Title: Decisions
Author: Tenel'Ka
Feed back: PLEASE! This is my first attempt at a fan fic. And I need some motivation to write part 2 E-mail me at: jedi-apprentice@mailcity.com
Summary: Qui-Gon has a decision to make that could endanger his apprentice's life.
Rating: G
Time period:Obi-Wan at age 15
Spoilers: Maybe to Jedi-Apprentice books
Warning: If you don't like Star Wars, DON'T read this story!!!
Disclaimer: All these characters are owned and licensed by George Lucas. I am making no money for this. So Please don't sue me!!! I don't have any money anyway!!!
******
Qui-Gon sat watching the sun rise from a chair by the large windows in the quarters he shared with his apprentice. It was still too early for Obi-Wan to wake up.
Qui-Gon Jinn and his apprentice, Obi-Wan Kenobi were to leave the planet Darious, where they were on a mission to find out if this new company was what it said it was, and not trying to trick the small planet into investing in the company. A shuttle was scheduled to pick the Jedi up a little later in the morning.
Qui-Gon looked over to the sleeping pallet where Obi-Wan was asleep, debating if he should let his young apprentice sleep a little longer. He decided to give the boy a few more minutes. So Qui-Gon went to his own sleeping pallet, and started packing his things. After a few minutes, he walked over to Obi-Wan and put a hand on the boy's arm. Qui-Gon shook his Padawan gently.
"Obi-Wan, it's time to wake up. We must leave soon." Qui-Gon said. Obi-Wan mumbled something that Qui-Gon couldn't make out. But slowly Obi-Wan got out of bed.
Qui-Gon had brought two trays of food, from the kitchen, earlier that morning. So they both went to the table to eat their breakfast.
Obi-Wan looked at his Master and asked "How long until we have to be at the shuttle?"
"About half an hour." Qui-Gon answered.
Qui-Gon had been Obi-Wan's Master for about two years now. Obi-Wan was now fifteen years old; he had hair the color of Corellian soil. Obi-Wan was tall for his age, yet next to his Master he looked rather small. Qui-Gon was middle aged and had dark hair that went bellow his shoulders.
After breakfast they finished packing, and started for the hanger bay. When they reached the place where they were to meet their pilot, they saw a small cargo ship that looked like it was about to fall apart.
"Ready to leave Jedi?" a voice asked as a small elderly looking man came around the rickety old ship.
"When you are." Qui-Gon answered.
Obi-Wan looked up at his master with a questioning look on his face. Qui-Gon could tell what the boy was wondering. He was wondering if this was a ship they should trust, after all just looking at it was enough to make Obi-Wan uneasy about trusting the old ship to make it through the atmosphere, and flying through space to Corusant, which was halfway across the galaxy.
Obi-Wan saw Qui-Gon shrug. /Great, my Master isn't even sure if this ship will make it. That's reassuring./ Obi-Wan thought.
"We better get going then. I don't want to be late delivering this cargo." The pilot told them as they walked up the boarding ramp.
Obi-Wan was still a little nervous about the condition of the ship, which was supposed to take them back to the Jedi temple.
Qui-Gon put a hand on Obi-Wan's shoulder after feeling the unease in his apprentice.
They found their seats, and buckled in, when the pilot came in (after doing some last minute checks) and said, "Don't judge a ship by it's outside. This ship has been fairly reliable for over the thirty -five years that I've been piloting it."
Obi-Wan glanced at Qui-Gon who raised his eyebrows at Obi-Wan in amusement.
When the ship lifted off the platform and took off, it was a surprisingly smooth ride. Once they were in hyperspace, they took off their safety belts.
"There is some food in the small room on the right when you just walk out of the cock-pit. Help yourselves and there is some juice somewhere too." The captain told the Jedi.
"Thank you, I am kind of hungry." Obi-wan replied.
Qui-Gon looked at his young apprentice and smiled, trying to chock back a laugh. Obi-Wan was always hungry, no matter how much he eats he still has room for more.
Obi-wan saw this and reddened slightly. Then he smiled realizing that it
So Obi-wan and Qui-Gon went into the small room and looked around. Obi-Wan took some fruit and a glass of green juice. Qui-Gon only took a glass of green juice, but filled another for the pilot.
Back in the cockpit the pilot was trying to figure out how long it should take to reach Corusant. When the Jedi returned, the pilot looked at Qui-Gon and told him, "We should reach your destination by tomorrow morning, and fairly early too. If we don't run into any problems, of course."
Qui-Gon nodded.
"Uh, I have some blankets and stuff in the back, you can try and make a bed if you want, for the night." The pilot told the Jedi.
"Alright, thank-you." was Qui-Gon's reply.
/Good/ Obi-Wan thought.
It was late in the afternoon now, and Obi-wan was uncomfortable sitting in the old seat. He kept shifting trying to get into an awkward position.
"I think we will go try to find the bedding you were telling us about, and try to set up some place to sleep." Qui-Gon told the pilot.
"Okay the stuff is somewhere in the back, as I told you before." The pilot said.
Obi-Wan knew his Master could sense his padawan's discomfort. He was thankful to be able to get up and move around.
They went to the back of the ship and found some blankets and pillows in the small storage room. Once they gathered the things they would need, they went in search of a clean place to sleep. When they found one, they put several blankets down for padding on the cold hard floor. Then they laid some blankets on top and put the pillows at the head of their makeshift beds. There wasn't very much room on the floor because of all the crates and cargo, but it would have to do.
Once they were finished making their makeshift beds, they went to the small kitchen to find something for supper. They made some soup and sandwiches, then took the food to the cockpit to share with the pilot.
After they ate, Obi-Wan got ready for bed as Qui-Gon and the pilot were talking.
Obi-Wan settled into the rather pathetic looking bed.
/This is actually kind of comfortable,/ Obi-Wan thought.
Early the next morning, Obi-Wan awoke. He looked over at where Qui-Gon's bed had been the night before, but it wasn't there.
/Master Qui-Gon goes to sleep after me, and wakes up before me, yet he is never tired. I sleep longer than he does, and I am still sleepy,/ Obi-Wan thought, a little frustrated.
"Good morning padawan." Qui-Gon said as he walked towards Obi-Wan. "We must prepare our belongings, we are going to land in a few minuites."
Obi-Wan groaned, but slowly got up, despite his urge to turn over and go to sleep.
After Obi-Wan put away his blankets, and pillow, they gathered their belongings, and headed towards the cockpit.
"Good morning young Jedi, are the both of you ready to land?" the friendly yet tired pilot asked.
"We are ready." Qui-Gon answered, as they sat down and buckled in.
They landed smoothly, much to the liking of Obi-Wan.
"Thank you for the transportation, and for your kindness pilot." Qui-Gon said.
"Yes, thank you." Obi-Wan said, as the two Jedi got out of their seats.
"It was a pleasure to be sure. It is not often I have company on my flights." The pilot answered.
Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan bowed, then gathered their few belongings and left the shuttle.
They were on Corusant, and on their way to the Jedi temple, where beings with potential, learn the ways of the Jedi. They are brought here at a very young age, in hopes to become an apprentice before the age of 13. After 13, they are sent to be farmers, or to do other jobs.
Obi-Wan had spent the earlier years of his life there. Actually, he was on a transport to some planet, where he was to become a farmer. It just happened to be the same planet Qui-Gon had a mission on, so they were on the same transport. Qui-Gon showed no interest in having Obi-Wan as an apprentice, because of his experience with his former apprentice named Xanatos. Qui-Gon didn't think he could trust another padawan enough to accept him as his apprentice. But after their adventure on Bandomeer, Qui-Gon realized Obi-wan would give his life up if it would save other people's lives. That was the way of the Jedi, and Obi-Wan proved he would actually do that, so Qui-Gon asked Obi-Wan to be his apprentice.
Now they were on their way to the Jedi temple to give a report on their mission to Darious. They would stay at the temple until they were assigned another mission.
When they reached the temple, Qui-Gon requested to talk to the council about their previous mission. The Council agreed so Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan went to see them immediately.
In the Council room, Obi-Wan stood by his master in the center of the round room, with the Jedi Council members all around them. Obi-Wan was always a little nervous when he had to stand in the center of this room. He could feel the Force all around him; it was coming from the Council members, and his own master. He could also feel that the eyes of the Council members were on him and his Master. Obi-Wan never let his nervousness show outwardly, but he knew that if the council members tried, they would be able to sense it. Obi-Wan tried a calming technique that Qui-Gon had taught him. The presence of his Master beside him was reassuring, and helped him to calm himself.
"Master Qui-Gon, please give us a report on the mission on Darious." One of the Masters said, and so the meeting started. Obi-Wan was calm now, but was nether-the-less pleased Qui-Gon did the talking.
After the meeting with the Council, Obi-Wan and his Master headed to the quarters they shared.
"Obi-Wan, why don't you go do some lightsaber exercises in the training rooms?" Qui-Gon asked, but Obi-Wan knew it was more of an order than a question.
"Yes master." Obi-Wan answered, and headed towards the training rooms.
While Obi-Wan was training, Qui-Gon received a transmission from Master Yoda, telling Qui-Gon that the council had a mission for him. He was to go to the planet Noga where he is to guard the princess from a gang which has been sending messages, that she should watch her back if she wants to stay alive.
"They want to kill her?" Qui-Gon asked.
"Yes." Yoda replied.
"What is their reason?" Qui-Gon wondered.
Yoda explained that the gang has been trying to get rid of the royal family for a long time. They want a different system of government, for no particular reason, except that they don't like the royal family. The princess asked for the Jedi to intervene because the messages from the gang have gotten more threatening, and three days ago a small bomb went off in the palace, luckily no one was hurt.
"Alright."Qui-Gon answered, just about to shut off the comm. system.
"Master Qui-Gon, warn you I must. Friendly with people who associate with the royal family, they are not. Killed many, they have, who have associated. Also friendly with Jedi, they are not. Sent was a Jedi before you. Make it back he did not. Send two Masters we shall." Yoda told him.
"Thank you for the warning, but do you think it will be safe enough to take my apprentice, Obi-Wan, along?" Qui-Gon asked.
"Your decision this is. Have to take him, you do not. Think about this you must." Yoda told Qui-Gon, then the transmission ended.
Again Yoda left Qui-Gon with something to think about. /Why couldn't the council just tell me what to do? I usually hate it when they do, but in this case, I wish they would./ Qui-Gon thought. /This is one decision I don't want to make. If I say Obi-Wan can go, then I may be putting his life in terrible danger. But if I say he can't go, then he might be upset, and believe I think he can't take care of himself. I'm not sure what to do./ Qui-Gon thought as he sat down in a chair and put his face in his hands.
Later at supper, Obi-Wan and Qui-Gon were sitting at the small table in their quarters eating dinner. Obi-Wan sensed his Master was troubled, but never said anything. It was a Jedi rule, that padawans can't hold anything back from their Masters, but a Master didn't have to tell his padawan everything. If it were something the apprentice should know, his Master would tell him when he was ready to. Qui-Gon looked up from his plate to Obi-Wan. He noticed that Obi-Wan had a puzzled look on his face. Qui-Gon knew it was because Obi-Wan had sensed that he was troubled. Obi-Wan felt Qui-Gon staring at him, so he looked up, and met Qui-Gon's eyes, knowing his Master had something to say.
Qui-Gon took a breath then said, "Well, no sense beating around the bush." Qui-Gon said half to himself. "Master Yoda has a mission for me. It is a dangerous one, which will put my life at great risk. But as a Jedi, we are taking risks that are our own choice. I am going to the planet Noga, where I am to guard the princess from a gang that wants her dead."
As Qui-Gon paused, Obi-Wan thought /Why is Master Qui-Gon saying it is a mission for him? We are a team, I am his apprentice after all. I should go with him, or doesn't he want me along? Does he think I can't fight, and defend myself?/
"Yes, Obi-Wan, I do want you to come, but you don't understand. This gang hates the royal family. They hate those who even associate with them. They will kill any of these people if they come in contact with them. From what I am told, it is a large, and very dangerous gang... I don't want you to get hurt." Qui-Gon told Obi-Wan after sensing the boys thoughts, and feelings. He added the last part a little reluctantly because he was not used to sharing his feelings with others.
Just then Qui-Gon heard his commlink buzz. "I'll tell you more about it later." Qui-Gon said, as he got up to answer the call. Qui-Gon could sense the frustration in Obi-Wan, but he would have to deal with that later.
Obi-Wan went off to meditate by himself. He tried to use a Jedi relaxation technique as he walked to his room. It helped, a little. /Why doesn't Master Qui-Gon think I should go? My life has been in danger before, but I always get out of the mess, especially when Master Qui-Gon is around. I mean, even if it is more dangerous than other missions, I am a Jedi apprentice. I can fight fairly well, and am good with my lightsaber. Maybe he is just using this as an excuse to take a break from having me around all the time./ Obi-Wan thought.
A while later, Obi-Wan went back to the quarters he shared with his Master. When he went in, he found Qui-Gon sitting on a chair, with a far off look. Obi-Wan recognized this look, he had seen it many times. His Master was thinking, he had some difficult decision to make that required much thought. Obi-Wan cleared his throat, so his Master would know he was there.
"I never heard you come in my young apprentice." Qui-Gon said.
"That's alright." Obi-Wan replied, and went to the kitchen to get something to drink. Qui-Gon watched the boy, he sensed that Obi-Wan was frustrated about something, and Qui-Gon was a little concerned about that.
"Obi-Wan, come here." Qui-Gon told him.
Obi-Wan looked at his Master, and sighed, he knew Qui-Gon was going to talk about the mission, that he wasn't allowed to go on. Obi-Wan walked over to Qui-Gon.
Qui-Gon gestured to the chair that was across from his own. Obi-Wan sat in it.
"Now, what in bothering you padawan?" Qui-Gon asked, knowing it was about the mission.
"Nothing." Obi-Wan mumbled, then looked up to see his Masters face. Qui-Gon waited, knowing that it was against the rules to lie to a Master.
"Okay, okay! I'm a little upset that you won't let me go on this next mission." Obi-Wan confessed rather reluctantly.
"I know you want to go padawan, but I made that decision keeping your best interests in mind." Qui-Gon thought for a moment, and Obi-Wan could tell he was hesitant to tell his apprentice any more. But Obi-Wan sat patiently, waiting for his Master to continue.
"I haven't told you this, but there was a Master, and apprentice sent already to deal with this situation..." Qui-Gon paused. "...they were killed because they were helping the princess."
Obi-Wan stared at Qui-Gon, not knowing what to say. He never thought Noga was THAT dangerous. It was not often a normal life form could kill a Jedi. Obi-Wan felt ashamed for the way he had acted earlier, but Obi-Wan still wanted to go.
Obi-Wan suddenly realized something he could say that might talk Qui-Gon into letting him go. "Well isn't it better to have more than one Jedi go then? So they can watch each others backs?" Obi-Wan asked.
Qui-Gon knew this was a good point. "I will not be going alone, another Jedi Master is going with me." Qui-Gon countered.
"Oh!" Obi-Wan said sounding disappointed. "But isn't three Jedi better than two, even if I am only an apprentice?" he tried another point to corner his Master.
"Obi-Wan, one of the reasons I don't want you to go is because I don't want to see you get killed!" Qui-Gon said sternly.
"I'm not afraid of dying, and I would rather fight by your side and possibly get killed, then just sit around here!" Obi-Wan said getting very frustrated.
Qui-Gon respected Obi-Wan for that. He was Jedi to the bone. "How about this, I will think about what you have said, and I will give you my answer tomorrow. That way, you will still have one day to get ready IF I agree you can come along." Qui-Gon answered.
"It's a deal!" Obi-wan nearly shouted, clearly very relieved and excited.
"That does not mean I will say you can come though, I said I would think about it." Qui-Gon said, looking the boy in the eyes.
"I know. Thank you Master!" Obi-Wan replied, nearly jumping up and down in his chair.
/Did I ever get that excited over a 'maybe' at his age?/ Qui-Gon wondered.
That evening went 'very' slow for Obi-Wan. He had trouble falling asleep too. So, he used a relaxation technique, which helped.
Obi-Wan woke up early the next morning, infact, he woke up before Qui-Gon! That was rare for Obi-Wan, who always slept in.
Obi-Wan went and made breakfast in the kitchen. When he was done, he set it on the table. He wasn't sure what to do until his Master woke up, so he decided to clean the quarters he shared with Qui-Gon.
Obi-Wan was picking up some papers from the floor in his sleeping quarters, when he heard "If this is how you act at this time of the morning, I think I will wake you up early everyday." Qui-Gon said with a look of amusement, referring to the breakfast he could smell, and how Obi-Wan was cleaning.
Obi-Wan looked horrified at the thought of waking up early and cleaning everyday, Qui-Gon noticed.
"I just thought it would be nice to have our quarters clean for when we... uh, I mean, you leave tomorrow." Obi-Wan stuttered, trying to cover his tracks.
"I'm sure you do." Qui-Gon said, knowing this was a plot to talk him into letting the boy go.
Qui-Gon left Obi-Wan's sleeping quarters, and went to the table. Obi-Wan followed Qui-Gon. There, Qui-Gon found his breakfast already made. That was something he was unused to.
"Wow, what service!" Qui-Gon said observing his meal. "You may as well make my breakfast for me every morning, since you will be getting up before me in order to do all that cleaning." Qui-Gon replied, trying to keep a straight face.
Obi-Wan gave his Master a 'Ya right' look. He knew his Master was joking.... at least he 'hoped' so.
During breakfast, Obi-Wan was trying to be patient with getting an answer to whether or not he could go on the mission to Noga. But he was a little nervous about what the answer might be.
"Go do your exercises now. I will clean off the table." Qui-Gon said, as he picked up the plates off the table.
/I'm supposed to do my exercises 'now'?/ Obi-Wan thought. /I doubt I will be able to concentrate on my work!/ Obi-Wan was trying to be patient, but waiting for Qui-Gon's decision, was just too difficult.
Qui-Gon went to Obi-Wan's sleeping quarters, where he found a flustered apprentice working on his exercises, at his desk. Qui-Gon went up to Obi-Wan and looked over his shoulder at the boy's work.
"Obi-Wan, you should know the answer to that last question. You learned how to figure it out only last week." Qui-Gon scolded.
"I know, I just can't get it right." Obi-Wan replied.
"I think you have something else on your mind. Come and sit on the floor." Qui-Gon motioned to the round carpet in the middle of the small room.
Once they were sitting, Qui-Gon looked Obi-Wan in his eyes. "Now, tell me what is on your mind." Qui-Gon instructed his apprentice.
"Master... yesterday you told me you would give me your answer about the mission, this morning." Obi-Wan told his Master.
"I said I would tell you 'today'. I never said when I would give you my decision." Qui-Gon replied.
"Oh." Obi-Wan said quietly. He had hoped Qui-Gon had already made his decision.
"But, since I have already made my decision, I will tell you." Qui-Gon told him.
Obi-Wan looked up. Qui-Gon could see he was nervous, but impatient at the same time.
"I have decided." Qui-Gon started, then paused. "Before I tell you." /Obi-Wan sighs with impatience./ "I want to make it clear that with future missions, if I have a reason I think you should not be along, you will do what I tell you, alright?" Qui-Gon asked.
Obi-Wan nodded.
"I have decided to let you come." Obi-Wan cheers. "But, if I think the situation is getting too dangerous while we are there, you will be put on the first shuttle back to Corusant. Is that clear?" Qui-Gon asked.
Another nod from Obi-Wan.
"Let us start packing our things then." Qui-Gon said.
That day went by quickly, they had plenty to do before they left. Qui-Gon informed the Council that Obi-Wan was going with him, they packed, made final arrangements with the captain of the ship that was to take them to Noga.
That night Qui-Gon threatened Obi-Wan that he wouldn't take him, if he never got any sleep. After Qui-Gon said that, Obi-Wan tried, successfully, to fall asleep. Qui-Gon chuckled at how much his apprentice wanted to go on this mission with him, even if it was dangerous.
Qui-Gon was still a little hesitant about letting Obi-Wan go along, but he sensed that he had made the right decision.
The next morning they had a quick breakfast. Obi-Wan was glad that Qui-Gon never woke him up early like he said he would. In fact, Obi-Wan never had to clean either, or make his Masters breakfast. All he had to do was put on a fresh tunic, clip his lightsaber on his belt, and put on his cloak. After they had dressed, they headed out.
They found their shuttle waiting for them. The ship wasn't very big, but they didn't need it to be. They would arrive at Noga in just a few short hours.
The flight was rather short. But they had reached Noga for their potentially dangerous mission.
You are visitor #
© 2000 heather.lively@ns.sympatico.ca
T.B.C.
GO HOME
to come here since January 20, 2000.
Get your own Free Home Page