Jedi Apprentice 2: The Dark Rival (звёздные войны)

  Jedi Apprentice 2: The Dark Rival

  ( Звёздные войны , Star Wars: Jedi Apprentice - 2 )

  Джуд Уотсон

  Qui-Gon Jinn's past is not at rest. How can he forge a bond with young Obi-Wan Kenobi while he is haunted by the betrayal of his first apprentice—Xanatos? Xanatos was also a promising student—until the dark side of the Force intervened. Qui-Gon thought he was gone forever.

  But now Xanatos is back.

  And he wants revenge.

  The Dark Rival

  Chapter 1

  K-7, Core 8. Core 7. Core 6. Core 5. Narrow. Pressure. Trapped.

  "Yes, Qui-Gon. I can do it. I will do it."

  He knows it is wrong. He must stop it. But he can't fight this power. He sees the broken circle. The circle that brings the past to the future, yet does not meet. He must make the circle meet. He must…

  Qui-Gon Jinn woke with a start. As always, he knew exactly where he was as soon as he awakened. Dreams never hung on him, clouding his mind.

  Even a nightmare had only served to sharpen his senses. The room was dark, but he could make out the edges of the window in the darkness. Dawn was near. He could hear Obi-Wan Kenobi's quiet breathing on the sleep-couch next to him.

  They were quartered in the guest chamber of the Bandomeer governor's official residence. He had some to the planet on a routine mission that had suddenly turned non-routine, all because of a single line written on a piece of paper.

  The message had brought the nightmare. He'd had the same one for three nights running.

  Qui-Gon's hand fell to his lightsaber, placed so that it was in easy reach in case of intruders. Within the blink of an eye, he would be standing, ready to fight.

  But how could one fight a dream?

  K-7, Core 5. What could the words and numbers mean? K-7 could be a charted but uninhabited planet, or a star system. But why did he have the sensation of being trapped? Who had said, "I can do it"? And why did he feel helpless rage against the words, why did he feel helpless despair as he heard them?

  The only think that was familiar to him was the image of the broken circle. It filled him with dread.

  He thought it was in the past. All of it. Then, upon his arrival on Bandomeer, he was handed a note. It had welcomed him to the planet, and it had been signed Xanatos.

  Jedi are taught to value dreams, but not to trust them. Dreams can confuse as well as illuminate. A Jedi should test a dream much as he tests unstable ground. Only when he's sure of his footing should he move on. Dreams can be random energy, nothing more. Some Jedi see things in dreams and others do not.

  Qui-Gon rarely had the gift and preferred not to dwell on dreams. He managed to push dreams away in the daylight. But at night, it was harder. If only he could ban his nightmares, and memories. Then they would not be able to haunt him so.

  He had been all over the galaxy, from the Galactic Core to the Outer Rim Territories. He had seen many things that pained him, and many things he wished he could forget.

  Now his worst pain, his worst regret, had caught up with him at last.

  Chapter 2

  Qui-Gon was the one who discovered Xanatos, the one who took the midi-chlorian count and brought the child back to the Jedi Temple.

  He remembered the look on Cion's face as his only son was taken from his home planet of Telos. Crion was the wealthiest man on Telos, but he knew, despite all his riches, he could not offer Xanatos what Qui-Gon could. He could not deny his son. Qui-Gon saw the heartbreak on the man's face, and he hesitated. He asked on last time if Crion was sure of his decision. Slowly, Crion nodded. The decision was final. Qui-Gon would take Xanatos to be trained as a Jedi.

  If only Qui-Gon has listened more closely to his own hesitation. The decision the take the child would have been different. All of their lives would be so different…

  Qui-Gon swung his legs over the side of the sleep-couch. He crossed to the window and pushed aside the heavy curtain. He could just make out the mine towers in the gray light. The Great Sea of Bandomeer was a black void in the distance.

  Bandomeer consisted of one huge landmass and one enormous sea, which divided the planet in half. All of it was owned by mining companies. There was only one city — Bandor, where the government's quarters were located. But even the city was dotted with mining operations. The air was a sheet of dull gray, filled with drifting black specks.

  It was a desolate world. The majority of Bandomeer's mines were controlled off-planet. None of the enormous riches made it back to the native Meerians. Even the official residence of the governor was shabby and ill-furnished. Qui-Gon's fingers ran along the edge of the curtain. The fabric was beginning to fray.

  Obi-Wan stirred in his sleep. Qui-Gon turned to watch the boy, but Obi-Wan slept on. Qui-Gon let him. Today would mark the start of their separate missions on Bandomeer. Although Obi-Wan's mission wasn't dangerous, it would test the boy. All missions tested Jedi skills, even the ones that appeared easy. Qui-Gon had learned that long ago.

  He and the boy had just been through a dangerous and unexpected journey together. They had fought side by side and stared death in the face. Yet he couldn't feel close to Obi-Wan. There was still a part of him that hoped Yoda would call the boy back to the Temple for reassignment.

  Qui-Gon forced himself to be honest. The reason he couldn't feel close the Obi-Wan was because he wouldn't allow himself to. Certainly, the boy had impressed him on the journey here. It had been a rough transport, filled with tensions. Obi-Wan had learned to hold his tongue and his temper in situations where Qui-Gon had been certain he would lose his calm.

  But Qui-Gon knew that Obi-Wan was still too blindly guided by ambition and anger. Those were the two qualities that had led to Xanatos' undoing. Qui-Gon couldn't get involved in such a situation again. He knew how treacherous it could be to rely on an apprentice.

  So he would keep his distance from young Kenobi. Soon Obi-Wan would be sent to observe the Agricultural Corps work on the planet. Thanks to mining, Bandomeer had been stripped of many natural resources. The great mines took up many square kilometers; when the land was depleted, the mine was closed and left the area barren. It was no longer useful for farming. Food was shipped in from other worlds.

  It was a precarious situation that the local government was working to change. It had plans to restore and reclaim the land and vast ocean. The Agri-Corps was helping in the endeavor by replanting large areas and enclosing them to form what the government called "Enrichment Zones." Obi-Wan would be sent to the largest zone to help.

  Qui-Gon's mission was less clear-cut. He had been called on by the Jedi Council to act as a Guardian of Peace at the local government's request. Qui-Gon still wasn't certain of the specifics. Most of the people on Bandomeer were imported to work the mines. They worked, saving as much as they could in order to transport off-planet as soon as possible. That was why the government on Bandomeer had such trouble instituting change. Everyone, even the natives, wanted to leave the planet as soon as they were able. No one truly cared what happened the Bandomeer.

  But recently, that had begun the change. The Meerians had become partners with the immigrant Arconans. The two groups had formed a cooperative mine. All of the profits were shared equally.

  Some miners had already switched over from the main mines, owned by the mighty Offworld Corporation. Qui-Gon had a feeling that the reason he'd been called by the Bandomeer government was because of this. Offworld never took well to those who encroached on its turf.

  The landscape outside was lighter now. Streaks of deep orange sun licked at the tall mining towers like
tongues of flame. Still fighting the grip of his nightmare, Qui-Gon watched Bandor come to life. Lights came on in the narrow streets. Workers headed for the mines. Night workers wearily trudged home. Qui-Gon's thoughts returned to Xanatos' surprise message:

  I have been looking forward to this day.

  The message had included a small drawing of a broken circle next to Xanatos' name — there was a gap where the ends should meet.

  It was a reminder to Qui-Gon. A taunt. Xanatos had a scar on his cheek in that form. Qui-Gon meditated on the message again, letting all the possible implications come to him. He could be walking into a trap. Or Xanatos could be playing a game with him. He could be galaxies away right now, smiling at the idea the he made his former Master shudder in fear at the sight of his name.

  That would be something Xanatos would do: confuse Qui-Gon, slow him down, make him interpret a situation badly, all because Qui-Gon assumed Xanatos was involved. Xanatos was clever, and often used that cleverness to concoct cruel games.

  Suddenly. Qui-Gon wished the message had been a game. A childish taunt.

  He did not ever want to meet Xanatos face-to-face again.

  Chapter 3

  Obi-Wan Kenobi woke, but did not stir. Keeping his eyelids almost closed, he stole a glance at Qui-Gon. The Jedi Master stood at the window. His back was to Obi-Wan, but the boy could tell by the tension in his muscular stance that Qui-Gon was brooding again.

  Obi-Wan itched to ask what Qui-Gon was thinking. His mind had been jumping with questions since they'd landed on Bandomeer. What had changed Qui-Gon's mood from serenity to agitation? Was Qui-Gon going to include him on the Jedi's mission as Guardian of the Peace? Had Obi-Wan proved himself a worthy candidate for Qui-Gon's apprentice?

  Since leaving the Temple only a few days before, Obi-Wan had been shot at with blasters and strangled by a Hutt. He had tangled with Togorian pirates, fought off giant flying draigons, and piloted a huge transport vessel through heavy laser cannon fire. But apparently, he had not done enough to impress Qui-Gon.

  If only he could hold on to the serenity he had been taught at the Temple. He knew that as a Jedi pupil, he should accept what life offered him with calm. But his position was so maddening! He had completed his Temple training, but no Jedi Knight had chosen him as an apprentice. On his thirteenth birthday, it would be too late. And that was only three weeks away!

  It seemed that his destiny was to be a farmer, not a warrior or a peacekeeper. Obi-Wan had thought he had begun to accept this, but it was hard. He couldn't help but feel a different path was his destiny.

  Obviously, Qui-Gon didn't think so. Although Obi-Wan had saved the Jedi Knight's life, Qui-Gon acted as though Obi-Wan had merely done him a friendly gesture, like helping him fix a broken lock. Obi-Wan's loyalty and dedication were received by Qui-Gon with polite acceptance, nothing more.

  Qui-Gon turned slightly, and Obi-Wan studied his profile. The Jedi Knight's worry and preoccupation filled the room along with the growing light. It had begun after Qui-Gon had received the note. Qui-Gon had passed it off as a greeting from an old acquaintance. But Obi-Wan didn't believe him.

  Still gazing out the window, Qui-Gon suddenly spoke. "You should dress. It's almost time for the meeting."

  Obi-Wan sighed as he threw back the light blanket. He hadn't moved one muscle, yet Qui-Gon had known he was awake. The Jedi Knight was always at least two steps ahead of him.

  Why didn't Qui-Gon tell him what was wrong? Was it the message, or was Qui-Gon tired of Obi-Wan?

  Obi-Wan wanted to blurt out the question. But one of the Jedi's most serious rules was not to cross-examine a Master. Truth can hold great power. Therefore the decision to share it must be weighed. Only the Master could decide on revelation or concealment, according to the greater good.

  For once, Obi-Wan was glad of a rule that restrained him. He was afraid of the answer to the question he wanted to ask.

  Obi-Wan followed Qui-Gon into the governor's receiving room. He was surprised and encouraged that qui-Gon has invited him to the meeting. Perhaps it meant the Jedi was reconsidering whether to take him on as an apprentice after all.

  Obi-Wan was expecting a lavish chamber, but there was only a circle of cushions on a bare stone floor. Bandomeer could not afford to impress guest.

  SonTag, the governor of Bandomeer, entered the room. Her silver hair was cropped in tufts in the Meerian style. Her dark gaze calmly rested on the Jedi. Like all Meerians, she was small. Obi-Wan towered over her. The Meerians' small stature made them great miners.

  She held out both hands, palms up, in the Meerian way. Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan repeated her gesture.

  "Greetings and welcome," she said softly. She indicated the younger woman to her left. The younger woman's cropped hair was also pale silver, and her silver eyes blazed at them across the room. Although she was standing quietly, her energy seemed to send a vibration through the air. "This is VeerTa. She is the leader of the Home Planet Mine."

  The Jedi greeted VeerTa in the same fashion. They had been briefed about her. She was fierce patriot who had been instrumental in forming the Home Planet Party. The party goal was to replant the once fertile fields of Bandomeer, as well as control its resources. The first step was to end dependence on off-planet corporations for financial support. To that end, VeerTa had gone into partnership with the Arconans in the cooperative mine.

  SonTag indicated the cushions that the Jedi should sit on and took her own seat. Slowly, SonTag and VeerTa's cushions rose in the air so that they were at eye level with Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan.

  "I've asked VeerTa to join us today because we are both confused by your presence,' SonTag began. "Although we welcome you, we must admit we are surprised. We understand that the Agri-Corps has requested help. But we did not."

  Qui-Gon looked startled. "But the Temple received an official request from the government of Bandomeer for a Guardian of Peace. I have the documentation."

  "I'm sure you do," SonTag said firmly. "But I did not send it."

  "This is very strange," Qui-Gon murmured.

  "Nevertheless, we are glad you are here," VeerTa said crisply. "we have our doubts that Offworld Corporation will allow us to operate freely. Let us just say that they corporation has a history of making competition disappear."

  "I've seen how they operate firsthand," Qui-Gon responded. "I have to agree."

  Qui-Gon's voice was neutral, but Obi-Wan knew how deeply the Jedi disapproved of Offworld practices. On the journey to Bandomeer, Obi-Wan had been shocked at how openly Offworld used intimidation, treats and outright violence to keep control of their employees. Jemba the Hutt had deprived a groups of Arconans of the precious substance that kept them alive. He offered a brutal choice: to work for Offworld, or die. He had even laughed in their faces as they grew too weak to move.

  "Then you'll understand why we'd like to have a Jedi representative at our first meeting with Offworld," VeerTa said. "Your presence will ensure that everyone plays fair."

  Qui-Gon bowed. "I'll be happy to contribute what I can."

  Excitement rose in Obi-Wan. Obviously, the meeting ahead would be important. The future of a planet was at stake. Plus, since the Home Planet group was in league with the Arconans, he would probably get to see Si Treemba and Clat'Ha again. He'd made friends with both of them on the journey to Bandomeer. Surely, Qui-Gon would want him present at the meeting.

  "My companion will be traveling to the Eastern Enrichment Zone," Qui-Gon said, indicating Obi-Wan. "Can you arrange transport for him?"

  Obi-Wan barely listened to SonTag's agreement. Stirrings of anger began to flutter underneath his frustration. While Qui-Gon would be involved in saving a planet, he'd be watching plants grow! He would be a farmer, after all.

  He'd held on to a hope that after their adventures reaching Bandomeer, Qui-Gon would cancel Obi-Wan's original mission. Obviously, Qui-Gon still didn't believe he could become a Knight. He would send him off to a farm before taking him as a Padawan!

  Ob
i-Wan struggled with his anger. Master Yoda had told him that often anger wasn't about another person, but about himself. "Close your mouth and open your ears, you must," Yoda had said. "Then hear what your true heart is seeking, you will."

  Well, right now his true heart was seeking to scream out his frustration.

  Qui-Gon extended his hands, palms up, then flipped them over, palms down. It was the farewell gesture of the Meerians. SonTag and VeerTa repeated the gesture. Nobody seemed to care what Obi-Wan did, so purposefully, he did not acknowledge their parting.

  Obi-Wan's lack of courtesy was a severe infraction for a Jedi pupil. But Qui-Gon didn't say a word as they walked through the residence halls and out the main door.

  The air chilled Obi-Wan's flushed cheeks as he and Qui-Gon paused on the steps. Obi-Wan waited for the older Jedi to reprimand him. Then he could tell Qui-Gon how he wanted to remain in Bandor. He could line up his reason; he could argue that Qui-Gon needed his support.