Star Wars - Episode I Adventures 001 - Search for the Lost Jedi

by Ryder Windham

  In Galactic City on the planet Coruscant, the twelve member Jedi Council contemplated the Force and decided the action of over ten thousand Jedi Knights throughout the galaxy. Legendary for their bravery and power, the Jedi prevented wars, preserved peace, and maintained justice.

  Jedi Master Qui-Gon Jinn was regarded as one of the greatest Jedi Knights. A brave warrior and a kind man, Qui-Gon was not intimidated by any challenge. He might have been a member of the Council but he believed his destiny was as a Jedi Knight, allied with the Force to help those in need.

  As a Jedi Master, one must successfully train an apprentice — a Padawan Learner — to become a Jedi Knight. Qui-Gon Jinn’s Padawan was a young man named Obi-Wan Kenobi…

  As the three armory droids lurched forward from the shadows of the arena, the twenty-five-year-old Jedi apprentice Obi-Wan Kenobi swiftly drew his lightsaber and pressed the activation switch. Suddenly, the sound of the lightsaber’s low, steady hum filled the air, and the dark arena was illuminated by the weapon’s cold, blue light. Despite his lightsaber’s glowing blade, Obi-Wan could not see anything. He was wearing a thick, padded blindfold.

  Snapping into a combat stance, the armory droids raised their blaster pistols. The droids aimed at the blindfolded Obi-Wan and fired, sending red energy bolts flying toward their target.

  Using the Force to sense the trajectory of the oncoming bolts, Obi-Wan swiftly angled his lightsaber and swung at the deadly barrage. Loud, electrically charged crackling filled the air as Obi-Wan’s darting lightsaber struck the energy bolts, batting them back at the three droids.

  Two droids were destroyed as the bolts hit their torsos in a shower of sparks, knocking them to the black metal floor. The third droid was faster, jerking aside with surprising speed to avoid a direct hit. One energy bolt sped past it and smashed into the dense plastoid wall, but the final bolt shaved through the greased elbow joint of the droid’s firing arm. Still gripping the blaster pistol, the severed arm clattered to the floor.

  The droid reacted automatically. It used its remaining arm to reach for its back-mounted holster and pull free a fully loaded blaster rifle.

  As the armory droid aimed the rifle, the blindfolded Obi-Wan Kenobi leaped across the arena, moving so fast that he became a blur. The droid recalibrated its targeting sensors, pulled the trigger, and unleashed an explosive stream of energy bolts at Obi-Wan’s indistinct form.

  But Obi-Wan was too fast — the spraying bolts hammered into the surrounding walls.

  Instantly, Obi-Wan and his blazing lightsaber rematerialized close behind the armory droid. Detecting its opponent, the droid spun around to attack, but it wasn’t fast enough. In a blinding flash, Obi-Wan’s lightsaber slashed up through the droid, cleaving the automaton in half. It toppled over, its legs useless, its scorched, severed parts scattered across the black floor.

  Obi-Wan Kenobi deactivated his lightsaber. The entire fight with the three droids had passed in just under eleven seconds.

  “Most impressive, Obi-Wan,” a deep voice commented from the entrance of the arena. Immediately recognizing the voice, Obi-Wan turned his blindfolded face to the speaker.

  “Greetings, Master,” the young Jedi answered as he removed his blindfold. “Forgive me. I didn’t hear you come in.”

  Qui-Gon Jinn, a tall Jedi Master, smiled at his apprentice from the arched doorway. Moving his hand over a wall panel, Qui-Gon turned on the lights within the arena, causing Obi-Wan to blink his eyes. “You were focusing too much attention on the droids, Padawan,” Qui-Gon observed. “To prepare for the unexpected, you must stretch out with the Force. Perhaps you’re spending too much time here in the Jedi Temple. It would do you well to get outside of this training center once in a while.”

  “Yes, Master,” Obi-Wan replied. “I’ll follow your advice. But if I may ask, what brings you back to the Temple? I thought you were going to visit the lower levels of Coruscant.”

  “There was a change in plans,” Qui-Gon answered.

  “Sorry to hear that. I know how much you enjoy your friends down there.” In truth, Obi-Wan did not understand why Qui-Gon liked the company of pathetic life-forms, such as those who populated Coruscant’s lowest industrial regions. Over many centuries, the capital city had expanded until it covered the entire planet. The wealthiest citizens lived in luxurious skyscrapers while the very poor struggled for survival in the subterranean clusters far below Coruscant’s surface. Changing the subject, Obi-Wan asked, “So, how much did you see of my practice session against the droids?”

  Surveying the three fallen armory droids, Qui-Gon responded, “Enough to see your skill with a lightsaber is ever improving.”

  Grateful for Qui-Gon’s praise, Obi-Wan bowed. “Thank you, Master.”

  As an eight-armed sanitation droid rolled into the arena to clean up the wreckage from the floor, Qui-Gon clapped Obi-Wan on the back. “Come along now, Padawan,” he said, guiding his apprentice toward the exit. “We’ll have to hurry if we’re to attend the meeting.”

  “Meeting?” Obi-Wan asked, walking faster to keep up with the long strides of his Master. “What meeting?”

  “We’ve been summoned by the Jedi Council,” Qui-Gon replied as they left the training arena and entered a corridor. “That’s why I was called away from the lower levels.” The corridor was lined by a row of high windows, offering a spectacular view of Galactic City.

  “The Jedi Council?” Obi-Wan repeated, clearly surprised. “Do you know why they want to see us?”

  Leading Obi-Wan into a lift tube, Qui-Gon answered, “I only know that we’d better not be late!”

  The Jedi Council was composed of twelve members: Mace Windu, Yoda, Ki-Adi-Mundi, Adi Gallia, Depa Billaba, Eeth Koth, Oppo Rancisis, Even Piell, Plo Koon, Saesee Tiin, Yaddle, and Yarael Poof. Together, they pondered the balance of the Force and helped guide the Jedi Knights in their missions. With Master Yoda at his side, Mace Windu presided as a senior Jedi of the Council.

  Leaving the lift tube and entering the Council chamber, Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan passed Jedi Master Jorus C’baoth, who was on his way out. Since Jorus C’baoth was the personal advisor to Senator Palpatine of the Galactic Senate, Obi-Wan became even more curious about the nature of the Council meeting.

  Approaching the members of the Council, Qui-Gon cast a quick glance at the seated Jedi. Immediately, he noticed an empty chair within the Council’s semicircular arrangement. Realizing which Jedi was absent, Qui-Gon dismissed all formality and asked, “What’s happened to Adi Gallia?”

  Before Mace Windu could answer, Yoda’s long, pointed ears bent back as he remarked, “Always perceptive Master Qui-Gon is, to what visible is not.”

  “Adi Gallia is missing, Qui-Gon,” Mace Windu revealed. “She was on a covert mission to the planet Esseles.” Raising a hand toward a holographic projector, Mace activated a hologram. A slowly rotating globe appeared, showing Esseles as a warm world covered with young mountain ranges. “We know Adi arrived safely on Esseles, but she missed the last two scheduled status reports. Are you familiar with this world?”

  “I’ve never been there, but I know of it.” Qui-Gon studied the hologram. “It’s one of the planets linked by the Perlemian Trade Route in the Darpa Sector. Esseles’ capital city is Calamar, a center for high-tech research and development, specializing in hypernautics and advanced hyperdrive engines.”

  Listening to his Master, Obi-Wan Kenobi felt both awe and respect. Obi-Wan had always been impressed by Qui-Gon’s keen memory for details.

  Mace Windu nodded, keeping his eyes fixed on Qui-Gon. “Esseles has progressed
from research and development to full-scale manufacturing,” Mace Windu noted. “Recently, the Council received a mysterious data card, alerting us that a factory named Trinkatta Starships was commissioned to build fifty experimental droid starfighters.”

  “Was the data card a trick to lure Jedi to Esseles?” Qui-Gon asked.

  “If it were a trick,” Mace Windu answered, “someone went to a lot of trouble to send us very detailed information.” The hologram of Esseles vanished, replaced by a hologram of a sleek, dartshaped droid starfighter. “According to the data card,” Mace continued, “these starfighters are equipped with hyperdrive engines.”

  “And know what this means we do!” Yoda interjected. “Travel through hyperspace for peaceful purposes, droid starfighters do not!”

  “Master Yoda speaks the truth,” Jedi Master Oppo Rancisis agreed. A cunning military strategist, the hair-covered Master Oppo pointed to the hologram and professed, “Droid starfighters have only two purposes: to kill and to conquer. They’re flying hired guns without fear or remorse, generally reserved for the most lethal campaigns. With hyperdrive capability, they don’t need to be transported by a carrier ship. Properly programmed, they could be sent to attack any ship or planet in the galaxy and bought by any creature with means.”

  “I doubt that Trinkatta Starships would have built expensive droid starfighters unless there was a ready buyer,” Qui-Gon Jinn commented as the hologram vanished. “Do you know who commissioned these starfighters?”

  “No,” Mace Windu replied. “That’s what Adi Gallia hoped to learn on Esseles. We haven’t informed the Senate of our investigation because the droid starfighters may have been ordered by a member planet of the Galactic Republic. It’s possible that one of our allies is plotting a civil war. If that’s the case, informing the Senate might alert the buyers to cover their trail. We’ve asked Jorus C’baoth not to notify any Senators of these proceedings. Until we have solid evidence identifying who paid for the starfighters, we need to maintain secrecy.”

  “Secrecy?” Straining to keep his voice calm, Qui-Gon asked, “What of Adi Gallia? Is her life not worth more than yet another covert operation? In case you don’t remember, I wouldn’t be standing here now if she hadn’t saved my life!”

  Obi-Wan was surprised by his Master’s statement. Qui-Gon had never told him of an adventure with Adi Gallia.

  “This is why we have summoned you, Qui-Gon Jinn,” Mace Windu answered. “You will lead two Jedi Knights to Esseles, to find Master Adi.”

  At that moment, two more Jedi Knights entered the Council room. They were Vel Ardox and Noro Zak. Wearing a black wet suit, Vel Ardox resembled a human, but she was an amphibious Blubreen from the Ploo Sector. Noro Zak’s tapered ears and leathery, membranous wings indicated he was a Baxthrax.

  Qui-Gon nodded at the two Jedi Knights. He had fought alongside Vel and Noro in the past, and trusted them both. “Except for the circumstances, it’s good to see you,” Qui-Gon greeted. Turning for the door, he continued, “The four of us had better get going to Esseles. Come, Obi-Wan —”

  “Perhaps I was not clear, Qui-Gon,” Mace Windu interrupted. “A Jedi Master is missing. This mission could be extremely dangerous. As an apprentice, Obi-Wan Kenobi is not ready for such an assignment. Your Padawan should remain here at the Temple.”

  Qui-Gon glanced at Obi-Wan, searching his face for any reaction. Obi-Wan wore a relaxed expression and wisely remained silent. But Qui-Gon sensed he was disappointed.

  “Understood,” Qui-Gon answered Mace Windu. “Obi-Wan will help us prepare for departure.” Watching Qui-Gon, Vel Ardox, Noro Zak, and Obi-Wan leave the Council chamber, Yoda said softly, “May the Force be with them.”

  In the starship hanger at the Jedi Temple, the Republic Cruiser Radiant VII and its crew of eight — a captain, two copilots, two communications officers, and three engineers — waited to transport the Jedi to Esseles. From the hangar deck, Obi-Wan watched as Qui-Gon followed Vel and Noro to the cruiser’s main hatch.

  Of course, Obi-Wan had hoped to join Qui-Gon on the mission. He had fought beside his Master before and believed he was well trained for such an assignment. But the Padawan knew better than to question Mace Windu’s reasons for wanting him to stay on Coruscant. Also, he could feel relief within his disappointment. If Qui-Gon had argued with Mace Windu about allowing Obi-Wan to join the rescue team, it would have been embarrassing for the entire Council.

  Entering the Radiant VII, Noro Zak had to duck, folding his thick-skinned wings tight against his back so they wouldn’t scrape the ceiling. Qui-Gon watched from the open hatchway as Noro neatly arranged himself in a seat beside Vel Ardox. “You can close the hatch now, Master Qui-Gon,” Vel noted. “We’re all ready.”

  “Not quite,” Qui-Gon replied as he fidgeted with the hatch mechanism. Turning from the hatchway, Qui-Gon looked to the hangar deck and called out to Obi-Wan. “Padawan! I want you to take a look at this hatch. I think it’s stuck.”

  Wondering why Qui-Gon hadn’t requested a proper droid mechanic, Obi-Wan left the deck and stepped into the cruiser. As soon as Obi-Wan was inside, Qui-Gon quickly sealed the hatch.

  “Ah!” Qui-Gon exclaimed. “It seems the hatch works after all. Now, Padawan, since you’re on board, you should find yourself a seat. We’ve a long trip ahead of us.”

  “B-B-But, Master…” Obi-Wan stammered. “Mace Windu said I should remain —”

  “I know what Mace Windu suggested,” Qui-Gon interrupted, “but you’re my responsibility. If I’m going to Esseles, I want you where you belong: at my side!”

  Obi-Wan’s gaze traveled from the sealed hatch to Qui-Gon’s face. Despite the presence of Vel and Noro, Obi-Wan was compelled to protest. “Forgive me, Master, but you put me in an unfair position. You ask me to disobey either you or the Jedi Council.”

  “I’m not asking you to disobey anyone, Padawan,” Qui-Gon answered. “We both know you’re ready for this mission. I want you to come to Esseles with us because I have a feeling we’re going to need you there. If I’m asking for anything, it’s your help.” Turning to face the two seated Jedi Knights, Qui-Gon raised his eyebrows and asked, “Any questions?”

  Vel and Noro swapped glances. Turning to Obi-Wan, Noro inquired, “Would you like a window seat?”

  After a moment of hesitation, Obi-Wan stepped away from the sealed door. “I can’t believe I’m doing this,” he muttered.

  Qui-Gon grinned. “Glad we sorted that out!” Leaning toward a wall-mounted comm unit, Qui-Gon addressed the Radiant VII’s captain, stationed in the cruiser’s cockpit. “We’re all aboard, Captain. Prepare to launch.”

  As Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan slipped into adjacent seats, Obi-Wan whispered, “Master? I was unaware that Master Adi ever saved your life.”

  Instead of answering immediately, Qui-Gon closed his eyes, preparing to enter a deep meditation. “I will tell you all about it, Padawan… after we rescue Adi Gallia.”

  Minutes after leaving Coruscant, the Radiant VII blasted into hyperspace. It was a difficult journey to the Darpa Sector, requiring the nav computer to delicately shift course from one trade route to another before reaching the Esseles system. Some time later, the cruiser exited hyperspace, arriving in orbit of Esseles.

  “Trinkatta Starships is on the outskirts of the city, Calamar,” Qui-Gon noted. “The captain will land our cruiser at a discreet distance and remain with the ship. From there, we’ll deploy the landspeeder.” Turning to the winged Noro Zak, Qui-Gon continued, “Noro, you’ll fly to Trinkatta, scouting for signs of any unusual activity. Traveling by speeder, Vel, Obi-Wan, and I will meet you there.”

  Speaking into the cruiser’s comm unit to the pilot, Qui-Gon Jinn commanded, “Take us down.”

  Twenty minutes later, Qui-Gon, Vel, and Obi-Wan’s landspeeder zoomed away from the Radiant VII. Flying low over a dirt road, Vel Ardox guided the landspeeder at high speed toward the starship factory.

  Trinkatta Starships was a huge complex, covering nearly two sq
uare kilometers. Surrounded by a high stone barricade, the complex contained two large structures: an observation tower, used to monitor incoming and outgoing starships, and a mammoth factory. The factory’s upper levels appeared to be composed of plastoid with arched transparisteel windows, but the old foundation indicated the original building had undergone extensive renovation. Adorning the factory’s roof, three tall chimneys pumped dark blue smoke into the sky.

  Obi-Wan coughed, then cleared his throat. “That foul smoke,” he gasped, nodding toward the chimneys. “I doubt Trinkatta Starships meets environmental regulations!”

  Studying the high barricade that surrounded the factory, Vel Ardox noted, “It looks like they don’t encourage visitors either.”

  Slowing the vehicle to a hovering stop near the wall, Vel Ardox gazed up, searching for Noro. Her sharp eyes quickly found the flying figure.

  Noro glided high over the factory, carefully avoiding the rising toxic clouds that billowed from the three chimneys. Angling his wings, Noro swooped down in a spiraling descent toward the other Jedi. Seconds later, his taloned feet touched down on the ground beside the landspeeder.

  “A long time ago, this factory must have been a fortress,” Noro declared as Qui-Gon, Obi-Wan, and Vel climbed out of the landspeeder. Pointing to the observation tower, Noro continued, “Trinkatta’s spaceport lies between that tower and the factory. I saw some repulsorlift vehicles and an old freighter parked in the spaceport, but there wasn’t any sign of the droid starfighters.”

  “They might be within the factory,” Qui-Gon mused. “Does the wall surround the entire factory?”

  “Yes,” Noro answered. “And on the other side of the wall there’s a wide moat. A bridge crosses the moat from a security checkpoint.”

  “Show us the way to the checkpoint, Noro,” Qui-Gon requested. Noro guided the others around the barricade to a large stone booth. Beyond the booth, a massive metal door separated the Jedi from the bridge to the starship factory.