Star Wars - Jedi Apprentice #2 - The Dark Rival Page 7

  Or behead me, Obi-Wan pointed out cheerfully.

  Qui-Gon smiled briefly. Well just have to find a way to get it off in Bandor. He tossed the transmitter to Obi-Wan. Youd better keep this until its off.

  Obi-Wan tucked the transmitter into an interior pocket of his tunic. What now?

  Qui-Gons blue eyes gleamed. Xanatos. He said the name like a curse. We need to get back to Bandor.

  Qui-Gon climbed into the drivers seat of an Offworld security landspeeder.

  He powered up the vehicle, and Obi-Wan jumped in. The landspeeder roared toward the city in the distance.

  The sky was dark and low. The mining towers in the distance looked like spidery traces against it, growing larger as they sped toward Bandor. As they reached the outskirts, Obi-Wan saw a dot on the horizon.

  Someone is heading this way, he said.

  Qui-Gon nodded. He had seen it. Obi-Wan felt something dark in the Force. He glanced at Qui-Gon.

  I feel it, too, Qui-Gon murmured.

  Within minutes, a speeder bike was upon them. They didnt need to see the black cloak to know who was piloting it.

  Han on, Qui-Gon said. I dont think Xanatos is in the mood to chat.

  Hes got laser cannons! Obi-Wan shouted.

  A blast from the cannon misted them by centimeters, sending up a shower of dirt and gravel.

  So I see, Qui-Gon said.

  He wheeled the landspeeder sharply, turning to the right as another blast whistled past them.

  Lightsabers were useless. They had no blasters. They had to rely on Qui-Gons skill. Even as he drove, he gathered the Force around him, using it to anticipate the blasts.

  Dirt and gravel flew in their faces as Qui-Gon swerved, dived, reversed, and hung stationary, all to evade the deadly laser cannon. On a speeder bike, Xanatos had greater maneuverability, and he used it to dodge suddenly around them, firing from the left. The jolt nearly sent Obi-Wan flying out.

  Hang on! Qui-Gon called. He sped ahead, as low to the ground as he dared. He kicked up the dust underneath him, which blew behind them in a thick cloud, blinding Xanatos.

  It bought them precious seconds, no more. Qui-Gon recognized the mining towers ahead. It was the Home Planet Mine. There would be friends there, weapons. ClatHa was a fierce fighter. She has saved his life once before.

  He roared into the yard, but no one was there. Everyone was in the mine, working to repair it. There was no time to call VeerTa or ClatHa. Behind them, they could hear Xanatos roaring into the yard.

  Qui-Gon jumped out of the landspeeder, calling on Obi-Wan to do the same.

  Xanatos headed for Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan at top speed. Qui-Gon unsheathed his lightsaber and dealt Xanatos a glancing blow ah he sped past. But the impact sent Qui-Gon spinning backward, and he felt his shoulder wrench in pain. They could not fight Xanatos while he was on that vehicle.

  Xanatos turned and roared back toward them. They had no choice but to dash into the mine entrance. As they did, Qui-Gon had a sudden flash of chilling knowledge.

  They were doing exactly what Xanatos had planned for them to do. They were playing his game.

  Qui-Gon drew Obi-Wan back into the tunnel. It branched off in several directions, and he tried to remember which way VeerTa had led him to the lift tube. He let the Force direct him, take him over. He ran down the left tunnel, Obi-Wan at his heels. The lift tube stood at the end of the tunnel. The jumped in and Qui-Gon pressed the number of the deepest level, Core 6.

  The glow lights hummed as the stepped out into the tunnel. Qui-Gon turned to the left.

  Where are we going? Obi-Wan asked in a whisper.

  Theres another lift tube, Qui-Gon explained. It should be fixed by now. Xanatos wouldnt know that. Well be able to circle around him to come at him from another direction, or even escape the mine. Its better not to fight here.

  Obi-Wan nodded. It was always best to fight in a place where your opponent couldnt drive you into a corner.

  But that wasnt the only reason Qui-Gon wanted to escape the mine. Xanatos had driven them in here for a purpose. They needed to foil that plan. A nameless dread tugged at Qui-Gon, telling him there was something here he would not want to face.

  They traveled deeper into the tunnel. Qui-Gon frowned as he peered ahead. VeerTa said this tunnel was completely blocked. Why -

  Suddenly, a shadow detached from the wall of the tunnel. Xanatos stood before him.

  You make so many mistakes, Qui-Gon, he said. Its a wonder youre still standing. First you deactivate the transmitter so that Ill know exactly where you are. Then you enter time mine, which is exactly what I wanted you to do. And then you assume that I dont know about the north lift tube.

  Behind him, Qui-Gon heard the hum of Obi-Wans lightsaber.

  Which one of you shall I kill first? Xanatos murmured. You, or your clumsy boy?

  Obi-Wan lunged forward fiercely. He leaped onto a mining cart, which rolled toward Xanatos. At the last moment, Obi-Wan sprang off. He flew over Xanatos head, striking down with his lightsaber as he did so.

  Qui-Gon heard the flesh on Xanatos hand sizzle. Howling, Xanatos almost dropped hid lightsaber, but caught it with his other hand.

  Obi-Wan landed safely behind Xanatos. Dont call me clumsy, he said.

  Whirling so quickly Qui-Gon barely caught the movement, Xanatos sprang at Obi-Wan. The boy leaped back, slashing with his lightsaber at the same time. Xanatos attack missed him by a whisper. Qui-Gon was already charging forward, and Xanatos turned to parry the thrust. Their lightsabers tangled and locked, sputtering. Smoke rose in the tunnel.

  Xanatos withdrew, leaping past Obi-Wan, and the two Jedi pursued him down the tunnel. As they ran, the floor beneath them sloped sharply. Qui-Gon realized that they were descending to a lower level.

  Turning a corner, they just had time to see Xanatos disappear into a smaller corridor that led off the shaft. They hurried forward. The crosscut tunnel was narrow and dark. The glow lights here were set at a fainter setting. The ground dropped sharply downward. Xanatos was gone.

  Wait, Qui-Gon, Obi-Wan panted. Are you certain we should follow?

  Why not? Qui-Gon asked impatiently. His lightsaber pulsed hot in his hand.

  Because he wants us to, Obi-Wan said simply.

  Its too late now, Qui-Gon said. He has chosen the field of battle, true. But we can defeat him.

  Qui-Gon turned and ran down the tunnel after Xanatos. Obi-Wan followed. He would stand by Qui-Gons side until his very last breath.

  They were deep in the planets crust by now, close to the core. The heat was intense. Qui-Gon saw a faint sign glowing ahead. Core 5.

  VeerTa had lied to him. Or else she had not known this tunnel existed.

  The tunnel opened out into a slightly wider one. The glow lights were brighter here. Immediately after they left the smaller tunnel, a hidden panel slid shut behind them.

  They were trapped.

  Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan slowly circled, their lightsabers held at the ready. There was no sign of Xanatos.

  Then the lights went out.

  The mocking voice came from out of the void. I hope the two of you have time for a Temple exercise. Suddenly, in the darkness, the red glow of a lightsaber extended.

  Qui-Gon didnt wait for Xanatos to strike. He moved through the blackness toward the glow. He could not see, he let the Force guide him. He could feel his opponent, feel the dark tremors of his evil. He struck.

  Missed me, Xanatos said. I was always best at the blindfold test. Remember?

  Obi-Wan moved off to the right, hoping that between them, he and qui-Gon could catch Xanatos in a classic pincer movement. But suddenly the lightsaber was moving through the air, slashing toward him. He jumped back just in time. He smelled the lightning in the air from the close call.

  It was hard fighting now, driven by instinct and with only the Force to help them. Xanatos was a cunning, powerful adversary. He attacked and retreated in a furious rhythm, faster than any fighter Obi-Wan had met. Qui-Gons grace and po
wer were astounding as time and time again he met Xanatos with his thrusting lightsaber, protecting himself and Obi-Wan from blows.

  Obi-Wan dived to the floor, hoping to slash at Xanatos legs and get him down. But Xanatos sidestepped and somersaulted over him. He felt the brush of air as he went by.

  Obi-Wan tried to push away his own anger and use the white light of the Force. His mind had been too clouded by anger. He needed to get clear. It was their only hope. He drew on the living Force to guide him.

  Suddenly, he saw Qui-Gon take a step back. His lightsaber flickered for a moment. Had he felt Obi-Wans shift?

  Obi-Wan felt Qui-Gons Force energy suddenly flow into his, melding and pulsing in a white heat. Qui-Gons lightsaber glowed green again, so bright it illuminated the shaft. Together, they sliced through the air, never stopping, moving, sliding, swerving. Xanatos was driven back, back, until they had him cornered against a tunnel wall. But suddenly the wall turned transparent, and a door opened. Xanatos sprang inside.

  Its a lift tube! Qui-Gon cried, rushing forward. But the transparent door closed. Qui-Gon struck at it with his lightsaber, but the light only sputtered.

  Xanatos voice echoed through the cavern through some sort of amplification device. It doesnt matter what you do now. The mine is about to blow. Ive created the same conditions for explosion as I did last time. Except more so. Gases are mixing wand will combust. I have enough time to get to the surface. You do not.

  They heard the lift shoot up out of the mine.

  The voice of Xanatos echoed in the darkness.

  Goodbye, my old master. May your death be as painful as my fathers.

  Chapter 17

  The crosscut tunnel, Obi-Wan gasped.

  Together, they ran back to the entrance. But, as they suspected, it was sealed. Qui-Gon put his hands against it. It was coated transparisteel. In the dimness, it would look like a wall. The entrance to the tunnel from the main shaft would be concealed that way, too.

  Its sealed, Qui-Gon said. And I cannot open it. Not with the Force.

  Together, then, Obi-Wan suggested. They concentrated, drawing the Force to bear on the door. It did not open, or even turn transparent.

  There is a stronger lock on this one, I think Qui-Gon said. Xanatos wouldnt risk our being able to open it.

  There has to be a way, Obi-Wan cried in frustration. He struck the door with his lightsaber, but felt only a painful shock move through his arm.

  there is a panel here, Qui-Gon said. He opened it. Several buttons glowed. He pushed them, but nothing happened. Some sort of locking device, he muttered.

  He said we didnt have much time, Obi-Wan glanced around the tunnel. Qui-Gon, he said the blast will be more powerful . . .

  Yes, Qui-Gon answered. And Im sure he was sincere.

  The exchanged a look. Both of them though of the miners above, and ClatHa and VeerTa. Many lives would be lost. The dream of Home Planet Mine would die. Bandomeer would be lost as well.

  Theres only one thing to do, Obi-Wan said. I can get us out of here. Im the only one who can.

  Qui-Gon felt deep unease stir within him. What do you mean?

  Obi-Wan touched the electro-collar around his neck. I have the transmitter, he said. I can reactivate it. If I push myself up against the door, the explosion should open it. You might have time to evacuate the mine.

  But youll never survive the blast! Qui-Gon exclaimed.

  Obi-Wan reached into his tunic for the transmitter. Stand as far back as you can, he instructed Qui-Gon.

  No, Padawan. There has to be another way.

  There is no other way, and you know it, Obi-Wan said steadily. Now stand back.

  No! Qui-Gon cried. I will not! And I order you not to do this.

  Qui-Gon, think of the many who will lose their lives, Obi-Wan said urgently. Think of what Xanatos will win. Think of Bandomeer. Our mission was to protect it. If I dont do this, we fail.

  This is not the way, Qui-Gon said grimly.

  Obi-Wans face was white and still. Determination tightened every muscle. Yes, Qui-Gon. I can do it. I will do it.

  Chapter 18

  Qui-Gon was back in the nightmare. He felt the same horror, the same despair. The same sense that he must prevent this thing, even as he admired the sheer courage of the boy who had suggested it.

  I wont allow it, he told Obi-Wan. Ill use the Force to neutralize the collar.

  Obi-Wan shook hid head, a small smile on his face. You wont be able to. I know I can fight you and win. Maybe just this one time. But this time Im right, are you are not.

  Qui-Gon was taken aback. He felt the Force emit form Obi-Wan like a breaking wave. The power of it astonished him. He locked his gaze with Obi-Wan. Their wills slashed silently in the dark tunnel.

  Obi-Wan pressed himself against the seal, holding the transmitter against himself. Let me go, Qui-Gon, he said. It is my time.

  Desperately, Qui-Gon looked at the seal panel. He wanted to smash it with his lightsaber. Wanted to slam his bosy against the door. He could not let this happen!

  He would not let the nightmare win.

  The nightmare . . .

  He broken circle glowed at him. Why hadnt he noticed them before? The Offworld secret logo was on the seal panel.

  The circle that brings the past to the future, yet does not meet. He must make the circle meet. He must bring the past forward. He must . . .

  Wait. Qui-Gon quieted his mind, letting the Force fill him. He drew from Obi-Wans power as well, concentrating on the broken circle. He envisioned the circle moving, meeting, becoming whole once more. The past would meet the future and create the present. That was what mattered. Xanatos was past. Obi-Wan was now.

  Slowly, the separate strands moved, making a perfect circle.

  The door slid open.

  I told you there was an easier way, he said to Obi-Wan.

  Obi-Wan grinned in tired relief. Perspiration streaked his face from the heat and effort. Wed better hurry.

  They raced back up the tunnel, following the twists and curves to the main shaft. Qui-Gon remembered an emergency siren near the south lift tube. He activated it, and pulsating sound filled the tunnels.

  Evacuate, a voice said calmly. Evacuate.

  That means us, too, Obi-Wan said, pressing the button for the lift tube.

  But Qui-Gon hesitated. He glanced around the tunnel. They had been working down here to clear it. Boxes of explosives stood stacked against the walls. And one box rested on top.

  Obi-Wan, Qui-Gon said. Is that the box you saw?

  Obi-Wan turned. Yes, he said. but theres no time to find out whats in it. The lift tube arrived with a whoosh. Lets go, Qui-Gon!

  Qui-Gon didnt answer. He walked over to the box. He unsheathed his lightsaber and, with great precision, cut the lock.

  He always had more than one trick, me murmured. He always had a back door. He lifted the lid carefully. Just as hed thought. It was an ion bomb, the most destructive explosive in the galaxy.

  Obi-Wan stood by his shoulder. He said he had mixed gases.

  He lied, Qui-Gon said. This bomb is on a timer. And my guess is that all those boxes stored around Bandomeer are set to blow at the same moment. He turned to Obi-W an. The chain reaction will be enormous. The entire planet could blow.

  Obi-Wan went pale. Do you know how to dismantle it?

  The Force wont work, Qui-Gon said, crouching. This is a trigger so delicate that the Force itself might set it off. I can do it, but I need time. More time than I have. Qui-Gon bent closer. This appears to be the master control. Xanatos must have set it when he left. Thats the good news. If we can disarm this one, none of the others will blow.

  Obi-Wan swallowed. Whats the bad news?

  Its set to blow in three minutes, Qui-Gon said. I need fifteen.

  Obi-Wan felt seconds tick by, precious seconds, while he absorbed this. To have come this far and have Xanatos win! He could not let it happen.

  His hatred has led him to destroy a planet just to des
troy me, Qui-Gon mused. Not to mention a sizable fortune. VeerTa said the wealth of the ionite vein alone is immeasurable.

  Ionite? Obi-Wan asked. I though this was an azurite mine.

  They found a vein after the explosion, Qui-Gon said. The force blew rocks upward from the core. He gestured down the tunnel.

  Does the bomb have a clock? Obi-Wan asked.

  Qui-Gon nodded. An ion clock. Precise to the second. Why?