17/12/31 edited version
Chapter 9
Mace Windu was more furious than a Jedi should be; this whole affair with Padawan Kenobi had gone out of control, and his friend, Qui-Gon, seemed to please himself immensely in the role of the young man's protector. However, what disturbed him most was Master Yoda's behavior. There had always been the unwritten rule that Mace was the one in charge of anything that was going on within the Temple, while Master Yoda concentrated on the Will of the Force. This division of responsibilities had worked quite well, and the diminutive Master had always respected his ability to interact with the Masters, Knights and Padawans. In the meantime, he would never doubt the elder Master's authority in questions concerning the broader picture of the Force. Sometimes, Master Yoda had interfered in internal affairs, but never without an explanation. He knew that his thoughts were unbecoming of a Jedi Master, but he felt excluded from vital events. Something was going on here, which he wasn't able to grasp.
With annoyance, he remembered his conversation with Master Yoda about the blood sample Tahl had given him. Instead of explaining what could be the reason for the results, the Master had shaken his head thoughtfully and muttered something about a right decision to keep them a secret.
It was evident that Obi-Wan's visions had a meaning and usually, he should investigate the change in the young man, but the venerable Master prevented him from doing so. 'He knows what is happening here, but he keeps me guessing!' he thought, not able to fight his angry feelings.
"Even a Councilor needs to learn patience, my friend!" a voice spoke out of nowhere behind him.
Startled, Mace turned around to be faced with the subject of his musings; he hadn't felt the Master approach.
Shaking his head, Master Yoda hopped onto the bench in the room of Thousand Fountains, where Mace had gone after the Council-session. "Talk we must," Yoda stated firmly.
Mace nodded; it was about time, but after being reprimanded for his lack of patience he didn't respond, waiting for the Master to continue.
"Disturbed you are about Padawan Kenobi. Completely normal this is. But understand you must, that the Force has its ways. Sent back he is."
Mace looked questioningly at the Master. Sent back? He wasn't able to grasp the meaning of it. "Sent back from where? I'm sorry I don't understand. . . ."
"The problem this is. Not something to understand but to feel it is. This Obi-Wan Kenobi isn't the same we know. A great Jedi Master he is. He came back from a terrible future. Meditate I did, but no answer, why he is here the Force has provided. We can only accept, what is happening."
Mace couldn't believe what he was hearing; it felt insane even to pursue a concept like that. Reaching out in the Force, he tried to get the idea, and surprisingly, the Force seemed to verify what Master Yoda said. With wide eyes, he looked at the Master. "You mean he knows what will happen in the future? His visions are actually memories?"
Silently, the diminutive Master nodded.
"Did. . . ." Mace trailed off, gathering his thoughts. "Did he share them with you, Master?" he asked, almost feeling intimidated by the notion.
"A sophisticated Master he is. He knows what harm could be done in revealing too much of his knowledge. Accepted I have, that he won't share anything with us for now."
Mace gave him a nod of assent. Slowly the sheer magnitude of Master Yoda's revelation began to sink in; Obi-Wan Kenobi, his friend's young Padawan, had suddenly become a central figure within the Order. Thinking about Qui-Gon, he inhaled sharply. "Qui-Gon knows," he stated. "This explains his protectiveness."
Once more, Yoda affirmed his assumption with a nod. "Need him, Obi-Wan does," he added.
A pensive expression on his face, Mace closed his eyes. "I can feel it; somehow their destinies are connected," he said, his voice barely above a whisper. He was able to sense the substantial link between Qui-Gon and his Padawan in the Force.
"One of his anchors Qui-Gon is, but there are more. I can feel your important role in Obi-Wan's life. Crucial it is, that you approach him. A refuge he will need, a place, where he is able to let go of his guard."
Mace reached deeply into the Force, trying to determine the connections surrounding young Kenobi, and with surprise, he discovered his own link to the young man, as well as the ties to Master Yoda and another unfamiliar presence in the Force. The Master was right; Qui-Gon played a profound role, but it would diminish in the future, and somehow all their fates seemed entwined, and Obi-Wan formed the center of this extensive network.
"I see it," he said, awe evident in his voice. Then after contemplating what he had come to know he stated with a firm voice, "I see my responsibility in this. I'm going to speak with young Kenobi immediately. I have to set things right between us. I would never have thought this could be possible. And you're right; he'll be crucial for the Jedi Order; he needs allies."
"Secret it must be, know this you do," Yoda declared, and Mace knew that the conversation was finished with this statement. Deep in thoughts, he glanced at the leaving Master.
"Thank you for confiding in me, Master Yoda," he said, evoking a smile the Master's face.
"Know I do, that never you would have let go of the subject. Time it was," he replied with a wink.
Qui-Gon had returned to their quarters after his conversation with Master Yoda, finding his Padawan preparing dinner.
'Seems as if there are advantages in having a Padawan who has matured before his time,' he thought to himself. He had noticed that compared with his old Padawan, this new Obi-Wan enjoyed being in the kitchen.
"Master!" Obi-Wan greeted him with a broad smile. "You are lucky; I'm almost finished here."
Qui-Gon was filled with joy as he saw the genuine smile; it was apparent that an enormous burden had been lifted from the young man after he finally had confided in him.
"I'm impressed by your skills in the kitchen, my Padawan," he said, with affection in his voice. "Seems as if I need to get to know you anew; I've never thought you would enjoy cooking one day."
His Padawan laughed at the statement. "I needed to improve my abilities in this field significantly after. . . ." His laugh froze, and Qui-Gon could notice a deep swallow before Obi-Wan continued with a much more serious voice. ". . .after I've become a Knight."
Qui-Gon asked himself, how the phrase would have ended, if Obi-Wan hadn't noticed his lapse, but decided to brush it aside; he knew well enough that it would be impossible for his Padawan to evade his question.
"Well, I'm going to set the table!" he said trying to reinstall the light mood between them.
While eating their meal, Qui-Gon told Obi-Wan about the Council-session and his private meeting with Master Yoda. Obi-Wan nodded his affirmation after his Master had informed him of Yoda's intention to confide in Mace. "I'm relieved about that, Master. I understand well how he must feel. He is such a dutiful and devoted Councilor; it must kill him not to know what's going on with me."
Qui-Gon noticed the sadness in Obi-Wan's eyes and wondered which tale was hiding behind that look. Regarding the warmth in his Padawan's voice, while speaking of the Korun-Master, it was apparent that they had become friends in his former reality. "Speaking of the devil. . ." he said, sensing his friend's presence arriving, and smiled. "I think Master Yoda has already done what he promised."
He opened the door with a wave of his hand, and Mace entered. In the same instant, Obi-Wan moved up, bowing towards the Master.
"Hello Qui, Padawan Kenobi," Mace greeted them, and Qui-Gon could feel an incredible insecurity in his friend. "Master Yoda has told me all about you coming back. . . Well, from a former life that is. It's an unlikely event. . . Well, anyway, I wanted to reassure you of my support." He sat down at the table, indicating towards Obi-Wan to do the same.
Looking up, he saw his Padawan sighing in relief, and once more the impact of the events on Obi-Wan was recognizable for him; he always had to hide his personality, and it was evident that he appreciated the moments when he could just be his own self.
Mace seemed to be insecure how to proceed, and Qui-Gon looked toward his Padawan, hoping that Obi-Wan would be able to reach out to the Councilor after his show of support. As if the young man had read his mind, he said, "Master Windu, I have to apologize; I slipped in a companionable behavior the last time we met in the training room. You need to know, you were a very close friend to me in my former life, and I assure you, it won't happen again."
Mace gave him an understanding and relieved smile. "I feel honored by your apology, but in this case, it is me who has to express his regrets; you must excuse my distrust. I am in charge of the Temple, and I have to gauge the situation through all its possible aspects. A Padawan with such exceptional skills. . . Honestly, there are not many Masters who would be able to surpass you in shielding and fighting."
"I understand that quite well, Master Windu. I don't blame you for being cautious; a situation like this isn't easy to accept." Obi-Wan's gaze dropped to the table, his emotions threatening to overwhelm him again.
Qui-Gon gave an amused snort at the conversation taking place before his eyes. "Huh, you two are talking as if you were in the Council-chamber not in our kitchen. Enough of the courtesies; you gave us a hard time with your constant suspicion, my friend, I won't deny that. But regarding your role in the order it's understandable, so let's drop the apologies and discuss how to proceed."
Obi-Wan and Mace had to laugh at this statement, their relief visible, and Qui-Gon was pleased that the mood seemed to be less solemn than a minute before.
"I know that you're not fond of the pleasantries, exchanged in the Council-sessions, my friend, but you could at least attempt to respect them," Mace replied with a wink. Then he became serious, his gaze drifting toward Obi-Wan. "We decided that all of this has to remain a secret. I'm sorry, Padawan Kenobi, you will be compelled to hide your real presence in the Force in front of your fellow Jedi and part of the Council. Until we can determine the purpose of all this, it's important to leave the subject confidential. Do you think you'll be able to accomplish that?"
The young man nodded his affirmation. "Honestly, I'm accustomed to clouding my signature; it even comes to me naturally. So this won't be a problem. I'm aware of my unusual role, and I assure you, I'll deal with it responsibly. However, this includes the fact that I won't be able to share all of my knowledge with you."
"I figured that," Mace responded. "I will be honest with you. This is difficult, especially for me, but we all sense the importance of your presence here, and I won't interfere with the will of the Force in this."
Qui-Gon couldn't fight a smile. "Oh Mace, difficult isn't the precise word for the ordeal, you will have to go through. I appreciate your acceptance. You know, you are not alone; I suffer the same fate, and it is hard to bear." He rolled his eyes to emphasize his statement.
"I'm well aware of that, Qui," Mace replied, a slight smile tucking at his lips. "But back to the point. Tomorrow, the Council will assign you for your trial mission, Padawan Kenobi, and I know that you'll be more than up to the task, but for appearance's sake you'll have to go through the regular ritual."
Obi-Wan inclined his head, showing acceptance. "I welcome this decision, Master Windu, and I'm looking forward to seeing what you have chosen for me."
After the serious conversation, they moved to the living-room, enjoying a pleasant evening together and chatting light-heartedly about the time when Qui-Gon and Mace had been fellow Padawans. Obi-Wan had to laugh at the pranks both had played in their youth, and Qui-Gon was happy to hear it. It wasn't surprising at all for him that his Padawan had shared a deep friendship with Mace in his former life. These two Jedi had so many similarities: their devotion to the Code, an absolute commitment to the Force and after all their dry sense of humor.
He felt that with confiding in Mace, Obi-Wan was ready to move on, and he was looking forward to seeing his new Padawan in the field.
The next morning they made their way to the Council-chambers in silence. Qui-Gon was confident that after yesterday's event Obi-Wan was better prepared than ever to go on his trial mission. It was never a question about his abilities but his mental state.
They entered and moved to the middle of the chamber confidently, and Qui-Gon felt a friendly nudge in the Force coming from Master Yoda before the venerable Master began in a solemn voice, "Recommended Padawan Kenobi for his trials Qui-Gon has. Preparations finished you have, Master Qui-Gon?"
Qui-Gon bowed towards the Council members and responded using the ritual words. "I come before you and present my Padawan ready for Knighthood. I request to give him a mission to prove his maturity and readiness."
The Council-Masters accepted his plea silently. "Chosen a mission, we have for you both. Knowing the rules do you, young Kenobi?" Master Yoda replied.
Obi-Wan nodded respectfully. "I need to lead the mission, and Master Qui-Gon will accompany me. He won't interfere unless I fail."
Then Mace began to explain the mission. "You will go to Naboo. There you will supervise the elections for the Galactic Senator. The task should be easy. There is an established candidate, who currently is the Governor of Naboo. Queen Arandiala has requested Jedi surveillance despite the peaceful elections because there are hints that bounty hunters arrived on the planet. We don't know the reason, but I'm sure you will be capable of finding it out, Padawan Kenobi."
Qui-Gon turned around and saw the color drain from his apprentice's face. What was wrong with him? They had expected a much more difficult mission.
"Ye. . . yes Master Windu, I uh. . .understand," Obi-Wan stuttered.
Mace looked surprised at the young man, who had been radiating with self-confidence the evening before and now seemed to break down with insecurity. "Is everything all right, Padawan?" he asked.
Qui-Gon turned to Obi-Wan, who seemed to strain for a measure of calm. "Padawan?"
Obi-Wan didn't answer, standing in the middle of the Council-chamber like an infant during his first session. "Padawan, speak, please!" The Master sent over the bond.
Obi-Wan inhaled deeply, then looked at Master Windu and said with a firm voice, "I'm sorry Master Windu. May I ask who the established candidate is?"
Mace gave him an approving nod. "Certainly, his name is Palpatine, and you will find all the information on the data-pad for this mission. Your mission is to ensure a peaceful election and if possible find out as to why the bounty hunters are on Naboo. Your diplomatic transport will be leaving tomorrow morning."
Qui-Gon saw Obi-Wan contemplate this information; then the young man spoke up. "Excuse me, Master Windu, I feel we have to investigate the case before meeting with the officials. Would you accept us leaving today on a Jedi transport without the knowledge of the Naboo government?"
Mace looked around, seeking the consent of his fellow Councilors, then he nodded. "You are responsible for this mission, Padawan. If you feel the necessity to investigate, you'll get a Jedi transport this afternoon."
Obi-Wan inclined his head towards the Council. "Thank you, Masters."
"May the Force be with you, young Kenobi," Mace dismissed them.
"And with you, Masters." With these words Obi-Wan practically fled the council chamber, followed by an astonished Qui-Gon.
"Obi-Wan do you want to speak about it?" Qui-Gon asked after they had returned to their quarters.
Obi-Wan looked up; apparently, he had regained his composure, and his face took on a trained blank Jedi mask. "I'm sorry, Master, I wasn't supposed to let my feelings overwhelm me like that."
Qui-Gon felt his rising anger; he had sensed the young man's confusion in the Council-chamber. There was no need to deny that. "Sith, Obi-Wan, don't hide your feelings from me, you are not a droid. Speak to me like a human!" He almost yelled at him, his eyes blazing with fury. He wasn't prepared for the reaction of his customarily balanced Padawan.
Obi-Wan jerked upright and exclaimed without restraint, "You want me to speak like a human? I don't have to hide my feelings? How do you think, I would be able to do my duty if I did that? You. . . You can't even imagine my feelings; you have no clue what I experienced. You speak of them as if I were simply a bit distraught by them. You can believe me, Master Qui-Gon, if I let my feelings take over, we would lose more than you can even imagine. And you can be sure that I know quite well when I need to find my inner calm. There are feelings too strong to be dealt with! So, don't lecture me about what I am to do with my emotions. It was you who taught me to concentrate on the task at hand, Master Qui-Gon!"
Qui-Gon cringed at the reaction, never before had he seen Obi-Wan losing control like that. This wasn't a calm and sophisticated Jedi Master, this was a human, who had experienced things, he couldn't imagine, and as he reached over the bond, he saw a glimpse of what that could be.
Again the two men fighting a fierce battle on the volcanic planet. "Anakin, Chancellor Palpatine is evil!"
"In my point of view, the Jedi are evil!"
"Well, then you are lost!" Pain, sadness and regret radiated from the older Obi-Wan.
The younger one prepared himself for a strike saying, "This is the end for you, my Master!"
The next instant Obi-Wan closed the bond. "I'm sorry, I have to shield my memories better, Master, I don't want you to see that." He fell on the couch, exhausted by his emotional outburst.
Qui-Gon approached him, shaken by the images he just had seen. "Obi-Wan, you are right, I can't even imagine what you must have been through," he said, his voice full of regret. A deep sigh escaped his lips. "It's just that. . . I feel helpless because I don't know how to support you. Please, you need to tell me, what you need!"
The pain in the young man eyes stung him. "Just. . . Be by my side, Qui-Gon, and please try to trust me," the young man replied, his despair evident in his voice.
Qui-Gon hugged him, trying to soothe him. "I trust you, my Padawan. I trust you with my life, never doubt that."
After Obi-Wan had calmed down, the Master decided to ask the question which the younger man's memories had evoked in him. "Is the candidate Palpatine the same Palpatine?"
Obi-Wan nodded. "Yes, I am sure about that. However, we can't assume that he is the same man he was in my former life. Anyway, I have to shield myself quite strongly, because it would be dangerous for me if he felt who I am and what I hide. But I can't tell you more, Master, I'm sorry."
Qui-Gon accepted this explanation. "Since you'll lead the mission, please explain the details to me."