NEW PART added below, scan down for the NEW tag I made for it
TITLE: The Lost Children (1/?)
AUTHOR: KnightObiWan
RATING: PG-13 to be safe
SUMMARY: When a mission goes wrong, how will Qui-Gon deal with the loss of
his Padawan?
DISCLAIMER: The Star Wars characters and everything related to them belong to
Lucas Films Limited and more specifically George Lucas. I receive no profit
from the writing or distribution of this story.
TIMING: Pre-TPM...Obi-Wan is 17
SPOILERS: maybe the JA books, but I don't think so
"He’s dead," the words seemed to echo, ethereal and unreal.
"Sure of this, you are? Saw the body you did?" The body? Was he not even a person anymore?
"I saw it myself, my Master," Sure? Of course I’m sure. How could I be unsure of the pools of blood on the floor, the smears of crimson on the wall, and the person wearing a white tunic that was blown out of the cabin when the hull was ripped apart by turbolaser fire? How could I be unsure of the gaping hole in my mind that for four years has been occupied by a warm affectionate glow.
"Where is the body?" Trust Plo Koon to be the one to want exact specific details…the perfect emotionless Jedi to a fault.
"I was unable to recover it," he said flatly, "The pilot engaged the hyperdrive to get the escape shuttle away from our attacker."
"There is no doubt then? You can no longer feel him?" Mace Windu was being kind is his own distant way. The questions were necessary in every reported death where there was no physical proof.
"I felt it when he died." It didn’t seem that it was him speaking the words. He couldn’t possibly be functioning enough to speak coherently.
Yoda nodded, his ears cast downward, the most outward show of emotion from any among the council…but then, it was a favorite Padawan that Yoda had lost.
"Hold a memorial, we will, tomorrow evening."
He just nodded, still unable to believe that this was happening. A memorial? How can I face a public audience when this loss sears my heart and rips by soul in two? He kept his face serene as he had always been taught. He held tight shields around his warring emotions…and he knew he was fooling no one.
"Dismissed you are, to begin to see to his effects and contact friends and family."
He bowed stiffly, long past ready to take his leave.
"May the Force be with you," Windu’s words followed him through the ancient doors that closed with actual hinges.
The closing of the doors was defined by an echoing boom, and Qui-Gon Jinn fell to his knees. This can’t be real… Obi-Wan cannot truly be dead. He reached again to that spot in his mind…the spot he had always associated with mischievous smoky blue eyes and an impish grin, but there was nothing there but silence….
*****
When he had finally managed to pick himself up from the receiving lobby
of the Jedi Council Chamber, he had numbly made his way back to their
quarters... .or were they merely his quarters now? As he walked, he could feel the eyes and thoughts of the Jedi that surrounded him. They had all heard what had happened. Word of the death of any Jedi always spread around the Temple like morrts on a Gammorean. Many of the eyes and thoughts were
sympathetic, the others, curious. It was common knowledge around the Temple
that he and Obi-Wan had shared one of the strongest Master-Padawan bonds that
had ever been recorded. They had often been asked to demonstrate the effects
of such a relationship before new Master-Padawan pairs, usually leaving the
crowd in awe of how much more effective both combat and diplomacy became with
such a bond. It was the absence of this bond that Qui-Gon felt was slowly
driving him insane.
Every turn of every corner reminded him of his Padawan. He passed the Room of a Thousand Fountains where Obi-Wan would go when he was upset. After bad training exercises, a poor test performance, or a run-in with Bruck Chun, Qui-Gon knew this was where he could find his apprentice, usually sitting under the Fountain of the Singing Swans, his feet dancing lazily in the water, his eyes watching the ripples as if they held the answers to his problems. He continued on, pausing in front of the Stairway of Enlightenment. When Xanatos had still been his Padawan, he had been walking past the Stairway during one of his rare downtimes at the Temple and was knocked completely off his feet by a blur of an initiate sliding down the banister. A six year old Obi-Wan had given a sheepish, snaggle-toothed grin after having been caught making a playground of one of the Temple’s most revered meditation places. Had he ever told Obi-Wan that he remembered that? Did his Padawan even remember?
Breathe, Qui, breathe. His hands had begun to shake. He wasn’t sure he was even going to be able to make it back home without losing it completely as he had on the ship…the ship. The damage he had done would be irreparable. The snap of the bond had driven him to madness. A wave of his hand had destroyed an entire room. Most of the cargo was damaged beyond salvation. Frankly, he was surprised he hadn’t managed to kill them all by destroying the ship. He didn’t remember a time when he had been closer to the Dark Side. The only thing stopping him was Obi-Wan…the look on his face when Qui-Gon had broken the news that a friend of his, a year ahead of him, had turned and been killed.
"I just don’t understand Master," he had said with a look of disgust on his face, "Why would anyone choose hate, anger, and loneliness over peace, love, and serenity. It’s just not worth it Master. It’s just not worth it."
Obi-Wan, you once saved me from a life doomed to loneliness. Even in death, you continue to save me... this time from myself.
After a walk that seemed too long and too filled with memories, he reached their quarters. He stepped inside…and into a new set of memories. He had moved to these quarters shortly after taking Obi-Wan as his Padawan. The old quarters that were assigned to him were too small to accommodate them so they had moved their few possessions together and built a home. As he looked around the empty room, Qui-Gon realized that it would never be home again.
Obi-Wan’s data reader sat on the table in front of the sofa. He had forgotten it when they had left a month ago. Your forgetfulness is going to cause you to be behind in your studies Padawan, he had admonished him sternly. Why did I do that? Force knows the boy is hard enough on himself without you making him feel irresponsible. Besides, his resourcefulness made up for it. He had accessed his assignments through the Temple infonet. Qui-Gon retrieved a box from the closet and dropped the data reader into it before proceeding into Obi-Wan’s room. The door swept shut behind him as he stood frozen just inside, taking in every detail. As Jedi, neither he nor his Padawan had many material possessions, but everything they did have was here. The bed was neatly made, the dark blue sheets and blanket tucked tightly around the mattress. His desk was meticulously, the terminal flashing that he had messages. A handtowel was draped over the back of the chair, probably from where he had cooled down from his morning stretches. Everything looked ready for a teenage boy to return and attend to it…a teenage boy who never would.
Stiffly, Qui-Gon set the box on the bed and opened Obi-Wan’s closet, removing his spare tunics and robes, folding them neatly, and setting them in the box. A few personal clothes hung at the back. He folded those and set them beside the box to send to his parents. They would probably be suitable for his younger brother to wear in a year or so. His parents…..Qui-Gon did NOT look forward to contacting them. He had not the first clue how to go about telling them that their oldest child was dead.
He powered up the terminal. The last message he had sent came up automatically. It was addressed to Arica, Obi-Wan’s girlfriend for the past year. He shouldn’t read it, but… Arica, I’m so sorry about our fight the other night. You were right, I was jealous and I was stupid. I trust you to talk to anyone you choose to. I guess anything we have won’t work if we don’t trust each other. I know you don’t feel anything for Tomi. I wish I could tell you this myself, but Qui-Gon and I have just been asked by one of the senators to go on a mission. I guess that’s why I felt the way I did when I saw you and him talking. I’m gone so much that I guess I’m afraid that you’ll lose interest in me. I wish I could take you out to make this up to you before I leave, but I promise to make it up to you when I return. Love, Obi-Wan.
So that was what had been bothering Obi-Wan before they left. Arica was the Padawan of Master Onyynx T’Lairen, the Temple’s leading historian, and therefore, Arica spent most of her time on Coruscant, while Obi-Wan was generally traipsing around the galaxy, following him on one mission after another. He shook his head, maybe he should have asked the Council to schedule them more time at the Temple, but he had firmly believed it was good for Obi-Wan to go on as many missions as possible to learn everything about being a Jedi.
Too late to start second-guessing your teaching methods now Jinn. He sighed, clearing the message. Six messages waited to be read. Two from Arica, and one each from Garen, Reeft, and Bant. Qui-Gon left them as they were. He then opened the desk drawer. Inside were only picture holo’s. He picked up the first one and activated it. It was the first Master-Padawan picture they had had made. He was kneeling on the ground. Obi-Wan was supposed to have kneeled beside him, but had jumped on his back instead and the photographer had snapped the picture just then. The result was the both of them laughing, his own head turned to meet the boy’s eyes, Obi-Wan’s arms wrapped tightly around his neck. Qui-Gon’s choked remembering it. The next holo was of the two of them after a saber tournament at the Temple. Obi-Wan had defeated a Padawan three years his senior in the final bout. He had been so proud of the boy. Did he ever tell him how proud he was? The remaining holos were of his family and friends, and one of him and Arica taken just a few weeks before they had left on their last mission. That last mission... ...
Qui-Gon entered the training room quietly, not wishing to disturb the class. A handful of Masters had come to observe their Padawan’s progress. He had no such intentions. He knew his Padawan’s capabilities intimately. He staked his life on them mission after mission…and had never been failed. Instruction had broken up and the Padawans were dueling, practicing what they had just been taught with their lightsabers on low power.
Obi-Wan was fighting a Togorian that towered a meter taller than he. His opponents long arms meant that it would be difficult for his apprentice to win a strike. But Obi-Wan was patient and defended the Togorians attacks relentlessly. Qui-Gon could tell that his apprentice’s opponent was tiring though…and that seemed to be the boy’s goal. The Togorian moved closer and closer, stepping into Obi-Wan’s intricately laid trap. He began to move in for a killing lunge, but at the last minute, backed off, seeing what he thought was Obi-Wan’s first offensive move, but it was only a feint. He lunged again, only to find empty space as the young Jedi somersaulted over him, tapping the back of his neck as he did in a killing blow. The boy landed, turned, and bowed to his defeated opponent. In true Jedi style, the Togorian acknowledged the move with a nod and bowed in return. Qui-Gon stepped onto the mats.
"Master," Obi-Wan greeted, toweling off.
"That’s a new move, isn’t it Padawan?"
"Aww, I hate you saw it," he grinned, "The last time we fought, you always kept me on the defensive and off balance because you’re so much taller. I’ve been working on that over the past few months to try and beat you for once. I thought I’d test it on Lilik to know if it worked."
"I believe it would have worked on me Padawan," the Master smiled ever so little.
"Guess I’ll never know now," he grinned devilishly, "but I’ll think of something else."
"My Padawan, I have no doubt. If nothing else, you are always thinking of some way to keep me on my toes."
Obi-Wan grinned again, not denying it. The two of them had had a rocky start in their relationship. It was only within the last year that the bond they each so cherished had grown to its present strength. Qui-Gon’s admitted reluctance to let go of the betrayal Xanatos had heaped upon him, and Obi-Wan’s not quite admitted feelings of inadequacy and unworthiness had almost driven an unbreachable rift between the pair, but a mission at the beginning of the year had brought the two together, and the entire Temple had been amazed at the speed and depth with which their bond was forming. It seemed every day, when they could not possibly get any closer, that they did.
"So Master, I take it you did not drop in on lessons to tell me that we’re going to the smashball game at the arena tonight," Obi-Wan baited. He followed the smashball scores as religiously as he could between lessons and missions and was an avid fan of the Dreadnaughts.
"I’m afraid not Padawan. We have been requested for a mission by one of the senators."
"Requested?" Obi-Wan arched his eyebrows in surprise as they walked from the gymnasium.
"I know, my Padawan, I am at a loss as well. It is rare for a specific Jedi to be called for by a senator, but he named you as well."
"Me?"
"Padawan, have you developed the attributes of a winged repeater or are you having trouble understanding my language?" the Master teased gently.
"Sorry Master," Obi-Wan grinned, "Who requested us?"
"Senator Palpatine of Naboo," Qui-Gon paused for the inevitable.
"Senator Palpatine?!" Obi-Wan stopped in his tracks. Qui-Gon turned to face him, "What does he want?"
"I have been unable to discover that Padawan. I can’t seem to get to the Council chambers," he said pointedly. Obi-Wan blushed and resumed his pace beside him, "I know how you feel about the senator though I confess I still don’t know why. I feel none of the…what is it you call it?"
"Ucky-feeling."
"Yes, the ‘ucky-feeling’ you ascribe to him whenever you see him."
"I can’t explain it Master, but it’s there, every time. It feels like a great wrongness. Something that is unnatural and against the order of things."
Qui-Gon gave the ghost of a smile, "That’s the most description of it I’ve gotten, and I confess, it’s quite a grave accusation."
"I mean to accuse no one Master," Obi-Wan said, slightly alarmed, "I only tell you what I feel."
Qui-Gon stopped and put his hands on the boy’s shoulders, "Nor have you accused anyone Obi-Wan, and you never would without cause. I only wish I knew why you have these feelings. I do not doubt that you have them, and I trust their meaning will be revealed with time, but I know it concerns you to be uncertain of what they imply."
"As you say Master, it can be revealed only with time," he began to turn down the residential corridor.
"Padawan, I believe the lift to the Council Chambers is this way," Qui-Gon pointed straight ahead.
"Now Master? I smell!"
"They were waiting on us when they contacted me in our quarters Padawan. I trust they will understand your odor is due to exertion and not lack of hygiene."
Obi-Wan blushed, "Still…"
"Don’t worry about it Padawan," Qui-Gon put his arm on the young Jedi’s shoulders as they headed towards the lift.
*****
Obi-Wan followed his Master into the Council Chamber a bit behind and to
the right as was customary for Padawans. Obi-Wan loved the Council Chamber. It was at the highest point of the Temple and you could see for miles in
every direction. Many times he had been caught not paying attention as the
view outside had drawn him out and into the clouds, soaring with the birds
that flew above the traffic but below the fighters in training formations.
This time, though, he had no fear of his attention being drawn away. Senator
Palpatine stood between Masters Yoda and Windu as if his position there would
make him seem more important. Obi-Wan could not help but think that no
matter where he stood, he would still be the second least important figure
present, just above himself.
//Those are not Jedi-like emotions I am sensing Padawan.// Qui-Gon admonished gently. Obi-Wan got the point though, shielding his thoughts and concentrating on the words about to be spoken. It would do him no good to have the Council feel his unease in Palpatine’s presence.
"A mission Senator Palpatine has requested for the two of you," Master Yoda began without preamble.
"Yes, my Master, so we have been informed," Qui-Gon nodded.
"Master Jinn, Padawan Kenobi," Palpatine smiled.
I wonder how often he practices that grandfatherly smile in the mirror.
//Padawan!//
//My apologies Master.// Obi-Wan reinforced his shields again.
//Not so tightly Padawan or the Council will be concerned. They didn’t hear it, but I did and I can’t hear what he’s saying.// Obi-Wan sent back quiet understanding and cleared himself to concentrate on the senator’s words as well. This took place in just a second.
"A series of kidnappings has occurred throughout the Naboo system. I suspect slave traders. Several eyewitnesses have identified this ship," Palpatine turned and activated a screen that projected the image of a YT-1000 freighter, souped-up and jury-rigged to the gills, as is common for pirates and other illegal operators, "It is identifiable by the red marks painted on the underbelly there. You can see it better in this image," the picture changed to a different angle and the marks he had referred to could clearly be seen. They formed the shape of the head of a phantom snake. Palpatine turned off the viewer, "Already twenty beings have been kidnapped, all children of officials, governors, Kings or Queens, even my own aide’s daughter." Palpatine turned to face Obi-Wan and Qui-Gon, "I have come here to ask for your help in this matter. Find these missing children and shut down these slave traders."
Qui-Gon waited to be sure nothing was added, "I can assure you that we shall endeavor to do our best, but may I ask, why have you not asked the Republic to launch an investigation?"
"I have gone to Valorum. He will do nothing without putting it before the Senate. Unfortunately, the Senate has thousands of matters across the galaxy that demand its attention, and my plea has gone unanswered."
"I see," Qui-Gon nodded, "Very well then, with the Council’s permission, we will begin this investigation at once."
"Our permission you have," Yoda nodded, "Act wisely, and may the Force be with you."
"And with you," Qui-Gon bowed and Obi-Wan followed suit. They exited the chamber aside Palpatine.
"Master Jinn, Padawan Kenobi, I just wanted to personally thank you for seeing to this matter," Palpatine said as the doors closed with a small puff of wind.
"It is our duty to serve Senator, though I confess I am at a loss as to why you requested us personally." Qui-Gon replied.
"I wanted the best on this matter Master Jedi. Many of my officials fear for the safety of their children and their fears are my own."
"Very well senator. I assure you we will do our best."
"Master Jinn, I never doubted," he said with a gleam in his eye.
"Obi-Wan, go back to our quarters, shower, and begin packing. I have something to ask Master Yoda." //And do not scowl so openly at the senator Padawan.//
Obi-Wan blushed, "Yes Master." Qui-Gon watched him go, Palpatine walking away with him. He then turned and went back into the Council Chambers.
"Sensed I did that done with us you were not," Yoda said amused.
"Your Padawan still holds a deep dislike of Senator Palpatine I see," Mace Windu remarked.
"Yes, though neither he nor I know exactly why," Qui-Gon shrugged.
"Dismiss it so easily you should not. Connected to the Unifying Force your Padawan is. Something there you cannot see there may be."
"I shall keep that in mind, my Master," Qui-Gon bowed. The Council waited for him to continue, "My Masters, I wonder, should I take Obi-Wan on this mission?"
Mace Windu cocked his head, the only sign that the question confused him, "Do you feel that he is not up to the mission?"
"Hardly," Qui-Gon had to keep himself from scoffing. "I only ask because these slave traders are targeting children. I do not wish my Padawan to come into harm’s way."
"Shield your Padawan by leaving him here you could, but how is he to learn that way?" Yoda said pointedly.
"I know I cannot shield him from every danger, Master. I just know that on this mission, children are the target."
"Yes, but this does not appear to be random," Plo Koon interjected, "If all children were in danger, these slave traders would do better to simply raid an orphanage. They would reap more benefits at less cost to themselves." Qui-Gon could not help but raise his brow at the Council member’s cold logic. If he noticed, he didn’t respond to it, "No, these attacks are targeted and planned. You must define their logic. Only this way can you stop these abductions."
Qui-Gon nodded, "Yes, my Masters. I will take my leave of you then to prepare for our departure."
"A transport, Senator Palpatine has already arranged for you. Leaves in two standard hours it does."
"Very well," Qui-Gon bowed, "May the Force be with you."
TBC
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