LIVING HISTORY
by ardavenport
= = = Part 1
A curved silver hemisphere, fixed in the ceiling above, reflected the images of Jedi Master Qui-Gon Jinn and his sixteen year-old Padawan Learner, Obi-Wan Kenobi, as they rose up into the tower apartment on the lift. The circle they stood on stopped, becoming flush with the floor, matching the smooth blond wood floor boards exactly, leaving only a faint outline of where the circle was.
Rising up from floor to ceiling in wooden curves, six narrow pillars surrounded the lift hole, but there was no control mechanism on their polished surfaces. Only the small black com keys, given to them by Temba, one of the Castle Custodians, allowed them to enter and leave through the lift, the only entry or exit. Their com units had been specially coded so they would function in the tower through the Castle's security screening. The places inside the Living History Lands were protected very diligently.
They stepped off the lift, away from the circle of pillars in the center of the apartment. Qui-Gon watched his young apprentice wander curiously about the open space. Except for the dura-stone support pillars rising up from the tower structure below and the clear-plas windows, the circular room was made entirely out of wood and other hardened plant materials. Smooth, shaped pale struts formed the hemispherical shell of the walls and ceiling above. Light filled the space from wide, nearly floor-to-ceiling windows on all sides, giving the whole space a very natural feel with views of mountain foothills on one side, a plain on another and an inland, fresh-water sea on still another. More than half the outer walls were windows, plus the transparent doors that led out to the covered veranda that encircled the whole apartment. Light came in from three skylights. A forest of lush plants grew outside in huge pots and waist-high containers on the encircling balcony. Obi-Wan stood in profile, a spectacular vista behind him as he looked the windows up and down, his Padawan's tail lock sticking straight out from the back of his closely cut hair.
This place had been maintained as it was for the past eight thousand years, but Qui-Gon noted a few fixtures that looked out of place; a door, a few inset wall panels that looked too smooth, a shade off from the more natural beige, tan and brown tones around them, Some modern conveniences compromised the historic setting, added for the benefit of the Jedi guests from the Galactic Republic.
Obi-Wan left his travel pack on the floor and explored the food prep alcove and storage area, sliding compartment doors open and looking inside, sometimes taking out a box to examine. Qui-Gon smiled. He was not hungry at all, their last meal before landing on this world had been unappetizing ship-fare and after their tedious morning, his apprentice would be eager for some refreshment.
Qui-Gon hefted his own pack and circled the lift pillars. The sleeping areas were at opposite ends of the apartment with 'walls' defined by more slender pillars and semi-transparent curtains. One had a smaller room with light streaming through white curtains that partially covered the windows and divided the sleeping area from the rest of the apartment The other end had a larger room with blue, less transparent curtains behind the wide headboard of the sleeping platform and gathered to the pillar 'walls' that curved and arched upward to the ceiling.
Qui-Gon went to the larger sleeping area. He put his pack on a bench at the end of the sleeping platform and then sat down on the platform itself.
He was tired. They had been late arriving, the transport captain having added an intermediate stop at the last minute on top of her inefficient navigation. Then there had been a long delay at the entry station of the Living History Lands. The person who had been assigned to meet them was somewhere else because they were so late and someone else had to come, but did not have authority to admit them when he arrived. So, they had waited while coms were issued, messages left and checked, looking for any person with the much sought after authority.
When they were finally admitted to the Living History Lands they had to wait for a transport to carry them to the Naardin Castle grounds. And when they arrived they had to wait at the entry gate since it was the middle of the day and everyone was busy at another location participating in some early preparation for the History Play that the Jedi were to attend. When their escort finally came, he knew very little, not even who was in charge, and could only take them to where they would be sleeping during their stay. Apparently he had not been given official notification that they were allowed to wander Naardin Castle by themselves even though they were honored guests. Their escort apologized profusely for this, and assured them that the head Custodian would see to their needs personally, whenever she returned.
Qui-Gon yawned. He felt old. He supposed he was getting old. He heard Obi-Wan setting things down on the counters of the food prep area. The youth of his Padawan certainly reminded Qui-Gon of his age.
He removed his lightsaber, belt and pouches and then began loosening his boots. They were going to have to wait until late afternoon or sunset, so he saw no reason not to get some rest in that time.
Qui-Gon was wiggling his bare toes when Obi-Wan called out from the food prep area.
"Master would you like something to eat?"
Qui-Gon did not. He had no appetite. He just wanted to lie down on the sleeping platform and close his eyes. But it had been too long since they had eaten on the transport and the food had not been very good. So he rose and went to where his apprentice was working.
Obi-Wan had placed two plates, food scoops and tongs on the single round table in the apartment's eating area defined by the large circle of lighter colored wood flooring. There was enough room for the table, four chairs and a long side table.
Sitting in one chair, Qui-Gon picked up a cup of water and sipped. It was cold and tasted very good. He drank the whole cup. When he put it down, his hand lingered on its smooth surface. It's exterior matched the wood of the apartment.
Obi-Wan returned with a tray of various offerings in bowls. He set it down and then seeing Qui-Gon's empty cup, left and returned with a large container of more water. Qui-Gon thanked him and poured more for himself. Feeling refreshed, he looked at the food with more interest.
There was a mix of fresh, dried and cold cooked foods. Everything was bite sized and easily eaten with fingers or captured with the food scoops or tongs. He and Obi-Wan sampled the contents of the bowls and for a time there was nothing but the sounds of eating.
"Master," Obi-Wan asked, "will you allow me to see the Sith holocron after it is presented to you?"
Qui-Gon eyed his apprentice critically.
"If it were a functioning holocron, no. A Sith holocron is not something to be gawked at and I am disappointed that you would wish to."
"If it were a functioning holocron, would I have been sent on this mission with you to 'gawk' at it?" Obi-Wan retorted.
"No," Qui-Gon conceded. "We will only be retrieving the remains of a Sith holocron that was destroyed. The Jedi Order would have sent someone for it a long time ago if it were at all active. Yes, you may see it. After I have examined the pieces."
"Thank-you," Obi-Wan replied automatically. Qui-Gon saw no reason for his Padawan to be thankful for being allowed to view the remains of a repository of Dark-side knowledge, but he said nothing. It was youthful curiosity. Only time and experience would change that.
The Jedi Order had known that the remains of Darth Yarr's holocron were on this world, preserved in the Living History Lands, for millennia. Several people, Jedi and others, witnessed it's destruction after Darth Yarr's defeat. It was smashed and the pieces sealed up deep in a vault under the site of her demise; the Castle fortress they were guests in now.
As they were led by their guide to this apartment, Qui-Gon had cleared his mind, wondering if he might detect any trace of that long ago evil.
He had sensed nothing at all.
The Jedi Order was concerned with all Sith artifacts, but the broken pieces of a destroyed holocron was only of minor interest, mere scraps of past history. But it was still enough for the incoming Chancellor of the Living History Lands to bargain with. The Jedi would be given whatever remained of Yarr's holocron when the vault was unsealed. In exchange, a Jedi Knight (and Padawan) would assist with the production of the commemoration of the defeat of Darth Yarr, one of many historical performances that would be taking place in honor of the newly appointed Chancellor Mwetta's induction.
They finished their meal. Obi-Wan looked bright and alert, but Qui-Gon, though feeling better after eating, had no energy for anything. They both took the remains of their meal back to the preparation area and put the dishes and utensils in the cleaning unit that sat in front of a counter, apparently another anachronistic convenience for the Jedi. Qui-Gon saw a pair of large basins, pipes and water outlets for washing that they were not required to use.
Obi-Wan refrained from asking with words what they would do next. He knew better. Qui-Gon always counseled patience to questions like that. But his posture betrayed his impatience.
"We shall wait," Qui-Gon announced glancing toward the wide windows and the spectacular views outside, "until sunset, when our hosts are due to return. If they do not make an appearance, we shall make our own. In the meantime, I will rest." Qui-Gon caught a glimpse of disappointment on Obi-Wan's young face. He sensed a thwarted anticipation of activity. The open floor opposite the food pantry was spacious enough for some lightsaber sparring. But Qui-Gon had no interest in any exercise.
He paused a moment, thinking that a short time ago he had nearly spurned the meal he had just eaten, but he felt better for it now. Some light exercise might have a similar effect. But Qui-Gon decided not. He had not rested well on their trip out to this distant world and the long delays upon their arrival had been tedious.
"You may have the liberty of the rest of the apartment. You will not disturb me," his told Obi-Wan.
"Yes, Master."
Qui-Gon went to the larger sleeping area and pulled back the coverings. Laying down, he found the sleeping platform comfortably flat and firm. The pillows were soft and his head sank down into the largest one. He had to readjust, plumping the air out of the fluff inside them for comfort.
Closing his eyes, he heard Obi-Wan opening a door, his footsteps going out onto the garden balcony. A faint cool breeze passed over Qui-Gon's cheeks and forehead and it felt wonderful. . . .
. . . .opening his eyes, Qui-Gon did not feel as if he had slept, but he must have. The light above had changed. He stared up at the curved wooden planks of the ceiling high over him. The random waves and swirls of wood grain felt oppressive to him. A relentless pattern that would stare down at him year after year. . . .
. . . . He closed his eyes again. . . .
A small cool hand touched his cheek, his forehead. He shivered. Though his skin felt hot and stretched, his body was cold. The gentle touch on his face awakened his awareness of it. He opened his eyes. The light from outside was fading. Artificial lights had come on in the apartment.
He turned his head toward Obi-Wan, but shut his eyes to keep back the vertigo that suddenly seized him. Qui-Gon Jinn felt oddly pleased that his earlier weariness was not old age after all.
He was sick.
= = = End Part 1