The Crucible

Rating: T+
Summary: Padawan Obi-Wan Kenobi gets a crash course in Murphy's Law and pays the price for it.
Disclaimer: All cannon characters are owned by the Great Flanneled One, and now Disney. All others are mine. I make no money off this.
Note: This is a sequel to The Guardians
Timeline: 41BBY

Speech: " "
Training Bond communications: /
Internal thoughts: italics

Chapter Two

It was over four months into what Obi-Wan considered as his forced exile, and he was bored out of his mind. There was only so much he could do within the apartment, and the entertainment on the holovid was the same mindless drivel. There was a reason why it was called the idiot box. Each day it got harder and harder for him to keep up with his studies and training. When Qui-Gon was present was one thing, but when his master was out on a mission from the council was something entirely different.

Getting up from laying on the couch, he wandered into the small kitchen and opened one of the cabinets. Most of the staples were about exhausted, leaving Obi-Wan with the prospect of eating in the refectory, which something he was not looking forward to doing. On the top shelf was a bottle of Corellian bourbon that was mostly full. It reminded him of the time of his sixteenth life day. He and Qui-Gon had gone out to a local bar and he was allowed to order any alcoholic drink he wanted. All he remembered was him coughing and the drink burning. How could liquid burn if it wasn't heated, he wondered.

More out of curiosity, Obi-Wan reached up and pulled the bottle from the cabinet. For a time he looked at the amber liquid within the bottle. Opening it, he poured a little bit into a small glass. Taking a deep breath he downed it and began coughing from the burn while his head swam. With the back of his hand he wiped his mouth. "Ugh…," he muttered as he closed the bottle and put it back. Why would people want to drink something like that?

After washing out the glass, and putting it in the sink, he went back into the living area. Without a window the place felt like a prison. On one wall was a large screen. At this time it gave the image of what was outside the Temple. It wasn't the same, though. Up until the first six months were over, he was trapped here.

Pulling out his sketch book he tried to at least try and improve his skills. No matter how hard he tried, though, he felt that he wasn't improving. The last time he had been in the Room of a Thousand Fountains, Qui-Gon was present. From several of the padawans he felt pity. From others, he could feel that they thought he deserved the punishment. In a way the whole thing saddened him.

The sound of the door chime brought him out of his musing. Obi-Wan looked over his shoulder to the chrono on the wall and realized that she was early. Rising to his feet, he left the living area and went over to the door to let his visitor in. It was Siri. He could sense her signature easy enough. Her abilities weren't quite as defined as his, but she was also younger by two years. At this time he was helping her with some of the more difficult subjects, subjects he found easy to master. She was also here because her own master, Adi Gallia was on a mission with Qui-Gon.

"You left early," was all she said when he opened the door. Human females had a different haircut than their male counterpoint. Hers was short, but not like his. Her padawan braid looked to be made of just her hair. Master Gallia, because of her Tholothian headdress didn't have any hair to integrate into hers. If she did have any hair, it was hidden under that same headdress. That question was something he never asked, and Siri never offered the information.

Instead of answering her, he backed away and let the younger padawan into the apartment. Qui-Gon had been offworld for several days now. Obi-Wan had never bothered to even read up on what he was doing, there just didn't seem to be any need. Why should he since he wasn't going to be there? "I know," he answered as he closed the door once she was inside.

Instead of going to the couch in the lounge, she went into the kitchen and put her bag on the small table. They had both found it more convenient to study here than the common room.

Obi-Wan sat down opposite of Siri and watched as she opened her bag and removed her homework. "Ever since…it happened, it just doesn't seem that worth it to stick remain for the full training sessions." He paused then got up and retrieved two glasses and a bottle of clear liquid. Siri was way too young for any alcoholic drink, so he stuck with water.

"Do you think you're being punished unfairly?"

Obi-Wan shrugged. "I didn't do anything wrong. I tried to save his life."

Siri looked at the datafile reader and the memory cards that held her study material spread out before her. She blinked, "You know, Master Adi never told me what happened."

"I don't remember seeing her at the…there." Obi-Wan gave her a long look then shifted his gaze to the lounge. He debated with himself just how much he should tell her. It wasn't as if the news was suppressed. Even though the trial took place here, the Jedi made sure it remained low key, which he was relieved. Hopefully the whole fiasco would be forgotten in a year. "All right," Obi-Wan agreed as he rose to his feet and wandered into the lounge.

He sat on the couch with a sigh, then leaned his head back against the top of the cushion.

"You don't have to tell me if you don't want to," Siri's voice came from nearby.

Obi-Wan opened his eyes and looked over to her. She stood close, but not too close, with an uncertain look on her face. "It's all right," he muttered as he straightened and then leaned forward so he could give her at least more room on the couch. "What I'm surprised is how fast everything went." He gave her a sidelong glance. "The Judiciary, as you know is extremely slow. It was less than 18 months when I was put on probation and Bruck was officially punished for his actions."

"You know," Siri leaned her head against his shoulder, "I'm not all that surprised at what happened to Bruck. Wasn't he in your clan?"

Obi-Wan shook his head. "Thankfully no. It felt as if he was always out to discredit me at any chance he could get." Reaching up, he ran a hand through his short hair. For a moment his stomach roiled and he felt as if he were going to get sick. Closing his eyes he focused on controlling his breathing, trying to bring calm back into his mind.

Four Months Earlier:

"Come Padawan," Qui-Gon's muffled voice came from the other side of the closed door. Obi-Wan turned to look at the door before going back to his preparations. He reached for one of his tunics and stuffed it into his traveling bag. The good thing about the clothing Jedi wore was that it could be wadded up, but still be wearable. The soft material was also sturdy at the same time. It had to be since that was pretty much the only thing they wore.

"If you stay in there any longer, we will be late." This time the voice had a bit of an edge to it compared to the earlier comment.

"Yes, Master," Obi-Wan finally answered. "I'm about finished." He looked around the room one last time while mentally checking off what he already packed. He knew he should have done this last night, but he had been too busy messing around with his friends. When he felt he was finished he closed the bag and slung it over his shoulder then emerged from the room.

In the middle of the larger room stood Jedi Master Qui-Gon Jinn. He was tall and solid built with shoulder length hair he had pulled back into a loose ponytail. About six months earlier not only was he injured, but infected by some unknown virus out in the Ter System. The Jedi healers were still baffled about what it was. This would be their first mission out in the field since that time.

"And it's about time," Qui-Gon shook his head. "I'm surprised, or better yet amazed that you can find anything in there."

Obi-Wan shrugged, but let a smile creep across his face. "It's all organized. I know where everything is…mostly."

Qui-Gon's eyebrows wet up while he let out a bit of a laugh. "It's no organizational system I've ever seen before."

Obi-Wan shrugged then grinned as he watched the older Jedi cross the room towards the door. He soon fell into step with him once they were out and in the corridors. Now being sixteen standard he had almost finished with his growth and it was much easier to keep up with his Master. Hopefully that would end sooner rather than later. He was getting tired of having to get new leggings ever couple of months. Pausing in his steps he moved to the side and let Qui-Gon be slightly ahead of him out of respect for his position.

In his years leading up to being picked as a Padawan he heard there was several different ways Masters treated their apprentices. For some it was a formal relationship while others took on a more parental role. From what he was able to see, Qui-Gon was of the second.

"Did you make sure to pack everything, Padawan?"

"Yes, Master."

They eventually stopped outside the lifts that would take them to the hanger levels. As soon as one set of doors opened, they let the occupants exit and then stepped inside the narrow chamber. "Why didn't the Council notify us about this?" Obi-Wan asked once the doors were closed.

Qui-Gon turned and frowned. "Padawan, you weren't there when I received the message. The Council has asked us to be in a supporting role for another Master."

Obi-Wan had to fight the urge to take a step back. "Sorry," he muttered, but continued a little bit louder, "I've never done this before."

Qui-Gon turned his attention back to the closed doors and folded his arms. "You don't sound particularly enthused about the mission, Obi-Wan. You haven't even asked about what it entails."

Obi-Wan felt as if he were caught. Qui-Gon was right in his comment. It was only after his classes did he find out about the mission. There was no time for any training. "It's not that, about being enthusiastic. It's just that I don't ever remember us being backup for someone else. Are we even going to be doing anything other than sitting around?"

"Then it should give you plenty of time to continue with your studies."

Obi-Wan rolled his eyes. He knew he stepped right into that.

"All this reminds me," Qui-Gon continued, "Did you remember to bring everything?"

Obi-Wan shifted his bag. "Yes, it's all inside. At least I can get some reading done on the way."

Qui-Gon smiled at his young charge's ready compliance. "Good. And make sure you read up on where were going."

"I still don't understand why we are the secondary team," Obi-Wan mumbled.

"Be mindful of your feelings, Padawan."

Obi-Wan scowled at the mild reprimand before letting it drop. "I know," he shrugged.

Qui-Gon turned to look at Obi-Wan. He reached out a hand and placed it on him. "There is always a reason for everything. Do not be worried about what this looks like. Remember, when you are a knight, many times you will not be alone. You will either have your own padawan with you, if you so choose to take one, or be backup for someone else, or be teamed with another knight." He squeezed Obi-Wan's shoulder, "If it helps, you are worthy of your status as a padawan in my eyes."

The young Jedi in training ducked his head in embarrassment, "Even after everything wrong I've done?"

Qui-Gon sighed. "Obi-Wan, do not worry about your previous actions. It is impossible to be perfect. Do not beat yourself up for not attaining what you perceive as perfection. No one asks for that, not even the Masters on the High Council. You need to strive to be the very bet you can be at this stage in your life as a Jedi, not what you think of as perfect."

Before Obi-Wan could answer, the lift stopped and the doors opened revealing the hanger stretched out before them. Most, if not all of the ships before them had the color red somewhere on the fuselage. That particular color informed everyone around that the ship and its occupants were members of the Judiciary.

The transport they were looking for was nestled in the midst of it. It was closer to the massive doors than the lifts. Technicians were swarming all over it, making sure the last of the preflight checks were complete, and it was ready for flight. In the middle of all the activity two Jedi came down the ramp to meet them. Obi-Wan swallowed hard at the sight of the white-hair padawan. Bruck….

"Master Tualin," Qui-Gon bowed his head in respect to the Jedi before them.

"Master Jinn, I thank you for responding to our request on such short notice," the reddish Twi'lek answered with his own bow, his twin tails draped over his shoulders so they wouldn't get in the way. Compared to most that were native to Ryloth, Master Tualin didn't have a Ryl accent. The Twi'lek glanced over to Obi-Wan. "I see my padawan doesn't need an introduction."

Obi-Wan shook his head. He tried hard to keep an open mind. Maybe he had changed since they were initiates. He only hoped that it were true. "No…Master," Obi-Wan kept his voice soft.

With the introductions that didn't take as long as expected, the four Jedi entered into the transport. Once they were in hyperspace, Obi-Wan removed his restraints and stretched. Bruck was already up and sifting through his own travel bag. So far nothing happened between them, and Obi-Wan hoped that it would remain that way. Realizing he was just standing there, and doing nothing, he went for his own bag and and found his datareader. It would take about six hours to reach Rama. At least he could read up on the world and the lifeforms indigenous to the planet.

Obi-Wan settled back into his seat and activated the reader. The images that appeared surprised him for a moment, though he knew he should be. The galaxy was full of interesting, and different life forms. The Temple, not including any of the orphanages, was a microcosm of the Republic. People from all different races could, and was seen walking the halls either on their way to the library, or to something as mundane as getting something to eat at the refectory. The dominant life form on Rama was felinoid in nature. Interesting. The file also showed the reason why they were traveling there in the first place. They were to participate in the yearly anniversary of the founding of their capital of Savio.

Similar to Kashyyk, the temperate regions of the planet were covered with forests with massive trees. Those same trees were so tall that anyone who had any type of wealth lived in the canopy, while the ground was considered an area that only the poorest eked out a meager living. When there wasn't else to study, Obi-Wan reached for his traveling bag and rummaged around for his datastick that held his studies. He had told Qui-Gon the truth that he'd have more than enough time to study at least one lesson. Even though Padawans were allowed to accompany their masters on missions, they still needed to work on their lessons. In fact, they were required to keep up even when they were not in class. It didn't matter if they were involved in a mission with their master. It was a way to teach the next generation that schooling was just as important as completing the mission.

As soon as they reached Rama they were greeted by a group of felinoids all wearing colorful robes. They stood at a safe distance until the ship was powered down. As the Jedi approached a felinoid stepped forward and bowed his head, "Weelcoome Jeedi. I am Boe Laabon. The Prime Minnisster is expecting you."

Both Qui-Gon and Tualin bowed their heads in respect before following their guide into the city. For a moment Obi-Wan stood there, not entirely sure what to do before moving quickly to catch up with the two master Jedi. Not think, he glanced over to see where Bruck was. He was following but at a slower pace.

Paying no heed to it, Obi-Wan turned his attention back towards making sure he would not get lost in the forest. Being in the canopy, there were bridges that stretched from one platform to another, and many of those same platforms held buildings. They were eventually brought to one that was elaborately decorated. It also stretched up several levels. The flowing lines recalled the treetops they were in. Inside, the walls held draperies that were attached to both the ceiling and floors, creating solid barriers between the different rooms. Obi-Wan waited at a respectful distance with Qui-Gon as Master Tualin with Bruck standing next to him were discussing the upcoming plans for the celebration.

Eventually the discussion ended and they were dismissed from what turned out to be the Prime Minister's residence. From what he heard, everything looked to be straightforward. Their main duty was to be the Jedi representatives. It was unusual, but not unheard of to have four Jedi present from the celebration.

"There will be a celebration for the younger members of society," the Twi'lek master stated for Obi-Wan's benefit. "The Prime Minister was pleased that two Jedi will be able to attend both celebrations."

/What is he talking about, Master?/ Obi-Wan sent through the training bond he had with Qui-Gon. He looked from his Master to the Twi'lek and back. At that moment he realized that he had just shown how he had not been paying close enough attention. But at that time it was nigh impossible to hear what was being discussed. "I'm sorry," he mumbled.

"For what, Padawan?"

Obi-Wan glanced back to Qui-Gon, not entirely sure what the older Jedi meant. The look on his face was one of confusion. "I'm sorry for asking," Obi-Wan tried to qualify his earlier statement. "I should have been paying closer attention to what the Prime Minister and Master Tualin were discussing."

"His name is M'Layan, and you will address him properly," Tualin said from behind him.

Obi-Wan cringed before turning around. "I am sorry Master Tualin. I will do better next time."

"Good," the Twi'lek nodded. "With Master Jinn's permission," Tualin glanced over to Qui-Gon before continuing, "You will be required to attend the youth celebration along with Padawan Chun."

"You have my permission," Qui-Gon answered with a smile.

TBC….