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Missing Scenes
Post Revenge of the Sith: The Meeting of Former Foes
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Act as if what you do makes a difference. It does. ~William James
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The message sent to Sabé warned her of their arrival, it also warned her of the fact that it was Obi-Wan or as they named him the Mynock they sought. It left her with more than a little concern for her husband for while she trusted her contact this stranger or Ysalamiri however left her more than a little guarded. Especially considering after having her own contacts within the fledgling Alliance come up with no further information on this mysterious person or rather the alias given and the frequency used.
But if this was indeed real Sabé knew Obi-Wan would want to help and so she informed him of her contacts message and what it all could mean. Now she found herself at the Darklighter’s shop playing the role of Sefa once more although keeping a sharp eye out for the one she was to meet.
This soon came to pass as the nameless contact entered the shop with a rather frightful looking hairless tattooed humanoid who reminded Sabé of the creatures in horror stories that Saché used to enjoy reading. She didn’t need to ask if the stranger was the mysterious contact as it was evident enough to her.
“Sefa a moment of your time if you please.”
The contact said politely as the pale skinned woman remained silent watching her closely leaving Sabé grateful she still instinctively kept her mental shields up. Bowing to them she politely requested to depart for the day to Mrs. Darklighter who nodded in understanding. She knew of Sefa’s real line of work and was always careful not to interfere or intrude.
“Be careful my dear.”
The older woman said gently before giving Sabé a parting hug and an understanding smile. Sabé bowed grateful to her kindness although knowing that it was Obi-Wan who needed the blessings right now though knowing better than to say this.
As they wandered away from the shop to safer territory Sabé politely greeted her contact and the stranger before politely speaking.
“The cargo is it safe? And how many pieces are we transporting?”
She asked simply feeling horrible for using such an expression and yet knowing it was necessary. The contact after all had his own mission that he was in the middle of and had very limited time to work this all out before he had to leave once more.
“There are three pieces two larger one medium. They are safe at the moment on the Ysalamiri’s ship however I cannot say for how long. The Krayt Dragon is relentless. If the new that has just reached me just before I arrived is accurate than it is imperative the Mynock acts quickly. For our previous contact is now on the run as another learnt of our last rendezvous point.”
Sabé remained silent as she studied them for a moment this wasn’t good news to say the least and it only increased her concerns for Obi-Wan’s safety though she knew he could hold his own. Her heart went out to the contact that was now on the run although she had no idea it was none other than her former superior officer and friend.
Only then did the strange woman speak her voice matching her appearance in every way and leaving Sabé more than a little unsettled.
“The Mynock. Where is he? For I wish to speak with him.”
Sabé furrowed her brow as she studied the stranger for a moment before glancing back to her contact briefly knowing he needed to leave as well.
“I will take you to him personally.
“I will take it from here now, thank you again for your help. May the gods go with you.”
The man nodded before politely parting ways with the two women as he departed back to his ship. Leaving Sabé or Sefa alone with the eerie woman as she led her to the location where she would properly introduce the Ysalamiri to her husband. For she was unaware of the fact they were already familiar with each other from the past, nor was she aware of the fact that Obi-Wan was the very reason the humanoid was even here in the first place ensuring that his former colleagues and comrades would escape the talons of the Empire's devil.
Quietly Sabé led the strange woman to a less than known lounge/bar that decorated the more seedy regions of Mos Eisley. It wasn't a place she would choose herself to visit but Sabé knew from the past from her contact that this considered safer than most places to conduct such business as this. It was dangerous enough not to draw too much attention and people within the bar were too busy tending to their own business and problems to notice or care about others. As they stepped outside Sabé let her eyes drift through the crowds until they settled onto the familiar cloaked form of the one she sought.
With a hidden smile directed to him Sabé approached the tucked away table with the pale skinned stranger relieved to know that her strange presence wasn't even noticed amongst the locals here. Once in Obi-Wan's presense Sabé politely bowed in greeting, before quietly speaking.
"Lady Ysalamiri, this is the gentleman you seek."
The hairless being then did something Sabé didn't know what to make but remained silent about it all the same. Bowing deeply in greeting to Obi-Wan the Rattataki woman crossed her arms and clenched her fists. Had Sabé been familiar with the woman's culture she would have recognized it as a symbol of respect and humility one that a warrior would perform when in the presence of a Chieftan, or someone of equal respect. Under normal circumstances Asajj would have drawn her lightsabers as a means of revealing her weapons and showing she was not hiding anything from him. Another sign to mark respect and honor to the one before her.
Careful to remain cloaked and in the shadows, Obi-Wan found a place to sit in the villainous, seedy cantina. This was definitely a place he would not care to visit again, however, being able to help those within the alliance, or fellow Jedi on the run was an opportunity he could not resist taking up.
Despite his lowered hood, he sensed Sabé approaching with another Force sensitve being. He looked up to see it was none other than Asaji Ventress. Shocked to say the least, he was even more shocked that she did not feel dark and she was bowing out of respect.
He looked to Sabé, questioning for a moment then bowed his head to Ventress in return.
'Please, have a seat,' he offered politely, wondering if Sabé was merely the messenger or if she would stay as well.
'It has certainly been awhile,' he commented offhandedly.
Sabé said nothing to Obi-Wan's questioning look but offered a hidden smile and an expression that said she had faith that this was real. Though she wasn't aware of their history she knew in that instant they were familiar with each other which made her curious. However she didn't speak of this outloud and politely waited till he spoke before taking a seat beside him as she observed.
Asajj could sense the shock from the Jedi Master and felt herself growing concious of herself because of it. In reality she wasn't sure what to expect in regards to his reaction to her. Outside of knowing he wouldn't draw his weapon she hadn't expected much more. She noted the exchange between 'Sefa' and the Jedi Master and through the Force she realized that there was much more between these two than she had even sensed between the former Jedi and the human Senator. While there was a connection sensed between the now Sith Lord and the former Naboo Queen it was nothing by comparison to this. It was intriguing to say the least but she was too untrained to make any real sense of it and so instead took it at the face value that it meant Sefa could be trusted to share in this converation as well.
At Obi-Wan's words Asajj nodded politely and took a seat her expression pensive to his casual remarks. A hint of a shy smile etched her features as for a moment the former Dark Jedi found herself at a loss for words. She had imagined this day many times over with all the things she wanted to say the expression of gratitude, the thanks given and how she now fought for a more noble cause in his name. But now the moment was upon her all of her well phrased thoughts evaded her.
"It has been awhile. I am sorry this couldn't be done under more pleasant circumstances. But I suppose one should be grateful for the opportunities given."
Asajj admitted carefully before finally mustering the nerve to continue.
"I...I would like to express my immense gratitude to you before I continue this discussion further. It is something I've wanted to express for some time but was never given the chance. If it wasn't for you, I would not be here right now nor would the 'cargo' I carry aboard my ship.
"I know I could never hope to fully repay you for the kindness you have shown me. But I want you to know that am most thankful to you for it. And I hope that in some small way I can bring honor to your name through my actions because of it."
Asajj stated politely her expression a combination of respect and humility.
Obi-Wan remained silent, listening to what the former Dark Jedi apprentice had to say. To say he was shocked would be an understatement, but he couldn't help denying his involvement.
It was hard to choose appropriate words that would not sound supiciously related to the Jedi Order, though not many Tatooine residents were all that familiar with them anyway, it was better to be on the safe side.
'What you did, you did on your own... I cannot take any credit for such personal choices.' He was, however, humbled by her words.
Asajj shook her head slightly as her respect for him grew that much more. He was so humble about it all unwilling to accept how important his role really was, that in reality he saved her life in so many ways.
"But it was you who guided me back to the path I was meant to follow. You had faith in me when no one else did and showed compassion when I needed it the most.
"You actions gave me the courage needed to let go of what was destroying me. For this, I will always be eternally grateful to you."
The Ratattaki woman replied fervantly as she bowed her head once more in respect.
Sabé didn't know of the history shared but if the woman's words were any testament it was safe to say Obi-Wan had a profound effect on the warrior before her. The thought warmed her heart and it made her happy to know that for once proper gratitude was given to one who was most deserving of it.
Though her words resonated with him and he bowed his head for a moment in acceptance of them, Obi-Wan couldn't help his thoughts straying to the one he desperately wanted but was unable to save: Anakin.
Here was this woman he barely knew and whom Anakin and he had both fought various times and she was the one he had reached. It was almost bitterly ironic and he found his throat dry. He swallowed.
The Force worked in mysterious ways.
He felt Sabé's happiness at the woman's announcement and he didn't quite understand why she was happy.
He didn't know what to say, but knew he ought to say something so that she did not think he was shrugging it off.
'May this revelation serve you well for what is to come,' he finally said, hoping his words of serving the good side of the Force were able to make it through the veil of vagueness that was necessary for the protection of all invovled.
Sabé sensed his awkwardness to Asajj's words and quietly slipped her hand under the table to link with his as she gave it a gentle squeeze. While it warmed her heart to know he was recieving the must overdue gratitude he deserved she also knew that his thoughts were no doubt turning to the hunter he wasn't able to save.
The Rattataki woman had no intention of making him feel awkward and almost looked sheepish to his reaction. But at the same time this was something she felt had to be said and it felt like a great weight was lifted from her shoulders to able to do so.
But at his final words a smile etched on her features and she bowed her head briefly in reply.
"I swear to you no matter what comes next I will not falter."
Having said this Asajj decided it was best to move forward on the matter and turning more business like she quietly spoke.
"The 'cargo' is aboard my ship. There are three pieces, two larger one medium. It is considered highly volatile and needs to be moved swiftly. I don't think there is any location safe enough for such volatile pieces but I have a few possibilities in mind. Unfortunately I'm not the only one who is seeking them and if Sefa's contact was accurate it would seem the other 'trader' may have lost the 'bid' to a more....vicious 'buyer'. I don't know if this is accurate information but apparently the frequency was tapped into and can no longer be used.
I need your assistance because you know the rules of this game better than anyone else or more exactly whom it is that is playing against us. I am sorry to have to do this but I don't know where else to turn with this matter."
She explained in concerned but polite tones.
A calm washed over him as he felt Sabé's hand slip into his. He didn't have to look at her to let her know he was grateful for her support.
Asaji's news struck him speechless for a moment.
Four strong in the Force all travelling together? Obi-Wan's eyes widened. He knew Vader would be able to sense them so much easier if they were together like this. But now they were on Tatooine. Here they would be safe, for Vader would not return here...
However, Obi-Wan remembered Luke. He needed to first and foremost to keep Luke safe. Keeping other Jedi here would only increase the risk...
'It would be safest to split up the cargo into separate shipments so it will be less volatile to the buyer,' he finally said. 'Perhaps one in the direction of Kessel, another for Yavin IV, the rest for Nar Shadaa?'
Sabé could feel Obi-Wan relaxing to her touch and felt a bit more at ease for him because of it. She remained silent as Asajj explained her situation and noted Obi-Wan's shock. It only took her mere seconds before she registered its cause as she knew even with their training in blocking their thoughts their Force signatures would be like beacons to Darth Vader. The fact they even made it this far was surprizing to say the least.
Asajj instantly picked up on Obi-Wan's shock both physically and through the Force. She immediately furrowed her brow feeling oddly like a Padawan once more in the presence of a Master as her mistake became suddenly and painfully clear. She remained silent out of respect though felt her cheeks warm at the realization though politely waited for his thoughts.
When he spoke she instantly understood. Less chance of the Dark Lord capturing all of them at once she realized. As he suggested the best options of locations for them to travel, Asajj began to mentally calculate the possibilities of how she could divide the Jedi so they could depart swiftly and safely. A few contacts came to mind and she nodded in agreement to the suggestions.
"I think that would be most wise."
Asajj admitted pensivally.
"I believe I may know of a way to split the cargo properly without causing drawing too much attention that could be damaging."
She continued before falling silent for a moment before speaking once more.
"Are there other possible buyers you are aware of who may be interested in this cargo?"
Asajj asked curious to know if on these planets there would be contacts of his that the remnant Jedi could or should meet up with.
Obi-Wan nodded after Ventress said she could split them up. 'If you need another ship for transport, I could acquire one for you,' he offered.
'As for other possible buyers, I'm afraid I only know of one on Kessel, but this Hawk-Bat may be grey now.' Obi-Wan was unsure whether Swan had abandoned the Order or if she could be trusted.
'Perhaps a different line of work would be for the best...since your cargo is so volatile.'
He hinted that the Jedi ought to go underground as he had, taking up a new identity for safety.
Asajj considered this for a moment. It was a kind offer but she didn't want to trouble him further. As it was she felt she had already placed him at great risk unaware that Darth Vader at this point was trying to avoid his former Master and one time brother.
"It will not be necessary, but I thank you all the same."
She said politely before furrowing her brow at the mention of a possible 'Hawk-Bat' on Kessel. It wasn't much but it just might be worth the gamble. Asajj took this into consideration and nodded slightly. At his suggestion that the Jedi should go underground Asajj furrowed her brow. That would be a wise decision one she would have to suggest to them. This was something she could help with as well as she knew of a few who specialized in fake identities. It wasn't much but it would at least give them a chance to slip through the Empire's clutches that much more easier.
However this wasn't the path she was meant to take personally and so instead she decided it would be best she looked into the matter of the 'hawk-bat' personally.
"I will look into the matter of the 'hawk-bat' personally, although a career change is not in order for myself, but I think there is much wisdom to be found here."
The Rattataki woman remarked letting him know that she while she would not follow this course of action she hoped the others would pay heed to his words.
Knowing he could not go with her, for he needed to be here on Tatooine to look after Anakin's son, a duty he could not abandoned for he had given Master Yoda his Word.
Obi-Wan nodded to Ventress, withholding the urge to say: 'May the Force be with you' for he did not want to put her or her 'cargo' at risk. He trusted the newly reformed Jedi would remain true to herself and follow the will of the Force.
'I wish you the best of luck and am sorry I cannot provide any further assistance.' He wanted to express how pleased he was to see she had returned to the Light, but knew she would be able to sense at least some of this from him.
He wondered who the other Jedi were that she had run across, but knew it was for the best that he didn't.
Asajj quietly rose to her feet marking the end of the meeting. Though she knew troubled times still lay ahead speaking to Obi-Wan had filled her with a sense of peace and it gave her a renewed sense of determination.
Studying him for a moment she bowed her head at his humble words before replying in all sincerity.
"You have done more than one could have ever asked and I thank you."
With that she bowed once more in respect to the one she knew as Sefa and returning her attentions to them both she spoke once more.
"May the darkness never touch you both."
With that she quietly turned around and prepared to depart.
