The Padawan was nervous; with a healthy dose of excitement, anxiety and a little bit of fear mixed in as well.  This was to be the first mission without the guidance of Master Mace Windu; who had been the young learner’s teacher since  being found on the planet of Alderaan at the age of  6 months.
 The Padawan had no memory of those early years, of the early days of training and learning of the ways of the Jedi. By the time memories began, the Jedi way was the only way.
 Mina StarRyder sat in the outer lounge of the council chambers at the Jedi Temple.  She waited as patiently as she could, sitting with arms resting on her lap, head held high; and eyes taking in the brightly lit lounge.  She was the only one in the room, and she was careful not to break the silence that hung like a soft blanket in the air.
 After what seemed an eternity of waiting, the doors to the Masters’ council room opened, and Mace Windu stepped out. He smiled as she rose to meet him.  As he approached her, she bowed respectfully to him.
“I’m sorry to have kept you waiting Mina.  It is time.”  He lead the way down the long halls, past training areas, and school rooms. Mina turned to her Master and with a quizzical look on her face. “Master, I have a question. Why is it that I’m to go on this mission without you?  I don’t understand why you are having me accompany other Jedi.”
 Mace Windu smiled, and placed his hand comforting on her shoulder. He could sense her discomfort, and anxiety.  “This will be a wonderful opportunity for you young Padawan. Since I am unable to go myself to help with negotiations; and you need the practice in such matters, this is the perfect solution.  With the Trade Federation blockading Naboo, and increasing their presence at Alderaan, the council will be in constant closed quarters. You know I can’t have you in the meetings with me, they are only for the Council members. I also can’t just let you wander on your own either.  I am leaving you in very capable hands. He is something of a legend, as I’m sure you are well aware.”
 Mina nodded, she was aware of it alright. This was exactly the reason she was nervous in the first place. This wasn’t some ordinary Jedi, this was Master Qui-Gon Jinn.  A well respected Jedi, who by all rights should have been sitting on the council itself, if it hadn’t been for the tiny fact, that he disregarded the Jedi code on several occasions, when he felt his way would be better suited.
 Mina had a deep admiration for him, and profound respect. She had never met him, but she agreed with his way of handling things.  It was nothing short of hero worship, and she was afraid of letting down her Master and making herself look a fool.
“Master, I don’t want to let you down. You have put such faith in me.  I don’t want to fail you.”
 

2
 

Mace smiled encouragingly at her, and tightened his hand on her shoulder.  “You won’t let me down young one. I have great faith and confidence in you.  You must learn to trust yourself more.”
 They arrived outside the docking bay; watching silently as the large steel doors slid open with a soft hiss.  There was a bustle of activity within the large room.  Several of the workers the Jedi employed to maintain their ships, where busy at work loading the massive red, snub nosed Ambassador ship.  At the far end of the ship, stood two Jedi, one taller  then the other.   The tall one had long graying brown hair, which was pulled back; and a dark brown Master’s cloak.  The shorter and younger one, had short brown hair, with a single braid dangling over his right shoulder.  Mina knew instantly who they were, Qui-Gon and his Padawan.  She took several deep breaths to steady her now furiously pounding heart.  Mace started forward, and Mina  walked with him, keeping several paces behind.
 Hearing their approach, the two Jedi turned to face them;  Qui-Gon and his apprentice both bowing to Mace Windu, and Mace acknowledging them as well.
“Master Qui-Gon, I trust all is well?”
Qui-Gon nodded, enfolding his arms inside his oversize cloak. “Yes my Master, all is on schedule. The rest of the supplies are being loaded as we speak. We should be ready for take off momentarily.”
Mace nodded, “Good.  Now I would like you to meet my apprentice, who will be accompanying you. Master Qui-Gon Jinn, let me introduce Mina StarRyder.  Mina, this is Qui-Gon Jinn, and his apprentice Obi-Wan Kenobi.”
Mina  bowed gracefully, raising her eyes to look into the kind face of Qui-Gon. “It’s an honour to meet you Master Qui-Gon. “
 She turned to face Obi-Wan, and was instantly struck by his youthful good looks; startling blue eyes, and intense stare.  She bowed again to him, and almost but not quite looking him in the eye, said softly, “Pleased to meet you Obi-Wan Kenobi,”
Obi-Wan bowed to her as well, and with a smile on his face said, “I am also pleased to meet you Mina StarRyder,”
 Mina nearly let out a small sigh at hearing his voice, which was soft, yet, had a strength to it.
 “We are happy you are able to join us on this mission Mina, I’m sure you will make a great asset to us.” Qui-Gon said, in an effort to put her at ease. She smiled at him gratefully. “Thank you Master Qui-Gon.”
 At this point, one of the crew chiefs came up to Qui-Gon “I’m sorry to interrupt you sir, but we are ready to board now.”
“Thank you.” Qui-Gon turned back to his companions “We should be getting on board.  It was good to see you again Master Mace Windu. We will take good care of your Padawan.”
 Mina turned to her Master, “I will do you proud Master.”
“You already do my young apprentice. Now go on, you mustn’t leave them waiting.”
 Mina gave Mace Windu one last look, and boarded the ship behind her companions.
3
 
 

 Obi-Wan Kenobi sat in his chair onboard the Ambassador ship, with his  elbows placed firmly on his knees.  He generally sat in this position when he was intent on something.  At the moment he was listening to what Qui-Gon was telling them about what the Jedi Council knew of the trouble on Alderaan and Naboo.
 He was wondering why they were heading to Alderaan instead of Naboo where a blockade was being planned.  He knew better then to question the motives behind it, Alderaan was a more populated planet, close to the central system of Coruscant.  They needed to deal with that problem before any attempt could be made at reconciling the Naboo problem. Obi-Wan knew as the Jedi Council did, the situations were connected.  The Trade Federation was showing it’s displeasure of the recent taxation of the trade routes.
 He listened intently to Qui-Gon, keeping a close eye on his face; which remained as passive as ever.  Qui-Gon was sitting with his back against his chair, hands folded in his lap.  His voice was steady and calm, his gaze gliding over both Padawans as they listened to his words.
 Obi-Wan also turned to look at the other occupant of the room. He had heard of Mina StarRyder .  She was an exceptionally powerful Jedi, which had lead Master Mace Windu to take on her training himself.  The Force was strong with her, and it radiated from her like a fire.  Not much was known about her family; only the Council members knew for sure who her parents were.
 The Council had decided long ago when a child was found, and brought before them  to be trained; if they were accepted, the new Padawan would learn nothing of their former lives, or families. It was for the protection of the Jedi as well as their families. For even though the Jedi were revered in the Universe, they did have some enemies; who may think the easiest way to destroy a Jedi was to destroy his/her family.
 Obi-Wan took in Mina’s appearance.  She was not a tall person, standing around 5’4”, she had light brown hair, styled in the traditional way for a Padawan learner: worn  loose to the shoulders, then braided over the top of the head, with  two thin braids over the right shoulder.  Her Jedi outfit matched his own, with  the exception of her  tunic extending further under her belt then his.  Her oversize cloak was the same shade of brown as his; but the sleeves were tapered more.
 She was sitting with her eyes intent on Qui-Gon’s face; never noticing Obi-Wan’s gaze.  He realized he was staring at her, and forced himself to turn away and bring his attention back to Qui-Gon.  He discovered he was attracted to her, yet totally unsure as to how to handle it.
 “Well I think that about covers the essential information.  We will have to see for ourselves how bad the situation has gotten when we get there.  In the meantime, we should be getting some rest, it’s still a little way to Alderaan, and we will need our sleep.”
Qui-Gon stood saying goodnight to his companions and exiting the room.
 Mina remained sitting seemingly lost in her own thoughts.  Obi-Wan peered at her for a moment before standing.  “I believe we should take Qui-Gon’s advice and get some rest.  It’s going to be a long day.”
4
 
 

Mina looked up startled by his voice; she had assumed she was alone.
“I’m sorry for interrupting your thoughts. “ Obi-Wan apologized in a soft voice. Mina shook her head, waving away his apology. “No, it’s alright. I thought I was alone, I should have realized.  I wasn’t paying attention.”
 Mina looked thoughtfully at Obi-Wan, “I would like to say, since I never had the chance earlier to, that I appreciate both of you letting me come along with you on this mission.  I know it’s rather unorthodox for this to occur, and it must be a bit unsettling for you.  I just wanted you to know I am grateful to you both.”
Obi-Wan smiled, enfolding his arms inside his cloak.  “There is no need to thank me, not that I mind, but I really wouldn’t have a choice in the matter anyway. Qui-Gon is one to take on almost anyone. He has a philosophy that is a bit different from mine. I’m glad as well that you are along on this mission.”
“What did you mean he has a philosophy that is different from yours?”
Obi-Wan shrugged, then sat down again on his chair, leaning back against the rest. “Well, he has the opinion it is better to pay more attention to the present and to the individuals who live there.  He is one of those people who would look after a stray cat rather then leave it to it’s own devices.”
“You find a problem with that?”
“Helping others is all well and good, and that is what we are meant to do, in certain terms.  There is a line though, that must not be crossed, or rather should not be crossed. We are not like most people, not that we are special or anything, but we have a purpose to serve; we must keep balance in the force, and be mindful of the unifying force, not just the living force.  Qui-Gon is the opposite, he pays more attention to the living force then the unifying.”
Mina nodded, she had heard that of Qui-Gon, she had admired that very fact in him. “What is the harm in that? There has to be people who realize there is more to life then what will happen in the future. What determines the future is being written now, at the moment.  If we ignore even those we think unworthy of our attention, then what is the point to our existence at all?  Obi-Wan, I believe we have to be the best of both worlds, we have to keep the balance, but we must also keep the present as well.”
Obi-Wan nodded, “You have a point there; it appears maybe Qui-Gon has a fan.”
Mina laughed, “I don’t know if I would go that far, but yes I do share his ideas. I think he is an intelligent and caring man.  He is a great Jedi Knight.”
“A great Jedi Knight, who should be on the council, but won’t as long as he continues to go against them.”
“You know, there is more to being a Master Jedi then sitting on the council.  I’m sure it’s more important to Qui-Gon to be out there with the public then sitting on the council.”
Obi-Wan smiled, “Perhaps you should have been Qui-Gon’s Padawan instead of me.”
“I don’t know about that. I think you can learn a lot from him, and vice versa.”
 Mina smiled sheepishly at him, “I’m sorry, I don’t mean to be preaching to you. I know how much you respect Qui-Gon. Sometimes I get carried away with my opinions is all.  I should learn to keep my thoughts to myself at times.”
5
 
 
 

Obi-Wan gave a crooked smile, “Then that would make two of us, I’m afraid I give my opinions at times when it may not be welcome.   Please, don’t think you are offending me at all. I for one need to hear what you are saying, I tend to come across a tad bit conceited. Not that I mean to.”
“I don’t think you are conceited at all. Your opinions are valid; I believe you care about people as well. You just don’t like to show that you do.” Mina smiled warmly, cocking her head to the side.
Obi-Wan laughed out loud then, running his hand along the side of his face.  Mina felt a warm feeling run through her veins at the sound of his laugh. It was like music to her ears. She had to bow her head, so he wouldn’t see the blush that came to her face.
She liked his smile, it lit up his face, and made his blue eyes sparkle.  She really had to turn her thoughts away from this line of thinking, or soon she will be as red as the sun of  Soryis, which was rumoured to be the hottest sun in the galaxy.
 Obi-Wan recovered from laughing, and didn’t seem to notice Mina’s rose coloured face.  “I believe you may be right. Perhaps some of Qui-Gon’s qualities have rubbed off on me.”
“You have a few good qualities of your own as well.” Mina said shyly. Then couldn’t believe she said that. Obi-Wan seemed to take it in stride; he shrugged.
“I appreciate that, thank you.  I’m still trying to get there I think. I believe it’s time for me to get some rest. We will be arriving on Alderaan in a few hours, we have much to do there.  I will take my leave now.  Goodnight Mina.”
“Goodnight Obi-Wan.”  Mina said as he left the room.  She sighed and tilted her head against the rest, staring at the ceiling.  She took her two thin braids in her hand, and slowly, absentmindedly threaded them through her fingers. Ok, so now he thinks I’m some kind of moron. I have to learn not to say everything that comes to mind! She sighed, oh well, it’s only for a few days, then he won’t have to see me again. I’m sure it will be a relief to him at least. Not having this all too opinionated person, around them all the time. Oh well, I will do better tomorrow. She thought to herself as she fell asleep in the chair.

 Obi-Wan slowly made his way to his room, thinking about the chat he had with Mina.  He shook his head, she definitely thought the same way as Qui-Gon.  She did have a point though.  Or maybe he only thought so because while she was talking he couldn’t take his eyes off her for a second.  He was entranced by her beauty.  It wasn’t just her looks though, she possessed a keen mind, and was caring.  She would make a formidable Jedi Knight once she took the trials.  He didn’t know how he was going to survive once this mission was over and she returned to Mace Windu.

 A stinging pain in her back and neck forced Mina to awaken.  She slowly opened her eyes to the dimly lit conference room.  She was still situated on the chair she had

6
 
 
 

occupied the previous night.  She had found it comfortable last night, now though that was decidedly not the case.  She straightened out of her slumped position, and stretched her arms and back.  She wondered what the time was, how much sleep she had had.  She stood and walked a little awkwardly to the large windows on the far side of the room.  Peering outside, the large planet of Alderaan appeared.  Mina stood staring at the image before her, a sense of serenity washing over her.  Alderaan was a peaceful planet; one of the most beautiful in the galaxy.
 The hiss of the conference’s door, brought Mina out of her reverie.  She turned to see on the ship’s crew enter.  “Oh excuse me Ma’am, I wasn’t aware anyone was in here. The other Jedi are in the dining area.  Shall I leave you alone?”
Mina shook her head, “No, it’s alright, please go ahead with what you have to do. I was just leaving.” She smiled politely at the crewman, and left him to his work.
 She figured before showing her face to her companions, she should freshen up a little.  She entered her room, and removed her cloak; placing it onto a nearby chair.  Walking before a mirror, she sighed at what a mess her hair had become.  She undid the braids, and using her brush, combed out the tangles.  When she was satisfied she had gotten them all, she rebraided her hair then washed her face.  Feeling as freshened up as she could at the moment, she walked to the locked box that rested beside her bed; opened it, and took out her lightsaber.  There had been no point to keeping it with her onboard the ship, so she had stowed it in her room.  She attached it to her belt, then dawned her cloak.
 
 Qui-Gon was lounging in his chair, thoughtfully turning his cup around in his hands.  Obi-Wan was leaning on the table with hands folded, watching his master; and waiting for him to continue with what he had been saying.  Although he sensed his Padawan was getting restless, Qui-Gon deliberately kept him waiting. It was a lesson he had been trying to pound into his stubborn head for years. He still had to learn patience.   Obi-Wan though was having none of it; he cleared his throat before speaking. “Master, are we to meet with Senator Antilles directly?  If so, I would assume we would be heading for the palace?”
Qui-Gon nodded slowly, “We are to meet with the Senator upon disembarking the ship. I believe he is to meet us at the docking bay.  Which reminds me, we should be landing at any time now. We should be prepared.”
 Both stood, Qui-Gon placing his cup back on the table, when the door slid open. Mina glided into the room, bowing to the two occupants. “Forgive me, I must have overslept this morning.”
Qui-Gon waved dismissively, “There is no need to apologize. We are just finishing up here.  If you would like to have something for breakfast, please go ahead. There is no need to rush.”
“Thank you Master Qui-Gon.”

7
 
 
 

“We shall meet in the conference room, for disembarking in about 30 minutes.” With those words Qui-Gon left the room.  Mina sat at the table and served herself from the platter of food.  Obi-Wan felt a bit awkward, not sure whether he should stay, or if he should be with Qui-Gon.  He determined he should go with his master, so he bowed to Mina, and said, “I best be getting ready as well, I will see you shortly.”  Then followed after Qui-Gon.
 
 Mina now alone in the dining room, ate her breakfast quietly.  She was glad that the had left her alone to eat, she needed as much time as possible to ready herself for this mission.  It had been awhile since she had gone as an Ambassador to a foreign planet.  She was feeling nervous about it; it didn’t help that this was her home planet. She didn’t remember it at all, but she knew she had to make a good impression.
 She was finishing her food, when she was suddenly struck with a dark wave of emotion; flowing over her like a tsunami.  She closed her eyes, and went with the feeling.  She was sensing something, something from the future.
A presence. There was a disturbance in the force. A disruption, that was stirring the dark side.  She was one of the few Jedi who could sense both sides of the force.
Something was here, something was waiting for them on Alderaan; waiting for her.  This would be one mission, that was not going to go smoothly.

 The three Jedi met in the conference room,  dawned their hoods, and made their way to the airlock.  Once again Mina was struck by the strong sense of foreboding. She took a deep breath to steady her nerves, and turned to face the two men beside her.  Qui-Gon put his hand on her shoulder, “Its going to be fine.  We should be going now.” Mina nodded smiling.  Obi-Wan looked on, standing behind Qui-Gon, the look on his face, gave Mina the impression, he also sensed something was not quite right with this mission. She could only hope that, whatever it was, it didn’t spell disaster for any of them.
 

To be continued....