Sparks of Hope (A Star-Wars Advent Calendar)
By Meysun
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10. Jasmine Indulgences (Jocasta Nu)
28 BBY.
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Night was falling on Coruscant, and the lights in the Temple Archives had begun to dim in the unused areas, the holobooks casting their familiar cobalt lights on the alleys and seats.
Several nocturnal Jedi and Padawans were still researching quietly, and Jocasta Nu had escorted Master Windu to the Holocron Vault earlier. She had just seen him out and was about to retire to the backrooms where she had planned to do some quiet classification, when she heard a low sigh, coming from behind one of the computers.
Now, as a Chief Librarian, Jocasta Nu was taking great care to treat every Master, Knight, Padawan and Initiate equally – it did not mean, however, that some did not hold a special place deep within her heart. This one especially – because he would have made an excellent Archivist, yet young Kenobi was probably better of where he was.
The senior Padawan's hair was somewhat raked up from running his hand through the spiky strands, and his braid brushed his chest as he shook his head, slowly, staring at the screen.
"Are you in trouble, dear?", she asked him, and the young one's frown cleared as he smiled at her, bowing his head respectfully.
"Good evening, Madame Nu.
- Good evening, my dear. Anything I can do for you?"
Obi-Wan shook his head, a playful look crossing his grey eyes.
"Tell my esteemed Master to be less laconic, perhaps?
- Why - his reports are among the most detailed we get here…"
Her eyes sparkled and the boy raised an unimpressed eyebrow.
"That's because they are signed Jinn/Kenobi", he muttered, and Jocasta raised a hand to her chin, adopting a pensive pose.
"Hmm… I had indeed become aware of a notable change of style, ever since Hosnian Prime – although that one might have been a late Dooku/Jinn. Shortly after, then, to our utter delight here.
- Well, he delights in them as well. They are perfect props for teacups, shells, and plants, as my Master daily demonstrates."
There was fondness in the boy's voice, though, and the ghost of a smile around his lips – Jocasta well knew how close Obi-Wan felt to Qui-Gon, and it warmed her heart.
"Jasmine?", she asked him, and the boy's eyes lightened up.
"That would be wonderful, Madame Nu. But I do not mean to…
- Oh, hush… It's already brewed. No trouble at all."
That little ritual had started years ago, when he was just a young Padawan, still reeling with the joy of having finally being chosen. Obi-Wan had been throwing himself mind, body and soul into his apprenticeship, and had often spent hours in the Archives, preparing their missions or fulfilling assignments.
The young one had a very shrewd, critical mind, and would often seek for the deeper layers when he researched – and Madame Nu dearly enjoyed a good challenge. They had sometimes spent hours bent upon holobooks or delving into data, and she had quickly found out that Obi-Wan shared her love for jasmine tea as well as knowledge.
Night found them both behind Obi-Wan's computer, hands wrapped around the refined, light green bowls Jocasta always used for their jasmine indulgences, as he called them.
"I see", Jocasta commented dryly. "Heading for Pamarthe? Any specific information you require…?
- Master Qui-Gon said all was in his previous report. Well, all is short."
She chuckled, quietly, strolling down the report, that was indeed sparse:
"Jinn, Pamarthe.
Port IAS = Force Inh or Slvt.
Dex tbt. Enthusiastic ppl & pilots +++.
Enjoyed bridges. LF strong here. NMTT."
"I confess I cannot make this out. Is it even Aurebesh?
- Oh, it is Jinn-Aurebesh, most certainly. Shall I translate? Jinn, Pamarthe. Port-In-A-Storm appears to be strong enough to be used either as Force-Inhibitor or Solvent, I really must tell Dex. The people here are enthusiastic and very skilled pilots. The Living Force is strong here. The bridges connecting the islands are wooden and tricky to cross, I enjoyed it very much. Nothing more to tell."
The boy sighed, and looked up to her, shaking his head again. And Jocasta could not help it – she placed her teacup on the desk and enjoyed a silent, though hearty laugh.
"Oh my dear… I am afraid you will have to act as a decoder a while longer.
- So it would seem", Obi-Wan answered, yet the same fondness was warming his words.
"And what did you need to look up, Obi-Wan?
- Well… It seems that some pilots here were recruited by the Hutts. They might, or might not, according to various sources, have attacked several cargos around Pamarthe. Since Master Qui-Gon has already been there, eleven years ago, the Council thought it wise to send us investigate the matter. I guess I just wanted to… be prepared. Learn how the Pamarthen pilots live and think.
- Your Master would advise you to search their Force-signatures…
- I know", Obi-Wan sighed. "We practise it, every mission. The problem is – Master Qui-Gon reads them to perfection. And our bond is – strong. So, most of the time, it feels like I am reading his impressions of them, not their signatures. So, I… I try to cross sources. Also because… Force-signatures can be tricky. If we are harbouring strong feelings ourselves."
The boy placed a finger on the rim of the bowl, tracing the circle softly. Obi-Wan's shields were always tightly woven, but with those he felt at ease, he allowed some feelings to seep through. And Jocasta sensed some insecurity in the young one, always chasing perfection, always doubting himself.
"Emotions, and knowledge. Both are ways towards understanding. Now, combining them, my boy… that is the best way to get to the bottom of things. And I think I might have something for you here – one of our Jedi pilots left quite a few useful notes about Pamarthe, in one of his logbooks. It is not long. Perfect to be read during hyperspace travels."
The smile Obi-Wan flashed her was radiant – insecurities and doubts vanishing with the suddenness and optimism of the young.
"Thank you, Madame Nu.
- Off to bed, young one", she ushered, collecting his cup. "I'll fetch it for you. Get that computer off and those data-pads closed."
He bowed, and she went to retrieve the logbook, adding a map of Pamarthe as well for good measure. And if, between those items, she slid a small holobook containing the last volume of a novelist Obi-Wan loved, and had not read yet, well… The Chief Librarian was fair to every Jedi – but some were favourites.
As others, like Dooku, had been – and still were, in the youngest and most hidden parts of Jocasta's heart.
A/N: I just love writing Jocasta... :). I love the Jedi Archives, and shamelessly indulged in more Obi and Qui-Gon feels, because guess what? I love them too :). Now, if you'd just know how much more time I spent searching for a plausible planet for their mission, you would laugh! But I finally found one that was not too much known and quite interesting. Port-In-A-Storm is, according to Wookieepedia, such a pungent drink that Han Solo himself did not dare drink it, and used it once for solvent. It didn't frighten Chewbacca, though... So much for anecdotes, have a lovely late December 12th everyone! Much love, take care, Meysun.