Title: Joint Strength
Author: Rene Austen
Rating: PG
Notes: This story takes place prior to Episode One. It uses some characters and references from the Jedi Apprentice books by Jude Watson and Dave Wolverton, though knowledge of those books is not necessary; I've attempted to include enough exposition to make the story stand on its own.
This is not a new story; I wrote it shortly after Episode One premiered. But, being something of a Luddite, I mistakenly published it here in separate chapters. This made it rather hard to read; despite that, it received many kind reviews, for which I'm grateful, and which I was loathe to lose by republishing the story properly. Having received several requests to do just that, however, I'm reposting it in the correct format.
Disclaimer: All belongs to Lucasfilm, except for the various denizens of the planet Triki.
Joint Strength, Part One
"Two are better than one.
For if either of them falls,
the one will lift up his companion.
And if one can overpower him who is alone,
two can resist him.
A cord of three strands is not quickly torn apart."
from the Book of Ecclesiastes
Coruscant's metallic silver glow filled the viewscreens of the boxy commercial transport. Although most of the passengers were jaded by many approaches to the capital planet, they drifted over to watch the cityscape grow ever nearer, for the capital's beautiful strangeness was unique in the galaxy.
Two passengers stood slightly apart from the others. Their pale tunics and brown cloaks were simple, their stance casual, but, still, an aura of controlled power drifted subtly about them. The other passengers gave them a little extra space, without really recognizing why.
The older of the two, a tall man, glanced down at his young companion's serious face, and felt a tug of concern. The circular journey that had brought them together to Bandomeer and back had been a difficult one , and yet, he thought that the boy had grown much through it. Would those fragile lessons stay with him when he returned here, to his old environment, with its old challenges?
For his part, the Jedi Master Qui-Gon Jinn felt great hope for his brand-new apprentice.
The thoughts of the apprentice, Obi-Wan Kenobi, rested not on their approaching destination, but on his own approaching future. He was overjoyed that Qui-Gon had accepted him as a Padawan learner, but a deep well of insecurity flowed beneath that happiness. Their new partnership had not been made known to the Council, or formally approved by them. It was true that this was usually done in person, but Qui-Gon could have called the Council from Bandomeer and requested their approval. He could have saved them this long trip back to Coruscant. Why was he so determined to see the Council face to face? Perhaps he felt that the Council might not approve. After all, this was the same Council who had sent Obi-Wan away, to Bandomeer, to the Agricorps! Maybe they would think that Obi-Wan was not worthy. Qui-Gon himself had hesitated for a long time before accepting him. Maybe. . .
"And my birthday's in just a few days. . ."
His 13th birthday. His last chance to be a Jedi.
He didn't realize he had spoken that thought aloud until he felt Qui-Gon's reassuring hand on his shoulder.
"Your birthday is no longer a day to dread, Obi-Wan," Qui-Gon said quietly.
"Yes, Master." Obi-Wan looked down, embarrassed that Qui-Gon had recognized so easily the panicky tenor of his thoughts. "I guess old worries are hard to get rid of."
Qui-Gon smiled. "They are, indeed. But you can let go of this one, I think. The Council will approve."
"You're certain." It was not a question.
"Yes, I am. The Council has desired me to take a Padawan for some time now."
A Padawan, yes, thought Obi-Wan. But perhaps not such an uncertain one.
Qui-Gon gazed down at the boy's bent head, and felt deep regret. He saw clearly that his delay in accepting Obi-Wan had opened deep rents in his confidence.
Feeling regretful isn't the answer, he thought. I must find a way to repair this.
He started by squatting down so that he could look up into Obi-Wan's face, and saying, "Not just any Padawan. You and I share a destiny now. The Council will see that as clearly as I do. Their approval of our decision will be complete, I promise you."
Obi-Wan smiled, trying to show his gratitude for his Master's assurance, but a small flame of fear still burnt in the deepest part of his spirit.
Qui-Gon straightened his tall frame. The transport was beginning its final docking.
From the spaceport, a dish-shaped taxi delivered Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan to the broad front plaza of the Jedi Temple. Together they walked toward the immense building, so familiar to both of them that they were immune to its grandeur. As they reached the first set of wide steps, where several engraved pathways led in various directions, Qui-Gon stopped Obi-Wan with a touch on his arm.
"We must separate here," he said.
Obi-wan looked up at him, startled. He had assumed that they would go to the Council at once.
Qui-Gon smiled. "I'm afraid we have different missions today. I have been summoned to the Chancellor's office on a matter of old business, and then I must go to several senators."
Obi-Wan nodded, trying not to look awe-struck at Qui-Gon's casual tone. Summoned personally to the Chancellor. . .!
"You, however, must close out your affairs here at the Temple."
"My affairs?" Obi-Wan had no idea what his Master was talking about.
Qui-Gon folded his arms, nodding. "Yes. After today, you travel with me. The Student's Quarters aren't your home any longer."
Obi-Wan processed this thought for a moment. He recognized suddenly how thoroughly his life was changed. The Temple, the center of his existence, had ceased to be central. He tested this thought, but found no sadness in it. He smiled. "So I guess they'll need my old room for somebody new."
Qui-Gon agreed with an answering smile, but his eyes searched Obi-Wan penetratingly. He was pleased to see no dismay cloud his apprentice's mind at the thought of closing the door on all that was familiar. It was another sign that Obi-Wan was meant to be his Padawan.
"So," he said, "we will do our separate tasks. Then I'll return this evening, and we'll go before the Council together."
Obi-Wan felt his stomach tighten with apprehension, but he tried to nod coolly. Qui-Gon saw this and frowned inwardly. More work to do there, he thought, but he said only, "I'm afraid you won't be able to take many of your things with you. I travel very lightly."
Obi-Wan grinned, looking down at the two small bags at their feet-one for Qui-Gon, one for him. Qui-Gon grinned, too. "Even this is more than I usually take. So, don't pack much."
Obi-Wan bowed deeply and intoned, "I heed your words, Master." This was a very formal acknowledgment of great wisdom received from one's Master.
Qui-Gon laughed. "Well, for that mockery, I banish you to your dull task." Then, he said, more seriously, "I'll return this evening, then."
"I'll be ready."
Qui-Gon strode off down the pathway toward the hanger where shuttles were kept for the Knights' use. Obi-Wan turned and began to climb the long flight of steps to the Temple's main entrance.
Earlier that morning, in a small exercise yard behind one of the Jedi Temple's main gardens, a solitary Jedi student worked. Balancing precariously on a slender pose set between two three-meter-tall towers, he brandished his lightsaber in a series of stylized slices and spins. He was skillful and strong, but his movements lacked the grace and effortlessness of one who was truly in tune with the Force, and he felt this. Suddenly, he threw down his lightsaber in frustration, and sank into a dejected posture atop one of the towers.
Only then did he see the man watching him.
Humiliated that someone had seen his display of temper, he called out brusquely, "What do you want?"
The man made no answer, but walked into the exercise yard, retrieved the fallen lightsaber and handed it up toward the student. The boy reached for it, but somehow the man held it just out of his reach.
"You are the learner called Bruck Chun, then?" he asked, his voice warm and courteous.
Bruck looked down. "I'm no one's Padawan," he muttered.
"Forgive me," the stranger said smoothly. "I meant 'learner' in its more general sense."
"My name's Bruck," the boy acknowledged.
"Ah, Bruck. I have been seeking you." The man handed Bruck the lightsaber.
"Why? Who are you?"
"I am called Morran. I come to you with information that will be to your advantage if you will use it wisely."
Bruck eyed him suspiciously. It was difficult to see his face clearly, for he wore a long black cloak with a deeply concealing hood, like a Jedi's, except for the color. Bruck had never seen a Jedi wearing a black cloak.
"Are you a Jedi? How do you know my name?" he demanded, and then curiosity compelled him to add, "What information?"
A soft chuckle issued from beneath the concealing hood. "So many questions. Such impatience. Are you truly a Jedi pupil?"
Bruck's face turned a painful red. He stared down at the lightsaber in his clenched hands. "I beg your pardon, Morran."
"You have just cause for curiosity. Some of my information concerns an old friend of yours. One Obi-Wan Kenobi."
Bruck's jaw tightened. "Kenobi is no friend of mine!"
"No? Well, then, perhaps you will be interested in my other bit of news."
"What's that?"
"Only that the Jedi Master Qui-Gon Jinn returns today to the Temple. He means to publicly take a Padawan."
Bruck leaned back in amazement. "But. . .everyone says that Qui-Gon Jinn will never take another apprentice."
Morran was still for a moment.
"Do they? Well, everyone is wrong. Qui-Gon Jinn will definitely name a Padawan today, here." He paused and then said silkily, "Perhaps that Padawan will be you, Bruck Chun."
Bruck stared down at him, so shocked that for a moment he could not speak. Qui-Gon Jinn was one of the greatest Knights. To be chosen as his apprentice after all these years would be a mark of huge favor. Everyone would look on his Padawan with admiration, and perhaps with deep envy.
"Me?" he said finally, his voice embarrassingly high-pitched. "I mean, why would he? I fought for him once, but. . ."
"And it was a memorable fight, wasn't it? Walk with me, Bruck. I will tell you more."
Eagerly, Bruck leaped down from the tower, and joined the stranger as he turned away. They walked slowly out of the yard, the stranger's voice murmuring seductively, like the ripple of a dark stream.