Chapter 1: The book of Earth
Obi-wan Kenobi didn't know much about the older planets in the universe. He liked to study them though, and while he enjoyed playing with his friends, the Temple Archives were fascinating.
"Obi-Wan, we're going out to the field!" Bant called, her voice lilting slightly. The Mon Calamari's silver orbs were shining.
"Come on Obi-Wan!" Garen's voice came through the window of Obi-Wan and his Master's quarters.
"You go ahead. I need to look something up. I'll catch you guys later."
"You've been back only a day though!" Reeft yelped, and there was a thud suggesting he'd either fallen, or had been shoved to the ground (Obi-Wan strongly suspected Garen. He and Reeft had been playing pranks on each other for ages now).
"He said he'll catch up." Garen sighed. "See you later Obi-Wan!" Bant waved a webbed salmon colored hand in Obi-Wan's direction.
"Let's go guys! Garen, I'll race you to the top of the hill!" As he heard his friend protest Obi-Wan walked through the quarters and grabbed a data pad then dashed towards the archives. He was ready to learn.
"How can I help you padawan Kenobi?" The elderly librarian spoke in gentle tones.
"I want to learn about the oldest planets in the galaxy. Even if they're gone now."
"You certainly are an inquisitive one aren't you?" Amusement coated the words. "Is there a certain planet in particular?"
"Well…I'm not sure. My Master said that there are a great many things we can learn from the past." Thinking hard, Obi-Wan decided he'd ask the oldest question. He'd asked his master once but Qui-Gon Jinn hadn't explained it to him. He'd known that his padawan would only come up with more questions. So he'd suggested Obi-Wan go to the archives. "Where did all the humans originate?" He finally asked.
"Ah, that is an old tale indeed." The archiver gave a murmur then called out to an apprentice who came forward.
"How can I help?" The young teen seemed a year younger than Obi-Wan and his spiky blond hair added to the image of youth. But his grey eyes seemed to be full of knowledge beyond his years. Then again, he did work in the library of the Temple. He would learn a lot.
"Please fetch Padawan Kenobi the ancient book of Terra." With a nod, the helper whisked off to find the book requested, weaving through knights and masters, bowing in respect as he passed. A few minutes later, he returned with a massive book slightly coated in dust. This was curious. Most books had been transferred to data pads so as to preserve the knowledge. Apparently, this one had been left alone.
"Here you are." The padawan gave Obi-Wan the book with careful hands.
"Thank you." The padawan gave a nod and then wandered off again to be lost in the shelves of data pads and books.
"Youngling, that book is one of the oldest ones we have. We have kept it safe for many millennia. I ask you to take great care with it. It must never leave this room, alright?"
"Yes ma'am." Obi-Wan nodded obediently.
"Alright then," she gave an encouraging smile. "Happy reading. Let us know if you need some help with translating." Giving another nod, Obi-Wan turned towards the huge book and stared at the cover.
The cover was embossed with golden leaves curling around the whole thing, mahogany color underneath the design. Faded silver and blue lines were at the bottom and Obi-Wan recognized it as a river or ocean. In faint letters that must have once been bold bronze, the words "The ancient Earth."
Flipping to the table of contents, Obi-Wan stared in amazement. There was so much to learn! Well, he decided, best get started. And with that, he opened the first page to chapter one.