Archive: Yes to M_A, anywhere else just drop me a note
Fandom: Star Wars - The Phantom Menace
Pairing: none
Rating: PG
Category: drama, AU for the JA books
Feedback: Yes, please.
Summary: Obi-Wan's first steps in his new life as a Padawan
Spoiler: Slightly for the JA books. I just borrowed Xanatos.
Disclaimer: Lucasfilm and George own everything. I don't even
have enough money to get a life, so don't sue me.
Note: This story describes our boys first day together as
Master and Padawan.
The greeting smile was radiant. "Good morning, Master. I
already arranged breakfast for us. So we're free to go now to
the gyms." Qui-Gon squinted his eyes to take in the sight of
his quarters. The table had been set and everything they should
need for their meal was at hand. The only things missing were
the tea and the bread. Well, the first had to be brewed
freshly, anyway, and they would get the bread on their way
back.
"Good morning, Obi-Wan." The Jedi Master reached out with the
Force and found his young apprentice in high spirits. "I hope
you didn't forget what I told you about you not being my
servant."
The boy shook his head. "No, Master, of course not. But I was
awake very early and I thought... I hope I didn't wake you."
The last came out with a touch of nervousness.
The Jedi Master shook his head in the negative. "It was time to
get up, anyway. Don't you worry. You've been very considerate,
Obi-Wan." He inspected the tunic his Padawan was wearing. It
was spotless but looked somewhat worn. And it was obvious that
the boy would outgrow it very soon. The older Jedi made a
mental note to check on Obi-Wan's clothes later.
"I'll be with you in a minute, Padawan." He returned to his
room, took his lightsaber and put on his robe. He made sure
that he had his credit chip with him. Then he stuffed a bag
with a change of clothes. As he reentered the living area,
Obi-Wan looked as if he hadn't moved but he had equipped
himself in the same way his Master had.
"Where can I find the towels, Master?" asked the young Jedi and
his voice nearly broke with excitement now.
"No need for that, Obi-Wan. They'll be supplied in the gyms."
Qui-Gon made a gesture for the boy to follow him and together
they left the quarters. Outside on the corridor the boy
struggled to match the wide strides of his Master. Qui-Gon
slowed down a bit and after a few steps they walked in synch.
Obi-Wan turned his face upwards and smiled shyly.
"What will we do first, Master?" Qui-Gon closed his eyes
shortly. There was no need to quench the boy's spirits but he
had to learn to control his impatience.
"For now, we are going to the gyms, Padawan."
Despite his gentle tone Obi-Wan somehow felt the mild reproach
behind Qui-Gon's words. The Jedi Master noted the lessening of
the boy's buoyancy. He already feared he had been too harsh on
him, when Obi-Wan said levelly, "I'm sorry; Master. I know I
shouldn't be impatient."
Figures. After all the boy had lived since his earliest
childhood in the temple and the education of the Initiates
began nearly from day one. 'Don't tread him too carefully,'
Qui-Gon told himself.
A few minutes later they reached the out-of-the-way gym Qui-Gon
had picked for their first joined lightsaber training. There
were only two other Jedi present. Two Padawans. And to
Qui-Gon's surprise one of them was Ruben. He and another male
Padawan - older than Ruben - he didn't recognize, were working
on their skills in weaponless self-defense. They were pretty
heavy going, Qui-Gon could see. The moves they executed were
far ahead of Ruben's schedule.
He gestured a curiously glancing Obi-Wan to a wall in the small
gym where they deposited their bags. The Jedi-Master fetched a
vial out of his bag and opened it. "Drink this, Obi-Wan" the
Jedi instructed, handing the vial over to the boy. Due to
Qui-Gon's stern tone, Obi-Wan didn't even ask what was in the
vial. Nor did he smell on it. He just swallowed it down, making
a face at the bitter taste. He handed the vial back to his
Master, swallowing a couple of times more to get rid of the
stale aroma in his mouth. "This was a protein-mix, naturally
designed to increase your muscle-tissue. In general, we have
breakfast first before we start training, so in the future you
will have it at breakfast. But the exception today was all
right for we didn't have bread, anyway. Don't worry."
Obi-Wan nodded obediently. "Yes, Master."
"All right, then. Warm yourself up as you did as an Initiate,"
he ordered. Obi-Wan had to find his own way of warming his
muscles. It would evolve with time and hid apprentice certainly
would pick up some of his Master's habits for the warm-up. But
for the time being, Qui-Gon wanted to know how Obi-Wan had done
it up till now.
"Yes, Master." Qui-Gon himself stepped on the mat and started
to stretch his muscles, only sporadically looking over to
Obi-Wan, not wanting to disturb him. And his apprentice was
doing quite fine as far as Qui-Gon could tell from the little
he saw.
More than once during the warm up, Qui-Gon heard grunts or
moans from the other side of the gym. From time to time the
sounds got so intense that he checked what the two other boys
were doing. Though it wasn't his business to look after them,
Qui-Gon - being the highest ranked Jedi in the room - was at
least partly responsible for what they were doing. And they
were pushing each other quite rudely. Ruben's nose was bleeding
and he had a nasty cut over his left eye, Qui-Gon saw. On the
other hand, weaponless self-defense was always pretty rough.
After a while the Jedi Master drew his lightsaber, ignited it
and lowered the energy output to practice level. He did a few
testing strikes and when he was done, Obi-Wan had also finished
his warm-up, waiting for further instructions from his Master.
"I'd like us to start with katas, Obi-Wan. Take your place on
my left, and get into the start-position of the First Kata for
Beginners." Obi-Wan hurried to comply and activated his own
lightsaber. "That's right. Now listen: I know that you're
trained in groups by the creche Masters. And to make you find
your own style they tell you to act individually even in a
group, don't they?" The boy looked up to him and nodded.
"Forget this, Padawan." Obi-Wan's eyes widened in shock. No
wonder, his Master just had told him to forget something the
creche Masters had taught him for years. The smile in Qui-Gon's
thoughts didn't make it to his lips, though. "From now on,
Obi-Wan, you will train with me. Your role is now to mimic my
actions to the best of your abilities. When I slow down, you
will slow down. If I speed up, you will speed up. Our goal is
to be completely synchronized for we're a team now, Padawan.
Understood?" the Jedi Master asked finally.
"Yes, Master." Obi-Wan was obviously eager to learn.
"All right. I want you to center now, Obi-Wan. Concentrate on
me only. You know the steps of the kata by heart so all you
have to do is matching my pace." This sounded very easy but it
wasn't. When Qui-Gon started to execute the first move in this
particular kata, Obi-Wan followed suit only a split second
later and he actually managed to finish the move almost
simultaneously with his Master. But unlike Qui-Gon, Obi-Wan
didn't pause before starting the second move, so that he had to
slow down to match Qui-Gon again. This didn't work and he ended
the second move almost a second later than his new Master.
Qui-Gon moved his left hand away from the handle of his
lightsaber and made a gesture as if he was pushing something
down. "That means stop, Padawan," he explained a second later.
And Obi-Wan did. "From the beginning, Obi-Wan. Don't forget
that katas are supposed to express real fights. And keep your
face in the direction your saber points. Don't look at me."
While Obi-Wan resumed the starting-position he asked: "But how
shall I match your speed when I can't look at you?"
"With the Force, Obi-Wan. You have to feel where I am and what
I do. Concentrate."
They did this routine over and over again. More or less
successful. There seemed to be no progress at all. Sweat was
running down the boy's face now. Partly from the physical
activity but mostly from the intense state of concentration he
was in. Qui-Gon corrected and softly reprimanded him, but
nothing seemed to actually help. At least this was what it must
have looked like for Obi-Wan. Qui-Gon himself was rather
pleased with the boy. He really tried hard. They didn't even
manage to make it half way through the First Kata when Qui-Gon
had to call for a small break. The youth was panting, his tunic
was soaked with his sweat. "Let me do it alone once, Padawan.
Watch me. Learn." So Qui-Gon performed the First Kata alone and
he did it very slow to make it easier for his apprentice. To
judge from the fascinated look on Obi-Wan's face, the boy had
never seen it done more gracefully. Even in this slow speed the
kata didn't even take eight minutes to end. But that had been
enough time for Obi-Wan to catch his breath a little and
Qui-Gon was about to order him to his side again, when he
noticed that the Padawan Ruben had trained with had left the
gym. He glanced over to Ruben who performed dry-katas -
lightsaber katas executed without a lightsaber - alone now. The
Jedi Master thought for a moment and then decided to take the
opportunity. "Ruben?" he called out for the dark-haired young
man.
"Yes, Master Jinn?" he answered in a pause between two moves.
"Could you spare fifteen or twenty minutes to help me
demonstrate something?"
"Of course, Master Jinn," the other Padawan replied and trotted
over to Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan, catching his lightsaber from his
bag on his way over.
"Now watch, my young Padawan. Ruben and I only sparred a couple
of times together but this will be enough to show you how to
pick up the other one's speed."
"The First Kata?" Ruben asked, taking his position to the
Master's left.
"Yes, Ruben," Qui-Gon answered, tossing him a black cloth he
had fetched from a cabinet in the wall a minute ago. Ruben
exhaled a little louder than usual but put on the blindfold
without a word of protest. Qui-Gon waited another few seconds
before starting the kata, to give Ruben time to gather the
Force. Then they moved. Qui-Gon didn't need the Force to tell
that they were in almost perfect unison. During the kata, the
Jedi Master sped up a little and Ruben matched his rhythm
effortlessly. Just the moment both of them had their feet on
the ground after the last move, Qui-Gon said: "The Second,
Ruben."
Qui-Gon and Ruben moved without interruption into the flow of
the Second Kata for Beginners. This one including the first two
easy jumps the Initiates learned. Again it could hardly be done
any better. Several minutes later the Second Kata was finished
and Qui-Gon realized that Ruben was also panting in earnest
now. Obviously the earlier exercises in self-defense had
exhausted him. He called the demonstration to an end.
"Thank you, Ruben, you were a great help," he told the older
Padawan when Ruben powered down his saber and removed the
blindfold with his other hand.
"My pleasure, Master Jinn."
"However, you should quit now. You're exhausted and you bleed
from several wounds," Qui-Gon told him.
"I shall do that," Ruben replied and Qui-Gon couldn't quite
categorize the smile on his face. Ruben bowed curtly and went
to take his bag.
The Jedi Master returned his attention to his own Padawan, who
had observed the katas fascinated once more. "Well, Obi-Wan,
let's try again, shall we?"
"How could Padawan Götz do this with his eyes
blindfolded?" he asked unbelievingly, resuming his former
position to his Master's left.
"Like I said, Padawan, he used the Force. You don't need your
eyes when the Force flows strong inside you. Ready?" Qui-Gon
asked and ignited his lightsaber one more time. Obi-Wan powered
his own one up, too, and nodded. And this time his apprentice
actually tried to use the Force to follow his movements. The
problem was: He didn't trust it.
Suddenly Qui-Gon felt a flicker in the Force. Ruben. He
directed Force-energy towards his Padawan. At first, Qui-Gon
couldn't figure out what Ruben was doing until he realized that
his Padawan now matched his own movements. This time they
managed to finish the First Kata in unison. Qui-Gon unengaged
his lightsaber and turned to face Ruben. But his own Padawan
was faster.
"How did you do that? You somehow managed to synchronize me
with my Master, but I haven't the slightest idea how," Obi-Wan
rushed out between heavy breaths.
Ruben laughed softly. "I only tried to close the eyes in your
head and open the one inside your head. You don't trust the
Force, yet, Obi-Wan. I had the same problem when I was your
age, so it was pretty easy for me to help you."
"Why, thank you," Obi-Wan said, still panting. Qui-Gon smiled.
This really might have been a step forward. He was about to
make a remark about this when suddenly Ruben somersaulted high
in the air, igniting his saber while doing so. He landed
directly in front of Obi-Wan, attacking him at the same moment.
Although caught totally off guard, Obi-Wan reacted excellently.
He jumped back, ignited his own lightsaber and parried every of
Ruben's light attacks.
"Ruben!" Qui-Gon exclaimed in a warning tone, but even the
always so serene Jedi Master couldn't quite keep the amusement
out of his voice. The older Padawan made a jump back to bring
some distance between himself and Obi-Wan, bowed quickly in
Qui-Gon's direction, grabbed his bag and practically fled from
the gym.
Obi-Wan powered down his saber as well, still an expression of
pure surprise on his face. "Wow! What the Sith was that all
about?"
"Just another proof for Master Yoda's saying: As Master, as
Padawan. And you, Obi-Wan, should better watch your tongue,
understood?" the Jedi Master replied.
"Yes, Master. Sorry, Master," Obi-Wan apologized, hanging his
head.
"I think this is enough kata training for one day, Obi-Wan."
The boy nodded, seemingly relieved that it was over. It had
undoubtedly been harder than he had expected. "Actually I had
planned to spare a little with you after the katas but I think
you're too tired now. Let's have breakfast instead." Qui-Gon
grabbed his own bag and Obi-Wan's, laid an arm around his
Padawan's shoulders and led him to the showers.
For the first time in his life as an apprentice, Obi-Wan was
allowed to use the public showers for the training facilities,
which usage was restricted. Only the Padawans, Knights and
Masters used them; the Initiates had to shower in their wing of
the temple.
When they were finished, Qui-Gon led the way to one of the
shops which were located inside the temple. Jedi-only shops so
to speak. There the Jedi could buy things they weren't supplied
with from the temple. When a Jedi, for instance, didn't want to
eat in the cantina he or she could buy food in those shops. Or
clothing. In this level of the temple were also the
entertainment facilities. One could buy or just play games,
read or lend books and so on. The game section was frequently
used by the Padawans. This way they could have some fun in
their spare free time without having to leave the temple. But
today all Qui-Gon wanted was to buy some bread for breakfast.
Or better, early lunch, he decided after checking the time.
The shop was very quiet, fitting the time of day. No other
customers besides themselves. So the shopkeeper beamed at the
sight of two Jedi. "Master Jinn, I haven't seen you in months."
Before he went on with his niceties he spotted the boy beside
the Jedi Master and he stared at the two Jedi. Qui-Gon sighed
inwardly. This part of the Jedi Temple was sure one of the main
outlets of the rumor factory. He decided to attack instead of
waiting to be attacked.
"Varol, may I introduce Obi-Wan Kenobi, my new Padawan?
Obi-Wan, this is Varol Al-an, the most outstanding baker. We
are lucky to have a shop here that offers the specialties of
Kandarl VI." The Kandarlian smiled even broader at the praise.
Kandarl was a planet inhabited only by humans and they were a
very reclusive race. Qui-Gon observed the curiosity with which
the other two eyed each other. Rare species indeed. One a
representative of a race that rarely left their planet, the
other the new Padawan of one of the most renowned Jedi Master.
Qui-Gon suppressed a grimace. Infamous, more like. He wasn't
overly fond with most of the on-goings in the Temple these
times. Too much politics for his taste.
"Hello, Mr. Al-an," Obi-Wan voiced shyly.
"Hello, Padawan Kenobi, it's a real pleasure meeting the new
apprentice of Qui-Gon Jinn." Varol bent down to whisper
something in Obi-Wan's ear, but it was still loud enough for
Qui-Gon to hear. "And don't believe him when he declares that
all sorts of sweets are forbidden. Just come to me." He
straightened up again and caught a deadly stare from the Jedi
Master. But he answered it only with a self-confident smile.
Obi-Wan looked a bit uncertain and so Qui-Gon decided to
interfere before Varol could insecure the boy even further.
"Actually, Varol, all we came here for is a loaf of bread. Any
recommendations for today?"
The shopkeeper gave him a bright smile and pointed out today's
specials. "All of it is made to perfection, if I may say so
myself. But if you want my advice... Take the cariflas." He
indicated an assortment of little loafs of bread, each formed
individually. "Once those had been offerings to the ancient
gods of Kandarl but since the priests' caste had been reformed
they have lost their spiritual meaning. But they still taste
delicious. You can have a pick of different flavors instead of
taking a single loaf of bread."
"Go ahead, Varol, I trust your expertise completely." He waited
patiently as the Kandarlian put some pieces in a small bag.
"Put it on my account," Qui-Gon said, handing him his credit
chip. The shopkeeper nodded confirmation and gave the chip back
after a few seconds. "Thank you, Varol. Come, Obi-Wan." With
that he left the shop, his apprentice in tow.
"I am the one who has to thank, Master Jinn. I hope you will
soon honor me with your presence again."
Fifteen minutes later the two Jedi sat down at the small table
in Qui-Gon's kitchenette. The older Jedi had made some fresh
tea and Obi-Wan had cut the bread and unpacked their bags. The
Jedi Master saw that his apprentice didn't much care for the
somewhat bitter tea Qui-Gon had brewed but didn't offer him
anything else. The boy would have to ask if he wanted something
else to drink.
But Varol had been right. The bread was delicious. Qui-Gon
watched in disbelief as slice after slice disappeared into
Obi-Wan's stomach. Where did he put all this food? Xanatos had
never eaten that much. The Jedi Master flinched ever so
slightly at that thought and reprimanded himself not to mingle
Xanatos with Obi-Wan. Yoda had said so himself: Those two
couldn't be more different.
When they were almost finished, Qui-Gon produced the datapad he
had been working with. Time to introduce the boy to his new
schedule. "Obi-Wan, I compiled your schedule for the time
coming. While we're in the temple, you are to attend to the
classes listed." He handed Obi-Wan the datapad and continued,
"There are elective subjects on the recuperation days. I'd like
you to choose some. The time between your classes is mostly
reserved for training with me. If I'm occupied otherwise you
will be assigned chores to carry out. When you have finished
those, you have the time to yourself. Do you have any
questions, Padawan?"
During Qui-Gon's talking, Obi-Wan had studied the datapad and
there had been no visible reaction as to the amount of classes
his Master had subscribed him to. Now he looked up at his
teacher. "Do I start this afternoon with the classes, Master?"
Qui-Gon got up from his chair and began to clear away the
left-overs of their breakfast. "No, Padawan, tomorrow morning
will be sufficient. We have other things to attend to this
afternoon." This time, Qui-Gon didn't object when his Padawan
started to wash the double load of dishes. He grabbed a dish
towel, dried and cleared away the crockery his Padawan had
cleaned. Once again Qui-Gon silently cursed the chapters in the
code about modesty among all Jedi, which forbade the Knights to
posses anything luxurious. Luxury as in dish-washer, for
example.
There was a convenient silence between them for a couple of
minutes. Qui-Gon was surprised as to how well they worked
together. Not at all as if they were doing this for the first
time. Although his apprentice was probably trying to decide
whether he should ask about their afternoon activities or not.
But the earlier reprimand for his curiosity and his impatience
seemed to let him decide against it in the end. Qui-Gon was
pleased once more; apparently Obi-Wan was a quick study.
The dishes finished and the kitchen as clean as two male
sentient beings could get it, Qui-Gon bade his young student to
join him in meditation. Qui-Gon expected Obi-Wan to sit down
across him but the youth surprised him by settling down next to
him instead. Whatever he likes best, Qui-Gon thought with a
small smile.
"Master?"
Qui-Gon's smile widened a little at Obi-Wan's strange accent.
He made a mental note to ask him about its origin. "Yes,
Padawan?"
"Is it wise to meditate right after we've eaten?"
"A Jedi must be able to meditate in any given situation,
Obi-Wan," Qui-Gon informed his young apprentice. "Your mind
shall rule over your body, not vice-versa."
"Yes, Master."
The pair spent the next two hours on the meditation mat in the
living area of their rooms. The Jedi Master tried to calm the
boy's feelings and to simultaneously strengthen their
Master-Padawan-Bond. There was a lot of raw and wild energy in
Obi-Wan. All Qui-Gon had to do now was teaching the youth to
control this energy and bring it to good use by channeling it
through the Force. It sounds so simple, the older Jedi thought
to himself. However, he was making slight but steady progress
with the bond. After the meditation he had less problems
reading Obi-Wan's emotions, though it would certainly be a few
months before everything was as it should be. Obi-Wan, on the
other hand, would need much more time to establish a firm
connection with his Master. He had yet to learn how to use the
Force in such a delicate manner. In any way, Qui-Gon was sure
his apprentice would manage this in time. As would he learn to
shield himself from his Master's mental touches. It wasn't
always good to be able to read someone else's emotions or even
have access to his thoughts.
Obi-Wan was obviously relieved when they were finally finished
with the exercise. Qui-Gon had noticed that his Padawan's
struggles to concentrate had become more serious with every
minute he had to keep still. Clearly, the physical training was
more to his liking.
Qui-Gon stretched his lean body as he got up from the mat. He
checked his chronometer. They would have to hurry now to make
it to Healer Asdo'r in time. "Come on, Padawan. We have an
appointment in fifteen minutes." The Jedi Master felt a wave of
excitement ripple through his apprentice's body and Obi-Wan was
ready to leave in a flash.
"Where are we going, Master?" the boy wanted to know, when
Qui-Gon led the way through the door and headed for the
elevator. He had fallen into pace with his Master, always one
step behind, as he had been told by the creche Masters. Qui-Gon
didn't answer his Padawan's question and shortly felt the wave
of confusion from Obi-Wan. Then guilt as he realized what he
had done wrong. "Sorry, Master," he murmured.
Pleased at his Padawan's conclusion, he answered in a gentle
tone. "Don't worry, Obi-Wan. I will supply you with all the
information you need. Everything I don't tell you, you don't
have to know. All right?"
"Yes, Master."
"But to answer your question," the Jedi Master continued as if
Obi-Wan had never said a thing, "we're going to the
Healer-building across the temple, Obi-Wan." A slight smile
crept to Qui-Gon lips. He was wondering if the boy would
realize he was being teased and gathered the Force once more to
find out. He sensed first confusion, then understanding and
finally mischief in him. So he had caught up on him, Qui-Gon
thought and his smile widened a little.
"Thank you very much for this vital information, Master. Now I
can die a happy man," his apprentice stated, proofing a) that
there was a sharp sense of humor buried somewhere in this so
serious boy, and b) that he was not willing to play into his
Master's hands any longer. He had mimicked Qui-Gon's serene
tone perfectly and the amusement the older Jedi could feel in
him could not be heard in his voice. He sent amusement along
their bond and - although Obi-Wan didn't realize it - the youth
picked it up.
They stepped out of the elevator on a lower level of the
temple. From here they could reach the Healer-building through
a conduit which connected the two giant complexes. "You have an
appointment with Healer Asdo'r, Padawan," Qui-Gon explained
while they followed the long, narrow corridor.
"Me? But Master! I don't understand, I'm not sick or
something!" Obi-Wan had stopped dead in his tracks, an
expression of pure consternation on his face.
Qui-Gon ceased his steps, too, and turned. "Obi-Wan, relax.
It's just a routine checkup. Nothing to worry about." He held
out his left arm invitingly but the boy still refused to resume
his steps.
"I'm fine. Really. This isn't necessary," Obi-Wan successfully
demonstrated his stubbornness.
Although Qui-Gon understood and sympathized with Obi-Wan's
feelings regarding the Healers, his apprentice had also to
learn that there was no way around the routine checkups. He
gave his voice some edge when he addressed Obi-Wan again.
"That's for me to decide, Padawan. Now, stop fighting lost
battles and follow me." He turned and continued through the
corridor without waiting for Obi-Wan's response. There was a
short silence and then he heard Obi-Wan hurrying to catch up
with his Master. And so they reached the Healer-building
without further delay.
Only when they were sitting in Healer Asdor's quite large
waiting room, Obi-Wan had swallowed enough of his anger to
apologize for his behavior, which Qui-Gon just met with a nod
and a ruffle through Obi-Wan's spiky hair. Two minutes later
the Jedi Master turned to his apprentice and his voice was not
much more than a whisper. "Obi-Wan, a word of warning. Healer
Asdo'r could be described as somewhat... cantankerous.
Apparently, he's constantly in a bad mood and might be a little
rough in his methods. So just do as he says and keep still, all
right?"
Obi-Wan had followed his Master's explanations with obviously
growing discomfort and now nodded. "Why did you pick him if
he's so grumpy?" he wanted to know.
"Because he's outstanding in his field of expertise. Yoda used
to send me here when I was your age, you know?"
"And did you like to come here?"
Qui-Gon chuckled. "No," he answered truthfully. "Not at all."
"Then why do you make me come here?" the boy asked with his
infantile logic.
"Because to properly train you I need to know about your
physical condition. If you're able to cope with the kind of
pressure I'm gonna put you under. Or if there's any danger to
harm you on a long-term basis. Can you understand this?" The
Jedi Master had grabbed Obi-Wan's left shoulder and was now
squeezing it gently. Obi-Wan thought about that for a moment,
keeping his Master in a doubtful stare. But eventually he
nodded confirmation and was about to say something when the
Healer's assistant informed them that they could enter Asdo'r's
consulting room.
The older Jedi felt a sudden lance of fear shooting through the
youth's body. "Would you like me to stay with you?" he asked
Obi-Wan, sending reassurance through their bond. His apprentice
nodded and so Qui-Gon rose and walked along with him into the
consulting room, where Asdo'r must be already awaiting them.
"Ah, Qui-Gon. And this must be Obi-Wan..." He checked the
datapad in his hands. "Kenobi. I don't have much time, so let's
get started. Strip and sit down on the table." He made a waving
gesture first towards Obi-Wan, then to the examination table,
before turning to his computer, punching a few buttons.
Qui-Gon closed the door to the office and answered his
Padawan's exasperated look with a half knowing, half
sympathizing one. Still, Obi-Wan hesitated and Qui-Gon gave him
an encouraging nod. Finally his apprentice began to reluctantly
undress himself, neatly folding his clothes, stalling for
precious time. Qui-Gon pondered amusedly if his apprentice
would keep up this strong sense of orderliness once back home
in their quarters.
"We wish you a good day as well, Healer Asdo'r," Qui-Gon
addressed the tall Baltasian not without a trace of sarcasm.
Asdo'r ignored the Jedi Master's comment and instead busied
himself with adjusting his scanners to human parameters.
Meanwhile Obi-Wan had finished undressing and threw his Master
a last pleading look - to no avail - before following the
Healer's instructions and settling down on the table.
Asdo'r didn't loose any time and began by drawing a blood
sample from the youth's right arm. Obi-Wan was taken completely
by surprise and even forgot to flinch when he felt the
obligatory prick of the needle. The Jedi Master seated himself
in a nearby chair and observed the familiar scanning procedure.
After a few minutes Obi-Wan gave in to his restless nature and
started to shift slightly in his position, which caused the
Healer to a growling "Stay still". The exasperated expression
on the boy's face made Qui-Gon send waves of comfort along
their bond. His efforts were crowned with success. The young
Jedi calmed down remarkably and followed the Healer's actions
with his eyes. Suddenly his head snapped up and he fixed his
gaze upon his Master. Qui-Gon felt his Padawan's amazement and
then he witnessed a perfect display of the expression
'realization dawned on his face'. He couldn't keep from smiling
as his apprentice consciously apprehended for the first time
the mental images and sentiments he projected along their bond.
At Obi-Wan's questioning look he slightly nodded. The older
Jedi would have liked to discuss the important breakthrough in
their early relationship immediately but the boy had managed to
pick a time most inappropriate.
Healer Asdo'r finished the examination by testing Obi-Wan's
eyesight and hearing and afterwards ordered him to lay down on
his stomach. Which he did without second thought. While the
physician went to one of his shelves to prepare the
immunization-shot Qui-Gon had ordered for his apprentice, the
Jedi Master strolled over to his lying Padawan who was still
totally oblivious of the fact that he was going to be
inoculated. The boy was still occupied with processing the
latest experience. Qui-Gon wished again that Obi-Wan would have
picked a better time and place for his revelation. The older
Jedi knelt down in front of the young man and placed a
caressing hand on the back of Obi-Wan's head, gently demanding
his attention. The amazement and joy he sensed in Obi-Wan was
mirrored in his eyes and Qui-Gon regretted to have to damp his
mood. "Padawan, you will receive a standard vaccination now. It
might tingle a little." But Obi-Wan surprised him by just
nodding slightly and leaning into his stroking hand.
Asdo'r administered the injection with his usual brusque,
matter-of-factly attitude. The young Padawan winced and gritted
his teeth but Qui-Gon sensed that extraordinary determination
in him again. The Baltasian finished off with a light slap to
Obi-Wan's backside. "Okay, get dressed, kid." While Obi-Wan did
just that, Asdo'r announced the results of the exam. "Well,
Qui-Gon, it seems you needn't to worry. He's absolutely fine.
Let's see how he'll do after six months of your training." The
tall Jedi shot him a stern 'you're-not-helping' look, but, as
usual, the Healer was totally unimpressed. "I'd like to have a
word with you in private, however," Asdo'r continued.
"Obi-Wan, wait for me in the atrium," Qui-Gon ordered, his
voice leaving no room for negotiation. Obi-Wan looked up from
fiddling with his sash and the older Jedi could see the
unspoken smart remark in his eyes before the boy left the room,
pouting. "Yes, Healer Asdo'r?"
"Well, you might have noticed that your boy is fidgeting a
lot?" He continued at Qui-Gon's curt nod. "That's because he's
slightly hyperactive. Really just slightly, no need to worry.
But I figured you wanted to know. If it gets worse and you
can't cope with it, bring him here and I see what I can do,
okay?"
Qui-Gon nodded thoughtfully. "He has some sleeping problems.
Could that be a symptom of the hyperactivity?
The Healer rummaged around in a drawer of his desk while he
answered. "This is probably more a result of the extreme
changes in his life lately. You shouldn't worry too much." He
had found what he had been looking for. A small red and white
cardboard box. "However, if you feel he needs something to make
him sleep, give him one of those." With that he tossed the box
over to Qui-Gon who caught it and let it disappear in one of
the inner pockets of his tunic in a flash.
"Thank you, Healer Asdo'r. Is that all?"
"For now, yes. I need to see him again in 23 days for the
counter-injection. Let me know if you'll be off-planet by
then."
The Jedi Master nodded again. "Is it possible to adjust our
vaccination cycles?"
"Shouldn't be a problem." His tone indicated that he had enough
of Qui-Gon for the day and the Jedi Master said his good-byes
before he left the room to fetch Obi-Wan. Not waiting for an
answer from the Baltasian; he knew there wasn't one to expect.
Qui-Gon ignored the questioning looks of his a little too
obviously limping and slightly pouting Padawan, when he punched
in the level-code for the shop-area again, where they had been
earlier this day. Inwardly, the Jedi Master was amused by his
apprentice's predictable behavior but was careful not to let
anything of his thoughts appear on his face. Neither did he
give Obi-Wan the satisfaction to ask why he was limping. It was
quite clear, anyway. Since the Jedi-Order's active Knights were
obliged to be properly vaccinated at all times, he had a rather
precise idea of how Obi-Wan's posterior had to feel right now.
He wondered when the boy's untamed temper would get the better
of him.
The older Jedi stepped out of the car the moment the doors
opened for him and headed towards the shopping area, without
waiting for his Padawan. As Qui-Gon registered Obi-Wan's
disparaging snort, he could hardly suppress a grin. It was only
their first day together and already they had started to play
little funny mind games like Yoda had loved - and probably
still did - to play with Qui-Gon. The older Jedi took this as a
good omen for their beginning relationship.
They were just about to enter the beverage-shop, when the boy
couldn't stand the silence any longer. "Master? Is there a
reason why we didn't purchase everything we needed this
morning?" Wouldn't it have been for the humor in Obi-Wan's
voice, Qui-Gon could have mistaken the question for an honest
one.
Delighted at the repeated display of his apprentice's
good-natured smart mouth, he answered honestly, "Apart from the
fact that I forgot it this morning, no, there's no reason."
Animated by the growing smirk on the youth's face, he couldn't
resist the temptation to demonstrate that Obi-Wan wasn't the
only one here with a talent for repartee. "And if the pain in
your butt gets worse, maybe you should go right back to Healer
Asdo'r."
Qui-Gon immediately felt the flair of anger rise in his
Padawan. "You're making fun out of me," the boy accused.
"And you're overdoing it, Padawan," the Jedi Master retorted in
the same voice, unwilling to condone Obi-Wan's inappropriate
demonstration of moodiness. During their discussion Qui-Gon had
gathered different sorts of tea and juice, handing some of the
items over to Obi-Wan.
"But it does hurt!"
"I know, and so it will for some time. Get used to it. Better a
small discomfort now, than being killed by a virus on a
mission." His Padawan hesitated for a second, opened his mouth
but closed it instantly at Qui-Gon's raised index finger. His
Master's stern look made him cast down his eyes for a moment.
The older Jedi regretted to have subdued his apprentice, but
futile arguments like this wouldn't help either of them.
Obi-Wan was silent when Qui-Gon paid for their supplies and
fell obediently into pace behind his Master when they left the
shop. The Jedi Master sighed silently and cursed himself for
effectively ruining the high spirits his apprentice had been in
just a few minutes ago. He spotted the fruit and vegetable
store and decided to try to ease the tension a little.
"Obi-Wan, would you care for fresh fruit this evening?" Obi-Wan
shot him a suspicious look, but nodded reluctantly. Qui-Gon
fished his credit chip out of his tunic and gave it to his
Padawan. "Then go and choose something to your liking. I'll
wait for you outside." He smiled at his apprentice
encouragingly and after another moment of hesitation, the boy
finally turned and headed for the shop. As Obi-Wan disappeared
into the store, Qui-Gon watched the other people passing by,
wondering about the already considerably strong bond between
him and his new apprentice. It had taken him a lot more time
and effort to establish a bond this strength with Xanatos. The
Jedi Master's prior Padawan's naturally tight shields had never
given Qui-Gon the possibility to form a proper
Master-Padawan-Bond. And Obi-Wan didn't only lack those shields
completely, he also craved the intimacy imbedded in such a
connections.
Qui-Gon was positively surprised by Obi-Wan's early
acknowledgement of their link. And he was also glad that
Obi-Wan hadn't brought the theme up on their way back from the
Healer-Building. This was most certainly a matter to be
discussed and explored in the private surroundings of their
shared quarters. Qui-Gon intended to do just that the moment
they would be home. A small smile escaped him. His impatient
Padawan wouldn't be too enthusiastic about the prospect of
another tedious meditation.
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