The sleep that Obi-Wan settled into that evening was not one from exhaustion from pain and agony or some force induced nap induced by Master Jinn to help Obi sleep.
No, this was pure restful lazy kind of sleep brought on strictly by the reason someone should sleep. Rest, well deserved rest from a trying day. However Obi-Wan was free from stress and pain. He knew who he should thank for that. Master Jinn had given him a great many things to thank him for once Obi-Wan awoke from his blissful slumber.
Da'Neel finally collected enough courage to speak to his master. He was blown away by Jinn's ability to connect with the child and thus a little jealousy flowed through him.
He would have liked to have formed some kind of light training bond with his new master even if it was deemed unnecessary. He felt he would have learned more and his new master would have had more understanding for him. Right now he questioned whether the master would keep him as his padawan. Of course the young man would be very upset had he known Master Jinn had thought the very same thoughts of whether Da'Neel would remain his apprentice before he switched his thoughts to escaping.
Qui-Gon hastily came up with a plan. If the plan worked they would attempt their escape the next time Xani came down to speak with them without Darth Sidious.
There would be no way the Jedi master could take on Sidious and Xanatos without his saber. He was fairly competent though, he could handle Xani. After all he knew every move Xani would make in a battle, knew how he thought when engaged a hand to hand combat. Hopefully if Jinn got his saber from him, they would battle face to face one on one without their light sabers.
"Master Jinn shouldn't we attempt some kind of an escape? I mean Xanatos and some of the dark lord's red guard will be back soon. Can't you unlock this cell door?"
"Oh I am very sure of my ability to unlock that door but if you look in the corners of the outer room of the cell, you will see cameras. Cameras that continually search the area for movement. Attempting an escape would not be a good idea right now, especially since we don't which way to go to make a quick exit. For that we need a guide and I know a perfect one."
The likeness of Xanatos popped in Qui-Gon's head, when he thought of who that guide would be.
"Well when? They will be back soon won't they? There is no telling what they have planned for us when they do. Maybe even some torture for one or both of us."
"True, everything you have said has truth in it. I have no doubt that our torture is on their minds. They both are sith and sith think nothing of causing pain and injury to others. However, one thing necessary to becoming a Jedi is patience. Know when to have it and use that patience to your advantage. I think patience right now is more prudent than action, especially when that action will bring nothing but trouble and not our freedom. That is why I hope that when the red guards return Xani will be with them. So Padawan, we will exercise a little patience for now."
Da'Neel was not sure what he master meant but he was willing to wait to see what Jinn planned to do. He certainly had no plans to take on the sith or his red guards. That would have to be left up to his master. In that department the padawan had a great deal of trust and faith in Master Jinn.
Jinn only sat there and nodded his head as he took in the words of the cowardly padawan.
What seemed like hours but in reality only one hour passed before Xanatos came down accompanied of two of Dark Sidious' guards.
Jinn counted on Xanatos' pride and curiosity to get the better of him. The Jedi master suspected Xani would like to do a little goading of his former master without his new master around. As Yoda sometimes said. "Vain Xanatos is. Likes to toot his own horn he does…"
Qui-Gon placed all his odds on the vanity to come out and Xanatos would want to share with Jinn the prospect of his rosy future as Darth Sidious' apprentice, as he saw it.
Those of the dark side would concede that Xanatos had been given quite an honor to be the right hand man to the dark lord himself.
######### Xani stood outside the cell door to confront Qui-Gon###########
"Master Jinn, I see you have the little one cleaned and out of pain. For a child not blessed in the force he seems to have gained control of his pain and misery very fast. Too much control and way too fast, I would think for a child *not* blessed with the force."
Xanatos glared at his master. Jinn knew Xani did not believe Obi was not some special padawan or why else would Jinn be so hell-bent on keeping his force abilities a secret.
Xanatos also realized that something was not quite right for the child to be in such good shape and not have the force within him. He glanced at the top of Obi's once blistered-covered feet. The only thing left of those numerous blisters were now red marked remnants of burns too quickly healed for a *normal*.
"Why take me a fool Qui-Gon? I am not a child under your rule now. I can see that your little Jedi there has healed too quickly not to be a force sensitve. Don't presume my master won't see it as well. You have some answering to do as to why you so blatantly lied and then didn't even cover it up. Maybe you shouldn't have healed the boy so quickly. At least put on some thought-up facade that he couldn't use the Jedi healing techniques. This way Sidious will know of your deceit and you can't hold me responsible for what he chooses to do to you. But oh how I will like to watch."
Xani looked at Jinn's new padawan and postured a fake attack to ward him away. It was only a small threatening lunge toward the cell but Da' Neel cowered back behind Master Jinn and flushed hotly over showing so much fear.
Jinn had the urge to grab Da' Neel by the collar and give him a good shake. First thing learned at the Temple was keep your fear at bay. If one couldn't, then they were at least to try to keep it covered. Da' Neel wore his fear like a banner a crossed his chest, as if it were a badge not of courage, but one of evident fear. Jinn himself blushed embarrasement for him.
Xanatos laughed out loud.
"Got you a *live* one in him Master Jinn. I would say his age indicates he is only a couple of years from knighthood, but his mentality is of one just out of the crèche. Padawans, or good padawans must be getting hard to come by. Is that why you try to keep this one a secret or is there something special about him?"
The last question raised by Xanatos was a question that had been in Jinn's thoughts since successfully healing Obi-Wan. Not necessarily special as Xani meant but certainly something unique about him that Jinn knew he wanted answers for.
He had no plans to volunteer any of his thoughts about Kenobi to Xanatos. The sith might just think he was too special, special as in chosen one special. Jinn had to shake his head and laugh off the idea with a little chuckle he tried to keep contained.
"Why not tell me Qui-Gon what little tidbit do you think so amusing. Are you trying to hide something from me?"
"Sure Xanatos, maybe he is the chosen one? Is that what you and your new master think? I think if you checked his midichlorian count right now you would find he has none. That's right zero Nada, zip. Go ahead. Might want to do that before you make a fool of yourself in front of Darth Sidious with your accusations."
"How did you know I thought that?Nevertheless, what I thought doesn't matter. Darth Sidious himself sent me down here to check the boy's blood level for force abilities. Now I am not saying he thinks he is the chosen one but he feels you are definitely keeping something from him.."
Xanatos motioned to one of the guards to release the lock on the door. While doing that, he failed to notice Jinn make a quick swipe with his right hand and each camera emitted smoke from them silently, as they were sizzled out by the force surge Jinn sent to both of them.
"I can almost see those wheels in your head turning but you are way off base on this, I assure you, Xani."
From behind his back Xani pulled a small counter, a midichlorian counter to be exact. A stick to the finger, a small drop of blood and in less than a minute he would know if Obi-Wan had any force in him.
Obi-Wan stirred on the bed. No noise woke him up but within his mind came a feeling of caution, call it fear but it was all the same. It caused him too awake to see the dark clothed figure of Xani standing over him. He bolted upright only to be suddenly calmed when he saw Qui-Gon standing at the end of the cot.
"It's alright Obi-Wan. He only wants to check you blood for midichlorians."
"Obi rubbed some sleep from his eyes, still no sure whether to trust the dark knight who stood over him.
"Yes Obi, do as your master says. Be a good little boy. One stick…. there …and all we have to do is wait a minute or two to see if Master Qui-Gon is lying."
"Mr. Qui-Gon does not lie. He is a Jedi and Jedi don't lie."
Obi shyly looked up to Jinn and in a whispered tone.
"Do they?"
He did not receive an affirmation to his question. In that split second, Jinn pulled a small knife from his boot which had gone unnoticed by the guards.
He grabbed Xani by the throat as he wheeled him around to face the guards.
"Now tell your friends to hand their weapons to my apprentice and step in the cell."
"Oh new place to hide a weapon Jinn? I will get the blame for this. I never realized you had taken to carrying extra weapons."
"Never hurts to be prepared, now does it? I probably do a lot of things that you are not aware of. You taught me one can never be too cautious about their situation around them or the people they think worthy of your trust."
Jinn tightened his grip on Xani's throat and for the moment cut off his oxygen.
Xanatos knew Master Jinn meant business and he would snap his neck like a twig if he was not listened too. Xani had no choice.
Maybe I can get out of this later but if he doesn't stop choking me to death I won't have *later* to deal with him.
He did what Jinn wanted. He ordered the guards in the cell and Da' Neel was then brave enough to take their weapons. Obi-Wan jumped up out of bed and circled around behind the master. In all the confusion the midichlorian counter fell to the floor and shattered into pieces. They wouldn't know what the level said now.
Xanatos gave in to Jinn's demands to keep his life. He showed them a way through the basement where they made their way to the outside landing port for Sidious' ships.
It took at least fifteen minutes to reach their destination. Still barely able to breathe, Xani led them down a long corridor and out to a landing pad where a squad of land speeders and a couple of ships were parked. There was one little ship barely useable or so it looked, parked to the side. That was the one Qui-Gon wanted for it would carry three or four people in it.
"There I have done what you wanted, probably at the cost of my life."
Xani knew he had quite possibly made a fatal mistake. His master, Darth Sidious did not like mistakes and very often dealt with them by the death of the person who made that mistake. Death was normally a welcome escape from the way he taunted and tortured them to their deaths.
Behind them came noises which indicated the red guard and maybe Sidious himself were hot on their trail. Qui-Gon ordered the two young ones in the ship. Da'Neel had enough intelligence to activate the engine of the older ship . Now Jinn had to decide what to do with Xani.
Xanatos looked up with those pleading dark eyes of his. The eyes that had betrayed Master Jinn so many times later in life but as a child beamed with happiness and anticipation for a bright future as a Jedi knight. Those eyes were now sadly dimmed by the dark. They had none of their brilliance to them they did when Xanatos was a mere twelve-old.
"Look Qui-Gon you owe me nothing and I understand that, but please, I beg you, do this one thing for me?"
"And just what would that be Xanatos?"
"Either kill me with a slit to my jugular vein or take me with you. I have no doubts that Sidious will kill me, if you don't. I would rather it be quick at the hands of my former master than a long agonizing torture my new master, Sidious would exact on me."
Jinn stood there, knife at Xani's throat and mulled over Xani's plea to be released from his turmoil with one little cut made by Qui-Gon's own hand.. This much he would do for the fallen Jedi was his first thought, before he really thought about it at all.
However he actually had to stop and think about consequences of his actions if he took it on himself to actually kill the fallen Jedi. Then he remembered Xani, *his* Xani as a vibrant young boy, not a care in the world and no dark side to touch him.
It was later when he realized his powers within the force and his astute abilities at everything he did that Xanatos needed more. He wanted to be the master to all things by the time he was sixteen.
No, in Jinn's heart he knew he could not be the one to put the young man to death. He wondered if he would have enough intestinal fortitude or plainly put, enough *guts* to allow Sidious to torture his former apprentice to death?
//Could I even toy with the idea of actually having choices as to what I should do with my former padawan? I could personally do away with Xanatos, let Sidious do it for me, or as he suggested, take him with us!!!! Which one of those options should I choose?…………….//
Xanatos was given a nice comfortable force inhibiting cell down in the cellar of the Jedi temple. What else where they to do with him? Qui-Gon saw fit to return with him and the council had no other options. Other than holding Master Jinn, Da' Neel and Obi against their will, he had nothing criminal at least nothing recorded. Master Yoda felt he had probably had his hands in a great many workings against the Republic but proof was needed to back that as of yet unfounded accusation .
Qui-Gon sat in the home of the little master. He just finished telling his story about the extraordinary events between he and Obi-Wan.
"Medicine of his he has received now?"
"Well yes. He seemed lethargic . I assumed it had something to do with not receiving his medicine. I gave it to him as soon as we got back.?
"Medicine for what it is?"
There remained a silence between the two that lingered too long for Yoda's liking.
"Answer me you will former padawan of mine. Medicine for what reason does the child have need of it ?"
Qui-Gon could be just as defiant as a normal person. He definitely wasn't wearing his master mantle right now.
"Master Yoda I promised Selena I would not question his medication. She will come after her child is born and take him to a physician here. She also made a promise to me that she would tell me of all the details surrounding Obi-Wan's illness. I ask no more of her than that."
"Humph… Jedi healer not good enough for the child. Sneaked the child in the temple without a check-up with them, I bet you did. No more secrets about the little one there is to be. Jedi healers he will see tomorrow. Make me go to the council you should not, for do it for will."
"Master Yoda. Are you trying to say that Selena has been giving Obi some kind of medicinal force inhibitor? That's absurd."
"Try nothing I ever do, told you flat out I have.. Fact I think this might be. See to it my request you follow or order of the council I can make it Qui-Gon. Know me well enough you do that words not idle threat but promise they are."
Master Jinn knew it would be useless to argue with the old Jedi master when he had something set in his head to do. He would have to follow Master Yoda's command and in a way he was pleased. Unbeknownst to anyone he himself had done a count on Obi's blood and found it positively normal this morning.
Of course he took a dose of his medicine upon our return to the temple. If the hydro spray contained some kind of force inhibitor in it then it would have caused his count to go back to normal. What am I saying? Selena would never do such a thing. It could well harm the child's health. Even if he has the force within him, why would he and I connect so cohesively when we share no bond. Ablsoutley NO BOND!
Jinn put it out of his head. He reasoned Obi suffered some normal childhood illness like his aunt had alluded too, like the allergies.
Yes Master Yoda will see how ridiculous his thoughts are once Obi-Wan is checked out by the healers. He needs a good once over after his injuries in the crash anyway.
############That evening at last-meal################
"Excuse me young man. I don't think I understand?"
"What is there to understand Mr. Qui-Gon sir? I said No. One simple little word and *you* can't understand?"
"You can't tell me no. You have to do as I say."
Jinn's words sputtered from his mouth over the indignant way in which Obi disobeyed him. His last sentence sounded more like a weak plea than a stern command for Obi-Wan to do as he was told. He had never had such a blatantly rude and disrespectful child under his care.Most headstrong little tyke I have ever had to deal with.
"I am afraid you have no choice. Master Yoda has demanded you visit the temple healers and you will, first thing in the morning."
"Oh no I won't and you can't make me. You promised my aunt you wouldn't. Is that how you are to all your friends; make a promise and not honor it?"
Obi did not understand why it upset him to go to the healers other than his aunt had been so adamant that he not. He also did not understand why he couldn't feel the presence of Master Jinn as closely as he could before. Before they returned home it felt as though there was another in his mind wrapped around his soul. Now where that presence had been was a dull ache of loneliness.
Qui-Gon felt s as badly as Obi did. He felt the dull ache of not having the child in his mind. Jinn knew more than Obi about bonds and it felt much like one, but he was just as perplexed and almost as miserable as his little ward was.
Padawan Da'Neel sat and ate last-meal in silence. He opted to ignore his master and ward. If Master Jinn was involved with Obi-Wan for his disobedience, he could not address the disappointment he must have felt in his apprentice.
I hope he stays busy with Kenobi for a long time. Maybe the kid will help Jinn forget my cowardly acts back in the cell.
"We will discuss this after last-meal. I don't want you to skip eating even one meal. You seem as fragile as a little girl. You are nothing but a bag of bones and you are shaky on those bone-thin legs of yours."
The remarks only enflamed Obi-Wan's rebelliousness even more. .
"I am not in the least *fragile* Mr. Qui-Gon. I feel fine. I will eat to satisfy you and your supposed worry for me, but there is no need to finish our discussion. I won't be going to any ole Jedi temple healers for you or *your* Master Yoda."
"Very well you could be right. We will not have any more conversation about it. If you are not dressed by eight in the morning and walk down the hall with me to the healers, I will pick you up, still in your sleep pants, and carry you there, over my shoulder kicking and screaming if need be.. Have it which ever way you want. I am sure *your* way will be the talk of the temple by tomorrow afternoon. However if it is done the correct way, *my* way, it will be more subtle and a lot more dignified."
Obi-Wan sat in silence and finished his meal. He certainly didn't want to be the "gossip of the day" at the temple. He had heard of others being the *gossip* and they did not enjoy it.
The three sat in the common room after last-meal. Each one of them were involved in their own activities. Master Jinn sat at the desk and went over some data pads, as a favor for Mace. Da'Neel buried his head in a book of astrophysics study, hoping to impress his master. He had noticed Jinn more than once in a dead stare directed at him.
Obi-Wan was just that, Obi-Wan. He really didn't pretend to be doing anything. He had two space ship models out on the floor, flying them over head . His little mind was working overtime to figure out how to get out of the healers trip but he reasoned he could think better while he played.
Jinn stopped and directed his attention from his apprentice to Obi. It brought a *snuggly* feeling to have a little one, not of the force playing at his feet.
I suppose that would have been my life had I not been a Jedi; a bunch of little Jinns laying on the floor much like Obi-Wan is now.
The warm feeling quickly passed and was replaced by a cloud of darkness. The closest he would come to experiencing fatherhood would be Obi-Wan or another padawan.
Ever how angelic-like and sweet Obi-Wan was now, lying on the floor; legs bent at the knee and stuck up in the air, Jinn just could not visualize the relationship ever becoming as intimate as the ones he had shared with his apprentices.
The boy with no force powers was too head strong and defiant for them to even have a base to build a relationship on. One was just as stubborn and obstinate as the other and that made for miscommunications between them.
It saddened the master for a moment to think he had no one in his life to share his interests and to raise as he was raising Owen. It was then that he realized that as soon as something could be done about Da' Neel he would take a young one about Obi-Wan's age to train. The next apprentice would be his last, he thought.
Save the best for last, Master Yoda likes to say. I will make my next apprentice my last and my best............ The next morning brought with it a curious Master Jinn. He was curious as to why he even comtemplated being a father or possibly taking another padawan.
The day certainly didn't start out as he planned either. He would soon learn that it would progress even worse as the hours passed.
The first thing Qui-Gon came up against that morning was Obi-Wan's stubborn resistance to getting out of bed. He wasn't particularily sleepy. In fact Qui-Gon noted on most mornings the child got up before the sun and you had to shoo him to bed every night.
The Jedi master, determined not to be undermined by a child. Especially one without the force which in Jinn's thoughts should be easier to handle.
The past evening Obi-Wan had used the word *No* like it was his; like he invented the word.
He could have for all intent and purposes because. No crècheling, initiate, padawan or even a young knight would have stood up in Master Jinn's face and said no to him.
Qui-Gon Jinn stood in the middle of the two boys' room, weight on one foot tapping the other, arms crossed over his chest and a scowl that would have scared his fiercest enemy. It had no impact on Obi-Wan whatsoever for the boy would not look at him...
Obi-Wan lay on his stomach, in a crumpled heap of blankets, one leg stuck out bare, and his head covered in two lanky little arms concealing his face.
"Obi-Wan Kenobi this is the last time I am going to instruct you to get up out of bed. We have an appointment with the healers this morning and they don't like to be kept waiting. This is the last time I will tell you to get up."
What am I suppose to do if he refuses?
The likelihood of Obi-Wan willingly going to the healers with Jinn dimmed with each passing minute. Jinn seemed fidgety and nervous over the child not taking his authority seriously.
I suppose I will have to do what I said.
Yes the most virile and expert master at the Jedi temple was not going to be outdone by a child. He stomped to the edge of Obi-Wan's bed. Enough noise was made by the master for someone to have turned a rogue elephant loose in Obi's room. Qui-Gon thought that would shock the young one enough to get him up. Humph…. still nothing.
"Obi-Wan this is your last chance."
Good Job Jinn now you are repeating yourself. How many last chances can I give him before I take the action I promised last night?
WAIT! The child stirred. Qui-Gon held his breath to see if Obi's movements meant he intended to do what the Great master said.
NOPE!! Evidently Obi had an itch on the tip of his nose. He moved his fingers down, scratched his nose without showing his face, and went back to being stone still.
This is it. No more chances Mr. Kenobi.
Master Jinn reached down and took the child by both ankles. Obi-Wan, sheets and blanket went to the floor. That is where Jinn dumped him after, with a wave of his hand he used a bit of help from the force to cushion Obi-Wan's landing on the cold floor.
There that should get his attention.
It sure did. Obi got up, wrapped his covers around him, and flopped down on the bed again!!!
Now, Mr. Qui-Gon Jinn what are you going to do? I guess I showed him!
Obi-Wan was quite proud of himself. The master wasn't going to outdo him. He said he wasn't going to the healers and he would show Mr., Qui-Gon he would not go!
He can't leave marks on me if he *thinks* he is taking me to visit the healers. I should be safe enough.
Master Jinn stood over the bed, hand on hip , stymied by the boy's staunch refusal to obey him. No child had ever said no to him and now a mere child refused anything the master tried to get him to do.
Da' Neel had gone in the fresher to shower a half hour ago. He was met by Master Jinn as he left. When he returned he looked to see Qui-Gon had advanced only a few feet closer to the boy's bed but that was about it. He started to make a comment but Jinn could see the boy's mouth begin to move from the corner of his eye. He threw a hand up.
Don't say a word padawan. Just go fix your break-fast and do whatever it is you have scheduled."
"Master?"
Jinn gave up. No one planned to do what he asked of them today.
"What is it padawan? I might as well answer your question for you certainly aren't going to do as I ask? Evidently no one is in this house today."
"I just wanted to ask you if you needed me to help?"
Obi-Wan lay with his face covered and listened. He smiled when he imagined steam coming out of Master Jinn's ears, over his growing anger.
I bet that is how angry Mr. Qui-Gon is. And he told me Jedi didn't get angry Huh…..
"What makes you think I need help with a child? I can handle Obi-Wan. Now run along."
"Alright." Da' Neel shrugged his shoulders. "I just thought since you had only made three or four steps further into the room and hadn't managed anything else since I left to shower that maybe you needed me to help with Obi-Wan. I will be on way."
"Yes, see that you do." The words curt, short, and to the point. Jinn was ashamed to look his apprentice in the face.
After the bedroom door closed, Jinn decided to try again to get Obi-Wan out of bed. He grabbed Obi by the ankles again and used the force to cushion his way, but once the child lay on the floor he used another nudge of the force to freeze Obi-Wan in that position
"Hey… what are you doing? You can't do that . You can't use the force on a little kid, your ward. I will have the temple bring you up on child abuse charges."
"I don't think so. The temple wouldn't much care if I stuffed you head in the fresher. Well they wouldn't after they saw how childish you acted this morning. Now I said you could go the easy way to the healers or the hard way. I see you have made you choice."
Qui-Gon had managed to turn the tables. Obi-Wan didn't want to be seen slung over Jinn's shoulders in his sleep pants and shirt carried like a babe to the healers.
"Never mind I will get up and put my clothes on. I will go."
Qui-Gon knew he had the child right where he wanted himand he wasn't past using a little of his JedI leverage to seehe stayed that way. Call it it back pay backs.
"Oh no you don't get a second chance around here. I have been more than lenient with you and your refused my offer to do this in a dignified manner. Now things will be done my way. Want to tell me *NO* again?"
It was Obi's turn to let off steam. "I am not going to the healers turned over your shoulders in my pajamas."
Still in a force hold for Jinn had no trust of the boy, Obi was picked up, put over Jinn's left shoulder and a swift non-injuring swat was administered to his backside. It was done only to let Obi-Wan know Qui-Gon had finally gained control of the situation.
"Let's go see what the healers have to say about you, shall we?"
Right now Jinn was more than pleased with himself..
//See I knew I could handle him….. were his thoughts but then an inner voice from deeper within his mind, voiced a thought quite different….. YEA RIGHT!!!! //
"Are you positive Master Healer Turvel?"
Was it disappointment that made the master's voice a little higher, his brow furrowed into a slight frown?? Did he *want* his little ward to be force sensitive? If the answer to those questions were yes, then a third question needed answered, WHY?
"Master Jinn, I assure you had there been any drug capable of inhibiting one's Jedi powers or to do away with their midichlorians I would know about it."
The Healer, indignant over what he felt was Jinn's waning confidence in his ability, let the Jedi master know with the sound of his words that he was not pleased by being second-guessed. He prided himself as being the best in identifying possible poisons and other drugs given to one with the Jedi force and his canning ability to come up with an antidote quickly when needed.
"Please forgive me." Jinn bowed in respect although that was not his true feelings. He never cared too much for this master healer and today was no different. He held the healer in the highest regard when it came to his medical expertise. However, their personalities just always seemed to clash when they worked together. They never saw eye to eye. Master Yoda always thought it was because each knew they were the best at what they did.
"I never meant to imply you are not correct or in some way derelict of your duty. Master Yoda thought possibly this child had some force abilities and the medicine he takes would be the only reason it was not discovered while he was young."
An indignant…. "Well".. started his sentence and his condescending words just easily spewed from is mouth….. "I assure you that *your* little one in there has no force in him. I would say he not worthy enough to even keep him around. He is not gifted with any force powers and none are likely to grow."
He laughed to himself over his humor.
Everyone knew you couldn't *grow* the force. You had to be blessed from birth with it..
"Yes, you can take this Kenobi back and tell Master Yoda he can never be a Jedi. I found traces of antihistamines in his blood. Medicine indicative to allergy sufferers, nothing more. Oh there was another drug, and I will work out the molecule makeup for tracing it, but I can assure you it is not a force inhibitor. I know of the base root drug to the one Obi-Wan takes. There is not a force inhibitor drug that I do not know, and the drug his medication is derived from is never used for any kind of force control. I separated the antihistamine from it and tested... nothing… I suppose I should send my sympathies to Master Yoda or extend them to you if either of you held any hopes for the child becoming a Jedi."
//Why does he rub me the wrong way? Another thing, why does he think that Yoda or I hold any hope for anything when it comes to Obi-Wan's future, especially a future as a Jedi? //
There was still an edge of disappointment in the Jedi master but he kept it hidden exceedingly well.
On the other side of the door where his guardian stood and spoke with the healer Obi-Wan plastered his ear there and listened. He had dressed, if you call it that, back in his P.J.'s and now wanted to know what was being said about him.
He knew by the look Qui-Gon gave the healer when he started to talk about Obi-Wan that there was something Mr. Qui-Gon did not want him to hear. He abruptly silenced the master healer until they went to the adjoining room.
//Force powers, midichlorians….. Why would Master Yoda or Mr. Qui-Gon think I have any of those qualities. Never have. Aunt Selena would never give me medication to render them useless if I did. I can remember my mother even gave me the same medicine.//
Obi-Wan shook his head in disbelief over what he heard.
//Boy, Mr. Qui-Gon must really hate me as I am, to hope I might have a little force power quelled some how with medicine. I suppose he thinks I would be a more manageable kid if I did. //
Obi-Wan quickly ran back to the exam bed and climbed on it when he heard his guardian excuse himself from the healer to retrieve Obi.
Innocence was not a look carried very well by Obi-Wan especially when he was so guilty of eavesdropping and all out snooping.
As soon as Master Jinn walked in where his ward laid, he leveled his steel blue-eyed gaze on the little boy. He *felt* some mischief had gone on, he just wasn't sure what.
"Well are you ready to return to our quarters?"
Qui-Gon had no wish to go into any details about why Obi-Wan was subjected to a medical exam by what Obi considered, a mean Jedi healer who must hated children.
As they walked back home with Obi-Wan beside him, he wondered why the child was not the least bit curious as to why Master Yoda insisted he go to the healers in the first place. Also the Jedi master was still hot over the actions the boy exhibited that morning by his refusal to go.
All that had to be put aside when before them walked Master Yoda.
"Talked with the healer I have already. Unconvinced I am that my theory is not correct. Decided it has been by the council's agreement Obi-Wan to be removed from his medicine he should be. If ill he becomes then the healers he will see to assess that illness. My assurance you have, no harm will come to the child.."
Yes, the day had gotten worse than Jinn ever could have dreamed it would.
"You can't be serious. I don't have time to deal with a sick child. I have an apprentice to train."
He grimaced as if in pain at the thought of returning back to a daily practice sessions with an apprentice he had quickly learned not to respect or trust very much. Both were needed to be able to successfully train a Jedi apprentice.
"Take care of him you can not then send him to the healers ward to stay there you will. Nothing more to say I have. Bring me the child's medicine you will for keep it I personally want to do "
Qui-Gon watched his former master tuck his claw-like hands iside his oversized Robe arms and proceed down the hall just as calmly as if he had just asked the master how his day was. He certainly didn't act like he had just delivered life altering news to he and his ward.
##############
That evening was not a pleasant one for anyone living the Jinn home. Obi-Wan was even more confused.
//Master Yoda must be taking my medicine away to see if I have any force sensitivity. Mr. Qui-Gon is in some way angry about it, so angry he said he planned to notify my aunt tonight. Then of course I am still in trouble for being so stubborn this morning. I wish I had just gone. I had too anyway and I wouldn't be waiting for Mr. Qui-Gon to start in on me about it. Luckily he has too much to think about right now than to deal with me and my actions this morning. Da' Neel he just sits there like a *lump of unmolded clay. I think he is as afraid of his master jumping him as I am. I know he is holding some evil remarks. That smug look on his face…. //
"EAT!!"
Obi-Wan almost jumped out of his chair from the loud command from his guardian and Da' Neel didn't handle the abrupt command any better. He never had trouble eating, yet he looked to see which direction his master was looking when he yelled. Relief spread over him when he realized it was Jinn's ward who was in hot water right now.
"I don't think I am very hungry right now sir."
//There I added the sir for good measure. Satisfied you old grump.//
Obi-Wan had taken to calling Master Jinn a few of his favorite nicknames for him and *old grump* was one of many he had for him. Good thing Qui-Gon was not able to actually see in his mind.
"You know Kenobi I can see the wheels in that little head of yours turning and I don't think I like it."
"Mind reader now?"
"Excuse me? I hope that was not in some way meant to be a rude remark directed at me?"
Obi-Wan wasn't even sure of what his guardian said. He figured he had enough worries without Jinn attacking him over something. After all, the Jedi planned to pull his medication from him he had taken all his life and it actually scared the little boy. Obi had no desire to be sick and miserable without his medicine and he had been taught that if he didn't have it, he would become severely ill.
Obi-Wan felt it might be wise to back down from his guardian at this particular point because Master Jinn seemed to grow angrier by the minute.
"I just meant if I have no force or midichlorians then you couldn't possibly know what I think. That is all."
Even as he tried to alleviate some of the discord between he and Qui-Gon, Obi found he was just making things worse.
"What do you mean *IF* you have no force. You know very well you don't. I don't have to be a *mind reader* as you call it to know when you are plotting something. I have begun to learn your little devious ways."
Da'Neel reached for his napkin and quickly covered his mouth to hide the smile left there by his master's remarks. This evening was turning out not to be very enjoyable because Obi had managed to strike wrath in his master and it all was being directed at him. Master Jinn had yet to address the issue of Da' Neel's unacceptable behavior on their mission while imprisoned.
"Very well Obi-Wan if you don't plan to eat then just go get ready for bed. I don't need a smart remark to countermand everything I say this evening. The day has been trying for me and the last thing I want to do is deal with you and your obstinacy. Now you are excused."
Obi felt the same way Qui-Gon did at the moment, he didn't really care. He wasn't hungry and the sooner he got from under Jinn's stares the better. Da' Neel on the other hand didn't care for the idea.
"Master I have to study for a mid-term exam. Where can I do that in total quiet if he is in our room? He's a distraction anyway always fidgeting or playing with those model space crafts of his. Leave him in there a moment and he might steal something anyway."
Da'Neel knew just what cord to hit to make Jinn even angrier with the little boy. And besides he didn't want to study under Qui-Gon's watchful eyes all evening. He really did need to study because he was almost failing the class anyway.
Obi-Wan wanted to slink under the table at the mention of the rock. The *incidence* hadn't been brought up since the argument over the rock, that was really his. He hated to get into that again today. There had just been too much for the little one to deal with.
A foreboding look in the Master's eyes told both the padawan and the ward at the table that if possible Qui-Gon had suddenly gotten in an even darker mood than he was earlier. His apprentice had managed to push the right button.
"Yes, I had almost forgotten that. Thank you for bringing up even more problems I have had with the child. You do need to study and I don't partiuclary want him in the room alone for long. Never know what he will find to steal again."
//What am I saying? I had let go of that right after it happened. Why am I so angry over the encounter at the healers and the demand to stop his medicine? He really hasn't done too much except his actions this morning, to warrant so much angry from me toward him.//
It was like a sledge hammer had dropped when Qui-Gon thought of the stolen rock and Obi's disobedience earlier.
"You are right. I don't want him in there. Just go shower, get dressed for bed, and you can go to my room Obi-Wan. Take your class work if you have any to do it."
It was Obi's turn to get angry.
He jumped out of his chair and pushed it too hard toward the table The chair toppled over from the angled shove that tipped it on only two legs.
"Get back here and upright that chair Obi-Wan."
"You do it with one of your force manipulations, like you did to hold me down today. I am just a normal little kid remember and just for the record I didn't steal that rock. It is mine, so that makes you the only *thief* in this room."
Qui-Gon's chair overturned with the might he put behind the push he gave it when got up. He was at a point of no return and he was going to show Obi-Wan once and for he was in charge. He bounded toward the boy, who realized he may have goaded his guardian just a little too far.
It wasn't just the lack of respect Qui-Gon had received today from Obi, it was the out and out lie he had said about *Owen's* rock. He would not stand for anyone living under his roof and under his care to blatantly lie to him.
Wide-eyed with fear, he watched the big Jedi stomp towards him with fists clenched at his sides to try to gain control of his seething anger. Had anyone stopped Master Jinn on his angered trek to reach his little ward he would have admitted, he didn't know why or where his growing anger came from. Obi-Wan did create it with his less than courteous attitude but something inside Jinn himself caused it to escalate.
The Jedi master just seemed to snap. The only thing Obi-Wan could do was stand there frozen and hope that Qui-Gon got his senses back *BEFORE* he reached the terrified little boy……………..
PEACE ewen
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If you like H/C, That C actually stands for mush , let me assure you the next post will have it!!!
Here's a sample.ewen
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With each step closer, Obi-Wan's size dwarfed more in comparison to his guardian's seemingly giant-like size.. Maybe it was Obi's imagination but he thought he saw steam being emitted from Qui-Gon's flaring nostrils as he huffed his way closer to the child.
Once he made the final step to reach Obi-Wan, the kid did the only thing he could think of he clenched his eyes shut as hard as he could and said a little prayer that he would live through whatever the big Jedi had planned for him.
Obi-Wan was picked up with only one hand by the front of his tunic. It took no more effort for Master Jinn to pick the child up than it would for a normal-sized person to cradle a babe from a crèche bed, in their arms..
Qui-Gon held the boy so that Obi's eyes paralleled his own and for a few minutes kept Obi-Wan intentionally in his dead-serious glare before he released his anger verbally.
The sudden jerk when picked up by his guardian whip lashed Obi's head and neck painfully back. A stunned remorseful Jedi master watched as *his* little ward, already under so much pressure from the day's turmoil burst out into a flood of tears..…………..
No, this was pure restful lazy kind of sleep brought on strictly by the reason someone should sleep. Rest, well deserved rest from a trying day. However Obi-Wan was free from stress and pain. He knew who he should thank for that. Master Jinn had given him a great many things to thank him for once Obi-Wan awoke from his blissful slumber.
Da'Neel finally collected enough courage to speak to his master. He was blown away by Jinn's ability to connect with the child and thus a little jealousy flowed through him.
He would have liked to have formed some kind of light training bond with his new master even if it was deemed unnecessary. He felt he would have learned more and his new master would have had more understanding for him. Right now he questioned whether the master would keep him as his padawan. Of course the young man would be very upset had he known Master Jinn had thought the very same thoughts of whether Da'Neel would remain his apprentice before he switched his thoughts to escaping.
Qui-Gon hastily came up with a plan. If the plan worked they would attempt their escape the next time Xani came down to speak with them without Darth Sidious.
There would be no way the Jedi master could take on Sidious and Xanatos without his saber. He was fairly competent though, he could handle Xani. After all he knew every move Xani would make in a battle, knew how he thought when engaged a hand to hand combat. Hopefully if Jinn got his saber from him, they would battle face to face one on one without their light sabers.
"Master Jinn shouldn't we attempt some kind of an escape? I mean Xanatos and some of the dark lord's red guard will be back soon. Can't you unlock this cell door?"
"Oh I am very sure of my ability to unlock that door but if you look in the corners of the outer room of the cell, you will see cameras. Cameras that continually search the area for movement. Attempting an escape would not be a good idea right now, especially since we don't which way to go to make a quick exit. For that we need a guide and I know a perfect one."
The likeness of Xanatos popped in Qui-Gon's head, when he thought of who that guide would be.
"Well when? They will be back soon won't they? There is no telling what they have planned for us when they do. Maybe even some torture for one or both of us."
"True, everything you have said has truth in it. I have no doubt that our torture is on their minds. They both are sith and sith think nothing of causing pain and injury to others. However, one thing necessary to becoming a Jedi is patience. Know when to have it and use that patience to your advantage. I think patience right now is more prudent than action, especially when that action will bring nothing but trouble and not our freedom. That is why I hope that when the red guards return Xani will be with them. So Padawan, we will exercise a little patience for now."
Da'Neel was not sure what he master meant but he was willing to wait to see what Jinn planned to do. He certainly had no plans to take on the sith or his red guards. That would have to be left up to his master. In that department the padawan had a great deal of trust and faith in Master Jinn.
Jinn only sat there and nodded his head as he took in the words of the cowardly padawan.
What seemed like hours but in reality only one hour passed before Xanatos came down accompanied of two of Dark Sidious' guards.
Jinn counted on Xanatos' pride and curiosity to get the better of him. The Jedi master suspected Xani would like to do a little goading of his former master without his new master around. As Yoda sometimes said. "Vain Xanatos is. Likes to toot his own horn he does…"
Qui-Gon placed all his odds on the vanity to come out and Xanatos would want to share with Jinn the prospect of his rosy future as Darth Sidious' apprentice, as he saw it.
Those of the dark side would concede that Xanatos had been given quite an honor to be the right hand man to the dark lord himself.
######### Xani stood outside the cell door to confront Qui-Gon###########
"Master Jinn, I see you have the little one cleaned and out of pain. For a child not blessed in the force he seems to have gained control of his pain and misery very fast. Too much control and way too fast, I would think for a child *not* blessed with the force."
Xanatos glared at his master. Jinn knew Xani did not believe Obi was not some special padawan or why else would Jinn be so hell-bent on keeping his force abilities a secret.
Xanatos also realized that something was not quite right for the child to be in such good shape and not have the force within him. He glanced at the top of Obi's once blistered-covered feet. The only thing left of those numerous blisters were now red marked remnants of burns too quickly healed for a *normal*.
"Why take me a fool Qui-Gon? I am not a child under your rule now. I can see that your little Jedi there has healed too quickly not to be a force sensitve. Don't presume my master won't see it as well. You have some answering to do as to why you so blatantly lied and then didn't even cover it up. Maybe you shouldn't have healed the boy so quickly. At least put on some thought-up facade that he couldn't use the Jedi healing techniques. This way Sidious will know of your deceit and you can't hold me responsible for what he chooses to do to you. But oh how I will like to watch."
Xani looked at Jinn's new padawan and postured a fake attack to ward him away. It was only a small threatening lunge toward the cell but Da' Neel cowered back behind Master Jinn and flushed hotly over showing so much fear.
Jinn had the urge to grab Da' Neel by the collar and give him a good shake. First thing learned at the Temple was keep your fear at bay. If one couldn't, then they were at least to try to keep it covered. Da' Neel wore his fear like a banner a crossed his chest, as if it were a badge not of courage, but one of evident fear. Jinn himself blushed embarrasement for him.
Xanatos laughed out loud.
"Got you a *live* one in him Master Jinn. I would say his age indicates he is only a couple of years from knighthood, but his mentality is of one just out of the crèche. Padawans, or good padawans must be getting hard to come by. Is that why you try to keep this one a secret or is there something special about him?"
The last question raised by Xanatos was a question that had been in Jinn's thoughts since successfully healing Obi-Wan. Not necessarily special as Xani meant but certainly something unique about him that Jinn knew he wanted answers for.
He had no plans to volunteer any of his thoughts about Kenobi to Xanatos. The sith might just think he was too special, special as in chosen one special. Jinn had to shake his head and laugh off the idea with a little chuckle he tried to keep contained.
"Why not tell me Qui-Gon what little tidbit do you think so amusing. Are you trying to hide something from me?"
"Sure Xanatos, maybe he is the chosen one? Is that what you and your new master think? I think if you checked his midichlorian count right now you would find he has none. That's right zero Nada, zip. Go ahead. Might want to do that before you make a fool of yourself in front of Darth Sidious with your accusations."
"How did you know I thought that?Nevertheless, what I thought doesn't matter. Darth Sidious himself sent me down here to check the boy's blood level for force abilities. Now I am not saying he thinks he is the chosen one but he feels you are definitely keeping something from him.."
Xanatos motioned to one of the guards to release the lock on the door. While doing that, he failed to notice Jinn make a quick swipe with his right hand and each camera emitted smoke from them silently, as they were sizzled out by the force surge Jinn sent to both of them.
"I can almost see those wheels in your head turning but you are way off base on this, I assure you, Xani."
From behind his back Xani pulled a small counter, a midichlorian counter to be exact. A stick to the finger, a small drop of blood and in less than a minute he would know if Obi-Wan had any force in him.
Obi-Wan stirred on the bed. No noise woke him up but within his mind came a feeling of caution, call it fear but it was all the same. It caused him too awake to see the dark clothed figure of Xani standing over him. He bolted upright only to be suddenly calmed when he saw Qui-Gon standing at the end of the cot.
"It's alright Obi-Wan. He only wants to check you blood for midichlorians."
"Obi rubbed some sleep from his eyes, still no sure whether to trust the dark knight who stood over him.
"Yes Obi, do as your master says. Be a good little boy. One stick…. there …and all we have to do is wait a minute or two to see if Master Qui-Gon is lying."
"Mr. Qui-Gon does not lie. He is a Jedi and Jedi don't lie."
Obi shyly looked up to Jinn and in a whispered tone.
"Do they?"
He did not receive an affirmation to his question. In that split second, Jinn pulled a small knife from his boot which had gone unnoticed by the guards.
He grabbed Xani by the throat as he wheeled him around to face the guards.
"Now tell your friends to hand their weapons to my apprentice and step in the cell."
"Oh new place to hide a weapon Jinn? I will get the blame for this. I never realized you had taken to carrying extra weapons."
"Never hurts to be prepared, now does it? I probably do a lot of things that you are not aware of. You taught me one can never be too cautious about their situation around them or the people they think worthy of your trust."
Jinn tightened his grip on Xani's throat and for the moment cut off his oxygen.
Xanatos knew Master Jinn meant business and he would snap his neck like a twig if he was not listened too. Xani had no choice.
Maybe I can get out of this later but if he doesn't stop choking me to death I won't have *later* to deal with him.
He did what Jinn wanted. He ordered the guards in the cell and Da' Neel was then brave enough to take their weapons. Obi-Wan jumped up out of bed and circled around behind the master. In all the confusion the midichlorian counter fell to the floor and shattered into pieces. They wouldn't know what the level said now.
Xanatos gave in to Jinn's demands to keep his life. He showed them a way through the basement where they made their way to the outside landing port for Sidious' ships.
It took at least fifteen minutes to reach their destination. Still barely able to breathe, Xani led them down a long corridor and out to a landing pad where a squad of land speeders and a couple of ships were parked. There was one little ship barely useable or so it looked, parked to the side. That was the one Qui-Gon wanted for it would carry three or four people in it.
"There I have done what you wanted, probably at the cost of my life."
Xani knew he had quite possibly made a fatal mistake. His master, Darth Sidious did not like mistakes and very often dealt with them by the death of the person who made that mistake. Death was normally a welcome escape from the way he taunted and tortured them to their deaths.
Behind them came noises which indicated the red guard and maybe Sidious himself were hot on their trail. Qui-Gon ordered the two young ones in the ship. Da'Neel had enough intelligence to activate the engine of the older ship . Now Jinn had to decide what to do with Xani.
Xanatos looked up with those pleading dark eyes of his. The eyes that had betrayed Master Jinn so many times later in life but as a child beamed with happiness and anticipation for a bright future as a Jedi knight. Those eyes were now sadly dimmed by the dark. They had none of their brilliance to them they did when Xanatos was a mere twelve-old.
"Look Qui-Gon you owe me nothing and I understand that, but please, I beg you, do this one thing for me?"
"And just what would that be Xanatos?"
"Either kill me with a slit to my jugular vein or take me with you. I have no doubts that Sidious will kill me, if you don't. I would rather it be quick at the hands of my former master than a long agonizing torture my new master, Sidious would exact on me."
Jinn stood there, knife at Xani's throat and mulled over Xani's plea to be released from his turmoil with one little cut made by Qui-Gon's own hand.. This much he would do for the fallen Jedi was his first thought, before he really thought about it at all.
However he actually had to stop and think about consequences of his actions if he took it on himself to actually kill the fallen Jedi. Then he remembered Xani, *his* Xani as a vibrant young boy, not a care in the world and no dark side to touch him.
It was later when he realized his powers within the force and his astute abilities at everything he did that Xanatos needed more. He wanted to be the master to all things by the time he was sixteen.
No, in Jinn's heart he knew he could not be the one to put the young man to death. He wondered if he would have enough intestinal fortitude or plainly put, enough *guts* to allow Sidious to torture his former apprentice to death?
//Could I even toy with the idea of actually having choices as to what I should do with my former padawan? I could personally do away with Xanatos, let Sidious do it for me, or as he suggested, take him with us!!!! Which one of those options should I choose?…………….//
Xanatos was given a nice comfortable force inhibiting cell down in the cellar of the Jedi temple. What else where they to do with him? Qui-Gon saw fit to return with him and the council had no other options. Other than holding Master Jinn, Da' Neel and Obi against their will, he had nothing criminal at least nothing recorded. Master Yoda felt he had probably had his hands in a great many workings against the Republic but proof was needed to back that as of yet unfounded accusation .
Qui-Gon sat in the home of the little master. He just finished telling his story about the extraordinary events between he and Obi-Wan.
"Medicine of his he has received now?"
"Well yes. He seemed lethargic . I assumed it had something to do with not receiving his medicine. I gave it to him as soon as we got back.?
"Medicine for what it is?"
There remained a silence between the two that lingered too long for Yoda's liking.
"Answer me you will former padawan of mine. Medicine for what reason does the child have need of it ?"
Qui-Gon could be just as defiant as a normal person. He definitely wasn't wearing his master mantle right now.
"Master Yoda I promised Selena I would not question his medication. She will come after her child is born and take him to a physician here. She also made a promise to me that she would tell me of all the details surrounding Obi-Wan's illness. I ask no more of her than that."
"Humph… Jedi healer not good enough for the child. Sneaked the child in the temple without a check-up with them, I bet you did. No more secrets about the little one there is to be. Jedi healers he will see tomorrow. Make me go to the council you should not, for do it for will."
"Master Yoda. Are you trying to say that Selena has been giving Obi some kind of medicinal force inhibitor? That's absurd."
"Try nothing I ever do, told you flat out I have.. Fact I think this might be. See to it my request you follow or order of the council I can make it Qui-Gon. Know me well enough you do that words not idle threat but promise they are."
Master Jinn knew it would be useless to argue with the old Jedi master when he had something set in his head to do. He would have to follow Master Yoda's command and in a way he was pleased. Unbeknownst to anyone he himself had done a count on Obi's blood and found it positively normal this morning.
Of course he took a dose of his medicine upon our return to the temple. If the hydro spray contained some kind of force inhibitor in it then it would have caused his count to go back to normal. What am I saying? Selena would never do such a thing. It could well harm the child's health. Even if he has the force within him, why would he and I connect so cohesively when we share no bond. Ablsoutley NO BOND!
Jinn put it out of his head. He reasoned Obi suffered some normal childhood illness like his aunt had alluded too, like the allergies.
Yes Master Yoda will see how ridiculous his thoughts are once Obi-Wan is checked out by the healers. He needs a good once over after his injuries in the crash anyway.
############That evening at last-meal################
"Excuse me young man. I don't think I understand?"
"What is there to understand Mr. Qui-Gon sir? I said No. One simple little word and *you* can't understand?"
"You can't tell me no. You have to do as I say."
Jinn's words sputtered from his mouth over the indignant way in which Obi disobeyed him. His last sentence sounded more like a weak plea than a stern command for Obi-Wan to do as he was told. He had never had such a blatantly rude and disrespectful child under his care.Most headstrong little tyke I have ever had to deal with.
"I am afraid you have no choice. Master Yoda has demanded you visit the temple healers and you will, first thing in the morning."
"Oh no I won't and you can't make me. You promised my aunt you wouldn't. Is that how you are to all your friends; make a promise and not honor it?"
Obi did not understand why it upset him to go to the healers other than his aunt had been so adamant that he not. He also did not understand why he couldn't feel the presence of Master Jinn as closely as he could before. Before they returned home it felt as though there was another in his mind wrapped around his soul. Now where that presence had been was a dull ache of loneliness.
Qui-Gon felt s as badly as Obi did. He felt the dull ache of not having the child in his mind. Jinn knew more than Obi about bonds and it felt much like one, but he was just as perplexed and almost as miserable as his little ward was.
Padawan Da'Neel sat and ate last-meal in silence. He opted to ignore his master and ward. If Master Jinn was involved with Obi-Wan for his disobedience, he could not address the disappointment he must have felt in his apprentice.
I hope he stays busy with Kenobi for a long time. Maybe the kid will help Jinn forget my cowardly acts back in the cell.
"We will discuss this after last-meal. I don't want you to skip eating even one meal. You seem as fragile as a little girl. You are nothing but a bag of bones and you are shaky on those bone-thin legs of yours."
The remarks only enflamed Obi-Wan's rebelliousness even more. .
"I am not in the least *fragile* Mr. Qui-Gon. I feel fine. I will eat to satisfy you and your supposed worry for me, but there is no need to finish our discussion. I won't be going to any ole Jedi temple healers for you or *your* Master Yoda."
"Very well you could be right. We will not have any more conversation about it. If you are not dressed by eight in the morning and walk down the hall with me to the healers, I will pick you up, still in your sleep pants, and carry you there, over my shoulder kicking and screaming if need be.. Have it which ever way you want. I am sure *your* way will be the talk of the temple by tomorrow afternoon. However if it is done the correct way, *my* way, it will be more subtle and a lot more dignified."
Obi-Wan sat in silence and finished his meal. He certainly didn't want to be the "gossip of the day" at the temple. He had heard of others being the *gossip* and they did not enjoy it.
The three sat in the common room after last-meal. Each one of them were involved in their own activities. Master Jinn sat at the desk and went over some data pads, as a favor for Mace. Da'Neel buried his head in a book of astrophysics study, hoping to impress his master. He had noticed Jinn more than once in a dead stare directed at him.
Obi-Wan was just that, Obi-Wan. He really didn't pretend to be doing anything. He had two space ship models out on the floor, flying them over head . His little mind was working overtime to figure out how to get out of the healers trip but he reasoned he could think better while he played.
Jinn stopped and directed his attention from his apprentice to Obi. It brought a *snuggly* feeling to have a little one, not of the force playing at his feet.
I suppose that would have been my life had I not been a Jedi; a bunch of little Jinns laying on the floor much like Obi-Wan is now.
The warm feeling quickly passed and was replaced by a cloud of darkness. The closest he would come to experiencing fatherhood would be Obi-Wan or another padawan.
Ever how angelic-like and sweet Obi-Wan was now, lying on the floor; legs bent at the knee and stuck up in the air, Jinn just could not visualize the relationship ever becoming as intimate as the ones he had shared with his apprentices.
The boy with no force powers was too head strong and defiant for them to even have a base to build a relationship on. One was just as stubborn and obstinate as the other and that made for miscommunications between them.
It saddened the master for a moment to think he had no one in his life to share his interests and to raise as he was raising Owen. It was then that he realized that as soon as something could be done about Da' Neel he would take a young one about Obi-Wan's age to train. The next apprentice would be his last, he thought.
Save the best for last, Master Yoda likes to say. I will make my next apprentice my last and my best............ The next morning brought with it a curious Master Jinn. He was curious as to why he even comtemplated being a father or possibly taking another padawan.
The day certainly didn't start out as he planned either. He would soon learn that it would progress even worse as the hours passed.
The first thing Qui-Gon came up against that morning was Obi-Wan's stubborn resistance to getting out of bed. He wasn't particularily sleepy. In fact Qui-Gon noted on most mornings the child got up before the sun and you had to shoo him to bed every night.
The Jedi master, determined not to be undermined by a child. Especially one without the force which in Jinn's thoughts should be easier to handle.
The past evening Obi-Wan had used the word *No* like it was his; like he invented the word.
He could have for all intent and purposes because. No crècheling, initiate, padawan or even a young knight would have stood up in Master Jinn's face and said no to him.
Qui-Gon Jinn stood in the middle of the two boys' room, weight on one foot tapping the other, arms crossed over his chest and a scowl that would have scared his fiercest enemy. It had no impact on Obi-Wan whatsoever for the boy would not look at him...
Obi-Wan lay on his stomach, in a crumpled heap of blankets, one leg stuck out bare, and his head covered in two lanky little arms concealing his face.
"Obi-Wan Kenobi this is the last time I am going to instruct you to get up out of bed. We have an appointment with the healers this morning and they don't like to be kept waiting. This is the last time I will tell you to get up."
What am I suppose to do if he refuses?
The likelihood of Obi-Wan willingly going to the healers with Jinn dimmed with each passing minute. Jinn seemed fidgety and nervous over the child not taking his authority seriously.
I suppose I will have to do what I said.
Yes the most virile and expert master at the Jedi temple was not going to be outdone by a child. He stomped to the edge of Obi-Wan's bed. Enough noise was made by the master for someone to have turned a rogue elephant loose in Obi's room. Qui-Gon thought that would shock the young one enough to get him up. Humph…. still nothing.
"Obi-Wan this is your last chance."
Good Job Jinn now you are repeating yourself. How many last chances can I give him before I take the action I promised last night?
WAIT! The child stirred. Qui-Gon held his breath to see if Obi's movements meant he intended to do what the Great master said.
NOPE!! Evidently Obi had an itch on the tip of his nose. He moved his fingers down, scratched his nose without showing his face, and went back to being stone still.
This is it. No more chances Mr. Kenobi.
Master Jinn reached down and took the child by both ankles. Obi-Wan, sheets and blanket went to the floor. That is where Jinn dumped him after, with a wave of his hand he used a bit of help from the force to cushion Obi-Wan's landing on the cold floor.
There that should get his attention.
It sure did. Obi got up, wrapped his covers around him, and flopped down on the bed again!!!
Now, Mr. Qui-Gon Jinn what are you going to do? I guess I showed him!
Obi-Wan was quite proud of himself. The master wasn't going to outdo him. He said he wasn't going to the healers and he would show Mr., Qui-Gon he would not go!
He can't leave marks on me if he *thinks* he is taking me to visit the healers. I should be safe enough.
Master Jinn stood over the bed, hand on hip , stymied by the boy's staunch refusal to obey him. No child had ever said no to him and now a mere child refused anything the master tried to get him to do.
Da' Neel had gone in the fresher to shower a half hour ago. He was met by Master Jinn as he left. When he returned he looked to see Qui-Gon had advanced only a few feet closer to the boy's bed but that was about it. He started to make a comment but Jinn could see the boy's mouth begin to move from the corner of his eye. He threw a hand up.
Don't say a word padawan. Just go fix your break-fast and do whatever it is you have scheduled."
"Master?"
Jinn gave up. No one planned to do what he asked of them today.
"What is it padawan? I might as well answer your question for you certainly aren't going to do as I ask? Evidently no one is in this house today."
"I just wanted to ask you if you needed me to help?"
Obi-Wan lay with his face covered and listened. He smiled when he imagined steam coming out of Master Jinn's ears, over his growing anger.
I bet that is how angry Mr. Qui-Gon is. And he told me Jedi didn't get angry Huh…..
"What makes you think I need help with a child? I can handle Obi-Wan. Now run along."
"Alright." Da' Neel shrugged his shoulders. "I just thought since you had only made three or four steps further into the room and hadn't managed anything else since I left to shower that maybe you needed me to help with Obi-Wan. I will be on way."
"Yes, see that you do." The words curt, short, and to the point. Jinn was ashamed to look his apprentice in the face.
After the bedroom door closed, Jinn decided to try again to get Obi-Wan out of bed. He grabbed Obi by the ankles again and used the force to cushion his way, but once the child lay on the floor he used another nudge of the force to freeze Obi-Wan in that position
"Hey… what are you doing? You can't do that . You can't use the force on a little kid, your ward. I will have the temple bring you up on child abuse charges."
"I don't think so. The temple wouldn't much care if I stuffed you head in the fresher. Well they wouldn't after they saw how childish you acted this morning. Now I said you could go the easy way to the healers or the hard way. I see you have made you choice."
Qui-Gon had managed to turn the tables. Obi-Wan didn't want to be seen slung over Jinn's shoulders in his sleep pants and shirt carried like a babe to the healers.
"Never mind I will get up and put my clothes on. I will go."
Qui-Gon knew he had the child right where he wanted himand he wasn't past using a little of his JedI leverage to seehe stayed that way. Call it it back pay backs.
"Oh no you don't get a second chance around here. I have been more than lenient with you and your refused my offer to do this in a dignified manner. Now things will be done my way. Want to tell me *NO* again?"
It was Obi's turn to let off steam. "I am not going to the healers turned over your shoulders in my pajamas."
Still in a force hold for Jinn had no trust of the boy, Obi was picked up, put over Jinn's left shoulder and a swift non-injuring swat was administered to his backside. It was done only to let Obi-Wan know Qui-Gon had finally gained control of the situation.
"Let's go see what the healers have to say about you, shall we?"
Right now Jinn was more than pleased with himself..
//See I knew I could handle him….. were his thoughts but then an inner voice from deeper within his mind, voiced a thought quite different….. YEA RIGHT!!!! //
"Are you positive Master Healer Turvel?"
Was it disappointment that made the master's voice a little higher, his brow furrowed into a slight frown?? Did he *want* his little ward to be force sensitive? If the answer to those questions were yes, then a third question needed answered, WHY?
"Master Jinn, I assure you had there been any drug capable of inhibiting one's Jedi powers or to do away with their midichlorians I would know about it."
The Healer, indignant over what he felt was Jinn's waning confidence in his ability, let the Jedi master know with the sound of his words that he was not pleased by being second-guessed. He prided himself as being the best in identifying possible poisons and other drugs given to one with the Jedi force and his canning ability to come up with an antidote quickly when needed.
"Please forgive me." Jinn bowed in respect although that was not his true feelings. He never cared too much for this master healer and today was no different. He held the healer in the highest regard when it came to his medical expertise. However, their personalities just always seemed to clash when they worked together. They never saw eye to eye. Master Yoda always thought it was because each knew they were the best at what they did.
"I never meant to imply you are not correct or in some way derelict of your duty. Master Yoda thought possibly this child had some force abilities and the medicine he takes would be the only reason it was not discovered while he was young."
An indignant…. "Well".. started his sentence and his condescending words just easily spewed from is mouth….. "I assure you that *your* little one in there has no force in him. I would say he not worthy enough to even keep him around. He is not gifted with any force powers and none are likely to grow."
He laughed to himself over his humor.
Everyone knew you couldn't *grow* the force. You had to be blessed from birth with it..
"Yes, you can take this Kenobi back and tell Master Yoda he can never be a Jedi. I found traces of antihistamines in his blood. Medicine indicative to allergy sufferers, nothing more. Oh there was another drug, and I will work out the molecule makeup for tracing it, but I can assure you it is not a force inhibitor. I know of the base root drug to the one Obi-Wan takes. There is not a force inhibitor drug that I do not know, and the drug his medication is derived from is never used for any kind of force control. I separated the antihistamine from it and tested... nothing… I suppose I should send my sympathies to Master Yoda or extend them to you if either of you held any hopes for the child becoming a Jedi."
//Why does he rub me the wrong way? Another thing, why does he think that Yoda or I hold any hope for anything when it comes to Obi-Wan's future, especially a future as a Jedi? //
There was still an edge of disappointment in the Jedi master but he kept it hidden exceedingly well.
On the other side of the door where his guardian stood and spoke with the healer Obi-Wan plastered his ear there and listened. He had dressed, if you call it that, back in his P.J.'s and now wanted to know what was being said about him.
He knew by the look Qui-Gon gave the healer when he started to talk about Obi-Wan that there was something Mr. Qui-Gon did not want him to hear. He abruptly silenced the master healer until they went to the adjoining room.
//Force powers, midichlorians….. Why would Master Yoda or Mr. Qui-Gon think I have any of those qualities. Never have. Aunt Selena would never give me medication to render them useless if I did. I can remember my mother even gave me the same medicine.//
Obi-Wan shook his head in disbelief over what he heard.
//Boy, Mr. Qui-Gon must really hate me as I am, to hope I might have a little force power quelled some how with medicine. I suppose he thinks I would be a more manageable kid if I did. //
Obi-Wan quickly ran back to the exam bed and climbed on it when he heard his guardian excuse himself from the healer to retrieve Obi.
Innocence was not a look carried very well by Obi-Wan especially when he was so guilty of eavesdropping and all out snooping.
As soon as Master Jinn walked in where his ward laid, he leveled his steel blue-eyed gaze on the little boy. He *felt* some mischief had gone on, he just wasn't sure what.
"Well are you ready to return to our quarters?"
Qui-Gon had no wish to go into any details about why Obi-Wan was subjected to a medical exam by what Obi considered, a mean Jedi healer who must hated children.
As they walked back home with Obi-Wan beside him, he wondered why the child was not the least bit curious as to why Master Yoda insisted he go to the healers in the first place. Also the Jedi master was still hot over the actions the boy exhibited that morning by his refusal to go.
All that had to be put aside when before them walked Master Yoda.
"Talked with the healer I have already. Unconvinced I am that my theory is not correct. Decided it has been by the council's agreement Obi-Wan to be removed from his medicine he should be. If ill he becomes then the healers he will see to assess that illness. My assurance you have, no harm will come to the child.."
Yes, the day had gotten worse than Jinn ever could have dreamed it would.
"You can't be serious. I don't have time to deal with a sick child. I have an apprentice to train."
He grimaced as if in pain at the thought of returning back to a daily practice sessions with an apprentice he had quickly learned not to respect or trust very much. Both were needed to be able to successfully train a Jedi apprentice.
"Take care of him you can not then send him to the healers ward to stay there you will. Nothing more to say I have. Bring me the child's medicine you will for keep it I personally want to do "
Qui-Gon watched his former master tuck his claw-like hands iside his oversized Robe arms and proceed down the hall just as calmly as if he had just asked the master how his day was. He certainly didn't act like he had just delivered life altering news to he and his ward.
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That evening was not a pleasant one for anyone living the Jinn home. Obi-Wan was even more confused.
//Master Yoda must be taking my medicine away to see if I have any force sensitivity. Mr. Qui-Gon is in some way angry about it, so angry he said he planned to notify my aunt tonight. Then of course I am still in trouble for being so stubborn this morning. I wish I had just gone. I had too anyway and I wouldn't be waiting for Mr. Qui-Gon to start in on me about it. Luckily he has too much to think about right now than to deal with me and my actions this morning. Da' Neel he just sits there like a *lump of unmolded clay. I think he is as afraid of his master jumping him as I am. I know he is holding some evil remarks. That smug look on his face…. //
"EAT!!"
Obi-Wan almost jumped out of his chair from the loud command from his guardian and Da' Neel didn't handle the abrupt command any better. He never had trouble eating, yet he looked to see which direction his master was looking when he yelled. Relief spread over him when he realized it was Jinn's ward who was in hot water right now.
"I don't think I am very hungry right now sir."
//There I added the sir for good measure. Satisfied you old grump.//
Obi-Wan had taken to calling Master Jinn a few of his favorite nicknames for him and *old grump* was one of many he had for him. Good thing Qui-Gon was not able to actually see in his mind.
"You know Kenobi I can see the wheels in that little head of yours turning and I don't think I like it."
"Mind reader now?"
"Excuse me? I hope that was not in some way meant to be a rude remark directed at me?"
Obi-Wan wasn't even sure of what his guardian said. He figured he had enough worries without Jinn attacking him over something. After all, the Jedi planned to pull his medication from him he had taken all his life and it actually scared the little boy. Obi had no desire to be sick and miserable without his medicine and he had been taught that if he didn't have it, he would become severely ill.
Obi-Wan felt it might be wise to back down from his guardian at this particular point because Master Jinn seemed to grow angrier by the minute.
"I just meant if I have no force or midichlorians then you couldn't possibly know what I think. That is all."
Even as he tried to alleviate some of the discord between he and Qui-Gon, Obi found he was just making things worse.
"What do you mean *IF* you have no force. You know very well you don't. I don't have to be a *mind reader* as you call it to know when you are plotting something. I have begun to learn your little devious ways."
Da'Neel reached for his napkin and quickly covered his mouth to hide the smile left there by his master's remarks. This evening was turning out not to be very enjoyable because Obi had managed to strike wrath in his master and it all was being directed at him. Master Jinn had yet to address the issue of Da' Neel's unacceptable behavior on their mission while imprisoned.
"Very well Obi-Wan if you don't plan to eat then just go get ready for bed. I don't need a smart remark to countermand everything I say this evening. The day has been trying for me and the last thing I want to do is deal with you and your obstinacy. Now you are excused."
Obi felt the same way Qui-Gon did at the moment, he didn't really care. He wasn't hungry and the sooner he got from under Jinn's stares the better. Da' Neel on the other hand didn't care for the idea.
"Master I have to study for a mid-term exam. Where can I do that in total quiet if he is in our room? He's a distraction anyway always fidgeting or playing with those model space crafts of his. Leave him in there a moment and he might steal something anyway."
Da'Neel knew just what cord to hit to make Jinn even angrier with the little boy. And besides he didn't want to study under Qui-Gon's watchful eyes all evening. He really did need to study because he was almost failing the class anyway.
Obi-Wan wanted to slink under the table at the mention of the rock. The *incidence* hadn't been brought up since the argument over the rock, that was really his. He hated to get into that again today. There had just been too much for the little one to deal with.
A foreboding look in the Master's eyes told both the padawan and the ward at the table that if possible Qui-Gon had suddenly gotten in an even darker mood than he was earlier. His apprentice had managed to push the right button.
"Yes, I had almost forgotten that. Thank you for bringing up even more problems I have had with the child. You do need to study and I don't partiuclary want him in the room alone for long. Never know what he will find to steal again."
//What am I saying? I had let go of that right after it happened. Why am I so angry over the encounter at the healers and the demand to stop his medicine? He really hasn't done too much except his actions this morning, to warrant so much angry from me toward him.//
It was like a sledge hammer had dropped when Qui-Gon thought of the stolen rock and Obi's disobedience earlier.
"You are right. I don't want him in there. Just go shower, get dressed for bed, and you can go to my room Obi-Wan. Take your class work if you have any to do it."
It was Obi's turn to get angry.
He jumped out of his chair and pushed it too hard toward the table The chair toppled over from the angled shove that tipped it on only two legs.
"Get back here and upright that chair Obi-Wan."
"You do it with one of your force manipulations, like you did to hold me down today. I am just a normal little kid remember and just for the record I didn't steal that rock. It is mine, so that makes you the only *thief* in this room."
Qui-Gon's chair overturned with the might he put behind the push he gave it when got up. He was at a point of no return and he was going to show Obi-Wan once and for he was in charge. He bounded toward the boy, who realized he may have goaded his guardian just a little too far.
It wasn't just the lack of respect Qui-Gon had received today from Obi, it was the out and out lie he had said about *Owen's* rock. He would not stand for anyone living under his roof and under his care to blatantly lie to him.
Wide-eyed with fear, he watched the big Jedi stomp towards him with fists clenched at his sides to try to gain control of his seething anger. Had anyone stopped Master Jinn on his angered trek to reach his little ward he would have admitted, he didn't know why or where his growing anger came from. Obi-Wan did create it with his less than courteous attitude but something inside Jinn himself caused it to escalate.
The Jedi master just seemed to snap. The only thing Obi-Wan could do was stand there frozen and hope that Qui-Gon got his senses back *BEFORE* he reached the terrified little boy……………..
PEACE ewen
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If you like H/C, That C actually stands for mush , let me assure you the next post will have it!!!
Here's a sample.ewen
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With each step closer, Obi-Wan's size dwarfed more in comparison to his guardian's seemingly giant-like size.. Maybe it was Obi's imagination but he thought he saw steam being emitted from Qui-Gon's flaring nostrils as he huffed his way closer to the child.
Once he made the final step to reach Obi-Wan, the kid did the only thing he could think of he clenched his eyes shut as hard as he could and said a little prayer that he would live through whatever the big Jedi had planned for him.
Obi-Wan was picked up with only one hand by the front of his tunic. It took no more effort for Master Jinn to pick the child up than it would for a normal-sized person to cradle a babe from a crèche bed, in their arms..
Qui-Gon held the boy so that Obi's eyes paralleled his own and for a few minutes kept Obi-Wan intentionally in his dead-serious glare before he released his anger verbally.
The sudden jerk when picked up by his guardian whip lashed Obi's head and neck painfully back. A stunned remorseful Jedi master watched as *his* little ward, already under so much pressure from the day's turmoil burst out into a flood of tears..…………..