The Dark Rival

17

“The crosscut tunnel,” Obi-Wan gasped.

Together, they ran back to the entrance. But, as they suspected, it was sealed. Qui-Gon put his hands against it. It was coated transparisteel. In the dimness, it would look like a wall. The entrance to the tunnel from the main shaft would be concealed that way, too.

“It’s sealed,” Qui-Gon said. “And I cannot open it. Not with the Force.”

“Together then,” Obi-Wan suggested. They concentrated, drawing the Force to bear on the door. It did not open, or even turn transparent.

“There is a stronger lock on this one, I think,” Qui-Gon said. “Xanatos wouldn’t risk our being able to open it.”

“There has to be a way,” Obi-Wan cried in frustration. He struck the door with his lightsaber, but felt only a painful shock move through his arm.

“There’s a panel here,” Qui-Gon said. He opened it. Several buttons glowed. He pushed them, but nothing happened. “Some sort of locking device,” he muttered.

“He said we didn’t have much time,” Obi-Wan said. He glanced around the tunnel. “Qui-Gon, he said the blast will be more powerful ...”

“Yes,” Qui-Gon answered. “And I’m sure he was sincere.”

They exchanged a look. Both of them thought of the miners above, and Clat’Ha and VeerTa. Many lives would be lost. The dream of the Home Planet Mine would die. Bandomeer would be lost as well.

“There’s only one thing to do,” Obi-Wan said. “I can get us out of here. I’m the only one who can.”

Qui-Gon felt deep unease stir within him. “What do you mean?”

Obi-Wan touched the electro-collar around his neck. “I have the transmitter,” he said. “I can reactivate it. If I push myself up against the door, the explosion should open it. You might have time to evacuate the mine.”

“But you’ll never survive the blast!” Qui-Gon exclaimed.

Obi-Wan reached into his tunic for the transmitter. “Stand as far back as you can,” he instructed Qui-Gon.

“No, Padawan. There has to be another way.”

“There is no other way, and you know it,” Obi-Wan said steadily. “Now stand back.”

“No!” Qui-Gon cried. “I will not! And I order you not to do this.”

“Qui-Gon, think of the many who will lose their lives,” Obi-Wan said urgently. “Think of what Xanatos will win. Think of Bandomeer. Our mission was to protect it. If I don’t do this, we fail.”

“This is not the way,” Qui-Gon said grimly.

Obi-Wan’s face was white and still. Determination tightened every muscle. “Yes, Qui-Gon. I can do it. I will do it.”