The events at the table while having last-meal, made Obi-Wan withdraw further within himself. Qui-Gon wanted to reach the little boy who was incapable of building a very much needed mental shield around him to protect his thoughts and feelings. Obi was scared, terrified, not only of the earlier confrontation at the dining table, but also what he felt in his mind. The disoriented young man watched as his uncle was shot down right beside him with a blaster. Unbeknownst to him and only added to his worries was his being gifted with the most beautiful of blessing one could receive the force. However, because of his aunt and his dead mother's ill-thought- through plan, that beautiful experience was tragically transformed into a terrifying anomaly within the boy's own mind.
Not that Obi-Wan knew that was what caused the mental confusion. When one's brain it hit with numerous little power surges like electrical shocks, it would have to be confusing and scary if you did not know what they were. That was Obi-Wan and Qui-Gon was in no position to explain to him or try to reach him through a mind link.
However if Master Jinn could work on disabling the collar or find its weakness, he might able to still communicate with Obi and find a way to help him through all this. If not, it would not take Count Dooku long to learn of another force presence and he would know exactly who it was, although at first he would not know how?
Qui-Gon was glad that Obi was in such an overwrought state that prevented him from having any desire to discuss anything or better yet, argue with him. That is what he thought at first the boy would do, argue. However it seemed the strength had been zapped away, stolen by the violence he had witnessed and was content at the moment not to ask questions of the master. Questions, that until Master Jinn could do something with the hidden microphone in their cell, could not be answered.
Instead Jinn watched the little dejected future Jedi climb up on his cot, turn his back to the master, and feigned sleep. Jinn knew the sleep was not real, because very occasionally as he sat on his own bunk thinking of what to do with the collar and the child, he watched Obi-Wan catch his breath in little hitches, indicating one thing; Obi-Wan was crying. Tears streamed down his face, to the cot, and on the pillow his head rested on. Unseen, but not unheard or ignored. Right now though, Jinn had to choice to hold off his desire to offer sympathy and a *shoulder to cry on*. That would have to wait until he could do it in privacy, without Dooku's watchful eyes and listening ears
######later that evening######
Qui-Gon had studied the workings of the collar for over two hours. He knew if he possessed the force for five minutes or less, he could disable the microphone . He did not want to diabetes camera because that might draw too much attention but a mic, if no one spoke and was assumed to be asleep, it would go unnoticed for awhile. Jinn kept feeling around under the collar. The fact that collar was not on as tightly as it should have been, gave Master Jinn new hope. It was not as strong as some force collars and with the space between his neck and the collar, a foreign object made of metal could be introduced between the two and possibly short out the collar just for the time Jinn needed. Then of course it would be reactivated by removing the metal piece so the electronic pulse could continue to render the force null or partially nullify it, just as it was doing now.
Before he made his attempt to short out the microphone temporarily Qui-Gon stopped what he was doing to listen to the more evened breathing of Obi-Wan. The boy had abandoned his misery and opted to try for a restless sleep.
Jinn took a ring which was given him by Master Yoda and placed it directly under the electronic sensor of the force collar which should have been pressed very snuggly against his neck. It worked!! The immense rush of his force powers surged through the master as if struck by lightening. The feeling, grandly comforting. During that time as he used his powers to short circuit the electronic waves to the microphone, he could feel the rush of confusion and distress coming from Obi. He knew the boy's power was doing nothing but building with each passing day; each hour gone by brought with it a closer the knowledge to any *other* force sensitive that another was close by.
//Count Dooku will no doubt be able to detect the child's force energies tomorrow at first -meal, especially with their close proximity at the table. I have to do something and quickly. //
Jinn concentrated on the job before him. He had to train Obi in a night, how to erect mental shields and keep them there so Count Dooku would be none the wiser to his growing midichlorians.
//Well first I have to tell the boy he is a force sensitive and why he had no knowledge of it till now. Then I have to convince him to trust me enough to do as I tell him to help get his shields tightly in place and to hold them there. There is no telling what Dooku will do if he learns of Obi's abilities and what I feel is his very *strong* force abilities. If Dooku were to hinder them now with a force collar, as we are wearing, it could permanently damage the child; eliminating his powers or his mind forever. Either way regaining the force or losing it again is of real danger for the child unless he will allow me to help him//.
Microphone successfully blocked out for awhile. Longer enough that Jinn hoped he would be able to explain to Obi-Wan what was going on with him and what he needed to do to protect himself and the rest of them from Dooku's wrath if he should find out they all lied to him about Obi-Wan possession of force powers.
He laid down in his cot and quietly touched the boy's mind with his own. He could do that w with the collar temporarily shorted out.
//Obi, I really need you to wake up, but do not turn around to face me. You must just listen to what I have to say, nothing more.//
The touch to his mind by another force sensitive was Obi-Wan's first taste of a potential training bond. There waiting to be initiated was a training bond and with Jinn's mental connection to Obi's mind, the door was opened as a welcoming to the joining of future master and apprentice... One that could not be ignored or negated.
At first the child thought himself in the middle of a dream but the tingling and pulsating jolt he felt to his mind convinced him it was not a dream. This was more intense and real than any dream or even a vision could be.
//Nothing that real and powerful could originate from just a little old dream.//
He heard the command of the master, but his first thought was to react just as Master Jinn had told him *not* too; to turn around to see Master Jinn and to see what was going on.
The stillness of the cell made him realize nothing dramatic was going on in the cell. It was still just he, Master Jinn, and the silence of the night to occupy their cell..
Could it have been words spoken from Master Jinn and not thoughts I heard?
The child was confused, yet not enough not to remember the microphone and the camera in their cell.
//Was it a thought, a dream, or Master Jinn actually speaking to me? He couldn't, not with Dooku listening to every word. //
//It was not a dream and I did not speak to you, at least verbally. It is through the training bond that is trying to insert itself in both our minds. We are meant to share it and now…Well I will explain but now it has begun to form and I am afraid nothing less than someone intentionally breaking it will halt its forming…. //
Jinn stopped short of mentally telling the child of his abilities. He did not want to just toss the burden of the boy's new future , new powers, new confusion on him without a explanation first.
However, Master Jinn also knew that this training bond brought even more diasrray to the child's mind. For without the force, how could a bond even attempt to assert itself.
Jinn hoped the boy's confusion would help quell his curiosity as to how the bond had gotten so far in its assertion into *both* of their minds, when he was not even a force sensitive.
//Waiting on what Master Qui-Gon? How can I hear you through my mind, feel your presence as if you were inside my head?//
Jinn could not help but smile and chuckle just enough for Obi-Wan to hear it very vaguely in his mind, before the Jedi master continued.
//I wanted to explain all this to you first, but I guess I have to tell you now and explain later. You must trust me and do everything I instruct you to do. //
//What exactly is going on? How can you and I, a force inept kid, talk through a bond, through our very minds as if were one? As far as trusting you, I am not sure you should even ask that..I will trust you as much as I can trust anyone who has already betrayed me once…………. "//
Qui-Gon gave Obi-Wan a few minutes to let his anxieties settle. It had to be difficult to accept that someone could talk to you through your mind and not directly to you. Jinn knew Obi-Wan was familiar with the Jedi technique of making contact with someone close through the force but never having done it himself Jinn thought maybe the boy was stunned shocked surprised, oh whatever.
Obi-Wan still could not grasp the full meaning of being able to speak to Mr. Qui-Gon through their mind. Yes he knew he did, knew Mr. .Qui-Gon spoke to him that way and not the conventional normal way, but the confusion, the rapid growth of his midichlorians hindered the boy from truly understanding that he, Obi-Wan Kenobi was blessed with the force and also there was some kind of bond between he and Mr. Qui-Gon.
//O.K. Mr. Qui-Gon I will listen, although I am not sure I trust you, don't how we are doing this and to be really honest, I am not sure I am not in some elaborate dream with you there too.//
Obi could actually hear his former guardian chuckle in his head.
//I think that tickled my brain. //
//No Obi it did not tickle your brain, although you might feel the vibrations from the sound and words sent to you. You will gradually get use to it.//
I// am not sure I want to get used to it. And like I said, I am not all that sure this isn't a dream..How, why? //
//I can not explain all this too you but to say you are force sensitive.//
That is not true. Now I know it's a dream or you are lying to me like you did..when..well when you refused to fight for me in the courts right after telling me the day before you would.
Qui-Gon actually physically grimaced at the truth to the child's words. He had lied to him, although not intentionally.
//I know Obi-Wan and I truly am sorry. I promise when we get out of here, I will make it all up to you. You must listen. You *are* force sensitive and we do have some kind of bond just like..just like Owen and I had.//
Jinn moved a little in the bed when he mentioned Owen. He was afraid that might startle Obi with his name and the boy might go to get up or to make a verbal comment, Jinn would have to stop him and hope he wasn't seen doing it.
//Like Owen, an apprentice like Owen, to you? I don't know about all this. My mother never knew I was force sensitive neither did my aunt. For that matter neither did I. How come now and you? You of all people know I am force blessed. Nope you are just plain-out lying to me, although I don't know why. //
//Can you here me? Can you talk with me without actually speaking.? How Obi, if you are not force blessed are you doing all this? //
Obi-Wan remained silent for just a little while. He didn't know *how* or *why*, but his mind, as confused as it was, could not openly admit to the truth, Master Jinn spoke *that* truth.
Qui-Gon was not sure if he just didn't comprehend what happened between the two with a mind connection or if he just didn't want to admit he understood the how's and why's of it.
Just maybe little Kenobi did not want to be blessed with the force. He had said one time, "he wanted nothing to do with the force."
Maybe he spoke the truth
OOPS!!! Jinn did not shield, his questioning thoughts heard by the child about he not wanting the force or anything to do with it.
//I don't know that it is really true. I just don't know if you have tricked me with one of your Jedi tricks you are infamous for. Well maybe not you, but the Jedi in general. I have seen my aunt work wonders on my uncle when he did not want to agree with her. Is this the same, equal to what she did to Uncle Delon?//
Again Jinn laughed, only mentally into the boy's mind.
He remembered Obi did not like the feeling and quickly apologized for "tickling" his mind.
//Sorry but the thought of your aunt Selena using a mind suggestion to sway your uncle to agree with her just seemed enormously funny. However I am not going to mind whammy you. I have told you the truth as much as I know about you and nothing more. I would never trick you into something. I want to help you learn some things about your rapid growing power.; things that will not only protect you but the rest of us while we are under Dooku's power. I have already been able to short circuit the force collar but I will have to reconnect it waning power to finish my plan .It would not due for Count Dooku to know I can easily control this collar, not yet anyway. Now are you ready for me to show you a few things about that elusive force that is clogging up your mind? What you see as possibly an anomaly is a quite natural growth of midichlorians, only growing at an unnaturally rapid speed. That's because without the medicine, your power will grow at such a rapid pace, confusion might set in for awhile, until your mind and body adjust to the new experience of being blessed with the force .I assure you everything be alright right. You need time to adjust and right now I can't give you any time. You have to learn and learn quickly how to deal with it and also how to cover it to protect you and everyone around you.//
For the first time in a long time Jinn heard and felt the comfortable vibrations of Obi's chuckle through the bond.
//I guess if you think about it , it is pretty comical, Aunt Selena using a mind whammy to control my uncle…l.. O.K, say I believe you just a little, what then? What would you have me do?//
Jinn let out a sigh of relief as he checked the camera to see what part of the cell was being scanned at that moment.
//I just wanted to tell you what was going on with your mind. I know you are confused. This can overwhelm even adult, if say their midichlorians rose as quickly as yours is doing. //
Jinn would not yet alarm boy with the news of just how high his count had the ability to possibly go too. In reality , if his aunt was correct, almost as high as his. His aunt knew of his very high midichlorian count or the potential for it when he was very young. Now all Jinn could do was to try to deal with it and more importantly teach Obi-Wan how to deal with and accept it.
I// will try to help you erect t your mental shields to keep Dooku from becoming aware of another force sensitive . I am not sure what he would do if he knew.//
Qui-Gon did not want to bring undue alarm to the boy, but also he wanted him prepared and to understand the importance of keeping his mind shielded, if Jinn was successful in his idea to show him how to erect them.
Obi-Wan found it most difficult t lay still in that cot while they conversed back and forth through their minds. He knew he was doing it, but still it confused him. He wanted nothng more than to roll over and face Mr. Qui-Gon. He thought if he could see his face, he would know the truth. Was he telling the child the truth or was this some made up ruse to make Obi more pliable to his demands? Obi chose wisely to believe for now that his former guardian spoke the truth and he agreed to himself that he would do as the master wanted. Much to his chagrin, Jinn smiled a smile he could not see. He had been listening to the boy think the very thoughts about him and knew now Obi-Wan would make every effort to do as "Mr. Qui-Gon" asked.
//Alright we have to hurry. Time is running out. Listen and do as I tell you and remember, no matter how confusing or funny it feels in your mind do exactly as I say. If you do this correctly, you feel the loss of me in your mind. //
As startled as Obi-Wan was to find himself able to mind speak with the Jedi master, he was even more shocked at the thought he would quickly lose this connection they just formed. He was not sure he wanted too….not feel the presence of Jinn in his mind. It had really given him the *willies* at first but now… now there was a comfort to it. A feeling of not being alone…A comforting feeling of being connected emotionally to someone… Someone who cared about him. At least that is what he gleaned from this experience. Jinn mentally was aware of what the boy thought and tired to reassure him.
//I do care for you, Obi-Wan. I have just begun to find out how much. Though you will not feel my presence in your mind when I assist in with the erection of your shields, it will only be temporary. And know that I am right here. After I put the collar on, you would have not been able to feel my presence anyway. This will help you and later when we have escaped and we will, I will show you how to lower them so the connection will still be there..If you want it to be………..//
Obi-Wan could feel the scrutinizing eyes of his former guardian on him as he waited for an answer from the boy. All that was in him told Obi not to trust Mr. Qui-Gon again. Once was enough to almost wrench his heart out when the master turned his back on him. Did he want that feeling again? The answer through his mind was a definite no. However he could not take the chance that the big Jedi master wasn't lying.
He would have to do as Master Jinn asked of him. He would attempt to learn all he could with what time they had. It might be necessary in order to save his aunt and uncle and maybe himself.
Thoughts of concern for him or Jinn was not the prevalent reason for his decision.
//I owe it to Owen to make every attempt to help his parents. They did not turn their backs on him, but me. Yes, for you Owen, I will do it.. //
"Obi-Wan I do not wish to rush your decision but daybreak will be upon us before we have a chance to go over everything you need to know. I also have to readjust my force collar so they will not know I tampered with it, and I still have to get the microphone back in working order. So what do you say, will you give me one more chance? Trust me in this and you will realize all I have said is the truth and that I can be trusted again."
Obi-Wan jumped a little in the bed when Jinn's words resonated through his mind and not out of the master's mouth.. It was hard to get use to another person actually being in your head.
//Very well, I will Mr. Qui-Gon.//
//That's a boy. Good, now first I want to show you how to raise your mental shields and before you say anything, yes, you have them, all force sensitives do. We just have to get them raised. I will show you how to lower them later because right now I don't want them down once they are up. Also after that I plan to show you a neat little trick Master Yoda taught me before I was even out of the crèche. He knew even then I would be his apprentice. Now here is what you do…//…
The next morning brought with it an agonizing headache for the child. More pain than he thought he could handle attacked his head and there was no let up. Last night Master Jinn had taken a lot of it away with force healing, but now.. Now Obi was shielded from the comforting touch of Jinn's mind to his and had he not been it would have done no good. Master Jinn wore the force collar now, working as it did blocked, any kind of telepathic communication between he and Obi-Wan.
The boy felt lost without Master Jinn there to comfort him. It made him feel doubly worse because he did not want to rely on Qui-Gon for anything. He didn't know for sure if it would be only temporary this connection between them. Possibly Master Jinn would run out on him again and he would be back to square one.
######At break-fast######
Any food was impossible to look at, let alone eat. Obi-Wan's stomach whirled like a round like a speeder bike out of control.
"Is there something wrong Kenobi? Not a bite of food again today? I feel… I don't know, something different here. Is there something different boy?"
Dooku squinted his eyes and without looking, Obi-Wan knew the beady eyed corrupt Jedi stared at him in wait for his reply.
He squirmed, started to look at Qui-Gon, then hesitated.
//No, I won't betray him as he has done to me. I will try to hide everything from the Count just as Qui-Gon said too.//
"Whatever could be different? We are the same people trapped by the same insane former Jedi. Could anything be different?"
Dooku was not appreciative of the words that came from Obi's mouth. Certainly not when Obi called him insane.
"Did you get your brazen attitude from *your* master?"
Dooku suspected something, something hidden. He also suspected it had to do with Jinn and Kenobi, but it was only a feeling. He was not positive if he was jumping to conclusions for if indeed his force of dark was sending some kind of warning.
"I think I shall give you and Selena time to rest after your first robbery of the lowly citizens. Obi-Wan and I need to spend some time together. Wouldn't you like that dear boy?"
"I suppose just about as much as I like getting my booster shots once a year."
"Oh quick witted too are you? Well never mind. I don't think you got that from Master Jinn. He was never quick with his mind."
It was meant to be a slur and while Jinn paid no mind to it, Obi was indignant for his former guardian.
"Mr. Qui-Gon is the smartest Jedi I know. Owen said he was the best and I trusted Owen."
Maybe Obi didn't believe all he said about his Mr. Qui-Gon, but he believed in Owen and he would not allow Dooku to sit there and make a mockery of such a great Jedi master.
When *it* hit, *it* knocked the boy out of his chair and unto the floor. Stunned, blood trickled from his ears but poured violently from his nose.
Dooku sent an electric charge straight into Obi-Wan. Shocked, but still somewhat coherent, Obi-Wan tried to pick himself off the floor but couldn't. Selena jumped with alarm when she saw what happened, yet refused to leave her seat by her injured husband to do anything. She feared Delon would be harmed. Jinn, however made a futile attempt to get up and go to Obi-Wan. Two heavily armed guards saw that he remained in his seat.
"You have no quarrel with the child, Dooku. Leave him alone."
"So, you do have a connection to the boy."
"No, I am a being with feelings and I don't want anyone to be harmed needlessly, in particular a child. Brave of you isn't it?"
"Words Jinn, only words and like you, I have a thick skin when it comes to verbal attacks. Now if you will excuse us, I have a little jaunt planned for Obi-Wan. Just like you and Selena he and I will be back in time for last-meal and maybe he will recant the happenings of our day.."
Dooku looked to one of his guards.
"See that they are put securely back in their cells. I hope the engines are fired up on the ship."
"Yes Count. Everything is ready."
Qui-Gon was led away with a blaster gun to his head as wear Selena and Delon All three captives were unsure of Obi's condition but at least the child had managed to finally get up and wipe the blood from his face.
//Dooku knows or thinks he knows something. I only hope Obi-Wan can withstand what is ahead of him.//
###############
Master Jinn was left in the cell with nothing to do but think of what in the name of the dark side could Dooku have planned for Obi-Wan. If it were to engage in thievery that might not be too bad. But was the mission they were on one similar to Jinn and Selena's?
As he sat on the cell cot and fumbled aimlessly with the force collar on his neck, he went over and over the attack plan he had. Wasn't much of one really and of course Obi-Wan would have to be back with him safe before he could even attempt it. Qui-Gon had no time to tell Selena of his plans and only hoped she would follow his lead when he did make his escape attempt.
//The way she has been acting she might turn on Obi and I and do Dooku's bidding. //
The Jedi master knew he was stretching the truth about how Selena acted, so cautious and overprotective of her husband and Qui did understand to a point. However to almost throw Obi-Wan toward Dooku without one protest coming from her mouth shocked Jinn.
//I know she has much to live for with the new baby at home but Obi and I both are not exactly wanting to be killed. She has not opened her mouth or made any attempt to show she cared for Owen's cousin in any way. You would think Owen's affection for the boy alone would be enough for her to at least offer him comfort. Oh well I hope I can pull this off without her aid because I am not sure I will get it, once I begin. //
########Dooku and Obi-Wan#############
"See boy it is quite simple."
"Yes simple for a Jedi who has reverted to stealing. I have no force sensitivity and I don't steal, so you see we are back to square one on both, Count Dooku."
"Certainly have a mouth on you don't you kid? I am not so sure you are not force sensitive. That's the real reason for getting you away from the others. The only other person who is force sensitive within miles of here is me and I know my own force signature. I feel another force signature near me. Oh it is covered but not well enough. You should have had your master teach you how to keep your shields up and hidden from someone such as myself with a enough force power to feel your force abilities even though you try to block them. No… Jinn should have instructed you better."
"He is not my master and I am not force sensitive. Maybe someone spiked you Qualla juice this morning."
Obi-Wan was terrified. It seemed Count Dooku had very cunningly or quite by accident, stumbled onto the truth, but either way he knew it and Obi was not sure how much longer he could keep his end of the charade up. It was hard to have to lie to stay alive but to lie and make it believable to protect someone else you cared about was even harder. Obi-Wan realized he still cared for his aunt and uncle though they did not seem to return that care but most of all, he cared very much for Mr. Qui-Gon and he wanted to return to him safely and in turn keep the Jedi master safe. . With his untruthful words he said, Obi reasoned the Count had to see it for what is was a lie . Evidence of the spewing of unaccustomed lies was his reddened face and ears. They were so hot Obi-Wan felt he could have fired an egg on them. . If he had learned anything from Master Jinn it was not to lie.
"Now Obi-Wan do you plan to do as I say, force sensitive or not? Just so let me clarify things. I don't believe for a second that you are not force sensitive and when the truth does come out I may make your master and you pay for the lies you think me so readily believe."
Now Obi-Wan was angry. Angrier than he ever was except for maybe when the force took his cousin, Owen. Jinn had gone through in principle how the uses the many powers of the force and Obi decided to put some them to good use now, mind you in principle also for he did not know of the force's powers and capabilities, YET.
The child could not comprehend the power within himself. He concentrated as hard as he could and called upon the force. He wanted to so something,…. something that would render the former Jedi incapacitated just long enough to get his point across. Obi being Obi and still being young did not think further than revenge. He did not think of the pay backs that he would bring on himself or the others in their cells once or if he accomplished what he wanted; to stun the sith out of Dooku. He also did not stop to think that Dooku would then know the truth if he by chance could use the force.
He had seen his aunt use the force for obscure little things so he mimicked her moves. He closed his eyes, raised his right hand and pointed his index finger directly at Dooku. What shot out of his finger, his tiny little index finger amazed him but it angered and shocked Count Dooku. While not as strong as a lightening bolt thrown by Qui-Gon or Selena, more a little zinger compared to most Jedi, it hit Dooku squarely in the chest and sent him to the ground, in a crumpled heap. Injured in pain, but very much consciously alive.
"Thought you had no force abilities?"
It was then Obi-Wan realized what he had done. How could he have forgotten he was suppose to keep his force abilities hidden. It wasn't like he actually thought he could do anything with his force if he had it and now he knew with certainty he did. There was no way he could lie his way out of this one.
//What have I done? Mr. Qui-Gon will be so angry with me. Now I have put everyone in danger because I truly did not believe Master Jinn. I am blessed with force powers and I have just used them unwisely and on a person that will not hesitate to retaliate in a vicious way against me or worse yet, on the people I love.//
Terror like none he had eve known gripped the boy as he watched a very angry Dooku raise himself off the ground and dust off his robe.
The former Jedi master tried to act like everything was fine, however Obi knew he had been rolling in pain just a couple of minutes ago.
"Quite humorous. Is that what you think child? Maybe if I send back the same you gave only ten times more powerful it would put you in your place . Although it would also kill you and now that I know you are fore sensitive I want you, always by my side. Call it an apprenticeship for one who is of the dark side. First though I intend to find out why it was kept secret, your powers and of course I do have to deal with this little trick you pulled on me."
As Dooku edged closer Obi-Wan tried to think of the way to escape the Count's wrath. The only thing he could come up with was what he done before, the power blast through the force and hope it was stronger than the last one. It needed to be stronger to stop the man who had a look of a wild animal plastered on his face.
//I am a "dead duck" if it reaches me.//
Closer and closer he came as Obi watched as if in slow motion as Dooku got within inches of being able to reach him.
Obi threw out his right hand and closed his eyes but this time the Count knew what he was getting ready to do.
"Try it child and I will throw your blast, plus mine right back on you. I truly would hate to kill you but if I stop your blast with my much more powerful one, your mind and body will not be worth keeping, if you are unlucky enough to live through it."
Both stood waiting for the other to make the next move.. Something had to happen and soon. The question is......WHAT?…
########################################
Thanx for sticking around. This story is almost over. I might not write anymore Qui/Obi stories because maybe they are too much alike, like someone mentioned and I don't mean that in any way negative.. I don't think that, but I think you might think that.
WHEW!!I hope you understood that!!! Well anyway in your feedback, let me know if there is a plot or time period you would like to read about other than young Obi and Master Qui. You have know what I write is my favorite time period!! I think the next post will be the last!!!
PEACE ewen
Not that Obi-Wan knew that was what caused the mental confusion. When one's brain it hit with numerous little power surges like electrical shocks, it would have to be confusing and scary if you did not know what they were. That was Obi-Wan and Qui-Gon was in no position to explain to him or try to reach him through a mind link.
However if Master Jinn could work on disabling the collar or find its weakness, he might able to still communicate with Obi and find a way to help him through all this. If not, it would not take Count Dooku long to learn of another force presence and he would know exactly who it was, although at first he would not know how?
Qui-Gon was glad that Obi was in such an overwrought state that prevented him from having any desire to discuss anything or better yet, argue with him. That is what he thought at first the boy would do, argue. However it seemed the strength had been zapped away, stolen by the violence he had witnessed and was content at the moment not to ask questions of the master. Questions, that until Master Jinn could do something with the hidden microphone in their cell, could not be answered.
Instead Jinn watched the little dejected future Jedi climb up on his cot, turn his back to the master, and feigned sleep. Jinn knew the sleep was not real, because very occasionally as he sat on his own bunk thinking of what to do with the collar and the child, he watched Obi-Wan catch his breath in little hitches, indicating one thing; Obi-Wan was crying. Tears streamed down his face, to the cot, and on the pillow his head rested on. Unseen, but not unheard or ignored. Right now though, Jinn had to choice to hold off his desire to offer sympathy and a *shoulder to cry on*. That would have to wait until he could do it in privacy, without Dooku's watchful eyes and listening ears
######later that evening######
Qui-Gon had studied the workings of the collar for over two hours. He knew if he possessed the force for five minutes or less, he could disable the microphone . He did not want to diabetes camera because that might draw too much attention but a mic, if no one spoke and was assumed to be asleep, it would go unnoticed for awhile. Jinn kept feeling around under the collar. The fact that collar was not on as tightly as it should have been, gave Master Jinn new hope. It was not as strong as some force collars and with the space between his neck and the collar, a foreign object made of metal could be introduced between the two and possibly short out the collar just for the time Jinn needed. Then of course it would be reactivated by removing the metal piece so the electronic pulse could continue to render the force null or partially nullify it, just as it was doing now.
Before he made his attempt to short out the microphone temporarily Qui-Gon stopped what he was doing to listen to the more evened breathing of Obi-Wan. The boy had abandoned his misery and opted to try for a restless sleep.
Jinn took a ring which was given him by Master Yoda and placed it directly under the electronic sensor of the force collar which should have been pressed very snuggly against his neck. It worked!! The immense rush of his force powers surged through the master as if struck by lightening. The feeling, grandly comforting. During that time as he used his powers to short circuit the electronic waves to the microphone, he could feel the rush of confusion and distress coming from Obi. He knew the boy's power was doing nothing but building with each passing day; each hour gone by brought with it a closer the knowledge to any *other* force sensitive that another was close by.
//Count Dooku will no doubt be able to detect the child's force energies tomorrow at first -meal, especially with their close proximity at the table. I have to do something and quickly. //
Jinn concentrated on the job before him. He had to train Obi in a night, how to erect mental shields and keep them there so Count Dooku would be none the wiser to his growing midichlorians.
//Well first I have to tell the boy he is a force sensitive and why he had no knowledge of it till now. Then I have to convince him to trust me enough to do as I tell him to help get his shields tightly in place and to hold them there. There is no telling what Dooku will do if he learns of Obi's abilities and what I feel is his very *strong* force abilities. If Dooku were to hinder them now with a force collar, as we are wearing, it could permanently damage the child; eliminating his powers or his mind forever. Either way regaining the force or losing it again is of real danger for the child unless he will allow me to help him//.
Microphone successfully blocked out for awhile. Longer enough that Jinn hoped he would be able to explain to Obi-Wan what was going on with him and what he needed to do to protect himself and the rest of them from Dooku's wrath if he should find out they all lied to him about Obi-Wan possession of force powers.
He laid down in his cot and quietly touched the boy's mind with his own. He could do that w with the collar temporarily shorted out.
//Obi, I really need you to wake up, but do not turn around to face me. You must just listen to what I have to say, nothing more.//
The touch to his mind by another force sensitive was Obi-Wan's first taste of a potential training bond. There waiting to be initiated was a training bond and with Jinn's mental connection to Obi's mind, the door was opened as a welcoming to the joining of future master and apprentice... One that could not be ignored or negated.
At first the child thought himself in the middle of a dream but the tingling and pulsating jolt he felt to his mind convinced him it was not a dream. This was more intense and real than any dream or even a vision could be.
//Nothing that real and powerful could originate from just a little old dream.//
He heard the command of the master, but his first thought was to react just as Master Jinn had told him *not* too; to turn around to see Master Jinn and to see what was going on.
The stillness of the cell made him realize nothing dramatic was going on in the cell. It was still just he, Master Jinn, and the silence of the night to occupy their cell..
Could it have been words spoken from Master Jinn and not thoughts I heard?
The child was confused, yet not enough not to remember the microphone and the camera in their cell.
//Was it a thought, a dream, or Master Jinn actually speaking to me? He couldn't, not with Dooku listening to every word. //
//It was not a dream and I did not speak to you, at least verbally. It is through the training bond that is trying to insert itself in both our minds. We are meant to share it and now…Well I will explain but now it has begun to form and I am afraid nothing less than someone intentionally breaking it will halt its forming…. //
Jinn stopped short of mentally telling the child of his abilities. He did not want to just toss the burden of the boy's new future , new powers, new confusion on him without a explanation first.
However, Master Jinn also knew that this training bond brought even more diasrray to the child's mind. For without the force, how could a bond even attempt to assert itself.
Jinn hoped the boy's confusion would help quell his curiosity as to how the bond had gotten so far in its assertion into *both* of their minds, when he was not even a force sensitive.
//Waiting on what Master Qui-Gon? How can I hear you through my mind, feel your presence as if you were inside my head?//
Jinn could not help but smile and chuckle just enough for Obi-Wan to hear it very vaguely in his mind, before the Jedi master continued.
//I wanted to explain all this to you first, but I guess I have to tell you now and explain later. You must trust me and do everything I instruct you to do. //
//What exactly is going on? How can you and I, a force inept kid, talk through a bond, through our very minds as if were one? As far as trusting you, I am not sure you should even ask that..I will trust you as much as I can trust anyone who has already betrayed me once…………. "//
Qui-Gon gave Obi-Wan a few minutes to let his anxieties settle. It had to be difficult to accept that someone could talk to you through your mind and not directly to you. Jinn knew Obi-Wan was familiar with the Jedi technique of making contact with someone close through the force but never having done it himself Jinn thought maybe the boy was stunned shocked surprised, oh whatever.
Obi-Wan still could not grasp the full meaning of being able to speak to Mr. Qui-Gon through their mind. Yes he knew he did, knew Mr. .Qui-Gon spoke to him that way and not the conventional normal way, but the confusion, the rapid growth of his midichlorians hindered the boy from truly understanding that he, Obi-Wan Kenobi was blessed with the force and also there was some kind of bond between he and Mr. Qui-Gon.
//O.K. Mr. Qui-Gon I will listen, although I am not sure I trust you, don't how we are doing this and to be really honest, I am not sure I am not in some elaborate dream with you there too.//
Obi could actually hear his former guardian chuckle in his head.
//I think that tickled my brain. //
//No Obi it did not tickle your brain, although you might feel the vibrations from the sound and words sent to you. You will gradually get use to it.//
I// am not sure I want to get used to it. And like I said, I am not all that sure this isn't a dream..How, why? //
//I can not explain all this too you but to say you are force sensitive.//
That is not true. Now I know it's a dream or you are lying to me like you did..when..well when you refused to fight for me in the courts right after telling me the day before you would.
Qui-Gon actually physically grimaced at the truth to the child's words. He had lied to him, although not intentionally.
//I know Obi-Wan and I truly am sorry. I promise when we get out of here, I will make it all up to you. You must listen. You *are* force sensitive and we do have some kind of bond just like..just like Owen and I had.//
Jinn moved a little in the bed when he mentioned Owen. He was afraid that might startle Obi with his name and the boy might go to get up or to make a verbal comment, Jinn would have to stop him and hope he wasn't seen doing it.
//Like Owen, an apprentice like Owen, to you? I don't know about all this. My mother never knew I was force sensitive neither did my aunt. For that matter neither did I. How come now and you? You of all people know I am force blessed. Nope you are just plain-out lying to me, although I don't know why. //
//Can you here me? Can you talk with me without actually speaking.? How Obi, if you are not force blessed are you doing all this? //
Obi-Wan remained silent for just a little while. He didn't know *how* or *why*, but his mind, as confused as it was, could not openly admit to the truth, Master Jinn spoke *that* truth.
Qui-Gon was not sure if he just didn't comprehend what happened between the two with a mind connection or if he just didn't want to admit he understood the how's and why's of it.
Just maybe little Kenobi did not want to be blessed with the force. He had said one time, "he wanted nothing to do with the force."
Maybe he spoke the truth
OOPS!!! Jinn did not shield, his questioning thoughts heard by the child about he not wanting the force or anything to do with it.
//I don't know that it is really true. I just don't know if you have tricked me with one of your Jedi tricks you are infamous for. Well maybe not you, but the Jedi in general. I have seen my aunt work wonders on my uncle when he did not want to agree with her. Is this the same, equal to what she did to Uncle Delon?//
Again Jinn laughed, only mentally into the boy's mind.
He remembered Obi did not like the feeling and quickly apologized for "tickling" his mind.
//Sorry but the thought of your aunt Selena using a mind suggestion to sway your uncle to agree with her just seemed enormously funny. However I am not going to mind whammy you. I have told you the truth as much as I know about you and nothing more. I would never trick you into something. I want to help you learn some things about your rapid growing power.; things that will not only protect you but the rest of us while we are under Dooku's power. I have already been able to short circuit the force collar but I will have to reconnect it waning power to finish my plan .It would not due for Count Dooku to know I can easily control this collar, not yet anyway. Now are you ready for me to show you a few things about that elusive force that is clogging up your mind? What you see as possibly an anomaly is a quite natural growth of midichlorians, only growing at an unnaturally rapid speed. That's because without the medicine, your power will grow at such a rapid pace, confusion might set in for awhile, until your mind and body adjust to the new experience of being blessed with the force .I assure you everything be alright right. You need time to adjust and right now I can't give you any time. You have to learn and learn quickly how to deal with it and also how to cover it to protect you and everyone around you.//
For the first time in a long time Jinn heard and felt the comfortable vibrations of Obi's chuckle through the bond.
//I guess if you think about it , it is pretty comical, Aunt Selena using a mind whammy to control my uncle…l.. O.K, say I believe you just a little, what then? What would you have me do?//
Jinn let out a sigh of relief as he checked the camera to see what part of the cell was being scanned at that moment.
//I just wanted to tell you what was going on with your mind. I know you are confused. This can overwhelm even adult, if say their midichlorians rose as quickly as yours is doing. //
Jinn would not yet alarm boy with the news of just how high his count had the ability to possibly go too. In reality , if his aunt was correct, almost as high as his. His aunt knew of his very high midichlorian count or the potential for it when he was very young. Now all Jinn could do was to try to deal with it and more importantly teach Obi-Wan how to deal with and accept it.
I// will try to help you erect t your mental shields to keep Dooku from becoming aware of another force sensitive . I am not sure what he would do if he knew.//
Qui-Gon did not want to bring undue alarm to the boy, but also he wanted him prepared and to understand the importance of keeping his mind shielded, if Jinn was successful in his idea to show him how to erect them.
Obi-Wan found it most difficult t lay still in that cot while they conversed back and forth through their minds. He knew he was doing it, but still it confused him. He wanted nothng more than to roll over and face Mr. Qui-Gon. He thought if he could see his face, he would know the truth. Was he telling the child the truth or was this some made up ruse to make Obi more pliable to his demands? Obi chose wisely to believe for now that his former guardian spoke the truth and he agreed to himself that he would do as the master wanted. Much to his chagrin, Jinn smiled a smile he could not see. He had been listening to the boy think the very thoughts about him and knew now Obi-Wan would make every effort to do as "Mr. Qui-Gon" asked.
//Alright we have to hurry. Time is running out. Listen and do as I tell you and remember, no matter how confusing or funny it feels in your mind do exactly as I say. If you do this correctly, you feel the loss of me in your mind. //
As startled as Obi-Wan was to find himself able to mind speak with the Jedi master, he was even more shocked at the thought he would quickly lose this connection they just formed. He was not sure he wanted too….not feel the presence of Jinn in his mind. It had really given him the *willies* at first but now… now there was a comfort to it. A feeling of not being alone…A comforting feeling of being connected emotionally to someone… Someone who cared about him. At least that is what he gleaned from this experience. Jinn mentally was aware of what the boy thought and tired to reassure him.
//I do care for you, Obi-Wan. I have just begun to find out how much. Though you will not feel my presence in your mind when I assist in with the erection of your shields, it will only be temporary. And know that I am right here. After I put the collar on, you would have not been able to feel my presence anyway. This will help you and later when we have escaped and we will, I will show you how to lower them so the connection will still be there..If you want it to be………..//
Obi-Wan could feel the scrutinizing eyes of his former guardian on him as he waited for an answer from the boy. All that was in him told Obi not to trust Mr. Qui-Gon again. Once was enough to almost wrench his heart out when the master turned his back on him. Did he want that feeling again? The answer through his mind was a definite no. However he could not take the chance that the big Jedi master wasn't lying.
He would have to do as Master Jinn asked of him. He would attempt to learn all he could with what time they had. It might be necessary in order to save his aunt and uncle and maybe himself.
Thoughts of concern for him or Jinn was not the prevalent reason for his decision.
//I owe it to Owen to make every attempt to help his parents. They did not turn their backs on him, but me. Yes, for you Owen, I will do it.. //
"Obi-Wan I do not wish to rush your decision but daybreak will be upon us before we have a chance to go over everything you need to know. I also have to readjust my force collar so they will not know I tampered with it, and I still have to get the microphone back in working order. So what do you say, will you give me one more chance? Trust me in this and you will realize all I have said is the truth and that I can be trusted again."
Obi-Wan jumped a little in the bed when Jinn's words resonated through his mind and not out of the master's mouth.. It was hard to get use to another person actually being in your head.
//Very well, I will Mr. Qui-Gon.//
//That's a boy. Good, now first I want to show you how to raise your mental shields and before you say anything, yes, you have them, all force sensitives do. We just have to get them raised. I will show you how to lower them later because right now I don't want them down once they are up. Also after that I plan to show you a neat little trick Master Yoda taught me before I was even out of the crèche. He knew even then I would be his apprentice. Now here is what you do…//…
The next morning brought with it an agonizing headache for the child. More pain than he thought he could handle attacked his head and there was no let up. Last night Master Jinn had taken a lot of it away with force healing, but now.. Now Obi was shielded from the comforting touch of Jinn's mind to his and had he not been it would have done no good. Master Jinn wore the force collar now, working as it did blocked, any kind of telepathic communication between he and Obi-Wan.
The boy felt lost without Master Jinn there to comfort him. It made him feel doubly worse because he did not want to rely on Qui-Gon for anything. He didn't know for sure if it would be only temporary this connection between them. Possibly Master Jinn would run out on him again and he would be back to square one.
######At break-fast######
Any food was impossible to look at, let alone eat. Obi-Wan's stomach whirled like a round like a speeder bike out of control.
"Is there something wrong Kenobi? Not a bite of food again today? I feel… I don't know, something different here. Is there something different boy?"
Dooku squinted his eyes and without looking, Obi-Wan knew the beady eyed corrupt Jedi stared at him in wait for his reply.
He squirmed, started to look at Qui-Gon, then hesitated.
//No, I won't betray him as he has done to me. I will try to hide everything from the Count just as Qui-Gon said too.//
"Whatever could be different? We are the same people trapped by the same insane former Jedi. Could anything be different?"
Dooku was not appreciative of the words that came from Obi's mouth. Certainly not when Obi called him insane.
"Did you get your brazen attitude from *your* master?"
Dooku suspected something, something hidden. He also suspected it had to do with Jinn and Kenobi, but it was only a feeling. He was not positive if he was jumping to conclusions for if indeed his force of dark was sending some kind of warning.
"I think I shall give you and Selena time to rest after your first robbery of the lowly citizens. Obi-Wan and I need to spend some time together. Wouldn't you like that dear boy?"
"I suppose just about as much as I like getting my booster shots once a year."
"Oh quick witted too are you? Well never mind. I don't think you got that from Master Jinn. He was never quick with his mind."
It was meant to be a slur and while Jinn paid no mind to it, Obi was indignant for his former guardian.
"Mr. Qui-Gon is the smartest Jedi I know. Owen said he was the best and I trusted Owen."
Maybe Obi didn't believe all he said about his Mr. Qui-Gon, but he believed in Owen and he would not allow Dooku to sit there and make a mockery of such a great Jedi master.
When *it* hit, *it* knocked the boy out of his chair and unto the floor. Stunned, blood trickled from his ears but poured violently from his nose.
Dooku sent an electric charge straight into Obi-Wan. Shocked, but still somewhat coherent, Obi-Wan tried to pick himself off the floor but couldn't. Selena jumped with alarm when she saw what happened, yet refused to leave her seat by her injured husband to do anything. She feared Delon would be harmed. Jinn, however made a futile attempt to get up and go to Obi-Wan. Two heavily armed guards saw that he remained in his seat.
"You have no quarrel with the child, Dooku. Leave him alone."
"So, you do have a connection to the boy."
"No, I am a being with feelings and I don't want anyone to be harmed needlessly, in particular a child. Brave of you isn't it?"
"Words Jinn, only words and like you, I have a thick skin when it comes to verbal attacks. Now if you will excuse us, I have a little jaunt planned for Obi-Wan. Just like you and Selena he and I will be back in time for last-meal and maybe he will recant the happenings of our day.."
Dooku looked to one of his guards.
"See that they are put securely back in their cells. I hope the engines are fired up on the ship."
"Yes Count. Everything is ready."
Qui-Gon was led away with a blaster gun to his head as wear Selena and Delon All three captives were unsure of Obi's condition but at least the child had managed to finally get up and wipe the blood from his face.
//Dooku knows or thinks he knows something. I only hope Obi-Wan can withstand what is ahead of him.//
###############
Master Jinn was left in the cell with nothing to do but think of what in the name of the dark side could Dooku have planned for Obi-Wan. If it were to engage in thievery that might not be too bad. But was the mission they were on one similar to Jinn and Selena's?
As he sat on the cell cot and fumbled aimlessly with the force collar on his neck, he went over and over the attack plan he had. Wasn't much of one really and of course Obi-Wan would have to be back with him safe before he could even attempt it. Qui-Gon had no time to tell Selena of his plans and only hoped she would follow his lead when he did make his escape attempt.
//The way she has been acting she might turn on Obi and I and do Dooku's bidding. //
The Jedi master knew he was stretching the truth about how Selena acted, so cautious and overprotective of her husband and Qui did understand to a point. However to almost throw Obi-Wan toward Dooku without one protest coming from her mouth shocked Jinn.
//I know she has much to live for with the new baby at home but Obi and I both are not exactly wanting to be killed. She has not opened her mouth or made any attempt to show she cared for Owen's cousin in any way. You would think Owen's affection for the boy alone would be enough for her to at least offer him comfort. Oh well I hope I can pull this off without her aid because I am not sure I will get it, once I begin. //
########Dooku and Obi-Wan#############
"See boy it is quite simple."
"Yes simple for a Jedi who has reverted to stealing. I have no force sensitivity and I don't steal, so you see we are back to square one on both, Count Dooku."
"Certainly have a mouth on you don't you kid? I am not so sure you are not force sensitive. That's the real reason for getting you away from the others. The only other person who is force sensitive within miles of here is me and I know my own force signature. I feel another force signature near me. Oh it is covered but not well enough. You should have had your master teach you how to keep your shields up and hidden from someone such as myself with a enough force power to feel your force abilities even though you try to block them. No… Jinn should have instructed you better."
"He is not my master and I am not force sensitive. Maybe someone spiked you Qualla juice this morning."
Obi-Wan was terrified. It seemed Count Dooku had very cunningly or quite by accident, stumbled onto the truth, but either way he knew it and Obi was not sure how much longer he could keep his end of the charade up. It was hard to have to lie to stay alive but to lie and make it believable to protect someone else you cared about was even harder. Obi-Wan realized he still cared for his aunt and uncle though they did not seem to return that care but most of all, he cared very much for Mr. Qui-Gon and he wanted to return to him safely and in turn keep the Jedi master safe. . With his untruthful words he said, Obi reasoned the Count had to see it for what is was a lie . Evidence of the spewing of unaccustomed lies was his reddened face and ears. They were so hot Obi-Wan felt he could have fired an egg on them. . If he had learned anything from Master Jinn it was not to lie.
"Now Obi-Wan do you plan to do as I say, force sensitive or not? Just so let me clarify things. I don't believe for a second that you are not force sensitive and when the truth does come out I may make your master and you pay for the lies you think me so readily believe."
Now Obi-Wan was angry. Angrier than he ever was except for maybe when the force took his cousin, Owen. Jinn had gone through in principle how the uses the many powers of the force and Obi decided to put some them to good use now, mind you in principle also for he did not know of the force's powers and capabilities, YET.
The child could not comprehend the power within himself. He concentrated as hard as he could and called upon the force. He wanted to so something,…. something that would render the former Jedi incapacitated just long enough to get his point across. Obi being Obi and still being young did not think further than revenge. He did not think of the pay backs that he would bring on himself or the others in their cells once or if he accomplished what he wanted; to stun the sith out of Dooku. He also did not stop to think that Dooku would then know the truth if he by chance could use the force.
He had seen his aunt use the force for obscure little things so he mimicked her moves. He closed his eyes, raised his right hand and pointed his index finger directly at Dooku. What shot out of his finger, his tiny little index finger amazed him but it angered and shocked Count Dooku. While not as strong as a lightening bolt thrown by Qui-Gon or Selena, more a little zinger compared to most Jedi, it hit Dooku squarely in the chest and sent him to the ground, in a crumpled heap. Injured in pain, but very much consciously alive.
"Thought you had no force abilities?"
It was then Obi-Wan realized what he had done. How could he have forgotten he was suppose to keep his force abilities hidden. It wasn't like he actually thought he could do anything with his force if he had it and now he knew with certainty he did. There was no way he could lie his way out of this one.
//What have I done? Mr. Qui-Gon will be so angry with me. Now I have put everyone in danger because I truly did not believe Master Jinn. I am blessed with force powers and I have just used them unwisely and on a person that will not hesitate to retaliate in a vicious way against me or worse yet, on the people I love.//
Terror like none he had eve known gripped the boy as he watched a very angry Dooku raise himself off the ground and dust off his robe.
The former Jedi master tried to act like everything was fine, however Obi knew he had been rolling in pain just a couple of minutes ago.
"Quite humorous. Is that what you think child? Maybe if I send back the same you gave only ten times more powerful it would put you in your place . Although it would also kill you and now that I know you are fore sensitive I want you, always by my side. Call it an apprenticeship for one who is of the dark side. First though I intend to find out why it was kept secret, your powers and of course I do have to deal with this little trick you pulled on me."
As Dooku edged closer Obi-Wan tried to think of the way to escape the Count's wrath. The only thing he could come up with was what he done before, the power blast through the force and hope it was stronger than the last one. It needed to be stronger to stop the man who had a look of a wild animal plastered on his face.
//I am a "dead duck" if it reaches me.//
Closer and closer he came as Obi watched as if in slow motion as Dooku got within inches of being able to reach him.
Obi threw out his right hand and closed his eyes but this time the Count knew what he was getting ready to do.
"Try it child and I will throw your blast, plus mine right back on you. I truly would hate to kill you but if I stop your blast with my much more powerful one, your mind and body will not be worth keeping, if you are unlucky enough to live through it."
Both stood waiting for the other to make the next move.. Something had to happen and soon. The question is......WHAT?…
########################################
Thanx for sticking around. This story is almost over. I might not write anymore Qui/Obi stories because maybe they are too much alike, like someone mentioned and I don't mean that in any way negative.. I don't think that, but I think you might think that.
WHEW!!I hope you understood that!!! Well anyway in your feedback, let me know if there is a plot or time period you would like to read about other than young Obi and Master Qui. You have know what I write is my favorite time period!! I think the next post will be the last!!!
PEACE ewen