Chapter 1 Growing Stronger
The training room was empty, except for the two lone padawans who occupied the mat. Practice sabers hissed as they met one another.
Bruck went for a move that would have clearly taken his opponent's head off, if that opponent had not used a 12th level kata to somersault over Bruck's head.
Obi-Wan Kenobi landed safely behind Bruck and with his practice weapon, he disarmed the other boy.
Bruck laughed, "I will get you next time Obi. And you better not let Master Qui-Gon know that you practiced a 12th level kata without him being here, he will have your head."
Obi-Wan just grinned and picked up his towel. Wiping the sweat off his face he replied, "I know, but he has really been a little overprotective."
It
had been about 2 months since Obi-Wan's 16th birthday, and about 4
months since Obi-Wan's stay in the medical ward. Four months since
An-Paj and the soul healer, Nik-Ka declared him emotionally stable
enough to return home with his master.
Obi-Wan had gained back
all of his weight that he had lost while in the prison camp and while
he starved himself at the temple. Qui-Gon was still having a hard
time accepting that his apprentice was in such turmoil and he had not
been able to help him.
Obi-Wan had managed to catch up in all his classes, though certain instructors swore it would be impossible. But Obi-Wan was determined, and with the help of his master, Bruck, and Master Darick, he was able to catch up fairly easy.
"Well Bruck, I better get home before Master Qui-Gon comes looking for me himself." Obi-Wan laughed.
Obi-Wan entered his home, and Qui-Gon looked up from his data pad, "Hello, Padawan, I was getting worried."
Obi-Wan flopped down on the sofa next to his master and said, "I am sorry Master, but Bruck and I lost track of time."
Qui-Gon nodded, "Sparring, I see. And you did not by any chance do a high level kata, did you."
Obi-Wan answered with an impish grin and Qui-Gon said with affection, "Brat. No go and shower."
Obi-Wan did what he was told, but he could not help feeling that something was going to happen. Obi-Wan came out of the refresher clean and dressed in fresh clothing, he was about to grab a glass of juice and sit down to study for an exam he was having, when the com unit went off.
Qui-Gon went to answer it, and Obi-Wan heard Master Mace Windu on the other end, "Qui-Gon, there is a situation that will require Jedi intervention."
Qui-Gon answered, "Of course, Mace. Obi-Wan and I are on our way."
In the hallway they met Master Darick and Bruck, who were also going to the council hall. Obi-Wan found this very interesting, and wondered what it was all about.
In the council hall, Yoda spoke, "To Kranta you will go. Dire it is."
Qui-Gon nodded and asked, "Of course My Master, what is the situation?"
Mace replied to Qui-Gon's question, "The oceans and rivers are being polluted. It is killing all sea life. Since Kranta's major exports are fish, coral, and other sea living things, their economy is ruined."
Darick then spoke, "Is there any clue on who may be doing this?"
Mace answered, "None. But be wary."
Yoda added, "Hard to see the dark side is. A transport is waiting for you, May the force be with you."
The masters and their padawans bowed before the council and made their way out. Obi-Wan was excited, not only was he finally getting out of the temple and going on a mission, but he was going on a mission with Bruck!
But as excited as Obi-Wan was, he also felt very apprehensive.
