Archive: By Master and Apprentice and Star Wars Chicks, all
others please ask
Rating: PG (no, really!)
Warnings and Spoilers: None whatsoever
Summary: Inspired by the scene on the Temple balcony when
Obi-Wan says two things: "Don't go against the wishes of the
Council, Master, not again..." and "if you would only follow
the Code you would be ON the Council." Made me wonder just what
Qui has done for Obi to say that.
Feedback: This is part one of a possible series I've been
tentatively calling The Jedi Code. Feed my habit and help me
determine if it's worthwhile to continue.
Disclaimers: Praise George from Whom All Lawsuits Come!
Notes: Unbelievable thank yous and chocolate Jedi are on the
way to Fox, Mir, Caly and Amber for most excellent beta work
and hand holding. And for those interested who caught the
reference, I very deliberately used the word "Essenes" in the
story, as sort of a religious pun. I hope I didn't offend
anybody TOO much. Also, I'd like to point out to HiperBunny
that I managed to avoid using the 'e' word in this fic. See? I
CAN do it.
There is no emotion, there is peace
there is no ignorance, there is knowledge
there is no passion, there is serenity
there is no death, there is the Force
Jedi are the guardians of peace in the galaxy.
Jedi use their powers to defend and protect, never to attack
others.
Jedi respect all life in any form.
Jedi serve others rather than rule over them, for the good of
the galaxy.
Jedi seek to improve themselves through knowledge and training.
From the time a child is placed in the creche the Code is
drummed into that tiny little brain. Indeed, sometimes I think
it is played subliminally in cradles until it well nigh drives
the poor child batty. There is no emotion, there is peace,
there is no ignorance, there is knowledge...
What a crock of shit.
Now don't get me wrong; I believe in the tenets of the code. I
really do, for all I've been accused of otherwise. But it has
been my discovery that blind adherence to anything -- even
something as fluid as the Jedi Code -- is idiocy. Madness.
Being out in the universe by one's self, or even worse when
shepherding an apprentice for whom one is responsible, leads to
situations and problems the Code was never intended to cover. I
will do what I must in any given situation.
Thus, I have learned to improvise.
And this improvisation, at times, has driven those near and
dear to me to distraction. I freely admit this, cheerfully,
even. It may well be that improvisation that keeps me from
being chosen to sit on the Council, an 'honor' I would just as
soon forego. My apprentice may think otherwise, but he is still
young, and still somewhat blind to his Master's foibles and
imperfections. Ah, the loyalties of youth.
When Obi-Wan was but a youngster, still uncertain of his place
in the galaxy (and more specifically his place by my side), I
was careful not to espouse too many of my pet heresies lest I
confuse him. As he grew older though, and the keen mind I knew
was there developed, he and I came to relish our debates into
the relative merits of some of the finer points of the code. In
private, that is. Never in public. In public, my Obi-Wan became
my fierce defender, the tenacious protector of my strange
ideas, even the ones over which he privately fought with me. I
sometimes stand in awe of the mind he has developed, and would,
if he asked seriously enough, bow to him on so many subjects,
even on my often strange interpretation of the Code.
But I doubt he would ask. He looks up to me, still, this
wonderful young man who has all the makings of one of the
finest of our order. He humbles me with his trust and his
reverence, brightens my day with his wit and grin, and of late
haunts my nights with the body of the man he has become.
As we go over the mission notes on our way to Es'peir, he asks
me about the Essenes and whether I have had any contact with
them in the past. I have waited for this question, for I know
that this mission, of any on which we have ever been, will try
his unshakable belief in his Master.
Someday, I will be a Jedi Knight. I can only hope to be as fine
a one as my Master.
How well I remember returning to Coruscant as his Padawan. My
friends were almost sorry for me, having been taken on as
Padawan to the great Qui-Gon Jinn, the black sheep of the Jedi.
How surprised they were at my happiness! I knew then what the
last ten years have only driven home to me more firmly; my
Master is the greatest living Jedi. One of the greatest of all
time. Though he would deny that to his last breath.
But it's true. Oh, he has some strange ideas, but he makes me
think in ways I never expected to when he shares them with me.
I found out pretty quickly that I cannot rely on platitudes or
absolutes around him, that a brain is for using, not for
sitting upon, and that words can be as much an enemy as a
friend. I know someday I'll be a Jedi Knight, and maybe even a
Master. And I know it will be as much because of him as me.
He has made me what I am.
Oh, I know what he would say to THAT pronouncement. I'd get a
lecture on the importance of self-worth and self-actualization.
On the fact that most Padawans develop hero-worship -- or worse
-- for their Masters. That Masters are as much human and
fallible as anyone else. I can almost hear his deep, calm voice
now, "I put my leggings on one leg at a time like everyone
else, Padawan," that touch of dry humor that so few actually
know about, to their loss. And of course, he's right. My Master
is only human...an intensely wonderful, intelligent, glorious
human in a package that has quite taken my breath away on more
than one occasion.
Now, there's something we could argue about. But we won't. And
I am fine with that. As long as I get to work with him, learn
from him, be near him, I am fine with that. He's my Master. And
I'm his Padawan.
So we discuss things, on the way to Es'peir, and I'm surprised
when he hesitates before answering my simple question about the
Essenes. What he tells me is rather a surprise, and I come to
realize that this might not be a routine fact finding mission
after all.
"The Essenes are a humanoid race, Padawan," Qui-Gon said
slowly, carefully placing his datapad on the table before him
and leaning back in his chair. "In fact, you might say they are
rather, intensely humanoid."
Obi-Wan frowned. "What do you mean, Master?"
Qui-Gon sighed. "I should have discussed this with you sooner,
Obi-Wan, rather than the day before planetfall. You know why
we're going to Es'peir, to discuss their entry into the
Republic."
"Yes, Master," Obi-Wan replied dutifully, his brow still
furrowed. "This is their third petition to enter, I believe."
"Fourth, actually. Each time the petition was withdrawn before
a vote could come up on the Senate floor." Pursing his lips,
Qui-Gon focussed on his apprentice. "The Essenes are a very
emotional people, Obi-Wan. They have an innate distrust of
those who do not react as they do. In many ways, they are the
antithesis of the Jedi order, for on Es'peir, emotion generally
overrules peace."
Listening carefully, Obi-Wan cocked his head to the side. "Are
they so often at war amongst themselves, then?"
"No, actually, they rarely fight. I believe it may well be
because they are constantly boiling over, constantly expressing
themselves as freely... and as loudly...as possible. In this
way, they sublimate their aggression and avoid outright
conflict. But it makes for a rather...disturbing...life to
someone not familiar with their ways. I'm afraid you will have
little use for the Code during our stay, Obi-Wan."
The younger man gifted his Master with one of his sunny grins.
"'There is no emotion, there is peace'?"
His Master quirked a smile back. "Exactly. If an Essene takes a
liking to you, he or she will become your friend for life.
Literally. The same if one takes a dislike to you, you will be
loudly reviled to all and sundry, for as long as the other
lives...unless of course he changes his mind. Which they do,
frequently. They are a quite paradoxical race."
If anything, the grin intensified. "Sounds fascinating,
Master."
Raising one eyebrow, the Master fixed a cautionary stare on his
student. "Fascinating? Possibly. Dangerous, definitely. The
Essenes live life loudly and with their hearts on their
sleeves, Padawan. It is for the latter reason that they have
always withdrawn their petitions. They find it difficult to
comprehend that others would not as easily give loyalty to them
as they would."
Tucking his hands into his sleeve, Qui-Gon slipped into
'lecture mode' and his Padawan shifted in his chair, getting
comfortable for the long haul. "I went to Es'peir as a very
young knight, Obi-Wan, my second mission away from my Master.
The Essenes were at the time also unfortunately plagued with
xenophobia and would not have been able to deal with Master
Yoda. That is another thing we will check on during our stay.
"As I was saying, I went to Es'peir with Master Billaba the
last time they presented a petition, their second, I believe.
It wasn't quite twenty years ago; I was a very new knight. I
was quite taken by the people... they are a joyful and joyous
race, Obi-Wan, open hearted, giving and truly, madly
passionate. About everything. It was obviously not a first
contact situation, but we were the first Jedi they had met.
They simply could not understand the Jedi way of life,
releasing emotion to the Force to feel peace. To them, this
would be as horrible as taking poison. They treated us with
respect but fear too, for we were not only off-worlders, but
not nearly as emotionally open as they."
Qui-Gon smiled at the memory. "Master Billaba was not happy
with me on that trip. I managed to free my emotions and express
myself as I saw those around me do, and although she saw the
need for that, in the end she could not reconcile her
difficulties with the Code. Nor was she happy that I counseled
their ruling body to withdraw the petition."
Obi-Wan blinked in surprise. "YOU did, Master? Was this against
the wishes of the Senate?"
Chuckling ruefully, Qui-Gon nodded. "Oh, yes. I was subject to
a half-year 's censure for it. It would have been more had not
Depa spoke on my behalf. She may not have liked it, but she's
too honest to deny it was necessary."
Digesting this unexpected tidbit of information, Obi-Wan sat
still. Qui-Gon let him have the time quietly, reading in his
eyes the conflicting emotions and finally, his acceptance.
"What will you counsel them this time, Master?" the younger man
finally asked.
Gusting a sigh, Qui-Gon answered, "I do not know, Padawan. Much
will depend on the culture's adaptation to change. After the
last petition was withdrawn, Es'peir allowed some very limited
contact with outside influences, a bit of trade here and there,
that sort of thing. But the planet is very conservative, very
isolationist. They have no space fleet and no wish to develop
one. If they have not managed to conquer their xenophobia, if
they still profess the same naivete, I may have to counsel
against it again."
After a moment, Qui-Gon continued. "Now that you are aware of
the drawbacks this culture faces, you will be on the alert, and
be able to advise me. Our investigation must be complete and
exhaustive. You must understand that the Senate has pressured
us to get them to accept admission, but I will not compromise
my beliefs, nor do I expect you to. The Jedi do not belong to
the Senate, Padawan, and if after our investigation we
determine Es'peir would be better off remaining autonomous,
then that is the recommendation we will make."
Obi-Wan smiled at the vehemence in his Master's voice. Yes,
this was shaping up to be an interesting mission.
Es'peir was everything his Master cautioned him about and more.
They landed at a makeshift spaceport just outside the capitol
city, greeted by the leaders of the ruling Congress and a host
of brightly dressed civilians. Evidently their arrival had been
enough to declare a holiday, or so it seemed since their
journey to the capitol building was thronged with people. No
one appeared to be working.
Obi-Wan watched everything with a wide-eyed wonder, especially
after the greeting his Master got -- and gave -- on their
arrival. As soon as Qui-Gon debarked the shuttle, he was
enveloped into a bear hug by a huge man who was actually as
tall as he. The younger man held back and watched with
something akin to awe as his Master dropped all semblance of
dignity and hugged the bear-like man right back, hammering on
his back with his fists and yelling in his ear. From the huge
grin on both faces Obi-Wan figured it was a happy reunion, but
it still shocked him to see his normally quiet Master so
exuberant.
Arms linked, Qui-Gon dragged the big man over to his
apprentice. "Obi!" he nearly yelled, ignoring the look of
amazed amusement on his Padawan's face. "Come meet Chancellor
Klaus! Ebbi, you've got to meet my wonderful apprentice,
Obi-Wan!"
Not really knowing what to expect, Obi-Wan therefore wasn't too
shocked when the other man immediately embraced him, then held
him at arm's length. "My boy! You are as welcome here as Quiggy
is, always!"
As he was enveloped and squeezed, Obi-Wan managed to shoot a
look fraught with hilarity at his Master and mouth, "Quiggy?"
Qui-Gon just grinned at him.
"Such a delectable morsel, Quiggy," the large man said in what
might have been his attempt at a sotto voce comment but which
might have been heard on the next planet. "You sure know how to
pick 'em!" It was all Obi-Wan could do not to double over in
laughter at the 'ooof' his Master made at the contact of one
sharp elbow in his ribs.
The Chancellor's residence was large and displayed the same
tactless grace as the people of the planet. It appeared to have
been designed by a large committee, but still managed to
present a homeliness and friendliness that made it welcoming.
The Chancellor had what appeared to be dozens of children and
pets, all of which had to see the off-worlders, and Obi-Wan
soon found himself overwhelmed with names, faces, smiles and
animal fur. As it turned out, most of the children were members
of the extended family, and the Chancellor himself only
had six children. Of those, three were very near in age to
Obi-Wan; the eldest, Dav, a little over a year older at nearly
22, the only girl, Aileen, at twenty exactly Obi-Wan's age to a
month, and her not quite a year younger brother, Maku. Aileen
and Maku were as close as twins and nearly as inseparable.
The three of them ended up being quite taken with Obi-Wan and
accompanied him everywhere, from morning until evening,
something his Master had cautioned him about as they were
getting unpacked in the sumptuous quarters provided them.
Obi-Wan had still been a bit dazed at the events to that point,
and couldn't help saying so to his Master, who had laughed.
"I did warn you, Obi-Wan," he said, still chuckling. "The
Chancellor and I are friends from my first trip here. He was an
aide then, to the office of the Chancellor, but I knew he was
destined for great things. Make no mistake, there's a keen mind
behind all that posturing."
"I think I can sense that, Master," Obi-Wan had replied, still
unable to wipe the grin off his face. "It just, well,
rather..."
"Surprised you? Yes, I can see that. You are just a bit younger
than I was on my first visit and shouldn't have any problems
with your emotions. Let yourself go for now, Obi-Wan, enjoy
yourself. I'm sure the Chancellor's son would gladly take you
under his wing, as will his daughter," and here Qui-Gon winked,
scandalizing and delighting his apprentice. "Just remember that
deep down, you are still Jedi. Observe, do not intervene.
Listen to the Force as always, Padawan. And if you have any
questions, seek me out."
And that was the extent of his mission briefing, which
entranced Obi-Wan. Chancellor Klaus came at that point to
collect 'Quiggy' and that was the last Obi-Wan saw of his
Master for the day.
Chancellor Klaus was unexpectedly silent while walking Qui-Gon
towards the Congressional building, and Qui-Gon felt the
shimmering of a disturbance in his friend's aura. He looked at
his old friend curiously.
"You are being very quiet, Ebbi," he said softly, "are you
practicing at being a Jedi suddenly?"
The big man snorted in laughter. "No chance of that, Quiggy, no
chance." Then he shot his companion a sly look. "I would have
expected you to figure out whether there's a problem by now
with your magic."
Qui-Gon laughed. "Let's not start that again! I think we had
enough of that discussion, what, twenty years ago?"
"Don't remind me!" the other man shook his head ruefully. "A
lot of water under the bridge, Quiggy, a lot of water."
"Still, I can sense there's something wrong," Qui-Gon said.
"What is it, Eb?"
Shaking his head with uncustomary seriousness, the Chancellor
said, "you may have to tell me. I'm not sure. But I can say
that I am glad you are here. I may have need of you, my
friend."
"I will do what I can, you know that Eb." Quite concerned now,
Qui-Gon resolved to pay much closer attention to any prescience
or nudge from the Force, and also made a mental note to discuss
it with his apprentice.
Then they were at the doors of the big, gaudy Congressional
building and were being greeted by various politicos, and
Qui-Gon set his nameless fears aside for the moment.
Over the course of the next several days Obi-Wan spent most of
his time with people his own age, ostensibly in playing and
sight-seeing, but he found it not difficult to pick up on the
aura of his hosts. His Jedi training allowed him to see without
being seen, to note currents in conversation that otherwise he
might have missed. Though there was still some xenophobia on
this planet (to be expected from people so isolated), it was
subsiding, something that relieved the young Jedi.
By the end of his third day and the grand state dinner, he was
actually worn out, and excused himself at the earliest time he
could without giving offense. Finding time to himself to
meditate and calm his nerves proved difficult, frayed as he was
by the constant flux of emotion and passion surrounding him.
Qui-Gon sensed he needed the time to himself to meditate and
re-center, and granted him leave even while teasing him about
the stamina of youth, which caused the elders at the table to
laugh. Obi-Wan dutifully laughed along with them then made his
retreat.
Swimming up out of meditation, feeling calmer and more
centered, Obi-Wan noted another presence in the room with him.
He thought at first it was his Master, but after his eyes
opened he realized it was Dav. The young man was seated
opposite him, quiet for once, and staring at him quizzically.
"What were you doing, Obi? I knocked and knocked and finally
came in to make sure you were okay."
The peace that came from intense meditation still suffused the
young man and he smiled. "I was meditating, Dav. It's okay, I
try to do it once a day or so."
Blinking slowly at his companion, Dav said hesitantly, "you
look... no, you feel different. What do you do when you
meditate?"
Surprised at the young man's insight, particularly from one not
Force sensitive, Obi-Wan said, "well, I clear my thoughts,
allow the Force to help me relax, to put the events of the day
into proper perspective. You ever been so keyed up that you
couldn't sleep, even though your body was exhausted?"
Dav laughed. "Oh, yeah! I know what you mean there!"
Laughing along with him, Obi-Wan said, "meditation is a way of
letting your brain relax instead of your body. So that when
your body wants to rest, it can without letting the brain get
in the way."
"Neat. Maybe you can show me how to do that before you leave?"
"I'd be honored, Dav. If you want to." Obi-Wan sincerely
believed however that his new friend would not want to
remember it.
This was proven a moment later when Dav said, "anyway, I came
for a reason. You want to come out to the garden? Some of us
are getting together while the elders talk. It's still early,
unless you're really tired..." this was said with a sly glance
that was half dare, half humor.
Refreshed from his meditation, Obi-Wan readily agreed, and
shortly found himself amid a small group of young men and women
around his own age. There were drinks passed around, some
mildly intoxicating, some not, and talk was loud and cheerful.
If it weren't for just a few things, Obi-Wan could almost
believe he was back in Padawan Hall with his friends on
Coruscant. But Jedi -- even Jedi in training -- would probably
not allow themselves such lax freedom.
Despite the fact that he was a stranger -- and an off-worlder
to boot -- Obi-Wan was made to feel very welcome in the crowd.
It was unchaperoned and he did note some not so furtive kissing
and groping off in the shadows, but most of the young people
appeared to be more interested in having a good time within the
group. Someone brought a portable stereo and music was played,
and Obi-Wan allowed himself to be drawn into some good-natured
and rather unchoreographed dancing.
As the night got older, the crowd thinned until it was just
Obi-Wan and the three oldest children of the Chancellor. Dav
and Obi-Wan sat companionably side-by-side with their backs
against a broad tree trunk, sharing a bottle of mildly
fermented fruit juice. Maku sprawled on a near-by bench while
Aileen sat gazing at her eldest brother and his friend from her
seat on the grass across from them. Her gaze was penetrating,
and Obi-Wan found himself returning it with amusement and a
little trepidation.
"Leeney if you stare any harder you're gonna bore a hole in the
tree," Maku said without opening his eyes. Dav snorted into his
drink and choked, then laughed as Obi-Wan pounded his back.
"Shut up, Kuku," was Aileen's only answer, given mildly and
without removing her eyes from Obi-Wan.
Shooting a look at Dav and getting a shrug in reply, Obi-Wan
said carefully, "Aileen, if there's something you want to ask
me, you can. I won't take offense, you know."
The girl blinked but did not shift position. "Really?" she
asked, with a touch of incredulity. "Father said that
off-worlders don't like to talk about themselves. Personally, I
think you just like to keep secrets from us provincials."
"Leeney!" Maku said, actually raising his head and frowning at
his sister, who just shrugged.
"It's okay, Maku," Obi-Wan answered mildly, "I really don't
mind. Maybe some off-worlders would, but not me."
"It's because you're Jedi, isn't it," she asked, and Obi-Wan
became aware of the change in the atmosphere at once. All three
of the young people appeared to be tensely awaiting his
response to that question. Uncertain on the origin of their
trepidation, he did his best to answer honestly in order to
defuse the situation.
"Maybe a little, Jedi don't really have secrets to keep,
because we really don't keep anything. And maybe more because
you three are my friends. If I didn't know you, well, I'd
probably be less willing to tell you anything."
The tension eased a bit as the three visibly chewed over his
words. It was Aileen, inevitably, who spoke again. "Then can I
ask you questions?"
"Sure," he answered honestly. "And if I think the question is
too personal, can I refuse to answer it?" he asked back, his
voice teasing.
Dav laughed. "Then you won't be able to answer any of them,
Obi," he said, "All of Leeney's questions are personal!"
Obi-Wan spread his hands. "Well, all she can do is ask, I
guess. Fire away, Leeney!"
Aileen took a deep breath and studiously ignored the looks shot
at her by both her brothers. "Father says Jedi can, um,
do things. Can you?"
"You'll have to be more specific than that, Aileen," Obi-Wan
said seriously, although he had a pretty good idea what she
meant.
"Well, like, like do things with your mind only. Like lift
things, and move things."
Beside him, Dav groaned and slumped to the ground in deep
embarrassment, but Obi-Wan ignored his friend. "Well, yes, kind
of. We are in touch with the Force, and that helps us do things
that some people cannot."
"Can... can you show me?" she whispered, her eyes bright.
Closing his eyes briefly, Obi-Wan consulted his inner sense to
see if it would hurt anything for a small demonstration. Not
sensing any problems, he opened his eyes again and focused on
the lovely young woman across from him. "I don't see why not."
Against the far wall behind Aileen was a climbing plant
festooned with small pink flowers. Obi-Wan had seen couples
picking the flowers all evening and presenting each other with
bouquets of them, so he saw no harm in using the Force to pluck
a large bunch of the blossoms and float them to Aileen. When
she saw her brothers' gaping stare, she turned to see the
flowers floating from the wall in a bunch towards her and she
gasped.
Obi-Wan had intended to just deposit the flowers in her hands,
but some inner sense of play or silliness made him float the
flowers over her head, and, as she stared at them in wide-eyed
wonder, he dropped them on her. Dav and Maku cracked up at the
look on her face, her hair and clothing covered in blossoms.
"How's that, Leeney?" he asked, very seriously, barely
successful in holding back his grin.
She threw one of the flowers at him, then grinned herself.
"Well I guess I should be careful what I ask for around you,
huh?"
He nodded solemnly, his eyes dancing. "Oh, yes. We Jedi are
very mysterious, you know. There's no telling what we might do
next."
Now it was Dav's turn to laugh. "Oh good Gerdun, Leeney, don't
ask any more questions! Unless you can magic her voice away?"
He said that last hopefully to Obi-Wan and then ducked as more
flowers were thrown at him from his indignant sister.
"I'm going to ask more questions, Davi, so just shut up! Obi,
what's Coruscant like?"
Cheerfully, Obi-Wan regaled his new friends with stories of the
great city-planet and the many diverse beings that inhabited
it. They laughed at his droll portrayal of the Senate and the
sometimes over-pompous Senators, listened in awe at his account
of life at the Jedi Temple, and sighed over his description of
the beautiful wonders of the galaxy that he had seen.
It was very late, and all four were yawning by the time Obi-Wan
wound down. He smiled gently at Aileen and said, "if there's
anything else you want to ask me, Leeney, you'd better do it
now. I think my Master must be waiting up for me."
She smiled, at first sweetly, then with a predatory gleam that
gave Obi-Wan some pause. "All right, Obi, one last question...
are you a virgin?"
"Gerdun's balls, Leeney!" Dav swore, while Maku fell off his
bench laughing. "You can't ask him something like that!"
"Why not? He said I could ask him anything, didn't you,
Obi?" she replied, both indignant and insistent. "Well, are
you?"
Scrubbing his face with one hand, Obi-Wan fought to hold back a
smile while he wondered how to answer. Finally, he said, "all
right, I'll answer, and truthfully, if you'll answer it too.
Are you a virgin, Leeney?"
She looked defiantly between her brothers, the younger one
blandly amused and the older one thunderous. Her chin lifted
and she stared at him speculatively. "All right. No. I'm not.
Your turn."
Dav buried his head in his hands, moaning theatrically, while
Maku just shook his head, smiling. Obi-Wan realized she was
going to get some significant repercussions from that
admission, and both admired her courage and standing in awe of
her honesty. "Well then, no. I'm not either. Can we go in now?"
Laughing, the four stood and moved off. Maku held Obi-Wan back
as Dav and Aileen walked ahead, arguing vociferously. "Sorry
about that, Obi," he said, not looking very apologetic. "Leeney
gets a bit ahead of herself sometimes."
"It's all right Maku," Obi-Wan replied, grinning. "I think
she's going to get into more trouble from admitting it than
asking it though, right?"
"Well, yeah," Maku said, nodding. "I knew, of course, we're
really close. But she's the only girl out of six kids. Our
mother died a long time ago and Leeney has always been, well,
less and more than 'one of the boys.' Plus, we have a tendency
to be over protective of her. Not that she likes it, mind you."
"I can see that!" Obi-Wan laughed, then turned down the hall
that lead to his quarters. "Good night, Maku. Tell Leeney I
hope she doesn't get into too much trouble." He was not
too surprised when Maku drew him into a hug, the Essenes were
demonstrative and he was becoming used to frequent bodily
contact, even among virtual strangers.
"I'll tell her. Thanks, Obi. You're really a great guy."
Obi-Wan hugged him back a bit tentatively, then froze as Maku
whispered into his ear, "I'm not a virgin either." Winking,
Maku walked off down the hall, his swagger a blatant invitation
that Obi-Wan nearly choked over. Totally bemused, the Padawan
made his way to his quarters.
Qui-Gon wasn't surprised to be invited back to the Chancellor's
private study after dinner, but was surprised to see several
members of the Congress drift into the room shortly after he
had made himself comfortable. The Chancellor laughed shortly at
him. "Weren't expecting this yet, were you Quiggy?" he asked.
"Actually, no, Eb," Qui-Gon answered honestly, accepting an
aperitif from his host. "I figured you'd want to talk privately
for a few days more before bringing anything more serious up.
But I assume that this deals with the problems you alluded to
earlier?"
"Yeah, well, unfortunately, yes," the Chancellor said, looking
around the gathered faces. About a half dozen men and women sat
in the large chamber, all looking expectantly at Klaus. Most of
those present Qui-Gon recognized as members of the more
powerful committees of the Congress, and the uniform feeling in
the room was one of tension and trepidation.
Qui-Gon frowned. "What is it, old friend? Something is wrong,
isn't it. Let me help you, Eb."
Chancellor Klaus sat hard in a large armchair and scrubbed at
his face with his hand. "Yes. Something is very wrong. We, uh,
left out some information when we sent in the petition this
time, Quiggy. I think -- we think we're being invaded."
Carefully schooling his features into neutrality, Qui-Gon
looked around the room with both his normal eyes and with Force
sense. He could feel the disquiet and nervousness apparent in
the room, most of it not directed at him, for which he was
grateful. "Tell me, Eb," he said softly.
The Chancellor then told his friend how certain substances were
showing up, addictive substances, substances that his
scientists felt could only have come from off world. How
certain criminal elements somehow got their hands on vast
quantities of precious gems and minerals, undermining and
devaluing the currency base. How people were quietly,
inexplicably disappearing, never to be found again. "It's all
very low level, Quiggy," he said, finally getting to his feet
and pacing around the room in a surplus of energy. "It's
possible it would have gone completely unnoticed, if we hadn' t
had a few key people make some disturbing connections. And if
they hadn't come to me..."
The man trailed off, and an older woman, who Qui-Gon recognized
as Lady Morva, a distinguished member of Congress, finished for
him. "Eb is the only one who might have made the connection,
Ser Jedi. The friendship you and he fostered years ago... it's
the only one of it's kind. I'm sure you're aware of our
tendency towards..." her mouth quirked into a wry smile,
instantly endearing her to Qui-Gon, "...towards isolationism.
Most of us here in the room recognize that we cannot remain cut
off from the rest of the galaxy much longer, not without paying
a terrible price."
"We've been allowing some off-world trade now for a long time,"
and older man spoke up, and Qui-Gon recognized the trade
minister. "It really has helped the economy, and made our
people more aware of the galaxy outside our planet. But you
must see why we cannot allow unregulated trade, unregulated
items to circulate without government control." He shook his
head sadly. "It's simply too dangerous at this time. And our
children are paying the price."
"There've been deaths, Quiggy," Klaus said quietly, his voice
choked with tears. "Some very bright young people have died
from these... drugs that are appearing...dammit, they're
calling them recreational! Explain that to me Quiggy! Tell me,"
and his voice took on a pleading note, "tell me this wouldn't
be a normal thing if we joined the Republic."
Qui-Gon sat still for a moment, making connections. When he
spoke, it was with a low voice. "I wish I could assure you of
that, Eb. You know I can' t, and I think you know why. You're
too intelligent to believe everyone in the galaxy is as
scrupulous as you." Qui-Gon sighed. "But as for this particular
problem you've detailed, you do not have to stand for illicit
drugs and possible kidnappings, and you wouldn't have to with
Republic admittance. Obi-Wan and I will be very happy to
investigate this possible incursion for you. I would hate to
see Es'peir lose it's independence forcibly, at the hands of
terrorists."
Spreading big hands helplessly, Chancellor Klaus sighed in
frustration. "But what else can we do, Quiggy? If I'm right and
we're being invaded by some evil from out in your galaxy, we
will need the Senate to back us up, to help us. We have no
space fleet, no way of protecting our people. They would help
us, wouldn't they?"
The plea in the big man's eyes made Qui-Gon heartsick. He knew
all too well that the very factions that were possibly
exploiting this planet might also manage to keep them from
entering the Republic, but he didn't know how to explain that
to these good people. "I don't know, Eb. I should hope so. But
I can tell you this; you will have the Jedi on your side. And
that, my friend, may be worth far more than entry into the
Republic."
By the time Obi-Wan made it back to his quarters, he was
certain that his Master would be asleep. He was quite surprised
to find him awake, dressed for sleep but still wide awake and
standing at the large window. Obi-Wan could sense the turmoil
in his Master's thoughts and at first felt it might be because
of his lateness, but knew a moment later that was not the case.
Something else was bothering Qui-Gon.
"Master?"
Qui-Gon turned away from the window to regard his apprentice.
"Ah. Obi-Wan. It's a bit late, isn't it?" he said mildly, his
mind obviously miles away.
"Sorry, Master," Obi-Wan said, crossing the floor to stand
beside the tall Jedi. Qui-Gon smiled briefly, dismissing the
error, but did not speak again, just went back to staring out
the window. "What's wrong, Master?" the younger man finally
asked softly.
For a moment, silence was his only answer. Then his Master
turned to him and squeezed his shoulder gently. "We shall speak
on it in the morning, Obi-Wan. It's late, and I wouldn't want
you to miss more sleep. But this mission has taken a decided
turn. We will have to be careful, my young apprentice."
Obi-Wan smiled up into his face hesitantly, sensing through the
Force the trepidation in his Master's mind. He was in the
process of clearing his own mind when one of the larger moons
of the planet burst out from behind a cloud bank and bathed
them in pearly essence. Both men froze, almost forgetting to
breathe. Qui-Gon's hair became silver, his eyes shone with a
blue fire, his skin glowed. Obi-Wan became in his Master's eyes
something like a marble statue of exquisite proportion, his
eyes deep dark holes in a face lit with radiance.
The hand still on his shoulder became scalding with heat, the
grip almost a caress as Obi-Wan stood contemplating his Master.
This was not the first time he felt this ache for his teacher,
his mentor, but it had been increasing lately as he came to
know the man behind the Master. Now, the longing in his heart
was almost overwhelming, but tightly shielded by barriers
almost automatic in origin. "Master," he whispered.
Qui-Gon's heart ached. His hands wanted to hold his Padawan,
his mouth wanted to kiss the lips that parted to drink in the
silver moonlight. Instead, he released his grip -- slowly,
gently, with one last lingering touch -- and said, "go on now,
Obi-Wan. We'll talk in the morning." His voice sounded strange
even to his own ears. Before anything else could happen, the
two men parted and went to their respective beds. Alone.
Morning came, and the Master wasted no time filling in the
Padawan of the events of the night before. Obi-Wan was appalled
-- and heartsick that he wasn't more surprised -- that someone
could be treating the peaceful people of this planet in such a
way. He vowed privately that he would do all he could to help.
In this, he found an ally in Aileen. For all her
flirtatiousness, the young woman had a keen mind and a strong
sense of purpose. Dav told him privately that he expected his
little sister to some day walk in their father's footsteps as
leader of their planet. "Not you, Dav?" Obi-Wan teased gently.
"Me? No way!" the older boy yelped. "I've got other plans. You
won't catch me staying home and learning how to be boring!"
The investigation drew the two Jedi on different paths that
ended up leading to the same destination. Illegal landings had
been made, illicit trades of various goods had been
accomplished, and it wasn't unlikely that kidnappings were
supplying the Hutts and other gangsters with new slaves. While
Qui-Gon sat in meetings with the Congress, hoping to hammer out
a proposal that the planet would accept, Obi-Wan, Aileen and
Maku continued private, quiet investigations, trying to find
the names of those responsible. For days, they sat up until all
hours in a small conference room, meticulously going over
records and depositions, until their eyes ached and Aileen
snapped at Maku and Obi-Wan. After a week of intense
investigation, they turned their findings over to their elders
finally and went to a well earned rest.
Qui-Gon sent coded messages to the Jedi Temple, which were
forwarded to Supreme Chancellor Valorum's office, detailing his
findings and those of the young people. He also sent a final
draft of the petition to enter the Republic, along with his
official recommendation that the Senate approve it. Valorum
came out solidly on their side, and promised to expedite any of
the wishes of Es'peir's ruling body. Along with that came a
message for Qui-Gon from the Temple, recalling the duo. The
first Obi-Wan knew of that was the morning after it arrived, as
his Master sat at their breakfast with datapad in hand and a
thunderous frown on his face.
// Uh-oh, // Obi-Wan thought to himself, // I've seen THAT look
before. // Aloud, he said, "it's from the Council then,
Master?"
Startled, Qui-Gon looked at his student. "Was I broadcasting
that badly, Padawan?" he asked mildly.
"No, but I have been your Padawan long enough to recognize the
signs. What do they want of us now?"
With a snort of disgust, Qui-Gon threw the datapad on the
table, narrowly missing the teacups. "They're recalling us.
Now."
"Now?" Obi-Wan was incredulous. "But... but we're so close to
finding out..."
"I know, Padawan, I know. And we WILL discover who is behind
this. Because we're not going back."
With an effort, Obi-Wan kept from rolling his eyes. "Here we go
again," he thought, laughing inwardly. "Yes, Master," was all
he said aloud, but he could see the amusement flicker in those
deep blue eyes.
"You seem remarkably accepting of my disobedience this time,
Obi-Wan," Qui-Gon said gently, pointedly not looking at his
apprentice.
Dozens of retorts sprang to mind, but finally he settled on the
all purpose, "yes, Master," and nothing else. Their breakfast
was finished in companionable silence.
Qui-Gon appeased the Council with notice of their invitation to
a ball to celebrate the treaty a little over a standard week
away. They were not happy about the delay, but grudgingly gave
way. That left the two Jedi only a few days to work feverishly
with the planetary constabulary to find the local connection.
Then Aileen was kidnapped.
The entire household was in an immediate uproar, and it was all
the Jedi could do to keep the news from spreading all over the
planet within minutes. Aileen's brothers, right down to the
youngest, only six years old, all swore immediate and severe
retribution on whoever had taken her away from them. Obi-Wan
was stretched to the limit to placate them, to make them see
the wisdom of keeping the whole thing quiet in order to help
Aileen.
It was painfully obvious to all concerned that the kidnapping
was done out of desperation on the part of whatever group was
relying on the off-planet connection. No demands were sent, and
this only concerned the Jedi more. An amateur kidnapping was
generally more dangerous than a professional one, as the
kidnappers were more likely to act irrationally. And of course
there was the fact that the Essenes were not known for their
calmness and rationality anyway.
Obi-Wan was surprised at his intense reaction to the
kidnapping. In the short time he had been on the planet, Aileen
had become a good friend, one he cared about. She was
flirtatious, mercurial, difficult, loud and sometimes
obnoxious, but she was also possessed of a keen intellect and a
devastating sense of humor. It was a struggle for the young
Padawan to contain his anger and fear over her abduction,
particularly so since he had been more open on this mission
than on any before, and had become less likely to release his
emotions into the Force. He sensed that his Master knew about
his struggle, and reacted favorably to his control over his
emotions.
Qui-Gon had larger problems to deal with, however. Such as
reassuring his friend the Chancellor that he and Obi-Wan would
find the girl. "Ebbi, don't worry, the kidnappers didn't count
on Jedi. We'll find her. I promise." Qui-Gon enveloped his
friend in a hug and patted the shoulder that heaved under his
touch. Maku and Dav stood with Obi-Wan just a little ways away;
both of them had red rimmed eyes from crying, but Maku was
worrying Obi-Wan more by his silence and apparent desperation
than by his grief.
As they prepared to leave in search, Obi-Wan took his Master
aside. "I'm worried about Maku, Master," he said, nodding to
the younger boy. "He and Leeney are very close, and he's not
acting normally. I'm going to keep him close beside me, if
that's all right with you. He absolutely refuses to stay here,
and I'd rather have him where I can see him."
"Yes, Obi-Wan, that's a good idea," Qui-Gon murmured back,
using the Force to quickly scan the boy's chaotic emotions.
"And be careful, please. I don 't have to explain to you the
danger in this search, do I?"
"No, Master," Obi-Wan smiled grimly. "I'll be careful. You too,
please." To his surprise and delight, Qui-Gon pulled him into a
rough embrace, squeezing him tightly once before letting him
go. Although they had become used to such body contact with the
locals, the hug between them seemed to fluster the Master as
much as the Padawan. Qui-Gon stood back immediately and flushed
slightly, but he did not release his student's upper arms from
a tight grip.
"I need you to be especially aware of the fact that in a
situation like this, calm is needed," Qui-Gon murmured to him.
"Although we have been very free with our feelings here, we
must act swiftly and without malice in this instance. The
situation demands our peace, rather than our emotion. You do
understand?" Obi-Wan nodded, and was pleased that it didn't
take much to re-center himself and release his tumultuous
emotions into the Force. Qui-Gon swallowed against the lump in
his throat that grew from his pride in his student. "I have a
bad feeling about this situation, Obi-Wan," he said, as he
released the younger man's arms and turned to go. "Again,
please be careful."
It didn't take long for the Jedi to find the trail and follow
it. They moved with as much speed and secrecy as possible,
finally coming to ground at an old, partially empty apartment
building. Obi-Wan had a good sense that Aileen was there, well
but agitated, from being around his friend so much in the past
weeks. The Qui-Gon tried to persuade Dav and Maku to stay with
the police force outside the building, but they would not, and
after exchanging looks, the Master and Padawan finally allowed
them to accompany. "But you do as we tell you, clear?" Qui-Gon
all but growled at the two young men, who cowered back,
agreeing readily.
They took the kidnappers by surprise, and this was in great
part due to Aileen herself. She had managed to work herself
partially free of her bonds and was proving to be a significant
distraction to her abductors as the Jedi, followed closely by
Dav and Maku, slipped into the dilapidated apartment. Qui-Gon
put one of them to sleep while Obi-Wan disarmed and knocked out
another in the front room, then they moved carefully back to
where they could hear the commotion raised.
Five men were in the room with Aileen, who, although bruised
and battered, was cursing a blue streak at her captors and
struggling for all she was worth. Obi-Wan couldn't suppress a
grin at hearing her, but suddenly had to fight to hold back
Maku, who wanted to go to his sister's aid. Dav came to help
him; tight lipped, he held on to his younger brother and nodded
for Obi-Wan to follow his Master into the room.
As they had prearranged, Qui-Gon drew the kidnapper's fire
while Obi-Wan circled using Force enhanced speed and tried to
get to Aileen. He was successful; he put the girl behind him as
he cautiously headed back towards the only egress in a room
thick with gunfire, his lightsaber held ready to deflect. But
something went wrong. Aileen, her legs still wobbly from being
tied, tripped. Maku cried out from the doorway and got the
attention diverted from Qui-Gon over to Obi-Wan, who was trying
to help Aileen. One of the few criminals to remain standing
turned and fired. Obi-Wan's 'saber was not in the proper
position to deflect so he pushed Aileen away and felt an impact
to his side. Oddly, it didn't hurt at all, even though he knew
it should. He dropped to one knee, protecting the girl who lay
just beneath and behind him, his 'saber at the ready.
Then Qui-Gon was there, icy cold in his anger, barely managing
to hold back from killing the man who had attacked his Padawan.
That was the last one. All were either incapacitated or dead,
and Dav was herding in the police and medics into the room.
Aileen turned a white face towards Obi-Wan, gasping as she
looked down at his side. "Ser Jedi!" she yelled, "Master
Quiggy, Obi 's hurt, please..."
Obi-Wan tried to reassure her that it was minor, that it didn't
hurt, but suddenly it did, and the last thing he saw before
slipping into unconsciousness was the anguished expression on
his Master's face.
Qui-Gon refused to leave the bedside of his Padawan, even
through the operation that removed the projectile from
Obi-Wan's side. The wound was not serious, he had not lost a
lot of blood, and Jedi constitution was such that he woke only
an hour after the surgery, concerned that the mission had gone
well. Qui-Gon laughed, half in relief, half in amusement at his
apprentice's single-mindedness, and reassured him of the
success of the mission.
The captured men were more than willing to talk about their
off-world connection, and cheerfully named names, places and
dates which were quickly forwarded to Chancellor Valorum's
office for follow up. Although neither Jedi had much hope that
the real culprits would be captured, they still felt a sense of
relief that at least for now the incursion was halted.
Briefly explaining this information to Obi-Wan, Qui-Gon then
unceremoniously ordered his Padawan into a healing trance.
"But Master," Obi-Wan had objected.
"No buts, Padawan," Qui-Gon replied, using his best
I-am-your-Master voice. "Now. I'll remain here to watch over
you, never fear."
Defeated, Obi-Wan subsided, then smiled at the big man. "Of
that I had no worries, Master," he said softly, taking his
hand. "I'm all right, Master. Really."
For a moment they stared at each other, and Obi-Wan saw how
much his injury had cost Qui-Gon. It frightened him a bit, and
at the same time elated him to realize that his beloved Master
cared for him that deeply. Then he sighed and composed his mind
for a trance.
Qui-Gon sat in the chair by the hospital bed and brooded. The
depth of his anguish over such a minor skirmish disturbed him
greatly, and though his mind cried out for it, he could not
find the stillness necessary to meditate. Instead, he watched
Obi-Wan's face as the boy -- young man, he corrected himself --
healed himself.
It took all the older Jedi's introspection to realize that
where the Code was concerned, his Padawan took all precedence.
Twisting the Code to his own use or ignoring it completely had
never been a problem for Qui-Gon in the past, but this was new,
and it bothered him. If the situation had been worse, if
Obi-Wan had been put into a position of peril that required him
to choose between the mission and his student, he wasn't sure
what he would have done.
And although Qui-Gon Jinn may have always picked and chosen
which parts of the Code to follow, he was a deeply ethical man.
No matter his feelings for his student, he firmly believed they
were not reciprocated and even had they been, it would be wrong
of him to take advantage. No matter what his heart might say,
his head overruled.
Late in the evening, his isolation was interrupted by Aileen,
who had been in hospital herself and came by before leaving for
home. "I'm sorry to interrupt," she murmured, not expecting to
see Obi-Wan's Master there.
He smiled at her and held out his hand. His hours of reflection
had at least calmed his mind to the point where he could think
again, and he realized how much Obi-Wan's sacrifice had
affected the girl. "It's no interruption, Aileen," he said as
she came around the bed, "Obi-Wan is in a healing trance. I
expect by morning he'll be substantially better. Are you all
right now?"
"Oh, yes, Master Quigg... I mean, Master Qui-Gon. I'm fine,
just a bit tired is all."
"You may call me as your father does, Aileen," Qui-Gon
graciously offered the girl, "because I'd be honored to call
you my friend. As Obi-Wan does."
She smiled shyly, but before she could answer, her younger
brother and apparent shadow, Maku, came into the room looking
for her. His face was stricken when he saw Obi-Wan on the bed.
As if he said it out loud, Qui-Gon could hear him blame himself
for his Padawan's injury.
"Maku," he said sternly, but softly, "it was NOT your fault.
Obi-Wan would not have you thinking that way, and neither will
I."
"I won't either, Kuku," Aileen said firmly. "Everything is fine
now, Obi will be fine. Right, Master Quiggy?"
Blue eyes crinkled in a smile. "Yes, Leeney. He will be fine.
Now Maku, take your sister home so she can rest. We have a ball
to attend in just a few days, you know."
Aileen's eyes grew wide. "Will Obi be up to that?" she
breathed.
"I think wild banthas couldn't hold him back, Leeney," Qui-Gon
said wryly. "Now shoo."
Maku shot him a look of pure gratitude before following his
sister's lead and hugging the Jedi Master. But he paused, as
his sister did not, to whisper into Qui-Gon's ear, "he's lucky
you love him so much, and that he loves you."
Startled, the Jedi Master sat deep in thought long after the
young people had left.
The ball was both a gay and somber affair, for by that time
word of the off-world spawned crime wave had spread and people
were beginning to regret their earlier enthusiasm for
admittance to the Republic. And in the Chancellor's house, it
was widely known that their two "pet Jedi" would have to leave
in the morning after the party, which indeed put something of a
damper on the festivities.
But a party is still a party, and young people love a party.
The three eldest of the Chancellor's children had been in and
out of the Jedi's suite continuously since Obi-Wan had been
released from the hospital, talking, planning, just being with
him. Dav had brought him new clothing for the party, Aileen
beads for his Padawan braid, and Maku his undying gratitude for
the rescue of his sister. Obi-Wan was quite overwhelmed and
touched at the devotion he received from his new friends.
The party was a roaring success. Dinner was exquisite, the
music live and lively, and the dancing went far into the night.
Obi-Wan took turns on the floor with each of his friends,
laughing with Dav, flirting with Aileen, talking seriously with
Maku. He noticed with satisfaction that his Master also danced
with all his friends, as well as the older people in the room.
Lady Morva claimed him for no fewer than four sets; she seemed
quite smitten with the tall Jedi Master.
During a slow dance with Aileen melting in his arms, Obi-Wan
couldn't hold back a snicker at his Master's expression, and
then had to explain to his friend why he was laughing. She
looked and giggled as well. "Lady Morva is a widow, you know,"
she explained quietly in Obi-Wan's ear, "and has probably
bedded three-quarters of the Congress by now. She's quite
notorious. You'd best warn Master Quiggy!"
Still grinning, Obi-Wan responded, "oh, I don't think my Master
needs much in the way of warning. He's quite used to the
attention."
"I don't doubt it," Aileen responded, shooting the other Jedi
another covert glance. "He's really, really gorgeous. But you
know that."
The matter-of-fact tone gave Obi-Wan pause and he did a
double-take at his friend. "Am I missing something?" he asked,
only half jokingly.
Aileen stared at him intensely, her gaze once again
disconcerting, and Obi-Wan in a flash of prescience realized
her elder brother was right. Aileen was destined for great
things on their planet. "Yes," she finally said, one eyebrow
lifting sardonically, "you are."
The dance ended then and Obi-Wan could not ask her anything
else, as Maku claimed him for the next, a faster reel. After
that it was a blur of dancing, drinking and eating, laughing
and pleasure, and Obi-Wan found himself quite unhappy at the
thought of leaving the planet and his new friends to take on
the mantle of Jedi serenity again.
It was late, the crowd had thinned, and the band was getting
ready to play one last dance for the stragglers, when Qui-Gon
approached his Padawan, smiling. "Obi-Wan, you've danced with
everyone else here but your old Master. Would you spare a dance
for the old man before he collapses in exhaustion?"
Dav and Maku laughed, but Aileen only smiled, her eyes alight
with something that Obi-Wan really didn't want to examine too
closely. Instead, he took his Master's hand. "You are NOT old,
Master, and I thought you would never ask."
As the two of them stepped out on the floor for a pairs dance,
Maku and Aileen exchanged looks and grinned. "Good job, Kuku,"
Aileen said, off-hand to her younger brother.
"Simplicity itself, my darling sister," her brother responded,
buffing his nails on his shirt. "You are not the only one in
the family who can be devious, you know." Dav just looked
between the two of them, and decided he really did NOT want to
know.
Qui-Gon held the younger man to him perhaps a little more
tightly than was absolutely necessary for the dance, but
Obi-Wan didn't seem to mind. Maku's words from a previous dance
came back to him, that, and the whispered words over his
Padawan's sick bed, made Qui-Gon look a little deeper into the
blue-green depths than he might normally do. Obi-Wan followed
his lead, smiling and at ease, all grace and fluid muscle, the
brightest thing in the room.
Clearing his throat which suddenly seemed constricted, Qui-Gon
spoke at last to his apprentice. "It will be a shame to leave
here, don't you think, Obi-Wan?" he asked quietly.
Obi-Wan nodded, his gaze going back to his friends. "Yes. These
are good people, Master, and I've made some real friends here."
"I think that in twenty years time you may come back to meet
with Chancellor Aileen just as I met with Ebbi," Qui-Gon mused.
"Sometimes I think this is one of the few sane places left in
the galaxy. Even if they don't 'follow the Code'."
Chuckling, Obi-Wan agreed. Qui-Gon continued, thoughtfully. "I
learned a lot from these people the last time I was here, about
myself and about how I feel when following the Code. This trip
has reinforced that, and almost frightened me a bit." He
frowned, his eyes far away as his body automatically moved with
his Padawan. "I think I'm in for more deep meditation over my
emotions when we return home, Padawan, and that thrills me
about as much as it would you," he finally said, smiling
ruefully.
Rather than the smile Qui-Gon expected at his words, his
student stayed silent, mulling over his Master's sentiment.
"All these years of arguing with you, disagreeing sometimes and
agreeing others," he finally said, slowly, his brow furrowed in
thought, "it's only now that I begin to see what you've meant
all along. I've learned a lot here too."
"And what have you learned, my Padawan?" Qui-Gon asked gently.
Holding his Master more tightly as they swirled around in the
room in time to the music, Obi-Wan said, "I've learned that
peace and emotion are not necessarily opposites, are not
mutually exclusive. That you can have them both at the
same time. And perhaps there is a time and a place for both.
Sometimes, even, at the same time. And..."
Obi-Wan trailed off. Almost against his will his eyes drew to
those of his Master. "And what else, Obi-Wan?" Qui-Gon asked
softly, one hand coming up to caress his cheek.
A long, shuddering breath and Obi-Wan continued, his voice very
low. "...and that it may not be a good idea to suppress or
release certain emotions. Some are more valid, more
worthwhile, than others, aren't they, Master? The key lies in
knowing which ones."
The music stopped and their feet did too, automatically. But
they did not part. "I am proud of you, Padawan," Qui-Gon
murmured, not releasing Obi-Wan. "You have done well on this
mission."
For a moment, for just a bare fleeting second, Obi-Wan was sure
that his Master would kiss him, and he wanted that kiss
desperately. Wanted it, needed it, prayed for it even; he could
almost feel ghostly pressure on his lips as he stared into
intense blue eyes. After an internal struggle, however, the
Master won out over Qui-Gon's instincts and he drew his Padawan
into a hug instead. Then, with one arm still over the over the
younger man' s shoulder, they left the room in companionable
silence.
Three days later they stood before the Council, making their
report. As usual, Qui-Gon and Mace got into contretemps over
Qui-Gon's handling of the situation, and as usual, Yoda
interjected acid comments aimed at both Masters. And as usual,
the Council accepted their report finally with no modifications
or censure, aside from the often worded plea for Qui-Gon to be
just a bit more circumspect on the next mission.
It was enough to make Obi-Wan laugh, but he managed to suppress
it until they were well on their way back to their quarters.
Then it just bubbled out; chuckles that at first he managed to
hold back, then giggles which finally overwhelmed him,
especially after other Jedi in the hallways paused to stare.
Finally, his Master was forced to stop him and deliver a stern
lecture on the Code and the releasing of emotions into the
Force, all the wh ile his own eyes twinkled and danced and just
added fuel to the fire of his Padawan's peaceful emotions.
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