Master Apprentice Archive In This Moment Quick search:

Title: In This Moment

Author: Tally (tally_s_sin@hotmail.com)

Archive: m_a and any one else who wants it, just let me know where

Category: Angst, H/C, Drama.

Rating: NC-17

Summery:A mission goes wrong.

Warnings: violence, torture and implied rape.

Disclaimer: Not mine. George Lucus owns them (lucky him) I make no money from them

Feedback: Yes please, this is my first fic so I need all the help I can get.

Author's note: This is the all new improved version. No more spelling mistakes or typos (i hope). Thanks to Mady Bay for beta reading this story
and to Master Jedisextrik for letting me run to her with all the little problems.

1.THE TRUTH WILL BE KNOWN

I haven't even known Obi for a year but I am certain I won't know another as I know him and I know I won't love another the way I love him. Perhaps in another life, if we had known each other under different circumstances, we may have been brief lovers and passing friends or maybe we would have fought and hated each other, but not now. The bond we share binds us tightly. I love him and he loves me but it's not as you may think. The love we share can only be bore between survivors, people forced together, people who must unite if they are to live.

I never knew what it really meant, Jedi; a word surrounded by mystery, I never understood what it meant until I met him. Jedi protect the innocent,
uphold the weak, they are ambassadors of peace and fighters for justice. Obi's heart is full of love which is never ending causing his soul to be pure light, shining like a beacon to all those in need. It is because of this that I am writing these words. I write this tale for him, in case he is never able, and for his bond mate, not to reveal the awful truths of the past nine months of Obi's life, but to show the glorious truths of his soul.

In this moment the truth will be known for all those who seek it, for all those who look within and see something more. For all those who already see but need to understand why, like Master Qui-Gon Jinn, who keeps watch over his bond mate, the love and grief pour from him in an open cascade. It is still not known if Obi will live, but if I know Obi-Wan at all, if I know anything about him, it's that he is a fighter and a survivor.

I was not there at the beginning but that is where I will start. This is how I know it, how Obi told me of it in those final days in the camp. In our final days in hell, and what may be Obi-Wan's final days of life.

Coruscant/ Jedi Temple

Obi-Wan was not a happy Padawan. He and his Master had been going from mission to mission without a break for over a year. The council had promised them some down time but just as it seemed they were going to get it, a mission had come up which required a Jedi team with their abilities.

For months now, stories had been emerging from Andorus about people disappearing, never to be heard from again. This in itself was alarming, however, the factor which had caused the Jedi to become involved was that all the missing people had a slightly higher than usual Midi-Chlorian count.
They were not strong enough to become Jedi, however, they all would have been able to sense the force in varying degrees.

The council had been debating the issue for some time but had finally come to a decision. They would send in a team, but not just any team. Obi-Wan could understand why they had been chosen to go. The mission would be difficult and would require the team to split up to conduct two investigations. One official and one less so. The council needed a pair with a close bond so contact would never be lost with the undercover Jedi. Who better to send on such a mission than a bonded pair who also happened to be one of the best field agents within the Jedi? Obi-Wan couldn't think of anyone and apparently neither could the council.

It wasn't the mission itself that had gotten to Obi-Wan so much as its timing. He knew something needed to be done. The rumours needed investigating but when the orders had come, it had felt like a conspiracy on a galactic scale to stop him and Qui-Gon from spending some time together.

Alone.

His Master, at that very moment, was before the council getting briefed on the finer points of the mission, details that Obi-Wan would be filled in on later, during transport. Obi, in the mean time, as was his duty as Qui-Gon's apprentice, was packing their clothes and anything else they may need. It also gave him time to get his emotions under control before they left. To say Qui-Gon wasn't just as annoyed would be untrue, however, years of practice and having experienced the council's ill timing many times before made him more apt at hiding these emotions under a mask of serenity.

Obi-Wan sighed for what must have been the hundredth time that day. He checked each pack one more time before leaving the quarters he shared with
his bond mate and Master in order to meet him at the shuttle pad.

Qui-Gon was waiting at the bottom of the shuttle's boarding ramp, his face and body language betraying nothing of what he was feeling. Obi-Wan was not fooled; he could feel the emotions that swirled below his Master's cool exterior. Without a word they boarded the shuttle that would take them to the ship that waited to take them from their home. Qui-Gon casually threw his arm around his apprentice's shoulders. This rare show of affection in public told Obi-Wan how worried his Master was about the mission more than any words could.

As the little shuttle approached the ship, Obi-Wan was able to view it from a large picture window. Another sigh escaped his lips before he could suppress it. This journey was going to be trying, he just knew it. The ship was once again a rust bucket, it didn't even look safe and it was on solid ground, force knew what it was like once airborne. It was at moments like this that he wished his master wasn't quite so good. Then maybe they would be sent on an easier mission closer to home, after all transport to the rim was expensive and that's where most of the trouble was. Of course he failed to realise that it wasn't just his master's abilities that caused them to be sent on the most difficult missions, but their combined effectiveness.

Another sigh. This one however did not go unnoticed by his companion, who turned slightly towards him with one eyebrow raised slightly."I just wish once we could be given a ship with some amenities, in fact I would be content with a ship that didn't look like it's about to fall apart." Qui smiled at the younger man, understanding completely. Although Jedi led simple lives he didn't see how that meant they were sent on missions on ships only one step better than a tin can.

Once aboard the ship, Obi-Wan's worst nightmares were realised. There were two cabins, one for the pilot, one for the Jedi and a small common area that included a small food prep area. Their cabin did at least have its own fresher, however, the shower did not work.

Sigh.

Obi-Wan was left to unpack while qui-Gon talked to the pilot. When the Jedi Master returned to his shared quarters he found a forlorn looking apprentice standing in the middle of the small room. Suppressing a grin, he said,"At least the trip's only three days."

This comment earned him a killer glare.

"That's easy for you to say, Master, you're the one who gets to stay at the palace while I get dropped off in the middle of nowhere."

"Wanna swap." He offered, letting his smile surface.

"Force, no. All those stuffed up bureaucrats and besides, the council assigned us these roles for a reason. You, my dear Master, are the better diplomat. I, on the other hand, am better at... snooping."

"Are you saying that I, a Jedi Master, am unable to snoop?"

"Of course not Master. I'm sure a man of your age... err... experience, is an excellent snooper, however, from past record I'm better at it."

"I always got the information."

"Yes Master, but you are more conspicuous than me and you get caught more often." Under his breath he added, "Usually because you were distracted with helping a pathetic life form." Qui-Gon seemed to consider this for a while and then something occurred to him.

"What do you mean 'a man of my age?' Are you saying I'm old? I don't recall any complaint last night, in fact..." Qui was cut off as his word had had the desired effect. He suddenly found his arms and his senses filled with one very eager bond mate.

Qui-Gon picked up the younger man, not breaking the kiss, and carried him over to the bed. When they pulled away from the kiss, Obi had a mischievous grin on his face.

"A bit early for this isn't it, Master?"

"Do you want me to stop?" and before he got an answer he dropped his load unceremoniously onto the bed he then turned and walked over to the desk. Just as he had sat down, he heard a growl come from behind him.

"Qui-Gon Jinn, if you know what's good for you, you'll come back over here and finish what you started."

"Can't. Have to do research." Qui-Gon was smiling inwardly, it wasn't often he got the better of his quick-witted Padawan, however, he did not expect,

"Oh well then." A rustle of clothing followed. A little disappointed, Qui went back to his work until a low groan coming from behind him interrupted him. He glanced over his shoulder. What he saw caused him to turn his chair around so he could watch without getting a crick in his neck.

Obi-Wan lay on the bed, his head thrown back, his breath coming in short shallow gasps, his skin slick with perspiration. Qui-Gon traced a bead of sweat as it ran down Obi's face and onto his bare chest. From there his eyes tracked down over the young muscular body to the other man's penis.

His apprentice had pulled his erection from his pants and was pleasuring himself. Qui-Gon continued to watch for a handful of heartbeats and with every second that passed, his arousal grew. Through the bond he could feel his Bond Mate's pleasure. He strode over to his lover and in one fluid motion knelt and took Obi-Wan's cock into his mouth.

Obi's eyes flew open as his erection was engulfed in his lover's velvet mouth. He gazed down, meeting blue eyes that gazed back at him. In them, he could see desire, lust and love. Qui kept his eyes on Obi's face as he used his mouth to bring his Padawan pleasure. He relaxed his throat taking Obi-Wan all the way in. Above him he heard a cry and then he watch as pure pleasure passed over Obi-Wan's features as he came into his Master's mouth. Qui-Gon swallowed eagerly, savouring the taste of his beloved. He rose from his position on the floor and laid down on top of Obi bringing their lips together in a passionate kiss, allowing the younger man to taste himself on his Master's lips.

Obi-Wan sighed, but for the first time that day, it was in contentment."Have I told you that I love you recently?" Qui looked down into beautiful green-blue eyes and smiled.

"No"

"Ah well, let me rectify the situation." In one movement Qui-Gon found himself lying on his back with a young lithe body straddling his waist. "I love you." Obi-Wan's hands began to roam; he began by removing his lover's tunics, seeking out the warm flesh below. Once exposed, he began raining feather light kisses over Qui's torso. He rose off the bed briefly to remove the rest of his clothing before he continued his exploration. His kisses became firmer and when he reached a nipple, he bit down, startling a cry from the man below him. The bite turned into a caress as he began licking the minor hurt.

While his mouth was busy, Obi-Wan's hands were not idle. They nimbly removed his Bond Mate's sash and belt, once these were removed he reached into Qui-Gon's leggings and took a firm hold of his lover's organ. Qui-Gon arched up off of the bed from the touch, gasping for breath. He felt Obi-Wan shift his weight above him. The pressure of Obi's hand was removed but was quickly replaced by something else.

The Jedi Master opened his eyes to see his apprentice lowering himself onto his cock. Qui-Gon couldn't suppress a moan as his erection was encompassed in Obi-Wan's tight heat. Obi was now fully impaled by his lover, he looked down into those blue eyes he so loved and saw all he would ever need. He leant forward to give a brief kiss before he gently lifted himself up and then thrust down again.

Qui's hands found their way to Obi's hips, guiding the younger Jedi as he began picking up speed. Soon Qui-Gon was thrusting his hips up to meet his lover. He could feel his climax approaching and with one final thrust he came, holding on tightly to his love as he filled him with his semen.

They lay together for a while; each listening to the other's gentle heart beat. Qui-Gon found himself drifting off to sleep still buried inside his Padawan. Obi-Wan soon joined him in a dreamless sleep. Both feeling safe, unaware of the trouble awaiting them on Andorus.

"The Andorians are a very self contained race. They are members of the Republic, but only out of necessity. They keep largely to themselves. The Andorians are rarely strong in the force but the number of people with a small amount of force sensibility is higher than most races. Recently the Andorian government cut off all access to their planet from outsiders. From the merchants forced to leave when this occurred we have learnt some of what is happening on the surface." Qui-Gon sighed. That's not a good sign, Obi thought. "It seems that blood testing is occurring on a huge scale to wean out people with higher Midi-Chlorian counts and those found with a higher than normal amount simply disappear.

"The senate has also been contacted by family members of the missing people. That is why we are going."

"But Master, if Andorians don't like outsiders and have cut them selves off, how will we investigate?"

"The senate has insisted that these reports are looked into and of course the government is eager for it to, so they can prove their innocence."

"They wouldn't be so eager if they knew about me." Obi-Wan said ruefully, realising suddenly the importance of his undercover investigation.

"Indeed not. That is why we, as a team, are being sent. If they are this keen for me to be there and to offer their assistance, then they may try to hide things from me, they wouldn't like you being there because they couldn't control what you saw."

Fearing the answer, but knowing it had to be asked, Obi-Wan inquired,"What do the council suspect?"

"They are unsure, but there have been some very disturbing tales. Stories of police raids that round up hundreds of people and put them in closed off areas of the cities. Citizens are told that they are enemies of the state on suspicion of treason, but from these places where they are taken, these ghettos, not one person has returned. They are referred to as The Missing Ones by the local people. Families desperately seeking answers go to the gates of the ghettos and wait outside on the sidewalk. Others ask questions and some have sent messages off planet to the Chancellor. Then all contact is lost with them. It is this that has caused the Council to believe the stories are not unfounded. Someone is trying to keep something quiet.

"There is much fear on Andorus and we are all they have to put an end to it. We must find the truth." Qui-Gon had obviously been affected by the Council's report and now his words were having the same effect of his Padawan. Obi-Wan felt cold all over and there was something tugging at the back of his mind. He tried to reach out for it but it remained elusive. He was suddenly uncomfortable; there was something ahead; something out of his control; he felt fear. He desperately wanted to distract himself with his lover's body, hiding from whatever it was lurking at the back of his mind but he knew he couldn't. He was a Jedi and had work to do.

Qui-Gon's next words drove home the seriousness of the mission and confirmed that his feelings of unease were to do with Andorus.

"The Council is concerned that such a hate and fear of force sensitives could arise. If indeed these stories are true, they want us to contain the situation and find out the source of the problem. If other planets begin a similar course of action, the repercussions could be huge, not just for the Jedi but also for the Republic. Without Force sensitives there can be no Jedi and there are already precious few of us.

"My fear has always been that the Jedi's mysterious nature could effect the lives of untrained sensitives. What if fear of us has led to other's suffering? People not strong enough to defend themselves."I pray these tales are false, but if they aren't, then what is being done to those poor innocent souls?"

This thought hung in the air between them as they lay together for another handful of seconds, savouring their time together and after a few moments, in silent agreement, they rose to begin the laborious task of background research. Obi-Wan winced as he stood from the aches of being spread open by his lover for so long but this pain was a comforting one and one, he realised, he needed. The future is always in motion and anything could upset the delicate balance that is life. He needed to hang onto this memory of happiness.

"Did I hurt you?" He turned to the concerned man who stood behind him, flashing one of his brightest smiles.

"No. Just feeling well loved."

"You most certainly are that, my love." Frowning, he added, "would you like me to help you heal that, Obi-Wan?" He studied the younger man's face for further signs of discomfort.

"That won't be necessary. I think I need this. It's important and besides it's a good pain." He reached up to stroke his Bond Mate's bearded cheek before picking up his clothes and disappearing into the fresher.

When he came out, Qui was dressed and already hard at work. He picked up his own lightslate to begin his own. The Andorians were humanoid and their society was typical of a Republic planet. They had lived in peace for the past one hundred years with only a few minor disagreements with outside influences about trade agreements. However, this all changed about a year ago when a new seat of government took over. The Lithis-Ton party were voted in by a legal election and that's when the changes first began. But something seemed off to Obi-Wan about how they came to power. Before the vote they were relatively unheard of and then suddenly they were running the planet. Obi wandered if the election had been a fix but he had no proof, only a feeling, which does not merit an investigation in the Senate's eyes.

As soon as the Lithis-Tons had come to power they began implicating major changes in the structure of Andorus' way of life. New laws were passed that the Government claimed to be for the good of the people and help protect them, but from an outside perspective it was abundantly clear that it actually made it easier to control the population.

Why did no one see this before?

Of course the Andorians were a self-contained people who only communicated with the rest of the galaxy out of necessity. They preferred to keep things internal, until now. This fact in of itself sent warning bells off in Obi-Wan's head.

They must really be scared if the people are seeking outside help.

Obi-Wan continued to read until he came to the passing of the law, which allowed blood testing on the street, with out consent if necessary. The government was not denying the reports of blood testing of its citizens but it claimed it was in smaller quantities and was in order to stop disease from spreading, catching it before whole communities become contaminated. In all his life as a Jedi, that was possibly the thinnest and most transparent reason Obi-Wan had ever heard.

"What ever happened to innocent until proven guilty, Padawan?" Qui-Gon asked, sensing Obi's disbelief over their bond.

"Sorry, Master but I can't help thinking these reports are true; I feel trouble ahead, it makes me uneasy." Qui-Gon looked at his apprentice affectionately.

"What have I told you about living in the moment, Padawan?"

"I shouldn't dwell on the future, I'll know what happens when it happens... but Master..." His Master cut him off.

"There is no BUT, Obi-Wan. Do not let your concerns for the future affect your judgement of the present."

"Yes Master."

The two Jedi continued their research, Qui-Gon looking at the political and legal systems and Obi-Wan at the social customs and geography of the planet, each searching for information that would help with their particular area of investigation. Hours later, Obi-Wan came up for air. Looking at the chronometer, he realised it was after the noon meal. Standing, he said,"Hungry Master?" As a Jedi Apprentice, it was one of his duties to make sure his Master ate properly and was in good health and it was a responsibility he accepted gladly.

"I will just have a sandwich, thank you, Padawan." Qui-Gon had long since given up arguing with his apprentice about being able to look after himself. His complaints were always answered with a 'Yes, Master,' however, the apprentice did not let up. It was by far easier to accept Obi-Wan's ministrations gracefully.

Obi left their cabin in search of food. Upon entering the common room he ran into their pilot. He was an eight foot tall Tizari with foul body odour. His
name was Captain Sill and in Obi-Wan's opinion, always had a scowl on his face.

"Captain." Obi-Wan greeted the larger man with a nod of his head. "Is everything running smoothly?"

"Of cause it is Jedi," the scowl deepened "I don't get distracted by carnal impulses." Obi-Wan blushed, which caused the Tizari to bark out a thunderous
laugh.

"I will be in the cockpit, Jedi." He then left Obi-Wan alone in the doorway, able to hear him laughing all the way back to the front of the ship.

Obi stopped himself from sighing; it was fast becoming a habit. Taking a deep breath, he ventured into the kitchenette. It was Obi's turn to scowl. There was little human food to speak of; the ships food supplied mainly consisted of Gal'ac a Tizari dish.

"Yum. Slimy and blue, my two favourite qualities in a food." He dug about in the cupboards and managed to assemble an adequate meal. He also managed to find some tea, for which he was very grateful.

Picking up the meagre feast, he turned to go to the cabin. However, when he turned, he found his Master sitting in the Common area watching him."How long have you been sitting there?"

"Not long, just admiring the view." Obi smiled and walked over to the unoccupied chair, placing the food on the table between them.

"I'm afraid it isn't much."

"I'm sure it'll be fine."

They sat together in silence, eating and enjoying the luxury of having the other near. Qui-Gon suddenly broke the silence, his voice pensive. "Promise me you'll be careful, Obi-Wan." He didn't look at his Bond Mate, he simply gazed out the window, his face expressionless. "Promise me you'll come back to me."

"Of course, Master. What's brought this on?"

"I can sense a disturbance in the force," he didn't wait for Obi to acknowledge it as well. "The more I learn of that planet, the more my unease grows. I just want you to be safe."

"As I do you." Obi-Wan kept his comment about double standards to himself, after all Qui-Gon was a Jedi Master and could feel uneasy if he wanted to.

"I love you, my Obi-Wan. Always."

"I know, and I love you. Nothing can break that." They sat together awhile longer, each meditating on their own thoughts.

"Come, my love, we still have work to do." Qui-Gon stood, offering his hand to the other Jedi. Obi-Wan took it, going with his love back to their cabin
to once again take up their task.

Obi-Wan woke early the next morning but apparently not as early as some. He rolled over to find both the bed and the cabin empty. Mumbling something about the downsides of having a morning person as a lover he struggled to his feet and he fumbled with a brown Jedi robe for about five minutes until he managed to put his arms down the corresponding sleeves. He left the room in search of his mate. The good thing about their close bond was that wherever Qui was, all he had to do was follow the thread until he reached him. Into the short corridor he turned to enter the common room. The sight that greeted him when he entered the little room almost made his stomach do a summersault.

Revered Jedi Master Qui-Gon Jinn sat at the table with a half eaten plate of Gal'ac in front of him and judging from his face he had every intention of eating the other half. But what made Obi-Wan look on with complete horror was that his lover seemed to be enjoying the ball of slime that the Tizari pass off as food. He stood open mouthed. Staring at the man he loved. Yuck, Yuck, Yuck seemed to be the only thought process his brain was capable of.

"Ah, good morning, Padawan. Enjoy your sleep?" Qui-Gon continued to eat, oblivious to his student's distaste.

"Yes, thank you, Master." A bit unsure how do proceed he added, "I think I'll go and get dressed." But before he could put his retreat plan into action, he was stopped by his master's voice.

"Nonsense, come and have breakfast with me. Would you like some?" Qui-Gon held up a fork loaded with the blue goop, offering it to the stunned
apprentice.

"No, thank you, Master, I'll pass."

"Suit yourself, but you don't know what you're missing."

"Thank the Force" Obi said to himself as he made his way over to the kitchenette to make some tea.

As he stood at the counter, waiting for the water to boil, two strong arms encircled him from behind. He leaned back into the strong body, enjoying its closeness. Smiling, he turned to look up at his lover. Qui-Gon lowered his head to bring their lips together. Qui teased Obi's mouth open with his tongue, however, once he had gained entrance the kiss was abruptly ended by his apprentice, who was coughing and spluttering. Questioning blue eyes met angry green ones.

"If you ever want to kiss me again you are going to have to restrain yourself from eating blue slimy alien food." Obi-Wan stood before his lover, hands on hips, looking less than pleased.

"Giving ultimatums is very un-Jedi like, Obi-Wan."

Seeing the amusement in his Master's eyes, Obi put on his most innocent face and said,"But Master, I'm only looking out for you well being and mental health. If you eat blue goo then I'll be forced to withhold sex and you know what effect that would have."

"So you're saying that in the interest of my well being and... what was it?"

"Mental health," Obi-wan filled in.

"Yes, mental health, I should give up blue goop, otherwise known as Gal'ac to the rest of the galaxy."

"You are very quick for this early in the morning." A beautiful smile spread across his face; it was pure Obi-Wan, a hint of mischief but underneath an
unending capacity for love. Qui-Gon treasured it.

"You're right, it is early. How about we return to our cabin and kill a few hours?"

"Doing what?" Sly grin.

"Research?"

"I'll give you research," And with that the smaller man was pulling the larger Jedi Master in the direction of their cabin, talking as he went. "The only thing I want to research into is how much it takes to make you cry out in pleasure." Reaching the door, Obi-Wan pushed the older man through, following after and stripping as he went.

As the door closed behind the pair, a large, bulky figure passed through the corridor, tutting in disgust."Humans."

And that's how the three day journey to Andorus continued. The two Jedi working through all the files they had on the blocked off planet and reading all communications and accounts transmitted from the surface. But as they drew closer to the planet, the more Obi-Wan feared the truth that they would discover. Soon he would learn what it was that shrouded their future in an unforgiving bleakness.

He had tried once more to talk to his master about his concerns but as ever, he was reprimanded for dwelling on his anxieties of the future, which was always in motion. Why worry too much over a possible out come when it can be changed so easily? Qui-Gon was right. He should concentrate on the here and now. Usually he was better at staying focused, but the darkness ahead refused to be ignored. It was so vast, it was difficult to miss, let alone ignore. This caused Obi-Wan to think. He knew Qui-Gon's strength was in the living force but he was a Jedi Master, he should have felt something more than just a disturbance.

Obi meditated on this until his knees were sore. The only conclusion he came up with was that the force was not letting his Master feel the danger ahead. The force was guiding them; it wanted them to go to Andorus. Perhaps what he felt was not a warning of danger but maybe a warning to be prepared, to be prepared for the dark time Obi-Wan could sense fast approaching. This future laden with uncertainty that was meant for Obi had to happen. He got the impression that it was imperative for the success of the mission. But more than that, imperative for the light so that it could once again shine on this misguided planet.

Even with this knowledge he found it increasingly difficult to remain focused. The ability to live in the moment had always been hard for him, but hour-by-hour, to try to remain in the moment, was becoming impossible. Questions kept running through his head.

What was waiting for them on Andorus?

What was going to happen?

Why had those people disappeared?

And more frightening questions like,

Would his Master be hurt?

Would he?

Would either of them be killed?

He didn't really want to think about that last question but it was definitely a possibility. They were heading somewhere very dangerous, although the situation and just how dangerous, was yet to be learned. But one thing Obi did know, was that he would see it through no matter what. He would walk the path the Force had laid out before him. He would do what he must to banish the darkness that surrounded the planet and people of Andorus, he would keep his promise to Qui-Gon, but most importantly, he would do what he had be trained to do since he was in the creche.

He would trust in the Force.

Obi-Wan inspected his appearance in the mirror of the fresher. He was dressed in Andorian civilian clothing, which looked very similar to his Jedi uniform, except for the colour. Jedi clothes were simple, as were those on Andorus. The planet was not wealthy, so extra money was not spent on lavish clothes. He still wore layered tunics and loose leggings but they were dark blue with a white lining. He still wore his knee high boots but no longer wore his heavy robe. Instead he had a full-length woollen coat that fit snugly to his body, and under his coat, attached to his belt, was his Lightsaber.

His gaze moved up his reflection until it reached his head. He had been forced to remove his knight tale and his Padawan braid. Although the Andorians knew little of the outside galaxy, the braid and tail were unusual and conspicuous. He held the braid in the palm of his hand, he didn't really miss the tail but the braid had a greater significance. It marked him as a Jedi; it marked him as Qui-Gon's.

Qui-Gon had said they could re-attach the braid with some force manipulation, but he couldn't help missing its familiar weight. Biting off a sigh, he adjusted his coat one last time, then turned and left the quarters he had shared with Qui for the past three days. Who knew when they would be together again?

The plan was to announce their arrival to the spaceport, which was located on the outskirts of the main city. The authorities would give them permission to enter into Andorian space. They would enter the atmosphere two kilometres away so they could fly low enough for Obi to make the drop to the ground. They would both then make their separate ways into the capital. One by air and one by land.

As Obi-Wan was preparing to make the jump, Qui-Gon embraced him, smiling down at him.

"Oh, I almost forgot." Pulling away, Obi reached into his pocket. "I want you to have this, to keep it for me. " He smiled, placing the object into his lover's hand. "I promise I won't leave you alone Qui."

"You are worried about something. What is it?"

"It is nothing, Master." Qui-Gon suddenly looked sad.

"I love you."

"I love you too, my soul mate." With his farewells complete, Obi-Wan disappeared, jumping the 15 feet to the ground with the grace of a large cat. The craft began picking up speed and soon Obi was out of sight.

Qui-Gon Jinn looked down at the object that he held within his grasp. It was Obi-Wan's Padawan braid.

"I'll keep it safe, my love." A wave of love came rushing along the bond, blossoming into his mind. He gladly returned it and then just as suddenly, the bond was quiet again. Its presence remained, offering a small amount of peace. If anything happened to his Obi-Wan he would be able to find him, to get to him. With that thought calming his mind, he tucked the braid into his belt and returned to the cockpit, putting on his mask of serenity and neutrality. With the skill of a Jedi he was ready to face what awaited him on this planet.

2 THERE IS UNCERTANTY

There is something wrong, something ahead. I tell you, but as ever, you remind me of the moment. I hope you are right Master but I fear your are not. Something is coming, hidden in shadow, but it looms ahead like an ominous cloud and in this moment there is uncertainty in me. Your strength is the Living Force, Master, but mine is not. The Unifying Force guides me and although I trust you, I know something awaits us out there.

We are destined to meet this darkness, of that I am sure. I only hope you remember my warnings, and when the time comes, heed them. There are trials ahead, for you and me. I hope I am strong enough to come through mine and meet you on the other side. In this moment I can see darkness ahead and we are heading straight towards it. But what puts uncertainty in my heart is that I cannot see its end, or maybe I can't see its end because my view is blocked by this uncertainty.

Be safe my Master, I will endeavour to keep my promise but if I am unable, know this. I love you. You are in my heart and will always be a part of my soul. And in this there is only certainty, there is no fear because I know you feel the same for me and I hope that it is enough to bring us through.

May the Force be with us both.

The mission was meant to be simple. The council thought it would be simple, in and out again, gathering evidence. They had not foreseen any problems; they assumed their Jedi team would be safe. That was their first mistake, one that Obi-Wan paid dearly for.

Andorus/ 5km from Galandor

Obi-Wan indulged in a sigh of exasperation, without his Master around there was no one around to reprimand him. He had been walking for an hour and it would be another hour before he arrived at Galandor, the capital city of Andorus. But what really took the biscuit was that by the time he arrived, exhausted, dirty, hungry and homeless, Qui-Gon would have been there for two hours and would be clean, waited on hand and foot and would have a suite in the palace itself.

Why did it always seem he got the short end of the stick? He hoped this mission was worth the trouble. Obi-Wan was suddenly horrified by that thought; all missions were worth the trouble even if they only saved one life. He had lost his centre. He stopped walking and spread his senses outward. Fear and hate echoed back to him. It rippled in the force like a living, breathing thing. He hadn't even been aware of it but it had been strong enough to affect his balance within the force.

He began walking again and instantly became aware that he was heading straight for the disturbing feelings that infected the force. He must be careful not to let it affect him again, however minutely. Taking a steadying breath, he picked up his pace, each step taking him to the place that would begin his spiral down to the worst place ever imagined.

Andorus/ Galandor City

Other than the underlying tension, the city was just as he expected. It was structurally very similar to Coruscant, only smaller. Tall towers reached so high that they blocked all light to the lower levels. Their spiralling heights glistening gold while their bases wallowed in darkness. In places such as this, being upper or lower class literally meant that.

Obi-Wan decided to begin with the mid-levels, where the common, ordinary people lived and worked. They were neither rich nor poor but still able to live in daylight. As he walked through residential areas all seemed well, nothing appeared to be amiss, but, when he arrived at the public walkways, the public shopping centres, he felt a subtle shift. The people here moved about cautiously, hoping not to be noticed by...by whom?Obi could see no one who would inspire such caution. Deciding this was the best place to begin his questioning and gathering of information, he proceeded to the first shop in the row. As he entered the little establishment, he hoped he found his answers soon. The sooner he and his bond mate left this place the better.

The shop was a cramped supply store. Tools and electrical equipment were scattered over surfaces and shelves that reached the ceiling. The shop had a musky smell that seemed to permeate everything. The source of the less than pleasant odour was sitting behind an old wooden counter, his nose buried in a less than savoury book. He was only slightly taller than Obi but his age and weight far surpassed that of the young Jedi.

"Excuse me, sir, but I was wondering if you could help me." The Andorian's only reply was a grunt and a shrug of the shoulders. Obi decided a different approach might be better; he might be more forthcoming if he brought something.

"I'm looking for a Nano-Lathe, do you have any?" without looking up the man pointed to the other side of the shop, but he made no further attempted to help his customer find the object. Gritting his teeth in frustration, Obi bowed his thanks and went to stand in front of the shelf the other man had indicated. As he stood staring at the rows of tools Obi thought he had picked the least forthcoming person on the planet. Getting information out of this individual was going to be difficult. Obi snorted in disgust.

"More like blood out of a stone." He muttered, picking up a small Nano-Lathe. He decided that he would try one last time to engage this man in conversation. Taking his choice of Nano-Lathe over to the counter he spoke again.

"I've noticed that the people here in the city seem much more closed off than those in the country, any reason for that?" he watched closely for any kinds of reaction. He was disappointed as the large Andorian took the tool, put it in to a bag and grunted out a price. Handing over the chips, Obi said, "People here seem very...I don't know...afraid?" Again nothing. This was fast becoming irritating, "Should I be worried?" The man went back to his reading. Taking his purchase Obi uttered his thanks and left the shop.

Things were not going well. If things continued as they were, he was never going to find out anything. It had only been one man, surely not every one
here would be that rude. He began walking, heading further into the shopping area, planning his next move as he went. He stopped and chatted with people, going into shops and asking the owner questions. The amount of information he collected was the same, however, the reasons why were very different. His probing met fear, distrust and hate. These uncustomary feelings told Obi more than a few questions could have. Something was definitely going on.

As he had walked, the morning had worn on and it was now late afternoon. Time to check in with his Master. Finding a quiet alley he sent a message to Qui-Gon who would respond when he was able to without being observed. Scarcely a minute had passed when his communicator beeped and his Master's
clear, rich voice rang over it./Obi-Wan./

"Master."

/Have you found anything?/

"No, only fear, but no one will tell me anything."

/I have found the same, but I do have the feeling that the people here are trying to hide something from me./

"I thought I might try and track down one of the informants next." There was a pause before Qui-Gon spoke again.

/That is far too dangerous, Obi-Wan, don't do it./

"But Master, there is no other way I'll get any evidence. I have spoken to dozens of people and all have rebuffed my questions. If I am to find answers I need to speak to people who have already proven they are prepared to talk."

/Then I shall talk to them./

"Master." Obi's tone clearly told how he felt about that idea. "You'll lead the authorities straight to them. I'll go."

/That is not your decision to make, Padawan./ Obi-wan tried to swallow his anger at that, if he couldn't investigate freely, then why was he here?

"Don't you trust my abilities?" the tone held a bitter edge.

/Of course I do, I just feel it would be better if I went./

"You don't think I'm capable."

/Obi, please.../ he was cut off by Obi-Wan's sharp tone.

"I am in a far better position to investigate in this area. It is in the interest of the mission that I go."

/As your Master I am telling you, you are not to go./ Qui-Gon abruptly cut the communication.

Force, what was this place doing to me, to the both of us?

They rarely argued, especially on missions, but Obi knew he had to find someone willing to talk and his best bet lay with those who had already spoken out by contacting the Senate.

Obi plundered his memory for names, people who had sent transmissions off planet from this city. The only one that had sent reports from this district was a Lisan Keabie. Well it was a good place to start. He found a public information terminal and looked her up. She was not listed but that didn't mean she didn't live near by. Looking about him to make sure he was not being watched he began hacking into the computer system. Her location may not be publicly available but it would be in the main core computer. Half an hour later he had an address and directions on how to get there.

Padawan Obi-Wan Kenobi stood in side an apartment that looked like it hadn't been inhabited for years. So much for planetary intelligence. The young Jedi was at a loss as to where to go from here, his only lead was a dead end. He left the abandoned home and moved back out into the street. He was about to begin walking when he noticed he was being watched. A tall female Andorian stood across the street. She was wearing a cloak that was pulled tightly to her. Long black hair was whipped in front of her face by the wind, but he could make out fine, delicate features. Seeing that he had spotted her she hurried across to his side, keeping her gaze lowered. When she spoke, her voice was hushed but held a tremor of fear but also one of hope.

"Are you the one who's been asking questions? The one looking for Lisan Keabie?"

"Yes."

"Come with me." The Andorian turned and walked away, not waiting for an answer. After a nudge from the Force, Obi followed the woman, hoping he wasn't making a mistake. He was led down the street and then down a level, where she stopped in front of a door, opened it and ushered him inside.

Obi found himself in an apartment that was identical to the one he had just left, except this one was lived in. Turning he found himself face to face with violet eyes.

"My name is Lisan Keabie, you must be Jedi Kenobi, Master Jinn's companion."

"You've spoken to Qui-Gon?"

"I work at the palace, I sought him out. He told me it wasn't safe for us to talk so he sent me to find you. You're a hard man to track down, you move around a lot in one day." Obi-wan smiled at her kindly. He was relieved to know that Qui-Gon had noticed the ill effects this planet was having on them and had done something to make amends for his inappropriate order.

"Well now that you have found me, could you tell me some of what is going on?"

"I can't tell you much more than I already have in my letters, but I will try. Before she began she indicated that they should sit. Once settled, she began.

"Shortly after the elections, more security personnel were seen on the streets. They would stop passers by, testing their blood. They would either arrest them or let them on their way. That's when the propaganda began. Our leaders giving speeches about those among our race that were not normal, monopolising jobs because of their unnatural edge. They never said they were the ones that could sense the Force, but it was clear to all. Those who did have a higher midi-Chlorian count began to fear, as did their families and those who were left began to hate those that were not 'normal'. The street testing became more common, but apparently it wasn't effective enough. Raids began on homes, factories, shopping areas, everywhere. Mass tests were given. No one is safe from these people anymore.

"About a month ago my son and husband were taken from me in one of those raids. It was the biggest one ever. The main square was cornered off and everyone within it was tested. I am not Force sensitive, by my family is. I followed the transport they were bundles into, desperate for answers. I followed it as far as I could, but the sub-levels had become a restricted access area. I could go no further. I have not seen my family since they went inside, I am afraid they have become missing ones." Tears fell from crystal eyes. Obi's heart went out to her; he understood what a risk she had taken by approaching him.

"I will find out what happened to them, I promise."

"I hope they still live, but if they are dead, then at least the knowledge will provide some solace."

"What are their names?"

"Cansham is my husband and my boy is called Leandor."

"I will leave you now, Lisan, be at peace and may the Force be with you.""May the Force be with us all, young Jedi." She whispered through her grief. Bowing deeply, he left the Andorian alone with only memories to comfort her.

Obi made his way from the residential level back up to the public walkways. He had learned much from Lisan. All he needed to do now was get a look at the Sub-Levels, but first he needed to contact Qui-Gon. He began to seek out a quiet, out of the way corner, when he heard a shout behind him.

"That's him. There." He turned to see the man from the supply shop talking to some men in uniforms. He was pointing straight at Obi-Wan. The security guards nodded to the man and then approached the young Jedi apprentice.

"Excuse me sir, but we have reports of you disturbing the peace. Apparently people have not taken to kindly to you asking questions, putting your nose
where it doesn't belong. Is this true?"

"I wouldn't say disturbing the peace, I merely spoke to some people."

"Ah, so you admit it." At this point the other Andorian officer spoke up."What's your name?"

"Ben Ob'an."

"Where are you from?"

"I arrived from the country this morning." The two men seemed to beam at this.

"Then you won't mind us testing your blood to make sure you're not bringing any diseases into our city."

Obi-Wan knew he could escape these men but it would blow his cover and he needed to know what they would do when they saw his Midi-Chlorian count. He held out his hand for the blood test. The guard who administrated the test eyes widened when he saw the result, obviously few had a very high count. The guard nodded to his companion who immediately turned to Obi-Wan saying,"You are under arrest for carrying an infectious disease into this community." Obi looked around at the other pedestrians but all carried on as if this was the most normal occurrence in the world, and Obi had the sinking
feeling that for them, it was.

He didn't struggle or fight them, he allowed himself to be led away at phaser point. He felt no fear, after all, this was why he had come to this unknown, unimportant planet, to delve below its placid surface, to see the ugliness within. And what ugliness awaited him still. He was ushered into the back of a speeder with a collection of other 'criminals' and 'disease carriers' and taken to the place where people are lost.

The city of Galandor is large and beautiful, its spires arching and soaring toward the sky. But below this, supporting the sparkling utopia are the dark lower levels. This is where prisoners are taken, where day no longer exists, where false light pierces the shadows with an unnatural glow. Trying in vain to banish the darkness which thrives on the hopelessness. Obi was taken from the beautiful, proud city to its underbelly, where those arrested by the guards are taken to await their disappearance. Once inside there is no way back, only forward, deeper into the ugliness. Forward to the place that can only be described as hell and from there the only escape is death.

This bright spirit, this glorious soul, was put with those who must be punished, their only crime was that they were not normal, their gift of sensing the Force was turned into a curse and a death sentence.

Obi-Wan stepped out of the speeder along with the other prisoners, but as he did so, he felt something far stronger than any one else there could have: the absence of the Force. The Sub-Levels were blanketed by a Force dampener. In the time of one step to another he had lost what he had known all his life, shut off just as ruthlessly as the twisted metal of the city shut out the light of day to its base . He staggered, but only briefly, as a hand from behind pushed him forward, uncaring in its work.

He walked into the underworld city, concealed from those above and beyond. Holding back a shudder, he walked of his own accord, moving through streets littered with people. Young, old, male, female, the living and the dead. Within the buildings and the rooms the story was the same. People huddled together with little room to breathe. No natural light reaches into the dark heart of Galandor but there is light here. It illuminated all for the young Jedi to see. Suffering in the extreme was shown to him by the harsh flourescent light.

I write for him now, conveying his feeling to paper. I do not believe words can truly express how deeply this place cut into his beautiful, loving soul. He looked around him and saw people treated like nothing and life thrown away like garbage.

Obi found his body cutting him off from his senses, first the echoes of pain and anguish faded from his ears, then the smell of putrid death and decay no longer polluted his mind. Finally he lost consciousness taking with it the sight of people in despair. The shock of losing the Force had caught up to him but I think the release, although only for a few short hours, was a blessing and a relief.

Obi-Wan awoke to voices and something softer than metal beneath him. He wanted to open his eyes, but was afraid of what he might find if he did. Slowly he lifted his eyelids, revealing the world beyond. The false light
was less bright. It must have been getting late as the lights that simulated daylight were becoming dimmer. He sat up, only to be pushed back down by a firm hand. A quiet voice whispered to him,"Easy young one, your bod's had quite a shock. Happens to those brought here with a stronger sense of the Force." Obi-Wan tried to focus his traitorous eyes and found a kind face looking down at him. The Andorian was male, about the same age as Qui-Gon and had a look of concern in his warm brown eyes."Can you eat something? It's not much but it's all you get down here." Obi was handed a wooden bowl and was left to eat his meal in peace.

He sat eating the broth that was in the bowl he had been handed. It was little more than water and stale meat, but it filled the ache in his stomach. He let everything around him wash over his senses, needing desperately to fill them, trying to lesson the gaping hole left inside by the absence of his fifth sense, but the presence he missed most was his Master's. The gentle, supporting nature of the man no longer lurked at the back of his mind. A wall had come down between them and now they stood on either side of a barrier with a bond that seemingly went nowhere.

Obi-Wan was on his own. The dampener that blocked out the Force also blocked communication. For the first time since arriving on Andorus, Obi-Wan was beginning to understand the warnings he had been given by the Force. The dark time had descended, Force knew when it would lift. Deep inside, buried deep below his Jedi training, a spark of fear was born, yet unknown to Obi-Wan's conscious mind. But for now he was still a Jedi and he still had a mission to complete. He had seen, with his own eyes, what was happening on this planet but he could still talk to others and find out more. He decided to begin with the older man who had helped him off the street.

"Why did you help me?" The man grunted.

"Down here, lad, we all help each other, who else is going to? We stick together to provide some comfort."

"How many are down here?"

"Too many. Numbers lessen when the transports come, but this place soon fills up again."

"Transports?"

"Once every few days a transport arrives at each sector to take people away."

"To where?"

"Only they know where they end up, but I thank to Force that I don't know. A place far worse than this lies beyond, if such a thing is possible. Guards sweep the cages and force the prisoners onto the speeders. Last we ever hear of them."

"When's the next transport?" He needed to know what was happening to those people, find out where they were being taken.

"You do ask a lot of questions don't you lad. Couple of days, who knows? Last one went yesterday, if you can believe it this place is relatively empty."

"Empty?" Obi's voice showed his surprise.

"The Sub-levels are divided up, fences between areas like giant cages. Each one is filled up in turn and then visited by the transport to empty it again." The Andorian could clearly see how disturbed Obi was by this news. "Come, let us talk no more of these things. Night approaches and it is time to rest." The older man turned and laid down on his own pile of rags that were meant to be a bed and drifted into a dreamless sleep.

Obi sat awhile, looking around in the fading light. All those nearby were settling down to sleep, children huddled together talking in whispers as they waited for sleep to claim them. He looked upward only to see an expanse
of metal that seemed to go on forever and from where Obi-wan was, it may as well have. He was as far down as you could get in the proud city. He was with those who no longer saw daylight. Lying down he fell asleep with dreams of clamouring darkness that reached out to all lost souls.

Darkness was all around him. He was falling through oily blackness. Faster and faster into a seemingly never ending hole. The emptiness that surrounded him called out.

Embrace me Jedi.

Feel your fear.

Lose all hope.

Let go.

Suddenly he was no longer drowning in darkness but running through it. He could feel the presence of another chasing him, unrelenting in its pursuit. He knew if he stopped running, stopped trying, he would be lost. He could see light ahead and relief swarmed through him, but then there was something clawing at his ankle, pulling him down. Once again he was falling and then it pounced. Dark oil washed over him and he was drowning.

Obi woke with a cry, darkness was everywhere but this time it stayed within its own shadows. No longer reaching out for his soul. He was still in the Sub-levels and the night was still with them, except night here was the darkest black with no stars to offer a pinprick of light. Nothing could be seen or heard except that which was in your own mind. Closing his eyes once more, Obi settled in his bed to once again flee the faceless hunter of his
dreams.

Day 2

Obi woke to bright light. Dawn had arrived on the surface and the false light that emulated the light that shone above gave a vague impersonation of the beginning of day. He sat up, stiff from lying down on a hard surface.

"Hello, young one." Obi-Wan turned his head in the direction of the voice. An old Andorian woman was walking towards him, a bright smile lit up her wrinkled face. "I'm told you were not well, that you reacted badly to the
effects of the dampener. I was sent over to make sure you were better."

"Are you a healer?" The old woman knelt down beside him.

"Of a sort. I was a healer but now I'm stuck down here. Are you feeling better?"

"Yes. Much. Thank you. Are you a Force sensitive?"

"Lord no. That's why I'm still here." She gave him a cryptic look. "You seem fine now. Was there any thing else?" Obi-Wan shock his head.

"Good. Food is given out at midday, don't be late, it's the only meal they'll give you."

"You only get one meal a day?"

"No, young one, you do." Her face was sad for a moment and then suddenly she was gone.

Obi wandered the streets for hours, finding the fences that cordoned off each section of the Sub-level, separating the huge groups of people imprisoned there. He could have cut through the fences under the city, but what would be the point? Without the force, he had no way up and no way out.

At noon, Obi-Wan made his way to the main gate, where food was doled out to the prisoners. Despite all the people in the ghetto, only a few were in line waiting for food. He took his meal without any argument but this time the broth had no meat, only rotting vegetables had been added to the vaguely flavoured water for sustenance. He tried to eat a little but found it unpalatable, making him gag.

After his meal Obi returned to the room where he had sheltered the night before. As he walked, he observed the people that lived in this place. People were moving about, doing odd jobs. The people here seemed very accustomed to the false day and suddenly he was wondering about the original occupants of the Sub-levels. He thought back to what the healer had said and wondered if perhaps those left behind when the transports came were those that the government thought belonged down here because it was where they had dwelt for most of their lives. Locking them in with the traitors. Obi doubted it made much difference to those above, if the Sub-level dwellers had been removed. They too were missing ones, now.

He spent the rest of the day alone with his thoughts. The space and time left to him by his surroundings caused that flicker of fear that lay within to fester and blossom into something bigger. When night came, the faceless
predator of his dreams once again assaulted him.

Day 3

The next time Obi woke, it was to the sound of someone moving around. He cracked open an eyelid to see the man who had helped him on the first day peering into a steaming bowl, a frown was on his face. He looked up and seeing that his younger companion had woken, the Andorian spoke,"Ready for some breakfast, lad?"

"Yes, thank you... I'm sorry, I don't know your name."

"Rowsan." Rowsan handed Obi-Wan a bowl with the same broth he had eaten on the first night. It tasted wonderful compared to yesterday's lunch.

"Is this all the food there is, Rowsan?"

"Yes, although it's better for those of us who lived down here before, we share the extra we get with those like yourself."

"So the original Sub-level inhabitants still remain?"

"Yes, mostly. All those who were down here when they cut the Sub-levels off from the higher levels remain, trapped here. We can't go up and we don't dare set foot on the transports to see where they lead. The government
provide for us, because we can no longer attend our jobs to provide for ourselves. They see it as a fair trade but I doubt any off them have lived in perpetual night, as even with false light, the darkness remains. I miss the sun and its glorious glow."

"How are you filtered out when the transports come?"

"When they first came they tagged us, that's how we get the extra food. They are identification. We are electronically marked so we are not mistaken for unfortunates like yourself.

"The danger for us lies with the murderers and other criminals that are put in here with us, left to rot but tagged so they are not punished for the ultimate crime against the state, the crime of being Force sensitive. The Force sensitives are the only ones that go on from here. The ones who die amid these walls are perhaps the lucky ones. Those of us who remain try to continue a normal life. We clear the streets as much as possible to try and keep hope alive in those that still live, caring for those that are old or sick and teaching our children in case one day they are free."

Obi spent another day walking among the people confined to this place but this time he looked closer at their work. There were groups of people doing different chores. One group collected food and redistributed it, another group took away the bodies of the dead, more were making clothes and blankets out of scraps of material others handed them. Children sat together with shreds of paper, listening to a young woman teaching calculus. There
was life here. The people had found a way to continue, despite what they were up against.

He sat for a brief time, listening to the children, each one serious and intent on their lessons. It lifted his spirits to see hope within this place, yet it saddened his soul not to see laughter and fun on their young faces as it should have been. Their childhood had been stolen. He marvelled at the power of will, at how much a person can be put through and still find some form of life.

There was not much for Obi to do between the space between dawn and night so he helped where he could, offering a payback to all those who suffered but still gave up their food in order to help people whose fate was even more uncertain than their own. His third day there passed quickly, surrounded by people who had managed to build a community out of nothing. That night he slept easier, but he may not have if he had known what tomorrow would bring.

Day 4

Rowsan shook Obi-Wan awake.

"Heads up, lad, the transports have arrived, the guards are sweeping the cages. Do as they say and don't fight them. They will kill you without a second thought."

Obi looked at the older man and said, "Don't worry about me, there is always tomorrow." The Andorian gave the Jedi a look of heartfelt grief, no one knew what lay beyond, but he knew it would be an abomination. He would not offer empty words of comfort. Instead he said the truth as he saw it.

"Tomorrow and tomorrow and tomorrow,
Creeps in this petty pace from day to day
To the last syllable of recorded time,
And all our yesterdays have lighted fools
The way to dusty death."

Maybe he was right, life was short, but he feared that its inevitable ending was a blessing to those that journeyed on.

TBC...