a/n: As promised, chapter 2 is a very quick update. This is almost a double-post.


Chapter 2: Obi-Wan, Qui-Gon, one day before their mission to Naboo


Coruscant Prime slips its bright disc below the city-planet's jagged horizon.

Obi-Wan Kenobi brushes his shower-damp braid back over his ear, and continues his upward trek. Bars of golden light lance through the westward windows and set his hair into red-gold flame.

The turbolift is hushed and quiet as it climbs up towards the darkening sky.

He does not know what has caused his master to ascend the Tranquility Spire at this hour, but when Obi-Wan had emerged from his afternoon solo 'saber training session, he had sensed his Master there, at the peak of the Temple's tallest spire.

And so he does what a padawan should; seek out his master, for wisdom and guidance.

Obi-Wan's braid brushes by his waist as steps out of the turbolift, hushing his steps on etched marble; beyond this circular chamber is another, one of meditative peace.

The doors slide open soundlessly at his touch, and there, framed by the warm flames of the Coruscanti sunset, stands Qui-Gon Jinn.

Qui-Gon does not turn around, but the Force warms in recognition.

Obi-Wan steps up next to his master, and for a time, they watch Coruscant Prime slip away beneath towers of durasteel.

"We have a mission in the morning," Qui-Gon says, quietly.

Obi-Wan glances at him. "Where?"

"Naboo. There seems to be some unrest with the Trade Federation there." The fading light drenches Qui-Gon's leonine features in peculiar shadows; he has not yet turned towards his padawan.

They watch the sunset for a little while longer.

"You seem rather more contemplative than usual, Master." This, of course, is both a query and a jest.

Qui-Gon's lips twitch. "Don't deny an old man his sunsets."

A pause. Then: "Obi-Wan."

"Yes, Master?"

"You know I do not feel the Unifying Force as you do."

"Master Qui-Gon?"

The last of the light slips over the horizon; the chamber dims, and cools.

Qui-Gon makes a sound. It is almost a sigh. "I have one of those things you are so fond of announcing. I have…a feeling. About this mission."

"A bad feeling?" Obi-Wan enquiries, half in jest yet again. His dimples are already partially visible.

"A feeling. Neither good or bad." Qui-Gon folds his hands into his sleeves. "Perhaps the Force wishes to tell us this mission will be important."

"I suppose it might," Obi-Wan says contemplatively. "But I will do my best, as you have taught me, and you will do yours, and the Force will be enough."

Qui-Gon glances at his apprentice, almost startled.

Obi-Wan blinks back at him, more startled at his master's startlement than anything else.

The Force hiccups slightly…with…emotion?

Qui-Gon's expression is unreadable. "Obi-Wan, there are times when I would call you wise." There is an odd note in his voice, of words that he will not say.

Obi-Wan's eyes widen for a moment, then fill with understanding and mischief. "Often?" he teases.

"Don't push it."

Obi-Wan's chuckles echo in the curved room.

"I think it is almost time," Qui-Gon murmurs as he turns back to the window. His eyes trace the reflection of his apprentice's padawan braid in the transparisteel; the long record of their journey together, swinging at Obi-Wan's waist. It will break his heart, in a way, to cut it, and send the child he raised into Knighthood. But it is long overdue; Obi-Wan has the talent of three Knights combined, and has long been old and wise enough.

"Almost time for what?" Obi-Wan asks.

Qui-Gon waves the question away. "You will know in a short while longer, padawan."

"Hmm. Focus on the present, you must."

Qui-Gon reaches out and swats his apprentice gently about the head. "Poking fun at Master Yoda and myself in one stroke is treading very close to the line, my young padawan."

"We come to serve."

"Don't make fun of the Code."

"Pot…kettle…"

Qui-Gon pauses, mid-step. "I walked right into that one," he says, with some chagrin.

Obi-Wan's stomach gurgles loudly.

Master and padawan stare at each other for a moment, and then collapse into – very dignified, thank you – laughter.

"Food," Qui-Gon says, clearly.

"And then tea?"

"Yes. And then we are getting a good night's rest. We start early tomorrow."

"Yes, Master."

Master and padawan pass through the doorway, and the circular chamber cools with the darkening sky.


Next chapter: Luke, last sunset on Tatooine

Interesting points to note - that particular circular chamber is used as the Council chamber around the time of the Clone Wars. Previously, it was a meditation room. Reviews are appreciated! 3