The sun was shining through the gap in the curtains when Obi-Wan woke the next morning. He felt more at ease now than he had for a long time. A sense of well being surrounded him. He remained in his bed, something Qui-Gon wouldn't likely have approved. But he was happy to lie there watching the dust dance in the sunbeam. His thoughts wandered to the events of the day before.
He felt exhilarated again when he thought of the spar he had had with the two initiates. He knew they were no match for him but the calm he had felt as he tapped into the power of the Force, filled him with joy. The Force had been his ally, it had not eluded him.
Obi-Wan's mind wandered on to A-Dell and Badd-r. 'The Force found them the best advisor available', Qui-Gon's words still rang in his ears. He had mediated in their dispute and negotiated a 'peace' settlement. At least for a short time at any rate. How long do peace deals last anyway? More importantly, telling them his story had forced him to recall and relive the enthusiasm he had for the Jedi life. It had rekindled his desire to be a Jedi Knight and made him wonder why he had ever lost it.
He remembered his conversation with Qui-Gon. A little sadness came over him when he thought of Bant. Nevertheless, he had faced his worst nightmare, his worst fear. He knew that he was not responsible for her death. Qui-Gon's words had helped him grasp that. They had marked the beginning of the healing process. A process that would take its time.
Suddenly, feeling guilty he remembered his assignment. Somehow he had managed to put it to the back of his mind. 'Seek out the reasons why you should continue your training. Focus on your strengths.' Obi-Wan realised that the events of the day before had shown him his strengths. Was it a coincidence? Qui-Gon didn't believe in chance. Had he and Yoda somehow engineered the previous days happenings? It didn't seem likely. But then again… strange are the ways of the Force.
He wanted to tell Qui-Gon how he felt, he owed him that much. Obi-Wan activated his com link to talk to him, but got no answer.
Qui-Gon wondered about Obi-Wan as he dressed. It had been an emotional
discussion they had had the previous evening and he had felt drained afterwards. He imagined that Obi-Wan had felt even worse. He had replayed their conversation several times in his head. Had he said the right thing? He thought it had gone well enough under the circumstances. Obi-Wan had been calmer than he had seen him in a long time. He wondered how the boy felt about continuing his training. Was it still too soon to tell? He wanted to contact the boy but it was too early.
Qui-Gon was surprised by the urgent persistent chime on the door. Leaving his utility belt where it lay on the bed he went through the bedroom, across the living area to the main door. As he pressed a button on the control panel, his com link sounded in the bedroom. In the view finder he saw a Guard outside the door. He had a message from Governor RosAntu. Could Qui-Gon go to his rooms immediately, the Governor needed to speak to him. Qui-Gon nodded and re-crossed the room to retrieve his belt and weapon.
He wondered why Thom hadn't just him contacted on his com link as they had agreed. Perhaps he had forgotten and that it was he who was calling him now. By the time he returned to the bedroom the signal was gone. Qui-Gon took his utility belt and put it on as he walked to Thom's rooms. The information panel on his com link told him, to his surprise, that it was Obi-Wan who had been trying to contact him. Obi-Wan would have to wait until he found out what the problem was with Thom.
As he passed the kitchen on his way to breakfast, Obi-Wan put his head around the door to say hello to Nancy.
She looked up from her work, smiled at Obi-Wan and said "Good Morning, Obi- Wan, how are you? Has your good Master joined you yet?"
"I'm fine thank you, Nancy. Qui-Gon's coming tomorrow," he replied.
"Be sure to send him down to old Nancy for a chat," she said returning to her work. Obi-Wan nodded and went through to the dining area. It was already quite full of young initiates who chatted excitedly and noisily. Obi-Wan sat by himself at a table near the window. He had not yet started to eat when he was joined by Badd-r and A-Dell. They were wild with excitement. They both talked at once and he couldn't make out a word they were saying. He raised his hand for silence and then started into a monologue, imitating the two boys as appropriate.
"Good Morning Obi-Wan, Good Morning Badd-r, Good Morning Obi-Wan, Good Morning A-Dell. How well you are looking this morning. I'd hardly have recognised you. You clean-up well...." The two boys were dumbfounded at first. Then all three laughed.
"We are going out on it today" A-Dell said excitedly.
"Oh! That's nice, where exactly are you going and on what, may I ask?" Obi-Wan asked with a look of amusement on his face.
"On the ship," Badd-r added as if everybody in the Galaxy knew what they were talking about.
"Ah. The ship, of course," Obi-Wan said as if it was all clear now. "Can I let you guys into a secret. I haven't been around much lately, so could somebody please explain to me what is going on."
A-Dell took on an exasperated tone and spoke very slowly as if he was speaking to a small child. "The TahLafta Corporation has given the Temple the use of a ship for training the students. That's us. So now we get to pilot a real ship and not just in simulation."
Badd-r continued "Master Etch Lawn is taking our group out this morning and maybe we might even get to fly a real ship."
Obi-Wan doubted that, but he was impressed. When he was at the Temple the nearest thing they got to a real ship was a cloud car which they piloted around Coruscant and that hadn't prepared him too well for the shock he got when he found himself at the bridge of the Monument, attempting to escape from pirates who were busily attacking them. "That's great, where are you going?" he asked.
"Oh! I don't know, doesn't really matter much, it's being on the ship that counts." Badd-r replied and then a thought struck him. "Obi-Wan why don't you come with us?"
That sounded like a great idea. Obi-Wan reckoned that Master Etch Lawn would have a small enough crew. Obi-Wan could be useful on the trip, he could pilot the ship or explain some of the controls. "Maybe I will," he said. "But I'd have to clear it with Masters Etch Lawn and Yoda first."
Master Etch was more than agreeable. He was delighted to have some additional help. Yoda may be more difficult, Obi-Wan thought.
Thom RosAntu rose to meet Qui-Gon as he entered the room. There was no great
sense of urgency about him, in fact he was much more relaxed than Qui-Gon had
seen him at any time during the previous day.
"Master Jinn, I was hoping that you could do me a small favour."
Qui-Gon noted with surprise that the formality of "Master Jinn" had returned. "I'd be happy to help in whatever way I can," he said simply.
"Sit down, we'll have breakfast while I explain what I had in mind." They sat in silence while the protocol droid served breakfast. Qui-Gon couldn't put his finger on it but there was certainly something different about RosAntu, he was more confident and more at ease with himself and his surroundings. It was a remarkable change but something was nagging Qui-Gon, his instincts told him that he was overlooking something.
"Master Jinn" Thom started "I have a few hours to spare before I start my official engagements this morning and I have some friends that I would like to visit. Governor Mal Acky has been so kind and hospitable and I know if I were to mention this to him that he would insist on sending half the army with me or worse still inviting my friends here. What I really want is a couple of hours to sit and chat with them without any pomp and ceremony. If you would come with me I would have all the protection I need and still be able to visit my friends without any fuss."
No fuss, no nonsense, that was what Qui-Gon would have expected from Thom RosAntu. "I'd be delighted to accompany you. When did you want to leave?"
'As soon as we finish eating. Master Jinn, I am indebted to you," he added sincerely.
"Master Etch Lawn is taking a group of students out in the TahLatta ship this
morning," Obi-Wan started as way of introduction. Yoda nodded.
"With your permission, Master, I would like to go along. Master Etch has already agreed provided you grant me permission to leave the Temple."
Yoda studied him carefully. He could see a change in the boy, however he noticed with dismay that he still didn't wear his lightsabre. "What of your own assignment, Obi-Wan?"
"That's almost completed, Master Yoda"
"Does Master Qui-Gon know of this?"
"No, Master, I tried to contact him this morning but there was no reply. He would be on official business now so I will try again later - this afternoon."
Yoda nodded. "Go then with Master Etch Lawn." Obi-Wan bowed to Yoda and turned to go. Yoda held up his hand. Obi-Wan stopped to hear what else the Master had to say, "Go as a Jedi, you must". Obi-Wan was puzzled. Yoda pointed to his bare belt. "Wear your lightsabre, you will. Handled with respect, a weapon must be." Obi-Wan felt his cheeks flush. "Of course, I will get it now," he said earnestly.
It was another sunny morning. The city was still sleeping and only a few people were about to enjoy the peace and tranquillity. They walked through the beautiful Palace gardens and out into the city streets. Thom said they didn't have far to go. They walked for no more than ten minutes and then turned into a deserted street. They were heading to a square grey building towards the end of the street.
The building was unusual in that it hadn't any windows, it certainly wasn't anybody's home as Qui-Gon has expected. He looked questioningly at Thom, who seem to sense his puzzlement. "It's a community hall. My friends have young families, we didn't want to disturb them so early in the morning." He offered by way of explanation. Qui-Gon nodded, but something about the setting made him feel uneasy.
The large doors creaked as they pushed them open. It was eerily quiet. Qui-Gon didn't like it. Wouldn't friends have waited at the door to greet the arrivals or at least left the door open on a lovely morning like this?
There was a small porch inside the door made of opaque glass panelling.
The ship echoed with the excited voices of the students, as they rushed from place to place – exploring, questioning and confirming vague ideas about the layout of Delta Class Starboats.
A number clustered around the instrument panels on the bridge. Obi-Wan sat in the pilot’s chair.
"What’s that?"
"The main navigation console"
"Where’s the button to launch the proton torpedoes?"
"Badd-r Rawwas! Go and join the others."
Obi-Wan could hardly contain the smile as he sent Badd-r back to join the otherstudents. They were all very excited. Several times Master Etch had to call for attention and more than a few strong warnings needed to be given. Still, it was good to see such enthusiasm.
It had been agreed that Obi-Wan should pilot the ship for the first part of the trip. Master Etch and the crew members would meanwhile explain the layout of the ship and the function of the various controls to the young students.
The plan was to fly low over Coruscant and get a good look at the sights, then to swing north to clear the planet and once well clear, go into hyperspace for a brief voyage. Etch Lawn and Obi-Wan had decided to travel only within the Coruscant quadrant which meant they would be back to the Temple in time for lunch.
Obi-Wan entered the co-ordinates of their flight path into the Descriptor Data Pad. Then watched with interest while the computer generated a list of all the planets and places that they would pass close to. He noticed that they would travel quite close to Aurian and thought with some amusement that he could have joined Qui-Gon for lunch.
"TahLatta you are cleared for take-off." Flight control hailed the craft. Obi-Wan buckled in.
"Acknowledging TempleTower, we are leaving the flight pad now." With a few deft moments Obi-Wan had lifted the ship clear of the bay. The students cheered.
The early stages of the flight were marked by gasps of wonder and amazement and disputes about what exactly they had just passed.
Despite their excitement, the students all settled as they jumped into hyperspace. A hush came over the group as they stared with amazement at the spectacular scenes around them. Etch Lawn and Obi-Wan exchanged grins: it never lost its magic – the rush, the jump, the explosion of light and sound.
Once in hyperspace the students were split into smaller groups. Each group went to a different part of the ship with Master Etch or another crew member. It was quiet on the bridge with just one small group of students examining the instruments. The navigator control was on automatic. Obi-Wan had very little to do. He was quite relaxed and enjoying himself.
Qui-Gon turned to Thom and suggested quietly that he should stay outside until the building had been checked. Thom seemed to be about to protest but then thought better of it.
"I don’t like this." Qui-Gon said. "So if there is trouble just leave me to deal with it. Make your way back to the Palace."
Qui-Gon took his lightsabre from his belt, then leaving the door ajar he cautiously opened the inner doors. It was dark in there and it took his eyes some time to adjust to the darkness. There wasn’t a sound but he could sense the presence of several people.
Suddenly, the lights powered up. Qui-Gon was blinded momentarily but he had activated his lightsabre and was deflecting blaster bolts even before his eyes adjusted to the light. Five of them aimed with low-grade bolt-guns. He quickly calculated that he would have to detain his assailants for seven or eight minutes at the most, by then RosAntu would be safely back in the Palace.
Blaster fire light the room. Qui-Gon deflected and dodged the bolts and wished that he had some backup. There were only five attackers and with Obi-Wan by his side they would quickly have brought the situation under control.
As it was, Qui-Gon needed a strategy to drive his counter attack. He was standing under a mezzanine floor, supported by pillars, with blind spots both left and right. Best to keep all five in his view. It was imperative that they should not surround him. Slowly he began to move forward, accurately deflecting bolts towards his attackers. Ricocheting blaster bolts danced about the attackers forcing them to move backwards.
The fire was coming hot and fast. Qui-Gon was blinded by the light and smoke but he continued his attack relentlessly. The door banged closed behind him, distracting him for a moment. One of his attackers used that fleeting time to aim a shot directly at Qui-Gon’s heart. Almost too late, the Jedi swiftly moved to dodge the bolt which missed its target but found its mark in the top of Qui-Gons left arm. A searing pain shot up his arm and into his shoulder almost paralysing him. He worked quickly to block the pain. With the use of only one arm he decided it was time for a new course of action. Now, he concentrated on deflecting the shots to cause serious harm. Targeting two attackers who were taking cover behind the supporting pillars he used the next shots to disarm and wound them. The remaining three were noticeably shocked at the turn of events. Watching their comrades writhing in pain they ceased fire and backed away.
A hush came over the room. Qui-Gon waited. His lightsabre held high and at the ready. His attackers continued to back away; Their eyes never leaving him. Slowly he moved out from under the mezzanine. They watched him but did not move to fire. He knew that RosAntu would have raised the alarm by now and reinforcements should be on the way. He would not kill needlessly. He had all but blocked the pain in his arm but he could hear his own blood drop to the floor. Then he heard something else.
He spun around just in time to see a large crate come crashing down from the mezzanine. Pain knifed through his body. Blinding pain from serious injury, he knew. Before he was aware of it, he was on the floor. With his last will Qui-Gon called for Obi-Wan through their bond. Then he slipped into unconsciousness.
Obi-Wan jolted out of his relaxation. He felt a ripple in the Force. As he
concentrated, zoning in on the disturbance, he felt it grow stronger. Obi-Wan had felt this before and it invariably meant trouble. He pushed himself to quieten his mind. Once calm, he centred on the disturbance totally blocking out any distractions. It hit him like a bolt between the eyes. Qui-Gon was in trouble. Not only in trouble but in pain. Qui-Gon was calling him. The call was strong. Very strong. It demanded that he obeyed. The Force commanded him to go to Qui-Gon.
Recovering quickly, Obi-Wan consulted the Descriptor Data Pad. The readings told him that they were no more than half an hour from Aurian. Without hesitating he quickly punched in the new co-ordinates, overwriting the original settings. Immediately the automatic navigation control swung the ship through a steep arc - to starbord- setting them on the path to Aurian and to Qui-Gon.
Obi-Wan’s heart pounded in his chest and his hands shook as he contacted the port at Aurian to request permission to land. He told the port officials who he was and explained that he wanted to join his Master, who was on a mission in Mauna Kea at the request of the Governor, Mal Acky. The official listened and then asked Obi-Wan to hold while he registered the request with the Governor’s office. Within seconds, and disconcertingly, Mal Acky himself filled the view screen. Obi-Wan knew the news was bad even before the Governor spoke. Mal Acky was visibly shaken. He told Obi-Wan that Qui-Gon had been seriously injured, only minutes beforehand, in an attack. The medics were with Qui-Gon even as they spoke.
Even though he had been expecting bad news, the blood drained from Obi-Wan’s face as he listened. He felt nauseous and his knees went weak. For one awful moment he thought he was going to faint. Mal Acky said there would be a transport ready to take him straight to Qui-Gon. Obi-Wan thanked the Governor and signed off.
It was only then that Obi-Wan remembered that he was travelling with a group of initiates from the Temple. The Council would never condone this recklessness.
Master Etch Lawn returned to the bridge to see what had caused the sudden change of direction. He was not pleased by this unscheduled stop-over but when Obi-Wan explained what had happened, he nodded his understanding. Master Etch reopened the line to Aurian and confirmed that he would not require maintenance nor refuelling. He explained that he would be taking off again as soon as Obi-Wan had left the craft.
The young students who were on the bridge were very excited by the prospects of an additional adventure. When they heard Master Etch making the arrangements they complained that they wouldn’t get to see Aurian. But one look from Master Etch Lawn soon put a stop to their objections.
Master Etch was a little concerned about Obi-Wan. He could sense the boy’s anxiety but he could also feel the strength of the Force emanating from Obi-Wan as he prepared himself for whatever lay ahead. Master Etch noted with relief that although worried, Obi-Wan was calm and focused. He explained to the young Jedi that he wouldn’t be able to accompany him to Mauna Kea but that he would brief the Council when he returned to the Temple. Obi-Wan acknowledged the Master’s concerns and assured him that he would be fine.
The minutes ticked by slowly as if each was an hour. Thoughts raced through Obi-Wan’s mind. How seriously injured was Qui-Gon? Surely it couldn’t be too bad. Qui-Gon was a big man. Strong and well able to defend himself. Obi-Wan was sick to the core. Would this have happened if he had been with Qui-Gon?
At last the ship came out of hyperspace and Obi-Wan could see the port ahead.
He lay there deadly pale, still as rock, unconscious. Qui-Gon’s long hair was pulled up over his head to reveal a cut down the side of his neck and along the top on this right arm. There were six healers working on him and as many medic droids bustling around when Obi-Wan entered the room.
Tubes and cords seemed to be everywhere. Qui-Gon’s face was covered by an oxygen mask that didn’t quite cover the massive bruise along the left side of his head. His hair was matted with blood. A machine monitoring his heart. Obi-Wan could just hear the faint bleep each time his Master’s heart beat. The output was very weak. There was another machine breathing for him and still another bumping blood into him. There was hardly a part of his body that was not cut, bruised or broken. Despite his massive size Qui-Gon looked small and vulnerable among all the medical paraphernalia.
Obi-Wan stood at the head of Qui-Gon’s bed. It was the only place where there wasn’t a healer applying glue, setting bones or spraying disinfectant coverings. Obi-Wan tested the Force searching for waves of his Master’s healing. He could feel nothing. Not even the tiniest ripple of the Force. Qui-Gon was too weak to generate a healing trance. He was beyond self-help. Obi-Wan called the Force, he waited until he felt it surround him. Through their bond he reached out to Qui-Gon but felt nothing in return. Undeterred, he sent the Force to Qui-Gon in the form of healing energy. He could feel it wrap around his master, like protective clothing. Obi-Wan stood perfectly still. All his energy needed to keep the Force strong around Qui-Gon.
The room was a hive of activity yet there was a sense of tranquillity about the place. When the healers had the situation under control most of the team and droids withdrew. When Fred KaMenna, the chief healer first spoke to Obi-Wan, Obi-Wan did not hear him. His entire concentration was given over to keeping the healing trance strong around Qui-Gon. KaMenna waited patiently until Obi-Wan became aware of his presence.
"There is good news and there’s bad news." Master KaMenna started. "Your Master’s injuries are severe and could be life-threatening. However, he took the worst of the blow to his torso so his head injuries look worse than they are, they will keep him unconscious for several days at least. He has broken several ribs and punctured his right lung, which has collapsed. And as you can see he has a number of other less serious injuries. We’ll do what we can now. Then it’s just a case of sit-and-wait. He needs the machines for the moment but if we can keep the infections at bay, we should be able to remove them within the next day or so. A lot depends on his recovery rate."
Obi-Wan nodded and thanked KaMenna and his team for their efficient and thorough job. Then he turned his attention back to Qui-Gon determined to use the Force to speed his Master’s recovery.
After some time the last of the healers left the room, their ministrations finally complete. One medic droid remained to monitor Qui-Gon and the life-supporting machines. Obi-Wan sat beside Qui-Gon gently holding his hand, all the time working hard to maintain the healing trance. Obi-Wan lost track of time. He willed Qui-Gon to reach out to the Force. He knew that if Qui-Gon could focus on his injuries then the process of healing would increase rapidly, exponentially. But for all his effort he could still feel nothing from his Master.
On the way from the port, Mal Acky had explain the circumstances that had lead Qui-Gon into the battle that had just about cost him his life. Thom RosAntu had raised the alarm as soon as he returned to the Governor’s Palace. They had got help to Qui-Gon quickly and had him in the medical centre within minutes. Obi-Wan didn’t dare to contemplate what would have happened if they had not found him when they did. He knew that Qui-Gon would have been relieved that RosAntu was safe. The young Jedi agreed with Mal Acky that the visit should continue as planned. Qui-Gon would have wanted it that way.
A disturbance in the Force distracted Obi-Wan from his task. He tuned into the dark ripples that he felt and immediately adrenaline started to pump around his body. In a flash he was on his feet, lightsabre in hand. The door opened. Obi-Wan activated his lightsabre. A face peered cautiously around the door. Obi-Wan knew from Qui-Gon’s description that it was a Laydian. But which one?
The visitor spoke calmly. "I’m not surprised that you are on edge, Young Jedi, but I mean you no harm. I am Thom RosAntu. Master Jinn was protecting me. I am indebted to him - he saved my life."
Obi-Wan deactivated his lightsabre, but, still wary, he held onto it. He was puzzled. This was Thom RosAntu who had so impressed Qui-Gon? He didn’t understand why he felt so disturbed. Where had the dark ripples come from? Obi-Wan looked beyond RosAntu into the corridor to see if there was anybody else with him. But he was alone.
Thom RosAntu continued. "I heard that the Jedi Council had sent another Jedi. I am very grateful. They are very efficient. I will be starting my tour soon, leaving from the Governor’s Palace. You will be joining me?"
Obi-Wan realised there was some confusion. "I’m sorry, Sir, there seems to be some misunderstanding. I am Obi-Wan Kenobi, Master Jinn's padawan learner. The council did not send me… My Master called me when he was in danger."
A fleeting look of disbelief shot across Thom RosAntu’s face. It was so quick that Obi-Wan couldn’t have been sure that he actually saw it.
"Oh! But you will come and protect me. Your Master would have wanted that."
Obi-Wan didn’t know what to do. He was torn between the two options. Should he stay with his Master where he was needed or should he go and protect this man who was in Qui-Gon’s charge? What would Qui-Gon have wanted? He looked at his injured Master lying deadly still and silently asked him what he should do. As he expected, he got no answer. Closing his eyes, Obi-Wan cast about in the Force, desperately seeking guidance and immediately he remembered Qui-Gon’s words spoken only days before: "In my absence you will be answerable to Master Yoda." Obi-Wan then knew exactly what he had to do.
Turning back to Thom RosAntu he said "The Council knows little of this matter, Sir. I will have to consult with them and await my orders." Before Governor RosAntu had time to answer, Obi-Wan continued, "I will send word to Governor Acky, when I have been given my instructions."
"So be it" came the cold reply, "but if I am injured your Master will have died in vain." With that, RosAntu left. His parting words sent a shiver down Obi-Wan’s spine. Nobody else had mentioned death in such a direct manner. Obi-Wan didn’t want to think of that possibility. The Force hadn’t called Qui-Gon. There was hope, Fred KaMenna had said so and Obi-Wan would hold onto that.
The boy looked after Thom RosAntu. So much about the man seemed to be evil, it oozed out of his pores. How had he gained Qui-Gon’s respect? He hadn’t even asked about Qui-Gon’s condition. Obi-Wan’s mind was in turmoil. He could not understand why his impressions of RosAntu were so completely different to Qui-Gon’s. In the past, in similar situations, Qui-Gon had invariably been right and Obi-Wan knew that he sometimes let his own feeling drive him, blurring his perception. At that moment he was worried about Qui-Gon and maybe he _was_ ‘seeing shadows where there weren’t any’. Just as Qui-Gon had said a few days before. And yet he had been right about the danger awaiting his Master. He _did_ need to speak to Yoda.
TBC
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