Calloused
Chapter 1: Ghost Stories
Obi-Wan Kenobi had been working the last few hours on new Light saber forms with his Master Qui-Gon Jinn when the older Jedi left the arena to answer a communication from Master Windu.
"I will return shortly Obi-Wan. The Counsel wants to meet with me alone for a moment." He turned to leave and then still teaching turned back to correct his apprentice. "Just feel the moves stay in that moment. You are over thinking them"
"Ok master" the padawan replied finishing up his saber forms. "I'll still be here when you get back I am sure."
And he would. Obi-Wan was something of a perfectionist. He knew there was a plan and reason behind kata's and he didn't really understand his master's advice. He liked to be prepared and plan for what he would come up against. Sure he knew that one could not always predict all outcomes but he liked to have ideas and plans in mind for scenarios. Besides he was intuitive and his natural connection to the Force was one of preparedness. He often knew things he shouldn't. Qui-Gon kept trying to teach him to focus on the moment and he really tried. He knew he could learn it but it seemed so much against what was natural for him. He would learn though. His master saw the value in it and he would learn it if nothing else for him. It was extremely important for Obi-Wan to have Qui-Gon's approval.
After about an hour Qui-Gon returned to find Obi-Wan still training. He moved from Katas to actual sparring with another padawan and was doing well until he became aware of his master's presence and got distracted. He rubbed his arm. Even on a low setting the blade stung.
"Come. We have been given an assignment we have only a little while before we must leave. "Qui-Gon told him impassively. The pair was silent for the walk back to their quarters.
Qui-Gon broke the silence as soon as he opened the door. "It went much longer than I had anticipated. We are headed to Kal-lus." Obi-Wan felt his blood run cold but shielded it well. He did not want to end up in a lecture about ghost stories and childhood fantasies. He heard several stories about that planet and was unsure of how many were true. He knew that few Jedi ever visited that small planet and doubted any had after the great war with the Sith. He wasn't sure why. The only thing he was sure of was the hint of great concern; almost fear in his master's face.
"There has been civil unrest and the only thing this far that the leaders of the factions have agreed on is that they want Jedi mediators." Qui-Gon continued unmoved by his padawan clearly giving away his feelings. "They feel we are the only ones in the universe who can truly be impartial. I have been asked to go because the counsel believes that I will less likely be affected by the planets unique…makeup, due to my connection to the Living Force. Master Yoda would not take the assignment and he and some of the counsel opposed you coming with me. I think it will be a good opportunity for not only work in negotiation skills but also as training in being more aware of that aspect of the Force. I will not force you to come, however. There is plenty to do here…"
"I will join you master." Obi-Wan cut in. He was eager to get away from the temple for a while. He was curious about this mysterious planet and this would be quite the opportunity to prove himself. He would prove to himself that he could grasp his master's unique abilities and prove to both of them that he had made the right choice in selecting him as a padawan.
"Very well. Pack your things quickly. We will be taking the next transport. I will fill you in on the details of the mission as well as the actual history or the planet. There are many legends around that world and that is all they are."
Obi-Wan had been restless the majority of the trip and they finally when they were a few light years away they had time alone. "Master, admittedly I know very little about this world but there are interesting …uh…legends about Kal-lus. Most of them ghost stories. I know legends are at least based in fact. What is the real reason we have avoided this part of the galaxy for so many centuries?'
Qui-Gon laughed. "I assure you there are no ghosts. Certainly not the ones younglings think of when they hear that word. Jedi and other Force sensitive beings avoid it because the Force itself is so strong there, even more so than the temple. It simply gets overwhelming. It has been reported but not confirmed that even creatures who are not sensitive to the Force have felt things that they could not explain, or had a connection to the planet that was almost tangible. That is no doubt where the ghost legends were born. The indigenous people clearly aren't sensitive to the Force or are just completely used to it that they have become callused to the effects. They cannot understand why we haven't been there in so long and why we would hesitate to come back. "
"Why would Master Yoda avoid it?" Obi-Wan asked. And why was he so opposed to me coming? He thought. "His knowledge of and ability to use the Force is…well there is a reason he is the Jedi Master."
"He has things elsewhere, besides he always delegates these outer rim missions to others unless they ask for him specifically and won't hear another. Now to answer the question you didn't ask but I feel you want to is why the hesitation to allow you to come? Am I right?"
Obi-Wan blushed. "Master, I … yes I did wonder. " He decided he needed to work on strengthening his shields. Qui-Gon was too perceptive.
The green shades of the planet were coming into view as the transport began orbit protocols.
"While there are no departed spirits that linger on the planet it is not without ghosts. Force ghosts, as some call it." Qui-Gon was about to share more when they came to an abrupt halt followed by the sound of blaster fire. "This must be the welcoming committee" he told his apprentice.
A/N: This is my first attempt at a Star Wars Fic. The idea for the plot came from several places but I have always been intrigued by the difference between Qui-Gons connection to the Living Force and Obi-Wan and the Unifying Force. This will explore that a bit.
I don't own Star Wars.
