Argh how is it September already?! Where has the year gone, honestly? This year has been incredibly busy for me. It was my final 5 months of University, in which I sat my University final exams in May, which I spent months before that preparing for them. (They were nasty! Four 3 hour exams in four days. I nearly died). However, it was all good as in June I graduated from University yay :D With a 2:1 in Biology, Geology and Psychology (mouthful I know). Three years of hard work really paid off! Then I have been travelling extensively through Europe this summer. Couple those two with chronic writer's block (my friend MistakenMagic knows all about my pain) I have not been able to write or post anything since February.

I want to thank you all though, for your patience and your continued interest in this story- even though I only posted one chapter! Your comments really spurred me to get this out. Now a Uni graduate (argh!) I have some free time on my hands. However, for the next 3 months I am undertaking an English Language Teacher qualification. It is my dream to travel all over the world and teaching English abroad will help me do this. The course will be very intensive so I am not sure when I will next write but this chapter has definitely broken through my writer's block for Star Wars so I hope they will be regular updates :) You guys definitely deserve it!

Anyways- enough excuses, you're here for the chapter not my life story! Here you go, enjoy it and I will update as soon as I can :)

Disclaimer: I own nothing in the Star Wars universe! Any original characters are my own :)

Enjoy!


Chapter 2: A Lesson to be Learned

"Jedi, we will be arriving at Solusar in approximately five minutes," the pilot's rough voice crackled with static over the comm. "Beginning preparations to drop out of hyperspace." The comm. system closed with a snap.

Obi-Wan glanced up. He was reading a data pad concerning OrePlex's history and intergalactic policies, seated in the cabin he was currently sharing with Qui-Gon. He and his Master, accompanied by another Master-Padawan team, had been travelling on a small cargo ship for the past four days to the planet of Solusar. Their new mission as guardians of the peace was to oversee mining negotiations between Solusar, a newly appointed Republican planet, and a galactic mining corporation known as OrePlex. The task was to ensure a fair and prosperous outcome for all involved.

The ship was larger than their usual transport, suited to carry more passengers. There were two berths, one for Obi-Wan and Qui-Gon and the other for Master Wei'lat and his padawan. The cargo hold was spacious enough to be temporarily converted into a small training area by the Masters, who over the last few days had made sure their Padawans kept up with their drills and kata practice as much as possible. Obi-Wan was still trying to adjust to the prospect of working in a team with another Jedi pair. Not only were his doubts about his own abilities beginning to stir at the back of his mind, he also did not want any of his failings to reflect badly upon Qui-Gon. That would be the worse fate of all.

Obi-Wan emerged from his shared room and out into the narrow gangway leading to the front of the transport "Come and strap in Obi-Wan," Qui-Gon called from up ahead in the cockpit where himself, Master Antaro Wei'lat and Padawan Ayala Ven were already seating themselves in the crew seats. Obi-Wan slid into the last remaining seat behind his Master, buckling himself in as the craft's engines whined softly and Obi-Wan felt familiar jolt of leaving hyperspace. The pilot was scanning his instruments, rapidly snapping a series of flaps above his head.

The ship shuddered and whined, shaking beneath them as the streaked star field flashing past the cockpit window slowed and lines of blurred blue resolved themselves into infinite points of light. Immediately, a blue-green marble-looking planet loomed out of the infinite inky blackness of space, hanging just to the right of the ship. Several dusty rings, ranging from kilometres to centimetres thick, encircled the planet, extending out for many thousands of kilometres from Solusar's outer atmosphere. The planet's rings were littered with tumbling rocky debris, with sizes from small pebbles to boulders bigger than intergalactic transport ships. Obi-Wan stared at the beautiful planet, watching the rock fragments revolving slowly, caught up in the planet's gravity.

"Master, what is that?" Obi-Wan leaned around Qui-Gon's seat and pointed to a spot off to the left of the planet that had caught his attention. It was an enormous, grey metallic space station orbiting the planet. There was a round bulging disk at the top, with four extending arms at right angles immediately below that rotated very slowly. A long tower then descended downward from the centre of the rotating arms. Many twinkling lights at the port holes winked at them as it followed the planet in a geostationary orbit.

"That is an OrePlex space station. They must already be here for the negotiations," Qui-Gon replied. Master Antaro also leaned forward, looking thoughtful as he surveyed the station. Sure enough, as the craft flew closer the planet, the four Jedi could read the word "OrePlex" emblazoned in black on the disk. The pilot then directed the cargo ship away from the station, heading towards Solusar, passing the many rings carefully before entering the planet's upper atmosphere. The ship's hull vibrated as the passed into the atmosphere, slightly shaking the Jedi in their seats.

As they broke through the cloud cover, Obi-Wan gazed at the new planet spread out before them. The ship hummed as it tilted right, flying over a forested landscape, heading towards a large metropolis on the horizon. Across the cockpit aisle, Padawan Ven was staring avidly at her first new planet. Obi-Wan could remember the feeling when he had first landed on Malrion, on his first mission as Qui-Gon's padawan. Shaking himself out of his thoughts before his Master could reprimand him for his focus being elsewhere, Obi-Wan outwardly composed and readied himself for the mission ahead.

Skilfully, the pilot manoeuvred the ship towards the airdrome he was directed to over the comm. unit. Out on the landing platform Obi-Wan could see a group of people waiting for them, robes billowing and rippling with the gusts created by their ship as it slowly descended, landing with a gentle bump. As the pilot shut down the engines and began routine flight checks, the Jedi unbuckled themselves. The door at the side of the ship slid open and the ramp extended with a hiss.

Together, the four Jedi descended from the ship and were approached by the assembly of people awaiting them. One woman stepped forward in front of the rest. She wore an ornate red head dress from which many tassels and beads hung down from, clinking together gently as she moved. She was nearly as tall as Qui-Gon and Antaro, her slender form wrapped in a silver robe, belted intricately at the waist with an embroidered red sash.

"Master Jedi," she intoned, clasping her hands together and then extending them out, palms facing upward. The Jedi copied the ritualised gesture of welcome. "I am L'Shea, High Queen of Solusar. I bid you welcome to Solusar and hope your journey has not been too tiresome."

"We are here to serve," Qui-Gon bowed his head. "My name is Qui-Gon Jinn and this is my apprentice, Obi-Wan Kenobi." Obi-Wan bowed in turn.

"And I am Master Antaro Wei'lat, this is my apprentice, Ayala Ven," Master Antaro introduced himself. The High Queen welcomed each of them in turn and the young Twi'lek padawan bowed so low her lekku actually brushed the floor.

"I welcome each of you to Solusar and pray to the gods that you stay is blessed with peace and good fortune," Queen L'Shea smiled at the Jedi. "Preparations are nearing completion for the start of negotiations. The representation for OrePlex corporation arrived a day before you."

"We are at your disposal," Master Antaro said with a small smile.

"Indeed. Then we must waste no time." The Queen gestured for the Jedi to fall in step with her as they walked into the airdrome, flanked by guards and other ministers. "First we will go to the Palace and to the rooms prepared for you. In the morning we will visit one of the disputed sites that OrePlex wishes to mine at. It is too late in the day to visit now," Queen L'Shea explained. "Members of OrePlex Corporation will also accompany you as well as ministers from my council."

The Jedi Masters nodded, faces passive. The High Queen led the Jedi to a small but comfortable looking transport vessel, with the royal seal emblazoned on the side, its engines humming. Two guards climbed into the air car followed by a minister. "I will see you at nightfall Master Jedi for a specially prepared dinner between delegates and yourselves," the Queen said.


Together, the four Jedi entered the grand dining hall, behind the Queen and her retinue and family. A long table occupying the majority of the room was set up and the Queen took her seat in the middle, her ministers to her right and left and the Jedi and OrePlex delegation opposite her. The rest of the seats were filled with lower ranked members of the council and some tribe leaders whose lands were among the disputed sites. Obi-Wan noticed a large raised stage to the right of the table where a small music quartet were set up.

Servers bring out the first course and as per the custom on Solusar, Obi-Wan made sure to serve the others around him and wait for another to offer him food. The Queen waited for her ministers and the Jedi to have food first before she accepted a plate of food from Master Antaro. They began to eat and the usual small talk at formal banquets sprang up. Obi-Wan remained quiet for the most part, content to listen to the conversations and pick up any useful information he can, before one caught his attention.

"- really for such young ones?" one of the OrePlex delegates said, eyeing Obi-Wan and Aayla with a dubious expression on his face.

"I trust the Jedi know what they are doing," Queen L'Shea replied as she sipped at her drink. "Jedi begin young do they not Master Jinn, Master Wei'lat?"

"From infants they are brought to the Temple to train in the ways of the Force and the Jedi," Antaro nodded in agreement with the High Councillor. "Padawan Kenobi and Padawan Ven have many years of training under their belts. They are ready for missions such as these negotiations."

The delegate leant forward. "Surely they cannot be over fifteen standard years? You would have children sit in such important talks? Do you mean to make fools of us?"

Qui-Gon frowned. "Delegate Nestor, the Padawans are not children. It is true they are young but they are here to learn and oversee these talks so they can become assets to the Republic in the future years to come. They have dedicated their lives to the Force and to the Republic. If you are attempting to undermine these talks by insinuating the Padawans are incompetent, you will fail."

Obi-Wan watched as the delegate sat back in his chair, still looking disgruntled. His fellow delegate to the right of him leaned over and whispered something in his ear. Nestor raised an eyebrow and nodded. "We would have a…demonstration of their skills then," he spoke up, so the whole table could hear him. Queen L'Shea looked surprised and beside him, Padawan Aayla looked a little worried, her lilac skin paling a little. "Let us see the young Jedi fight."

Qui-Gon and Antaro's faces were smooth and blank. Obi-Wan tried not to shift in his seat as he watched the adults exchange looks. L'Shea glanced at the two men. "It is up to you Jedi Masters. I will not interfere." The beads hanging from her headdress clanked together as she inclined her head.

/Master? I will fight the match/ Obi-Wan sent along the bond. Qui-Gon made no outward sign that he had heard anything from Obi-Wan.

/You should not have to prove yourself Padawan. But I feel it will be demanded, if only to appease/ Qui-Gon's reply came back down the bond.

The Queen put her hands together. "If there is no objection then please, go ahead." She looked to the two Padawans. As one, Obi-Wan and Aayla rose from their seats. L'Shea waved to the musicians to vacate the stage and the Padawans went up side by side onto the stage. Together, they bowed to their audience. Obi-Wan could feel the tension and nervous radiating from his fellow Padawan. They took their places opposite each other and either end of the stage and nodded to each other, saluting each other with their lightsabers.

Obi-Wan heard the murmurs of the audience as his blue lightsaber erupted with a snap-hiss, Padawan Aayla's doing the same across from him, a humming, vivid green blade emerging. It was almost as if they were back in the Temple, returned to Initiates and fighting for a Master's approval and choice of Padawan.

With a leap, Obi-Wan was across the stage, blue blade humming and a sharp sizzle sliced through the room as the two sabers smashed together. Obi-Wan could see the nerves in his fellow Padawan's eyes, no matter how hard Ven tried to hide them. She was only a recent padawan and this would be nerve-wracking. Obi-Wan would show his Master that they did not need another Master and Padawan pair. Was he not enough? Did the Council not trust him after the incident on Rhasta? He would show all that he was good enough. Obi-Wan saw an opening in her defence and brought his sabre round in a swift arc, nearly singing her clothing before Ven's green sabre caught his and thrust it away. She took a leap back across the stage, slipping into a defensive position. Obi-Wan jumped after her, his form aggressive, blue blade slicing through the air, forcing Padawan Ven further backwards. More memories of his fight against Bruck for the chance to become Qui-Gon's padawan filled his mind, distracting him.

All of a sudden, Obi-Wan felt a swell of disappointment flare up inside his mind. He knew it was not his and felt his cheeks heat up with shame. Qui-Gon was disappointed in him. Rather than showcasing both their talents, Obi-Wan had taken the offensive and was trying to beat Ven from the beginning. Clearing his mind, Obi-Wan centred himself, reining back his attacks and letting Padawan Ven move forward. He had ignored the Force and now he returned to it. He looked at Padawan Ven directly in the eye and something unspoken past between them. Smoothly, they flowed into one of the basic training katas they had both been trained in since their early initiate days. It enabled both to add embellishments and fancy flips and dives where they wanted, each reading the other in synch as the Force hummed contentedly through the room. One last flip each and the two padawans leapt apart, still facing each other. Together, they bowed to each other, before turning and bowing to their audience, most of whom jumped to their feet, clapping enthusiastically.

Wiping the sweat from his forehead with his cream sleeve, Obi-Wan retook his seat at Qui-Gon's side, not daring to look at his Master. He noticed Master Antaro give Ven a warm smile as she sat down. Obi-Wan did not want to see more disappointment in his Master's eyes. The servants entered and removed the first course dishes quickly and efficiently, while more came in bearing the next part of the meal. Obi-Wan sat quietly, passing the platters to other ministers and OrePlex delegates.

"That was quite a display," one of L'Shea's ministers spoke eagerly, looking at Qui-Gon and Antaro. "You say they are trained from childhood?"

Master Antaro nodded. "They are brought as infants to the Jedi Temple on Coruscant. It becomes their home and they are trained to listen and understand the Will of the Force. Then a Jedi Master will choose an initiate as their padawan learner and will train the boy or girl until the Master thinks the student is ready for the Trials."

"It all sounds fascinating," another piped up. "I have never met a Jedi before. Do you come from all over the Republic? You help other planets?"

"We are Guardians of the Peace," Qui-Gon answered. "As Jedi it is our duty to use our powers to defend and protect, not to attack." Obi-Wan could hear the lines of the Jedi Code his Master was saying in his explanation. The minister nodded in understanding.

"You will help us to protect our lands?" a minister seated directly on L'Shea's right demanded.

"We will strive to ensure a peaceful, prosperous and fair outcome for all," Master Antaro replied.

They had reached the end of the dinner. L'Shea signalled for the food to be removed and then she rose from her seat. The rest of the dinner party followed suit. The High Queen bowed to her guests, who bowed back, before she swept out of the dining hall, the closest in her retinue behind her.

"Come Obi-Wan, we should return to our room. There is much to prepare for tomorrow," Qui-Gon said to his Padawan. Obi-Wan nodded and followed his Master from the room, amid the other ministers still talking or departing the room. Master Antaro and Padawan Ven followed as well, turning off down a different corridor in the palace as they reached their room.


Qui-Gon activated the lock to their room and the door swished open before them. The rooms the pair had been assigned were luxurious and spacious. The floors were cool marble, covered sporadically with soft patterned mats. There were two separate bedrooms each with their own private 'fresher and a communal area with soft divans heaped with cushions, a low table between them, laden with more food and jugs of water. Opposite to the door was a wall of windows that looked out over the city. A control panel allowed the windows to slide away, allowing the occupant to step out onto a stone balcony and enjoy the sight of the city more freely.

Qui-Gon walked over to one divan and sat down. Obi-Wan hovered in the centre of the room, unsure whether to join his Master or flee to his bedroom. Qui-Gon made the decision for him. "Sit down Obi-Wan." He gestured to the divan, his voice calm and quiet.

Obi-Wan seated himself on the divan. It was better to get this over with. Looking at his knees he launched into his apology. "Master, I am so sorry I disappointed you. I was meant to be showing all the good traits of a Jedi and instead I was selfish and wanted them to see how good I was. How I don't need another Master-Padawan team because I am good enough to do this by myself. I did not mean to disappoint you. I will try harder next time. I just want you to be…" here Obi-Wan trailed off.

Obi-Wan felt his Master's fingers tilt his chin upwards so they were eye to eye. He fought the urge to gulp.

"Obi-Wan…" Qui-Gon began. He sighed. "Yes, I was disappointed in you tonight. Padawan Ven has only been a padawan for 6 months. Of course she will not have the sabre skills that you do. Yes, you were selfish in showing off, but I understand why. It is also good that you understand what you did wrong. You realised what was wrong and then you turned back to the Force. Ultimately, you did show the delegates and ministers something impressive, working in tandem with Padawan Ven. This is what the Council wants, Obi-Wan. For us to learn to work with other teams, while being a team. It does not make us weaker, or a less good team. It is about working together for the greater good. This is the first time you and I will work with another team and it is a learning experience for all involved."

Qui-Gon watched his Padawan carefully as he spoke. He saw the shame and dejection in the boy's eyes as Qui-Gon mentioned his disappointment and the selfishness. This was a learning curve for Obi-Wan, and also for Qui-Gon himself. He was used to going on missions with a Padawan now, but before Obi-Wan, he had accepted solo missions only. Qui-Gon would also have to adapt to this new setup.

"You need to work harder at this Padawan. Listen to the Force. Feel, don't think," Qui-Gon laid a warm, comforting hand on Obi-Wan's upper arm. "Though maybe…there was more than just pride tonight?" he prompted.

Obi-Wan felt his cheeks burn again. Dredging up the past had been wrong. He did not want to go back there, to when he had been a hot-headed child. He was better than that now. "Yes Master," he replied dejectedly. "I was thinking about my initiate match with Bruck."

Qui-Gon remembered back to the Initiate Tournament, to when he had first seen a more grown up Obi-Wan. He remembered the desperation that had coursed through both boys as they attempted to impress him with their fighting moves and become his padawan. Had Obi-Wan still not let that go?

"Be mindful of the moment Padawan. You need to keep your concentration on the here and now. That chapter of your life has finished. You must look to the one you are currently in. Tonight I think the lesson is well learned. You understood you were wrong and made moves to correct it," Qui-Gon said finally. "I will not punish you this time as I already feel you have beaten yourself enough about it already. However, it must not happen again. Tomorrow, you will apologise to Padawan Ven."

"Yes Master," Obi-Wan looked back at his knees. "I am sorry Master. I will do better."

Qui-Gon gave his Padawan a small smile. "I know you are Obi-Wan and you will do. You need to give Padawan Ven a chance. She is much younger and less experienced than you are. It is her first mission after all. You are meant to guide as well. You may even be surprised yourself. Now come, it is time to sleep. The next few days will be very busy and there will be lots to see and observe."

"Yes Master," Obi-Wan agreed. "Goodnight." He bowed to Qui-Gon formally and left the common area, heading for his bedroom. Qui-Gon watched him go, leaning back against the cushions and stroking his neatly kept beard thoughtfully. It was early days and Obi-Wan still had a lot to learn. Qui-Gon sometimes forgot how young his Padawan was. He was only fourteen. Just because Obi-Wan had more mission experience than some of the older padawans, did not mean he had learned all the important lessons that came with age. Qui-Gon was proud of him, of course. Yet Obi-Wan had a difficult lesson to master on this mission. Qui-Gon could only pray to the Force that he would learn it.


Obi-Wan has a lot to learn. Let's hope he is up to the challenge! Hope you enjoyed the chapter. Any mistakes are my own (sadly). Please let me know what you thought :)

AldabaranFox