Chapter One: Genesis

A/N: I've wanted to do a prequel story for quite some time, because honestly the Clone Wars seem like such an interesting thing to work with, and also Obi-Wan Kenobi, am I right? Anyway, I'm hoping that people are still just as into this particular time period in Star Wars as I am! Any reviews or feedback are, of course, very much appreciated.

"Did you want to go again?"

Valencia Jinn most certainly did not. Her head throbbed and her entire body ached. Her Jedi robes clung to her body, damp with sweat. Easing herself up from the hard floor of the Sparring Arena, she took the hand that her opponent offered her. Aayla Secura tugged the younger woman to her feet. She didn't smirk, good-natured about her victory, but it didn't stop Valencia from welling with disappointment.

Aayla and Valencia had been friends for many years, and Valencia struggled with letting go of the jealousy she felt. Aayla deserved everything that had come her way – she had been barely twenty when she had been Knighted, and immediately gone on to take an apprentice. There was even talk of her being promoted to Master.

Valencia, on the other hand, would soon be 24 and was still a Padawan. She tried her best to make light of it – all Jedi reached Knighthood in their own time – yet she still could not help but feel she should be better, particularly considering her heritage.

It had been ten years since Valencia's father, Qui-Gon Jinn, had been killed by a Sith Lord on Naboo. She had not been overly close with him – the Code forbade attachment, after all. Yet that had not stopped her from feeling grief at his passing. It had taken some time for her to work through those troubled emotions, with help from her master, Rhesa Vandelay.

Stowing her lightsaber away, Valencia linked her arm through Aayla's and allowed her friend to lead her toward the canteen in search of food. They were far from the only ones there – and were swiftly approached by a girl in her late teens, a Padawan braid swinging in her dark hair.

"Valencia. Aayla." Marion Sorrell, Aayla's Padawan, joined them as they queued up for lunch. She was a quiet girl, mature for her age. Very different to the rebellious brat that Valencia had been at seventeen. "Did you hear about the attempt on Senator Amidala?"

"No," Valencia confessed, immediately curious, "What happened?"

"She came to vote against the Military Creation Act." Marion swept her braid over her shoulder, accepting a lunch tray and sparing Aayla a quick look before continuing. "Her ship blew up moments after she landed. Her decoy was killed, but she survived."

Valencia wondered where Marion had heard this if she didn't know yet, but put it down to gossip among Padawans. Kids liked to talk and news of that nature could spread like wildfire throughout the Temple.

She understood precisely why Amidala had come – Count Dooku and the Separatists were a genuine threat, and the Jedi were no army, but a peacekeeping force. She knew that Amidala intended to vote against the Military Creation Act – the woman had made no secret of that.

"Senator Palpatine has requested protection for her," Marion continued as the three women sat down at one of the tables. "Obi-Wan Kenobi and Anakin Skywalker, since the Senator is already familiar with them."

Valencia frowned. "Aren't they still on Ansion?"

Aayla shook her head. "They reported back this morning and were given the new mission."

Valencia picked at her food, remaining silent as she processed the news. She had not been aware of their return. Obi-Wan Kenobi was one of her oldest friends – her father's former Padawan, someone she had known since she was a very small child. He had been instrumental in her learning to move past of Qui-Gon's death.

Anakin…Valencia didn't mind him, but they weren't as close. In truth, she was closer to his age than Obi-Wan's, although it seemed strange remembering that. Anakin could be reckless and immature. Valencia knew she had been brash in her younger years, but perhaps not quite to that extent.

"Excuse me." Valencia shovelled down the last of her lunch. She could really feel her robes, still slightly damp from sweat, chafing against her skin. It wasn't a pleasant sensation. "I need to wash after that intense sparring session."

Aayla flashed her a grin. "You're welcome."

Valencia made her way across town to the Senator's residence to greet her old friends. She was showered and her blonde hair pulled back into a ponytail – with the exception of her Padawan braid, which hung down the side of her face. It irritated her, for more reasons than one.

As she entered the Senator's residence, intimidated by the opulence of the place, Anakin was nowhere to be seen. However, Obi-Wan was reclining on one of the couches with a data-pad in his hands, his brow furrowed in deep thought. Valencia cleared her throat and he looked up, a warm smile spreading across his features.

"Valencia."

She echoed the smile, crossing the room in a few quick strides. There was always a sense of ease that came with Obi-Wan's presence, like he was a balm to her occasional restlessness. She didn't dwell on how handsome he was, for no good could come from that line of thought. She might have been a Jedi, but she was still a woman.

"I heard you were back and thought I'd come to see you." Valencia seated herself on the couch beside Obi-Wan. Although she was a little surprised at Anakin's absence, she guessed that her friend's Padawan was currently with the Senator.

"How have you been?" he asked.

"Well enough." She raked the braid out of her face, admitting something she would have to very few others. "A little agitated."

He arched an eyebrow. "Why is that?"

"It's nothing." She felt embarrassed about mentioning her agitation and wondered whether it might have served her better to lie. Yet there was an instinctual urge to trust Obi-Wan, a feeling that she could speak her mind honestly without judgement in his presence. Perhaps it stemmed from the fact that he had been the one to firmly talk her out of her errant ways as a teenager.

"Tell me," he insisted.

"I know a Jedi shouldn't be resentful," Valencia selected her words carefully, shoulders dropping. "But sometimes, I am jealous that Aayla is a Knight, and I am not."

"It happens." Obi-Wan did not reprimand her, did not tell her that she shouldn't feel that way. "The two of you are good friends."

Valencia sighed. "I should have more patience."

"You will be a Knight soon enough," Obi-Wan assured her. It didn't feel that way to her. Obi-Wan had been a year older than her when he'd become a Knight, yet in many ways, Valencia felt she was far off the Trials.

"I hope so, but my master says that although I am sensible, I can be…a little reckless."

Rhesa was a calm and patient master, but even she had her moments when she despaired of Valencia. Less so in more recent years, but Valencia wondered how her master had even put up with her during her late teens.

"Well, you can be," Obi-Wan admitted, "But we all can."

The ghost of a smile curved the corners of Valencia's lips. "She says I am as defiant as my father."

Obi-Wan nodded. "He was a good man, and a fine Jedi."

She examined him. "Do you miss him?"

"Of course." She wondered how it felt for him, seeing that she was so similar to Qui-Gon – or so she had been told. It was Obi-Wan who would pick up on those similarities the most. Did it still hurt sometimes, when she displayed some quirk that Qui-Gon once had?

"I do too." She had stopped mourning him, but that didn't stop her from dwelling on what things might be like if he was around. "We weren't close. It's the way of Jedi children and their parents. I think you knew him a lot better than I ever did."

"Well, I did."

"I should return to the Temple." Valencia eased herself to her feet. She didn't think it was fair to be occupying Obi-Wan's time, considering the importance of what he and Anakin were doing. She turned and offered him a grin. "I would like your help later though, with my combat forms, if you have time."

"Of course." Obi-Wan smiled, but it didn't reach his eyes. She could sense that he was stressed and that perhaps it hadn't been the best time for a visit. Yet it had been months since they'd last seen each other, and she'd forgotten how nice it was to be in his presence. Turning her mind from such thoughts, she departed Senator Amidala's quarters without a backward glance.

Night had fallen over Coruscant as Obi-Wan and Anakin paced the upper levels of Senator Amidala's apartment. The idea that anyone would want to assassinate Padme was deeply concerning, particularly for Anakin. It had not escaped Obi-Wan's notice that his young apprentice seemed quite infatuated with the Senator, despite his chiding.

"Valencia was here." Anakin cast around the apartment.

Obi-Wan frowned slightly. "How did you know?"

"I can still smell the sandalwood." Anakin grinned. "It's a very particular scent."

Obi-Wan could not have pinpointed the exact smell, but he did agree that Valencia had her own unique scent.

"You two are very close." Anakin's smile became sly. "You like her."

"She is a dear friend." Obi-Wan's tone was terse as he guessed where this conversation was leading. Why was it that his Padawan assumed any close relationship with a woman was romantic? Was this something common to teenagers? Obi-Wan scratched at his beard and restrained a sigh.

"As more than a friend."

"Anakin, please." Obi-Wan would hear no more on the subject. "She is the daughter of my former master. We are close, yes. But not in the way you assume."

Valencia had become a vibrant and attractive young woman, but she was Obi-Wan's friend only. He was a mentor figure to her, a man she could count on for advice. Qui-Gon's death had drawn them closer, despite the fact that Valencia had not known her father nearly as well as Obi-Wan had.

In so many ways, the young woman reminded Obi-Wan of his former master. The way those dark blue eyes glittered with mischief when she had a daring idea. The half-smile when she was annoyed, but trying to keep her temper. The ferocity in her face when she took on the opening stance of Form IV. All things he could never disclose to her, knowing it would hurt to know how much she was like Qui-Gon, and how she had never had the chance to realise their similarities.

Anakin and Valencia had a somewhat teasing friendship. Valencia was almost five years older than him and was not afraid to mock him ruthlessly. It amused Obi-Wan to see their interactions. Despite her boldness, Valencia was popular among the other Padawans and Knights her own age. Obi-Wan had watched her hold court at lunch tables in the canteen, vivid and bright as any sun.

"She reminds you of Qui-Gon," Anakin said quietly.

"In ways." Qui-Gon had never made mention of Valencia's mother, only to note that she was not a Jedi. Obi-Wan wondered if the young woman had inherited her golden blonde hair from her mother. "In other ways, she is different."

He did not wish to dwell on Valencia, not when there were more important matters at hand. Discovering who was attempting to assassinate Padme Amidala was of the utmost concern, and so thoughts on Valencia were brushed aside. Both of them had work to do, and none of it involved Qui-Gon Jinn's daughter.

"We must focus on the mission at hand. Senator Amidala has been placed under our protection."

Obi-Wan did not know at the time just how long the night would be, could not have predicted what would unfold.

Valencia trained with the younglings twice a week, and she had to say, she always greatly anticipated it. After her wayward teenage years, she'd sought ways to ground herself, to fully commit herself to the Order. Her master had not believed she had needed punishment for rebelliousness, but rather a cause to dedicate herself to. Helping with training the younglings seemed fitting.

She was always assigned to the same clan of them, and there were several she couldn't help but have a soft spot for – particularly Beck, a human child of almost six with a mop of black hair. He was spirited and enthusiastic, and never seemed to tire. As she observed him training, Valencia thought he would make a fine Padawan one day. Yet, she knew that she would never be allowed to claim him.

"Are you going for your Trials soon?" The boy asked, lowering his lightsaber and examining Valencia.

"I hope to be." Valencia's smile was strained, and she hoped that the child couldn't tell his question dug at a sore spot. "But everyone does them at different times. Some Jedi, like my friend Aayla, become Knights very young. Some of them are older."

"I'm going to be a Padawan like you one day," Beck said, big blue eyes filled with such wonder that for a few moments, Valencia felt that the fact she wasn't a Knight yet didn't mean anything.

"Of course you are." Valencia's smile broadened, genuine this time. "Any Jedi Knight would be lucky to take you as their Padawan."

"I want to be your Padawan!" Beck exclaimed. The words made Valencia's stomach twist unpleasantly.

"I…I'm not a Knight yet. I don't know if I'll already have a Padawan by the time you're of an age."

"Oh." Beck's face crumpled, and that hurt even more. Valencia wanted to reach out and stroke his hair, but reined in her desire to be affectionate toward him. Jedi were not to show attachment, and sometimes she found it hard to remind herself of that.

"It's a few years away yet, Beck. We will see."

The child returned to his training, relieving Valencia. Cin Drallig, the Temple's Battlemaster, approached her as she stood watching the younglings with her arms folded over her chest. She recalled the Battlemaster helping her hone her own lightsaber skills throughout the early stages of her life.

"He's talented."

"They all are." Valencia's tone was more clipped than she intended. She sighed and raked a hand through her blonde hair. "Apologies for my tone, Master Drallig. It's been a long few days."

She departed as the younglings finished up, taking a steadying breath and making a mental note to meditate once the day was done. Although training with the younglings thrilled her, it also led to thoughts on her own past, thoughts of how desperately she had tried to impress Qui-Gon when he had been in attendance.

Jedi were not meant to dwell on such things. Yet Valencia's childhood, the consequences of her troubled teenage years, weighed heavily on her still. She wished more than ever that Rhesa was on Coruscant, or that Obi-Wan was not so deeply involved in such a dangerous mission. Aayla was a close friend, but she would not understand. Valencia struggled to shake off the feeling of being alone.

Rhesa Vandelay was still occupied in the Colonies. Valencia had wished to accompany her master, yet Rhesa had insisted that she needed more training on Coruscant. Despite being frustrated at her master's decision, Valencia had respected it. When she received a summons from the Jedi Council, however, she found herself troubled. Had something befallen her master in the Colonies? Her mind whirred with potential scenarios as she headed into the Council chambers.

"Valencia Jinn." It was Yoda who spoke as she entered and bowed stiffly before the assembled Council members. It was not often that the Council summoned her directly, and her rigidness did not fade. "Off-planet, your master is. An assignment for you, we have."

"An assignment?" Valencia perked up, although she attempted to retain her calm. She was yet to go on a solo mission, and the thought excited her. Perhaps the Council saw what Rhesa did not – that Valencia might be ready for the Trials after all.

"Obi-Wan and Anakin are experiencing…some difficulties in their mission." It was Mace Windu who spoke this time, his words caused Valencia's stomach to lurch.

"Difficulties?" Valencia hoped that neither of them had been hurt and that nothing had happened to Senator Amidala.

"The assassin was tracked down by them, but was killed with a toxic dart by someone – a bounty hunter – before she could reveal information."

"You want me to assist them?" Valencia asked uncertainly, beginning to sense where the conversation was going.

Mace inclined his head.

"Senator Amidala knew your father well before his death. As Obi-Wan and Anakin are assigned different tasks relating to this mission, the Council has decided that it would be wise for you to assist Obi-Wan in his search for answers while Anakin protects the Senator."

"I would be delighted to." Valencia inclined her head. Her first mission without her master. Perhaps it wasn't a solo mission, but it was refreshing to think that she could work with other Jedi aside from Rhesa. Being assigned to help Obi-Wan was one of the best missions she could think of.

"Very good. Obi-Wan will be expecting you to report to him as soon as this meeting concludes."

"Thank you, Masters." Valencia bowed again, her body more relaxed this time. She couldn't help but feel that when she was summoned by the Council, she was in trouble, even if that hadn't been the case for many years.

She left the Council chambers with a smile on her face and a feeling of hope in her heart. Perhaps, after the mistakes she had made and the things she had done to set herself back over the years, this might be the time for her to work hard and prove herself worthy of Knighthood.