Ghost of Nightmares Past/Chapter 3

AN OLD FRIEND RETURNS

"Reports of Outer Rim battles are escalating." The reporter was saying as he turned the sausages. "The Clone Army is trying its best to force the Droids back from the planet, but, as we now speak, the enemy continues to press their advantage of numbers against the Republican troops."

Obi-Wan placed the sausages on his plate, along with his mash potato, gravy and peas, before walking to his dining table, where he had set a place for one. Just him tonight, some peace at last from Anakin and the others. He set his plate down, and summoned his drink to him with the force. He sat, and began to eat. The reporter was continuing her, well, report of the Outer Rim battles, and, this time, was interviewing a clone that Obi-Wan knew well.

"We have here Commander Alpha, of the Clone Army." The reporter was saying, "Who will give us an overview of the battle that is occurring just now." Obi-Wan turned his eyes from his plate to the holo-vision, and listened to Alpha's report.

"The Droids are advancing too far and too fast for us to keep up, but we shall prevail." Alpha was saying. "We have evacuated nearby villages and cities in case the droids turn their vision towards them. We also ask anyone who is watching to remain cautious should they come into the system." He took a breath, "General Ti is trying her utmost best to try and free the people, and we thank the public for their support."

Obi-Wan pushed his clean plate aside, and continued sipping his jawa juice, watching as the reporter turned back to the camera. "That is all from me just now...wait!"

"Get down!" Alpha suddenly yelled, pulling the reporter down, as a shell exploded feet away. Obi-Wan perked up, eyes wide and fearful, his heart thumping in his chest, hoping that Alpha (And the reporter) was alright. Relief struck him when he saw the clone stand, and lead the reporter and camera man away at running pace. All Obi-Wan could see now was the ground, dusty and brown. Finally, the reporter was seen again; dust on her face, staring into the camera, her eyes full of fear. "We had just escaped a separatist tank shell, and it's just in that General Grevious of the Droid Army is closing in on us as we speak! This is Clara, signing off!" The Camera went blank, and the program went straight to the studio, where a fish-like alien sat, looking horrified, at the screen where she must have seen the footage. "Erm," She started, facing the camera, "More from Clara later."

The door at that moment burst open, causing Obi-Wan to jump out of his seat and grab his sabre. Anakin stood at the doorway, eyes wide. "Did...did you see?" He said, pointing at the holo-vision.

"Yes Anakin," Obi-Wan said tiredly, "I did." He switched the vision off, and turned to him. "What are you doing here?"

Anakin smiled, "Well, actually, I have a surprise for you!"

"I dread to think what it is," Obi-Wan said, "Go on."

Anakin pulled a man with wheat-coloured hair and blue eyes from behind him.

"Garen?" Obi-Wan stammered, standing.

"'Ello!" Garen said, thumping Obi-Wan on the back, causing him to lurch forward suddenly. Obi-Wan stood, smiling, as Garen, who was about two feet taller than him, pulled him in a massive bear hug, nearly breaking his ribs. "You've gotten shorter buddy."

"Or you've gotten taller." Obi-Wan gasped, rubbing his sides slightly. He continued to smile at Garen. "When did you get back?"

Garen sat, and, unfortunately, the pair forgot about Anakin, who just shrugged and lay on the couch. "I got back just now, after a year on Naboo and travelling."

Obi-Wan nodded, as it all gradually came back to him; Garen was leaving on a mission to Naboo to double-check that no droids were left on the planet, before chasing Nute Gunray half way around the Galaxy. Obviously, his mission was not a success, because Obi-Wan had heard rumours that the Viceroy was still at large. "Did you find him?"

"I managed to confront him," Garen said, as Obi-Wan busied himself making him a hot drink. "But the stupid Neimoidion was very evasive after what happened with Senator Amidala. I chased him off Naboo and across the Galaxy. Damn man, or thing as I like to call him, was able to cover his tracks too well for me." He accepted the hot drink eagerly. "Thanks. Anyways, I tracked him to Ryloth, and back to Corribian. Then, gone. Vanished! I spent half a year trying to find him on Corribian, but then I gave up. Reported what I could to the council, and they told me to step down." He suddenly grinned, "I heard you got promoted!"

"To being king of the Midgets," Anakin muttered from the couch.

Obi-Wan glared at him, as Garen laughed. "Nice one Annie," Garen applauded, "Come on, spill!"

"Well, after Geonosis, I was sent on a mission with four others to try and win back a planet to the Republic." Obi-Wan quickly explained before Anakin could speak. "It sort of went from there. I've got a seat on the Council."

"Good on you," Garen said, smacking him in the back, nearly causing him to go head-first into the table. "Or rather, good on you Master."

"Please, don't," Obi-Wan said, squirming slightly. "Master makes me feel old."

"And you ain't doing badly for thirty six years old!" Garen pointed out. He placed his finished mug on the table and gave a yawn before standing. "I suppose I'll leave you and let you have peace."

"No, stay as long as you want." Obi-Wan said, standing also. "Anakin? Don't you have your own quarters?"

"Snips told me to get lost, so I did!" Anakin muttered, still staring at the ceiling.

Obi-Wan and Garen exchanged glances, and they walked to the door. "He has a new padawan." Obi-Wan explained to him. Garen smiled at this, as Obi-Wan opened the door for him.

"Ah, the little Togruta girl I bumped into when I ran into Skywalker." Garen said, scratching his unshaven chin. "She reminds me of a young Shaak Ti."

"She's nothing like her," Anakin shot in, "Shaak Ti, well, scares me."

"I'll be sure to tell her that." Obi-Wan smirked at him, "In pay back for that little remark earlier." Garen sniggered, and shook hands with Obi-Wan. "Nice seeing you buddy."

"Yeah. You too Ga..." Obi-Wan suddenly stopped, his eyes wide, as he felt a massive ripple in the force. Anakin suddenly jumped from his spot on the couch, and Garen turned to stare out into the darkening corridor.

Then, a scream suddenly erupted three floors above them.