By Darian
Disclaimer: All characters except Mina StarRyder belong to George
Lucas, and LucasFilms, I make no money off this story. Please do
not use without permission.
Chapter 2
Upon arriving on Alderaan, the Jedi were shown each to separate
rooms in the palace. Mina’s was a large room, painted a pale pink
with white furniture spread comfortably around the spacious area.
Mina scanned the room with her eyes taking in everything around her.
She had never had such an elaborate room, she had become accustomed to
sparse furnishings, in a typically small room.
She walked over to her bed, laying herself down on the soft
coverlet. She ran her hands along the velvet feel of it, sighing
contentedly. Well, I guess I shouldn’t get used to this. She sighed
again, not willing to give up the comfort of the bed just yet.
A knock on her door made Mina sit up grudgingly. She
remained sitting, assuming it was one of the servants in the palace.
“Come in.” She called out to the person behind the door.
The door slid open with a soft hiss, and in walked Obi-Wan.
He stopped just inside the doorway, with an awkward look on his face when
he discovered she was sitting on her bed. She smiled kindly, not
bothering to move. “Are we to meet with the Senator already?”
Obi-Wan shook his head, “No, that’s not for another hour. We have
been invited to attend a ball in our honour. I happen to know Qui-Gon
doesn’t really take to celebrations, especially when they are for him.”
“I don’t think I have ever had anything held in my honour.
This is new to me I’m afraid.”
Obi-Wan smiled, “Well, since it’s the Senator who is holding it,
we certainly can’t back out of it. You will have your chance to shine
in the spotlight.”
Mina shrugged, “It’s not about being in the spotlight. I know how
Jedi are seen throughout the galaxy, I don’t think I will ever get used
to that. I mean we are recognized everywhere we go. I suppose it’s rather
difficult not to recognize us for who and what we are.”
Obi-Wan nodded, “After awhile you don’t even notice it, you take
it for granted.”
“Maybe I don’t want to take it for granted. I want people
to know I appreciate how they feel about me. Perhaps a little misguided,
but I can’t change it.”
Obi-Wan smiled crookedly. “I understand.”
Mina motioned for him to sit down on one of the chairs near
the bed. “There is no need for you to stand in the door, when there are
plenty of places for you to sit down. Please, have a seat.”
He shrugged, then proceeded to take a seat to her right, on a high
backed chair. “These are rather comfortable aren’t they?”
“Yes they are. I was thinking to myself before you came in,
that I will miss this bed when we leave.” As soon as she said that, she
turned a light shade of red. She really
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didn’t want to say anything about the bed, especially not to him.
He just smiled, and nodded agreeing with her.
“So, what would we wear to this ball? Our own clothes? Or do we
dress more formal?”
Obi-Wan shrugged. “I suppose it doesn’t really matter what we wear.
We can elect to wear our usual attire, or pick out some civilian clothes.
It depends on what you would like to wear."
Mina nodded slowly. “I’m not sure, perhaps I had better wait and
see what Qui-Gon and yourself pick out.”
“Mina, you can wear whatever you want to. Please don’t feel obligated
to wear what we do. Qui-Gon isn’t in the habit of dressing up for
these things. He feels more comfortable in his regular clothes.”
“I suppose so. I think maybe we should get ready for the meeting.”
Mina stood to fetch her cloak which she had discarded upon entering the
room.
At once she was struck by a vision of the future, which sent
her off balance. Obi-Wan grasped her waist, a concerned look on his face.
Mina was caught in the turmoil of her vision. A barely
visible dark cloaked figure walking toward her. She sensed an unusual
amount of power from him; a dark power, dark and dangerous. Yet at the
same time she felt attracted by this same power, and helpless to resist
it. It demanded something from her, something that could very well destroy
her soul.
When the vision passed, she felt weak and groggy; she noticed
she was leaning against Obi-Wan, who was holding her protectively against
his chest.
“I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to lean on you like that. I, I must have
lost my balance.”
Obi-Wan didn’t look convinced. “It was a vision. I could sense it.
Tell me what was it?”
Mina shook her head to clear it. “I’m not sure, I know it has to
do with our mission here. Some man, or something anyway; dark….cloaked
in black. I sense hate and anger from him. And something more, something
dangerous. We will have to be on our guard.”
Obi-Wan nodded, “I have to agree with that; I sensed it earlier
as well. There is something going on here. Are you alright?”
“Yes I’m much better. Thank you Obi-Wan.”
He finally released her, stepping away, and hiding his hands out
of sight in his cloak. Mina picked hers up and put it on, saying “We had
better be going, Qui-Gon will be waiting for us.”
“We will have to tell him about this vision.”
“I know. He won’t be too happy about this.”
Qui-Gon was staring intently at Mina as she recalled her vision,
in slow soft tones. Obi-Wan was standing just off to Mina’s right,
never taking his eyes off her for moment.
Mina concluded with a sigh, as she slumped back in her chair.
“I don’t know what this could mean. All I know is there is more to this
then meets the eye. We have to be careful.”
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Qui-Gon nodded slowly. “I have felt a disturbance in the Force
ever since we arrived on the planet. I can only assume you two have
also sensed it. “
Both of his companions nodded their assent. “There is a presence
here. I hesitate to say this, but, I feel the person we sense very
strong in the Dark Side.”
Mina nodded, hating to admit he was more then likely right. Obi-Wan’s
face betrayed his surprise. “The Dark Side Master? Are you
sure?”
“Unfortunately yes. This could prove to be a very eventful
mission. Is there anything you can tell us about this person at all
Mina?”
Mina thought for a moment. “All I can say from what I saw, is it’s
a male. He is dressed in dark clothes, I think he was wearing a cloak of
some sort.”
Qui-Gon looked up at Obi-Wan, seeing in the younger Jedi’s face
a mirror of his own feelings. They were both sure Mina was holding
something back. He was unsure of why, or how to broach the subject, without
making it appear he was accusing her of hiding things. He leaned
back in his chair, with a thoughtful look on his face. Obi-Wan shifted
his position slightly. Mina was looking down at her hands, well aware
they sensed her reluctance in telling them the whole truth.
“What aren’t you telling us Mina? It’s very important you
are completely honest about what you saw in this vision. Every detail is
vital.”
Mina shrugged and stood from her chair, taking to pacing around
the room. She felt very uncomfortable with this conversation.
She felt their eyes on her as she made the rounds of the room. She
knew she had to tell them something, she just wasn’t sure if she should
or could tell them everything.
She took a deep breath then slowly said. “I think there could
possibly be more then one reason he is here. The feeling I got from the
vision, he has two purposes. I don’t know for sure what either has
to do with.”
“But you have an idea.” Qui-Gon leaned forward.
Mina looked directly at Qui-Gon, and said softly, “Yes. It
has to do with us.”
Mina had retreated to her room after the conference with the
senator. It was just a preliminary meeting, to get a feeling of what the
situation was; and if it had evolved at all. So far from what the
Jedi could ascertain the situation was similar to what was occurring on
Naboo, but with less hostility. Qui-Gon was confident they would
resolve the matter quickly.
Mina was glad it hadn’t been a long meeting with the Senator.
She had felt Qui-Gon’s and Obi-Wan’s eyes on her throughout, she felt their
indecision as to whether or not she was telling them everything.
Of course she knew she hadn’t. She had told them the vital details certainly,
everything they needed to know. The one thing she left out was her intense
feeling of attraction to this unknown being. She herself found it
absurd, for two reasons. One, she had no idea who or what this
creature was; and it was more then likely he was a being of the Dark side.
The other reason, she was a Jedi, she had no business having feelings of
this matter. It would distract her from her mission. Jedi must have
a serious mind, with no time for emotion, there must always be peace and
serenity.
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In the back of her mind there was another reason she held back
in telling them what she felt. She had yet to admit it to herself,
let alone any other breathing thing; but she had a nagging guilty feeling
about it. At first she wasn’t sure why, but in time as she gazed
at Obi-Wan chatting pleasantly with the Senator, she knew. She had
begun to develop feelings for him, beyond those of friendship. She
was surprised to find her mind constantly straying from the task at hand,
to think about her handsome companion. Every time he spoke, with
his soft yet strong voice; every time he glanced her way with his sparkling
blue eyes. Every time he smiled that special crooked smile, her heart
beat double time, her palms became clammy; and she had to stop herself
from sighing, and fainting dead away.
How could this be happening?? She didn’t know what was worse,
falling hard for another Jedi; oh, was she falling hard and fast; or having
an incredible attraction to someone she didn’t even know?? Hadn’t even
met.
The nagging feeling that had been with her since she first
had the vision of the dark clothed man, returned stronger this time.
It wasn’t long now before her destiny would catch up with her.
Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan were in conversation with Senator Bail
Antilles, discussing the treaty that the Trade Federation had proposed.
On paper at least it looked reasonable enough, but Qui-Gon felt wary of
it. The Trade Federation hardly ever did anything that didn’t benefit
them in some way. He had made his feelings clear to Bail, stating
that even though the treaty was more then likely on the straight and narrow,
there was something underneath it all. It bothered Qui-Gon that he
couldn’t figure out what they were up to. It served no purpose to
cause trouble for Alderaan; and even less sense to make trouble for the
much smaller planet of Naboo.
The Senator had been looking over the treaty, and almost decided
it was worth signing, if the Jedi thought it was in their best interest.
Qui-Gon was unsure, and asked the Senator to hold off on signing it for
the moment.
After a time, the conversation turned to more pleasant things,
and Bail asked where their companion was. Qui-Gon shrugged slightly,
“To be honest Senator, I have not the slightest idea. I would assume
she should be joining us shortly.”
“I hope you are right Qui-Gon, it would make the evening more pleasant
having the lovely young lady with us.” Bail smiled, taking a sip
of his drink.
“I do believe Senator, that would mean the evening has just gotten
more pleasant.” Qui-Gon said. Following his gaze, the Senator, and
Obi-Wan spotted Mina coming into the grand ballroom. She had changed
out of her Jedi outfit, into a royal blue sleeveless evening gown, with
a fitted bodice, and flowing skirt. The gown was flattering to her;
perfectly showing off her muscular, yet feminine form.
Obi-Wan’s sharp intake of breath, made Qui-Gon smile and place
his hand on his Padawan’s shoulder. “She does look lovely doesn’t
she?”
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Obi-Wan nodded silently. His gaze traveled the length of her,
taking in the sight in front of his eyes. He liked what she had done
to her hair. It wasn’t often that the female Jedi changed the way
they styled their hair. Mina had pulled most of her hair into a braided
bun, then left the ends of her hair fall loose, so they draped her shoulders.
She paused at the threshold of the room, carefully scanning
the large room, obviously looking for someone. Finally spotting her
companions on the far side chatting with the Senator, she slowly made her
way toward them; her movements graceful.
Her attention was caught by Obi-Wan, standing beside
the Senator, wearing not his usual Jedi attire, but a regal
suit of dark blue, trimmed in gold. His eyes were locked to hers,
sending a shiver down her spine.
Qui-Gon was the first to step out and greet her. He was in
his normal Jedi outfit, considerably cleaned up for the occasion.
He smiled warmly at her, taking her hand in his. “Mina, you look
lovely this evening. Please come and join us. I must say these gentleman
have been eagerly waiting for your arrival.”
Mina smiled shyly, “Thank you Master Qui-Gon.. I wasn’t sure
if it would be appropriate to wear something other then the uniform.”
“There is no problem with dressing differently once in awhile.
Especially when it suits you.”
The Senator extended his hand when they reached him, Mina took his
offered hand smiling. “Senator, good evening. It appears to
be a wonderful ball.”
“Indeed Miss StarRyder, I’m happy that it meets with your approval.
You look delightful.”
“Thank you Senator. It is an honor to be here.”
Finally turning to Obi-Wan, who also took her hand, raising it to
his lips and gently kissing it. “It’s good to see you Mina, you look
wonderful.”
“’As do you Obi-Wan.”
“Well, now that all the special guests are here, the Ball
can truly begin! Please enjoy yourselves.”
The evening was going well, the guests were dancing, and enjoying
the cuisine. The three Jedi did their best to join in with the festivities,
knowing it was for them; but at the moment they had taken time out of the
revelries to catch their breath. For Mina, not used to functions of this
nature, she found it all a bit overwhelming; with everyone considered underneath
them, bowing to show their respect. Mina was glad for the break, to just
be herself again.
They had found themselves a little corner, and were quietly
talking. Qui-Gon was watching the crowd, taking tiny sips of his
drink; Mina was sure he was distracted. The treaty the Trade Federation
had offered Alderaan, was worrying him. None of them had sensed any mal-intent
in the Federation Viceroy. Qui-Gon was positive there was something
behind it all though.
“What could they possibly have to gain by this? What was the point
in it anyway?” Obi-Wan questioned, waiting for an answer. Qui-Gon
shook his head slightly.
13
“I wish I knew Obi-Wan. According to the Viceroy, the attempted blockade
was to protest the taxing of the trade routes. Which makes sense
on the surface. My problem with this, is the Trade Federation are cowards,
they never would have thought to blockade one planet let alone two. Someone
else must be behind this. There must be someone who is orchestrating, that
much is clear. The question now becomes, who it is, and why they
are doing this. What do they hope to gain? “
Mina was nodding, “I was wondering also, why pick these particular
planets? I suppose I can understand with Alderaan. It’s a large planet
that does a lot of trading with the Federation. It would hurt them
to a certain extent. Not a lot that would make a severe difference.
Then you take the planet of Naboo. It’s much smaller and does limited
trading with the Federation. That is what doesn’t make any sense.
Also it’s a more remote planet. Where is the logic in blockading
it?”
Qui-Gon nodded, “You see the dilemma Padawan. We will
have to focus our efforts in discovering the real reason behind all this
trouble. I have no doubt whatever is causing this, will rear it’s ugly
head soon.”
Obi-Wan sighed, he knew his Master was right, there was a formidable
foe out there somewhere in the shadows. Shifting his eyes to Mina, he was
certain all that was happening, had a great deal to do with Mina’s vision.
Qui-Gon was off with the Senator, meeting and greeting other
members of the government. Obi-Wan and Mina were standing near a
table loaded down with food, watching the dancers. Obi-Wan took a deep
breath and turned to Mina, “Would you care to dance? It would be better
then just standing here having everyone stare at us.”
Mina grinned. “So we can be stared at on the dance floor then? I
will warn you, I’m on light on my feet.”
“From what I have heard about your battle stances, I find that hard
to believe.”
He took her hand and lead her out to the dance floor, the crowd
parting as if in a dream. The band was playing and Alderaanian waltz, as
Obi-Wan took Mina in his arms, and swept her across the floor.
Through the length of the song, he held her closer, until their
bodies were pressed together, close enough to hear the other’s heartbeat.
Mina rested her head against his shoulder, enjoying the feel of his arms
around her. In response Obi-Wan tightened his hold on her.
The song seemed to go on forever, with only the two
of them in the whole world. When the song ended, both were reluctant to
let the other go, still clasping hands.
Obi-Wan let go of one of her hand, to trace his fingers along her
cheek. “Thank you for the dance.” He softly said, as Qui-Gon came up to
them.
“Forgive my intrusion, but I must speak with Obi-Wan for a moment.
Please excuse us Mina.”
“Of course Master Qui-Gon.” Mina bowed slightly to the older Jedi.
She watched as Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan made their way to the other side of
the room to speak with the Governor of Alderaan.
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Feeling a little light-headed from her dance with Obi-Wan, Mina decided
to get some fresh air. She was certain no one would notice her absence,
so she went to the glass doors that opened out to the grand floral lawns
to the back of the palace.
She stepped out into the night air, breathing deeply of the
fragrant air. She loved the smell of flowers, and Alderaan boasted of some
of the prettiest flowers in the galaxy.
Wandering down a path away from the house, she took no notice
of where she was going, lost in the beauty of the night.
Reaching the pond that was enclosed by the towering
trees that surrounded it, she stood and watched the ripples the breeze
made on the water. She never heard the footsteps that mirrored her own.
She never heard the rustle of clothes as they brushed by the plants, in
an attempt to follow without being detected.
Slowly, surely, realization dawned on her that she was no
longer alone. Spinning around, silently cursing herself for not having
her lightsaber with her. Comforted by the fact she could use the Force
if need be.
She scanned the surrounding woods, not seeing anything. She
wasn’t fooled though, by what her eyes couldn’t see. She had learned long
ago, an enemy could mask their physical presence but not their signature
in the Force. Every living being, whether or not Force sensitive, had their
own signature, own life force, that could be detected by a Force User.
Qui-Gon’s words echoed through her mind, from the beginning
of the night, chastising her for being without her lightsaber.
She brushed away the thought, thinking it was too late now to worry about
it. She closed her eyes to concentrate on the Force signature. She
felt it strongly somewhere in front to her left.
“Ok, I know you are there, come out at once.” She spoke sternly
to the darkness, using her best Jedi voice. There was silence.
“You may as well come out, you can’t pretend you aren’t there! I
can sense your presence. I’m a Jedi.”
Again there is silence. Mina strained her eyes to see through
the blackness, which was only brightened by the light from the palace.
“I will give you one more chance. Reveal yourself At once!”
From out of the stillness came a voice. Soft, husky, immensely sensual.
Coming to her as music, drifting like a wave in the ocean.
“It’s not wise to walk into darkness unarmed. Your Master
should have told you that.”
“I bet you say that to all the girls. I’m perfectly capable
of walking into darkness unaided.”
“Perfectly capable of meeting your doom you mean little girl.
After all, you don’t know what may be lurking in the dark.”
His voice was sending shivers down her spine. It seemed almost
familiar to her, but she couldn’t place it.
“I’m not some pitiful child that needs scolding. I’m not the
one who is hiding themselves in the shadows. You haven’t even presented
yourself.”
“I do not hide Jedi. I do not believe you ready to face me.”
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“Show yourself, and see if you are ready to face me.” Mina’s voice
had an edge to it.
The faint sound of laughter floated to her on the wind. Out of the
shadows, a dark figure unfolded himself. Dressed all in black, from his
hooded cloak to his midnight black boots; it was the man in her vision.
Mina gasped, and tried to retain her composure. Her heart
beating wildly, as he approached her, slowly, taking his time, knowing
the effect he was having on her.
‘This can’t be happening, this just can’t.’ She was thinking to
herself. What was she going to do? She closed her eyes and
took a deep breath, trying to control the overwhelming emotions that were
suddenly flooding her mind.
“I’m more then ready to face you little one. I have been waiting
a very long time to reveal myself to you.”
Mina forced herself not to take a step back when the hooded man
stopped in front of her, so very close to her, standing almost a
head taller. She breathed in his scent, of musky leather. She raised her
eyes to meet his striking yellow ones. His cloak masked his face, except
for slight outlines of a mouth and nose.
He was standing too close. Again she felt that irresistible
attraction. To her horror, she felt a reciprocal feeling from him.
“I don’t’ know what you mean.” She managed to breathe out, her voice
catching.
“Let’s not play games. You know what I mean. You know why I’m here,
you have felt it. You have sensed it. You can’t deny what you feel
at this moment.”
Slowly, almost gently, he raised his hand, and brushed her face,
a movement that mimicked Obi-Wan’s earlier. “You know you belong
to me. I am destined to be your Master.”
Mina tried desperately to gain control of her feelings. To break
this hold he suddenly had on her. She forced her mind away from the man
in front of her, bringing her thoughts to Obi-Wan. Pleading in her
mind for his help. She knew if she couldn’t reach him, all would be lost.
“That Padawan can not cleanse your mind of me. Mina,
we will be together.”
He slid his hand slowly back along her jawline, finally running
his fingers through her hair before releasing her, and vanishing into the
darkness.
Mina stood there, willing herself to breathe. The sound
of running broke her from her trance. She looked up to see Qui-Gon followed
by Obi-Wan racing toward her. She sighed, he had heard her call.
Qui-Gon reached her first, Obi-Wan standing a bit back, covering
the area, scanning the trees. Mina almost slumped against Qui-Gon
in her relief to see them.
“Mina, what happened? Are you alright? Obi-Wan said he heard
you call to him for help.”
The sound of Qui-Gon’s voice brought strength back to her. “I’m
sorry Master Qui-Gon. I was walking in the garden, when I heard, no that’s
not right, I felt someone was here. I sensed it. I didn’t see anyone,
but I knew they were here. I called out to them, but they didn’t answer.
When he did finally, I recognized the voice from somewhere. Then when he
stepped out, where I could see him, I knew it was him.”
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Obi-Wan came forward then. “Who was it Mina?”
“The man from my vision. He has something in store for us,
I know, I can feel it.”
Qui-Gon nodded, “I believe you are right Padawan. What it is will
become clear sooner then we expected. Let’s get back inside. Maybe next
time you will not forget your lightsaber.” He said in a light tone.
Obi-Wan smiled slightly, casting one last glance around before
following his Master and Mina inside.
To be continued.......