“Master Yoda, where could we go?” Obi-Wan asked, spreading his hands helplessly. “We know of nowhere else save for here. It’s impossible to hide from a Sith Lord, they can sense us a lightyear away.”
Yoda sighed deeply. “Nothing is impossible, young one. Strong in the Force both of you are. Use the knowledge your masters before you have given. Go. Before it’s too late.”
Both Jedi bowed and left the chambers. From hs seat, Eeth glanced at Yoda. “Master Yoda, why have you sent them away?” he asked calmly. Yoda turned his head to look at his fellow Jedi Master.
“Skywalker needs to learn to control his feelings, Master Eeth. If he does not, control him they will,” he replied. Beside him, Mace Windu nodded in agreement.
“We all know the boy has a lot of anger and fear inside of him. He has since he was first brought before us,” he reminded them all. “The tragedy of leaving his mother behind is still with him. He is susceptible to the Dark Side.”
All of the members agreed solemnly. Eeth bowed his head slightly. “Yes, he is. I fear for their lives more than anything else,” he told them. Yoda blinked his great green eyes at him.
“These fears, where do they come from?” he asked the Zabrakian.
“The Sith Lord Obi-Wan defeated had another, a mate of sorts. She followed Obi-Wan and Anakin for three and a half years vowing vengeance against them. She might track them down again and this time, succeed in her vow,” he explained. Yoda exchanged looks with Mace.
“If this is true as you say, Master Eeth, then their lives are in extreme danger,” Mace said. Eeth bowed his head once to verify the other’s words. “Perhaps someone should accompany them?”
“None of us are fit for the battle,” Ki-Ai Mundi remarked from his seat. “We belong here, not out there with the Knights.”
Yoda templed his fingers beneathe his chin and hmmm’ed thoughtfully. “Is there an apprentice available for this task?” he asked the others. The Masters exchanged looks, shrugs, and gestures. “Hm. Troubling this is.”
“I’m afraid they’re on their own, Master Yoda,” Mace said reluctantly. Yoda sighed and nodded. Eeth watched his fellow Jedi Master carefully. Their thoughts were jumbled and concerned.
“We can only hope that the Force is with them, wherever they go,” Eeth said quietly. They all agreed.
* * *
“Master, where can we go?” Anakin asked as the two Jedi hurried forth from the Jedi Temple to the docking pads. Each carried a traveling bag over their shoulder and a pouchful of credits of every planet in the Republic’s grasp. Obi-Wan spoke over his shoulder as they neared the docking pad.
“Master Yoda has commanded it and it is dangerous for you to remain here. Dangerous for me as well.”
“I don’t understand though! We should stay and fight them!” Anakin protested, coming to a halt and throwing his bag to the floor. Obi-Wan sighed inwardly and turned to his Padawan. Anakin stood there with his arms crossed over his chest.
“That is not our way, Anakin. Now come, no more complaints. We haven’t much time,” Obi-Wan ordered, turning once more. Anakin grouched a bit to himself, snatched up his bag, and stomped after his master. Qui-Gon would’ve stayed and fought, he thought bitterly. Obi-Wan nodded to the pilot of the ship they were to borrow, handed him a generous amount of credits, then boarded the vessel. Anakin trudged along behind him, looking sullen.
* * *
“They’re moving,” Dirae stated blandly. Maul came up behind her. She pointed to the docking pads beside the Temple.
“I see. Let’s follow them, wherever they flee to,” Maul commanded and turned on his heel sharply to stalk out of the chambers. Dirae cast one last glance at the fleeing ship and followed her master.
The Sith boarded their vessel, Seduction V, quickly and sped after the departing Jedi. Dirae was at the pilot’s helm punching in coordinates. Maul sat beside her in the co-pilot’s chair and adjusted the lightspeed settings.
“They’re going back to...Tatooine?” Dirae couldn’t hide her surprise. Maul frowned thoughtfully.
“Odd. Or maybe it isn’t. The boy’s mother is on Tatooine. He must be wanting to see her,” he remarked. He smiled slightly. “All the better. They will be distracted and we can easily kill them. This is perfect.”
“I have sensed something more from the boy, my Lord Maul,” Dirae began, looking at him. Maul shifted his gaze from the panel to her. “He appears to admire me. It’s disgusting to me but he seems to enjoy my skill. He should be admiring yours since you were the one who taught me most of what I know now.”
Maul’s yellow eyes slitted dangerously. “Does he?” he growled. “I will kill him for wanting what is mine.”
Dirae reached out and clutched his arm gently. “He will not take me from you, mi laa. I do not want a Jedi apprentice. He is weak, you are strong. Andi E laa yo.” Her words calmed him and he placed his hand over her’s.
“Once I could never be tamed, yet you succeed in this. You have my respect and mi laa. Do not stray from my side when we confront the Jedi. Twice you’ve been taken from me, not anymore. Not while I live.”
Dirae offered him a small smile and turned back to the panel. She knew one day she’d have to confront those who had sent Damek. Without Maul. She would obey his words now for his own safety. But when the time came, she would have to return to Iridonia alone.