Thank you all for the support for the first chapter :D I'm very excited about the rest of this story- there's plenty of exciting drama to come! But this chapter was difficult to write :/ Qui-Gon didn't co-operate so well. Stubborn Jedi.
But I'm officially free of exams :D YAY! So updates will be a once a week- twice if I can manage it :D What to do with all my free time?
Disclaimer: I own nothing in the Star Wars universe :(
Enjoy chapter 2 :D
Chapter 2- Arguments
After making sure Obi-Wan was soundly asleep, Qui-Gon left the room quietly and headed back into the common area, intent on finishing the report on his data pad. He had just sat down and reached for it though, when the bell sounded, signalling someone was at the door.
Wondering who would be visiting at such an odd time, Qui-Gon rose and went to the door, suddenly recognizing the familiar Force presence bubbling outside his apartment as he casually waved the door open, allowing Mace Windu to step inside.
"Mace," Qui-Gon greeted. "You don't usually turn up unexpectedly like this," he welcomed his friend into the living room. "Would you like something to drink?"
"Very nice to see you too," Mace shot back, sinking into the chair Qui-Gon offered him and a few minutes later the drink. The two chatted for a while on the goings on in the Temple, a recent new order being proposed in the Galactic Senate before Mace looked up, seemingly noticing the place was absent of a certain Padawan. "How is Obi-Wan?" he remembered to ask.
"Doing much better thankfully," Qui-Gon said, the relief colouring his voice as Mace smiled. "The healers allowed him to return home a few days ago- so long as he strictly rests in bed for the next week or so- he is still weak and needs to recover his strength and appetite."
Mace suddenly looked a bit perturbed.
Qui-Gon noticed the change and frowned slightly. "Mace?"
The other master steepled his fingers together solemnly, his manner becoming grave as he surveyed Qui-Gon. "We've had a call from a nearby planet, Rhashta, you remember the one- you went there a couple of years back. Stopped an outbreak of war?"
Qui-Gon nodded slowly, his mind flicking back through the various missions before Rhashta clicked. "Yes I remember. Only a couple of light years from Coruscant- predominantly agricultural world with some very important bio-gardens. Its moon was starting to develop into a technological hub."
"That's right," Mace replied, his brows still knitted together.
Qui-Gon still looked confused. "What's happened?"
"We had an emergency call from them, a few hours ago. The planet's Leader has been assassinated and the government is on the brink of collapse. Fingers are being pointed everywhere and the whole planet has been thrown into chaos. The minister currently in charge called the Jedi Council a few hours ago- asking for help- your help specifically. It seems that they will "only trust the wise words of Qui-Gon Jinn", quote."
Qui-Gon's countenance grew grave. "That is terrible news- Ista Calib was a good man," he said, remembering the man. "Of co-" He paused suddenly. "Mace- Obi-Wan isn't fit to go."
Mace nodded. "I realised that as soon as you told me his condition."
The dilemma hit Qui-Gon full in the chest. This planet needed his help. Thousands of lives could be in the balance. On the other hand, his young, ill apprentice was in no shape to go gallivanting off on a mission whilst still under the effects of Dentari Flu. He could still be contagious- and Rhasta was primarily a humanoid world. And then…Qui-Gon broke off that train of thought immediately. He wasn't going to dwell on it but neither could he afford not to…
"Mace- I can't leave him here alone."
Mace paused. There was something else in those words. It was not just that Obi-Wan was ill and recovering. However, as much he understood the problem his friend was faced with- being a Jedi always came first. "Qui-Gon- I know this is hard- but think of the millions of people that need your help. They cannot wait."
"I know Mace," Qui-Gon shot back. "I would have to go on my own," he sighed. "Though Obi-Wan-"
"-Will be well looked after here. Do you really think that we won't keep a close eye on Obi-Wan? He has a number of good friends to make sure he is well and I'm sure his teachers will also keep an eye on his welfare," Mace assured Qui-Gon.
Qui-Gon still did not look convinced. "Obi-Wan has a habit of hiding any sickness he may have- Force Mace he didn't even tell me he was ill with Dentari Flu- we found him and it was almost too late!" Qui-Gon broke off. "He must rest here he can't come with me…" It was his duty as a Jedi to help these people, ones who had specifically called on his aid. His eyes flicked absentmindedly to Obi-Wan's bedroom door.
"I will meditate on my decision- and inform the Council within the hour," the Master said at length. "I follow the will of the Force."
Languidly, Obi-Wan yawned as woke from the Force suggested sleep he knew his Master had placed him under. Glancing at the chrono he had not been asleep more than forty minutes. Grimacing that even such an effort as sitting up in bed taxed him of almost all his energy, he pushed himself slowly upwards. Even that left him feeling drained. Obi-Wan sighed frustratedly. Never had he felt so weak. It was incredibly maddening not to be able to even lift the lightest of books or get himself out of bed without feeling the need to sleep for a week.
The exhausted Padawan's stomach then rumbled and Obi-Wan patted it with a wry grin. Thank goodness he was getting his appetite back. His Master had nearly taken him back to the Healers just because Obi-Wan wasn't hungry. That was unusual in itself!
"Ok, ok," Obi-Wan spoke to his hungry stomach as he rose from the bed, slowly and carefully making his way to the bedroom door, intent on finding some food. He paused, hand raised to open the door when he heard voices outside in the living area. It was definitely his Master's…and Master Windu's Obi-Wan recognized after listening to them talk. Obi-Wan hesitated, deliberating on risking going out and interrupting their conversation.
He could not help but overhear some of the words being exchanged.
"Mace- Obi-Wan is not in a fit state to go."
That was his Master's voice; Obi-Wan would recognize the deep, familiar timbre anywhere. Go? Go where? Obi-Wan's curiosity was rising, despite sternly telling himself that this eavesdropping was rude and inconsiderate.
"…think of the millions of people that need your help. They cannot wait."
Mace Windu was speaking now. Millions of people? A mission then. Obi-Wan's heart sank. Qui-Gon was being called up for a mission to somewhere; Obi-Wan had not caught the name. An urgent one by what Master Windu was saying- with very little delay. But therein was the problem. Obi-Wan. In his heart, Obi-Wan knew that he was not strong enough to leave instantly for a demanding mission. He probably couldn't even walk down the corridor now to the Temples docking bay if he tried.
"I would have to go on my own," Qui-Gon said at length, mirroring Obi-Wan's current thoughts. Then why did his Master sound so reluctant? Surely he didn't think that Obi-Wan was incapable of looking after himself for a couple of weeks whilst this mission was sorted out? Obi-Wan rolled his eyes.
These people needed his Master. That alone made Obi-Wan feel proud- even if it was unbecoming of a Jedi. Obi-Wan was not about to let people suffer just so Qui-Gon could pamper him through this illness. He was stronger than that. Even though it did sting that Obi-Wan could not accompany his Master- and the sting was deep, Obi-Wan knew that this one was out of his hands.
Turning back to the door, Obi-Wan now heard the two Masters saying goodbye and Mace leave the apartment. Waiting a few moments, Obi-Wan put his hand on his door and opened it, slowly walking out in to the living area. His Master was seated in his chair, eyes fixed on a data pad in front of him as he studied it.
"Obi-Wan?" Qui-Gon had spotted him. "What are you doing up?"
Obi-Wan smiled as his Master put down the data pad and rose. "I was hungry Master; I thought I would have something to eat."
Qui-Gon raised an eyebrow, masking the relief that Obi-Wan was finally back to feeling hungry and mostly normal again. "Well then, how can I say no to that?" he asked, following Obi-Wan to the small kitchen area the two of them shared. Qui-Gon prepared a simple meal for them, nothing too heavy for Obi-Wan's stomach and they sat down together to eat.
Swallowing a piece of fruit, Obi-Wan paused. "I must…apologise Master," he said at length.
Qui-Gon, having observed his Padawan's hesitation in eating had waited for the boy to speak. This however, caught him by surprise. "Apologise Obi-Wan? For what?"
Obi-Wan fiddled with a piece of break on his plate. "I …overheard what you and Master Windu were talking about earlier. I'm sorry- I did not mean to eavesdrop- it was very rude of me." He looked down at his plate, unwilling to catch his Master's eye.
"I see," Qui-Gon replied evenly.
Obi-Wan waited for his Master to say something else, but the older Jedi was not forthcoming. "Master?" he tried.
Qui-Gon looked back up at him. "I accept your apology Obi-Wan. I thought you were asleep- we should have kept our voices quieter."
The Padawan tried not to fidget in his chair. This was not what he had been trying to get at. His Master was avoiding the subject, if Obi-Wan didn't know him better. Well, two could be that stubborn. "Master- what is there to think about?" he asked, studying Qui-Gon's response. He hoped he had not overstepped the mark.
"Obi-Wan," Qui-Gon said calmly. "This is not something I wish to discuss."
"But Master-"
"No," Qui-Gon's tone was firm, though without anger. He finished the last of his meal, noticing Obi-Wan had just about done the same with his. The Master was pleased to note that his Padawan was eating and getting healthier again. "Now if you have finished, back to resting." It was not a suggestion.
"Can I read in the living area?" Obi-Wan asked.
Qui-Gon paused whilst collecting the plates. "I do not see why not," he said after a moment's pause. "I will be in my room if you need anything."
"Thank you Master," Obi-Wan inclined his head towards Qui-Gon, before easing himself up from the table and gradually making his way to his room to fetch a data pad he had been reading before coming down with Dentari Flu.
An hour later, Qui-Gon emerged from his mediations in his room. His eyes immediately flicked over to the sofa. Obi-Wan was lying on it, propped up by pillows and sleeping lightly. Qui-Gon smiled fondly at the young boy. The data pad was slipping from Obi-Wan's fingers over the edge of the sofa and Qui-Gon caught it with the Force, certain the clunk would have unduly woken his Padawan. Carefully, he levitated it over to the table and set it down.
His gaze fell on his Padawan again. He was so young, had so much potential, yet was so vulnerable, just lying there. Qui-Gon was surprised at the fierce well of protection that surged up in his chest. He would let nothing happen to his apprentice. However, he was a Jedi Master. He was needed elsewhere too.
Tucking a blanket over Obi-Wan and making sure the boy was comfortable, Qui-Gon then grabbed his cloak, heading for the Jedi Council Chambers.
Several of the twelve Council members sat up in the great circular room high above the bustling city of Coruscant. In the daylight, many speeders and ships slowly filed past in the never ending traffic queues that went on for miles across the planet.
Qui-Gon straightened after bowing respectfully, hands tucked into his robe sleeves formally, eyes cool and expression composed as he surveyed the masters sitting before him. Invited to speak by Master Windu, he told the council of the troubled mediations he had faced.
"Master Jinn, refuse you do, to go on this mission?" Yoda asked, his ears lifting slightly. Ki Adi Mundi's face looked faintly disapproving at Yoda's question and other council members also looked surprised. It was not usual for a Master to turn down a mission, especially when asked for so specifically. Mace beside Yoda shifted imperceptibly. He had talked about this with Qui-Gon.
"No Master," Qui-Gon spoke levelly. "I am prepared to go on this mission. I see that I am needed on Rhashta."
Yoda leant forward. "Troubled you are about accepting this mission."
Qui-Gon did not blink, knowing that nothing got past this old, very wise Jedi. "I am Master. But I must go to Rhashta."
Here Mace spoke up. "Master Jinn, Padawan Kenobi will be well cared for at the Temple for the duration of your absence. Masters leave their Padawans at the Temple if a mission is deemed unsafe for younger padawans or if sickness arises. It is not uncommon."
Qui-Gon nodded coolly in Mace's direction. "Thank you," he said. "My transport for Rhasta leaves in two hours so please excuse me to prepare," he said, bowing to the Council. "May the Force be with you my Masters."
"May the Force be with you Master Jinn," the Council said together.
Yoda lifted a hand slowly. "Keep an eye on young Kenobi we shall," he said, looking straight at Qui-Gon. "Safe he will be in the Temple."
"Thank you Master Yoda," Qui-Gon said. The look in Yoda's eyes made Qui-Gon feel as he was being looked right through by the older Jedi. Yoda must know, or at least suspect something, he thought as he bowed again and then left the Council chambers, cloak swirling about his booted ankles.
Qui-Gon walked swiftly back to his quarters, Yoda's message still ringing in his ears. That was right, Obi-Wan was in the Temple, with friends, teachers and others to keep an eye on him. Hopefully his Padawan would recover from Dentari Flu soon and without further complications and be able to re-join his classmates in lessons again. Before he knew it, Qui-Gon would be back and all would be well again.
The Master rounded the corner to his apartment and entered the key combination to enter, unwilling to ring the bell and wake Obi-Wan. He stepped into his quarters and stopped, his brows drawing together as the door swished shut behind him. "Obi-Wan!" Qui-Gon's voice cut through the quiet apartment, making said Padawan freeze in his tracks.
Slowly, Obi-Wan turned around, wincing at his Master's tone. Rarely had he heard Qui-Gon use such a tone- even less directed at him. He gingerly straightened, putting down the bag and turned to face Qui-Gon as the Master strode towards him.
"Yes Master?"
Qui-Gon frowned, his eyes taking in Obi-Wan's face, a trace of concern in their blue depths before frustration and disapproval shone through more clearly. "What do you think you're doing Padawan?" he asked, releasing the various emotions that had immediately arisen upon seeing his Padawan up and about when he should be in bed.
"I am packing Master," Obi-Wan replied just as evenly, making no attempt to hide the truth.
Qui-Gon took a deep breath, schooling his features. Anger did not rule him. Rarely did he discipline the boy but Obi-Wan was trying his patience here. "Why are you not in your room resting?"
"I am coming with you Master," Obi-Wan said simply. A tickle was building up in his throat but he was determined not to cough. Not to show any signs of weakness. If Qui-Gon wouldn't go on this mission without him then Obi-Wan was going on that mission. It was as simple as that.
"Obi-Wan get back to bed," Qui-Gon said. "You need to rest. You are not well." He could see the fever flushed eyes of his Padawan staring solemnly up at him. The boy was sick and he was going to rest. Qui-Gon was going to make very sure of that.
"But I am much better Master," Obi-Wan argued, wincing as his last few words came out more as a croak. That wasn't good. His throat felt like it was on fire as he struggled to contain his cough, his whole body tensing, muscles taught as he tried. He could not take this much longer…"You have to…go on this mission!"
"Obi-Wan I'm not going to argue with you," Qui-Gon's voice was more than tinged with disapproval as he studied his stubborn Padawan. "Now leave the bag and go and rest."
"Master-" Obi-Wan got no further with his disagreement. He had to cough. With that, he doubled over slightly, clutching his chest in an effort to clear his airways as the hacking coughs shook his body, tears pricking in the corners of his eyes at the force.
Qui-Gon's disapproving expression changed instantly as he saw Obi-Wan's stance change. Gone was the calm defiance and in its place was distress and pain as he choked and the coughs shook his body. Concern immediately taking its place, Qui-Gon rubbed the young boy's back soothingly; using the Force to ease Obi-Wan's pain and lessen the restrictive airways. Slowly, he guided Obi-Wan to the sofa, kneeling beside it as he watched closely until Obi-Wan had recovered the attack.
"Obi-Wan?" Qui-Gon's voice was gentle.
"M'sorry…Master…" Obi-Wan managed to croak. "Didn't mean…"
Wordlessly, Qui-Gon left Obi-Wan sitting huddled on the sofa and headed into the kitchen, quickly procuring a glass of water for his sick Padawan. Obi-Wan took it gratefully, the cool liquid easing the pain in his throat and allowing him to relax further.
"Sorry," Obi-Wan repeated, his voice a little stronger now. "I-"
"It's alright," Qui-Gon said. "I know you thought you were just trying to help." He watched as Obi-Wan's eyes widened in surprise. "Obi-Wan I am going on this mission," he said. "But I cannot allow you to accompany me. You know this."
Obi-Wan nodded slowly. "I know…I just thought…"
"Your main concern is to recover," Qui-Gon said. "When I get back, I want to be able to see the progress you've made on the kata we've been practising recently."
Obi-Wan frowned. "How long will you be gone?"
Qui-Gon looked grave. "The situation on Rhashta may take some time," he admitted. "But if you need to talk to me, about anything, you can comm. me."
If Obi-Wan was surprised at how serious his Master was being, he did not say anything about it. It was probably his Master being very over-protective again. Instead he nodded. "You'll be amazed at how much better the kata will be," he grinned.
Qui-Gon squeezed his Padawan's shoulder. "I hope so Obi-Wan. Just remember to stay out of trouble."
"Yes Master."
"And go to bed on time." Definitely a teasing lilt to the voice now.
"Yes Master." The reply came in a very drawn out sigh as the Master smiled.
"And do your homework."
"Of course Master."
"And keep your room tidy."
"Now I can't promise anything there Master."
A little bit of light humour to ease the tension. So Qui-Gon is off without Obi-Wan...dun dun dun.
Anyway- hope you guys enjoyed :D Please review? I knowing people are enjoying reading this. And at some point I shall get round to re-writing a lot of Lost and Found. May even change the title...who knows? I have stacks of time!
Thanks for reading :D
AldabaranFox