TITLE: Dark Sacrifice  2/36

AUTHOR: Cara & Quintus

E-MAIL:  [email protected]

RATING: PG-13

CATEGORY: Pre-TPM, Jedi Apprentice, Original Characters

ARCHIVE: Yes. Please keep headers intact.

DISCLAIMER: Star Wars is the property of Lucasfilm Ltd. No copyright infringement intended, no profit is being made from this fiction. All original characters and story belong to the authors. 

FEEDBACK: Constructive feedback appreciated.

TIME FRAME:  Pre-TPM @ 1-2 years

DARK SACRIFICE

By Cara & Quintus

Chapter 2

Diplomatic Residence

Sahmly City, Planet of Sahmly II

The rooms in the Diplomat Residence were obviously designed for a different kind of clientele than Jedi Knights. The furniture was too ornate, the surroundings too plush for travelers used to an austere lifestyle. A table next to the bed held a pile of tri-d brochures touting the diverse activities available to outworlders. Jedi Apprentice Obi-Wan Kenobi leafed through several brochures before he picked one and studied the colorful scenes that sprang to life when opened. Holo animals charged across the page and disappeared into the margin. After a moment Obi-Wan began to read out loud.

"The savannahs and plains of Sahmly II are ideal for varied wildlife, and make it a popular tourist and hunting destination."

"Several animals in particular are known throughout the galaxy for sport hunters: The rhino-like Mastaba, with immense horns and armor plates. Killing one requires an exceptional marksman, as the target area where the armor is weakest is only the span of a child's hand."

A ponderous Mastaba thundered across the words and melted into the page

"The regal Breeck is an omnivorous bird with stilt-like legs and saw blade notches on its beak, and is a basic food staple when properly domesticated. Wild Breeck will attack when provoked, and hunters must be wary of wounding one of the volatile birds. Wounded Breeck have been known to attack outlying villages, killing anyone in their path."

A flock of Breek silently took flight and plunged under the holo waterfall.

"The most formidable of Sahmlian predator animals is the Arrcat. A two meter tall feline, it is highly elusive, and capable of explosive bursts of speed. Their multi camouflaged tan pelts are in demand with the fashion conscious but obtaining one can prove tricky. Hunters would do well to kill an Arrcat on the first shot, because a wounded Arrcat will call for help from its clan. Arrcats will then band together and tenaciously hunt the threat until it is eliminated."

A ferocious looking Arrcat stalked across the page, turned to look at the reader with two bright yellow eyes, then melted into the background as though it had never been. Obi-Wan raised an eyebrow and kept reading.

"Arrcats may capture rather than kill their prey, then carry it back to its lair to train the

Arrkits. The Arrcat drops the prey and lets it try to escape, then encourages the Arrkit to stalk and bat it down. This play training can go on for hours until the prey is too exhausted, dazed, and weaken to defend itself. Then the Arrcat usually dispatches the prey by taking a throat hold and slowly suffocating it."

Obi-Wan finished reading the safari brochure and looked up. "I think I'll stay inside the city limits, Master."

Qui-Gon Jinn glanced over at his apprentice and gave a faint smile. "It is not the wildlife outside the walls we have to worry about, my young padawan. It is the wilderness within Sahmly City to which we address ourselves."

"It is curious how the city suffers so much unrest so suddenly, Master. This government has been in place for years without incident."

"Curious indeed, my young apprentice. I sense an uneasiness in the Force, one which is difficult to account for."

"I have felt it also, Master. Ever since we set foot on this planet." Obi-Wan shrugged and closed the brochure, dropping it back on the table. "Although any planet that practices a watered down form of slavery- "

"Be mindful of your attitude, Obi-Wan. It is not our place to pass judgment, we were only asked to negotiate a peaceful settlement." Qui-Gon paused. "Although I do believe there is more to these negotiations than meets the eye."

"Yes, Master." The younger man jiggled his leg restlessly. "How many more caste leaders are we to interview, Master?"

"We will talk to the head of the Da Scree today, and bring our results to Master Negotiator Toock. After that, we close the information gathering and rely on negotiation to solve this problem. The government fears a drop in its tourist industry at the best, a planet wide rebellion at the worst." Qui-Gon wandered to the window of their assigned quarters. He gazed out over the city a long moment, then turned and flipped a data pad at his apprentice. "Study this again. It is what we know about the Sahmlians thus far. It may not be much, but I will take any input we can get." Qui-Gon paced, his tall frame stiff. "I cannot shake the feeling that the Scree leaders obfuscate their purpose."

"Obfuscate, Master?" Obi-Wan grinned.

Qui-Gon turned to look at him and raised an eyebrow. "Have you a better term?"

"No, Master, I feel it also. The Scree leaders deceive us but I am not sure how." Obi-Wan frowned in thought. His restless leg stilled, and his gaze turned inward.

Qui-Gon waited.

"There is one thing "

"What have you noticed?"

Obi-Wan frowned more fiercely, looked up at his master and sighed. "It may be nothing "

Qui-Gon tipped his head. "I would like to hear your observation."

The younger man fingered the blond braid that hung by his right ear. "I noticed when we talk with the Scree leaders... when I feel them... obfuscate the most, they also flare their eye rills more."

Qui-Gon's eyebrows rose. "Interesting. Very interesting. I shall expect you to observe more closely when we hold talks this morning. See if your theory holds true. I shall inform the other negotiating teams also, so they may watch."

"Yes, Master " Obi-Wan looked down, rubbed a hand over the light saber hung by his side, then glanced up at his master out of the corner of his eyes. "But what if I'm wrong?"

"Do not focus on the negative, Padawan." Qui-Gon picked up his brown cloak and slipped it on. "Relax and let the Force guide you to your conclusion." He came to stand in front of the other Jedi. "What if you are right?" He gave Obi-Wan a gentle smile. "Trust in yourself, Obi-Wan, as I trust in you." Qui-Gon waited until the young man nodded. "After we talk to the Scree leader, we are finished interviewing for the time being. Master Toock has set her deadlines."

"What will we do then, Master?"

"We'll wait." Qui-Gon stood with hands on hips. "Since I know how fond you are of waiting, I have arranged with another Jedi Master for you to take light saber practice with his padawan."

"I am happy practicing with you, Master."

"I am please with your progress, Obi-Wan, however you need a wide range of experience against other opponents. Master Dushiko has trained several Guardians and a Weapons Master. We should take advantage of the opportunity, his skill with a light saber is exceptional."

"Is he as skilled as Master Yoda?"

Qui-Gon smiled. "Master Dushiko has a different form. I think you can learn much from battling his padawan." 

"I look forward to it, Master." Obi-Wan bowed his head slightly.

"Good, let us attend to the Scree leader then. Be mindful of the rill flares. I will try to test him so you may check your theory."

"Do not provoke him too much, Master. He may keep one of those Arrcats for a pet." Obi-Wan followed his master out the door, slinging his cloak around him as he went.

~~~~

Later that afternoon the two Jedi returned from their assignment, compiled their reports and gave them to Master Toock’s Twi’lek assistant, Saa Duut, then headed for the secluded courtyards of the Diplomat Residence. Four-meter tall sapphire hedges surrounded a myriad of garden and meditation areas. The garden complex enclosed the diplomatic area on three sides, and provided a tranquil buffer between the diplomatic quartering and Sahmly City. By contrast, the front gates opened onto a wide boulevard that housed sprawling embassy and trade sections. The Diplomatic Section squatted on a hill overlooking Sahmly City, above the squalor that surrounded it. Half a city away, the spaceport sat on the other hill overseeing the city. Now and then a sleek cruiser or boxy transport rose from the landing complex and, made a leisurely departure into turquoise skies.

Qui-Gon checked the 3D map of the gardens hung near the side doors. After close examination, he gave a grunt of satisfaction, and motioned for Obi-Wan to follow. Outside, green flagstone paths led off in all directions, turning beneath conservative Scree trees, dodging around flaxen shrubs, and running alongside the massive sapphire hedges that divided the gardens. The Jedi strolled down a path; the area was too peaceful for them to want to make haste. Small white Ri birds marked their passage with questioning three tone notes that hung liquid in the tranquil air. Qui-Gon unerringly led them to the correct opening in the hedges and into a grassy training area.

Another Jedi, a tall young Knight by appearance but unknown to Obi-Wan stood by the boundary shrubs, brown hood pulled half over his head, arms tucked in his robe sleeves, as unobtrusive as possible in the hedge shadows. His bright blue eyes watched the center ring intently. Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan turned to look also.

Two Jedi struggled in the marked off area, shirtless in the hot afternoon sun, light sabers crackling as they locked in battle. The juvenile was an awkward youth, all arms and legs and driven intensity.  The older Jedi had the demeanor of a Master at home with his place in the world. He was well built, muscular without being overweight, and much too solid for the young Jedi to have any hope of displacing. The boy kept trying, however, ignoring the warning sizzle of stressed light sabers. His strained expression turned to one of surprise as the older man struck out with a foot and tumbled him to the ground. Before he could move, the older man's light saber lashed out and scored a trail across the youth's bare chest.

Obi-Wan winced in sympathy as the younger Jedi yelped at the sudden sting. Light sabers in practice were capable of inflicting a substantial bite, depending on the setting and the skill of those wielding it.

"Pah, you were not concentrating!" The older man snapped at his companion.

"I'm sorry, Master!"

The man sighed and looked down at the sprawled youth. "Jedi need not feel pain. Be mindful of your reactions, Padawan. They betray you. Get up, get up…" The man turned away and walked to a bench, picked up a cloth and wiped his face and the hilt of his light saber. His eyes found Qui-Gon. "Master Jinn."

"Master Dushiko," Qui-Gon inclined his head. "I trust your negotiations went well?"

The young padawan got up from the ground, wincing, and rubbed a hand over the mark on his chest. His master raised an eyebrow at him, and the youth stopped, crossed his arms in front of him, and stood, feet apart, one hand clutching the light saber.  He watched them with wide-eyed curiosity.

Dushiko ignored his apprentice and picked up his shirt. "My negotiations went well as they could, Master Jinn. I talked with several Screes today, but I had little success in getting them to agree to anything. They claim they cannot make the decisions we wish them to make. When I ask them who can make the decisions, they hedge and change the topic."

"Perhaps Master Toock will get it sorted out," Qui-Gon said. He indicated Obi-Wan with a hand. "Weapons Master Dushiko, this is my padawan learner, Obi-Wan Kenobi."

Obi-Wan stepped forward and bowed. "Master Dushiko. I am pleased to meet you." He straightened, and found himself wanting to take a step backwards as the older man fixed him with a penetrating gaze.

Taller than he looked in the practice ring, the Jedi Master wore his long hair neatly pulled up in a topknot, and a manner of studied aloofness. The black hair showed silver at the temples and forehead.  Grooves etched around his mouth gave the man a solemn dignity, and black eyes sparked with interest as they looked at Qui-Gon's apprentice.

Dushiko nodded. "Obi-Wan Kenobi... I have heard of you." His eyes cut to the youth still in the battle ring. "That is my padawan learner, Remii Hajradurama. Perhaps you will have better luck in getting him to defend himself. I do not think he takes me seriously."

Obi-Wan doubted how anyone could not take the stern master seriously. He glanced at Remii. The padawan's cheeks held patches of red.

Dushiko’s eyes measured Obi-Wan. “You will fight with practice sabers.  My padawan does not yet have the control I require to use a real saber in practice, except with me.”

Obi-Wan felt Qui-Gon's faint surprise and looked back at his master.

Qui-Gon hesitated a fraction then nodded.

"Yes, Master,” Obi-Wan said. He resisted the urge to glance at Dushiko’s apprentice. He could feel the boy’s mortification from here.  To have one’s master disparage your saber ability to other Jedi.... well, it was not good.

"We practice on Setting Five," Dushiko said as he turned the dial and locked it in before handing the saber to Obi-Wan. "Even if it is only practice, better to imitate a real saber. That way you will not be in battle expecting a gentle sting when a killing blow comes your way."  

Obi-Wan accepted the saber and resisted the urge to turn and look again at Qui-Gon. Level Five would account for the yelp from the other apprentice. Five was the equivalent of being side swiped by an electric jolt from a Chandrillan needlefish. But better than the burn of the real thing. Obi-Wan suddenly wanted very much to win these matches. "Yes, Master." His gaze cut to his padawan counterpart.

The youth stared straight ahead, but his eyes flicked to the side in an attempt to study the newcomers. Light brown skin shone with the sheen of sweat and his dark hair lay matted against his head. Remii's torso displayed a profusion of red marks, some faded, some fresh, which indicated the two Jedi had already practiced for some time. At power Level Five.

"We will go three rounds," Dushiko announced. "Although you are padawans I expect you to adhere to Temple guidelines on dueling." 

"Yes, Master," Remii replied instantly, Obi-Wan chiming in a beat behind.

"I expect you to fight honorably. But be aware of what you would do in a real battle situation." Dushiko gave them both a stern look. "The closer we train to real life situations, the more equipped you will be when called upon to defend yourselves."

"Yes, Master," Obi-Wan chorused with Remii.

"Prepare yourself, Apprentice Kenobi."

Obi-Wan bowed his head in respect to the Weapons Master, walked over to Qui-Gon, who led him to a bench, placed a hand on his shoulder, and gave a gentle squeeze. "You will do fine, Obi-Wan. You are extremely competent with a light saber. Just concentrate, and do not turn your back after a strike."

Obi-Wan turned so his back was to Dushiko and Remii, and then spoke softly. "Master, his padawan is but a child! I cannot duel him. Not fairly."

Qui-Gon looked across the grass to where Dushiko talked with his student. "Master Dushiko normally schools apprentices preparing for their Trials. The boy could be older than he looks, or Master Dushiko may have finally taken on a younger learner. No matter, it would not due to underestimate your opponent, however immature he appears."

"I understand, but… I do not wish to hurt him, Master."

"He is the apprentice of a Weapons Master, Obi-Wan. Injury should not be a consideration."

"Yes, Master." Obi-Wan removed his cloak and stripped off his tunic, tabards and belt in preparation. He took off his tan under tunic and laid it neatly on the pile of clothing, then began to stretch out his arm and leg muscles. The Sahmlian sun shone hot and bright, and the gentle breeze from the surrounding trees felt pleasant on Obi-Wan's bare skin. 

Qui-Gon moved over to speak with Dushiko while Obi-Wan used the opportunity to study Remii more closely. The youth stood at a loose attention in the center of the circle and waited, unmoving, displaying a discipline Obi-Wan envied. He sized up the other apprentice as an opponent.

Remii was smaller than Obi-Wan and slightly built. His chest and arms gave promise that he would someday match Obi-Wan in muscle, but right now he looked unfinished in that awkward way young teens do. Largish hands rubbed the practice saber with nervous gestures, and he paused to flick the dark padawan braid back behind one ear. There was a dusting of freckles across Remii's nose and cheeks, almost unnoticeable against the tanned skin. Wide brown eyes shifted and met Obi-Wan's. They held a resignation rather than excitement. Remii studied Obi-Wan a short moment, then dropped his eyes to examine the ground.

Obi-Wan walked up to him and extended a hand. "Hi, I'm Obi-Wan Kenobi."

The return grip was firm, but gentle. "Remii Hajradurama." The smile the youth flashed Obi-Wan held genuine warmth. "I am pleased to meet you." He gave Obi-Wan a courteous bow, but continued to hold onto Obi-Wan's hand and study him closely.

There was a ripple in the Force as energy moved between the two padawans. "Listen," Obi-Wan said, "do you really-"

"Remii. Prepare yourself."

At his master's reprimand, the warmth in the youth's face faded, replaced by distance as he dropped Obi-Wan's hand. "I am ready, Master."

"You better be." The Jedi walked over to take up position between the two apprentices and told them the rules. "Finally, stepping out of the second ring means you lose the point. Is that understood?"

"Yes, Master."

Obi-Wan nodded, and looked behind him to measure the distance to the second ring. About ten meters. Tight, he would have to control. It was a test of ability.

"There will be three rounds. First to three points wins the round. We'll go three even if someone wins the first two rounds. Agreed?"

Obi-Wan glanced over at his master. Qui-Gon stood, arms crossed over his chest, the picture of composure. He gave Obi-Wan a minute nod.

"Do you agree, Apprentice Kenobi?"

"Yes, Master Dushiko."

"Good. Let us begin."

--Continued in Chapter 3--