A/N: Sorry about the slow update for chapter 4, it's all Harry Potter's fault, really it is. If only that fandom weren't so addictive! :Harry/Hermione shipper: Anyway, enjoy the update!

Chapter 4: The Arrival

I slept and dreamed that life was beauty.
I awoke -- and found that life was duty.

- Ellen Stugis Hooper

Qui-Gon sat patiently watching his apprentice sleep. True to his word that Obi-Wan would have a restful night, the Jedi Master had kept his padawan's dreams at bay. It had taken a great deal of Force suggestion at first to suppress whatever was gnawing at Obi-Wan's unconscious mind as he slept. But after awhile the boy's fatigued body took over the role and he settled into a deeper sleep without the need of Qui-Gon's aid. It was then that the Jedi Master retired to his own room to find what rest he may.

It was now morning and the ship's artificial lights had brightened to a normal level. Qui-Gon had entered not long ago to check on his apprentice. The boy still slept, albeit a bit fretfully now and it would not be long before he woke. Qui-Gon was determined to let Obi-Wan awaken on his own to let his tired mind and body decide when he was ready to rise.

Somewhat lulled by the steady hum of the ship's engines, the Jedi Master rested his chin on his hand and let his thoughts stray back to last night. Obi-Wan had told him of some of the dreams that plagued his nights, though they had not had time for his apprentice to tell of all. Through it all, though, Obi-Wan would not tell Qui-Gon about the one he had right after their sparring practice the last day at the Temple. This dream in particular, seemed to actually frighten his apprentice. Qui-Gon had been Obi-Wan's mentor long enough to guess what the nightmare was about. Most of the nightmares had to do with betrayal and there had been a few times last night, when Qui-Gon had observed his apprentice's eyes watching him with something unreadable behind those insular depths. He had dreamt of Qui-Gon. And most likely of his own betrayal against his Master. Dreaming of Qui-Gon's betrayal against him would not provoke such a reaction, of that, the Jedi Master was sure. Obi-Wan would tell him of such a dream.

Qui-Gon audibly sighed before he caught himself. He turned his gaze to the wall without seeing. He was more than aware, painfully so, of why Obi-Wan would not share that inner torment with him. As much as Obi-Wan would want to talk about it, needed to talk about it, he would never willing divvy up that vision to his Master. It had taken a long time for the two of them to build such trust in each other, and he was all too aware that Obi-Wan had felt like he lived in Xanatos' shadow. Qui-Gon sighed again. He did not like to think that Obi-Wan still felt that way after all this time. The two boys were totally opposite. It was something they needed to discuss though, if it was to be mended. The Jedi Master's mind was made up, it would be difficult for Obi-Wan to tell it, and painful for him to hear it, but endure it they both would. A wry smile found it's way to the elder Jedi's lips. Perhaps it was time for him to, as Mace liked to call it, pull rank, if necessary.

"Dare I ask what that knavish smile is for?"

Qui-Gon looked down to see his apprentice awake and staring at him with a familiar glint in his eyes.

"Especially with you right next to my bed?" Obi-Wan continued.

The words were soft and even, but Qui-Gon felt the barely contained amusement radiate through their bond. To catch his Master so unaware, and while he was deep in thought, smiling to himself nonetheless… Qui-Gon supposed it would be rather entertaining were their positions reversed. Obi-Wan broke into a smile then, clearly reading his Master's line of thought. Qui-Gon returned Obi-Wan's smile, but said nothing of his thoughts.

"How do you feel this morning, padawan?"

"Better," Obi-Wan answered sitting up.

Obi-Wan looked his Master in the eyes and Qui-Gon saw something flicker through their depths briefly.

"You haven't been here all night, have you?" Obi-Wan asked, his voice half reprimanding.

Now it was Qui-Gon's turn to hide his amusement.

"I am flattered you would think me capable, but no padawan, I have not been," he answered kindly.

"Did the dreams return?" Qui-Gon asked.

He already knew the answer, but he needed to hear Obi-Wan say it. Obi-Wan seemed to think a moment before he responded.

"No, if they did, I don't remember. Thank you, Master," Obi-Wan finished with open appreciation.

Qui-Gon merely nodded and stood from the chair he was occupying.

"I'll leave you to prepare for the day then,' Qui-Gon said mildly.

Obi-Wan nodded his head then the Jedi Master stepped through and closed the door.

Obi-Wan showered, dressed, and meticulously packed his travel bag and straightened the sleep couch. They were to arrive at Tammuz-an today and he intended to be ready. After sharing some of his outlandish dreams with his Master last night, and a complete sleep afterward, Obi-Wan felt better, physically and mentally, then he had in many days. He suddenly felt very foolish for not confiding in Qui-Gon before this and shook his head at his own stupidity. He'd always been able to confide in his Master before and he knew Qui-Gon would not make light of his situation. It had been asinine not to go to him earlier.

Obi-Wan grabbed his robe and put it on as he left his quarters. A smile played at his lips as he walked, the heavy fabric making the slightest of swishing sounds. Perhaps I have yet to learn the lesson of pride, he chided himself. The padawan tucked his hands into his sleeves and brought them together as another thought came to him. Master Yoda's words from his last night in the Temple rang clear in his head.

"If wait too long you do, then too late it may become."

What had the enigmatic Master meant by that? He wondered. Many meanings could be ascertained from that vague phrase. Which was most likely the point, Obi-Wan thought dryly. If it was important, then Master Yoda was not one to just come out and say it directly. By too late, could he have meant that he could have spared himself some of the stress of dealing with it alone? Somehow, Obi-Wan doubted that.

The padawan noticed a nervous tension was creeping up in his stomach that hadn't been there a moment ago. Akin in feeling to the time old, fight or flight mode. Something wasn't right. Why was he getting so apprehensive just standing in a corridor? The young Jedi closed his eyes and steadied his breathing, which had become fast and shallow. Since when have you been prone to random, unprovoked, panic attacks, Kenobi? He tried to chide himself. After a few moments Obi-Wan had gained control of his still slightly shaking body, though he could not stop his heart from beating hard.

Obi-Wan caught the gentle waft of flowers a split second before a concerned voice cut into his thoughts.

"Are you alright, young master Jedi?"

Obi-Wan opened his eyes to see a woman, a few years older than himself, standing before him. One of the few crew the ship carried. He could not place her name at the moment, another source of annoyance. The padawan mentally scolded himself. He should have felt her presence long before now. It was not wise to let oneself get so completely absorbed as to block out everything around them.

Obi-Wan realized he had not answered the woman and she was looking more concerned. He could now feel her concern and uncertainty. She looked as if she wanted to reach out and touch him, as if to make sure he didn't fall over, but wasn't sure if she would be breaking some ancient taboo about touching a Jedi.

Obi-Wan smiled reassuringly at the woman, hoping she wouldn't see how forced it was.

"I'm fine, thank you. I should not have let my thoughts distract me. I apologize for any inconvenience I may have caused you," Obi-Wan said in as light of a voice as he could muster.

"Are you sure, you look quite pale? The ship has a healer on board if you are in need," the woman asked, her voice a little more reassured after Obi-Wan's answer.

"Certain," he smiled again, "but I thank you for your concern."

Obi-Wan gave a slight bow and the woman seemed satisfied and they parted ways. As soon as he was out of sight of the woman he put a shaky hand on the wall to steady himself. His heart rate was returning to normal and his body relaxed as he felt the cool, solid metal of the ship with its slight vibrations. He couldn't get rid of the shakiness in his hands though and looked at them as if his body was betraying him.

Obi-Wan walked the short distance left to the ship's dinning area and knew, before entering, that Qui-Gon was in there as were others. He tucked his shaking hands in his robe and tried to raise the shields around his mind. He fully intended to tell his Master of that little panic attack, but not in front of half the ship's occupants. With as much calm as he could muster, which admittedly, wasn't much right now, Obi-Wan walked coolly into the room amongst the smell of strong coffee.

Obi-Wan walked past Jospa with barely a polite nod, all but ignored the crew huddled around the coffee, and went straight for Qui-Gon talking quietly to Knight Shais. As he drew nearer to his Master he felt his defenses starting to weaken ever so slightly. It was the same feeling of relief one felt when seeing a friendly face after a terrible scare. Very childlike he realized, but he couldn't help himself. Obi-Wan's hands shook a little more and he clamped them together under the folds of his voluminous sleeves. He came to stand the appropriate two steps behind his Master and stopped. He knew he didn't have to adhere to that rule here in a lounge, but the familiarity was relaxing. He soaked in the comforting, calm aura of his Master and let it wash away the rest of the lingering anxiety. Words were not necessary, only the man's presence. It was silly, he was well aware the elder Jedi wasn't omnipotent, having seem some of Qui-Gon's mistakes himself, but that did not diminish the very real feeling of comfort he felt at the moment.

"Obi-Wan?"

The voice was Qui-Gon's, and it held a tone that suggested it wasn't the first time he had called his name. The padawan opened his eyes a bit shocked. When had he closed them? What he saw was Qui-Gon looking at him, as was Shais, and well, everyone in the dining area. He desperately hoped the warmth he felt spread to his cheeks wasn't showing outwardly.

"Uh…" he stuttered, unable to find words.

He had no idea why everyone was staring at him or what he was being asked. Finally, his Jedi training kicked in, as he mentally kicked himself for the second time that morning, and cleared his throat.

"I'm sorry Master, I'm afraid I was lost in thought, forgive my rudeness."

"No," was Qui-Gon's answer.

His voice held a certain finality he had rarely heard, not against him anyway. He looked in his Master's eyes and all he saw was aloofness. Too shocked to think of a reply Obi-Wan managed to stumble out one word.

"What?" he asked out loud and almost pleaded through their bond.

Surely, he was misinterpreting things here.

Obi-Wan was never sure what happened next, one moment he was staring shell-shocked into his Master's cold eyes, the next, said Master was ushering him to a couch with a firm grip on both shoulders. Shaking even more, he let himself be led and obediently sat down. By the time he collected his wits again, Qui-Gon was kneeling down in front of him. Qui-Gon's cool demeanor was still in check, but now Obi-Wan saw the worry in the grey depths of his eyes. A stark contrast from a moment ago. He must have misheard his Master; there was no other option.

"Padawan? Tell me what's happening."

Qui-Gon's voice was composed, but it wasn't a request, the padawan realized.

"Did you mean it?" was all he could think to say.

His voice sounded distant even to his own ears.

"Mean what, Obi-Wan?"

Obi-Wan saw true confusion in his Master's eyes now. What the Sith Hells did he mean by, mean what? What was going on here? The padawan felt movement to his side and saw a middle-aged man with graying hair sit next to him. The man took hold of his wrist, but he did not resist. Suddenly, Obi-Wan was very aware of everyone's eyes on him. Again. Qui-Gon and the stranger were the closest to him and right now he wished to be near neither.

"What?" Obi-Wan stumbled out.

Again.

Damn it, why could no one, including himself, say anything but 'what'?!

"Padawan Kenobi," the gray haired man's voice was very steady and gentle, "I must ask you to calm down."

Obi-Wan ignored the man, the ship's healer he now guessed, and focused on his Master.

- Did you mean it? -

He insisted, this time through their bond.

- I ask again Obi-Wan, mean what? -

- I really didn't mean to offend you, sir, I apologized -

Obi-Wan hadn't called Qui-Gon sir for years. When next his Master replied he could tell his words were carefully chosen.

- The only phrases I have said to you since you entered the room, padawan, was to call your name, ask if you were alright, and insist on knowing what was happening. -

Qui-Gon's reply was still calm, but Obi-Wan felt, more than heard his Master's open worry now. Qui-Gon placed a comforting hand on his knee in silent support. Everyone in the room must have heard Qui-Gon before, the room wasn't that large, and not many were talking and…

Obi-Wan cut off his mental tirade to glance around at the room. Everyone looked just as lost as he was. What just happened? And why wouldn't his hands stop shaking?

"Padawan Kenobi," the annoyingly calm voice tried again.

"I have never needed to use a sedative on a Jedi before, and I'd rather not start now."

Although the padawan was quite sure he had temporarily lost his mind, he complied with the insistent healer. He closed his eyes and tried to find his center. He reached out to the Force. It was there as it always was… but it felt almost different somehow. Stop it Kenobi, the Force doesn't change, only our perceptions do. Obi-Wan tried again, and this time, the Force, as he usually felt it, flowed through him and he released his fear and confusion into it. The healer must have finally been satisfied because the padawan felt the man's steady hand finally leave his wrist. Monitoring my pulse, no doubt, he finally realized.

- Master? -

- Yes, padawan? -

- Can we talk, away from the others, please? -

- Of course. -

Obi-Wan opened his eyes in time to see Qui-Gon rise.

"Thank you Healer Tiam, but I can take it from here. Should I need your assistance later I will not hesitate to call."

The healer finally looked a bit confused now. Welcome to the club, Obi-Wan thought glancing around at everyone again. Regardless, Healer Tiam merely nodded and stood as well. Obi-Wan was grateful Qui-Gon allowed him to have the rest of his dignity and did not assist him to rise nor help him walk.

He followed his Master, unaided, all the way back to Qui-Gon's room. Once inside he all but collapsed onto the bed. The Jedi Master came and sat next to him. The elder man didn't speak and Obi-Wan was glad he allowed him the moment to collect himself.

"Master, I… you… we really didn't speak before you ushered me to the couch?"

"No, padawan. You entered the room and came to stand beside me. When I turned to make a greeting your complexion was ashen, as it still is," Qui-Gon said with a frown, "instead I asked if you were well. It was then I felt a disturbance in the Force, much the same feeling I receive when you are about to have a nightmare. You swayed on your feet and it was then, that I ushered you to sit down. Now the question is, padawan, what was it that you saw?"

"I think I need to go back to what happened after I left my room, Master."

At Qui-Gon's patient nod, Obi-Wan recounted to his Master the, for lack of a better term, panic attack earlier and what he saw after entering the dinning area. Qui-Gon listened without interrupting.

Qui-Gon was once again sitting in the same chair from this morning watching as his apprentice slept on the sleep couch. He hadn't given Obi-Wan the opportunity to argue about taking this midday nap. He didn't have a choice as Qui-Gon all put Force suggested the boy to sleep. The healer had been in to look over Obi-Wan. He found nothing out of the ordinary beside signs of fatigue. For all purposes, his apprentice was a healthy young man.

But everything wasn't well, that much was apparent. Healthy young men weren't prone to bouts of incoherency. Qui-Gon suppressed his mounting emotions. Doubt from him would not help Obi-Wan's mental state. The boy had panicked twice today, once in front of him. It was out of place for someone has prudent as his apprentice to let his fear overwhelm him. Obi-Wan was, by nature, very levelheaded.

Qui-Gon rose from the chair and sat cross-legged on the floor. He had many issues with which to meditate on.

Some time during his meditations he felt Obi-Wan awaken and join him on the floor. Shortly after, Obi-Wan's presence in the Force around him intensified as he slipped into a meditative state as well. Obi-Wan's Force signature was calm and collect, tinged with that bit of mischievous humor that he had come to expect. For the moment, all was as it should be.

Qui-Gon slipped out of the deeply calm state slowly as he thought of how to open the conversation they must now have. The Jedi Master opened his eyes and was about to address his apprentice, when the boy beat him to it.

"You wish to ask the Council to replace me?" Obi-Wan asked without opening his eyes.

It was posed as a question, but Qui-Gon knew it was more of a statement. Despite his padawan's words, there was no choler in Obi-Wan's voice, just an understanding curiosity. He was pleasantly surprised, yet once again, by his student's aptitude to grasp a situation and react accordingly.

"I had thought about it, yes," Qui-Gon admitted.

"As have I," Obi-Wan said opening his eyes finally.

"Should something like this morning happen while under attack, you may fail to react in time to protect those under your guardianship," Qui-Gon stated without derogation.

"I know," Obi-Wan answered without emotion.

"Also, should you see a perceived danger where there is none, you may inadvertently start the very uproar we wish to avoid."

"I know, Master. It may never happen again and all the fret will be for not, but there is a very real possibility it will indeed happen, and even worse, at a very inopportune time. I would not willingly put others in such an uncertain position. I will not argue with your decision."

Despite himself, and the Jedi code, Qui-Gon was indeed proud of his apprentice at that time.

"Good," Qui-Gon said lightly as he stood, "should I ever feel the need to contact the Council about anything, I'll keep that in mind. Now padawan, if I'm correct we are about to land. I think it would be appropriate to be prepared, agreed?"

"But…" Obi-Wan's words died.

He recovered from his dumbstruck position quickly and rose to look his Master in the eyes.

"You now disagree with me? So soon?" Qui-Gon asked pleasantly with a sparkle in his grey eyes.

Even Obi-Wan had to stifle a laugh.

"Um, no Master. Just a bit… confused, but I suppose today is rather the day for it."

Within a few minutes, Master and Padawan shouldered their travel bags and made their way to the ship's hanger.

"Before we step foot on the planet Padawan, there is a condition I must ask of you. I say ask because I do not wish to make this an order."

Obi-Wan didn't answer; he merely raised an eyebrow in curiosity.

"I will expect you to guard your emotions from others as is becoming a Jedi, but while on the planet I ask that you do not block me out."

"I wasn't aware that I was, Master," Obi-Wan sounded truly puzzled.

"You misunderstand padawan. I wish to know where you are and what you are feeling at all times."

Now Obi-Wan did pause. The padawan came to a halt, mid-step, in the corridor and tried to hide his disbelief. He saw the edge of Qui-Gon's mouth turn up as his Master fought not to smile.

"You need not broadcast every thought to me, Obi-Wan. I daresay, as your Master, there are things I wish not to know," at this Qui-Gon did smile.

"That could be a dreadful calamity indeed," Obi-Wan said matching his smile.

"I don't need you to completely drop them, just lower them some and to me only. I felt your panic in the dinning area because you were with me and reaching out for help, there was no such warning for the earlier occurrence. You have developed a sufficient ability at shielding yourself that I cannot tell if you are troubled whilst you consciously block me."

"You wish to monitor me," Obi-Wan reasoned.

"I do indeed. Should your lucidity slip again, I want to know about it. If this becomes habit forming, you, and I along with you, are going back to the Temple. Perhaps by then replacements for us might be found. I will not hazard your mental and physical health and as your Master, it is my responsibility to keep you safe to the best of my ability. Which includes, deciding a situation too dangerous for a padawan learner. The Council would have to respect my judgment in regards to your safety."

"Of course, Master," Obi-Wan replied.

Qui-Gon nodded and continued their path as Obi-Wan fell in step to the side and behind Qui-Gon.

As soon as the Jedi walked down the ship's ramp they were engulfed by an urban landscape. To Obi-Wan, used to Coruscant's extreme bustle, this urban scene was almost natural. Tall, oddly circular buildings could be seen spiraling high up to the skyline. But unlike Coruscant, Julpa's capital had a visible skyline. The heat and humidity from the surrounding rain forest made quite the stark contrast coming from the cool, temperature controlled ship they just stepped out of. Obi-Wan imagined he could almost taste the water in the air. The landing pad stood at the edge of the forest, which was a dense wave of green. Night was beginning to fall on the planet and made the forest look all the denser in the failing light. Obi-Wan noticed his Master take a deep breath and he could guess Qui-Gon was pleased by the nearness of so much nature.

Captain Benoo and his first mate, exited the ship at the same time as three Tammuz-ans came to greet the Jedi. They were tall, slender, purple-skinned humanoids. All three had to be over at least two meters tall. Qui-Gon, who was quite tall in stature as well, added to the effect to make Obi-Wan feel very short indeed.

The Tammuz-an out front definitely stood out from the rest; he wore a lavish robe over his gaunt frame and had a shock of light brown hair. Mon Julpa, Obi-Wan figured. The customary title of Julpa's ruling monarch. The crown prince carried a burnished scepter with him that caught the light from the cargo hold behind them.

The Jedi bowed as the monarch approached.

"Welcome, honored guests, to Tammuz-an! I trust your trip went well?" Mon Julpa greeted warmly in basic common.

Obi-Wan liked him already. Warm welcomes were far more rare than hostile ones. It was a nice change.

"Very well, thank you your majesty. I am Qui-Gon Jinn and this is my apprentice, Obi-Wan Kenobi."

As Qui-Gon gestured to him, Obi-Wan gave the monarch another bow.

"Greetings Master Jinn and young Kenobi, this is my personal advisor, Chena," he indicated the female and she gave a warm smile, "and one of Julpa's viziers, Zatec-Cha."

Zatec-Cha, Obi-Wan decided, he wasn't so fond of. The vizier gave a nod of his head in acknowledgment, but the gesture never reached his emotionless eyes. Obi-Wan reached out with the Force and could all but feel the contempt rolling off the man in droves. The padawan suppressed a sigh. There was always one, wasn't there.

"Come revered Jedi, the hour grows late and Lord Toda arrives upon the morn. Chena will show you to your rooms."

"Thank you your majesty, we are honored by your hospitality," Qui-Gon responded.

Obi-Wan waited patiently as Qui-Gon spoke briefly with Captain Benoo, then fell in step beside and behind his Master as they were led to one of the tall spiral buildings.

Whether is was the aloof vizier in front of them, the fact that very shortly he and Qui-Gon would be stranded on this planet, or the day's events, Obi-Wan didn't know, but as they walked a bit of the uneasiness returned to the young padawan. It wasn't as intense as it was earlier, but the feeling was there nonetheless.

Qui-Gon gave him the briefest of glances though his outer demeanor gave nothing of his thoughts away. With his shields lowered, of course his Master felt his anxiety, though he said nothing through their bond either. His Master was monitoring him closely, but Obi-Wan was pleased he still respected the privacy of his inner thoughts.

Master Yoda's voice resounded in the padawan's head for the second time that day.

"Much anxiety, there is in you. Turn to fear, it easily can."

Obi-Wan took comfort in his Master's presence so near him. No matter what happened tomorrow, at least he wasn't alone.

TBC…