WARNINGS/PAIRING: Non Obi/Qui (leastways for now) and -
Welll...let's just say, Obi-Wan is going to end up very unhappy
here. If you love a happy ending, there is NOT one. . .in this
story (at least, not if your name happens to be Obi-Wan
Kenobi).
ARCHIVE: MA
SUMMARY: Obi-Wan spends a year as a lab experiment for the best
torture device-makers in the Galaxy; Qui-Gon rescues him and
all appears to be well at last... or is it?
DISCLAIMER: George Owns Them. I am just messing with their
Heads.
SPOILERS: None.
FEEDBACK: Is lovely - should anyone genuinely wish to.
Keeping track of time passing. It was one way of keeping his
sanity intact.
This required careful monitoring and focus of his senses, for
pain tended to blur perception and if Obi-Wan was not
completely precise in his calculations, he would loose track.
The Sendari had been renowned for generations for their
expertise in political assassinations and black-market
technology - with particular care and emphasis being given to
the development and sale of ever more precise and elegant
instruments of torture.
The Jedi Council had given him this assignment - he had been
very close to taking his trials and a difficult solo mission
was always the precursor to that final hurdle into Knighthood.
Sometimes, in the intervals between experiments, he would
remember, with what was left of his humor, that he'd actually
looked forward to the mission. Been delighted about it, in
fact. After all, upon its successful completion, he would no
doubt be put through the Trials and then - knighthood. The goal
he and his Master, Qui-Gon Jinn, had worked toward with
intensity and focus for 12 years. And once Padawan Kenobi
became Knight Kenobi there would be no barrier to his
approaching Qui-Gon Jinn and telling him of his feelings. There
was no guarantee, naturally, that Qui-Gon returned his
apprentice's decidedly unfilial feelings of love, but sometimes
there was a resonance in Qui-Gon's voice, a way that a glance
would linger longer than strictly necessary, which at least
gave Obi-Wan hope his feelings might be returned.
Someday.
When he was a full Jedi Knight.
So, when Qui-Gon and he were summoned by the Jedi Council and
informed that Obi-Wan was to go on this solo mission, all he
could remember feeling was overjoyed that the time was nearing
at long last.
On first glance, the mission was both difficult and simple. All
Obi-Wan had to do was slip into Sendari space unobserved, get
down to Sendari Prime without being detected, and, once there,
disappear into the crowd, one more smuggler with a cargo to
either drop off or pick up. Gather what information he could
about their roaring illicit trade in biomechanical "devices"
and then leave.
And he'd managed it all - slipped into their space undetected,
landed his unremarkable cargo ship without difficulty or undue
questions, and walked down the exit ramp in the same sort of
non-descript, uncluttered clothing legitimate cargo pilots and
smugglers alike wore throughout the galaxy.
He never made it past the end of the ramp. Never even reached
the blaster strapped to one thigh.
The Sendari Secret Police had been waiting for Obi-Wan Kenobi.
He still had no idea who tipped them off to his true identity
or what profit they had made from it.
When he woke up, he was naked, held in a cell that measured
five feet by 7 feet. The only amenities were a pallet in one
corner and a primitive sanitary facility that smelled. A
force-field blocked the exit. He could see little beyond it
other than darkness, which all the more marked for being
contrasted to the blindingly harsh white light in his holding
cell.
He quickly learned what his captors wanted him for. A human
test subject. Sendari scientists constantly worked to develop
ever more subtle and effective methods of inflicting pain on
the humanoid body. That Obi-Wan was human would not alone have
interested them. But he was also a highly trained Jedi. In full
command of the Force. They'd never had such an opportunity,
such a golden opportunity to experiment before.
The very idea of a Force user was exciting to them. What effect
would their devices have on a Force sensitive Adept? How would
they need to modify them to bypass the natural blocks Obi-Wan
would throw up to ward off pain? How long would it take before
he was a gibbering mass of insanity willing to do, say or
accept anything to stop the pain?
Nothing so crude as a Force dampening collar or even
force-shield was in his captor's repertoire. The Sendari over
generations had long ago left this early stage of torture
behind. Their clients demanded only the best, the most subtle,
the most exquisitely blind-siding of pain devices.
And so they went to work on Obi-Wan.
That was when he began to use all his mental skills to keep
careful track of the passing time, utilizing the background
information he'd been given in his mission briefing to
translate the passage of time on Sendari Prime into standard
days. This didn't block the pain, of course, but it kept a
corner of his mind sane.
Underneath the time calculations, his deeper self lived in a
small bubble of memory that encompassed one person: Qui-Gon
Jinn. Intense pain slithered around his body, through its
molecules and in and out between his nerve endings, but
underneath was the essential Obi-Wan and he counted the days
and relived his life as the Padawan of Qui-Gon Jinn.
When he had been held for almost one standard year, there was a
tremendous amount of shouting in the usually quiet lab
facility, the familiar thrum and sizzle of a lightsabre sounded
in Obi-Wan's ears and he was, dimly, aware of a familiar
presence, lifting his battered body, cradling him close. He
opened his eyes a fraction and met eyes that were inky blue
with sorrow and anger. Sorrow for Obi-Wan, anger at what had
been done.
Gratefully, Obi-Wan ended his calculations, exited the bubble
of memory and embraced unconsciousness like a lover
"How are you feeling now, Obi-Wan?"
Obi-Wan opened his eyes and carefully, looked about him.
"Coruscant - the Temple?"
Qui-Gon nodded. "Yes, Padawan. You are home."
Obi-Wan smiled. "I knew you would come for me."
"You never doubted - I know - your...captors were quite unhappy
about the way you used your abilities and beliefs to keep from
giving in. I'm very proud of you, Obi-Wan, more than I can
possibly say. There are seasoned Knights who could not have
withstood what you have."
Obi-Wan closed his eyes. All was well.
Qui-Gon brushed the hair from his Padawan's forehead with
gentle fingers, tucked the blankets around him more securely,
then settled back into his chair to keep watch.
The Healers were pleased, but surprised, at how rapidly Obi-Wan
recovered. They had removed over a dozen biomechanical and
synth devices from his brain, nervous system and bloodstream.
Jedi scientists were pulling these apart, but reported to the
Council that it might be years, if ever, before they understood
how every device worked. However, just possessing the things
gave them an enormous amount of knowledge about what was on
offer out on the Rim and who likely purchasers would be.
So, from at least one angle, in the ultimate outcome, Obi-Wan's
solo mission was a success.
In the meantime, he grew stronger, began eating normally again
and seemed to have regained his normal personality. There were
nightmares; Obi-Wan and the Healers accepted these as part of
the price he would pay for retaining his sanity. He knew they
were not reality and was able to deal with them accordingly.
In the beginning, Qui-Gon spent an enormous amount of time with
his Padawan. For the first couple of weeks, he ate and slept at
Obi-Wan's side, and refused in no uncertain terms, anyone's
suggestion that he leave. His presence was a balm and constant
source of strength during the first days of Obi-Wan's recovery.
As time went on, and Obi-Wan had returned to the land of the
fully living, he saw less of his Master. He accepted that as
necessary and normal.
"Well," Healer Jasant smiled at Obi-Wan benevolently, "We've
kept you here almost a standard month - I think we can safely
kick you out of here today, Obi-Wan."
"I can go home?"
"I've already sent a message to Qui-Gon. He should be here by
Noonmeal to retrieve you. I must say - I'm glad to see you
going in once piece."
"You are not the only one, Jasant." Obi-Wan swung his legs out
of bed and reached for his clothing. "What is this big event
your assistant was twittering about earlier?"
"Oh, yes, this is quite, ah, fortunate yes - very fortunate -
you being released today. I'm giving you clearance to attend
this evening's festivities." Jasant stowed his datachart in his
pocket and made for the door. "I believe Master Yoda will be
escorting you, himself. Qui-Gon will give you the details."
And what, Obi-Wan thought, was THAT all about? He'd known he
was going to be released - well, been almost positive. All
morning, various techs and assistants had been checking him
out, running final tests and all had been telling him that he
was lucky in being discharged today of all days, because likely
Healer Jasant would clear him to attend the big event to be
held this evening.
Maybe someone he knew was being knighted or there was a wedding
or bonding ceremony - those were always eagerly attended
happenings by everyone in the Temple.
When he was fully dressed, he sat in the chair Qui-Gon had
occupied on so many nights watching at his side, and,
thankfully, let his mind wander where it would. After the rigid
discipline of his months of captivity, the simple act of not
having to control his every thought was still an act that
brought him no little joy in and of itself.
"I expected to find your swinging from the ceiling and here you
sit, as composed as Master Yoda when meditating." Qui-Gon wore
a broad smile, one Obi-Wan returned. "What were you thinking
about?"
"I was not thinking of anything, Master. That's. . ..something
I don't believe I will ever stop enjoying, now."
Qui-Gon's face grew more serious. "I know. And I am sorry for
the way you had to come to it."
"That is over, now, Master. I'm home. That is the important
thing." Obi-Wan rose gracefully to his feet. "Are we going to
our - your quarters?"
"Our quarters, Padawan. At least until you are a Knight. And
yes. Jasant wants you to rest this afternoon, and then you will
be fit, he thinks, to attend this evening's...events." Qui-Gon
let Obi-Wan precede him out of the room and they walked in
companionable silence until they exited the Healer's Tower.
He was touched beyond measure to find that his room was just as
he'd left it. Right down to the open philosophy volume on his
desk and a stack of holovids he'd been meaning to watch before
the mission came along.
Qui-Gon tried to talk him into going to bed straight away;
Obi-Wan objected, they finally compromised on Obi-Wan agreeing
to change into sleep pants and curl up on the sofa in the
common room.
"I promised Jasant that you would rest during the afternoon,
Obi-Wan, it was the only way he would let you out tonight."
Grumbling, Obi-Wan complied. "What is going to happen this
evening? Everyone kept telling me I was lucky to be getting out
so that I could go, but no one would tell me what it is that
I'm so fortunate to be going to."
Qui-Gon's eyes were definitely twinkling, though he sounded
grave enough when he answered. "Nor will I, Padawan. It is a
surprise. Now, rest. I have some small part in organizing this
evening's event, so I won't be here to take you to the Council
Chambers, but Master Yoda will be by at 7th hour so mind you
are ready. I'll leave the clothes you're to wear on your bed."
Not surprisingly, once Qui-Gon left and the apartment was
quiet, Obi-Wan fell asleep.
A few minutes later, or so it seemed, a raspy voice intoned:
"Time to wake-up, young one."
Reluctantly, Obi-Wan opened his eyes and found Master Yoda
sitting on the serving table next to the couch.
"Master Yoda - what time is it?"
"Almost time to leave, Padawan. Up you must get and dress."
Moving with alacrity, Obi-Wan was off the sofa and heading for
his bedroom. A glance at his bedside chronometer told him he
had less than an hour. Showering with ruthless efficiency, he
toweled dry, then - for the first time - really looked at the
clothing Qui-Gon had left for him.
Jedi full dress whites, with formal white wool cloak. Obi-Wan's
eyes widened. He glanced up and saw Master Yoda smiling in the
doorway.
The old Jedi Master didn't speak, however, he simply pattered
into the room and tugged Obi-Wan down on the bed. "Sit,
Obi-Wan. I will braid your hair."
He did this with great care, brushing and working silver beads
into the long Padawan braid, finally tying the end off with a
silvery band. "Now, into your clothes and we will go."
The Council Chamber was full of people, all talking and
laughing. Obi-Wan hung back for a moment, letting the sound and
Force signatures of so many beings wash over him. For a moment,
it was overwhelming, then he centered himself and things swam
back into proper focus. Yoda waited patiently at his side, then
slowly and rather majestically led the way into the center of
the Council Chamber. As they walked, all the talk stopped as
though someone had flicked a switch.
"Wait here." Yoda instructed Obi-Wan quietly when they were
dead center within the circular chamber. Everyone else arranged
themselves in rings around the perimeter; the only Council
Chair without someone standing in front of it was Yoda's. This
he climbed into with the same stately dignity.
Obi-Wan felt all eyes on him, obviously waiting for events to
begin. He felt a familiar presence behind him, and turning his
head, saw Qui-Gon, attired as he was in dress whites. With his
height, the effect was very impressive.
Yoda waited until Obi-Wan turned back to face him and then
began to speak. "Great trials you have passed through Obi-Wan.
More than anything we could devise to test your mettle.
Therefore, decided it is, unanimously, that upon you we do
confer the rank of Jedi Knight."
The fact that he'd suspected something like this when he saw
what he was supposed to wear, didn't take anything away from
the pleasure he felt at hearing those words.
Yoda was continuing, "Qui-Gon?"
His Master said nothing, only reached out, took Obi-Wan's
Padawan braid in hand and very gently, severed it with one neat
stroke of the silver knife he held. Face completely serious, he
held the braid out to his former Padawan. The silver beads Yoda
had so carefully worked into it glittered under the Chamber
lights. Obi-Wan just as carefully accepted the braid, then
turned it in his hands and offered it back to Qui-Gon. His
former Master smiled then, and took the proffered braid,
winding it into a coil around his wrist.
"Welcome to the Order, Knight Kenobi." Yoda was smiling again,
obviously very pleased with the proceedings. "Now, all your
silence I request. One more ceremony there is to perform.
Obi-Wan, please come and sit by me."
He was confused by that request and looked at Qui-Gon for
guidance. His former master nodded and smiled reassuringly, so
Obi-Wan moved over and sat in the council chair Yoda indicated.
Qui-Gon stayed where he was, which only increased Obi-Wan's
puzzlement. What was going on? His Knighting ceremony had
followed Jedi tradition to a "t" but what was happening now?
"Wanted to wait, they did, until our Obi-Wan was home once
again." Yoda patted Obi-Wan's hand. "Much there is to celebrate
on this day - a new Knight is with the Order," again the warm
green fingers brushed Obi-Wan's hand, "and a new bond
strengthens the Order."
What on earth was Yoda talking about, unless...Obi-Wan turned
wide, questioning green eyes to Qui-Gon. His former Master
wasn't looking at him, however; his gaze was concentrated
elsewhere. Obi-Wan followed the line of sight and found the
target of Qui-Gon's gaze. Mace Windu. And Mace was wearing the
same white clothing...and was moving forward to stand next to
Qui-Gon.
Inexorably, Yoda was going on, "All sorts of bonds, forms a
Jedi, in the course of his life. Some are temporary, such as
the Master-Apprentice bond, some are entered into for life,
such as the bond we are about to witness between Qui-Gon and
Mace..."
There was more, but Obi-Wan, mercifully, went completely numb
and all but the one stark fact that he was witnessing the
lifebonding of the man he had loved since he was 15 to another
man, one he had never particularly liked, washed over him.
It hurt more than anything the Sendari had done to him.
When it was over, finally, he found himself observing the scene
before him with a clarity that was brutal. But he had not spent
a year with the premiere torturers in the Galaxy without
learning how to shield. Smiling, he was the first one to stand
and embrace Qui-Gon and Mace while offering the most sincere
congratulations.
"A double surprise, since I never suspected anything about you
two," he heard himself teasing.
"Before you left, there wasn't anything to suspect. Our bond
grew as we searched for you, Obi-Wan."" Qui-Gon happily told
Obi-Wan, arm linked firmly with Mace's.
Obi-Wan's fingers itched for his lightsabre. Instead he tucked
his hands firmly inside the sleeves of his white robe and
laughed. "Then some good has come out of all this, at least. If
you will excuse me? I see Bruck waving at me."
He bowed and moved away, knowing that neither Qui-Gon nor Mace
minded his departure, so wrapped up in each other were they.
When he reached his friend, he said only, "I've got to get out
of here."
Bruck Chun did not question, he simply nodded, took Obi-Wan's
arm, and led him from the Council Chamber.
No one paid particular attention to their departure.
No one, that is, except Master Yoda, who sat apart from the
happy gathering, a most serious expression on his face. Obi-Wan
was so heavily shielded Yoda hadn't been able to read him, but
he didn't need to be Force sensitive to know the Order's newest
Knight was very unhappy Qui-Gon's bonding. Trouble had been
spawned this day, Yoda realized.
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