A month after his return from Belarid, Zak is nearly fully recovered from his injuries. Due to the change in the Jedi Code, several days are designated to reunite the younger Jedi with their families. To spare Zak's feelings, Obi-Wan takes him to Alderaan to explore the mountains with Boba Fett. But the trip becomes more than they bargain for when they are trapped in the mountains by poachers...
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Chapter 1 The Painful Absence of Family
Obi-Wan stood at the end of the hallway, arms folded, watching his apprentice. Zak was standing along the observation rail staring down at the training floor below. He could sense just a slight feeling of wistfulness in Zak, and he could understand this; the training floor overflowed with younglings and Padawans interacting with their visiting families. As Obi-Wan watched, one of the boys looked up and waved for Zak to come down, but Zak shook his head. The boy, Obi-Wan recognized him now as Del, broke away from his family and headed up the stairway taking two steps at a time, "Hey, Zak! Aren't you going to come down and wait for your family?" Del asked.
"No, I rather doubt that my family will be here." Zak answered.
"Why not?" Del asked before he remembered, "Oh, I forgot; geez, I'm sorry." He looked at the floor, "I…um…think I'll just go back down….I'm….uh…really sorry, Zak."
"It's alright, Del; I'll see you later." Zak said.
"Yeah, sure; I really am sorry." Del repeated as he rushed back down to the training floor.
Zak shook his head, put his elbows on the railing and then rested his chin on his hands.
"Recovered well, your Padawan has." Yoda said as he came up and stood next to Obi-Wan.
"Physically, yes." Obi-Wan answered.
"Broken his heart is…hmm?" Yoda guessed.
Obi-Wan nodded, "And these visitor days are not helping."
"Unhappy he is then?" Yoda asked.
"Yes, I don't know what I was thinking; I should have taken him someplace away from the Temple for the next few days." Obi-Wan replied.
"Hmm…easy it would be still for you to do this." Yoda told him.
"Well, I can't now; we have to leave to settle that trade dispute near the Outer Rim in two days." Obi-Wan answered.
"Change that, we can, Obi-Wan; other Jedi we have who can settle trade disputes. Difficult it is for your Padawan to watch others with their families; in time accept he will that no family is left to him, but for now, a time away, good it will do him." Yoda said.
Obi-Wan nodded, "I agree with you, Master Yoda; as long as other Jedi can take over our mission." He replied.
"Hmm….settled then it is; a Council meeting later today there is. Select another Jedi team we will." Yoda said. "A place in mind to take him do you have?"
"I promised I would take him to Alderaan once he was recovered. I had planned on waiting until after Anakin's baby was born, and then this trade dispute came up." Obi-Wan told him.
"Oh, to see his friend…hmm?" Yoda surmised.
"Yes, Boba has been doing some exploring there and he has wanted Zak to come to Alderaan to explore with him sometime. Now seems to be a good time." Obi-Wan explained.
"A very good time it is, Obi-Wan; yes, a very good time. Tell him now, will you…hmm?" Yoda answered.
"Yes, I think he needs a little cheering up. I will see you at the Council meeting later." Obi-Wan replied.
"A good master you have become." Yoda said as he turned and walked back down the hallway.
"A better master I would have been if I had thought of Zak's needs before this." Obi-Wan answered.
"Time there is to correct your mistake, Obi-Wan." Yoda assured him. "Later will we see you."
"Yes, Master." Obi-Wan confirmed as he watched the venerable Jedi continue down the hall before turning his attention to his apprentice.
Zak gave a little sigh as he watched his friends mingle with their families. He wondered what it was like to actually have a family, a loving, caring family. He shook his head sadly and then felt a hand on his shoulder. He looked up to see his master standing behind him, "That bothers you a little, doesn't it." Obi-Wan said.
"No, I wouldn't say that." Zak answered.
"No? Not even a little?" Obi-Wan asked.
"Well, alright, maybe it does….a little. I know it's wrong." Zak admitted.
"Maybe, but it's understandable. You want what your friends have." Obi-Wan told him. "You are not jealous of them, are you?"
Zak smiled sadly and shook his head, "No, I'm really happy for them, I wish that I had what they have; but I don't think….I mean, it's not…is it?" He replied.
"No, I am not sensing anything like that from you; but I do sense unhappiness, Padawan." Obi-Wan answered.
"I'm trying hard not to be." Zak said, looking back down to the training floor again.
Obi-Wan turned him around, "I know and it is very hard, isn't it." He said.
"Yes." Zak admitted shamefully as he stared down at his feet.
"Look at me, Zak." Obi-Wan instructed gently.
For a moment, Zak continued to look down and Obi-Wan waited patiently for him to turn his gaze upward, "I'm sorry, Master." He said when at last he brought his eyes up to meet his master's.
Obi-Wan squatted down in front of him, gripping him by the upper arms, "There is no reason for you to be sorry, Padawan. What happened between you and your family is still a fresh wound. In time, it will heal; but for now, seeing the younglings and other Padawans with their families is very painful." He told him.
"I should be stronger than this; it shouldn't bother me at all." Zak answered, "What's the matter with me?"
"Nothing, except that you are a twelve-year-old boy who has just come to understand that his family, his blood family wished he had never been born; that is a terrible realization." Obi-Wan replied. "This is not the place for you to be right now."
"But I can't run away from it." Zak protested with a shake of his head.
"No, I am not saying you should; what I am saying is that it is too soon right now. Next year, when enough time has passed would be a better time." Obi-Wan said.
"Well, we're leaving in two days anyway; I'll be alright until then." Zak replied.
"Maybe, but I would rather you did not have to do this at all right now." Obi-Wan answered.
"What choice do I have, Master?" Zak asked.
"We could leave tomorrow." Obi-Wan proposed.
"You want to leave a day early for the Outer Rim?" Zak asked, "I don't think…"
"We are not going to the Outer Rim; Master Yoda said the Council can assign that mission to someone else." Obi-Wan informed him.
"Well, if we're not going to the Outer Rim, then what mission are we going on?" Zak asked.
"I thought a trip to Alderaan would be in order." Obi-Wan answered.
"Alderaan? What would our mission there be?" Zak wondered.
"I did not say there would be a mission, Zak." Obi-Wan replied.
"Then why go there, Master?" Zak asked.
"It would be a good learning experience; consider it part of your training." Obi-Wan said.
"Oh." Zak answered.
"Oh? Don't you want to go?" Obi-Wan asked.
"Well, yes…but….well, I…isn't it selfish for me to want something for myself?" Zak questioned.
Obi-Wan smiled, "Master Anakin once told me that sometimes we have to think about our own needs; this, Padawan, is something you need." He explained.
"Oh, I guess that's alright then." Zak said, "Um…Master…."
"Yes, Zak, Boba is there; and I will let Chancellor Organa know so he can tell Boba that we are coming." Obi-Wan replied.
"Oh…are you going to let me explore with him?" Zak asked.
"That was my intention." Obi-Wan answered.
"But I thought you said it was going to be a learning experience." Zak said.
"It is; do you not intend to learn anything while you are exploring?" Obi-Wan asked.
"Well, I guess; I mean it's a place I've never been to so I would have to, wouldn't I." Zak answered.
Obi-Wan's smile deepened, "Yes, you will have to; but I think it is also important to continue with your others lessons as well." He told him.
"You mean the ones from Master Nu." Zak replied.
"Yes, the ones from Master Nu." Obi-Wan confirmed.
"That's alright; they are important too." Zak decided.
"Good, Zak; I am glad you realize that." Obi-Wan said as he stood up, "Now, I must attend the Council meeting and then go talk to Master Nu; you are free to do as you like for a bit and then we will go have our dinner together."
"Yes, Master." Zak answered, "I think I'll go to my quarters until then."
"That would be a wise choice; I think you have seen enough of that for today." He replied as he pointed down to the training floor.
"I think so too." Zak said as he moved away from the railing.
Obi-Wan patted his shoulder and sent a surge of Force love through to him. As he always did when Obi-Wan did this, Zak took a sharp intake of breath and closed his eyes, letting the sensation flow through him.
"I will come to your quarters when it is time to go eat." Obi-Wan told him.
"Yes, Master." Zak replied, turning to the hallway leading to the private quarters quadrant.
He looked back once, "Thank you, Master." He said and then continued on his way.
Obi-Wan smiled, "You are certainly welcome, Padawan." He answered as he watched Zak walk away and noted a slight spring to his apprentice's stride.
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"Decided it is; send to the Outer Rim, Clive Maru and his Padawan we will since his family could not be here at this time." Yoda concluded when the matter had been discussed.
"Shall we send for Master Maru then?" Obi-Wan asked.
"No, already consulted with him I have, Master Obi-Wan. Ready he and his apprentice are." Yoda informed him. "Ready is your Padawan for his trip?"
"Yes, Master; once I convinced him that it was important for his own state of mind." Obi-Wan answered.
"You mean he said he did not want to go?" Mace asked.
"Well, that is what he said, yes, Master Windu; he resisted what he wanted because he thought leaving now would be running away….and he thought it was selfish." Obi-Wan explained.
"Doesn't he understand the difference between necessity and want?" Adi Gallia asked.
"He didn't until I explained it to him." Obi-Wan replied.
"When are you leaving then?" Ki Adi Mundi asked.
"Tomorrow; I must consult with Master Nu about the lessons he will need and I should speak with Chancellor Organa, we cannot just show up unannounced." Obi-Wan answered.
"Arrangements, made already they are, Obi-Wan. Talked with him I have; prepared they will be for your arrival." Yoda told him.
"Ah, well then; I guess there is nothing left but to collect Zak's lessons and pack." Obi-Wan said.
"It looks that way, Master Kenobi; and I do not believe there is any other business to discuss." Stass Allie replied.
"Yes, finished we are for today." Yoda decided. "Adjourn we will."
The Council members stood up bowed to each other and to Yoda and filed out.
"Thank you, Master Yoda." Obi-Wan said as he followed the others out.
"May the Force be with you, Obi-Wan." Yoda said in reply.
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Obi-Wan rapped lightly on Zak's door before he entered. Zak's open duffle sat on the bed, one change of clothes laid neatly beside it. Zak was folding his extra sleep tunic and he looked up when he sensed Obi-Wan standing in the doorway.
An easy smile lifted the corners of his mouth, "Hello, Master. I'm just getting ready for tomorrow." He said.
"Yes, I see that; Master Yoda has already picked another team to take our mission, the Chancellor has been contacted and I have informed Master Nu that you will be needing lessons for the next week or so. She will have them ready for you by the time we are done eating." Obi-Wan told him.
Zak placed everything neatly into the duffle, "Well, I'm about set." He said.
"Not quite; if you are going into the mountains, you will need the proper clothing." Obi-Wan replied.
"Well, that wouldn't be right, would it? Then I wouldn't look like a Jedi." Zak answered.
"Sometimes it is more practical to be properly dressed for the climate. You will need a parka, warmer trousers, snow boots, gloves and a hat." Obi-Wan said.
"But I'm a Jedi; I shouldn't need all that." Zak objected.
"Even a Jedi needs to protect himself from adverse weather; Trust me, you will be much happier if you are dressed for the cold." Obi-Wan insisted. "We can go down to supply before we eat and get you all set up."
"And you too?" Zak asked.
"I already have warmer clothing because I have been to systems where it was needed. You never needed it before, now you do." Obi-Wan answered.
Zak nodded, "Well, as long as you think it's alright." He consented.
"I do; now if you are finished here, we might just as well go now." Obi-Wan said.
"I'm ready." Zak replied.
Zak had never been down to this section of the storage area before. Row upon row of brown parkas with the Jedi emblem emblazoned on one sleeve hung neatly from racks in the center of the room, and shelves lined the walls; the upper shelves held a vast array of brown hats and gloves, the lower ones, insulated boots in various sizes. Benches stood out away from the walls.
"Ah, Master Kenobi; Master Mundi informed me that you would be down. So, this is your mountain climber." A tall exotic looking Jedi said as they entered.
"Yes, this is Zak; Zak, meet Jerod Malian. He will fit you with the proper clothing." Obi-Wan replied.
Zak bowed to Jerod.
"Well, Zak; let us see what we can find." Jerod said as he walked to the first row of parkas, sorted through several, then took one and handed it to the Padawan, "Here, try this one first."
Zak slipped the jacket on, the sleeves ended above his wrist and he could not fasten it.
"No, that will not do." Jerod said as he searched further, "Here, I think this one would be better."
Zak handed Jerod back the first parka and put the second one on.
"Oh yes, that will do nicely; how does it feel?" Jerod asked.
"Strange, Master." Zak admitted.
"Yes, quite different from what you are you used to. But can you move in it?" Jerod asked.
"Yes." Zak answered.
"Good, excellent. Now, boots." Jerod said, leading the way to the smaller sized boots, "Hmmm….let me see, no…no….too small….let me see, yes, try these."
Zak sat down on a bench, removed one of his boots and slipped the insulated one on, "I think this will work." He announced.
Jerod crouched down in front of him, pressing the toe of the boot between his fingers, "Yes, just right; not too loose and not too tight. Good, that was easy." Jerod decided.
As Zak removed the insulated boot and replaced it with his regular one, Jerod brought down several gloves and hats. After trying on two pair of gloves, Zak found a well-fitted pair and the first hat he tried on was a perfect fit.
"There, that was pretty easy, now wasn't it?" Jerod said. "Master Kenobi, I just need to have you confirm that you authorized this and then you can go."
Obi-Wan punched a code into the pad Jerod held out to him while Zak removed the parka and gathered up the rest of his assigned clothing.
"I'll bring this back when I'm finished with it." Zak assured Jerod.
"He does not understand, Master Kenobi; did you not explain it to him?" Jerod asked.
"I thought I did; Zak this is your clothing to use, you do not have to return it until you grow out of it. Then you just come back down here and exchange it for clothing that fits." Obi-Wan explained. "Alderaan will probably not be the only cold planet we travel to."
"Oh, but then couldn't I just come back here and get all this again if I need it?" Zak asked.
"Why bother when you have already been fitted once?" Jerod questioned.
"Well, that does make sense….Master, this extra clothing is not going to fit in my duffle." Zak said.
"No, it will not and that is why you will pick up a larger duffle before you leave Storage." Jerod told him, "And yes, Zak you will keep that too."
"Thank you, Jerod." Obi-Wan said as they exited the room.
A quick stop to retrieve the necessary duffle and they were on their way back up to Zak's quarters to drop everything off before heading to the dining hall; when they arrived, it was crammed with the younger Jedi and their families. Zak felt uncomfortable as he gazed upon the scene. Obi-Wan put a hand on his shoulder and turned him toward the kitchens, "Come on, Padawan; let's see if we can find someplace else to eat." He said when he sensed his apprentice's discomfort.
"Yes, Master." Zak replied with relief.
They walked into the bustle of the kitchens; a kind-faced older woman turned toward them, "The dining hall is open now; you should eat there." She admonished.
Obi-Wan approached and spoke softly to her; she nodded, "Oh, I understand, Master Kenobi; you may sit over there and let me know what you want." She said.
"You told her, didn't you." Zak said when they were seated.
"No, she already knew; she just didn't know how difficult it was for you to be among them yet." Obi-Wan answered.
"Oh." Zak replied.
When they were finished, they went up to the observation deck to watch the lights come on around the city.
"Are you excited now; about tomorrow?" Obi-Wan asked.
Zak did not answer immediately, "I shouldn't be excited." He answered.
"Well, it would be normal to be; I will not disapprove if you are." Obi-Wan assured him.
"Oh, then I guess I have to admit it then." Zak replied.
Obi-Wan smiled and nodded, "Good." He said.
They stayed a while longer, until they knew the families had gone back to their temporary lodgings, before Obi-Wan walked Zak back to his quarters.
"Good night, Padawan." He said as Zak opened the door and entered.
"Good night, Master." Zak answered, waiting until his master had started back down the hallway to his own quarters before closing the door.
He repacked all his clothing in the larger duffle before climbing into bed and dimming the light. He fell asleep looking forward to the trip and what adventures it might bring.