Star Wars - Jedi Apprentice #2 - The Dark Rival Page 6

  Stieg Was, refusing to surrender, pushed the small transport, evading blaster fire in a stunning display of skill. After they lost the ships, Stieg Wa announced that the cloaking system had been sabotaged. He blamed Xanatos. Qui-Gon, of course, believed Xanatos when he swore he had nothing to do with it. Why would he risk pirates attacking a ship he was on?

  Stieg Wa was out on the dorsal platform fixing the device when the pirates returned. He was hit by blaster fire and captured.

  Xanatos led Qui-Gon to the escape pod. He had already programmed the coordinates for Telos. When Qui-Gon asked him why hed taken such a precaution, he smiled.

  I always make sure I have a back door, he said.

  Dawn was still an hour away when Qui-Gon strode off the transport toward the Enrichment Dome. The Meerian sent to meet him hurried forward. I am RonTha. Im happy to welcome -

  Where is Si Treemba? Qui-Gon interrupted crisply, striding toward the main building.

  H-he is in the dome, waiting for you, RonTha said, running to catch up to Qui-Gons long stride. But protocol must be followed. You must register with -

  Show me to him, Qui-Gon demanded.

  But protocol -

  Qui-Gon fixed his gaze on RonTha. He didnt need to use the Force. The Meerian crumpled under the force of his irritation.

  This way, he said, scurrying forward.

  A rustled of grain announced Si Treembas presence. He sprang out of the field when he saw Qui-Gon..

  Weve been watching since Obi-Wan was kidnapped, he said. No one has been in or out.

  Qui-Gon looked compassionately at Si Treemba. The young Arconan looked so tired Qui-Gon wouldnt have been surprised if he fell asleep on his feet.

  We shouldnt have fallen asleep that night., Si Treemba said. Obi-Wan said hed take the first watch. We should have stayed awake. . . .

  Now is not the time to rethink the past, Qui-Gon said gently. We have only the now. We must find Obi-Wan. What did you see?

  Not much, Si Treemba admitted. A group of men in Offworld uniforms carried him away. We followed them, but we lost them in the dome. Si Treemba hung his head.

  Qui-Gon tried not to show his frustration. Si Treemba felt bad enough as it was. But how could he find Obi-Wan on such scant information?

  Suddenly, Qui-Gon noticed that RonTha looked very nervous. The Meerian was perspiring and looked as if he wanted to escape.

  Qui-Gon turned his full attention on him. Did you see anything, RonTha?

  Me? But were forbidden to be in the dome at night, RonTha protested. Against all protocol.

  You didnt answer my question, Qui-Gon said politely.

  I try to follow the rules, RonTha said.

  And do you always succeed? Qui-Gon asked kindly. He tamped down his impatience. Anyone can be tempted to break the rules.

  The fruit is so good, RonTha whispered. Just a snack before bed . . .

  Tell us, Qui-Gon said firmly.

  RonTha swallowed. I was in the orchard when I saw them. A group of men carrying something. Someone led them. Someone in a black cloak . . .

  Qui-Gon nodded encouragingly.

  At first I just hid. But then I saw that they were carrying Obi-wan. He was under my charge! I was responsible for him. So I followed them to the sea landing.

  Qui-Gon frowned. They left by sea?

  He nodded. Two of the men, with Obi-Wan.

  Where could they be going? Qui-Gon wondered. The sea was vast, and there were no islands or reefs. Did they say anything? he asked.

  Nothing of significance, RonTha said. Something curious, though. One of them said to Obi-Wan that he would see him in five years, if he survived. Obi-wan didnt answer, of course. He was still unconscious.

  Five years? Qui-Gon repeated.

  The deep sea mines! Si Treemba exclaimed.

  Of course, Qui-Gon thought. Where better to hide Obi-Wan than on a deepsea mining platform?

  Find me an Agri-Corps boat, Qui-Gon ordered RonTha.

  But it is against proto - RonThas voice faltered under the impact of Qui-Gons icy glare. Yes, immediately, he agreed.

  * * *

  Qui-Gon pushed the motor of the hydrocraft as high as it would go. He rocketed across the gray sea just inches above the waves. RonTha had been able to give him the precise coordinates of the mining platform, and hed entered it into the boats onboard computer. Besides, RonTha assured him, the platform would be too big to miss.

  It began as a darker gray smudge on the gray horizon line of the sea. As Qui-Gon drew closer. The smudge formed into towers and buildings, a small city in the middle of the sea.

  Qui-Gon focused a pair of electrobinoculars on the platform. He scanned it for any sign of Obi-Wan. Suddenly, he saw movement on the very edge. A group of men were pushing something . . .

  Qui-Gons grip tightened as he zoomed in on the sight. It was Obi-Wan! Guards were jabbing him with the dull ends of electro-jabbers, pushing him toward the edge of the platform. They were going to push him off!

  Qui-Gon gunned the motor. It was already at top speed. In despair, he realized that he was too far away. His only hope was that Obi-Wan would survive the fall, and hed be able to pick him ip.

  H raced across the flat sea, closer and closer. Obi-Wan was at the very edge. Qui-Gons heart contracted with pain. To loose him this way! He would never forgive himself.

  But as he raced toward Obi-Wan, a movement caught his eye from a lower level of the platform. Someone had fashioned a kind sling out of a spun carbon tarp. He was tying it to the struts that supported the main platform. As Qui-Gon watched, two long, flexible arms shot out, positioning the sling in midair.

  Obi-Wan fell. Qui-Gon watched the fall through the electrobinoculars. Obi-Wans face was grim but composed, free of terror. Determined to fight to the last, but accepting death if it came.

  Like a Jedi.

  Then Obi-Wan saw the sling below. Across the distance, Qui-Gon felt ripples of the Force originating in Obi-Wan. He focused his own will to meet it, concentrating the Force, willing Obi-Wans body to twist toward the tarp.

  Obi-Wan seemed to grab on to thin air and pull himself to the left, shifting in mid-fall. He bounced onto the middle of the sling. In another second, those long arms shot out and pulled Obi-Wan to safety.

  Qui-Gon was almost to the platform now. He heard the furious cries of the guards as they saw what had happened. They turned away, racing toward the lift tube to the lower floor.

  Qui-Gon pulled up, bobbing in the sea as he quickly threw carbon-rope over one of the struts and tied the craft securely. The he threw another rope on the platform where Obi-Wan had disappeared. He tested it, then climbed up.

  Obi-Wan was racing down the hallway with the long-armed creature. Suddenly, he stopped, as if Qui-Gon had called his name, though hed said nothing. Obi-Wan turned to see Qui-Gon leap over the railing.

  I hoped you would come, he said.

  Qui-Gon nodded. Almost too late. Hurry.

  This is Guerra, Obi-Wan said, pointing to his rescuer.

  Bring him. The guards are coming, Qui-Gon said urgently. They saw what happened.

  Guerras hands flew to his collar. I cant leave. Neither can you, Obawan.

  Obi-Wan looked at Qui-Gon. Its an electro-collar. It will blow us up if we leave.

  Qui-Gon nodded. He concentrated the Force on Obi-Wans collar first. He sent neutral energy to the transmitter.

  Obi-Wan touched the collar. The buzzing is gone.

  Well have to find a way to remove it on the mainland, Qui-Gon said.

  Thats where the transmission signal is, Guerra explained. The guards in the security office on the Bandor loading dock carry the transmitter.

  Qui-Gon brought the Force to bear on Guerras collar but wheeled suddenly. Behind him, the lift tube opened. Blaster fire zinged past his ear.

  Youll be needing this, he said to Obi-Wan and tossed him his lightsaber.

  Two lightsabers hummed in unison as they turned to face the guards. The four Imbats hesitated. They had
never seen such weapons. But, still infuriated at Obi-Wans escape, they rushed forward.

  Qui-Gon leaped onto the railing, somersaulted in the air, and landed behind them. Obi-Wan charged from the front. They moved in a graceful duet, advancing, retreating, forcing the guards back toward the lift tube and deflecting blaster fire with ease.

  More guards coming, Obawan! Guerra yelled.

  Fifteen guards shot out of the stairwell at the far end of the platform, firing as they ran.

  Time to go, Qui-Gon told Obi-Wan.

  With a cry, Guerra crumpled, hit by blaster fire. He looked up at Obi-Wan. Just a graze, he said. Go. Ill hold them off for you.

  Obi-Wan pressed a blaster in his hand. No, you go. Up the stairwell. And hide. In an hour, your collar will be deactivated for good. Trust me.

  Guerra smiled weakly. I . . . trust . . . no one, he said softly. But as Obi-Wan and Qui-Gon deflected blaster fire, he managed to limp to the stairs. Guerra turned. Not so, Obawan! I trust you.

  Obi-Wan vaulted over the fallen guards, climbed onto the rail, and jumped toward the rope. He slid down and landed in the hydrocraft.

  Qui-Gon followed. He gunned the motor. With blaster fire raining over their heads, they made for the open sea.

  Chapter 15

  As soon s they were out of reach of blaster fire. Qui-Gon set a course for Bandor. Obi-Wan sat at his side, looking ahead. He did not know what to ask first.

  You said you hoped I would come, Qui-Gon remarked quietly. Not knew, but hoped.

  Obi-Wan didnt speak for a moment. I need to know about Xanatos, he said finally. He told me you betrayed him. That he was your apprentice, and he trusted you.

  Did you believe him? Qui-Gon asked.

  Obi-Wan paused. The wind blew his hair back from his face. I dont think you would betray a Padawan, he said at last. But I dont understand why he hates you so. Does he have cause, Qui-Gon? Did Xanatos arrange to have me imprisoned on the mining platform just to get back at you?

  The Jedi Master nodded grimly. Yes I believe so. Its time I told you about him. I should have told you before.

  Mist had begun to rise on the sea. Obi-Wan could taste the droplets on his lips. Gray surrounded him in a whirling circle, silver-gray mist above, dull gray sea below. Qui-Gons words seemed to come at Obi-Wan from a past as misty as the surroundings, as far away.

  Each Jedi apprentice brings something unique to the Temple, Qui-Gon began. Even at a young age, Xanatos stood out. His intelligence was fierce and quick and agile. He was a leader. I thought he was the most promising boy to come to the Temple in may years. So did Yoda.

  Qui-Gon paused. He made a small correction to the steering of the boat. Yet Yoda had questions. As Xanatos grew and I took him as my apprentice, I resented Yodas hesitations. I thought Yoda was questioning my judgement. Of course, he was questioning the boy. He saw something that I did not. When Yoda suggested one last mission, I was glad. At last, I thought, I can prove to Yoda that I was right. Xanatos will prove himself, prove what Id seen all along.

  Qui-Gon turned to Obi-Wan. You see my failing here. It wasnt a question.

  Obi-wan nodded. I think so. What you could prove. What you wanted.

  So it was a test for me, too, Qui-Gon said. I didnt know that at the time. I let my ego and pride take over. My need to be right. Its important that you know this, Obi-Wan. Even a Jedi Knight is still a living being, with the same failings.

  We are not saints, but seekers, Obi-Wan said, repeating a Jedi saying.

  Yoda sent us to Telos, the home planet of Xanatos. Xanatos had not seen his father Crion in many years. In that time, Crion had grown in power. Telos is noted for its scientific research. Telosian scientists are brilliant innovators. Crion used their discoveries to create great wealth for the planet. And for himself. He built on his power and ruled the planet as governor. Yet he did not rely on advisors or his Senate. He ruled alone. Xanatos saw how powerful his father was. Hoe luxurious a life he led. All of the riches of the galaxies were at Crions fingertips. Xanatos saw this, and a hunger began to grow in him. An anger. He saw that in taking him away, we had deprived him of a different kind of power. I had deprived him. He hated the Jedi for that.

  Qui-Gon stared at the mist, We give up many things when we choose this life, Obi-Wan. We are destined to have no home, no measurable power. Xanatos had these things in his grasp. Crion saw his son weaken. He had come to regret his decision to let Xanatos go. He was an old man and ha d driven away every friend, every ally. So Crion urged Xanatos to join him in his great plans. I saw that Yoda sensed this would happen, that this was the last, great test.

  Qui-Gon sighed. I did not doubt Yodas wisdom. I did what I knew I should. I stepped back. I did not attempt to guide Xanatos. He was ready to make his own choice.

  He made the wrong one, Obi-Wan said softly.

  Crion had grown greedy, as the powerful often do. He had secret plans to wage war against a neighboring planet. It was not enough to have the research. If Telos had access to the resources - the mineral, the factories - it could grow even more powerful. The treaty between the two worlds was automatically extended every ten years. This year, Crion called for a renegotiation. I found out later that it was a ruse, a way to delay until he could raise an army. I was to monitor the negotiation. Xanatos deliberately sabotaged the first meeting, according to his fathers direction. They wanted to enrage the population of Telos, you see. But I knew, and I revealed what I knew to the people of Telos. They rose up against Crion. But Crion did not retreat. Xanatos urged him to fight instead. They hired an army to put down the rebellion and stay in power. Civil war broke out. Suddenly, people were dying. The situation was out of my control. And all because I did not see clearly what Xanatos was capable of.

  Qui-Gon gripped the controls of the boat. Xanatos led the army. The last battle was fought at the governors quarters. Crion was killed.

  Qui-Gon paused, his expression grim. I killed him, he said solemnly. In front of his son I dealt the killing blow. My lightsaber sliced through the ring on Crions finger. As he lay dying, Xanatos picked it up from the fire where it had fallen. He pressed the hot metal to his cheek. I can still hear the sound of the burn. You can still see the scar.

  A broken circle, Obi-Wan said.

  Qui-Gon turned to face Obi-Wan. His face was bleak, harsh with memories. He said the scar would serve to remind him always of what I had taken from him. How I had betrayed him. The fact that thousands had died because of his fathers greed meant nothing to him. The weight of those deaths meant everything to me.

  What happened? Obi-Wan asked.

  He drew his lightsaber against me, Qui-Gon said, his gaze shifting once again to take in the past. We battled to the point of exhaustion. At last I knocked the lightsaber from his hand and stood over him. But I couldnt deliver the fatal blow. Xanatos laughed at me. He ran out. I searched Telos for him, but he had stolen a transport and the treasury and had escaped into deep space. He disappeared without a trace . . . until now.

  Chapter 16

  Qui-Gon looked at the instruments. Were approaching Bandor harbor.

  We have to get the transmitter, Obi-Wan told Qui-Gon. I promised Guerra.

  Qui-Gon nodded and headed toward the Offworld loading dock. They tied the hydrocraft and headed for the Offworld security office.

  Do you have a plan? Obi-Was asked.

  We dont have time for a plan, Qui-Gon said, kicking open the door. Three Imbat guards looked up in surprise. Before they could make a move toward their blasters, Qui-Gons lightsaber sang through the air. The three blasters clattered to the floor as the guards clutched their wrist and howled.

  Transmitters, please, Qui-Gon remarked pleasantly. When they hesitated, he casually brought his lightsaber down on the power terminal. It sizzled and collapsed into a molten heap.

  The three guards exchanged frightened glances. Then they threw down their transmitters and dashed out the door.

  Its nice when its easy. Qui-Gon remarked. He bent down
and picked up the three transmitters. Striding back onto the dock, he threw two into the sea. Then he pressed the button on the third.

  Guerra is free, he said. Now lets see if we can get that collar off.

  Qui-Gon placed his large hands around the collar, searching for a catch or seam. He could not break the collar, or twist it apart. He set hid lightsaber to low power and tried to cut it, but could not.

  I need a high power, and that would injure you, he said.