Werewolf & BlueElli - Thank you soooo much for your continued comments. I
really, really, really appreciate them. : D You guys are really in for a
treat! I'm posting 3 Chapters today. Of course then I'll be all
caught up and you have to wait, but you have something to tide you over. ;
) Enjoy!
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Qui-Gon woke with a start. For a moment, in the darkness, he felt disorientated. He stretched out with his senses to gain his bearings. He felt the soft vibrations of the craft's engine. He took quick note of the locations of the people on board. And that's when he felt the presence beside him was not sleeping. He lifted his head to observe his Padawan. And before he could ask, the young man cut into his thoughts, "I couldn't sleep."
Qui-Gon was about to inquire further when another feeling entered his mind. One that spoke of solitude and pain. Without thinking, he promptly leapt from his bed and hurried through the ship. Locating the source in one of the ship's recreation rooms. Upon entering his eyes swept the vacancy before settling on the timorous form of Obi-Wan. Immediately, he made his way to comfort the trembling child. He was certain he knew the cause of such a disturbance; a nightmare. He had known that it was a possibility. Tyaña had mentioned that Obi-Wan frequently experienced such lurid reveries. However he had not know the boy long enough to discern the extent of the harm wrought by inexorable emotional torment. Not being able to tell if this was a good or bad reaction, if there was such a thing as a good response to a nightmare, he could only hope that Obi-Wan would talk to him.
In the shadows of the hallway, another figure lingered. The apprentice had followed his Master's rapid departure. Yet he was not yet willing to join his mentor's eagerness in comforting the enigma that sat huddled in a corner, shivering with fright. He had known before the boy woke, the inherent trepidation about to surface. It kept him from his own wistful dreams. One's that he hoped also housed the visage of a young Queen. Still, when he heard the distant cry, he remained on his cot. Only when the Knight tore from the cabin did he move. Something played at the back of his memory. A time when a serene Jedi meant the world to a young initiate. A time when a young boy would wake from startling night visions to be comforted by the caring arms that now surrounded another. And for the first time, an envious Padawan watched his Master forsake him for another. Unwilling to continue his silent vigil, Anakin turned to return to the humble room he shared with his Master. He finally wanted to sleep as the headache had been forming began to worsen.
Qui-Gon barely sensed his Padawan's emotions through the onslaught emanating from the child beside him. And could not fully grasp their intent or meaning. Instead of focusing on those fleeting feelings, he concentrated on Obi-Wan. "It's alright." He soothed. "You're safe." But the boy only tightened further. He didn't understand the reaction to his assurances, or rather couldn't. In spite of it, he continued by sending calming waves through the Force.
Gradually, the shivering ended and the muscles relaxed. Soon, Obi-Wan rested soundly in the man's embrace. Qui-Gon sighed at the comfort he exhumed from the tenderness between them. Has it been so long, since I felt this way? I don't remember the last time I thought the same of Anakin. And even longer of Xanatos. The Master drifted into his reflections and slumber.
*****
When they woke next, the ship was abuzz with life. People scurried in every direction to prepare for their arrival. Obi-Wan moved out of the Jedi's grasp when he roused. He felt a little embarrassed to find himself being coddled like a terrified little child. He had been on his own for so long and even though he had wished for Tyaña's comfort he felt foolish around others. In his delirium, he had not realized the Knight's ingression.
Qui-Gon felt the boy's discomfort upon awakening and expertly withdrew. He gathered himself and stretched. Guessing that they would arrive on Coruscant shortly, Qui-Gon decided to seek out Anakin. They had their own preparations to make before reporting to the Council. "I need to finish some arrangements of my own before landing. Will you be all right?"
Obi-Wan nodded. He wanted to see if there was any way that he could get something to eat. He had forgotten to have some dinner last night, and was cognizant of how hungry he was. The Jedi headed off and Obi-Wan straightened himself to wander his way to breakfast.
Qui-Gon knew where he could locate his Padawan, and was pleased to find him still in their cabin. Inwardly, he regretted having left his apprentice without making sure he was all right. He had felt the urgency in finding the source of such a profound distress that he knew his Padawan would understand his motives. Together they discussed what they would inform the Council on. Revealing the dark attacker and the chaos on Naboo. However, Qui-Gon did not divulge the decision he had made in regards to the slave boy he brought on board. He knew it was not part of the mission at hand and was solely his responsibility. Therefore, he merited his silence on the matter with that knowledge.
***
After finding a small meal station and eating his fill, Obi-Wan meandered his way into the cockpit. He arrived just as they received their final clearance. He watched as the pilots maneuvered the large craft down toward the speckled planet below. As they approached he could distinguish the multitude of spacecraft that congested the skyways. The captain noticed the boy standing in awe of the overwhelming sight. He motioned Obi-Wan to come closer to the viewport to get a clearer aspect of the world below. Ric Olè invited, "Welcome to Coruscant, kid."
As he soared along their assigned flightpath, the captain began to point out certain landmarks. He spied their landing platform and recognized the other ships harboured there. "Look, there's Chancellor Vallorum's Ship." Slowing down to land, they could see a group of people conversing on the platform. "And Senator Palpatine is there too."
Obi-Wan was still dumbfounded. He had been on Tatooine for the greater portion of his live. But for the short portion he had traveled, he had mostly been confined to the ship unless instructed to be part of some scam. However, he had never seen anything like the large city planet before. After touchdown, everyone gathered their belongings to disembark.
The Queen's entourage followed her security officers out onto the platform. Most of the crew departed after her. The Jedi had mingled with the remaining crew while exiting and lingered close to the Queen without drawing attention to their movements. They knew the art of protecting while being inconspicuous. Obi-Wan stuck close to his liberator, staying behind the Jedi by two steps. He was vaguely listening to the exchanges between the different parties as he soaked in the sights around him. As the Queen's entourage began to depart he moved along with them, until he noticed that Qui-Gon was not pursuing. He paused to stare at the tall Knight.
Qui-Gon noticed the boy's hesitation and quickly assured, "Go on, Stay with Padmè. I will be along shortly."
"Come with me Obi," the handmaiden called behind him. He realized that this must have been pre-planned while he was roaming the ship. Resigning himself to the separation he continued after Queen.
Qui-Gon spoke briefly with the Chancellor before headed toward the Jedi Temple. Anakin, unusually quiet, trailed behind the tall Knight.
***
Master and Padawan stood encircled by the Jedi High Council. They had completed the recounting of the past events and had been dismissed. Anakin was glad to leave, as he never enjoyed the time spent in front of the stern Masters. Qui-Gon, however, did not move. When Anakin felt the confusion around him he paused in his exit to regard his Master. Yoda was the first to question the Jedi Knight. "More have you to say, Master Qui-Gon?"
"Yes, my Masters. I have encountered a vergence in the Force." The Knight began.
"A vergence you say?" The diminutive green Master repeated.
"Around a person?" Mace Windu questioned.
"Yes, a boy. There is something rather unusual about him. His midi- chlorian count matches Anakin's exactly." He informed.
"Exactly, you say? Hmmm. Peculiar this is." Yoda remarked.
"I have brought him back with me."
"Wish him to be trained do you?" Yoda picked up on Qui-Gon's thoughts. "To be a Jedi?"
"I ask only that the boy be tested. I believe our meeting was the will of the Force, and I have reasons to trust in its guidance." The two head council members exchanged glances. Qui-Gon added, "Please, Masters." This was a new development as Qui-Gon rarely requested anything so formally.
Mace sighed before responding, "Then bring him before us."
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Please remember to review!!! There's a lot here for you all today, but I want feedback. These were all pretty much written on the fly and posted. So I want to make sure it flows and everything. I can't stress enough how much I want to hear you thoughts. And I accept all criticism. So if you want to tell me this sucks. Go ahead. Thanks for reading. : D
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Qui-Gon woke with a start. For a moment, in the darkness, he felt disorientated. He stretched out with his senses to gain his bearings. He felt the soft vibrations of the craft's engine. He took quick note of the locations of the people on board. And that's when he felt the presence beside him was not sleeping. He lifted his head to observe his Padawan. And before he could ask, the young man cut into his thoughts, "I couldn't sleep."
Qui-Gon was about to inquire further when another feeling entered his mind. One that spoke of solitude and pain. Without thinking, he promptly leapt from his bed and hurried through the ship. Locating the source in one of the ship's recreation rooms. Upon entering his eyes swept the vacancy before settling on the timorous form of Obi-Wan. Immediately, he made his way to comfort the trembling child. He was certain he knew the cause of such a disturbance; a nightmare. He had known that it was a possibility. Tyaña had mentioned that Obi-Wan frequently experienced such lurid reveries. However he had not know the boy long enough to discern the extent of the harm wrought by inexorable emotional torment. Not being able to tell if this was a good or bad reaction, if there was such a thing as a good response to a nightmare, he could only hope that Obi-Wan would talk to him.
In the shadows of the hallway, another figure lingered. The apprentice had followed his Master's rapid departure. Yet he was not yet willing to join his mentor's eagerness in comforting the enigma that sat huddled in a corner, shivering with fright. He had known before the boy woke, the inherent trepidation about to surface. It kept him from his own wistful dreams. One's that he hoped also housed the visage of a young Queen. Still, when he heard the distant cry, he remained on his cot. Only when the Knight tore from the cabin did he move. Something played at the back of his memory. A time when a serene Jedi meant the world to a young initiate. A time when a young boy would wake from startling night visions to be comforted by the caring arms that now surrounded another. And for the first time, an envious Padawan watched his Master forsake him for another. Unwilling to continue his silent vigil, Anakin turned to return to the humble room he shared with his Master. He finally wanted to sleep as the headache had been forming began to worsen.
Qui-Gon barely sensed his Padawan's emotions through the onslaught emanating from the child beside him. And could not fully grasp their intent or meaning. Instead of focusing on those fleeting feelings, he concentrated on Obi-Wan. "It's alright." He soothed. "You're safe." But the boy only tightened further. He didn't understand the reaction to his assurances, or rather couldn't. In spite of it, he continued by sending calming waves through the Force.
Gradually, the shivering ended and the muscles relaxed. Soon, Obi-Wan rested soundly in the man's embrace. Qui-Gon sighed at the comfort he exhumed from the tenderness between them. Has it been so long, since I felt this way? I don't remember the last time I thought the same of Anakin. And even longer of Xanatos. The Master drifted into his reflections and slumber.
*****
When they woke next, the ship was abuzz with life. People scurried in every direction to prepare for their arrival. Obi-Wan moved out of the Jedi's grasp when he roused. He felt a little embarrassed to find himself being coddled like a terrified little child. He had been on his own for so long and even though he had wished for Tyaña's comfort he felt foolish around others. In his delirium, he had not realized the Knight's ingression.
Qui-Gon felt the boy's discomfort upon awakening and expertly withdrew. He gathered himself and stretched. Guessing that they would arrive on Coruscant shortly, Qui-Gon decided to seek out Anakin. They had their own preparations to make before reporting to the Council. "I need to finish some arrangements of my own before landing. Will you be all right?"
Obi-Wan nodded. He wanted to see if there was any way that he could get something to eat. He had forgotten to have some dinner last night, and was cognizant of how hungry he was. The Jedi headed off and Obi-Wan straightened himself to wander his way to breakfast.
Qui-Gon knew where he could locate his Padawan, and was pleased to find him still in their cabin. Inwardly, he regretted having left his apprentice without making sure he was all right. He had felt the urgency in finding the source of such a profound distress that he knew his Padawan would understand his motives. Together they discussed what they would inform the Council on. Revealing the dark attacker and the chaos on Naboo. However, Qui-Gon did not divulge the decision he had made in regards to the slave boy he brought on board. He knew it was not part of the mission at hand and was solely his responsibility. Therefore, he merited his silence on the matter with that knowledge.
***
After finding a small meal station and eating his fill, Obi-Wan meandered his way into the cockpit. He arrived just as they received their final clearance. He watched as the pilots maneuvered the large craft down toward the speckled planet below. As they approached he could distinguish the multitude of spacecraft that congested the skyways. The captain noticed the boy standing in awe of the overwhelming sight. He motioned Obi-Wan to come closer to the viewport to get a clearer aspect of the world below. Ric Olè invited, "Welcome to Coruscant, kid."
As he soared along their assigned flightpath, the captain began to point out certain landmarks. He spied their landing platform and recognized the other ships harboured there. "Look, there's Chancellor Vallorum's Ship." Slowing down to land, they could see a group of people conversing on the platform. "And Senator Palpatine is there too."
Obi-Wan was still dumbfounded. He had been on Tatooine for the greater portion of his live. But for the short portion he had traveled, he had mostly been confined to the ship unless instructed to be part of some scam. However, he had never seen anything like the large city planet before. After touchdown, everyone gathered their belongings to disembark.
The Queen's entourage followed her security officers out onto the platform. Most of the crew departed after her. The Jedi had mingled with the remaining crew while exiting and lingered close to the Queen without drawing attention to their movements. They knew the art of protecting while being inconspicuous. Obi-Wan stuck close to his liberator, staying behind the Jedi by two steps. He was vaguely listening to the exchanges between the different parties as he soaked in the sights around him. As the Queen's entourage began to depart he moved along with them, until he noticed that Qui-Gon was not pursuing. He paused to stare at the tall Knight.
Qui-Gon noticed the boy's hesitation and quickly assured, "Go on, Stay with Padmè. I will be along shortly."
"Come with me Obi," the handmaiden called behind him. He realized that this must have been pre-planned while he was roaming the ship. Resigning himself to the separation he continued after Queen.
Qui-Gon spoke briefly with the Chancellor before headed toward the Jedi Temple. Anakin, unusually quiet, trailed behind the tall Knight.
***
Master and Padawan stood encircled by the Jedi High Council. They had completed the recounting of the past events and had been dismissed. Anakin was glad to leave, as he never enjoyed the time spent in front of the stern Masters. Qui-Gon, however, did not move. When Anakin felt the confusion around him he paused in his exit to regard his Master. Yoda was the first to question the Jedi Knight. "More have you to say, Master Qui-Gon?"
"Yes, my Masters. I have encountered a vergence in the Force." The Knight began.
"A vergence you say?" The diminutive green Master repeated.
"Around a person?" Mace Windu questioned.
"Yes, a boy. There is something rather unusual about him. His midi- chlorian count matches Anakin's exactly." He informed.
"Exactly, you say? Hmmm. Peculiar this is." Yoda remarked.
"I have brought him back with me."
"Wish him to be trained do you?" Yoda picked up on Qui-Gon's thoughts. "To be a Jedi?"
"I ask only that the boy be tested. I believe our meeting was the will of the Force, and I have reasons to trust in its guidance." The two head council members exchanged glances. Qui-Gon added, "Please, Masters." This was a new development as Qui-Gon rarely requested anything so formally.
Mace sighed before responding, "Then bring him before us."
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Please remember to review!!! There's a lot here for you all today, but I want feedback. These were all pretty much written on the fly and posted. So I want to make sure it flows and everything. I can't stress enough how much I want to hear you thoughts. And I accept all criticism. So if you want to tell me this sucks. Go ahead. Thanks for reading. : D