TITLE: Dark Sacrifice  4/36

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 4

A tall female Twi’lek walked into the small anteroom, eyes fixed on Adin.  “I am Saa Duut, aide to Master Toock.”

Adin bowed his head slightly. “Adin-Duanath Yeriamman. My presence was requested.”

“It is as you say, Explorer,” Saa Duut said, bowing her head slightly in reply. “Master Toock expects you. Please come with me.”

Adin rose from his seat and followed Saa Duut into a luxurious apartment. His eyebrow rose.  I wonder if Toock is taken aback by this extravagance on her behalf, none of it to Kushiban scale. She must love traveling across these rooms by hopping furniture-to-furniture, paws never having to touch the floor.

Adin followed Saa Duut into a bedroom dominated by a human-sized bed large enough to keep a rancor comfortable. Long fur-covered ears were visible from a high-backed desk chair. The ears twitched and swiveled back as they approached.

“Master Toock,” Saa Duut said, “Jedi Explorer Yeriamman, as you requested.”

The chair turned. A creature with white-blue fur and innocent black eyes hopped down from the chair and stood upright. Whiskers and nose twitched, examining Adin’s scent. Toock might have looked a cute pet to a Human, but in reality she was a formidable fighter with an equally formidable mind.

“Master Toock,” Adin said, bowing deeply.

“Explorer Yeriamman,” Toock said in acknowledgement. She looked at her aide. “Saa Duut, I have revised our counterproposal to the Ga’Scree delegation. Please present the document to the Ga’Scree representative and convey to me word of their reply.”

Saa Duut bowed. “As you instruct, Master.” The Twi’lek silently departed the room, closing the door.

“Please join me on the balcony, Explorer,” Toock said.

Adin followed Toock through a set of open double-doors. It was still morning, and pleasantly cool outdoors. The scent of fragrant flowers wafted from the residence gardens. Comfortable-looking furniture stood on the balcony, all of it much larger than the petite Kushiban.  Adin grinned.

“I agree,” Toock said. “The Sahmlians overdid their hospitality a bit,” she said, nose twitching, teeth bared and chittering in what Adin supposed was a Kushiban smile. “You should have seen their faces when they saw me.”

“That must have been interesting.”

“Very,” Toock said, hopping onto a chair.  “How was your journey to Sahmly?”

“Uneventful. I think that is about the best that can be said of any journey, Master.” Adin shrugged.

Toock smiled again. “Often true, Explorer,” she replied. As her humor faded, white fur slowly turned light blue. “Did you receive the briefing materials about the mission? Do you know why you are here?”

“I’ve studied the briefing materials for the past few days, Master Toock,” Adin replied. “I gather that something interesting is afoot?”

“You could say that. Have you felt the pall that covers this world?”

 “Yes.”

“What is your impression of it?”

“It feels unnatural,” Adin replied. “I have had visions of carnage, but I cannot determine its source or locale at this time.”

Toock frowned. “Describe these visions.”

“I’ve had three in the last five days,” Adin said. “The impression I get is that these visions are different views of the same event. A Sahmlian village exterminated by off-worlders. One of the off-worlders is clearly a Jedi of some power. I also get the impression that this incident occurred in the past. A long time in the past.”

“Do you suspect Sith?”

“Sith Adept or Warrior is a possibility. I sense that the Sith timeframe would be about right…a thousand years ago give or take, and Sahmly Two is located between historical Sith space and the borders of the Old Republic. There were no distinctive markings or identification though. This particular Jedi could have simply been a Fallen Jedi or Master with no connection to the Sith. He had followers, so he is at least a Dark Jedi of considerable powers. I do have a face and will query the Jedi Temple to see if this Jedi was known to the Order.”

“Excellent,” Toock replied. She rubbed her nose with a furry paw. “I want you to investigate what lies behind that pall. I sense that you may already be on the trail of the cause. The Jedi here feel it, although most do not know what they feel.  I believe it will make our diplomatic mission all the more difficult, this underlying sense of unease. It makes tempers short, even among Jedi who should know better. To be that powerful from that long ago… must mean an incident of some significance, although I found nothing in the Archives." Toock paused, twitched her nose, then hopped off the chair. "If there is a deeper issue, we may have to resolve it before the diplomatic mission can proceed. Do you require any resources?”

“I understand your concerns, Master Toock,” Adin said. “I will need the use of a speeder. I have two exploration droids, and will keep one in the residence. He has a personality module and might be of some use within the Residence if required. The other droid will remain aboard my ship as a guard. I think an assignment that puts me into regular daily contact with the Sahmlians would be useful. Do Sahmlians work inside the Residence? Housekeeping, or the kitchens perhaps?”

“Yes, Sahmlians work as domestic and kitchen staff,” Toock said. “You would work among them?”

“If it’s the only way I can talk to the locals and get them to trust me. There are far worse places to work than the kitchens.”

“I suppose,” Toock conceded. “Very well. Do as you see fit. You will report directly to me, Adin-Duanath. You will be authorized to leave the Residence at your discretion, but I do ask for the courtesy of a note detailing your route and notice of any ranking Sahmlians you intend to meet.”

“Understood, although I doubt I’ll encounter any ranking locals,” Adin said. “They usually feel like they have something to prove or outright decline to cooperate which collectively makes their information either colored or unreliable. A caste or family headwoman or equivalent would be ideal.”

“I understand. Still, I want to know who you meet with, Explorer. They may be of use to the Jedi in the future.”

“Understood, Master,” Adin said.

 “Very well then. Welcome to Sahmly Two, Knight Yeriamman. If you have any questions, contact myself directly, or Saa Duut in my absence. Let me know what you find out.”

~~~~

The next morning Obi-Wan awoke early to find Qui-Gon gathering data pads. Obi-Wan slid out of bed and stretched, voicing a slight groan as sore muscles from yesterday's duel made themselves known. A good warmup and some katas would quiet them in a hurry. He watched Qui-Gon purse his lips as he looked through the information on a pad.

"Master Toock summoned me, Obi-Wan. I may be there all day. I'd say come along, but it will be a tedious session. No use both of us having to be there. Unless you have a burning desire to apply your diplomatic lessons?" He turned and raised an eyebrow.

Obi-Wan hesitated.

Qui-Gon gave him a smile. "Do not worry about it, my padawan. We will have many other opportunities to sit in meetings together. Carry your comlink in case I need you, however." Qui-Gon turned and placed his hands on his hips, looked around the room, then gave a small nod to himself and turned his attention back to his apprentice. "Please do not leave the diplomat grounds without informing me, Obi-Wan. Or let someone among the team know where you will be and when you are expected back. It is not safe, especially with unrest in the city."

"Are the other masters going to be in the negotiations?"

Qui-Gon stored a data pad in his belt pouch then paused. "All the masters will be there. You padawans will have to entertain yourselves." He looked at his apprentice. "If that is what you are asking."

Obi-Wan nodded. "I thought I would go talk with Hajradurama. I didn't get much of a chance yesterday, and I'd like to get to know him better."

"I know nothing of the boy, but Master Dushiko is a fine and capable Weapons Master." Qui-Gon pursed his lips. "Yet I sensed Remii was… lonely. It might be helpful for you two to get together." Qui-Gon studied the younger man. "I really would prefer you to stay in the compound, Obi-Wan, however, I trust your judgment. Just don't wander alone. There are plenty of Sahmlian natives on the Grounds. Learn what you can from them."

"Yes, Master."

Qui-Gon buckled his utility belt on, checked his light saber, and picked up the dark brown cloak. He paused and looked at his apprentice. "I neglected to tell you something yesterday, Obi-Wan, that I was proud of you."

"For the battles I won, Master?"

"No, my young padawan. For the one that you lost." Qui-Gon laid a hand on Obi-Wan's shoulder, gave it a squeeze, then turned and headed out the door.

Obi-Wan pondered his master's parting words while getting dressed. Apparently, Qui-Gon knew he'd thrown the last match to help Remii's confidence. He didn't think he'd been obvious about it, although his light saber skills were far enough above the other apprentice's to make him wonder. He hoped Master Dushiko hadn't noticed his deliberate target openings. The Weapons Master made Obi-Wan uneasy, he was very intense.

After eating some fruit, Obi-Wan paced the rooms. The day stretched before him. He grabbed his light saber and hung it on his utility belt, then picked up his robes, replaying yesterday's light saber battle in his mind as he settled the brown cloak around his shoulders. The other padawan showed flashes of ability that came and went with an inconsistency that puzzled Obi-Wan. At times Remii's skill almost equaled Obi-Wan's; at other times it fell to an embarrassing level. Perhaps Remii would be open to some further saber practice, without the masters around to intimidate him.

Obi-Wan exited the rooms, paused to palm the door lock, then moved through the corridors and up the stairs. He knew all Jedi were quartered on this wing. The quartering building was immense, and his footsteps echoed on the stone floors. He slowed, and reached out with his senses, feeling for the other apprentice, and that curious mix of resignation and defiance he'd noticed in the practice courtyard. The impression of music came to him, simultaneously lilting and haunting, it colored the Force with droplets of color, sunlit gold and pure, deep-sea blues. Obi-Wan traced the music to one door. He paused to press his hand to the announcing panel. "Obi-Wan Kenobi." The notes in his head stopped, hung shimmering, then slowly faded like drops of rain after a storm.

The door slid back and Obi-Wan saw he'd guessed right. Remii Hajradurama stood in the entry, shirtless, wooden flutepipe in one hand. The shuttered look on his face changed to warmth as he saw who it was.

"Obi-Wan Kenobi. I am pleased to see you again." The youth bowed in formal greeting. He wore loose, cream-colored pants tucked into tan leather boots, and a cloth belt wrapped several times around his thin waist. Remii's brown chest showed several new saber marks. "I was doing morning meditation."

"Should I come back?"

"No. Please. I have plenty of time to meditate today. Come in. Please." The apprentice stood aside and motioned to Obi-Wan.

Obi-Wan gestured to the marks on Remii's chest. "What happened? I thought laser stings faded after a few hours."

Remii looked down at himself, then back up quickly. "They do. I just had two hours of light saber practice with my master before he went to negotiations. He does not believe in going easy."

"I see," Obi-Wan said. He filed the information away for later thought. Dushiko pressed this apprentice hard.

"We practice every morning. It used to be three hours, but I've gotten better. " Remii shrugged and fiddled with the flute in his hand "How much do you practice? What kind of practice do you do? Hey, how did you find our room?" he asked in rapid-fire order.

"I followed your music through the Force," Obi-Wan replied.

Remii looked at the flute in his hand like he'd forgotten it was there. "You heard me through the Force? I didn't know... I shouldn't use it to meditate-"

"Whatever brings us closer to the Living Force is proper meditation," Obi-Wan said, quoting Qui-Gon Jinn.

Remii looked at him in surprise, then smiled. "Sometimes music is the only way I can connect to the Force properly," he said, then ducked his head, turned, and stowed the flute in a hide case and hung it on his belt. He shoved his carry bag under the bed with a toe in an apparent attempt to straighten the room. "My master says meditation is the route to a disciplined mind... and that I need all the discipline I can get."

Obi-Wan looked around. The room was a twin to the one he and Qui-Gon occupied, Jedi neat, the only difference being the lesson pads strewn across a nearby tabletop. He picked two up and felt his eyebrows rise in surprise. "Introduction to Political Economy? Basic Starship Mechanics?"

"I am a bit behind in my studies... My master is not pleased."

"Years behind," Obi-Wan said, then shook his head. "I'm sorry, I didn't intend to imply anything."

"What do you mean?" Remii asked. He came forward and took the pads from Obi-Wan. "I am doing all right. Well, except for the tests I haven't taken because my master has been on missions."

"I just remember these classes from years ago..." Obi-Wan paused as a thought came to him. "I would think you through them by now... but I realize people learn at different speeds,” he added hastily.

"I am a slow learner,” Remii replied with a hint of bitterness. “My master tells me this often. You may have noticed from our light saber practice, I don’t ‘grasp’ the fundamentals.” After a second he shrugged. “No matter. I am Ashokian," he said, as if that explained everything.

"I thought you to be Chalactan from your appearance."

"Ashokia is a settlement of Chalacta." 

Remii did not seem inclined to elaborate, so Obi-Wan left it alone and went back to the thing that had been bothering him. "How old are you? You do not look that old."

"Really?” Remii frowned. "Well, I'm small for my age. I finally grew this year. Now if I can only get some muscle." 

"It will come. Be patient." Obi-Wan felt an unusual surge of big brotherliness. "And study, your schoolwork is just going to get more fun as you go. Sector politics, hyperspace navigation..."

"Oh, thanks. I didn't need to know that." Remii smiled as he tossed the lesson pad back on the table. "I'd rather fix people than starships, and I loath politics."

Obi-Wan grinned. "So do I. Anyway, I came by to see if you wanted to do some more light saber practice."

"Uh..." Remii ducked his head, all serious again. "No offense, Kenobi... but why would you want to practice with me? I'm terrible and you know it. You’re almost a Knight, and I’m just..."Remii’s voice trailed off and he shook his head.

"Because I think you're better than I saw yesterday. I think you were just nervous," Obi-Wan said. At least I hope that’s all it was.

"Yes, well..." Remii looked at the apprentice. "I should thank you for letting me win that last round."

"Hey, we padawans have to stick together," Obi-Wan replied. "You did have some good moves, and I tried not to be obvious about leaving openings though. Did Master Dushiko notice?"

"Yes, he noticed. He's too good a Weapons Master not to notice. He notices everything," Remii said softly. "He was not pleased with me, or my incompetence."

"I'm sorry," Obi-Wan said. After a moment he added, "Master Qui-Gon noticed also."

Remii looked at him. "And what did he do?"

"Do? Nothing. He just noticed, that's all." Obi-Wan reached out with his senses and found the youth apprehensive, and ...sad? It bothered Obi-Wan. "So, you want to go practice a bit? I'm sure everyone will be with Master Toock until at least mid meal." He watched Remii chew his lower lip. Remii's gold-brown eyes finally lifted to meet his.

"Sure. Let's go." Remii pulled on his over tunic and tabards, neglecting the under tunic in favor of speed, and grabbed his utility belt. He buckled it and hung the light saber on it after checking to see where Obi-Wan wore his. He snatched his cloak on the way out, waiting until Obi-Wan exited before placing his hand on the lock. He followed Obi-Wan, until they headed for the main staircase.

"Uh, Obi? Can we go the back way? Through the kitchens?" Remii evaded his gaze.

"Why?"

"Um..." Remii scuffed a booted foot across the polished brick. He looked up. "I'm supposed to do four hours of meditation today. I've only done two. I don't want Master Dushiko to see me. The conference room overlooks the front."

"Maybe we better not go then-"

"I want to," Remii interrupted. He lifted his chin. "I want to..."

Obi-Wan again sensed that curious insolence that contrasted with the padawan's outward demeanor.

Remii turned and darted back the way they came, taking a side staircase Obi-Wan hadn't even noticed. Obi-Wan grinned to himself, recalling he did much the same thing while Qui-Gon sat through interminable meetings on Durossit Seven. If all he had to look forward to on a new planet was his lessons, he might just rebel too. Of course, that was a few years ago… when I was still a kid. Obi-Wan followed the other padawan's trail through the building at a more leisurely pace. After one wrong turn in the immense hallways, Obi-Wan made his way to the side door of the Residence kitchens and pushed it open.

--Continued in Chapter 5--