The week was gotten through without any great blow-ups. Obi-Wan managed to stay out of his room when Da'Neel was home through the day, only going there for sleep. His days were filled with classes. When Master Jinn was home with his padawan, Obi-Wan stayed clear of the common room. He would disappear to the dining area and feign a study marathon.
Qui-Gon noticed Obi-Wan made every attempt to keep his distance from he and Da'Neel. He welcomed no arguing between the two and as far as his relationship with Obi-Wan was concerned, he could forego it until he had become more accustomed to his new padawan.
It was refreshing to have an apprentice to take to the training salles once again. Qui-Gon had all but forgotten how it felt. Not because it had been so long without an apprentice just with all he things he had dealt with and the horrific death of Owen, being normal felt good again. Too good, because he stalled out in his attempt to have an kind of relationship with his ward..
//It can wait until I am more established with Tia. After all he has a home and I have not done anything to him. I have left him alone. As long as he follows my rules, Obi-Wan has nothing to worry about.//
The problems with Jinn's mental reasoning was that he had done absolutely nothing for the child. No communication passed between them. No "how are doing" or "how was class?" Obi-Wan bitterly thought himself lucky if Master Jinn took the time to call him to the table for his meals.
Qui-Gon was seriously wrapped with the new padawan and after he thought was the stealing episode, he seemed unwilling to breach the barrier that episode had built between each other; contented to go on with the existence of not even acknowledging each other.
Qui-Gon liked having something again in common with the other masters who would sit in the commissary and compare their apprentices' abilities and talents Even if his apprentice was only there fo awhile, Jinn was beginning to come out of his depression and realize he was meant to be a master with an apprentice. He thrived better with one than without.
Even Master Yoda and Mace noticed his abrupt change for the good in his moods and mannerisms. Jinn was less lethargic. He seemed more upbeat and that encouraged both Mace and Yoda.
########Two weeks after the confrontation with Obi#########
Master Jinn stood on the edge of the training floor and watched his new apprentice mop the floor up with his opponent ; another senior padawan who asked to spar with Tia for added dimension in his training.
It always helped with the padawans to occasionally engage in a mock battle with an opponent different from their masters. It gave them an added dimension in their fighting techniques to duel with another; with moves different from themselves and their masters. Mace stood with him in some idle conversation and watched the two apprentices.
"Well Qui, I have to give credit where credit is due. You have taken a senior padawan with mediocre abilities with the saber and have turned him in a real fighting machine in only two weeks. Maybe your job should be just to take each of the masters' senior padawans for two weeks and improve their abilities with a saber."
"Such flattery Mace! Don't worry it is my turn to buy last-meal the next time we go out anyway."
Mace put on a mock face of disappointment before he continued.
"I'm serious."
"Well don't let the other masters here that. I have no plans to train anyone else's apprentice. Besides Master Dalia is an excellent master with negotiating a treaty but the saber was never one of her strong points. She doesn't even like to carry one if I remember correctly. How is she doing anyway?"
"Yoda heard from her. She commed him from her home world. Big strides in her health have been made at home. I guess it has done wonders for her. You know she lives in the country, fresh air and all that. Yoda insisted she not put a time frame on getting well. She first told him she thought she could be back in six months."
Jinn seemed disappointed at the news, however he did want the other master to have a speedy recovery. He just wasn't sure he wanted to lose his new padawan so quickly.
Tia Da'Neel had become enjoyable to be around and an honor to train. The night he threw such angry words to Ob-Wan was attributed to what he said about being tired. Jinn hid back in his subconscious, a feeling he had of untrustworthiness and deceit when it came to the older boy. He wouldn't allow those thoughts to resurface especially after things had gone so well for them lately.
"I see that look. You are enjoying having a padawan again my old friend. When Tia Da'Neel's time is up we will have to find you a young one."
I don't know Mace. I have to deal with Obi-Wan and in that department I have done as poorly as what I have good with training Da'Neel. I am not sure I am up to training another apprentice straight out of initiate classes here. Too young for me I think now!!"
" I don' think it is all that healthy to sit around waiting on a master to get seriously ill or injured so you can take his older padawan. No, it would be no good at all."
" *SITH*, Mace I know that !!! I think I will just wait and see what happens."
"How is Obi-Wan, by the way?"
"Since that little episode with Owen's lucky rock, I don't think we have really spoken that much"
"You don't think? Don't you know?"
"We both just politely stay clear of each other and that is about it. We have not created a base line that would allow any kind of communication and I don't think either one of us is all that disappointed that we haven't."
Mace surveyed his friend for a few moments making Qui-Gon feel increasingly uncomfortable.
"What Mace, I know those wheels in your head attached to your brain is churning up something, so say it."
"I would be the last person to criticize you on how to care for a young one, but don't you think it is not real conducive to try to raise a child Obi's age without any personal interaction. I mean he needs someone to talk too, to help him with his homework. Children need nurturing you know. We give love and our time to our apprentices blessed with the force and their lives have more directive than most children. Obi's been in three homes in twelve years. You don't even bother to take the time to find out how his work in class is going. His future is so much less clear than say, your padawan. He needs pointed in the right direction to adulthood not have his future thwarted because no one took the time to care if he even had one."
Jinn pretended to take in the mock battle with his apprentice and the other, but his thoughts lay with what Mace said.
"I suppose you are right. No, I know you are right. After that run-in I had with him, I never attempted to create any kind of connection with Obi-Wan. I got wrapped up with my new apprentice and hear I am. Maybe I will attempt to make an effort to reestablish some kind of communications with him."
"I hope so. I can't imagine how miserable he feels."
"Speaking of misery do you know I sometimes think his thoughts of misery and sadness bleed across my mind from his. I thought maybe from his connection with Owen. What do you think?"
Qui-Gon was glad he had just blurted his concern out. He had wanted to discuss it with someone but never had the courage. He waited and watched for Mace's reaction. A sudden intact of air and Mace could only stare bewilderedly at his friend.
"Did you mention this to Yoda?"
"No, should I have?" The boy has no force abilities so he can't be forming a bond with me."
Mace released the breath he had been holding. That had been his first thought, a *bond*, but Jinn quickly squashed that idea when he reminded the bald master that Obi was not force sensitive.
"You are right. I forgot for a moment that he possessed no force abilities. Then maybe it is your quilt over being so hard and uncaring for him. You just *think* you can feel his misery because you are the reason for it."
It sounded more accusatory than Mace meant it too, but he did think Qui-Gon had made the child's life more miserable by ignoring him.
"I am not adding to his *misery*. He has food to eat and a roof over his head. He is getting a good education what more could he want?"
"Maybe someone to care about him, not what he eats or what kind of education he gets, but to care about him as a person. It is called *compassion* my friend. LOOK. IT. UP. Now I must leave you. A meeting been called by the council. Something to do with transporting the antibiotic, tricin to the Outer Rim . There is a raging bacterial infection affecting the planets out there, especially the children and there is a critical need for the medicine. . The problem will come when the transport ship lands and the medication has to be protected from rogue thieves along the travel on land. Such a mess over there. There are some willing to sacrifice many for their treachery to overthrow the government. If they get their hands on the only thing that might keep the occupants of the planet from being killed off that would be a crucial bargaining chip to gain control of almost everything there."
"See you later then and good luck with your meeting. Does sound like something the Jedi could be helpful with. and I will think about what you said. I mean…you know… about the boy…about Obi-Wan."
"Do that Qui-Gon. I have always known you to be a fair and just man. Why one little boy has managed to change that I will never know. But I don't think are being anywhere near fair or just when you deal with Obi-Wan Kenobi."
In another part of the temple Obi-Wan has been released from English class, a rough English class.
#################
//That does it. My instructor clearly insinuated I would not be able to keep up with the class just because I am not force sensitive. What did he say, something about their ability to learn so much faster. I'll show everyone. I am just going to go find a transport ship and hide on it today. Yes it will be today and then I don't have to worry about any old force power anyone has.//
########Three hours later in temple chambers#######
Qui-Gon and his apprentice, Tia Da'Neel stood before the council.
"I am not sure why it has to be Tia and I that oversee the delivering of the medicine to the outer rim of the galaxy to. Alpha Teron. I do have a ward that I was told I could have time to establish a relationship with before we were called on a mission."
"Urgent this is Qui-Gon. No other master has had this illness but you. Immune to it you are now. Padawan can not get it because of his race. Must have humanoid factors in body to get the illness .Now go you should."
"What about Obi-Wan."
"About what? Try to establish a working relationship you have not seen fit to do yet .Why now? Another couple of weeks will not harm a thing. Maybe give you time to think how to deal with one little boy it will. No, ship ready it is. Care for Obi-Wan I will get him this evening and take him my place , Comfortable he will be . Explain it to him I will Time you do not have. May the force be with you my padawan."
With Master Yoda's last words, Jinn knew the decision would not be changed no matter how long he would argue his case. He bowed and returned the salutations.
It was settled. Tia was ecstatic to get away from the temple and Obi-Wan. He had not been on a mission since his master had fallen ill. Now het hought he could prove himself to Master Jinn and only strengthened his place beside the master's side. The little snot of a brat, Kenobi tried to sabotage his place as an apprentice. That is how Tia thought of Obi-Wan, even though the argument that broke out between them was mostly his fault.
###############On the transport ship##############
"I wish they could have allocated us a little newer ship. One that didn't make so many creaking noise everything you increase its warp speed."
Jinn smiled at his apprentice. He sensed a little fear in Tia of the ship not making their destiny.
"It will be fine. I have been piloting this ship since I was a young Knight. I know it well".
"That's what I am afraid of Master. You have just collaborated my suspicions that this is an ancient antique relic of a ship."
Jinn's brow wrinkled from a deep frown with that remark. His apprentice just alluded to the fact, he thought his new master as old, maybe even relic-like.
################
Under the small cot of the ship in the small room used for sleeping, Obi-Wan lay flat on his belly and tried not to sneeze.
//Someone forgot to clean under the beds. There is enough dust under here to choke me to death.//
Obi-Wan quit worrying about the dust when he heard the engines being engaged and powered up for the ship's departure.
He knew it would go somewhere because when he entered the temple hangar where their ships were housed, he overheard one of the mechanics said he had to check it over because it was going out today.
He was right. Obi-Wan felt the jolt as they took off. He felt the increased pressure as it forced him against the floor until they got into outer space. His ears had popped with the increased pressure from entering outer space. Now he thought he was hearing things.
//That sounded just like Mr. Qui-Gon talking up front. Nay….. it couldn't be, could it????//
Obi-Wan tried to thwart a dreaded sneeze attack as he focused on the two up front deep in a conversation. The first voice he herd certainly sounded like Mr. Qui-Gon but when Obi-Wan heard the second more distinct voice that rang through the entire ship with a whining sound that matched the rickety ship's engine, he was positive of the identities of the two piloting the ship. He slapped his forehead in disgust with himself when he clearly recognized the voice of Tia Da'Neel. .
//I can't believe I have gotten on a ship with Mr. Qui-Gon and that ass of an apprentice Da'Neel. But where are they going? We left Coruscant but to where and why. He didn't even tell me he was going. I suppose it wasn't important to let his ward know that his guardian would be away on a trip or mission or whatever. //
Obi-Wan let his hurt at being forgotten overtake him for only a second. He quickly brought his thoughts back to the present. He was certainly in a bad predicament. For whatever reason, Qui-Gon left the temple and Obi-Wan made the stupid mistake of getting on the one ship he never wanted to be on, with his guardian.
//If I can keep hidden and make my escape after they have gotten off the ship, everything will work out.//
Had he been able too, he would released the moan that swelled in his throat. He no sooner said to himself he could stay under the cot hidden until the two up front got off the ship, when the urge to *GO* hit him with such intensity he thought there might be an accident.
//Must be my imagination. Why when I think I can't move out from under here do I decide I need to use the fresher? I can hold it, I have no other choice.//
His urge was immediately quelled for a moment when he heard Da'Neel's voice. It wasn't just his voice that drew his attention. The apprentice spoke his name. Obi strained harder to hear what he had to say about him. Even more interesting, Obi-Wan thought, would be Jinn's response to what Da' Neel said. Obi was really curious about what the man thought of him. Although he felt he had a real good idea, he wanted to hear it from Jinn himself.
"May I ask you a question about Obi-Wan, Master?"
"I can't promise you I can answer it but I will if I think I can."
"How did you get stuck with the little brat?. He did prove himself to be a little thief."
Jinn frowned at his padawan. He hoped that Da'Neel had kept that part about Obi to himself and hadn't carried the news all over the temple. He didn't want to be reminded of it. It helped him deal with Obi-Wan better. To his astonishment and a touch of guilt, he realized he really hadn't done anything to help or hinder the relationship with Obi-Wan.
//I must have held his thievery against him more than I thought.//
"While I can't say why Obi-Wan did what he did. I have to believe it had something to do with his cousin, Owen; maybe another memento of him or something. I don't however, think he went about it the right way To steal is to steal no matter what the reasons. As far as getting stuck with him. I suppose you can call it that. He would have been put in an orphanage. I did not do it for him, I did it for his mother and for my former apprentice that is all. I had hoped to be fair with him but as time passes I am not sure I can do that. Maybe when I return I can try again."
" Why exert the effort only to find your time wasted on him. There are several more than decent orphanages he could go too, or a foster home that needs someone to help with the chores. Couldn't he be put there?"
As bad as he had gotten along with Obi-Wan, Jinn cringed at the very thought of him being in an orphanage or even being away from him. He was a little surprised he did not feel the emptiness of being separated from Obi-Wan. He knew from growing experience that he was in touch with the boy mentally more than he should be and could not reason why.
It scared him to think about it so he didn't. Just that simple. Nevertheless, Da'Neel saw fit to bring him up and now his thoughts stayed on the little boy. Still he did not feel any remorse about leaving him. There was a familiar calmness and comfortable feeling that wrapped its self around Master Jinn.
//It almost feels like he is close by. Its that feeling I get when he comes home from class and is in the dining room or hiding in the bedroom. He just *FEELS* so very near.//
Jinn hated to admit it, but when Obi-Wan came home for the evening he did experience a certain comfortable relaxed feeling about him being home even though he didn't want to be conducting a conversation with him.
"Master were did you go? I don't think you were aware of anything I said lastly."
"I am sorry Padawan. What did you say? I was in deep thought."
Qui-Gon did not offer to tell Da' Neel what he thoughts were.
"I said, don't you think it would be better to send him away? You and he clearly don't get along and I doubt you will be able to trust him again."
The words about Obi hurt the master. As bad as he thought he wanted away from Obi-Wan the feeling was worse when he thought of actually losing him forever. It was beginning to get more difficult to decipher his true feelings for the boy.
Jinn was yet again interrupted from his thoughts but not by Da' Neel. A quick sputter of the main engine and then a jolting thrust forward and the engine at least one of them went dead in the middle of outer space.
Obi-Wan had been listening to all that was going on . The words cut like a knife into the little one but he vowed not to cry. He also was starting to feel ill. Today should have been the day for his hydro spray shot and Jinn had not given it to him yet.
Obi just assumed he had forgotten although Jinn had left instruction for Yoda, but Yoda would find out later his instructions would go ignored when they found out Obi was gone.
Obi-Wan felt the sudden jerk of the ship as the first engine cut out and tried to restart but his because his infrequent trips on a space craft, had no way of knowing what the jerking was. He certainly didn't suspect engine failure. He thought it might just be part of flying the old bucket of a ship as he saw it.
Another stop and start stutter of the other failing engine. It cut out only to restart again.
Da' Neel eyes grew large with fear. He knew he didn't like the old ship from the beginning and now he liked it even less. It was horrifically evident that they would crash and crash soon. The Padawan's stomach flipped over as he battled the bile that threatened to come up, its vile taste flooded his mouth before he got control of his nausea.
Qui-Gon with his quick thinking, headed for the nearest planet. Not much of one, a jungle filled swamp land that few dared to inhabit. To be honest with himself he did not exactly know who inhabited the almost deserted wasteland of a planet. It didn't matter though. They could not pick and choose where they wanted to land. The closest planet and that was it, if they were to survive this at all. They choice made for them by the failing of both engines prompted the master to turn his attention to trying to maneuver the safest *landing* possible..
The ship's last engine made another stutter stop and then completely cut out.
They had reached the atmosphere of that particular planet and that is where they would have to land. *Land* was a kind word for what was about to happen. They would crash. Jinn did manage some control and with the hydraulic systems acting as a partial breaking mechanism for the ship he slowed it down. It still would be a crash landing but hopefully they would survive.
"Buckle up this will be rough ride Padawan."
Unbeknownst to Jinn this crash had the potential to be much more catastrophic than he could imagine. Obi-Wan Kenobi lay under the cot, unprotected from the crash landing which soon would occur.
Obi-Wan would not have the benefit of the added protection of a crash helmet or the security of being buckled tightly in a seat with a safety belt as the two up front had. His body would suffer the full impact of the crash landing unprotected and definitely not tethered to one spot. He would be free to be thrown about the ship with every rough jolt sustained.
The young one felt the transport twist and turn before it made its final descent to the planet below. Its speed was too fast and in turn caused a sudden lack of oxygen to the occupants' bodies. Obi-Wan tried to shake the effects of the too-rapid gravitational pull that restricted his blood flow to the brain. The three aboard would never know how hard the impact of their landing was. Obi fell into unconsciousness as quickly as his two companions in the cock-pit did……….…………
PEACE ewen
Qui-Gon noticed Obi-Wan made every attempt to keep his distance from he and Da'Neel. He welcomed no arguing between the two and as far as his relationship with Obi-Wan was concerned, he could forego it until he had become more accustomed to his new padawan.
It was refreshing to have an apprentice to take to the training salles once again. Qui-Gon had all but forgotten how it felt. Not because it had been so long without an apprentice just with all he things he had dealt with and the horrific death of Owen, being normal felt good again. Too good, because he stalled out in his attempt to have an kind of relationship with his ward..
//It can wait until I am more established with Tia. After all he has a home and I have not done anything to him. I have left him alone. As long as he follows my rules, Obi-Wan has nothing to worry about.//
The problems with Jinn's mental reasoning was that he had done absolutely nothing for the child. No communication passed between them. No "how are doing" or "how was class?" Obi-Wan bitterly thought himself lucky if Master Jinn took the time to call him to the table for his meals.
Qui-Gon was seriously wrapped with the new padawan and after he thought was the stealing episode, he seemed unwilling to breach the barrier that episode had built between each other; contented to go on with the existence of not even acknowledging each other.
Qui-Gon liked having something again in common with the other masters who would sit in the commissary and compare their apprentices' abilities and talents Even if his apprentice was only there fo awhile, Jinn was beginning to come out of his depression and realize he was meant to be a master with an apprentice. He thrived better with one than without.
Even Master Yoda and Mace noticed his abrupt change for the good in his moods and mannerisms. Jinn was less lethargic. He seemed more upbeat and that encouraged both Mace and Yoda.
########Two weeks after the confrontation with Obi#########
Master Jinn stood on the edge of the training floor and watched his new apprentice mop the floor up with his opponent ; another senior padawan who asked to spar with Tia for added dimension in his training.
It always helped with the padawans to occasionally engage in a mock battle with an opponent different from their masters. It gave them an added dimension in their fighting techniques to duel with another; with moves different from themselves and their masters. Mace stood with him in some idle conversation and watched the two apprentices.
"Well Qui, I have to give credit where credit is due. You have taken a senior padawan with mediocre abilities with the saber and have turned him in a real fighting machine in only two weeks. Maybe your job should be just to take each of the masters' senior padawans for two weeks and improve their abilities with a saber."
"Such flattery Mace! Don't worry it is my turn to buy last-meal the next time we go out anyway."
Mace put on a mock face of disappointment before he continued.
"I'm serious."
"Well don't let the other masters here that. I have no plans to train anyone else's apprentice. Besides Master Dalia is an excellent master with negotiating a treaty but the saber was never one of her strong points. She doesn't even like to carry one if I remember correctly. How is she doing anyway?"
"Yoda heard from her. She commed him from her home world. Big strides in her health have been made at home. I guess it has done wonders for her. You know she lives in the country, fresh air and all that. Yoda insisted she not put a time frame on getting well. She first told him she thought she could be back in six months."
Jinn seemed disappointed at the news, however he did want the other master to have a speedy recovery. He just wasn't sure he wanted to lose his new padawan so quickly.
Tia Da'Neel had become enjoyable to be around and an honor to train. The night he threw such angry words to Ob-Wan was attributed to what he said about being tired. Jinn hid back in his subconscious, a feeling he had of untrustworthiness and deceit when it came to the older boy. He wouldn't allow those thoughts to resurface especially after things had gone so well for them lately.
"I see that look. You are enjoying having a padawan again my old friend. When Tia Da'Neel's time is up we will have to find you a young one."
I don't know Mace. I have to deal with Obi-Wan and in that department I have done as poorly as what I have good with training Da'Neel. I am not sure I am up to training another apprentice straight out of initiate classes here. Too young for me I think now!!"
" I don' think it is all that healthy to sit around waiting on a master to get seriously ill or injured so you can take his older padawan. No, it would be no good at all."
" *SITH*, Mace I know that !!! I think I will just wait and see what happens."
"How is Obi-Wan, by the way?"
"Since that little episode with Owen's lucky rock, I don't think we have really spoken that much"
"You don't think? Don't you know?"
"We both just politely stay clear of each other and that is about it. We have not created a base line that would allow any kind of communication and I don't think either one of us is all that disappointed that we haven't."
Mace surveyed his friend for a few moments making Qui-Gon feel increasingly uncomfortable.
"What Mace, I know those wheels in your head attached to your brain is churning up something, so say it."
"I would be the last person to criticize you on how to care for a young one, but don't you think it is not real conducive to try to raise a child Obi's age without any personal interaction. I mean he needs someone to talk too, to help him with his homework. Children need nurturing you know. We give love and our time to our apprentices blessed with the force and their lives have more directive than most children. Obi's been in three homes in twelve years. You don't even bother to take the time to find out how his work in class is going. His future is so much less clear than say, your padawan. He needs pointed in the right direction to adulthood not have his future thwarted because no one took the time to care if he even had one."
Jinn pretended to take in the mock battle with his apprentice and the other, but his thoughts lay with what Mace said.
"I suppose you are right. No, I know you are right. After that run-in I had with him, I never attempted to create any kind of connection with Obi-Wan. I got wrapped up with my new apprentice and hear I am. Maybe I will attempt to make an effort to reestablish some kind of communications with him."
"I hope so. I can't imagine how miserable he feels."
"Speaking of misery do you know I sometimes think his thoughts of misery and sadness bleed across my mind from his. I thought maybe from his connection with Owen. What do you think?"
Qui-Gon was glad he had just blurted his concern out. He had wanted to discuss it with someone but never had the courage. He waited and watched for Mace's reaction. A sudden intact of air and Mace could only stare bewilderedly at his friend.
"Did you mention this to Yoda?"
"No, should I have?" The boy has no force abilities so he can't be forming a bond with me."
Mace released the breath he had been holding. That had been his first thought, a *bond*, but Jinn quickly squashed that idea when he reminded the bald master that Obi was not force sensitive.
"You are right. I forgot for a moment that he possessed no force abilities. Then maybe it is your quilt over being so hard and uncaring for him. You just *think* you can feel his misery because you are the reason for it."
It sounded more accusatory than Mace meant it too, but he did think Qui-Gon had made the child's life more miserable by ignoring him.
"I am not adding to his *misery*. He has food to eat and a roof over his head. He is getting a good education what more could he want?"
"Maybe someone to care about him, not what he eats or what kind of education he gets, but to care about him as a person. It is called *compassion* my friend. LOOK. IT. UP. Now I must leave you. A meeting been called by the council. Something to do with transporting the antibiotic, tricin to the Outer Rim . There is a raging bacterial infection affecting the planets out there, especially the children and there is a critical need for the medicine. . The problem will come when the transport ship lands and the medication has to be protected from rogue thieves along the travel on land. Such a mess over there. There are some willing to sacrifice many for their treachery to overthrow the government. If they get their hands on the only thing that might keep the occupants of the planet from being killed off that would be a crucial bargaining chip to gain control of almost everything there."
"See you later then and good luck with your meeting. Does sound like something the Jedi could be helpful with. and I will think about what you said. I mean…you know… about the boy…about Obi-Wan."
"Do that Qui-Gon. I have always known you to be a fair and just man. Why one little boy has managed to change that I will never know. But I don't think are being anywhere near fair or just when you deal with Obi-Wan Kenobi."
In another part of the temple Obi-Wan has been released from English class, a rough English class.
#################
//That does it. My instructor clearly insinuated I would not be able to keep up with the class just because I am not force sensitive. What did he say, something about their ability to learn so much faster. I'll show everyone. I am just going to go find a transport ship and hide on it today. Yes it will be today and then I don't have to worry about any old force power anyone has.//
########Three hours later in temple chambers#######
Qui-Gon and his apprentice, Tia Da'Neel stood before the council.
"I am not sure why it has to be Tia and I that oversee the delivering of the medicine to the outer rim of the galaxy to. Alpha Teron. I do have a ward that I was told I could have time to establish a relationship with before we were called on a mission."
"Urgent this is Qui-Gon. No other master has had this illness but you. Immune to it you are now. Padawan can not get it because of his race. Must have humanoid factors in body to get the illness .Now go you should."
"What about Obi-Wan."
"About what? Try to establish a working relationship you have not seen fit to do yet .Why now? Another couple of weeks will not harm a thing. Maybe give you time to think how to deal with one little boy it will. No, ship ready it is. Care for Obi-Wan I will get him this evening and take him my place , Comfortable he will be . Explain it to him I will Time you do not have. May the force be with you my padawan."
With Master Yoda's last words, Jinn knew the decision would not be changed no matter how long he would argue his case. He bowed and returned the salutations.
It was settled. Tia was ecstatic to get away from the temple and Obi-Wan. He had not been on a mission since his master had fallen ill. Now het hought he could prove himself to Master Jinn and only strengthened his place beside the master's side. The little snot of a brat, Kenobi tried to sabotage his place as an apprentice. That is how Tia thought of Obi-Wan, even though the argument that broke out between them was mostly his fault.
###############On the transport ship##############
"I wish they could have allocated us a little newer ship. One that didn't make so many creaking noise everything you increase its warp speed."
Jinn smiled at his apprentice. He sensed a little fear in Tia of the ship not making their destiny.
"It will be fine. I have been piloting this ship since I was a young Knight. I know it well".
"That's what I am afraid of Master. You have just collaborated my suspicions that this is an ancient antique relic of a ship."
Jinn's brow wrinkled from a deep frown with that remark. His apprentice just alluded to the fact, he thought his new master as old, maybe even relic-like.
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Under the small cot of the ship in the small room used for sleeping, Obi-Wan lay flat on his belly and tried not to sneeze.
//Someone forgot to clean under the beds. There is enough dust under here to choke me to death.//
Obi-Wan quit worrying about the dust when he heard the engines being engaged and powered up for the ship's departure.
He knew it would go somewhere because when he entered the temple hangar where their ships were housed, he overheard one of the mechanics said he had to check it over because it was going out today.
He was right. Obi-Wan felt the jolt as they took off. He felt the increased pressure as it forced him against the floor until they got into outer space. His ears had popped with the increased pressure from entering outer space. Now he thought he was hearing things.
//That sounded just like Mr. Qui-Gon talking up front. Nay….. it couldn't be, could it????//
Obi-Wan tried to thwart a dreaded sneeze attack as he focused on the two up front deep in a conversation. The first voice he herd certainly sounded like Mr. Qui-Gon but when Obi-Wan heard the second more distinct voice that rang through the entire ship with a whining sound that matched the rickety ship's engine, he was positive of the identities of the two piloting the ship. He slapped his forehead in disgust with himself when he clearly recognized the voice of Tia Da'Neel. .
//I can't believe I have gotten on a ship with Mr. Qui-Gon and that ass of an apprentice Da'Neel. But where are they going? We left Coruscant but to where and why. He didn't even tell me he was going. I suppose it wasn't important to let his ward know that his guardian would be away on a trip or mission or whatever. //
Obi-Wan let his hurt at being forgotten overtake him for only a second. He quickly brought his thoughts back to the present. He was certainly in a bad predicament. For whatever reason, Qui-Gon left the temple and Obi-Wan made the stupid mistake of getting on the one ship he never wanted to be on, with his guardian.
//If I can keep hidden and make my escape after they have gotten off the ship, everything will work out.//
Had he been able too, he would released the moan that swelled in his throat. He no sooner said to himself he could stay under the cot hidden until the two up front got off the ship, when the urge to *GO* hit him with such intensity he thought there might be an accident.
//Must be my imagination. Why when I think I can't move out from under here do I decide I need to use the fresher? I can hold it, I have no other choice.//
His urge was immediately quelled for a moment when he heard Da'Neel's voice. It wasn't just his voice that drew his attention. The apprentice spoke his name. Obi strained harder to hear what he had to say about him. Even more interesting, Obi-Wan thought, would be Jinn's response to what Da' Neel said. Obi was really curious about what the man thought of him. Although he felt he had a real good idea, he wanted to hear it from Jinn himself.
"May I ask you a question about Obi-Wan, Master?"
"I can't promise you I can answer it but I will if I think I can."
"How did you get stuck with the little brat?. He did prove himself to be a little thief."
Jinn frowned at his padawan. He hoped that Da'Neel had kept that part about Obi to himself and hadn't carried the news all over the temple. He didn't want to be reminded of it. It helped him deal with Obi-Wan better. To his astonishment and a touch of guilt, he realized he really hadn't done anything to help or hinder the relationship with Obi-Wan.
//I must have held his thievery against him more than I thought.//
"While I can't say why Obi-Wan did what he did. I have to believe it had something to do with his cousin, Owen; maybe another memento of him or something. I don't however, think he went about it the right way To steal is to steal no matter what the reasons. As far as getting stuck with him. I suppose you can call it that. He would have been put in an orphanage. I did not do it for him, I did it for his mother and for my former apprentice that is all. I had hoped to be fair with him but as time passes I am not sure I can do that. Maybe when I return I can try again."
" Why exert the effort only to find your time wasted on him. There are several more than decent orphanages he could go too, or a foster home that needs someone to help with the chores. Couldn't he be put there?"
As bad as he had gotten along with Obi-Wan, Jinn cringed at the very thought of him being in an orphanage or even being away from him. He was a little surprised he did not feel the emptiness of being separated from Obi-Wan. He knew from growing experience that he was in touch with the boy mentally more than he should be and could not reason why.
It scared him to think about it so he didn't. Just that simple. Nevertheless, Da'Neel saw fit to bring him up and now his thoughts stayed on the little boy. Still he did not feel any remorse about leaving him. There was a familiar calmness and comfortable feeling that wrapped its self around Master Jinn.
//It almost feels like he is close by. Its that feeling I get when he comes home from class and is in the dining room or hiding in the bedroom. He just *FEELS* so very near.//
Jinn hated to admit it, but when Obi-Wan came home for the evening he did experience a certain comfortable relaxed feeling about him being home even though he didn't want to be conducting a conversation with him.
"Master were did you go? I don't think you were aware of anything I said lastly."
"I am sorry Padawan. What did you say? I was in deep thought."
Qui-Gon did not offer to tell Da' Neel what he thoughts were.
"I said, don't you think it would be better to send him away? You and he clearly don't get along and I doubt you will be able to trust him again."
The words about Obi hurt the master. As bad as he thought he wanted away from Obi-Wan the feeling was worse when he thought of actually losing him forever. It was beginning to get more difficult to decipher his true feelings for the boy.
Jinn was yet again interrupted from his thoughts but not by Da' Neel. A quick sputter of the main engine and then a jolting thrust forward and the engine at least one of them went dead in the middle of outer space.
Obi-Wan had been listening to all that was going on . The words cut like a knife into the little one but he vowed not to cry. He also was starting to feel ill. Today should have been the day for his hydro spray shot and Jinn had not given it to him yet.
Obi just assumed he had forgotten although Jinn had left instruction for Yoda, but Yoda would find out later his instructions would go ignored when they found out Obi was gone.
Obi-Wan felt the sudden jerk of the ship as the first engine cut out and tried to restart but his because his infrequent trips on a space craft, had no way of knowing what the jerking was. He certainly didn't suspect engine failure. He thought it might just be part of flying the old bucket of a ship as he saw it.
Another stop and start stutter of the other failing engine. It cut out only to restart again.
Da' Neel eyes grew large with fear. He knew he didn't like the old ship from the beginning and now he liked it even less. It was horrifically evident that they would crash and crash soon. The Padawan's stomach flipped over as he battled the bile that threatened to come up, its vile taste flooded his mouth before he got control of his nausea.
Qui-Gon with his quick thinking, headed for the nearest planet. Not much of one, a jungle filled swamp land that few dared to inhabit. To be honest with himself he did not exactly know who inhabited the almost deserted wasteland of a planet. It didn't matter though. They could not pick and choose where they wanted to land. The closest planet and that was it, if they were to survive this at all. They choice made for them by the failing of both engines prompted the master to turn his attention to trying to maneuver the safest *landing* possible..
The ship's last engine made another stutter stop and then completely cut out.
They had reached the atmosphere of that particular planet and that is where they would have to land. *Land* was a kind word for what was about to happen. They would crash. Jinn did manage some control and with the hydraulic systems acting as a partial breaking mechanism for the ship he slowed it down. It still would be a crash landing but hopefully they would survive.
"Buckle up this will be rough ride Padawan."
Unbeknownst to Jinn this crash had the potential to be much more catastrophic than he could imagine. Obi-Wan Kenobi lay under the cot, unprotected from the crash landing which soon would occur.
Obi-Wan would not have the benefit of the added protection of a crash helmet or the security of being buckled tightly in a seat with a safety belt as the two up front had. His body would suffer the full impact of the crash landing unprotected and definitely not tethered to one spot. He would be free to be thrown about the ship with every rough jolt sustained.
The young one felt the transport twist and turn before it made its final descent to the planet below. Its speed was too fast and in turn caused a sudden lack of oxygen to the occupants' bodies. Obi-Wan tried to shake the effects of the too-rapid gravitational pull that restricted his blood flow to the brain. The three aboard would never know how hard the impact of their landing was. Obi fell into unconsciousness as quickly as his two companions in the cock-pit did……….…………
PEACE ewen