Betrayal - Chapter 11

Sanctuary

                         The Bendu Sanctuary was a mere five kilometers north of the spaceport. With the gleaming saw-toothed mountains a spectacular backdrop, the heart of the complex was nestled among rolling hills and sweetly-scented, whispering trees. A waist-high stone wall guarded the property. Beautifully colored in greys and greens, the sunlit stone gleamed with mica and quartz, the flicker of light changing as Obi-Wan and Atel drove along its length. A series of two-meter-high engraved silver posts were placed at regular intervals inside the fence. Obi-Wan wondered at their purpose.

                 At length, the Jedi reached a large granite archway, intricately carved. The only portal into the property, it seemed open and inviting. On the right side of the entrance, imbedded in the stone, was a small bronze placard, proclaiming "Bendu Sanctuary." There were no gates.

                 As Obi-Wan drove up the winding pathway, he noted that the trees had thinned out and vast tracts of grass and low bushes now covered the area surrounding the complex. To one side, past several outbuildings, a large garden could be seen and, beyond, there were harvested fields of crops.

                 The main structure was extensive. Gently curving away from the path, with elegant rounded turrets flanking either end and a central circular tower as entryway, the building was a full three stories high.  The facade was lovely in polished and cut grey-green stone, carved in a delicate, intricate pattern that caught the light and reflected it back in sparkling myriad colors. Beautifully-arched windows, in typical Naboo style, looked out over the drive. The curvilinear roofs gleamed a deep jade-green.

                 The tower's centered entrance was framed with a low, sweeping stone porch, one side covered in flowering vines. A large sign, in bronze and indigo, hung over the main door stating "Bendu Sanctuary" with a smaller inscription below "Serenity and Compassion - Twin Paths to the Light".

                 As the Jedi stopped the landspeeder at the gardened path leading to the front door, Obi-Wan noticed a slight movement at one of the windows. He was not concerned at the moment; the Bendu did not seem hostile - in fact the whole place exuded peace and a luminous strength in the Living Force. They quickly moved up the stairs and strode through the open door.

                 With the grand facade outside, Kenobi had thought that the main hall into the building would be large, stately, imposing. Instead, an atrium garden, with trickling waterfall and scented blossoms, the place alive with light and color and sound, invited them in. Here and there were scattered benches, clearly encouraging contemplation and quiet conversation. Beyond the green-filled space, through large, etched transparasteel doors, a spacious room held several alcoves with comfortable seating and privacy screens.

                 By the inner doors, dressed in blue tunic and leggings, a young Naboo man stood, patiently waiting for them. He bowed slightly and said, in a low soothing voice, "Welcome to the Sanctuary. I am Pavel Janson. How may the Bendu serve you?"

                 Both Jedi bowed and Obi-Wan went through the introductions. Pavel did not seem surprised but asked again. "Master Jedi, how may we be of service to the Republic representatives?"

                 "I wish to speak with Master Mace Windu and Mistress Shmi Skywalker. Please let them know we are here. My Padawan and I would also like a tour of the facilities."

                 The Bendu was startled when Shmi's name was mentioned but he covered it up quickly. Motioning them further into the building, through the etched doors, he pointed to one of the alcoves and promised to bring the requested people as soon as they were available. Moving into a private office beyond, Janson quickly contacted Windu. "Master, the Jedi have arrived and are asking for you and for Shmi."

                 "What? Why does he want to see her?" His voice was startled, then sharp with speculation.

                 "Master, he did not say. But he does want to see the Sanctuary. What do I do?"

                 Windu sighed, resigned. "He has a right to see her. Tell him that I will be down momentarily. Contact Shmi and have us meet her at the west garden. Warn her to be wary of what she says to the Jedi - truth yes, but nothing more. I will need a few minutes to let Master Jinn know what is going on. Keep them busy until then."

                 "Hold."

                 Anakin stopped short, his lightstaff pulsing green fire as he hastily aborted his downward slash. His young  body felt awkward in its arrested stance, unbalanced, his right knee askew, but he did not move. After a few patient moments of silence, he glanced surreptitiously at Qui-Gon. The Master merely grunted.

                 "Did you feel the wrongness in the movement, Anakin? At this point in the kata, your left foot should be pointing outward slightly as you move into the next form. Remember, too, a staff is not a lightsaber; both ends cut equally well. Try it again. From the third beat of the second set. Begin."

                 The  apprentice nodded slightly and started anew, his pike sending emerald flame into the far shadows of the barn. Flowing through the center space of the large building, his body glowed in the brilliant sunlight of midday, his motion stirring the air with its golden sparkle of dancing dust. He was light and darkness as he moved through the barred shafts of light and shadow. There was beauty, too, in the movement of the blades, wheeling, spinning, writing symbols of fire into the incongruous backdrop of harvesting droids and farm equipment.

                 Qui-Gon Jinn sat and watched his apprentice and was satisfied. Anakin had come a long way from the hell of slavery. One day, he would make a fine Bendu champion, walking in the ways of the Light.            

                He glanced down at his son sitting there, the child mesmerized. Ben moved slightly, trying to mimic the sway of Anakin's body, unconsciously bringing his chubby hands up to hold an imagined staff. Qui-Gon smiled indulgently, remembering how the young ones in the Jedi creche had done similar things with their training sabers. His son was growing up so fast. Before long, he would be going to the Sanctuary and learning the ways of the Force and the Bendu. Too soon.

                 Anakin slowed and then stopped, bowing as he finished his kata, waiting patiently for the next instruction. Qui-Gon nodded, motioning him over.

                 "Well done. Your skill with a lightpike increases daily. Soon, you will be as adept with it as the saber. Now, I think that is enough for the morning. It is past mid-day and I'm sure that someone here is hungry." He looked indulgently at Ben, his blue eyes dancing at the child's sudden interest.

                 "Master, there is one thing I promised to show Ben before lunch." Anakin leaned down before the young one, catching his hands and winking. "Remember..."

                 The boy's voice was high-pitched and excited. "Please, Daddy. He did promise."

                 Qui-Gon tried hard not to smile but inclined his head in silent agreement. "I will be busy with a few chores. Come in when you are done." He looked at Anakin, mock-stern. "Nothing dangerous, nothing flashy, right?"

                 His "Yes, Master" was spoken softly as the pair moved into the shadows to the left, stopping before one of the smaller droids. Ben at his side, Anakin crouched on one knee, waving his hand before him. The child's soft giggles echoed in the vast space as a gleaming droid with lanky digits and long legs took one hop and then another towards the pair. The apprentice waggled his fingers and the metallic legs began to twitch as the mechanical sprang from side-to-side, twisting about. Ben lifted his hand as well, trying to imitate the gestures. Just for a moment, the droid jerked and then tumbled into a clumsy dance as Anakin regained control. Wide-eyed, Ben stepped back, holding his hand over his mouth, unable to stop the laughter from tumbling out as he watched the droid flitter about the barn.

                 Qui-Gon chuckled at the sight. He knew that he should be stern about such frivolous Force use but it was good practice for Anakin and Ben might learn a thing or two. Shaking his head, still grinning, he turned to go.

                 His comlink began to chirp. "Jinn here."

                 Mace Windu's voice was strained. "Qui-Gon, Kenobi and his Padawan have arrived and are asking questions."

                 "We knew that he would find out about the Sanctuary sooner or later. Is there a problem?"

                 "He's asking to see Shmi."             

                "What? Why?" Behind him, the sounds of waltzing droid quieted and hushed whispers peppered the air. "Hold on a moment, Mace." Sighing heavily, Qui-Gon looked back at the pair. They tried to look inconspicuous, gazing earnestly away, pretending not to hear while listening intently.

                 "Ben, please go back to the house. I want to talk with Anakin alone."             

                The plea of "But, Daddy...." was met with unbending refusal. The child's mouth turned downward, his brow beginning to set in stubborn determination but Qui-Gon was adamant. Dragging his feet, prolonging the moment, Ben reluctantly moved towards the exit and finally gave up, the door closing loudly behind him.

                 "Anakin, just listen for now. Mace, go ahead."

                 "Kenobi won't say why he wants to talk to Shmi but, of course, as a Republic representative, he has the right to inspect everything here. And ask to see anyone under our protection."

                 Anakin started to speak but Jinn quickly shook his head, motioning for silence. "Mace, if he knows about her, I can only assume that he has tumbled onto our slave operation." Qui-Gon grimaced. "Damn. I had hoped for more time."

                 "What do I tell him?"

                 Glancing at Anakin, the Bendu sighed in resignation. "As little as possible for now. Slave issue aside, we knew that the Jedi would find out about us and investigate. A matter of when, not if." He hesitated for a moment, very aware that his apprentice was listening to every word. "Mace, we've already discussed this. You know that the Jedi will need a scapegoat."

                 Anakin stepped forward suddenly, his eyes wide with shock. "Master, no!"

                 Qui-Gon, swallowing hard, continued as if nothing had interrupted him. "Kenobi's bound to take me back to Coruscant on charges of starting an unauthorized Temple, no matter what we call it. And, if he finds the sabers, well..." He glanced quickly at Anakin who stood there, a deep frown clouding his young face. "I don't want him to find out what we are really doing with the slaves. It would ruin everything. If necessary, I will let him assume that I'm a slaver."

                 Mace's response echoed Anakin's "No, I will not permit it. There must be some other way."

                 "What way? In their eyes, we are breaking the laws of the Republic. You know this. If they think I'm in the slave trade, they'll pay less attention to everyone else and you will have time to set up alternate routes." He closed his eyes for a moment, resigned. "Either way, Mace, I'm going to be imprisoned. You must let me go, for all our sakes."

                 The comlink voice was somber, resigned. "Very well, Qui-Gon. I hope that you are wrong. I will let you know when Kenobi leaves and what he finds. Mace out." The comlink clicked off.

                 The silence in the barn was palpable. Anakin stood there, shaking with emotion, rage or despair - it was difficult to tell. Finally, the apprentice whirled on his Master, brow furrowed in fury. "What do you think you are doing?"

                 "Anakin, please try to understand." Qui-Gon moved toward him, but the apprentice just backed away, out of reach.

                 "I don't want to understand. You are just going to let that blasted Jedi take you...without a fight? How could you do that to me? To your wife? And what about Ben? Do you know what that will do to Ben?"

                 "I know, all too well." Deep sorrow knotted Qui-Gon's voice into a whisper. "What would you have me do, Anakin? The Jedi will not be content until they have their quarry and, like it or not, they have chosen me."

                 Skywalker wrapped his arms around his body as if cold, huddling inward. Staring at Jinn, he argued, "Fight them...fight him. Damn it, Master, don't do this."

                 "If I fight and lose, they will take me anyway. If I fight and win...Anakin, to win I would have to injure or kill both Obi-Wan and his apprentice. Is that what you want? " A quick shake of the head and Anakin looked half ashamed, half furious. "If I win, they will send more Jedi. They will take me and a lot of Bendu with me. I cannot let that happen."

                 "So you are the sacrifice." Anakin looked away, jaw clenched. The quiet "Yes" brought a fresh wave of despair to the young man. He turned, not wanting to look at his Master and started for the door. Qui-Gon reached for him, catching the corner of his tunic,  but the apprentice just twisted out of his grasp and stepped back, still avoiding Jinn's gaze. 

                 "Anakin, accept this, please."

                 The apprentice stood there for a moment, silent as a marble statue, then nodded abruptly and turned to go. Pushing the door open, stepping out into the fresh air, the apprentice was torn between his duty to his Master and the love for the man who was almost a father to him. As the door closed behind him, his decision was made. "Never."

                 The two Jedi stood in the waiting room, silent, stoic and apparently serene. Mace Windu paused at the door, watching them. Memory can be a fickle thing, coloring heartsore thoughts with bright hope or deep sorrow. For just a moment, only a moment, he longed to be within the Temple once more, going about the important work of the Order, basking in the deep peace of the gardens, sharing in the fellowship and dreams of the Jedi.

                 But that was long ago. Now he had a different mission, one as important, and he needed to remember that. Pushing through the transparasteel doors, he stopped before Kenobi and bowed slightly. "Welcome. It is good to see you again, Obi-Wan. It has been too long." He turned to Atel. "And this must be your apprentice. Welcome to the Bendu Sanctuary, Padawan Sl'etah."

                 Glancing back at the Jedi Knight, Windu continued smoothly, "Pavel has told me that you wish a tour of our facilities. I will take you myself and you might tell me something of the Temple while we look around."

                 "Master Windu, I thank you. I have heard many good things about the Bendu and their Sanctuary. I am curious to see if all the tales are true."

                 Mace nodded. "Only as true as the Tales of the Jedi, I'm sure. I believe that you also wanted to speak with Shmi Skywalker. She will be joining us at the west garden if that is all right with you."

                 "That will be fine."

                 "If you will follow me, I will be glad to answer any question you might have about the Bendu." He motioned them through a side entrance and into the marbled many-doored corridor beyond. Moving slowly toward a set of carved panels in the far distance, Mace glanced briefly at the pair, his soft voice echoing in the deserted  hallway. "The Bendu Philosophical Group was founded about eight years ago. Our membership includes a wide range of individuals from all walks of life and we have several secondary offices scattered across Naboo. This is our largest facility. Here reside the bulk of administrative services for our group, living quarters where needed and a small school."

                 "It is most impressive. The Bendu must be doing quite well to be able to purchase such a large property."

                 "Don't be fooled by size, Obi-Wan. We acquired this site a little more than three years ago. It was a donation from a wealthy benefactor but was in fair to poor condition at the time. Through the sweat and skill of our members, we have been repairing it but the work is slow and the vast majority of our time is spent on things of more importance."

                 "Such as?"

                 Mace bowed his head for a moment, then, his voice firm, he looked directly at the Jedi Knight. "Serving the common people... of this system and others as well. Our primary goal is to provide aid, advice and physical support where needed, especially when disaster strikes but we also help individuals and small groups to avert potential problems as well." 

                 Obi-Wan nodded, frowning slightly. "A worthy endeavor, indeed. The Jedi Order also serves the Republic's citizens. It appears we have the same goals and a common purpose."

                 Windu sent him a mild look of reproof. "On the surface, that is true. The Jedi are keepers of the Republic's peace and, theoretically, your service extends to all within its dominion."

                 "Theoretically?" Kenobi stopped abruptly, his voice hardening.

                 The Bendu's resigned sigh was clearly heard by the two Jedi. "Obi-Wan, I am not entirely ignorant of how the system works. The Order does not choose its assignments - they are mandated by the Senate and the Supreme Chancellor. Unfortunately, those in power within the Republic know only how to deal with governmental bureaucracies, self-serving autocrats and vast syndicates, not individuals and certainly not with the poor and defenseless. Jedi missions focus on the rich and powerful. It was not always true but it has been so for many years."

                 Up to this point, Atel had been content to let her Master lead the discussion. Looking into the offices through the windowed doors, exploring the texture and vibrant feel of this Sanctuary, her observant eyes everywhere, she played the part of the passive Padawan well. But, now, she could not let Windu's slurs pass without comment. His words were an insult to the Jedi Order. She stepped forward, her face a mask of stern disapproval as she started to object. Obi-Wan shot her a sharp warning glance, his hand moving subtly downward to brush her sleeve and she shrank back, chastised. Kenobi answered smoothly, "We are required to do the Senate's will."

                 Mace's eyes flicked between the two Jedi, then shrugged. "So you say."

                 Any retort from the Padawan was silenced as Kenobi probed further. "Tell me then. How do the Bendu serve the greater good if not through the channels of government?"

                 Disappointed in the question, Mace sighed softly. "Obi-Wan, we focus on helping those who have lost all. When catastrophe strikes, when disaster has wiped out the infrastructure and it is chaotic, we are there with aid and support - helping to alleviate suffering, finding lost souls, working with the local citizens to rebuild their communities. We cannot always avert calamity but we can help soften its cruel assault."

                 "Surely the Naboo authorities can direct you to areas where you can maximize your efforts. They should have a clearer picture of the scope of those needs than you."

                 The Bendu hesitated. "I admit that the current Naboo administration is better than most but we deal with other systems as well. We have found that large governments hunger to seize control of every situation and those within the bureaucracies will twist it to their own advantage. It appears to be the nature of things in these troubled times. The Bendu deal with the authorities as little as possible. We learned through pain and sorrow just how benevolent the Republic Senate could be and we will not repeat that mistake."

                 "But surely, you need monies from the government to help fund your generosity." Kenobi seemed truly perplexed.

                 A wry smile crossed Windu's face. "What, and give them a leash to tighten when they want control? I think not. Obi-Wan, the Bendu policy is very strict on this issue. We aid those whom we wish to aid. The government does not dictate to us in any way nor do we take money from them. Our experience within the Jedi Order has been very instructive and we learned our lesson well."

                 "Then, how do you fund your Sanctuary and your aid to those less fortunate?"

                 "Donations, mostly donations. Our founding members have been quite generous with credits, Qui-Gon Jinn in particular. Plus we tend to be fairly self-sufficient. The crops and gardens surrounding this complex feed most of our people and what we cannot eat, we barter or sell. We live strictly within our means...another lesson from our time with the Jedi Order."            

                Obi-Wan was quiet for a moment, then tried a different approach. "You indicated that your organization was founded eight years ago. Any reason why you did not merely join other agencies with the same goals?"

                 "At the time, Naboo was in the midst of recovering from the Trade Federation's illegal invasion and it was chaotic. There had been great loss of life, especially among city-dwellers and administrators, and the local associations and the government were frantically trying to regroup. The internment camps were cesspools of disease - the beings within had been fed very little and the shelters were almost non-existent. And the devastation was everywhere." He stopped momentarily, remembering, his dark eyes liquid with sorrow.

                 "I read about it in our briefing." Obi-Wan prompted.

                 "The Republic refused to send any aid. They were mired in politics as usual and Naboo was far from Coruscant." The sarcasm in Mace's voice was clear. "We could not stand by and let the people suffer. We felt it best that the Bendu group unite to help aid those in need."

                 "Understandable. And just who makes up the Bendu association?"

                 Mace paused briefly. "In this building, we house our administrative offices. There is a library upstairs as well as several large lecture halls and two small salons for defense classes." Mace nodded towards the far end of the corridor and then began walking again in that direction. "This way leads to classrooms, living quarters, a gymnasium and our cooking facilities."

                 As Kenobi was about to interrupt, Windu gestured for silence. "I have not forgotten your question, Obi-Wan....The Bendu was originally founded by former members of the Jedi Order, myself and Qui-Gon Jinn along with several others."

                 "May I have the names of those others?"

                 "I'm sure that you already do. It is a matter of public record."

                 Kenobi's eyes narrowed. "And did you think that the Jedi Order might not take kindly to former members combining forces?"

                 "I did not care what they thought." The sharp sarcasm was back in Windu's voice, just for a moment and then it softened. "Obi-Wan, we had been left without resources, many of us penniless. In the beginning, we banded together as much for protection and need as for service to others. Forgive me if you find that offensive but we...it was a rough time for all of us."

                 "So I have heard."

                 A fleeting look of uncertainty crossed Windu's face. "In the beginning, there were just a few Bendu but, knowledge of our organization spread and soon many former Jedi came to the area, looking for a safe refuge and, ultimately, a new home."

                 "Refuge? Why would they need a refuge?" Such a leading question might yield some answers.

                 "Yes, a refuge, a safehouse, if you will...some place where they could regain their composure after dismissal and think about what they wanted to do next. It is a very hard thing to be tossed aside from all that you have known and loved. Don't you agree, Obi-Wan?"

                 Kenobi looked away for a moment, nodding. His answer was a soft "Yes".

                 That response brought a fleeting frown to Atel's face. Her Master seemed entirely too empathetic towards the Bendu and he had let slip several opportunities for penetrating questions. Unhappily, by not debating Windu's statements about the Jedi, by letting them slide, he appeared to be agreeing with them. It was well-known that too much sympathy for those under investigation was not appropriate but she held her tongue. Now was not the time to voice that opinion.

                 The trio reached the end of the corridor. A set of carved wooden doors led into a short passageway, windowed on both sides, with several portals open to let in the fresh scent of the gardens and the joyous noise of birdsong. To the left, the ice-capped mountains gleamed brilliantly in the sunlight, a stunning backdrop to the panorama of gardens, the yellowed stubble of a just-completed harvest, the bright sliver of a small lake and green-treed woods in the distance.

                 Turning to the right, the Jedi could see that the buildings were configured as a series of faintly semi-circular clusters, grouped in such a way that, from above, it was shaped like that of a trumpet blossom. With the exception of the front structure, all of the other buildings were two-storied, faced with the same beautiful grey-green stone, the jade-colored roofs gleaming in the sunlight. Windows and several arched doors faced inward towards the landscaped grounds.

                 Within the large interior garden was an extensive open area, slighly mounded to one side, its short soft grass perfect for picnics, drowsy naps or energetic katas. Clustered on the other side were a series of whispering trees, just now catching the breeze of late afternoon. Along the Sanctuary's glimmering facades were gathered several miniature greenery-strewn spaces, set like bright living jewels upon the necklace of each building's curve.

                 It was clear that every landscaped area had a different purpose: a meditation space with serene lines and flowing water was tucked into the far corner; a scented blossom-filled haven close to the main building was saturated with the sound of insects and birds sipping the nectar of a thousand plants; a monochromatic garden felt serene in multi-hued blues and greens; a shrubbed maze led into a quiet contemplative space. 

                 It was full of the Living Force, pulsing with it, exuding an incredible calm that Obi-Wan had not felt in many years. The Room of a Thousand Fountains had felt like this when he was young, eons past. He stood there, almost in shock, breathing in the sound and light and scent.

                 Mace came up quietly to him, respecting the moment. "It almost feels like home, like the Temple."

                 Obi-Wan breathed a small "Yes" and then his voice saddened. "Long ago. It is not like that now."  

                 The response was gentle. "No, I suppose not."

                 Atel resisted the feel of the gardens, the rhythm of the living Force. Listening to both men, she grew impatient. The Temple had never felt like this in her memory; on Coruscant, it was sharper, more intense, filled with incredible pressure and breathless anticipation, not this green-soaked calm. Perhaps they were remembering a story or a memory of a memory, colored by time and distance that sweetens even the sourest of dregs. Besides, the only time she remembered any gentle oneness with the Force was during meditation with her Master.

                 She sighed, knowing that they must move on. At this rate, they would find out what they needed by the next century. Finally, she pointed to the second set of ornate doors and asked, "What's in this building?"

                 "A fair question, Padawan Sl'etah. Come this way," and with that, Mace opened the doors. Beyond, a long curving hallway could be seen with myriad openings lining the corridor. "Most of this building is devoted to education with classrooms on the first floor and living quarters above. A number of rooms are set aside for exercise and meditation as well. The buildings across the courtyard that you saw earlier are in sore need of repair but we do not require them as yet so they remain unoccupied."

                 Atel was persistent. "Master Windu, forgive me but this complex seems deserted. Where are the students?' Obi-Wan shot her a quelling look.

                 Mace turned away, sighing with apology, and began walking down the hall, the two Jedi hurrying to catch up. "Unfortunately, you have come at a most inopportune moment. The post-harvest semester break started a few days ago. Many of our students are either at home or on retreat with the Gungans at Otah Gunga. The teachers as well." He shrugged. "However, classes will begin again early next week. Perhaps if you are still here, we could give you a more comprehensive view of our school."

                 Kenobi exchanged a scathing look of disbelief with his Padawan. An inopportune moment, indeed. However, Obi-Wan was nothing if not polite. "Thank you. We will certainly consider it. In the meantime, we would like to see some of the classrooms."

                 "Of course. You may go anywhere you choose."

                 Nodding to Mace, Obi-Wan looked at the numerous doorways lining the space and randomly pointed. "This one, I think." Pulling the windowed door open, Obi-Wan found that the chamber within was overflowing with toys and games. Soft mats lined one side of the room and there were datapads and coloring tools scattered about. Clearly a child's classroom, it was brightly colored, filled with interesting bits and pieces meant to enchant a young one and, just as clearly, left in an unsettled state. His eyes flicked to Atel and back to Mace. As Kenobi moved to the window and started to look through the large untidy stack of drawings heaped on the desk, the Padawan began to quietly search the clutter at the back of the room.

                 "You must start teaching them very young."

                 Windu came up beside him, his senses acutely attuned to Atel's rambling explorations. "We have classes for all age groups, from toddlers through adult. There is also a small area for babies - sometimes the parents have duties and leave the young ones here for the day."

                 From across the space, Obi-Wan could feel Atel's interest. She had discovered something, hiding now in the fastness of her cloak. She continued to explore the room, however, as the two men played with the simple toys. Hoping to divert Windu's attention, Obi-Wan asked, "I can imagine what courses you teach the young ones. But what of the adults?"

                 As Mace began to talk, he moved towards the door. "Perhaps you would like to see some of our other facilities?" The Jedi followed him out into the hallway and started walking towards the far end. "Our school did not begin as such. When we first formed the Bendu group and it was discovered that many of us were former Jedi, we were approached by local groups for classes in self-defense. It had been a very difficult time for the Naboo people and the Trade Federation's invasion of this peaceful world acted as a wake-up call. The humans of this planet had no army and very few weapons." Mace shrugged. "The Gungans were better equipped but even they were devastated by the war. When the Neimodians were finally defeated, it was apparent that the Naboo people wanted to make sure that it would never happen again. Now, the planet has shielding based on Gungan technology, a sensor net for policing spaceship movement and training in battle strategies and self-defense for most of its citizens.  Depending on the skill level, we now teach unarmed self-defense, knife, vibroblade and sword fighting, quarterstaff combat and blaster use."

                 "You consider those skills defensive?" Obi-Wan was concerned.

                 Mace's reply was sardonic. "Most people don't have the Force as their guide. They must use what they can. Some techniques, especially blaster targeting, are relatively simple to learn. We do emphasize stun settings for living beings but droids rarely go down with anything less than lethal."

                 Obi-Wan pulled open another door, peering briefly into a meditation chamber before moving on. "And the children?"

                 "Most of our students are children of the Bendu. Here they receive a full range of educational classes. That does include defense tactics and political thought as well as philosophy, maths, science, economics, agriculture and languages."

                 The next several classrooms were nondescript schoolrooms, typical of those found throughout the galaxy. As they approached the end of the corridor, Atel noticed a small knot of indigo-clad teenagers were gathered by the exit, intently talking.

                 Atel pointed to the whispering group at the far end of the hall. "Shouldn't they be on leave as well?"

                 A momentary grimace and then Windu's face smoothed into a neutral mask. "A number of older students stayed behind to help with reconstruction of one of the buildings." Mace was clearly not happy to see them. "Do you wish to talk with them?"

                 "Yes, thank you." Kenobi nodded and quickly moved in their direction. The fivesome looked up at the movement, startled and began to whisper more rapidly. Then, at the rapid approach of the Jedi, the teens fell silent, waiting.

                 As Mace approached, the tallest of the gaggle stepped forward and bowed slightly. "I'm sorry, Master Windu. We did not realize that there were guests present."

                 "That's all right, Denn. This is Jedi Knight Obi-Wan Kenobi and Padawan Sl'etah. I've just been showing them the Sanctuary." Windu's voice was tight, unnamed anxiety bleeding into the air.

                 At the alarming realization that his suspicions had been correct and these visitors were indeed Jedi, Denn Hanoth straightened up, staring at them, while his cohort's whispers cut into the silence. He looked at the Padawan intently, frowning as he recognized her. "Atel? Atel, what are you doing here?" His harsh words were not welcoming.

                 The apprentice, surprised, had begun to smile warmly at her old friend but faltered as she realized he was not happy to see her. "Denn? I...I could ask you the same thing. Why aren't you on Melida/Dann? Last I heard, you were with the Agri-Corps, helping to rebuild their agricultural system."

                 That brought a huff of annoyance. "Yeah, I was there. Til the damn Order...." Master Windu's hasty "Denn" stopped the young man's outburst cold. "Sorry, Master Windu." He turned to Atel, looking down for a moment and then apologizing. "Sorry, Padawan." Breathing deeply to calm his fraying nerves, he began again. "Last year, the Jedi Order saw fit to shut down the Agri-Corps program. Said it was costing them too much money to stay in business. Most of the crew returned to their homes. As Padawan Sl'etah knows, I have no family so I was left to my own devices."

                 Atel breathed a sorrowful "Oh, I didn't know" as she moved to stand beside him, touching his sleeve. He backed away, shaking his head, his mouth flat with disdain.

                 Kenobi was somber. "Denn, is it?" The young man nodded warily. "What do you mean, left to your own devices? Surely, they did not dismiss anyone under eighteen - the age of majority. That would be a violation of the Order's parental contracts."

                 "Jedi Kenobi, excuse me, but I don't know anything about that. All I know was that they called me in and told me to get out - that I was no longer needed and here was two weeks pay. Period. And for your information, at the time, I had just turned sixteen."

                 Atel's eyes grew wide as Obi-Wan asked gently, "How did you get here then?"

                 The young man shrugged. "Luckily, a Bendu champion was in the area. He heard about the dismissal somehow and was able to transport me and two others back to Naboo. We've been here ever since."

                 "It appears that the Force was with you."

                 A second annoyed huff was heard and echoed by the other teens in the hallway. His response was caustic. "Yeah, you could say that. All I know is that the Bendu have been wonderful through the whole thing. I've my own room, I get to go to classes at the school and I am doing useful work."

                 "So you would not want to go back to the Jedi Order."

                 Denn snorted derisively at that. "Not on your life. What, and get smacked down next time they have problems with credits? No, thank you." He turned to Mace. "If you don't mind Master, I think that we should be getting back to work."

                 Windu nodded. "That's fine. Let me know if you need anything."

                 The young man moved into the center of his group, as if for support and they began to move away. Atel called after her old friend, "Denn, may the Force be with you." But he said nothing, ignoring her and the teens disappeared through the corridor's end portal.

                 Kenobi turned to his apprentice. "How did you know Denn?"

                 Her eyes were dejected as she sighed, still looking at the door where the young man had exited. "I used to tutor him in maths at the Temple. He was such a sweet kid, lively and strong in the Force. I was sure that he would be chosen as a Padawan Learner." She shrugged, dejectedly. "We were on a mission when he was sent to the Agri-Corps so I never got a chance to say good-bye." She looked at Obi-Wan and then down at the beautifully-tiled floor, her sight blurring for a moment. "I really wanted to."

                 Obi-Wan brushed her shoulder, squeezing gently. "Padawan, he seems happy here."

                 Mace tersely interrupted. "Yes now, but it was not always so." He paused, gathering his thoughts. "Denn wasn't entirely truthful. We didn't find him right away. In fact, it took about six months before we were even aware that the Agricultural Corps had been shut down. When he was finally rescued, he was living on the streets, begging for food, stealing when necessary and doing other things that he is not particularly proud of in order to stay alive." Windu's eyes were hard as stone. "Actually, Denn is lucky that we found him and brought him back here. We were not able to save them all."

                 "What do you mean?" Kenobi sensed that he was not going to like the answer.

                 "Obi-Wan, the Sanctuary is not called that because it is a lovely word. We...all the Jedi forced to leave their home needed a refuge, a place from which we could defend our own." Mace's voice hardened with animosity, staring fiercely at the two Jedi. "We discovered very early on that those who are dismissed from the Order are being hunted down and killed. Many died in the early days of the first round of dismissals, not realizing the danger in following a solitary path. Now, we band together. But we cannot always get to them quickly enough and, sometimes, they die. Even the children, Obi-Wan. That's what the Jedi Order has become."

                 Kenobi stood there, bleakly silent, heartsore, remembering that his best friend Bant had been among the dead. Remorse washed through him and with it flared a deep sense of outrage at the Jedi Council. He thought, *Surely, they should have done something, anything to save those who did not deserve that fate. Damn, how could they let children die?*

                 He knew that he could say nothing to Windu, not now, not with Atel staring at him. Lifting his misting eyes to meet those of Windu, he could only whisper, "I'm sorry."

                 Mace's jaw clenched for just a moment as he stared at the Jedi. The apology, however heartfelt, was not enough. Fleeting glimpses of anger and resignation raced across his visage as he sought to control his fury. He wanted to throttle the pair but it would do no good. The Jedi would just send new direwolves to hunt the Bendu. Finally, scowling, Mace looked at Obi-Wan.  "Sorry....Kenobi? That is not enough. I want to know why the Order is doing nothing about these murders."

                 Obi-Wan shook his head slowly, the frown lines gouging his face. "I don't know. The deaths are not....common knowledge within the Temple."

                 "But you knew about them." Mace asserted, pressing hard.

                 "I found out only yesterday."

                 Windu's soft "Ah" was followed by edgy silence.

                 Finally, when it was clear that the Jedi had nothing further to say on the matter, Mace sighed, turning towards the exit. Walking in the quiet of unspoken animosity, they moved soundlessly through the connecting hallway into another building. Mace pointed down the length of the corridor, not looking at his companions, his words clipped. "This building houses the gymnasium, cafeteria and power plant. The center for infant care is also in this wing. Did you wish to see anything here or should we just go to meet with Shmi?"

                 "I would like to see the exercise facilities, please." Obi-Wan's voice was subdued, low. Denn's revelations still weighed heavily in his thoughts.

                 "Through here, then." Mace pushed a door open and swept his arm to indicate that the Jedi could enter.

                 Beyond the entrance was a large open area, floored in a golden wood, the sunlight streaming across and bathing the place in brilliant warmth. Scattered here and there were slight straight cuts in the flooring. One wall was lined with soft matting; the section near the door was filled with stacks of equipment for different training techniques. The opposite wall held ladders, oddly-placed railings and rings of all sizes. At the far end were the ever-present bleachers. Above, the large rings and bars could be lowered to any height but were currently securely tied to the rafters.

                 Windu stood by the door, waiting for the Jedi to make accusations. It did not take long.

                 The Padawan observed. "Very nice. Looks just like the Temple on Coruscant."

                 Mace bowed slightly, "Thank you. Sometimes, it is good to have familiar surroundings. It is comfortable."

                 "And I believe that the rings and railings in those configurations are exclusive to Force-users. Am I not correct?"

                 "Very good, Padawan." Windu said sarcastically. "Since there are a great many former Jedi at this facility, we thought it might be a good idea to have equipment that they could use. Keep up their skills, you know, just in case someone tries to murder them." The apprentice stepped back, chastised, glancing at her Master for support.

                 Obi-Wan interrupted, "Mace, I know that this is difficult for all of us." He paused, "Now, is this where the defense classes are taught?"

                 "Usually not. As I said earlier, there are rooms in the front building that are set up for the defense classes for non-Bendu. However, we do have demonstrations occasionally for the local community."

                 "And do these demonstrations include lightsaber fights?" Obi-Wan was staring hard at the Bendu champion.

                 Mace's face was grim. "Of course not, Knight Kenobi. Owning a lightsaber is forbidden to non-Jedi, as you well know. I believe that the Senate passed a regulation last year about it."

                 "Yes, I am sure that they did. Could you please explain the gouges in the floor then? They seem to be recent."

                 "We use vibrostaffs. That might cause them."

                 "They appear to be singed around the edges. I ask again. Are you using lightsabers?"

                 "No, we are not." Windu's voice was cold, sharp. "Look, Kenobi. We are well-aware of the regulations. We do use double-bladed staffs with the tips based on a similar technology to lightsabers." He looked directly at the Jedi Knight. "We were very careful to read the law in detail. We are not violating any mandate." He folded his arms, back stiff, legs straight, and prepared for an argument.

                 Obi-Wan could be just as stubborn. "I want to see one. Now."

                 Mace sighed in disgust and strode over to a small cabinet near the entrance. Reaching inside, the Bendu brought out a longish tube and tossed it to Kenobi. The cylinder's shape was vaguely similar to a lightsaber, thick enough to be easily held but stretched to accommodate two hands. However, its indigo-blue handle, beautifully carved with gold and silver trim, the dark blue grips and various attachments made it obvious that this was not a Jedi's weapon. Obi-Wan carefully flipped on the switch and two glowing lines of turquoise light extended, the familiar saber hum filling the air. The balance of the staff was perfect.

                 Kenobi twirled the blades, noting the superior defense tactics that could be used with such a weapon and also realized its weakness. It could cut both ways. Only an extremely skilled Force-user could utilize this staff without serious injury to themselves. He shut off the pike and tossed it back to Windu.

                 "You appear to be correct, Master Windu. It is not a lightsaber." Mace bowed slightly, his face stony. Atel began to step forward, intent on objecting to her Master's statements but Obi-Wan sent her a forbidding glance and she was silent.

                 "I would like to see Shmi Skywalker now, if you would be so kind. I believe that we have kept her waiting long enough."

To Chapter 12