Hidden3

Title: One Apprentice, One Pathway #2: Hidden (Part Three)
Author: Ginger Ninja

*****

It was midnight and the crew was now sleeping so it was safe for the Captain to conduct his shady business deal. He silently slithered to his office cabin, entered and locked the door behind him. He sat on a stool by his desk and on a small keypad hidden within a draw, he punched a code. Behind him there was the creak of old cogs moving and the huge map of the oceans of Elmvanis sunk down and revealed a state of the art comm. system.   Connecting the headset to a chip in his ear that allowed him to be heard, he contacted his sectioned business partner. When the call was answered, the pair got straight to business.

"Do you have the two humans on board?" The voice was synthesised in order to protect the speaker's identity.

"Yes sir," the Captain spoke with respect despite his dislike for those who were sectioned.

"And have you planted the chip in one of them?"

"In deed sir I have."

"Which one?"

"The boy sir."

"And the girl?"

"Do not worry about her sir, I have my plans."

"Good, keep me informed. Contact me at this time tomorrow."

"Of course sir."

The call was ended and the Captain removed the headset and the sea chart shot up out of nowhere and hid the comm. system from view. He sat back on his stool, deep in thought. He couldn't help but wonder why this sectioned man had sought him out and given him two teenage humans. And on top of that, they were Jedi! He knew that things in the sectioned world were changing and that it was quite possibly a good thing for the Misfits of society. But that still didn't explain all this. The Captain wanted answers but it was not his place to question his associate. At least, not yet.

The Captain left his office shortly and returned to his cabin, blissfully unaware of the things that were to come.

*****

Obi-Wan woke up shortly before dawn. He found Kyrana snuggled up close to him. Not wanting to disturb her, he kept all movement to a minimum. His thoughts inevitably went back to the previous night's events. He flushed with shame as he thought of the tears he had so freely wept. What had come over him?

But for some reason, Obi-Wan still felt lost and alone. He didn't even attempt to contact Qui-Gon because he knew deep in his heart that, no matter how much he wished it wasn't so, Qui-Gon was gone. That realisation brought more tears to the teen's eyes but he blinked them back fiercely. He was not a child and he did refused to act like one!

Beside him, Kyrana suddenly awoke. She sat bolt right up and looked around the cabin. Obi-Wan could clearly see the look of alarm on her usually bright face.

"Kyrana what's up?" Obi-Wan asked.

She turned to him and her features relaxed a little. Taking Obi-Wan completely by surprise, she threw her arms around him. "Oh thank the Force!" she cried.

Obi-Wan was a little taken aback by this show of affection. When he spoke, his words were a little jumpy. "W, what is it K,Kyrana?"

She let go and sat back. "I had a terrible dream," she said quietly. "I saw you dead and it was all my fault."

Obi-Wan smiled slightly but he did not feel particularly happy. "Well, here I am, alive and kicking."

Kyrana hooked her braid behind her ear and shyly looked up at Obi-Wan. "Yeah," she said softly. "There you are. Are you OK now?"

Obi-Wan looked at her and his cheeks warmed up a little. Whatever he wanted to say was lost as the door was unlocked and the guards came in. Getting up together, they followed the grey Elmvanian guards onto the deck where they immediately fell into line.

Once again the Captain strutted up and down the line as he barked out various jobs for the �scurvy sea rats' to do. Kyrana silently followed a group of children and female Elmvanians to the Captain's personal quarters.

Obi-Wan was roughly shoved into line by a exceptionally tall guard and followed his group down into the freezer. When he discovered that he and a couple of the other younger slaves (Obi-Wan had no other word for the crew) were to spend the day packing yesterday's fish in crates in the freezer, his immediate response was to call on the Force to keep himself and hopefully his companions warm. Obi-Wan was surprised when he had difficulty even connecting to the Force. That couldn't be right. What was wrong with him? And even when he did manage it, after a few short minutes he felt it slipping away, just like the presence of Qui-Gon. Obi-Wan closed his eyes and shook his head. He felt so...strange.

"Hey are you OK?" one little slave asked.

Obi-Wan turned to the tiny child. It was hard to distinguish one from another.   They were all identical from head to toe and didn't have any variety in hair colour that was if they had hair at all. Some had silver coloured hair while others still were bald. It was getting incredibly confusing. To the child he said, "I'm fine. Are you OK?"

The child's eyes widened at this response. No one had ever spoken to the child like this before. "Um...yeah, I'm OK, just kinda cold." The child paused. "My name's Jaren, what's yours?"

"Obi-Wan," Obi-Wan said and then turned to the other child. "And what's your name?"

The child sucked on one finger while saying, "Hany."

Jaren spoke up again. "Which are you?"

Obi-Wan frowned.   "What do you mean?"

Rolling their eyes, the pair said, "Are you a boy or a girl?"

'Do I look like a girl?' Out loud Obi-Wan said, "I'm a boy."

"Ohhhhh," both said in awe.

"Well Jaren and Hany, it looks like we've got quite a job on our hands so let's..."

"Hey human, quit slacking!"

Obi-Wan felt the pins stick in his wrist and then felt the shock travelling rapidly through his system. He tried to use the Force to block the pain but only succeeded in reducing the pain to a less painful yet still frustrating pricking sensation.

When the jolt stopped, Obi-Wan got back to his feet without Jaren and Hany's help. He didn't want to get them, Kyrana or himself in any more trouble. The day had only just begun.

*****

Qui-Gon and Lena sat opposite Moeren in his �Classical style' office. In between the Jedi and the Elmvanian was a huge desk that seemed rather empty due to its impressive size. Behind Moeren was a large window that opened up onto a balcony over viewing endless green fields. Behind the Jedi was the door that led back to the main part of the huge house and on either side were bookcases full of so many books, Qui-Gon imagined that hardly any of them had ever been touched and were just there for show.

"I trust your rooms and service were up to scratch," Moeren began.

"Most comfortable thank you," Qui-Gon said politely.

"I'm afraid to say that I have very little news for you regarding your apprentices," Moeren said regretfully. "But we found the ship the two of you were taken on to before we found you. I have had some people investigating it but perhaps we overlooked something you may see as important."

Qui-Gon looked at Lena who gave a nod. "When will be able to go there?" he asked, turning back to Moeren.

"Oh, right away of course," Moeren replied. "I'll call for the drivers. I'm afraid you'll have to excuse me though. I have some rather important business to attend to."

"That's to be expected in your position," Lena said.

Moeren's eyes smiled. "In deed it is. However, I would like to speak with you again. I must admit you are the first Jedi I have ever met and I am most intrigued by you."

"As we are about your people," Lena said. "I am wondering..."

Before Lena could get all her question out, there was a shrill beep from the comlink on Moeren's desk. "Forgive me for interrupting but your transport has arrived," he said. "When you return, we can have a good long discussion."

Moeren led them out into the front courtyard where a large wheeled truck stood waiting. Both Qui-Gon and Lena took a moment to take in the sheer size of the stately home they had just left. Clearly they had seen barely any of it because the huge sun-baked brown coloured mansion seemed to sprawl in all directions.

Qui-Gon and Lena climbed aboard the truck and soon they were driving off through the countryside.
The driver only spoke once during the entire journey and that was when she announced their arrival at the ship.   Qui-Gon and Lena followed the driver to where a group of male Elmvanians waited.

"You must be the Jedi Moeren told us of," one of the group said. "I am Trok and this is my team."

"I am Qui-Gon Jinn and this is Lena," Qui-Gon introduced himself and Lena with a bow.

"If you sir would like to follow me," Trok said. Turning to Lena he said, "I am sorry but we cannot allow a woman to do a man's work."

Only someone who knew Lena well would have known that her tail's twitch was a sign of her slight annoyance. Lena was well known among the Jedi as a protector of female rights in the galaxy and many of her missions took her to planets where the female population was oppressed. Lena's face remained empty as she replied crisply, "Of course, the last thing I wish to do is exhaust myself doing all that manly work." And as if to prove her 'weak' female self, she sighed melodramatically and sat on the ground.

If Lena's sarcasm affected Trok, he didn't show it. In fact, he looked as if nothing was out of the norm. Qui-Gon asked if there was a possibility of her helping but it was simply out of the question. Women did not do this kind of work, men did.

As Trok led Qui-Gon up the ship's ramp, he turned and called to Lena: "Be a good girl for you Master and just sit there and look exotically beautiful."

When Trok winked at Lena, Qui-Gon wanted to laugh but catching the look on Lena's face warned him not to. So Qui-Gon silently followed Trok up the ramp and kept his face expressionless.

Inside the ship, Qui-Gon sensed that his Padawan had been here but the trace was weak and hard to pinpoint due to time. Qui-Gon found that a little odd. Hadn't Moeren said only he and Lena and been found on this ship? Qui-Gon kept the fact in mind as he searched the rest of the ship for any clues.

In one small room that had been converted into a makeshift brig, Qui-Gon sensed Obi-Wan essence the strongest. He had definitely been here, that was for sure. Qui-Gon wished Lena could come aboard to see if Kyrana had been present.

Searching the room a little more, Qui-Gon came across a desk. After checking each one of the draws for clues, he was surprised to come across a locked one.

'This could be promising...'

Qui-Gon used the Force to open the draw. In side were four similar looking tube like devices. Qui-Gon picked them up without hesitation. He had found their lightsabers. That was definitely good news. Now they wouldn't have to re-build them. Concealing them within his robes, Qui-Gon strode out of the room. At least now he knew Obi-Wan wasn't dead, or at least wasn't dead on arrival. However Qui-Gon had been finding it increasingly harder to feel his apprentice's life force.   Now and then, QuiGon would feel a sudden rush of emotion that simply couldn't come from him but it had been a long time since he had last felt anything like this.

Try as he might, Qui-Gon could not dispel his increasing anxiety as to Obi-Wan's well being. Something on this planet just wasn't right.

Sighing quietly, Qui-Gon went to search the rest of the ship even though he knew the search would be pointless.

*****

Kyrana picked herself off the floor after receiving yet another shock from Obi-Wan. She was beginning to get slightly impatient with him but she knew he could help it. And it wasn't like she hadn't sent him any shocks today.

"All right now girl, get back into line!"

Kyrana stood back in line with all the other female Misfits. She knew what was coming. Well, sort of anyway. One of the female slaves was about to be chosen to be the Captain's 'personal servant' for the night. It didn't take a genius to figure out what that meant.   Understandably the females were terrified of being picked but Kyrana was a Jedi and did not give into fear. Besides, it was unlikely he would choose a human. At least it was at the moment. Kyrana was certain it wouldn't be too long until she found out what happened to the Captain's chosen one during the long night.

"So which one will it be tonight? Hmmm..."

The Captain paraded up and down in front of the line and all the male guards sniggered as he reached out and touched each female. When he reached Kyrana, she raised her head and stood in front of him defiantly. His hand reached out to stroke her in a *very* personal place but she did not look away, no matter how much she wished she could.

"You're a feisty one human," he hissed in her ear. "But you'll soon learn some respect."

Backing away, the Captain went back and chose a girl further down the line. He ordered the rest of the guards to take the others to the deck.

"Why are we going to the deck?" Kyrana asked the girl in front of her.

"We have to eat sometimes y' know!" the girl snapped. "Now shut it before we get in any trouble. I know what you're like."

Kyrana backed off, slightly taken aback. 'I was only trying to be friendly...'

On the deck Kyrana saw all the slaves being served some kind of steaming hot liquid and a hard biscuit.   She tried to catch a glimpse of Obi-Wan but she couldn't see him anywhere.

'Well, I know he's not in trouble, he hasn't shocked me for a while now,' she thought logically but that did not quash her growing feeling of dread. He hadn't been himself since the day they got here. What if they had just killed him?

Kyrana moved forward in the cue. Looking around she saw a tiny child being shoved around by those older than it in a desperate rush for the best food. Steeling a quick look around, Kyrana dashed over to the child, picked it up and returned to her cue. She managed to pull the entire stunt off without being noticed by any guards. The other slaves who had noticed simply didn't care.

"Are you OK little one?" Kyrana asked the tiny grey child in her arms.

The child nodded. Then it said, "You're like Obi-Wan. You're not like anyone else around here."

Kyrana sighed in relief at the mention of Obi-Wan. "Was he with you today?"

The child nodded. "Uh huh, we were in the freezer together."

Kyrana looked the child right in the eyes. "Is he OK?"

The child nodded. "Oh yeah, Jaren and I made sure he was! But he was shaking and looked kinda pale. Is that bad?"

Kyrana shook her head, not wanting to alarm the child.   "Not too bad."

"Oh." The child was silent for a moment. Then, "I'm Hany. Who are you? Are you a boy too?"

Kyrana laughed despite herself. "I'm Kyrana and no, I'm not a boy."

"Ohhhhhhh."

Kyrana put Hany back on the deck as they approached the vender. She was just in time too as Kyrana received another shock that sent her sprawling to the ground.

'Now what?'

*****

Obi-Wan shivered uncontrollably as he drank his hot soup and chewed on the rock hard biscuit. He did not want to spend another day in that freezer, no matter what. He had been able to use the Force to keep him warm but it was only for brief periods of time. Fortunately Jaren and Hany were not as susceptible to the cold so Obi-Wan only had to concentrate on his own low body temperature. Because the cold seized up his muscles and slowed him down, he had consequently received many shocks. Now all he wanted to do was sleep.

"All right scum, get to your cabins!"

Obi-Wan gratefully headed to his cabin. Hopefully tonight he would get a good night's sleep so that tomorrow he wouldn't have any trouble with the Force.

"You there!"

Obi-Wan kept his head down, not realising the call was aimed at him.

"I'm talking to you!"

'I am not going back to that freezer. Absolutely no way! I...'

Obi-Wan's thoughts were scattered as a painful jolt screamed through his body. When it was over, he was roughly grabbed by the head and dragged backwards. When he was stopped, he stood up and turned around.

"You do not ignore me when I call for you boy!" a guard spat in his face.

Obi-Wan calmly stood waiting for further abuse. After a punch in the face, he was led back down to the freezer.

"Why am I back here?" he asked the guard.

The guard sniggered as he said, "You and you're little friends did a bad job on some of these packages and your redoing them. Consider it your punishment."

As the guard shoved Obi-Wan in front of the packages, Kyrana was thrown in.

"What are you doing here?" he asked her as the guard's slammed the freezer door closed.

Kyrana shook her head. "I don't know but let's get this done OK so we can get out of here."

Obi-Wan nodded. "Let me show you how to do this."

It was going to be a long night.

*****

"So did you find any clues as to your missing apprentices whereabouts because I'm afraid I have very little."

Qui-Gon and Lena where once again back in Moeren's classy mansion. They were in a small dining room sat in front of a rather delicious looking meal. Neither Jedi were particularly hungry but both ate as so not to offend their host, who had obviously gone to great lengths to prepare this meal for them.

"We found enough," Qui-Gon replied, deliberately vague.

"Well, I'm afraid the only thing I know is that your attackers were a group of Misfits," Moeren said. "They stole a ship from Tonir's section. Misfit attacks are becoming increasingly frequent. It may result in war but that of course is the very worse case scenario."

Qui-Gon and Lena said nothing so Moeren spoke again. "Now, I believe this morning I said we would have a good long discussion about each other. How about I start off by answering any questions you have?"

Both Jedi nodded and Lena spoke first. "Why did you keep your planet hidden? I'm certain that you're not part of the Republic. Why is this?"

Moeren laughed. "My, what a curious woman you are! Well, we keep our planet hidden from the eye of the galaxy and stay out of the Republic for one reason. We do not wish to be part of this huge community. I suppose the best way to put it is like this; Elmvanis is a spectator, not a participant."

"An interesting way to put it," Qui-Gon answered. "Does everyone feel this way?"

Moeren didn't laugh again. In fact he suddenly became quite serious. "Yes," he snapped. "Do not question the ways of my planet Master Jinn."

Qui-Gon and Lena shared a brief, troubled look. Something had changed in Moeren, they could both sense it.

"My apologies Moeren," Qui-Gon said sincerely, "I did not intend to offend you in any way."

Moeren said something that sounded like a grunt. Then he laughed again. "No hard feelings my friend, none at all. Now, I want to know about the Jedi�"

*****

Obi-Wan and Kyrana were thrown back into their cabin hours after everyone else had already gone to bed. The pair were half frozen and exhausted.

"H...h...have you f...f...found a blanket?" Kyrana stuttered.

Obi-Wan shook his head. He too was shivering from the cold.   "I g...g...g...guess we'll have t...t...to help each other out."

Kyrana nodded. She was only half successful using the Force to warm herself up now due to doing so for hours. Obi-Wan helped too but seeing as he had been doing so all day, he was next to useless. Wordlessly the two fell into each other's arms, using their joint body heat to stay warm. Obi-Wan was too tired to be embarrassed about it. Besides, what was a hug between friends? And of course, the pair would probably be in serious trouble if they didn't.

However, despite his own teenage worries about this sort of thing, Obi-Wan found a comfort in Kyrana's arms that he hadn't felt since he was a very young child. Something about her came across as sisterly, perhaps even motherly.

Kyrana felt safe in these arms. She would only be too happy to stay in them and allow the world to pass her by.

The night had been long and soon, both teenagers slept, snuggled in each other's emotional warmth.

*****

Qui-Gon lay on his bed, once again unable to sleep. Moeren's mood swing earlier troubled him. Something was definitely amiss here but Qui-Gon was unable to find a source. Getting to the bottom of this mystery was going to take a long time he feared.

***End Part Three***