"Master, how much longer do you suppose we'll be here?"
Qui-Gon looked up from his datapad to study his Padawan's face. After enduring a moment ofsuch scrutiny, Obi-Wan glanced down, worried that he may have overstepped his bounds this didn't want to be disrespectful, yet he hoped they would be able to leave soon. Very soon.
They had been on O'thape for a week now assisting with the Peace Accords between the two ruling families of the planet. Although the general disposition of most O'thapeans tended toward haughtiness and belligerence, the people seemed genuinely eager for this truce to work. The Jedi had little difficulty in bringing about compromises for a satisfying treaty on both parts. All that was left at this point was the actual signing and then the celebration.
It was the celebration that Obi-Wan was concerned about. He wished they could leave O'thape before the festivities began, but he had a feeling that wouldn't happen. As a part of the celebration, there was to be a Swordsmanship Competition. Obi-Wan, at the age of 15, was considered too young to compete. That didn't concern him, however, as he knew Qui-Gon would disapprove of his participation in such an event anyway. As a Jedi, Obi-Wan had been training many years with his lightsaber. From what he'd seen of the O'thapeans' skills, he knew he could easily best any of them, but that was not their purpose here. As ambassadors, they needn't get involved in such competitions but should rather leave it for the native people to enjoy.
However, earlier this afternoon Obi-Wan had overheard a small group of men speaking about the Swordsmanship Competition. They were talking about how they wanted to see Master Qui-Gon compete. They were full of boasts and the typical pride of these people, and they bragged that they could easily best the Jedi Master. One young man had pointed out that the Jedi might not compete, and another had darkly insinuated that they'd have to find ways to motivate him to want to join in. Obi-Wan had not liked the sound of that. He knew that nothing these men could do would cause his Master to change his mind, yet he didn't like to think what they might try. Qui- Gon would remain neutral and not get involved, as it should be. No purpose could be served by participation.
Obi-Wan looked up again to meet his Master's gaze. He wasn't sure he wanted to voice his worries at this time.
"What is bothering you, Padawan?" Qui-Gon asked sincerely.
Obi-Wan schooled his features, trying to hide his concerns. Obviously his Master knew there was more behind his question than seeking a departure time. "It's not important, Master. I'm sorry I bothered you."
"If something troubles you, Padawan, then it is important to me," Qui-Gon said simply.
Obi-Wan appreciated his Master's consideration, but he didn't want to bother him with what was essentially at this point little more than rumor based on the boasts of prideful men. "Thank you, Master, but I believe your preparations for the treaty signing tomorrow are more essential right now." Obi-Wan bowed to his Master as he left their quarters for the nearby gardens. He didn't notice the bemused expression on Qui-Gon's face as he left.
Obi-Wan watched from a short distance as Qui-Gon meditated in the garden. The signing that morning had concluded without any problems, and Obi-Wan's Master was now taking advantage of the quiet afternoon to relax and focus. The next day the celebrations would begin. Qui-Gon had been approached on at least four separate occasions throughout the morning with regard to participation in the Swordsmanship Competition. Each time he had politely, and firmly, declined.
Obi-Wan had noticed again this morning the same group of five men he had overheard the previous day making fun of Qui-Gon. Their speech seemed to indicate a lack of understanding as to why any Jedi, especially one with a reputation for being the best swordsman around, would not want to fight. They began to implicate that he must have noticed others practicing and was therefore afraid. Obi-Wan couldn't help but smile to himself when he heard that. These men were so full of themselves that they couldn't understand a person whose ego didn't demand he show off his skills. Still, their joking began to grate on Obi-Wan. He had great respect for his Master, and he didn't like hearing such disparaging remarks.
Qui-Gon must have sensed Obi-Wan watching him. He raised his hand and beckoned Obi-Wan to join him in the garden. As he approached, Obi-Wan tried to focus his thoughts. He didn't want to spoil the beautiful calm of the afternoon.
"Tell me what's bothering you, Padawan," Qui-Gon directed.
Obi-Wan heaved a mental sigh. He had hoped his turmoil hadn't been so obvious. He had to answer his Master, though. There would be no slipping out this time.
"Why do you let them make fun of you?" he asked, surprising even himself with the question. "I'm sorry, Master. I don't mean to question you. I understand why you won't fight in the competition tomorrow. It's just ..."
"It's just that their words bother you?" Qui-Gon asked, although it was obvious he already knew the answer.
Obi-Wan looked down at his feet, nodding in agreement. "It is frustrating to hear them speak that way about you."
"Obi-Wan, any Jedi can spar with a lightsaber," Qui-Gon said gently. "But it takes a strong man to go his own way and forget the things others say."
"Yes Master." Obi-Wan looked up again, meeting his Master's eyes to let him know he understood the lesson.
"It's not an easy skill to master, and it's something you'll be tested on throughout your life. But I know you'll be strong."
"Master Jedi!"
Obi-Wan looked over and noticed the five troublesome men approaching him and his Master in the gardens. He suppressed a groan and moved to stand at Qui-Gon's side.
"Master Jedi! Why won't you fight us in the Competition? Are you afraid?"
Obi-Wan was surprised at the audacity of this man. Yet Qui-Gon remained calm, the perfect picture of Jedi serenity.
"And you are?" Qui-Gon asked.
"The name is Brak. I'm sure you won't forget it, either, as I will be the one winning the Competition tomorrow."
"If that is the case, Brak," Qui-Gon said, "then I'm sure you have no need for me to fight you. I wish you well."
"How can you call yourself a Jedi when you won't fight!?" Brak demanded.
"There is more to being a Jedi than fighting," Obi-Wan said, coming to Qui-Gon's defense.
Qui-Gon placed a hand firmly on Obi-Wan's shoulder to forestall any further comment from his Padawan. "I do not wish to participate in this Competition. I'm sure you and your friends will find plenty to challenge you without my presence," Qui-Gon said as he turned and guided Obi- Wan down a path away from the insolent group.
"We will show you that your Master is no real Jedi," Brak shouted after Obi-Wan, laughing.
Obi-Wan heard the sound of five swords being unsheathed. Despite Qui-Gon's restraining hand, he spun around to see what Brak was going to do. All five fell on the flowers and bushes of the beautiful garden with a vengeance They cut and slashed, spun and twirled. They destroyed the magnificence of the immediate surroundings of the peaceful garden in a foolish attempt to demonstrate what they perceived as courage, skill, and bravery.
Obi-Wan felt sad and angry. He did not like to see the garden spoiled. But Qui-Gon did not fight or get angry. He merely pulled his Padawan around to continue down the path away from the shortsighted swordsmen.
After an hour of meditation, Obi-Wan stood and stretched. Brak and his friends hadn't followed them, but he was sure they were going to pose more trouble. Something didn't seem quite right. Obi-Wan tried to pinpoint his unease as he absently followed Qui-Gon down the path toward their quarters.
As they approached the low building they had been assigned for the duration of their stay on O'thape, Obi-Wan spoke up. "Master, would it be alright if I checked on our transport?" He still had a bad feeling and wanted to make sure everything with their ship was okay.
"Of course, Padawan. Just don't take too long. We're supposed to join the peace delegation for dinner tonight, and I don't want us to be late."
"Yes Master," Obi-Wan said before turning down another path toward the nearby landing pad.
He hadn't gone far when he felt a disturbance in the Force. Something had happened to Qui-Gon. Obi-Wan turned and ran quickly back toward their quarters. As he approached, he heard Brak's voice. "Now we will see if he can wield a lightsaber!"
As Obi-Wan flew around the corner, he beheld Qui-Gon under a large net with Brak and his friends standing a short distance back.
/Master, are you alright?/ Obi-Wan asked through their bond as he quickly approached.
Qui-Gon looked at Obi-Wan with his alert blue eyes and gave a simple nod. Obi-Wan came to a stop behind the group of men and held his position. He watched as Qui-Gon, with composed ease, used the Force to throw the net off of himself. He did not get angry. He simply freed himself and then quietly, peacefully continued through the door to their quarters. Obi-Wan stepped around the group and followed his Master into the building.
Obi-Wan woke from a sound sleep. He listened carefully to see if he could hear what had disturbed his rest. There it was again. A soft scratch of cloth against metal, followed by someone's shushing. Obi-Wan rolled his eyes. It had to be Brak and his friends again. They were, if nothing else, persistent. Their antics were starting to become rather tiresome, however.
Obi-Wan quietly slipped out of bed and padded over to the window of the room. He had left it open a bit to let in the fresh evening breezes. As he listened carefully, using the Force to enhance his senses, he could hear the small group moving quietly toward Qui-Gon's window.
Obi-Wan quickly made a decision and crossed the room to switch on the light. He then proceeded to Qui-Gon's room turning on every light as he went.
Qui-Gon sat up immediately. "What is it, Obi-Wan?"
Obi-Wan gave him a rueful smile. "We have some company outside. I just thought I'd dissuade them from trying anything by letting them know we're awake."
Qui-Gon returned his apprentice's grin with his own. "Good thinking. It is certainly preferable to avoid further contact with those men at this time."
"Thank you, Master. I just wish they'd stop bothering us. Someone should teach them a lesson."
"Yes, Obi-Wan, someone should teach them a lesson," Qui-Gon agreed. "But don't let them upset you. Forget about their silly tricks. Let's get some sleep."
The next morning as Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan joined the other celebrants for the morning feast, Obi-Wan noticed Brak and his entourage off to the side snickering and sneering. He kept his features calm and followed his Master to the table they were assigned.
Soon their food was brought. Qui-Gon took a mouthful of the appetizer and then quickly grabbed for his drink. Obi-Wan watched in confusion as Qui-Gon's face started to turn red and he gulped down the cool liquid.
"Don't eat, Padawan," Qui-Gon warned, when he had a chance. "The food has been spiced and is extremely hot."
A raucous laughter resounded from the direction of Brak's table. Slowly Qui-Gon turned around and stared at the men.
The young men immediately quieted down. They were afraid.
But Qui-Gon did not get angry. He did not lose his temper. He took a deep, cleansing breath and accepted Obi-Wan's proffered drink. "This is becoming somewhat annoying," he said.
*That's an understatement,* Obi-Wan thought. "Yes Master."
The rest of the morning, Brak and his friends avoided Qui-Gon. Obi-Wan thought perhaps they had finally come to their senses. That was until he found himself alone and surrounded by the five men.
"You aren't a real Jedi, either," Brak sneered at him as they gathered together, enclosing Obi- Wan in a circle. They started to push him, and then Brak pulled out his sword and began menacing the teenager with the sharp tip. Soon they were all trying to goad Obi-Wan with their swords.
Obi-Wan was outnumbered. Even so, he knew he could easily overcome these men with his lightsaber if it became necessary. He gathered the Force around himself and prepared to leap over his attackers' heads. He recognized fighting right now wasn't necessary, and he could get away easily enough.
As Obi-Wan flipped over their heads, he felt a sharp pain lance across his leg. /Aaaggh!/ he shouted into the Force. One of the men must have lunged with a sword, cutting his leg as he flew over them. Obi-Wan pulled his leg in to himself as he landed, curling into a ball and allowing his roll to absorb the impact.
Immediately Obi-Wan jumped to his feet and faced his opponents. He pushed the pain from his leg aside, releasing it to the Force. In a heartbeat, Qui-Gon was there beside his Padawan. His eyes flashed as he ignited his lightsaber. He then stretched out his hand and used the Force to yank a sword from one of the men's grasp and pull it toward himself. Qui-Gon replaced his lightsaber on his belt and then spun the purloined sword in an impressive display of skill.
Brak and his friends cried out in fear. They tried to run, but Qui-Gon was everywhere at once forcing them to defend themselves. Their feeble attempts were no match for the Master's expertise. Finally the four who still possessed swords dropped them, and they all turned to flee.
Qui-Gon shook his head in disgust as he threw down the sword he had appropriated on top of the other swords scattered on the ground. He then went over to Obi-Wan to check his leg and help him to a nearby bench.
"Master, that was great!" Obi-Wan said with pride. "I have never seen you so provoked before!"
"A wise man allows himself to be provoked only when he must," said Qui-Gon. "A Jedi should only use his strength to help someone who is really in need."
Obi-Wan reflected on Qui-Gon's wisdom. He had a new appreciation for his Master's strength, and he knew this lesson was one he would never forget.