In other places I have been asked what my intentions were for the Prophecy.
In this chapter I will give you a hint. It's still vague but it is a
hint. Enjoy! : D
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Returning from the disastrous session of the Senate, the Queen found little solace. Inwardly, she admonished her own actions. In her haste to get the invasion resolved, she had followed the Senator's advice and called for a Vote of No Confidence. After she had spoken the words aloud, she felt she had done a great injustice to the Galactic Senate and was happy to be out of the immense chamber. She changed into her Padmé persona and found the little observatory she had visited earlier. She sat in silence for some time trying to determine her course of action. Drifting in her thoughts, she stumbled upon a fresh memory. One birthed in the very room she occupied. Only at the time, there was another with her.
~~~~~~~~
"My home has been invaded and I fear that my coming here was a waste of time and lives." She stared blankly out at the rush hour traffic. He followed hr gaze and joined her in the vacant reverie.
"I have heard of wars, but have never seen one. I hear they are horrible. Is it because of other people on your planet?" Letting his mind wander with his thoughts he simply spoke them aloud.
"No, my people are not at war. But we have been invaded by a droid army of the Trade Federation." Lost in her memories of the ordeal.
"It must have been very hard on you. Droids are unfeeling, mostly. They have no mercy. And they are programmed to fight fiercely. It's hard to fend off such cold methodical machines when you care about the person at your side." Obi-Wan was staring out into the sky, two speeding transports almost collided in their haste, and the drivers were now yelling at each other. Padmé glanced down at her companion. She found it amazing that one so young could be so perceptive. She turned back to their interest.
"It was hard. And I'm sure even the Gungans would feel the same." She remarked. Obi-Wan nodded even though he had no idea who or what Gungans were. But he felt that she understood his meaning.
~~~~~~~~~~~
Padmé felt the plan forming for her. She didn't know exactly how it would all fall into place, but she trusted her instincts. Darting from the room she returned to her chambers. Promptly, she contacted Senator Palpatine, Captain Panaka and the Jedi Temple, in turn to advise them of her impending departure. The young Queen could no longer stand the thought of her people dying whilst she remained in comfort across the galaxy. Her ship would be prepped quickly, under the stern captain's leadership and for the first time was thankful for his dutiful command.
*****
Qui-Gon and Anakin entered the foyer of the High Council, and found Obi-Wan waiting for them. Obi-Wan approached the Knight with downcast eyes. Before Qui-Gon could ask why he was forlorn, the boy spoke, "I'm sorry if I failed you, Master Qui-Gon, sir. I would have liked to have been a Knight like you."
"Nonsense, Obi-Wan. You have not failed me. And you will be a Jedi, I promise you." He placed his hand on the boy's shoulder and gave a compassionate squeeze.
The council aide came up, "They are waiting, sirs." And guided them to the doors.
They entered as a group and glanced over the stoic faces that greeted them. Qui-Gon and Anakin bowed in respect. Obi-Wan caught their movements out of the corner of his eyes and immediately mimicked them. They waited until they were spoken to. Some minutes passed before Yoda finally announce, "Strong in the Force the boy is."
Qui-Gon tried to suppress his delight in the small Masters declaration. "So he is to be trained then?" He expected to hear the affirmative and found himself utterly disappointed.
"No." The dark master said. Obi-Wan tried not to reflect his own mortification at the news. And his fears resurfaced. Oh, no. I don't want to fear. I don't want to make others suffer. He thought frantically and quickly dove deep within himself. He knew he could not let the Masters see his fears.
"No." Qui-Gon echoed in disbelief. "But Why?" He ignored the feeling of 'I told you so' that emanated from his Padawan. He would discuss that with him later. Now he had other concerns to tend to.
"He's too old. The code forbids it." Mace stated. Qui-Gon would not accept this. He had felt the pull of the Force drawing him and guiding him to this boy and he would not give in to stubborn Masters.
"But he must be part of the Prophecy. You must see that." He argued.
"Hard to see the future is." Yoda admitted.
Qui-Gon already regretted the words he was about to speak, but he made a promise. "Then I will train him. I take Obi-Wan to be my Padawan learner." He flinched at the instant horror that flowed from Anakin and he knew they would definitely have to talk about this later.
"A Padawan you already have, Qui-Gon. Unable to take another." The green Master said.
"The code forbids it." Mace continued.
"Anakin is ready. He is headstrong and powerful, and there's little more he can learn from me." For a moment, Qui-Gon could feel the pride in his Padawan at his Master's praise, but it was quickly smothered by the preceding betrayal.
Anakin stepped forward. "I am ready to take the trials."
"Our own council will we keep on who is ready." Yoda countered.
"Now is not the time to discuss this further. We have received word prior to this meeting that Queen Amidala intends to return to Naboo. You will continue to protect her since this will bring pressure on the Trade Federation." Mace leaned back in his chair and looked at the group in front of him. He felt that the universe was on the precipice of change and these three held the key somehow.
"And could bring out the Queen's attacker." Ki-Adi-Mundi added.
"May the Force be with you." Mace concluded the meeting. The trio bowed their exit and fled the room unsatisfied.
Anakin stole one glance at Obi-Wan before resting on Qui-Gon, full of betrayal. Before Qui-Gon could say anything to his apprentice, the young man stormed off. Qui-Gon sighed and looked down at the sullen boy beside him. "I'm sorry Obi-Wan. Once this is over, we will talk with the Council again."
"It's alright, Master. I didn't really expect to be a Jedi anyway." Disappointment hung on the boy, and Qui-Gon suddenly regretted stealing him away from the generous woman that cared for him. But he trusted the Force and it had brought him to the boy. He must play some part in the prophecy.
"Come, we must get ready to leave. Even though you cannot be a Jedi, yet, does not mean you are not in my care still." He began to leave when the child's soft voice stopped him.
"I don't have much, and need no time to prepare." He admitted his poverty, but he did want one thing at the moment. A place to think. "Is there some place I can go and wait while you get ready? A place quiet so that I can think?" Qui-Gon nodded and led the boy to the lift. He guided him through the halls and brought him to a section that many Jedi found comfort in. When the door opened, Obi-Wan gasped. Qui-Gon gave a slight smile at the boy's amazement. And walked into the lavish gardens.
"This is called the Room of a Thousand Fountains. Many Jedi come here to mediate and find peace. I hope it gives you the same sense of serenity that we discover here continuously." His arm swept the panoramic landscape.
Gawking at the colourful array of foliage, Obi-Wan stepped into the beauty. "It's beyond words."
"Go where you like. And don't worry I will find you before we depart." Obi-Wan nodded and Qui-Gon took his leave. The boy wandered the vast park aimlessly at first. Soaking in the vibrant colours of flowers and plants from various worlds. Ultimately, he found himself in front of one of the smaller waterfalls in a corner. He settled himself along the bank and watched the ripples stroll across the surface. He started playing with the water's edge and noticed something under it's fractured surface. He could see a multitude of colours dancing in the water. After a closer look he realized that the colours were caused by some sort of fish. They darted to and fro, coming so close to his submerged hand that their fins tickled the rough skin.
Some time passed before he became aware of another presence watching him. When he turned to meet the visitor he was surprised to find the small green Master standing a few feet from him. He made a move intending to rise and bow before the Council member, but was waved off by the three-fingered hand. "No need. Been looking for you I have."
Even in his limited time at the Temple, Obi-Wan had become quite familiar with the being's twisted sentences. "Me, Master?"
"Yes. Wanted to talk with you." Yoda approached the embankment. "Hmmmm. Found the Aura-angels, I see."
"Is that what they are called? I have never seen anything like them before." He giggled. "I have never seen anything like this whole planet before." Conceding to the fact that his travels were not as extensive as he first believed. He turned back to watch the flickering fishes.
"Troubled, I sense you are." Obi-Wan didn't take his eyes from the water, but acknowledge silently the Master's accusation.
"I guess." Pausing before seeking out the real reason he was bothered. "More confused, really."
"In regards to?" The tiny Master asked as he settled down beside the boy.
"Master Qui-Gon mentioned a prophecy. It was the first time and I don't even know what it's about." Bewilderment lacing his statement.
"An old Jedi legend." Yoda said poking at the water with his gimmer stick. Sensing the boy's distress at further confusion he elaborated, "One will come bringing balance to the Force, the legend says. That is what Qui-Gon speaks of."
The small boy absorbed his words and thought for some minutes before responding to such a claim. "I don't see how I would fit into all that."
"Not always can one see their thread in the tapestry until the time is right." Obi-Wan glanced at the tiny troll. He just couldn't comprehend why the Master had come here. If the little Councilor felt that there was something to Master Qui-Gon's claim, then why had he been rejected for training?
Obi-Wan's glance of vexation turned incredulous, "Can one being really have that much effect on the Universe?" It seemed so impossible to the youth.
"Some believe it so." Something in his voice made Obi-Wan question the Master's beliefs.
"Do you?" The small being sat for a while not speaking.
Obi-Wan was just about to give up when he noticed a small movement. The Jedi reached into a pocket and brought something out. The tiny fist held it firm and Obi-Wan could not tell what it was at first. Bringing the object in front of Obi-Wan, the Jedi opened his palm. It in rested a miniature coin. On the side facing up, was an intricate design of a ribbon knotting in on itself. You could see the care taken in the detail of the tiny coin. "Know what this is, do you?"
"It looks like a currency chip of some kind." Yoda motioned for the boy to take the coin. Obi-Wan picked it up and held it, turning it over to examine it.
"Yes, from an ancient culture. Believed that it could decide their future they did. When presented with a choice flip the coin they would and accept its decision. One side in favor, one against." Explained the Master.
"Some still do," Obi-Wan mused. He had come across a number of characters who would place their fate on a coin toss. "It's quite beautiful." He tried to hand back the metallic chip, but the Master ignored him.
"Like it do you? Hmmm. Describe it to me." Yoda instructed.
Obi-Wan re-examined the coin. The knot on the one side and on the other was an image of an animal. He did not recognize the beast. And what a beast it was, he thought. The furred creature did not seem noble or majestic to him and hoped that this was not the most prestigious animal from their culture. He spoke plainly, "On one side is a knotted ribbon and the other an animal. But shouldn't you already know that?"
"Yes, each a unique design. Both different from the other, yet they are still two sides of the same coin." The small Master rose with the help of his walking stick and began to turn away.
"Master," the boy's call paused the Councilor's retreat. "Your coin."
"A gift." And he continued to withdraw.
Realization dawned on the boy and he called out again. "Master," he said, "You didn't answer my question." With that Yoda smiled.
The kindly gesture was an odd occurrence for the green Jedi, had Obi-Wan known, but it was not unwelcome. "So sure are you?" Obi-Wan watched the small form disappear behind some ferns. He turned back toward the Aura- angels to reflect on his conversation.
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As mentioned before, this was just a hint. The conversation between Yoda and Obi was not supposed to take place until the sequel, but due to popular demand I put it in here. I'm all caught up now, so let the waiting begin. I have nothing else written but will hopefully have another chapter after the holiday weekend.
Any way, don't forget to review. I really appreciate everyone's comments. : D
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Returning from the disastrous session of the Senate, the Queen found little solace. Inwardly, she admonished her own actions. In her haste to get the invasion resolved, she had followed the Senator's advice and called for a Vote of No Confidence. After she had spoken the words aloud, she felt she had done a great injustice to the Galactic Senate and was happy to be out of the immense chamber. She changed into her Padmé persona and found the little observatory she had visited earlier. She sat in silence for some time trying to determine her course of action. Drifting in her thoughts, she stumbled upon a fresh memory. One birthed in the very room she occupied. Only at the time, there was another with her.
~~~~~~~~
"My home has been invaded and I fear that my coming here was a waste of time and lives." She stared blankly out at the rush hour traffic. He followed hr gaze and joined her in the vacant reverie.
"I have heard of wars, but have never seen one. I hear they are horrible. Is it because of other people on your planet?" Letting his mind wander with his thoughts he simply spoke them aloud.
"No, my people are not at war. But we have been invaded by a droid army of the Trade Federation." Lost in her memories of the ordeal.
"It must have been very hard on you. Droids are unfeeling, mostly. They have no mercy. And they are programmed to fight fiercely. It's hard to fend off such cold methodical machines when you care about the person at your side." Obi-Wan was staring out into the sky, two speeding transports almost collided in their haste, and the drivers were now yelling at each other. Padmé glanced down at her companion. She found it amazing that one so young could be so perceptive. She turned back to their interest.
"It was hard. And I'm sure even the Gungans would feel the same." She remarked. Obi-Wan nodded even though he had no idea who or what Gungans were. But he felt that she understood his meaning.
~~~~~~~~~~~
Padmé felt the plan forming for her. She didn't know exactly how it would all fall into place, but she trusted her instincts. Darting from the room she returned to her chambers. Promptly, she contacted Senator Palpatine, Captain Panaka and the Jedi Temple, in turn to advise them of her impending departure. The young Queen could no longer stand the thought of her people dying whilst she remained in comfort across the galaxy. Her ship would be prepped quickly, under the stern captain's leadership and for the first time was thankful for his dutiful command.
*****
Qui-Gon and Anakin entered the foyer of the High Council, and found Obi-Wan waiting for them. Obi-Wan approached the Knight with downcast eyes. Before Qui-Gon could ask why he was forlorn, the boy spoke, "I'm sorry if I failed you, Master Qui-Gon, sir. I would have liked to have been a Knight like you."
"Nonsense, Obi-Wan. You have not failed me. And you will be a Jedi, I promise you." He placed his hand on the boy's shoulder and gave a compassionate squeeze.
The council aide came up, "They are waiting, sirs." And guided them to the doors.
They entered as a group and glanced over the stoic faces that greeted them. Qui-Gon and Anakin bowed in respect. Obi-Wan caught their movements out of the corner of his eyes and immediately mimicked them. They waited until they were spoken to. Some minutes passed before Yoda finally announce, "Strong in the Force the boy is."
Qui-Gon tried to suppress his delight in the small Masters declaration. "So he is to be trained then?" He expected to hear the affirmative and found himself utterly disappointed.
"No." The dark master said. Obi-Wan tried not to reflect his own mortification at the news. And his fears resurfaced. Oh, no. I don't want to fear. I don't want to make others suffer. He thought frantically and quickly dove deep within himself. He knew he could not let the Masters see his fears.
"No." Qui-Gon echoed in disbelief. "But Why?" He ignored the feeling of 'I told you so' that emanated from his Padawan. He would discuss that with him later. Now he had other concerns to tend to.
"He's too old. The code forbids it." Mace stated. Qui-Gon would not accept this. He had felt the pull of the Force drawing him and guiding him to this boy and he would not give in to stubborn Masters.
"But he must be part of the Prophecy. You must see that." He argued.
"Hard to see the future is." Yoda admitted.
Qui-Gon already regretted the words he was about to speak, but he made a promise. "Then I will train him. I take Obi-Wan to be my Padawan learner." He flinched at the instant horror that flowed from Anakin and he knew they would definitely have to talk about this later.
"A Padawan you already have, Qui-Gon. Unable to take another." The green Master said.
"The code forbids it." Mace continued.
"Anakin is ready. He is headstrong and powerful, and there's little more he can learn from me." For a moment, Qui-Gon could feel the pride in his Padawan at his Master's praise, but it was quickly smothered by the preceding betrayal.
Anakin stepped forward. "I am ready to take the trials."
"Our own council will we keep on who is ready." Yoda countered.
"Now is not the time to discuss this further. We have received word prior to this meeting that Queen Amidala intends to return to Naboo. You will continue to protect her since this will bring pressure on the Trade Federation." Mace leaned back in his chair and looked at the group in front of him. He felt that the universe was on the precipice of change and these three held the key somehow.
"And could bring out the Queen's attacker." Ki-Adi-Mundi added.
"May the Force be with you." Mace concluded the meeting. The trio bowed their exit and fled the room unsatisfied.
Anakin stole one glance at Obi-Wan before resting on Qui-Gon, full of betrayal. Before Qui-Gon could say anything to his apprentice, the young man stormed off. Qui-Gon sighed and looked down at the sullen boy beside him. "I'm sorry Obi-Wan. Once this is over, we will talk with the Council again."
"It's alright, Master. I didn't really expect to be a Jedi anyway." Disappointment hung on the boy, and Qui-Gon suddenly regretted stealing him away from the generous woman that cared for him. But he trusted the Force and it had brought him to the boy. He must play some part in the prophecy.
"Come, we must get ready to leave. Even though you cannot be a Jedi, yet, does not mean you are not in my care still." He began to leave when the child's soft voice stopped him.
"I don't have much, and need no time to prepare." He admitted his poverty, but he did want one thing at the moment. A place to think. "Is there some place I can go and wait while you get ready? A place quiet so that I can think?" Qui-Gon nodded and led the boy to the lift. He guided him through the halls and brought him to a section that many Jedi found comfort in. When the door opened, Obi-Wan gasped. Qui-Gon gave a slight smile at the boy's amazement. And walked into the lavish gardens.
"This is called the Room of a Thousand Fountains. Many Jedi come here to mediate and find peace. I hope it gives you the same sense of serenity that we discover here continuously." His arm swept the panoramic landscape.
Gawking at the colourful array of foliage, Obi-Wan stepped into the beauty. "It's beyond words."
"Go where you like. And don't worry I will find you before we depart." Obi-Wan nodded and Qui-Gon took his leave. The boy wandered the vast park aimlessly at first. Soaking in the vibrant colours of flowers and plants from various worlds. Ultimately, he found himself in front of one of the smaller waterfalls in a corner. He settled himself along the bank and watched the ripples stroll across the surface. He started playing with the water's edge and noticed something under it's fractured surface. He could see a multitude of colours dancing in the water. After a closer look he realized that the colours were caused by some sort of fish. They darted to and fro, coming so close to his submerged hand that their fins tickled the rough skin.
Some time passed before he became aware of another presence watching him. When he turned to meet the visitor he was surprised to find the small green Master standing a few feet from him. He made a move intending to rise and bow before the Council member, but was waved off by the three-fingered hand. "No need. Been looking for you I have."
Even in his limited time at the Temple, Obi-Wan had become quite familiar with the being's twisted sentences. "Me, Master?"
"Yes. Wanted to talk with you." Yoda approached the embankment. "Hmmmm. Found the Aura-angels, I see."
"Is that what they are called? I have never seen anything like them before." He giggled. "I have never seen anything like this whole planet before." Conceding to the fact that his travels were not as extensive as he first believed. He turned back to watch the flickering fishes.
"Troubled, I sense you are." Obi-Wan didn't take his eyes from the water, but acknowledge silently the Master's accusation.
"I guess." Pausing before seeking out the real reason he was bothered. "More confused, really."
"In regards to?" The tiny Master asked as he settled down beside the boy.
"Master Qui-Gon mentioned a prophecy. It was the first time and I don't even know what it's about." Bewilderment lacing his statement.
"An old Jedi legend." Yoda said poking at the water with his gimmer stick. Sensing the boy's distress at further confusion he elaborated, "One will come bringing balance to the Force, the legend says. That is what Qui-Gon speaks of."
The small boy absorbed his words and thought for some minutes before responding to such a claim. "I don't see how I would fit into all that."
"Not always can one see their thread in the tapestry until the time is right." Obi-Wan glanced at the tiny troll. He just couldn't comprehend why the Master had come here. If the little Councilor felt that there was something to Master Qui-Gon's claim, then why had he been rejected for training?
Obi-Wan's glance of vexation turned incredulous, "Can one being really have that much effect on the Universe?" It seemed so impossible to the youth.
"Some believe it so." Something in his voice made Obi-Wan question the Master's beliefs.
"Do you?" The small being sat for a while not speaking.
Obi-Wan was just about to give up when he noticed a small movement. The Jedi reached into a pocket and brought something out. The tiny fist held it firm and Obi-Wan could not tell what it was at first. Bringing the object in front of Obi-Wan, the Jedi opened his palm. It in rested a miniature coin. On the side facing up, was an intricate design of a ribbon knotting in on itself. You could see the care taken in the detail of the tiny coin. "Know what this is, do you?"
"It looks like a currency chip of some kind." Yoda motioned for the boy to take the coin. Obi-Wan picked it up and held it, turning it over to examine it.
"Yes, from an ancient culture. Believed that it could decide their future they did. When presented with a choice flip the coin they would and accept its decision. One side in favor, one against." Explained the Master.
"Some still do," Obi-Wan mused. He had come across a number of characters who would place their fate on a coin toss. "It's quite beautiful." He tried to hand back the metallic chip, but the Master ignored him.
"Like it do you? Hmmm. Describe it to me." Yoda instructed.
Obi-Wan re-examined the coin. The knot on the one side and on the other was an image of an animal. He did not recognize the beast. And what a beast it was, he thought. The furred creature did not seem noble or majestic to him and hoped that this was not the most prestigious animal from their culture. He spoke plainly, "On one side is a knotted ribbon and the other an animal. But shouldn't you already know that?"
"Yes, each a unique design. Both different from the other, yet they are still two sides of the same coin." The small Master rose with the help of his walking stick and began to turn away.
"Master," the boy's call paused the Councilor's retreat. "Your coin."
"A gift." And he continued to withdraw.
Realization dawned on the boy and he called out again. "Master," he said, "You didn't answer my question." With that Yoda smiled.
The kindly gesture was an odd occurrence for the green Jedi, had Obi-Wan known, but it was not unwelcome. "So sure are you?" Obi-Wan watched the small form disappear behind some ferns. He turned back toward the Aura- angels to reflect on his conversation.
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As mentioned before, this was just a hint. The conversation between Yoda and Obi was not supposed to take place until the sequel, but due to popular demand I put it in here. I'm all caught up now, so let the waiting begin. I have nothing else written but will hopefully have another chapter after the holiday weekend.
Any way, don't forget to review. I really appreciate everyone's comments. : D