Chapter 2 Into The Unknown
While Bruck and Darick returned to their quarters to gather their things, Obi-Wan and Qui-Gon returned to theirs.
Obi-Wan set a record for packing. He knew that they were leaving soon, and he wanted to say good bye to Klea. Qui-Gon was in his room packing when he heard a light rap on his door. Turning around, he saw his padawan step inside with backpack in hand.
Qui-Gon smiled," Packed all ready?"
Obi-Wan grinned, "Yes, Master. Master, would it be all right if I met you at the landing platform?"
Qui-Gon's smile grew broader, "Of course Padawan. Don't be late." When Obi-Wan turned around to leave, the Jedi Master added, "Oh, and tell Klea I said goodbye."
Obi-Wan blushed and grinned, and he was off. If anyone had ever told Obi-Wan he would be a daily visitor to the medical ward just for the fun of it, he would not have believed them. But it was true, ever since he and Klea shared that precious moment on the balcony two months ago, the two were together all the time. Obi-Wan was glad to be going on a mission, but sad, because he was going to have to say good bye to Klea, for force knows how long.
Upon entering the healing ward, Obi-Wan met up with An-Paj, "Ah, Obi-Wan. Have you come for a checkup?"
Obi-Wan smirked, "No Master An-Paj. I have come to see Klea. Is she available?"
An-Paj nodded, "Yes she is. She is in the lab. You may go and see her." Obi-Wan bowed and walked with purpose to the lab. An-Paj smiled, the romance between the Jedi apprentice and the healer apprentice was adorable.
Klea looked up from the blood sample she was studying, her eyes brightened when she saw Obi-Wan. Klea walked over to where the teen was and wrapped her arms around him. Pulling back slightly she said, "Something is wrong."
Obi-Wan put his hands on her shoulders, "Master Qui-Gon and I have been called on a mission. We are going with Bruck and Master Darick."
Klea nodded and bit her lip and when she found the words she replied, "When do you leave?"
Obi-Wan pulled her close again, "I have to meet Master Qui-Gon there shortly."
Klea tried to give a brave smile and failed miserably, she said, "I guess this is goodbye. Promise me that you will send a holo everyday."
Resting his forehead against hers he said, "I promise." Then he gave her a sweet and gentle kiss. "I will miss you Klea."
Klea replied, "Not as much as I will miss you, be careful Obi-Wan."
Obi-Wan gave her one last kiss and turned away. Klea had a cold feeling come over her, she had a bad feeling about it."
Obi-Wan arrived at the landing platform just as his Master got there. Bruck and Master Darick were already on board.
Obi-Wan and Qui-Gon got on board, and the pilots were given the ok to take off. Obi-Wan watched Coruscant disappear. Leaving had never been like this before, but he had never left a sweetheart behind before. He jumped when Qui-Gon laid his hand on his shoulder. In a kind voice Qui-Gon said, "I know you will miss her, but you must focus on the here and now."
Obi-Wan nodded, "I'm sorry Master."
Qui-Gon smiled warmly at the young man, "Don't be, my Obi-Wan. I remember when I had to leave a young lady behind. I was about your age. Master Yoda used his stick to get me on the transport. If I recall correctly, I had bruises on my shins for weeks."
Obi-Wan had to grin at that mental image. Obi-Wan and Qui-Gon were very close, as close as a Master and Padawan could be, but Qui-Gon talking about his days as a padawan was a rare treat, and one that Obi-Wan enjoyed very much.
As much as Obi-Wan loved his Master, the man was still a mystery. But one that Obi-Wan was having fun unraveling.
