Title: "No Matter What"
Author: The Jedi Princess
Feedback: Please, to, rsrwrsfan@aol.com
Rating: PG13
Archive: Anywhere, just let me know.
Spoilers: Not really, maybe some for JA books.
Timing: Obi-Wan's is sixteenth.
Summary: Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan are sent on a mission with Master Darrick and Bruck to discover who is polluting the rivers and oceans of the small planet, Kranta. Little do they know that they will discover a more serious problem. An enemy will appear unlike any other they had ever encountered. And when the enemy manages to seperate the padawans from their masters, he will have them exactly where he wants them.
Warnings: Full of Obi torture, angst, and hurt comfort.
Disclaimer: I am not George Lucas, therefore I do not own anyone
recognizable. All those not recognizable are indeed mine.
The training room was empty, except for the two lone padawans who occupied the mat. Practice sabers hissed as they met one another.
Bruck went for a move that would have clearly taken his opponent's head off, if that opponent had not used a 12th level kata to somersault over Bruck's head.
Obi-Wan Kenobi landed safely behind Bruck and with his practice weapon, he disarmed the other boy.
Bruck laughed, "I will get you next time Obi. And you better not let Master Qui-Gon know that you practiced a 12th level kata without him being here, he will have your head.
Obi-Wan just grinned and picked up his towel. Wiping the sweat off his face he replied, "I know, but he has really been a little overprotective."
It had been about 2 months since Obi-Wan's 16th birthday, and about 4 months since Obi-Wan's stay in the medical ward. Four months since An-Paj and the soul healer, Nik-Ka declared him emotionally stable enough to return home with his master.
Obi-Wan had gained back all of his weight that he had lost while in the prison camp and while he starved himself at the temple. Qui-Gon was still having a hard time accepting that his apprentice was in such turmoil and he had not been able to help him.
Obi-Wan had managed to catch up in all his classes, though certain instructors swore it would be impossible. But Obi-Wan was determined, and with the help of his master, Bruck, and Master Darrick, he was able to catch up fairly easy.
"Well Bruck, I better get home before Master Qui-Gon comes looking for me himself." Obi-Wan laughed.
************
Obi-Wan entered his home, and Qui-Gon looked up from his data pad, "Hello, Padawan, I was getting worried."
Obi-Wan flopped down on the sofa next to his master and said, "I am sorry Master, but Bruck and I lost track of time."
Qui-Gon nodded, "Sparring, I see. And you did not by any chance do a high level kata, did you."
Obi-Wan answered with an impish grin and Qui-Gon said with affection, "Brat. Now go and shower."
Obi-Wan did what he was told, but he could not help feeling that something was going to happen.
********
Obi-Wan came out of the refresher clean and dressed in fresh clothing, he was about to grab a glass of juice and sit down to study for an exam he was having, when the com unit went off.
Qui-Gon went to answer it, and Obi-Wan heard Master Mace Windu on the other end, "Qui-Gon, there is a situation that will require Jedi intervention."
Qui-Gon answered, "Of course, Mace. Obi-Wan and I are on our way."
In the hallway they met Master Darrick and Bruck, who were also going to the council hall. Obi-Wan found this very interesting, and wondered what it was all about.
In the council hall, Yoda spoke, "To Kranta you will go. Dire it is."
Qui-Gon nodded and asked, "Of course My Master, what is the situation?"
Mace replied to Qui-Gon's question, "The oceans and rivers are being polluted. It is killing all sea life. Since Kranta's major exports are fish, coral, and other sea living things, their economy is ruined."
Darrick then spoke, "Is there any clue on who may be doing this?"
Mace answered, "None. But be wary."
Yoda added, "Hard to see the dark side is. A transport is waiting for you, May the force be with you."
The masters and their padawans bowed before the council and made their way out. Obi-Wan was excited, not only was he finally getting out of the temple and going on a mission, but he was going on a mission with Bruck!
But as excited as Obi-Wan was, he also felt very apprehensive.
***********
While Bruck and Darrick returned to their quarters to gather their things, Obi-Wan and Qui-Gon returned to theirs.
Obi-Wan set a record for packing. He knew that they were leaving soon, and he wanted to say good bye to Klea. Qui-Gon was in his room packing when he heard a light rap on his door. Turning around, he saw his padawan step inside with backpack in hand.
Qui-Gon smiled,"Packed all ready?"
Obi-Wan grinned, "Yes, Master. Master, would it be all right if I met you at the landing platform?"
Qui-Gon's smile grew broader, "Of course Padawan. Don't be late." When Obi-Wan turned around to leave, the Jedi Master added, "Oh, and tell Klea I said goodbye."
Obi-Wan blushed and grinned, and he was off. If anyone had ever told Obi-Wan he would be a daily visitor to the medical ward just for the fun of it, he would not have believed them. But it was true, ever since he and Klea shared that precious moment on the balcony two months ago, the two were inseperatable. Obi-Wan was glad to be going on a mission, but sad, because he was going to have to say good bye to Klea, for force knows how long.
Upon entering the healing ward, Obi-Wan met up with An-Paj, "Ah, Obi-Wan. Have you come for a checkup?"
Obi-Wan smirked, "No Master An-Paj. I have come to see Klea. Is she available?"
An-Paj nodded, "Yes she is. She is in the lab. You may go and see her." Obi-Wan bowed and walked with purpose to the lab. An-Paj smiled, the romance between the Jedi apprentice and the healer apprentice was adorable.
Klea looked up from the blood sample she was studying, her eyes brightened when she saw Obi-Wan. Klea walked over to where the teen was and wrapped her arms around him. Pulling back slightly she said, "Something is wrong."
Obi-Wan put his hands on her shoulders, "Master Qui-Gon and I have been called on a mission. We are going with Bruck and Master Darrick."
Klea nodded and bit her lip and when she found the words she replied, "When do you leave?"
Obi-Wan pulled her close again, "I have to meet Master Qui-Gon there shortly."
Klea tried to give a brave smile and failed miserably, she said, "I guess this is goodbye. Promise me that you will send a holo everyday."
Resting his forehead against hers he said, "I promise." Then he gave her a sweet and gentle kiss. "I will miss you Klea."
Klea replied, "Not as much as I will miss you, be careful Obi-Wan."
Obi-Wan gave her one last kiss and turned away. Klea had a cold feeling come over her, she had a bad feeling about it."
***********
Obi-Wan arrived at the landing platform just as his Master got there. Bruck and Master Darrick were already on board.
Obi-Wan and Qui-Gon got on board, and the pilots were given the ok to take off. Obi-Wan watched Coruscant disappear. Leaving had never been like this before, but he had never left a sweetheart behind before. He jumped when Qui-Gon laid his hand on his shoulder. In a kind voice Qui-Gon said, "I know you will miss her, but you must focus on the here and now."
Obi-Wan nodded, "I'm sorry Master."
Qui-Gon smiled warmly at the young man, "Don't be, my Obi-Wan. I remember when I had to leave a young lady behind. I was about your age. Master Yoda used his stick to get me on the transport. If I recall correctly, I had bruises on my shins for weeks."
Obi-Wan had to grin at that mentle image. Obi-Wan and Qui-Gon were very close, as close as a Master and Padawan could be, but Qui-Gon talking about his days as a padawan was a rare treat, and one that Obi-Wan enjoyed very much.
As much as Obi-Wan loved his Master, the man was still a mysery. But one that Obi-Wan was having fun unraveling.
*******
The three day journey passed quickly. Obi-Wan and Bruck had studies to keep up with, and Qui-Gon and Darrick were kept reading the reports that the council had provided them with for the mission.
Early on the morning they were arriving, while all on board were asleep, Obi-Wan awoke screaming, "NOOOOO! Get away! GET AWAY FROM US!"
Qui-Gon quickly jumped out of bed, and ran to his apprentices side, reaching for the teen, gently shook him, "Shhh, shhh, it's all right Padawan. Wake up. Wake up."
Obi-Wan whimpered a few more times before he opened his eyes up. Qui-Gon looked down at him with concern. The Master knew that the nights sometimes terrorized his apprentice, but his last nightmare had been months ago. Qui-Gon ran his hand affectionatly over Obi-Wan's short hair, "Do you want to tell me about it."
Obi-Wan bit his lip and turned towards his Master, who drew him into a protective embrace, "I could not move. I could not move and someone was going to hurt Klea. And we were alone. And I could not help her."
Qui-Gon rubbed his apprentice's back and said soothingly, "Well it was only a dream, and you are safe now. Klea is safe too. But I think you will feel better if you sent her a holo. I brought this along for you."
Qui-Gon pulled away long enough to place a portable holo sending device in Obi-Wan's hand. It was small enough to fit in the padawan's hand, but powerful enough to send a holo anywhere in the galaxy.
Qui-Gon then stood up and said, "I am going to use the refresher, send Klea a holo. I think you are just missing her."
Obi-Wan managed a small smile and nodded. He had a sinking feeling that it was more then that. But Obi-Wan had been a bit paranoid lately.
After he sent the holo, Bruck knocked on the door, "You okay?"
Obi-Wan nodded, "Sorry for waking you."
Bruck smiled, "That's all right. I am just glad that you are okay. This mission is typical enough. Probably should not take more then a few weeks."
Obi-Wan chucked his bed pillow playfully at his friend, "Don't you realize that there is no such thing as a typical mission with Master Qui-Gon and I?"
*********
The four Jedi managed to fall back asleep for a few more hours worth of sleep. When Obi-Wan opened his eyes, his Master was not there. Obi-Wan looked at the chrono next to his bed and jumped up with a start. They were due to land in less then an hour, and Obi-Wan had not showered, meditated, or eaten. He was surprised that his master allowed him to sleep in. Scrambleing, Obi-Wan quickly got out of bed and grabbed a fresh tunic, leggings, and robe.
He was rushing to get into the shower when Qui-Gon stepped in with a tray, he smiled at Obi-Wan and said, "Take your time Obi-Wan. No need to rush."
Obi-Wan was surprised, "But Master, I still need to meditate."
Qui-Gon nodded, "And you will, but I think one half hour will be sufficient this morning."
Obi-Wan grinned in relief and bowed to his master, he then went to the fresher and turned the water on. After adjusting the temperature just right he stepped in. He allowed the hot water to soothe him and his worried mind. He was safe, his master was safe, and his friends were safe. That was all that mattered, and safe they would all remain, no matter what.
After Obi-Wan was showered and dressed, he joined his master and together they shared a quiet breakfast. Then Obi-Wan knelt on the meditation mat. Qui-Gon took a spot next to him and they both surrendered themselves to the calm serenity of the force.
The half hour went quickly, and Qui-Gon's comlink went off, it was the captain, "We are landing Master Jedi."
Qui-Gon replied, "Very well Captain, thank you."
Obi-Wan stood up and gathered his and Qui-Gon's things. They opened up the door, just as the door across the hall opened. And in quiet companionship the Masters walked down the hall, their padawans falling in step behind them.
Obi-Wan was troubled, he did not feel right about this, he tried to center himself, but was not able to, he finally said to himself, We are all safe, we will all remain safe...right?
He did a poor job convincing himself.
**********
Stepping off the transport, the Jedi Masters and the padawans bowed respectfully to the aide that had been sent to greet them.
The aide looked over the men and teenagers unimpressed, "I am Vrel Tren. Ambassador Jalson is waiting for you."
At that name, Darrick and Qui-Gon looked at each other dumbfounded, they reconized that name, Darrick then said, "Ambassador Jalson? Ren Jalson?" Vrel Tren nodded a slight nod, "The same. And he is quite interested in the Jedi that the temple has sent here. But first, I am to take you an a tour of our beaches."
==================
Obi-Wan and Bruck walked a little ahead of their masters on the beach. Qui-Gon and Darrick kept a close eye on the two padawans, each Master unwilling to let the padawans far from them, or out of their sight.
Sadly, Obi-Wan gently nudged his boot against a dead sea animal that had washed up on the shore. Obi-Wan loved the ocean. It was so full of life, but looking out at the vast area of water, he could see that the life in this sea was fading quickly.
Bruck came up beside him and they nodded. Together they pulled empty vials out of their tunics to take samples of the water, so it could be analyzed.
Not far away Qui-Gon and Darrick were having a conversation, Darrick looked worried, "We have to get the boys off this planet. If Ren still bares us ill will, there is no telling what type of danger our boys will be in."
Qui-Gon looked thoughtful, "I agree. At the first possible moment we will put them back on the transport and then we will contact the council. I do not want Obi-Wan and Bruck on this world a moment longer then necessary."
*********
TBC
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