things in the galaxy. Thoughts of this unknown lord filled her mind with unease and the idea that the vile man that held her feared him enough to restrain his lecherous impulses only added to her fear. As if summoned by her thoughts a repulsively obese man attired in a far too tight uniform waddled to the front of her cell. "I have dinner for you, my dear." he said cold-heartedly. "I'm not hungry!" Danian answered with distain. Upon hearing his approach she had pulled herself upright, mustering all her courage. She'd be damned if she'd show this repugnant man any fear. "I suggest you eat," he cackled contemptuously. "You'll need it." Danian looked up at the guard, her gaze hard, but steeped with questions. "Yes, my dear," he smile maliciously. "Tomorrow you'll have a visitor and you will need all your strength. Unless, of course you wish to tell me who you are and who you were spying for." "I told you I'm not a spy, I just got lost," she voiced with bold defiance. Setting the tray of food on the bench the guard reached out, stroking her cheek with a sausage-like finger. "I know you'd like me to believe that," he stated with feigned sympathy "but do I really look that stupid?" He pushed her back causing her head to connect with the wall. The bolt of pain that sliced through her head only enraged her. Jumping to her feet, she threw herself at him, beating him with her fists. "Get out of here you grotesque son of a Mynock!" she screamed. Her large gray eyes boiling over like a spring thunderstorm on the horizon. Grabbing her wrists, he drew her closer, eyeing her greedily. "You're going to wish you talked to me, my dear," he licked his lips lustfully, the wetness making them look like two fat, shiny worms, "my lord has great powers and he won't be nearly as affable as I." "Pig!" she snapped venomously, then spat in his face. His grip on her tightened, crushing her wrists painfully. Flashes of anger and lust fluctuated over his face and Danian could fell him tremble with indecision. "Argghh," he groaned in frustration, threw her on the bench and exited the cell. Locking the door he stormed away leaving her alone with her thoughts. After a short conversation between Efrem Chaboska and Obi-Wan, Efrem led them to a rectangular dwelling where an adolescent girl was shaking out a rug. Looking up as the trio drew near, she squealed with delight. Flinging the rug aside she ran to Obi-Wan. Jumping into his arms she wrapped herself around him, clinging like a new-born womprat to its mother. "Oh Obi..Obi, your back. I missed you so much." she cried in a high-pitched tone reserved exclusively for young girls. She covered his face with kisses all the while he trying to pry her off. "Janey!" Efrem said with no results. Janey stop it!" he barked. "Yes, da." she said sadly. Relinquishing her hold and lowering her legs to the ground she offered a wounded look to her father. "What have I told you about teasing Obi?" Efrem asked gruffly, ignoring 'the look'. "But da, he likes it..." she answered, batting her eyes at Obi-Wan as she encircled his arm with her own, pulling him close. Qui-Gon hid an amused smile. Seems some things remained the same in all worlds. Obi-Wan Kenobi was still commanding more then his share of female attention and as was most common, the attention was undesired. "No he doesn't like your torture, and if you're not careful he'll tell Danni." "He never tells her," she crooned, rubbing up to Obi-Wan suggestively. "Then he values your pathetic life more than I," the elder man said with mock irritation. He knew the girl was incessantly spoiled but as his only child he could not help but indulge her. "If you don't leave him alone then I will be forced to tell Danni and it's her wrath you'll be dealing with." The girl's brows furrowed in irritation and she reluctantly released her hold on him. She knew she may be able to get away with this kind of behavior from her da, but Danni would very likely pound her to dust if she knew the way she mercilessly teased the elder's paramour. "Now girl," Efrem said to his daughter, pleased with the reaction of his threat "go tell oomi we'll be striking camp, but first a meal for out honored guest." Janey looked up at the tall stranger as if just taking notice of him. Shrugging, not really seeing what was special about him she went quickly on her way. Striking camp was almost always a hurried affair, usually when it appeared their welcome had worn off and even she knew it could be serious business. "Adolescent hormones,." Efrem said shaking his head in resignation at the retreating girl. "Obi, take Master Jinn to oomi's, she'll provide him with a meal. By that time we should be set." Efrem turned away, walking to the group of men that loitered about after the appearance of the stranger. "That won't be necessary," Qui-Gon told Obi-Wan, sensing the young man's concern centered around the imprisoned woman. "If you wish, we can begin immediately..." Obi-Wan raised his mental shields, biting back an angry reminder for the Jedi to stay out of his mind. Instead he explained. "The clan needs the time to ready our departure. I have a feeling this planet's tolerance of our presence is at an end." "You sense difficulties with our endeavor?" the Jedi Master asked. "Not in the way your referring to." Obi-Wan was becoming exasperated with the man. "Experience has taught that when the local authorities take notice of us it's only a matter of time before things conspire against us." Us. Qui-Gon pondered the use of that term and the conviction with which it was spoken. He didn't need the Force to read the wordless claim of kinship or the implied contrast that set him apart from the Jedi Master. It was evident these were his people now, his family in much the same way the Jedi Order had once been. Obi-Wan saw the way the Jedi absorbed his words without comment, knowing his point was received. They briefly discussed a course of action, or at least Obi-Wan related his simple plan. With the aid of a few men they would go to the constable's office. The Jedi would use his mind tricks to maneuver the release of Danian Chaboska and they would leave. Jinn had reacted defensively, stating his displeasure at the unscrupulous manner in which was suggested the use of his Jedi powers. "Use of the Force is not to be employed indiscriminately to manipulate another's mind," he lectured sternly. Obi-Wan had retaliated with a reproachful comment on the Jedi's use of that same power only an hour before. "You don't seem adverse to exercising that power when it suits your needs," he said insolently, "and if you have a better idea than let's hear it." The Jedi Master had to concede the issue when no better plan came forward. During that conversation Obi-Wan had chafed at the domineering tone the Jedi had taken with him, as if talking to a Temple initiate. The older man may be use to being in charge but if he expected him to play the part of a dutiful little apprentice he was sadly mistaken. He told the Jedi in no uncertain terms that the constraints of Jedi law no longer applied to him and he would do whatever it took to secure the release of Danni. As he led Jedi Jinn into the entrance of one of the dwellings, Obi-Wan felt confident his new associate understood where his allegiance lay. Palming the door control Obi-Wan motioned for his guest to precede him, as the door hissed open. Nodding acknowledgement Qui-Gon stepped through. Inside what was basically a huge transparisteel freight box he found a warm, inviting atmosphere. Modified to be portable living quarters there was a cooking station at one end and a refresher unit. The rest of the space was used as a common living area. There were large cushions and pillows surrounding a low table that was attached to the wall and could be raised upright, secured to the wall during transport. "Welcome," a heavily accented voice uttered from a shadowed corner. Stepping lightly around him, Obi-Wan went to the reclining figure, "Donak in ansla, oomi." he said, kissing the thickly creased face of the elderly woman. "Salado chuthunda neme Danian?" she asked in her native tongue. Obi-Wan nodded and turned to his guest. "Jedi Master Jinn, this is Magdalena Omsprey, the elder of our clan." "It is an honor," Jinn said, bowing respectfully This was the same old woman he had seen earlier that day, the one who had sensed him when casting for Obi-Wan. A woman with a glimmer of Force sensitivity. No where near as strong as even this Obi-Wan, but it was there nevertheless. Old and wrinkled the woman's long white hair was braided and wrapped around her head like a turban. "Sit, Jedi." the woman said, turning her pale gray eyes on him. He waited for her to question him but if she knew it had been him at the camp earlier, she made no mention of it. After a moment of scrutiny she called out to Janey who was busy by the kitchen station. "A meal for the Jedi, girl and be quick." Immediately the girl brought a steaming bowl filled with an aromatic stew, placed it on the table before him and stood back watching. Her previous unruly behavior now gone she stood by Obi-Wan barely noticing him, much to his relief. "Are you really a Jedi?" she whispered in awe. Before he could answer her, Magdalena interrupted. "Child, leave the man to his meal. You should helping the clan with breakdown," she suggested. "Yes, oomi," Janey replied demurely. Turning on her heels she left, leaving the adults to talk. “Obi,” the elderly Terrian directed toward to young man, “tell me how is it this out worlder comes to be here.” “The Jedi and I have come to an agreement,” he answered, a small hint of smugness in his voice, “an exchange of services you might say.” “And this involves Danni?” Qui-Gon concentrated on the food before him, aware the old woman’s mind was on him, even though her gaze was not. “The Jedi helps me rescue Danni and I help him repair his ship so he can return home.” he stated, glancing at the big man who nodded in agreement. Magdalena expressed a heavy sigh. “I sense home is very far.” “Worlds away,” Qui-Gon answered. “Hmmm,” the woman responded, closing her eyes in thought. “For three nights I’ve dreamt of a darkness descending on us. I darkness of great power reaching out for you.” she opened her eyes, her gaze shifted to Obi-Wan. “A dream can sometimes be only a dream,” Obi-Wan told her, taking her bony hand in his to comfort. “Much you have taught us of the Force Obi, but I trust these visions, even though fearful they make me.” Casting a cautious glance at the Jedi she added ominously, “Darkness this man is not, but I sense a connection nevertheless.” Over an hour later, Efrem joined them, panting from physical exertion. "Breakdown is well underway," he announced, taking a seat at the table. "three of the trailers are already on their way to the transports. Shouldn't take us more than a couple of hours till we're gone." "Now, my friend," Efrem turned to the tall Jedi "tell me how we get Danni." It was decided the Jedi and Obi-Wan would go alone even though Efrem argued there were able bodied men willing to join them. "I wish to avoid violence at all costs, the more men we take only increases the chance of injury." Qui-Gon advocated. Obi-Wan took Efrem aside "Efrem I agree with the Jedi. Too many men only makes us more conspicuous. You need everyone here to finish breaking camp." Casting a furtive glance at the Jedi he lowered his voice so as not to be overhead "And believe me my friend, one Jedi Master is more capable than an army of Wookiees." "If you insist," Efrem agreed doubtfully, "I'll trust your judgment." "What I need you to do is make sure everyone gets off safely, safety of the clan is priority." Obi-Wan put his hand on the elder man's shoulder, his gaze emphatic. "And your escape?" Efrem questioned. "Leave the small shuttle on the opposite end of the city." "That ship carries no weapons or hyper-drive." Efrem interjected worriedly. "If they're looking for us they'll come here first. Having the ship on the opposite side of town should give us more than enough time to be safely away. Once they see the camp vacated I'm counting on them feeling sufficiently vindicated with having run us off and don't anticipate they'll feel the need to bother with us further." "Yes, logical reasoning." Efrem assented. They'd been in worse trouble on other worlds and found that most of the time all it took was a hasty departure to be left alone. "Then till together again." he grasped Obi's shoulder giving a light squeeze before leaving. Watching the older man leave, Obi-Wan smiled to himself. It had been amazing how quickly he had found kinship with these people. From that first fateful encounter he had found friendship and acceptance never experienced in his thirteen years at the Jedi Temple. He was even looked on as an equal and often a leader at an age when most young men had little understanding of true responsibility and commitment. But there was something more he had found here, something he valued more than his own life. "Ready?" Jedi Jinn asked, pulling him out of his reverie. Across the street from the constable's office, two forms blanketed themselves in the deep shadows of evening. The older stood with eyes closed, deep in thought while the younger cast nervous glances down the empty street. "Can you sense Danni, is she alright?" Obi-Wan inquired anxiously. Gathering the Force, Qui-Gon reached out, feeling it flow around him and through him, offering strength and serenity. Directing a thread to the building across the street he could sense the life forms inside. Stretching out to the one consciousness whose signature differed from the rest he could easily feel her. Fingers of anger and fear washed through her mind. "She is unharmed," Qui-Gon told him sedately as he reached out to her, sending waves of calming reassurance. The Jedi Master was not surprised when he felt her mind respond to his light touch. He had already sensed the same Force-sensitivity he had felt in the elder Magdalena Omsprey. The young woman’s mind had at first expressed relief, extending out to his, then suddenly fleeing at the unfamiliar presence. Qui-Gon could feel her mind pushing at him in an attempt to raise mental shields. Opening his eyes, he had half a mind to inquire on the young man's obvious hand at teaching the Jedi arts to the woman, but lack of time and the realization this was not his world, therefore not his right, prevented it. "Can you tell how many are in there?" Obi-Wan's voice hedged on impatience. “Counting your friend, there are six individuals.” Qui-Gon looked questioningly at Obi-Wan who nervously ran his hands through his shoulder length hair, willing himself calm. Nodding his readiness, he followed as Jinn crossed the street. Entering first, Qui-Gon quickly surveyed the scene. A long counter separated him from the solitary officer who sat behind a desk. To his left, a doorway led to a hall where he could sense the other men and their prisoner. As soon as they had walked through the door the uniformed man instantly looked up. Applying a trained smile, he put down the datapad he had been reading. "Can I help you gentlemen?" Stepping up to the counter Qui-Gon wasted no time. Drawing on his substantial resources he waved a casual hand through the air. "We've come for the young woman in your custody," he said with quiet authority. The man paused, staring at the large man before him. Slowly his hand slid off the top of the desk, reaching for something. It was the sudden flicker of the man's eyes to the wall on his right that alerted the Jedi to the failure of his efforts. Obi-Wan had followed the man's gaze, his own eyes widening at the sight of the vidcam lens he saw protruding from the wall. "Damn, we're being monitored," he exclaimed, pulling a blaster hidden in his shirt. The man behind the counter lowered his hand, reaching under the desk he pushed a button then scrambled back in his chair. Qui-Gon's hand shot out and using the Force brought the man's head down, connecting firmly with the desktop. The man slid bonelessly out of the chair to the floor below. "Our friend has alerted the others, they'll be on their," the Jedi Master gracefully leapt over the counter taking a position just inside the hall doorway. Obi-Wan watched as the Jedi ignited a lightsaber, its humming blade glowing green. Aiming at the wall, Obi-Wan triggered the blaster, shooting the surveillance camera, leaving a smoking black hole in its place. Springing over the counter, he followed the tall man’s lead. Within seconds a trio of boots could be discerned bearing down on their location. The first man, young and inept, came flying through the doorway, blaster in hand. In one fluid move, Qui-Gon easily disarmed the fool with a quick upward swing. Grabbing and pulling, he effortlessly threw him into the room where he collided with the counter, crumpling to the floor. Before his eyes, Obi-Wan saw Jedi Jinn jump recklessly into the hallway, his lightsaber held high. Swinging it with graceful speed, it appeared the Jedi merely waved the weapon before him attracting three rapid fire blaster bolts. Ping, ping, ping , the Jedi Master repelled the shots back and Obi-Wan could heard a wounded groan followed by a soft thump. That's three, Qui-Gon thought gazing down the temporarily empty hallway. "We'll have to hurry. I sense something more dire behind this incarceration then what meets the eye," he intoned gravely glancing at Obi-Wan who was staring blankly at him. Blocked by reinforced shields when he tried to reach him through the Force, Qui-Gon called out to him. "Obi-Wan!" The young man blinked, an unreadable expression on his face. "Are you inured?" the Jedi asked him, unable to gain any insight to his mind. "No…." Obi-Wan forced out mechanically. Qui-Gon eyed the young man warily. Something was going on, but there was no time to delve into it further, they would have to move fast. "There's at least two more," he told Obi-Wan who had stepped into the hallway. Following the corridor to a 'T' junction Qui-Gon paused, motioning for Obi-Wan to the opposing wall. "I'll draw their fire" he whispered, "get your friend, she's down there," he pointed down the corridor. Without waiting for a response, the large Jedi again leapt into the hall in the direct line of fire. Obi-Wan turned the corner and ran in the opposite direction. |
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