When the Sun Sets

Chapter 11 - Utapau

Author's Note: We are now starting the second half of the book. :)

~ Amina Gila

Obi-Wan Kenobi

The last time we were here was not a pleasant experience. I doubt this will be much better, though I can hope it'll bring an end to the war. Caleb Dume – Depa's padawan – was left with the clones for now, and I am going to assess the situation first, because I've been here before. I know a little about this place. I'm going to confront Krell alone to keep him distracted long enough for Depa to arrive – I know better than to think I can defeat Krell on my own.

I know Krell will be able to sense my approach, and I'm grateful that this meeting with the Pa'uans went far simpler than the previous one – at least they're being cooperative. I'm unsurprised to hear that Krell has droids stationed to watch them and ensure the word doesn't get out that he's in hiding here. I can only hope he won't sense me too far away.

"It won't be long before the Republic finds us," Krell is saying down below, pacing in front of the gathered Separatist leaders, "I'm sending you to the Mustafar system. You will be safe there."

"Safe?" demands Gunray, standing. "Chancellor Palpatine managed to escape your grip, General. Without Count Dooku, I have doubts about your ability to keep us safe."

Krell scoffs. "Count Dooku's capture was another step to a plan far greater than you, Viceroy." He turns away dismissively, starting to walk away while the Separatist leaders begin departing.

I watch for a moment, scanning the area. He was once a Jedi, so it will not be easy, but the clones will be here shortly. I shrug off my cloak, dropping it to the ground before jumping off the ledge with a cheerful, "hello there."

The Sith whirls around with a growl, hands moving towards his lightsabers already. "Kenobi," he greets, coldly, "I knew you would arrive eventually. But you are already too late."

"Really," I not-quite-deadpan, eyes narrowing.

Krell ignites his double-bladed lightsabers. "I imagine you've brought your little pets with you?"

My anger flares instantly that he would speak of them like that, but I let it go, drawing the Force in to fuel me. I ignite my own lightsaber in response, pointing it at him.

"Unfortunately, you won't be leaving," Krell growls, spinning his lightsabers and stalking forwards. "I defeated you before, and I will once more."

"You ran," I correct, "Like the coward you are. Only a coward would embrace the Dark Side."

"Only a fool would stand with the Jedi!" Krell snarls, and lunges at me. I parry his blow immediately, backing away from the force of his blows. I'm trained for this. Everyone knows I'm one of the best duelists in the Order, and Krell certainly knows better than to think he can defeat me. If I need to buy time to search for weak points, I can do that easily enough.

The droids around us don't dare start shooting, either.

I do, truthfully, wish the twins were here. They know him better than I do, and they would be able to counter more easier.

Except they had to stay on Coruscant, and I don't want them near Krell, anyway – he hurt them both. I can't forget that. (I haven't forgiven that; I never could.)

The fight goes back and forth with neither of us gaining ground until I hear the clones arriving. Depa appears beside me only moments later.

"So, you didn't bring your pets," Krell muses, shoving me a few steps back, "How unusual. Did they misplace another piece of themselves?"