Title: Visions
By: Healer Apprentice Lina
Feedback: Yes! I LOVE FEEDBACK! (healer_apprentice_lina@hotmail.com)
Category: Angst, Drama, H/C
Rating: PG
Archive: Early Years
Spoilers: Minor ones for the JA books & Star Wars films.
Time Frame: Obi-Wan is 14
Summary: On a distant planet, a healer treating a dying Obi-Wan discovers
something disturbing.
Disclaimer: All recognizable Star Wars characters are the exclusive property
of George Lucas. All others belong to me. I don't get paid for this so
hopefully its all fine.
********
This wasn't supposed to happen. Not now, not now, not now....
The words echoed through Qui-Gon Jinn's mind like a mantra. Desperation and anxiety had long settled in, making the usually stoic Jedi Master hope that if he repeated the words long enough he might open his eyes to find it all a horrific nightmare.
It was childish and completely pointless.
Opening his eyes, he still found himself sitting on the hard plastic chair, now staring at the blue doors of the Medi-Center. Even on Gema, a planet nearly three weeks journey from Couresant, the medical waitrooms felt just like the ones on Couresant.
They gave little comfort.
In all the years the Jedi Master had been alive, he felt his experiences had prepared him for just about everything. Death of friends, family, cruelty fueled by war, the loss of a padawan to the Darkside.
But none of these events had even remotely prepared him for the nearly all-consuming panic he felt now.
Nothing prepared him for possibility of losing Obi-Wan Kenobi.
*********
The mission had seemed so simple. Escort the Gemian Ambassador Tre'lan back
to Couresant for the trade negotiations that were to start between several
other planets. Gema was a small world tucked away in a remote section of the
galaxy. Until a few years ago, Gema held relations only with a few
neighboring planets. The newly elected Ambassador, however, believed it was
time to finally enter political and cultural arenas beyond their corner of
the universe.
"This kind of isolation, though good for preserving our traditions, has long
inhibited any cultural growth. We need to realize there are other worlds and
opportunities out there, Master Jinn" Tre'lan had stated.
"Do you expect much dispute over your decision, Ambassador? If Gema is as traditional as you say, this could upset a great many people."
"I admit there has been some opposition. But that is to be expected. I'd almost worry if my people gave in so easily" he replied, smiling. "But the people have elected me and I intend to do what I feel is best for them. Whatever the conflicts, I know this is the right decision."
Whatever confidence the Ambassador had in his actions, he had nonetheless, sorely underestimated the reaction of his people.
The day they were to leave, Qui-Gon had accompanied Ambassador Tre'lan on his visit to his late wife's grave while Obi-Wan had stayed behind at the Ambassdor's home to see to the final travel plans and one other duty.
Qui-Gon had chuckled at the look of slight terror on his 14 year old apprentice's face when he had instructed him to watch over the Ambassador's infant son since his regular nurse had fallen ill.
"But Master, I don't know anything about babies. What if he....does something?"
"He's only an infant, padawan."
"That's hardly comforting, Master."
"This is a good opportunity for you to gain some experience in dealing with children."
"Why? So if this Jedi thing doesn't work out I can be ready for a career as a nursemaid?"
"Obi-Wan..." Qui-Gon's attempt at a stern tone was downgraded by the reluctant grin that appeared on his face. His inability to hold back smiling was happening to him a lot around Obi-Wan lately.
"Sorry, Master" Obi-Wan replied, returning the grin. "I'll just.....play with him unti lyou get back."
"Do that Obi-Wan. We'll be back fairly soon."
"Yes, Master."
The two men had barely traveled a mile from the house when the bomb leveled the structure. Apparently an assassination attempt, the rebels against the Ambassador's plans had not counted on the Ambassador being out of the house. Both Tre'lan and Qui-Gon stood in horror as the dust settled.
Obi-Wan....
//Obi-Wan!!// Qui-Gon practically screamed through their link as he and Tre'lan sprinted to the once standing home. Casting his senses through the Force, Qui-Gon detected both Obi-Wan and the baby's life force.
Alive The thought gave Qui-Gon a small amount of comfort.
//Obi-Wan?// he called again.
//M-m-master?// a faint reply echoed through their bond.
//Obi-Wan! I'm coming!//
//P-please hurry. The b-baby...// the voice was getting weaker.
//We're almost there, padawan// Qui-Gon reassured as they reached the pile of ruins.
"Ambassador, find help immediately."
"My son was in there! I have to find him!"
Qui-Gon struggled to remain calm himself as he assured the distraught father. "Your son is alive, Ambassador. He is and so is Obi-Wan, believe me. But they both need help. Please, find someone."
Tre'lan nodded, taking a deep breath and took off.
Qui-Gon began to make his way through the ruins, reaching out to try and locate his padawan and the baby.
//Hang on, Obi-Wan. I'll find you//
The Jedi Master continuted to send reassuring messages through their bond, though Obi-Wan had stopped responding. The Ambassador soon returned with healers as well as others to help in the search. A few agonizing moments later, a sound caught Qui-Gon's attention.
Crying.
A baby's crying.
A frantic rush towards the source of the sound uncovered the battered body of Obi-Wan lying trapped next ot the Ambassador's screaming son. Tre'lan hugged his son in a crash of relief to find him alive and completely unharmed. There wasn't a single scratch on the infant. Qui-Gon realized that Obi-Wan had spent all his remaining strength on creating a protective Force pocket around the bably.
"Obi-Wan." Qui-Gon gently laid his hand on his apprentice's forehead, mindful of the painful looking gash that ran down the side of the teenager's face. The readings he got from the Force of Obi-Wan's injuries was staggering.
Concussion, broken arm in three places, broken collarbone, several broken ribs, one that had punctured his lung. But it was the internal injuries that he detected that worried Qui-Gon the most. Obi-Wan would need medical care right away if he was to survive.
Qui-Gon felt prickling tears. Even with all this pain, Obi-Wan had protected the Ambassador's son first. He had not even attempted a healing trance on himself, concentrating solely on the defenseless infant. Obi-Wan's eyes fluttered open as Qui-Gon move his other hand to grasp Obi-Wan's.
"Master?" he rasped.
Qui-Gon nodded as he poured healing energy into his ailing student. "I'm here, Obi-Wan."
The young Jedi coughed painfully as he struggled to talk. "I-I'm sorry, Master. I th-thought s-something...was...wrong. F-felt it. But I c-c-ouldn't...couldn't get out... f-fast enough. The b-baby! Is he alright?"
Tears threatened to choke Qui-Gon at Obi-Wan's selfless worry for the child. "It's okay, Padawan. He's fine" The Jedi Master managed. "You saved him."
Obi-Wan gave a small smile, relief evident on his face. "Good" he murmured as his eyes started to close. A shaft of panic shot through Qui-Gon.
"Obi-Wan! Padawan, you have to stay awake!" Qui-Gon remotely registered the healers rushing to his Obi-Wan's side. "Padawan, look at me!" But Obi-Wan did not respond as his hand in Qui-Gon's became frighteningly limp.
"Obi-Wan, please!" The large Jedi barely felt the other rescuers and healers push him aside as they worked to free and treat his apprentice. He was only aware of desperately trying to hold on to Obi-Wan's life force.
//Stay with me, padawan!// he pleaded.
But Qui-Gon could feel Obi-Wan's life begin to escape from his grasp as quickly as water through his fingers.
Qui-Gon continued to stare at the still blue doors leading to the examination
room that had long stopped swinging after they had wheeled Obi-Wan through them.
It had been over 4 hours and it was taking every Jedi calming technique Qui-Gon had learned over the years to keep from rushing through the doors and demand to know Obi-Wan's condition.
His patience was soon rewarded with the approach of two healers. One male, one female. Both had silver hair and violet eyes that were common among the Gemians as well as the typical Gemian youthful features that contrasted their elderly coloring, making it impossible to tell their age. Before they even had a chance to reach where the Jedi Master had been sitting, Qui-Gon bolted up, "How is he?"
"Master Jinn, I am Healer Bren and this is Healer Sira." The male healer introduced. "We have treated most of Padawan Kenobi's injuries. The broken bones have been set and the lung was repaired without too many complications...."
"But what?" Qui-Gon beat Bren to the catch.
"It is the internal injuries that we have to worry about" the second healer answered, softly. "The impact that Padawan Kenobi suffered has damaged many of his organs causing internal hemorraging. Since Padawan Kenobi is a human, he will need a bacta treatment."
"When will he go into the bacta tank?" Qui-Gon asked.
Both healers glanced at one another momentarily before Bren spoke, "We do not have a bacta tank of Gema."
Qui-Gon stared in disbelief as he felt his heart sink.
"You don't have a single bacta tank on this planet??"
"Bacta has no effect on Gemian bodies. We have never had a use for it" Bren explained. "We have already contacted the nearest neighboring planet to bring one to us immediately. But it will take at least three days even with their fastest engines."
"Three days! But you said Obi-Wan is bleeding internally. He will die before then!"
"There is no other choice. We will simply have to buy ourselves the time" Sira answered. "I will be performing a binding trance on him to slow down his bleeding. That should give us more time."
"A binding trance?"
"It is similar to your ability to use the Force to control objects. At least, that's the closest thing I can think of as a comparison. It is a bit more complicated than that but it is difficult to explain." Sira smiled apologetically. "With your permission, I'd like to try it on Obi-Wan."
Qui-Gon nodded. What choice did he have? "I'd like to see him before you start." It wasn't a request.
Bren nodded, understandingly. "Of course, Master Jinn. You can stay with your apprentice during the entire process if you wish."
"Thank you. I will do that."
The healers led the Jedi Master to Obi-Wan's room and stood outside to give a few minutes of privacy.
Qui-Gon had always believed that the ability of medical beds to dwarf the size of the patients was a bit of an exaggeration. Looking at Obi-Wan now, he proved himself wrong.
His padawan's pallor matched those of the sheets, the only color being the dark circles around his eyes. A breathing tube had been attached as well as several IV's and a heart monitor.
It frightened Qui-Gon that so much was needed to just keep Obi-Wan alive. And it was still not enough.
He quickly approached the bed and grasped Obi-Wan's hand, being careful not to disturb any wires.
//Obi-Wan? Can you hear me?// He received no answer. //I am here, padawan. Everything is going to be fine. You'll be fine.// He reassured, unconsciously gripping the smaller hand tighter.
Qui-Gon's eyes traveled over Obi-Wan's features, taking them in. He had once been at Obi-Wan's bedside, even before he had taken him as his apprentice. Though not officially his padawan, Qui-Gon had even then felt apprehension at the sight of the usually energetic student lying so still.
This was incomparably worse. Obi-Wan had only sustained bruises then. He had healed without many problems. He hadn't been too seriously injured.
He hadn't been dying.
The thought flew through Qui-gon's mind before he could stop it.
No! Obi-Wan was NOT dying. He was going to recover. He was. He had to. Qui-Gon searched his mind for more words of assurances to send to his student but could find none. He did not even have any left for himself. The Jedi swallowed down his anxiety and steeled himself with new resolve.
Obi-Wan was going make it. He has no other choice.
Qui-Gon kissed Obi-Wan forehead.
//I'm here, padawan. Everything will be alright. Do not be afraid.//
A soft knock alerted Qui-Gon to Sira's presence.
"Are you ready Master Jinn?"
Qui-Gon nodded and gently pressed his forehead to Obi-Wan's.
//I won't let you go, Obi-Wan.//
Straightening, the Jedi Master turned to the healers.
"Begin."
Sira sat down on a bed that was set up next to Obi-Wan's. Qui-Gon watched as Bren began to insert an IV into Sira and connect a neuro monitor.
"Is this dangerous for you?" Qui-Gon questioned, looking at the growing number of wires that were being attached to Sira.
The Gemian healer tried not to show her surprise at the question. She had not expected the Jedi to be so concerned for her well-being in this matter as well.
"No, not at all Master Jinn. We just like to have a record" she assured.
"Only a few Gemians have the capability to open their minds to such an extent to do a binding trance. We're taking readings of Sira's neuro patterns to best study what makes her brain functions different from others." Bren's voice was starting to become laced with what sounded like excitement. "Actually, this should be very interesting. Sira, nor any other Gemian for that matter, has ever performed a binding trance on a human before. The readings we get from this-"
"Are really of little importance at this moment" Sira finished, sharply. She shot Bren a look to shut up. A life was hanging in the balance and Bren was talking as if this was some kind of field experiment. She didn't think the Jedi Master would appreciate having his apprentice spoken of as if he was a Tarian lab rat. At her gaze, Bren's eyes turned a dark shade of purple in embarrassment.
"You will be doing this trance for three days?" Qui-Gon asked. It sounded like an incredible endurance run.
"As long as your apprentice needs me to" Sira replied. The young healer felt her resolve to help the Jedi boy strengthen as Qui-Gon gave her a grateful nod.
Although she had not meant to, she had seen the latter part of Master's exchange with his padawan. Though he had not spoken any words aloud, the Jedi's emotions for his apprentice had been so strong that Sira had practically felt them emanating throughout the room.
Sira had often read of the Jedi stoic nature and had been surprised by the picture of Qui-gon touching his head to Obi-Wan's. It was a deeply felt gesture of love from a father to his son. Sira did not imagine that even her own people were capable of such strong feelings. To allow himself to love Obi-Wan so much had left him open for the worst kind of pain should anything happen.
It had made the Jedi Master seem strangely vulnerable in Sira's eyes.
He is so afraid of losing him.
Seeing him tightly clutching his padawan's hand, any preconceived notions she had of the seemingly untouchable Jedi fell away.
Should his apprentice die, it would create a vortex of such intensity that Qui-Gon might very well not escape from. He would lose himself in his despair.
The thought made Sira shudder. She would never put this man through such agony. She would save Obi-Wan.
Lying down, Sira gave Qui-Gon an encouraging smile. "I'll see you in three days, Master Jinn" she promised. "And you as well Padawan Kenobi" she added. With that, she closed her eyes.
To the casual observer, it looked as if Sira had simply fallen asleep next to Obi-Wan. While Qui-Gon had not let go of Obi-Wan's hand since he had entered the room, Sira had not even made any physical contact.
While Bren watched the neuro pattern readouts, Qui-Gon's gaze remained glued to Obi-Wan. He wasn't expecting any reaction from him but found a small sense of comfort watching his apprentice's chest rise and fall with each breath.
After awhile, the beeping of Obi-Wan's heart monitor slowed as did his breathing. Qui-Gon's eyes shot to the monitor in near panic when Bren placed a hand on his shoulder.
"Don't worry. It's working. Sira is slowing down his circulatory system to help with the bleeding so he won't go into shock. She has him. It's fine, see?" the healer pointed to the neuro readings. Sira's neuroactivities were increasing at an incredible speed.
"This is normal?"
"Oh yes, quite normal. Sira is one of our best healers. She has long mastered the binding trance" Bren replied. "Her abilities to open her mind has far exceeded any other healer. We only have a handful who can do this and Sira has had the lowest rate of complications." The excitement was creeping back into Bren's voice.
"Complications?"
Bren smiled nervously at Qui-Gon's quick tone.
"Of course not complications for the patients" he said urgently. But binding trances are exhausting and some healers have experienced minor side effects."
"Such as?" Qui-Gon pressed.
Bren fidgeted a bit, his eyes darkening again. "Nausea, headaches. Nothing harmful. Just some discomfort. But as I said, Sira has had the lowest rate. There is nothing to be concerned about."
Recording the last neuro readout, Bren prepared to leave, telling Qui-Gon to call should he need anything.
"You know, Master Jinn, there is very little you can do right now. I can prepare a bed for you in the next room if you like" he offered.
"No, thank you Healer Bren. I prefer to sit with Obi-Wan."
"It'll be three days Master Jinn. Besides, there is little chance that your apprentice is aware of his surroundings."
"Even so..."
"But Master-"
"I will remain with Obi-Wan." There was no room for arguement. Leaving was not even a far distant option for Qui-Gon. "If there is any chance, even the slightest that Obi-Wan can sense me, I want him to know I am here for him" the Master said firmly.
I'll stay awake the entire three days if I have to.
Defeated, Bren made a hasty retreat, muttering he'll check in later.
Qui-Gon turned his gaze back to his padawan, tenderly brushing his ginger hair away from the pale face.
He was going to stay with him during this trance and during the bacta session as well. He would remain with him until Obi-Wan opened his eyes and assured his Master himself that he was fine.
Until then, nothing in the universe was going to pry Qui-Gon from his padawan's side.
In all his years as a healer, Bren had yet to see anyone withstand the discomfort of the medicenter's plastic chairs for so long as Master Qui-Gon Jinn.
The man must not have any nerves in his lower extremities Bren thought with a certain amount of awe.
While he had continuously checked in on Kenobi, the Gemian's visits were never too long. A call from the Gorian pilot who was transporting the bacta tank had informed Bren this morning that they would be there in about 10 hours.
Bren didn't think they could cut it any closer.
The latest neuro readings had worried the healer. Sira had started out very well with the trance but as the days and hours had passed by, her neuro activities were become rather scattered. They were not as tightly targeted towards treating Kenobi as they had been earlier.
Something is distracting her.
While Bren was fairly certain what it was, he chose not to discuss it with the Jedi Master.
He hadn't been lying to him when he said that Sira held the lowest rate of complications. Not exactly.
She just suffered from a specific problem.
It was a symptom that Bren had well recorded over the past few months though he and Sira had yet to divulge the information to anyone else. No other healer had ever been prone to visions while doing a binding trance.
And as far as Bren could find, Sira was the only one. Until they knew more, it was best to keep it a secret. It had taken Bren all his argumentative powers to convince Sira to not reveal the sympton, nor to tell her patients of what she saw.
While Bren believed he and Sira worked well together, they always clashed when it came to dealing with patient communication.
She so irritatingly has to tell her patients everything down to the slightest detail. Bren thought, annoyed.
But this was different.
The implications of this ability of hers was far greater that they could handle right now.
With luck, it isn't a vision that's distracting her but just having to deal with a human body for the first time. Bren hoped.
His brow furrowed as he looked over Kenobi's charts.
10 hours.
With the rate of his bleeding as it was now, it was going to be close. And even if they bacta arrived before the internal hemorraging killed him there was still the actual damaged organs to consider. With such a long period of time having gone by Bren only hoped the bacta treatments were as miraculous as they had been famed for.
TBC
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