19/01/10 - edited version
Part II: The Phantom Menace
Chapter 1
After having been on missions permanently for one year, Qui-Gon was relieved that he and Obi-Wan were finally back in the Temple. He hadn't seen Tahl in months besides a much too short encounter in between the last two missions. The Council had pushed him and Obi-Wan to their limits. Qui-Gon knew that this was because he and Obi-Wan were a pretty well-functioning team. Nevertheless, he was exhausted now – not quite as exhausted as Obi-Wan was, but tired enough. Obi-Wan had taken the lead during their last mission after Qui-Gon had come down with the flu. The young man had negotiated and fought almost alone. After their debriefing session with the Council, he had headed straight to their quarters and had fallen asleep almost instantly. Qui-Gon had then left him to meet with Tahl in the Room of a Thousand Fountains.
He was now sitting with her on a bench, listening contently to her soft voice. She seemed to be determined to tell him about every single detail of what had occurred during the last months in the Temple. He didn't mind that at all. Her voice was soothing, and he loved to just sit by her side and listen. However, while he was slowly drifting away, he suddenly felt that something had changed; she had stopped talking. Questioningly, he turned his head and looked into her reproachful eyes.
"Have you heard a word of what I'm saying, Qui?" she asked, her face softening into a smile.
He nodded eagerly, his face flushing with embarrassment. "Yes, I'm listening, Tahl," he tried to reassure her.
Now she laughed out loud. "Do you? Tell me then, why didn't you answer my question?"
He cursed himself. It seemed that he had been drifting away a bit too much. He hadn't heard her question at all. Sheepishly, he looked at her. "I'm sorry."
She smiled. "I think you are tired. Don't you want to go to bed?"
He shook his head. "No, I'm fine. I want to stay here with you. I have to savor my time with you. One can never know when they will send us out into the field again."
"They won't. You told me that Master Yoda and Mace have granted you leave," she objected.
"Yes, but if a difficult mission comes up, they will assign us to it," he replied, his tone the slightest bit resigned.
"I don't get that, Qui," she said with exasperation in her voice. "There are so many Jedi teams. Why would they prefer to send you?"
He sighed. "It's because of our bond, Tahl, you know that. No other Jedi team has a bond as strong like ours. We can reach each other over long distances. Even if Obi-Wan is on another planet, I can communicate with him. We are just too effective to stay here in the Temple."
"I know, but the Jedi lived well enough before they had a team with such a bond. What would they do if all of this hadn't happened at all?"
"But it has happened. The Force has sent us a changed Obi-Wan and with him this special bond. We can't pretend it didn't happen."
She fell silent. He knew she was annoyed with the Council because she thought they profited too much off him and Obi-Wan. He didn't mind her. He already had had this discussion with Master Yoda. She was worried, and she was right. There were enough reasons for that, especially regarding Obi-Wan.
The young man seemed to feel danger much earlier than Qui-Gon did and always threw himself into it if it meant sparing his former Master harm. Through the Padawanship Qui-Gon had already realized that Obi-Wan was protective as far as the people who were important to him were concerned. But since he had come back, he was exaggerating it. He was acting overprotective, continually looking out for his former Master.
What further concerned Qui-Gon was Obi-Wan's habit of wearing himself out to his limit. Sometimes he asked himself if the Knight slept at all while on a mission. The young man was accustomed to life as a warrior, he had lived a life before, and Qui-Gon knew this life had been filled with war. These facts made him a precious companion, who was permanently alert. However, it was all but healthy.
Qui-Gon had begged Master Yoda to grant them leave three months ago. But the diminutive Master had denied it. In Yoda's opinion, Obi-Wan still had to adjust to his new life and needed the work in the field.
"So, why did they grant you the leave this time, Qui?" Tahl asked as if she had been following his thoughts.
He looked at the fountain before them, thinking about an answer. "I am not sure. But it was the first time that Obi-Wan asked for it. I think it has startled them. Usually, it had been me to ask. Perhaps this was the reason for them to change their mind. I mean, the Knight who works without pause suddenly asks for time to recuperate?" He laughed at the memory of the stunned faces of the Councilors. "He normally stands there, giving his report, awaiting the briefing for the next mission and nodding with consent. He is by far the most compliant Knight they have. But this time he finished the debriefing and demanded a leave. He demanded, he didn't ask. It was astonishing."
Tahl shared his laughter. Then she said, "Well, I am grateful that he did. If he hadn't, I wouldn't be here with you now."
Qui-Gon reached into the Force and when he didn't sense any other presence near, pulled her into a hug. "We can be grateful. He did well. I missed you, my love."
They didn't act on it, but Qui-Gon had quit suppressing his emotions after the occurrences three years ago. More than a hug and a kiss on the forehead never happened between them. But they both felt more comfortable after they had decided to speak about what they felt for each other.
Obi-Wan had been sleeping the whole afternoon. After waking up, he had moved into the living room onto the couch, hoping that Qui-Gon would have a good time with Tahl. He knew that his former Master would have gone to see her as soon as possible. He was relieved that he had asked for leave. Qui-Gon really needed a pause. His former Master was exhausted and tired, and it had shown on this mission. When he had come down with the flu, Obi-Wan had known that the older man had reached his limit. The task hadn't given Obi-Wan any headaches, and he had been able to cope without Qui-Gon's help, but he had missed his advice and experience.
Their relationship had changed from the Master-apprentice team into some sort of companionship between equals. Qui-Gon accepted his knowledge without questioning. During missions, Obi-Wan had been able to show many of his skills, and Qui-Gon had appreciated more and more having a partner who apparently was trained to react quickly and took on responsibility without hesitation. On the other side, Qui-Gon's connection to the Living Force added perfectly to Obi-Wan's abilities. His perception wasn't spoiled by war as Obi-Wan's was and the younger man had to admit that he needed this. While he tended to assess every situation against the background of his former life, Qui-Gon always grounded him in this reality. They really complemented each other in a perfect way, the sometimes stiff and code-following Jedi Knight with his war experience and the maverick Jedi Master, who tended to defy the Council all too often.
The young Knight grinned. Qui-Gon had gotten used to his sarcastic and wry wit, and Obi-Wan had begun to accept Qui-Gon's creative solutions in desperate situations. The Council had decided well when they had put them together as a team. He was looking forward to sharing many more missions with Qui-Gon in the future.
He looked through his communications and was surprised to find a letter written by Padmé Amidala. She had been elected as Queen of Naboo the year before, and her letters had become less frequent after she had taken on the responsibility. But they had stayed in touch with each other. The last message he had received had arrived on Ansion only three weeks ago. He hadn't yet replied and was therefore surprised to have received another one so soon. He opened it and began to read.
My dear friend,
I hope your mission went well and the Council will finally grant you permission to have a little bit of time in the Temple. I really worry about you and Qui-Gon since you've been on missions for a long time now without having a rest.
I know I write you this letter without having received an answer to my last one. But writing to you is like talking to an old friend, and at the moment I need this feeling. You know, being in charge of this beautiful planet takes its toll. The people put so much trust in me, and sometimes I ask myself if I am able to live up to these expectations. I just have to decide so many things which are crucial for Naboo. Sio Bibble, you remember him I guess, my Governor, always provides me advice but in the end, it's me who has to decide. I see you smile now, reassuring me that you know that I am capable of doing just fine. Sometimes I ask myself why you're always determined to see me as such a strong person. At the moment I don't feel it. I feel lost, and I'm not sure what to do. I am aware that this letter won't reach you soon enough that you'll be able to advise me. I have to make this decision on my own. But writing to you gives me peace. Perhaps I am just trying to justify what I am about to decide. I don't know.
You always encouraged me to search my feelings. You don't stop to tell me to trust my instincts. I am willing to do so now. I will decide against the advice of my Governor and my Senator. I really hope this decision will be the right one. After all, we could well end up in need of a Jedi team to help us. I hope this can be prevented. But as you would say, 'I have a bad feeling about this.'
Yours,
Padmé Amidala
Obi-Wan frowned, reading the letter once more. What was happening on Naboo? Then the sudden realization hit him – it was time. Over the last years, he had put aside the thoughts about events in his former life because his present life had turned out so different. But now, a feeling of foreboding overcame him. He knew exactly what she was talking about. It was time, and he hadn't prepared himself for it. Cursing his own complacency, he put the letter down and took a deep breath. He needed to meditate, perhaps he was wrong. After all, things have changed, haven't they?
"Do you have something to report, Master Dooku?" Mace asked. They were in Master Yoda's quarters as usual when they received Dooku's transmissions.
The hologram flickered. Dooku hadn't been able to report for a long time, and even now the connection was feeble. "Nothing new, Master Windu, not concerning my task. But I have information about the Sith."
Master Yoda and Mace held their breath. The Sith? They had agreed that after three years of silence the Sith had been extinct once more.
"They still exist, I am sure about that. And they are seeking for it too. My informant told me about a tattooed man who asked him about it. He had already left when I arrived. But I'm going to find him."
Mace was speechless. A tattooed man? This had to be the apprentice Obi-Wan had talked about. A look into Master Yoda's direction confirmed his thoughts. "Master Dooku, finding the Sith is not your task. Don't risk your life in pursuing this man," he said in a firm tone.
He saw Dooku rolling his eyes. "Oh, Master Windu, please, we are far beyond that. I am not going to disobey my Orders. I have no other choice than to meet him if he follows the same path."
Mace nodded, Dooku was right. If Darth Maul was looking into the same thing as the Jedi, there was no possibility of avoiding him.
Dooku continued, "I wasn't able to find out if there are more. It could well be that he is alone. But we have to be prepared. He will find an apprentice one day. We need to be mindful." The hologram flickered more. The connection was about to be interrupted.
"Keep on searching, Master Dooku," Mace hurried to say, "and try to keep us informed. May the Force be with you." Then the hologram was gone.
Mace turned to Master Yoda, who was shaking his head thoughtfully. Then the Master spoke up, "Right Dooku is, prepared we must be."
Nodding, Mace replied, "We shouldn't rely on Obi-Wan and Qui-Gon alone. It's not good to exhaust them to their limits. We need more teams like them. If there is a war to come, the teams will be crucial."
"Going back into the field you want?" Master Yoda asked.
Mace heaved a sigh. "I think this would be the best solution. You are capable of looking after the Temple without me, Master. Who should choose the teams if not me? If I go back on missions, I will be able to judge the abilities of the Knights much better than at present."
The diminutive Master gave him a nod of assent. "A starting mission, you will need. Going with an old friend you will. Informing the Council we shall, first thing in the morning."
Mace shook his head. He knew he wouldn't get an answer as to who the friend would be before Master Yoda was willing to reveal it.
The next morning Obi-Wan woke up early. Qui-Gon had returned late from Tahl's and was still sound asleep. Obi-Wan decided to pay Anakin a visit and take him to his quarters for breakfast. The boy was always happy when he and Qui-Gon spent time with him in-between missions. He hadn't seen him in a long time, and he was looking forward to it. But before he was able to leave his quarters, he heard a faint knock at the door. Feeling the familiar Force presence, he smiled. It seemed as if the boy already had sensed that they were back. He opened the door and was greeted by a broad smiling nine-year-old.
"You are back!" Anakin beamed and flew himself into Obi-Wan's arms.
Obi-Wan still felt a little bit awkward at the open display of affection Anakin was so fond of. But Qui-Gon's new approach to emotions had encouraged him to accept it. He hugged the boy back and ruffled his hair. "Hello Anakin, I see you've grown quite a lot since I last saw you," he said.
Anakin laughed and the joy at seeing his friend was written all over his face. Then he looked around a question in his eyes.
"Qui-Gon is still asleep, Ani. Would you help me prepare breakfast? Perhaps he will be up by the time we have finished it."
Anakin nodded eagerly and was already on his way to the kitchen. Obi-Wan looked after him, a grin on his face. He had to admit that he enjoyed being with the boy. He was able to see the spirit of his lost friend in him: the curiousness, the mischief and the recklessness he had come to know so well.
After things had cooled down three years ago, he had been granted permission by Master Gallia to deepen his contact with Anakin, and she had even welcomed it. The boy's nightmares diminished because of his bond with Obi-Wan. The first year the Knight was summoned quite often to the crèche in the middle of the night because Anakin sobbed and wept uncontrollably after a dream. Obi-Wan had taught him a few Force-techniques to cope with them. After having known Anakin for a lifetime, he knew well enough what was able to help him. The bond had deepened then. He had to close it while on missions as it proved to be a distraction. But the moment he arrived back, he would always reopen it. Qui-Gon kept on telling him that he would be a good Master for Anakin, but Obi-Wan still refused. He was convinced that his former Master was destined to teach the boy in this life, and he would do anything to ensure that.
After they had finished preparing breakfast, a sleepy Qui-Gon entered the kitchen and was greeted by Anakin the same way as Obi-Wan before him. They sat down and settled into a
comfortable silence due to the amount of food on Anakin's plate. But it didn't last long until the boy had finished and was ready to speak again. Qui-Gon was sipping at his tea and Obi-Wan could see the smile on his face as they continued chattering.
"How long will you stay this time, Obi-Wan?" Anakin asked after he seemed satisfied with having reported all of his achievements.
"I don't know, Ani, but I asked the Council to grant us leave. So perhaps we will stay a little bit longer than usual," Obi-Wan replied.
"Wizard," Anakin blurted out. "Will you go to Dex's Diner with me then?"
Qui-Gon laughed at that. Anakin had been with them at Dex's one time last year, and it seemed to have made an unforgettable impression on him. Obi-Wan grinned. "Yes, I will, Ani. But we'll take Tahl and Qui-Gon with us. What do you think?"
The boy looked toward Qui-Gon. "Do you want to come with us?" he asked politely.
Qui-Gon ruffled the child's hair. "I'd love that, Ani. I'm going to ask Tahl. But don't you have lessons now?"
Terrified, the boy sprang to his feet. "I've almost forgotten about that. See you . . . ."
Obi-Wan couldn't even blink before Anakin was gone. He enjoyed being with Anakin while his former Master took on the responsibility of looking after the boy's education. Sometimes he even indulged in spoiling Anakin a little bit. Something he had always denied himself while being his Master. 'One more reason not to repeat it,' he thought to himself. 'I'd hate giving that up.'
He just had turned around to ask Qui-Gon for a sparring session as the comlink beeped. Qui-Gon stood up. "That's mine. I'll get it." He left for the living room while Obi-Wan busied himself with cleaning up the kitchen. After a few minutes, the Master returned, now dressed up in his full Jedi tunic and cloak. Questioningly the Knight looked at him.
"I've been summoned by the Council. I have to go," the older man stated.
Obi-Wan frowned. "What would the Council want? They granted us leave."
Qui-Gon shook his head. "I don't know, Obi-Wan. But I'm sure it won't take too long." He smiled then continued in a teasing voice, "Prepare yourself for a hard sparring session, my young Knight."
Obi-Wan tried to return the smile, but his eyes showed concern. Suddenly Padmé's letter came back to his mind. Before Qui-Gon could leave, he grabbed his arm, holding him back. "You mean they summoned you alone? Didn't they want us both there?"
Qui-Gon took his hand, trying to calm him down. "Obi-Wan, we are a team, but that doesn't mean we aren't also individuals. They asked for me, not for us. I'm sure it's nothing. If it were something serious, they would have summoned us both, you know that." Nodding, Obi-Wan retreated and let Qui-Gon go. At the door, the Master turned around once more. "Everything will be all right, Obi-Wan," he said and left. But the Knight wasn't able to fight the feeling that it would not.