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Author Topic: Shifting Tides (Late/Post TPM AU. Anakin, Padme, Obi, Qui, and more) UPDATE 1/7/09!
Specterace  1009 posts
Registered: Jun '05
6656_Ulic Qel-Droma
Date Posted: 8/3/05 11:44pm Subject: Shifting Tides (Late/Post TPM AU. Anakin, Padme, Obi, Qui, and more) UPDATE 1/7/09! - Date Edited: 1/7 6:06pm (46 edits total) Edited By: Specterace
Hello, and welcome to my fanfic. This is my first fic, and as a long-time (about 6-month) lurker and fan of the boards, I got inspired to write a fic of my own. Hope you guys like it. Constuctive criticism and suggestions are most welcome, so please read and respond (Of course, if you feel like your criticism might be too strong to post here, I'd be more than willing to take a PM...).

Title: Shifting Tides
Author: Specterace
Timeframe: Late-TPM era AU
Characters: Anakin Skywalker, Padme Amidala, Obi-Wan Kenobi, PT-characters, and a semi-OC
Genre: Action, Drama, Angst, maybe some Romance.
Keywords: AU
Summary: Picking up near the end of TPM, this is the story of Anakin, Padme, Obi-Wan, and the rest of the PT crew had certain events both in that era and in the past gone a little bit different...

Disclaimer: All rights and characters belong to George Lucas and Lucasfilms. No infringement is intended by me, nor do I seek profit in any way. In other worlds, George, it's your world. We just play in it.


Now, on to the story (or at least the first tiny part of it, anyway...)

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Chapter 1: The Staredown

Jedi Padawan Obi-Wan Kenobi stood in a battle-ready stance, glaring intensely at the scene before him. He was in the power station of Theed Palace on Naboo; to be exact, he was in the service corridor leading from the main generator room to a melting pit, where the residue of the power station was disposed.

Truth be told, however, he was not precisely in the corridor. And he was angry for it.

The corridor itself had laser-doors that segmented it into five even sections, which activated in set patterns and at precise times. Depending on the amount of power generated and residue disposed by the plant, the number of doors and the amount of time between their activations would vary, from one door in a few seconds to all doors for almost an hour. But in general, the doors would open and close at a fast rate with only a few doors actually activating.

Right now, though, all the doors were shut, and they couldn't open fast enough.

Obi-Wan himself stood before the first door, just outside the corridor. His Master, Qui-Gon Jinn, was stuck three doors ahead, between doors three and four. Their nemesis, Darth Maul, stood beyond the fourth door, right in front of the door leading to the pit area itself.

As Obi-Wan waited out the torturous minutes until the doors would re-activate, he closely observed the two figures in front of him.

Jedi Master Qui-Gon Jinn was dropped in a crouching, kneeling position, in deep meditation, his deactivated emerald lightsaber on the ground next to him. The previous battle with the Sith Lord in the generator room had taken much out of the aging Jedi, for though he was very wise, experienced and battle-hardened, he was also not quite as fast, strong, or agile as he once was. His stamina, he noticed, was also not what it once had been, when he would train and perfect his lightsaber forms for hours and days on end under the close, wise, and venerable eyes of Master Yoda and the careful, observant eyes of his own Master, Master Yan Dooku. Though he would never consider himself as skilled with a lightsaber as those two luminaries of combat, he could honestly say he often held his own against them in their various, intense sparring sessions where nothing was held back and full effort was not only constantly put forth, but was expected. Also, in earlier years, he had even come close to defeating the only other two Jedi who were also regarded in such a high class: Master Windu and Master Sifo-Dyas. Indeed, Qui-Gon Jinn was truly one of the greatest Jedi swordsmen of his time.

Unfortunately for him, though his connections to the Force were still very strong, and his swordsmanship sharp, age had diminished his strength, slowed his blade and reaction time, and made it harder for him to use the Force at high, intense levels for extended periods of time. The toll the battle had taken on him was, at first glance, barely visible, like a slight, spilt second blur on an otherwise sharp Holoscreen. To the casual observer, Qui-Gon Jinn was in a state of utmost calm and control, exuding the confidence, purpose, peace, serenity, and poise associated with the Jedi. Indeed, such an observer would be most inclined to believe Qui-Gon was in complete control of the situation, and wouldn't even expect him to be tired, let alone in danger.

Beyond the door was the Sith Lord himself, Darth Maul. If ever there was a figure who captured the look of evil, demonic danger associated with the Sith and the Dark Side, this was it. The Zabrak's red-and black tattooed face was the very mirror of the rage, terror, chaos, and darkness that flowed though his spirit as his blood flowed through his body. His intense, feral, unnatural yellow eyes reflected the anger and hatred which, through his complete and utter embrace of the Dark Side, had become part of his very soul. Even now, he paced back and forth in front of the laser door separating him from his Jedi prey, his excitement, rage, and euphoria evident with each step. As he grinned wickedly at the two Jedi, his all-consuming bloodlust manifested itself along with his obsessive hatred and contempt of the Jedi.

Darth Maul was a warrior at the peak of his powers, a young, agile, skilled, and powerful Sith in his prime, never to be in better physical shape and strength. His proficiency and dedication to the Sith arts was evident in the way he wielded his weapon, the complex and demanding double-bladed lightsaber. The fact that he was effectively able to fight two Jedi at once was a prime testament to the quality of his training and his attunement to the Dark Side of the Force. He was as well trained as any Jedi, and his skills with a saber were only matched by the greatest of Jedi warriors. He was, at once, reckless and calculating, powerful and elegant, combining brute force and finesse effectively, with deadly results. His skill was also a sign of the power, knowledge, and cunning of Darth Sidious, his Dark Master and the Dark Lord of the Sith. However, a casual observer might consider Maul to be overconfident, and take his anxious strides, contemptuous countenance, and general devil-may-care attitude towards his current opponents as a prime invitation for danger and defeat. Compared to the Jedi Master Qui-Gon Jinn, one would consider Maul to be too self-assured, too reckless, too anxious, too angry to think straight enough to come away with a victory, despite his skills and power.

But to a trained eye like Obi-Wan's, the signs were as clear as a Naboo lake on high summer:

The slump in Qui-Gon Jinn's otherwise square shoulders.

The obviously confident, yet clearly calculating look on Darth Maul's tattooed face.

Qui-Gon Jinn's slightly labored breathing.

The seemingly boundless energy Darth Maul seemed to exude in the Force as he took step after step, back and forth.

The strained, almost exaggerated bending of his Master's back.

The bottomless rage and determination chillingly visible in Darth Maul's glinting yellow eyes.

The sweat-drenched back of Qui-Gon's Jedi robes.

Darth Maul constantly twisting his deactivated lightsaber through his fingers in that swaggering, cocky manner that came naturally to him.

The calmness and control Qui-Gon exuded in his meditative stance was as much to restore his body and strength as it was to clear his mind and tune himself to the Force. As the earlier fight went on, Qui-Gon seemed to take more risks and gambles in his fighting as a response to his tiring body and inability to break Darth Maul's defenses. To Obi-Wan, it was the fact that Qui-Gon seemed to need this moment to meditate that set off the warning bells in his head and instilled in him a feeling of desperation and dread. And for all of Darth Maul's posturing and swagger, he was as shrewd and calculating a customer as Obi-Wan had ever seen, let alone faced personally. In fact, one could say his outward appearance of overconfidence and cockiness was a facade that served as one of his greater weapons. At once, this facade belied Maul's great cunning and observative talents while baiting his opponent into anger and rage. Therefore, Maul often exploited his opponent's mistakes, not the other way around.

In short, Obi-Wan saw what he needed to see.

Obi-Wan saw the truth: his Master would not survive an extended duel with the Sith alone.

At that instant, the laser doors deactivated once more. As Obi-Wan tore towards the melting pit area as fast as his feet could take him, both Qui-Gon and Darth Maul resumed their epic struggle. A struggle the likes of which had not been seen for a millennium.

Jedi versus Sith.

Light versus Dark.

As the two combatants charged at each other, emerald clashed against crimson...

----------------------------------------------------

More soon...

 

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My Fics: Shifting Tides: http://boards.theforce.net/The_Saga/b10476/21016976/p1
2009 Diary Challenge Entry: A Long Night's Journey Into Day: http://boards.theforce.net/the_saga/b10476/29653882/p1/?7
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LadyPadme  5235 posts
Title: Manager Emeritus
Registered: Sep '02
48533_Padme (602091)
Date Posted: 8/4/05 4:43am Subject: RE: Shifting Tides (TPM-era AU. A/P, Obi-Wan, PT characters & a semi-OC)


Very nice start! I hope to see more of this happy

 

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Evil Twin of Gabri_Jade devil
When a baby smiles the world is happy love
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Healer_Leona  36871 posts
Title: Manager Emeritus
 Registered: Jul '00
8059_Qui-Gon Jinn
Date Posted: 8/4/05 5:38am Subject: RE: Shifting Tides (TPM-era AU. A/P, Obi-Wan, PT characters & a semi-OC)
Oh... you start with the most heartbreaking scene. My poor sweet Jedi Master. You now have the power in your hand Specterace, you could singlehandedly change so much heartache with you next post. You could have Qui-Gon survive. He doesn't even need be in the story, he could stay at the temple and have some short healer looking after him!!! love love

Or not.... grin

Nice start, I really liked the polarized differences of descriptions between Qui-Gon and Maul. I'm very curious as to a semi-OC. happy happy

 

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Break away from everybody
Break away from everthing
If you can't stand the way this place is
Take yourself to higher places
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Specterace  1009 posts
Registered: Jun '05
6656_Ulic Qel-Droma
Date Posted: 8/5/05 1:01am Subject: RE: Shifting Tides (TPM-era AU. A/P, Obi-Wan, PT characters & a semi-OC). Updated 8/5 - Date Edited: 12/13/05 11:51pm (7 edits total) Edited By: Specterace
Lady Padme and Healer Leona: Thanks for the support and kind words. Sorry I can't really respond to you guys formally right now, but I've been working all day, and since today (or yesterday) was my birthday, I celebrated until about 9 or 10 pm. Then, on a bit of inspiration, I went all-out to complete this next part of the story, and now it's almost time for bed! Again, sorry for the non-response, but I will do so tomorrow.

Now, on to the next part:
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Chapter 2: Jedi vs. Sith

As the laser doors deactivated, Qui-Gon Jinn quickly leapt to his feet, his lightsaber blazing in his hand like a torch of emerald fire. He charged at Maul, who likewise had his own weapon fully activated and ready within a blink of an eye. Qui-Gon first slashed high, then followed up with a quick overhead strike and low slash combination designed to catch Maul off-balance on one end. But the Sith Lord, anticipating such a maneuver, quickly flicked his dual-sided blade back and forth, catching and deflecting each and every strike. The Zabrak then brought his blade horizontally and countered with a quick flurry of mid-to-low strikes from both ends of his blade, hoping to catch the Jedi Master unguarded on either side. However, Qui-Gon effectively parried the strikes, whipping his blade from his right to his left and back with the speed and grace worthy of an experienced Jedi Master such as himself. Qui-Gon, refreshed in both body and mind by his meditation, seemed to regain his focus, strength and vigor, and attacked Maul with a fierceness and intensity that slightly surprised the Sith Lord, who found himself having to quickly parry the staggering rush of powerful blows coming at him from all directions at various speeds. Though the Sith Lord was still the stronger of the two in terms of brute strength, and had a longer reach due to his dual-bladed saber, he was currently engaging Qui-Gon Jinn in close-quarters lightsaber combat, a situation that favored quickness and speed rather than power and reach. Wisely, Qui-Gon made every effort to engage Maul as close as possible, so as to not let Maul create the space he needed to make use of his greater reach. As soon as Maul tried to back up a few steps, Qui-Gon would doggedly charge in and rain quick, powerful blows on Maul’s guard, effectively forcing the Sith Lord to stand and fight at every interval. Not only did Qui-Gon have the advantage in blade quickness and hand dexterity, but the saber form he specialized in, Form IV Ataro, was designed for close-quarters, single-opponent combat, utilizing a large volume of quick, powerful blows designed to wear an opponent down and drive them back to a location or situation of the Jedi’s choosing. Qui-Gon Jinn was doing exactly that, forcing Maul closer and closer to the far wall of the melting pit chamber, while at the same time keeping Maul on the brink of the pit’s edge as much as possible.

Having tested the Sith’s middle-to-high guard extensively, Qui-Gon slashed high one last time, bounced his blade off Maul’s, then started a low 3-hit combination, striking at the Sith’s right hip, left calf, then quickly spinning all the way around into a low, powerful two-handed chop aimed towards the lower right side of Maul’s torso. Maul parried the first two strikes, then spun away gracefully from the lethal emerald blade. While still rotating, he quickly saw that Qui-Gon’s last attack had spun him completely around, effectively exposing his right side completely. Maul quickly stopped his rotation and finished the motion with a quick, fierce slash, confident that his crimson blade would land a lethal blow to the meddlesome Jedi at last.

Instead of Qui-Gon’s neck, the blade found empty space.

At the last possible moment, Qui-Gon sensed the incoming blow from the right. Cursing at himself for his carelessness, he bent himself back into a bridge, held his position for a spilt second, then collapsed the bridge and rolled towards the nearby wall, barely dodging first Maul’s initial slash, then Maul’s attempt to skewer him like a piece of shaak meat with the back end of the dual-saber, and finally Maul’s frenzied, powerful, jumping overhead chop. Immediately upon reaching safety, Qui-Gon popped back up, lightsaber once again at the ready. He charged Maul once more, quickly unleashing a barrage of strikes alternating left and right. But while he had previously tried to force the Sith Lord to lose his balance in order to create an opening, Qui-Gon was now trying to slash at Maul’s lightsaber pommel itself, with the intention of eliminating one of the blades from the equation, which would lessen both Maul’s rate of attack and his defenses, no matter how far Maul chose to engage the Jedi Master. Better yet, if he could destroy the saber entirely, he would win the duel outright.

Seeing an opening, Qui-Gon suddenly launched into an overhead combo, crashing three powerful strokes on Maul’s saber. Maul, now firmly on the defensive, barely blocked the first two slashes, only to see the third head directly towards the center of his dual-bladed pommel. Acting quickly, he suddenly twisted his wrists vertically, barely parrying the last strike with the back end. Bright green met flaming red barely a half-inch from the rear emitter of Maul’s saber. With a great effort, Maul forced Qui-Gon’s blade away from his own, breaking the hold. However, the effort forced Maul to within six inches of the pit’s edge, and with the Jedi Master in front of him and the edge behind, Maul realized his situation was perilous indeed. For the first time since the duel began, Maul no longer had a confident, euphoric look on his face. Rather, his face was completely blank, his eyes flashing with uncertainty and desperation as he looked for a way out of his predicament.

Meanwhile, Obi-Wan charged though the laser corridor, desperately trying to reach the melting pit room where his Master and their Sith nemesis were locked in combat. Obi-Wan picked up speed with every step, closing in faster and faster to the two figures fighting in the room beyond. As Obi-Wan reached the fourth door, he began to think about how he and his Master would combine their advantage in numbers with the layout of the room in order to win the duel as fast as possible. He was confident that together, the two of them would quickly force the Sith’s defeat, especially considering the lack of space in the melting pit area as opposed to the wide-open layout of the generator room that served as the grounds for their last duel.

However, before he could formulate any sort of plan, Obi-Wan heard a sound that promptly cut off all his thoughts and filled his very being with utmost dread. It was the buzzing sound of the capacitors kicking in once more, signaling the reactivation of the laser doors. As Obi-Wan drew deeper into the Force in a last-ditch attempt to cover the ground between himself and his Master, a single thought ran over and over in his head:

If I fail to reach the room in time, it will be the end of my Master.

The thought spurred Obi-Wan faster and faster until his very feet started to strain under their Force-enhanced exertions. He cleared the fourth door, then the fifth, and came within a foot of the last door…

Only to see it shut unmercifully right before his eyes, abruptly halting his valiant effort.

As Obi-Wan pulled up into a standing position, he observed the battle unfold before him, through the stream of electrons that held him captive in the cruelest possible manner: it allowed him to observe each and every action occurring in the next room, yet left him utterly incapable of influencing the events taking place. The best he could do was urge on his Master through his thoughts and the Force.

His Master, he observed, seemed to have restored himself both physically and mentally, as he was now driving the Sith Lord back in a direction of his choosing with various strikes and parries. Obi Wan, through the Force, could clearly sense the familiar, powerfully controlled presence of his Master, shining brightly against the angrily red and black vortex of darkness the Sith Lord projected in the Force. In moments, he seemingly had the Sith Lord right where he wanted him, between himself and the pit in the center of the room. Finally, it seemed the end of the duel was at hand.

Then, the unexpected happened.

Darth Maul, in an obvious move of desperation, suddenly back-flipped across the length of the pit, turning twice in the air and eventually sticking a blind landing cold on the opposite edge. It was a highly risky, potentially deadly move, especially with a Jedi Master in front of him and no way to actually see where he was landing. Despite all that, however, the move turned out better than he could have ever hoped. He not only escaped his predicament, but in doing so bought time enough to assume an new fighting stance and put the long-sought after distance between himself and Qui-Gon Jinn.

Immediately, Qui-Gon jumped the chasm himself, pouncing on the Sith Lord once again as he quickly bridged the gap between the two. But now, bit by bit, the strain of carrying on the second battle alone after battling in the generator room moments before was starting to take its toll on the aging Jedi Master. He was no longer able to close the distance between himself and Maul as quickly as before, and soon found that he wasn’t able to get any closer at all. His saber strikes, while still quite powerful and accurate, did not come nearly as quickly as they had mere moments before. His Jedi robes were drenched with sweat and zinged in various places, his taut, heavily creased face the very picture of fatigue. Clearly, the tide had turned.

Maul, sensing that his enemy was beginning to tire, quickly proceeded to press his advantage. He began to drive Qui-Gon back towards the laser door, unleashing strike after strike at the Jedi Master. First left, then right, then a flurry of low blows followed by a vicious overhead slash aimed straight for Qui-Gon’s head. Qui-Gon, despite parrying each and every attack, realized how quickly he was fading, and knew that unless he ended the battle soon, he would fall to the younger, fresher Sith warrior sooner rather than later. As he found himself driven back, Qui-Gon started taking more gambles in his fighting, trying for more and more finishing blows than he had before. Though it evened the fight for a short time, such a strategy had major drawbacks. First and foremost, it left him exposed far more often than before. Second, this approach took far more effort and greater usage of the Force to both attack and defend.

As he reached the laser door, Qui-Gon tried his greatest gamble yet: he did a slight feint to the left, then broke immediately into an all-or-nothing overhead diagonal smash headed for the right side of Darth Maul’s neck. It was an attack intended to catch an opponent defending left, leaving his right exposed long enough to inflict a decapitating blow. However, by it’s nature, the attacker had no control over either the power of his attack nor his momentum towards the target. If the attacker missed completely, nothing short of an impossibly miraculous recovery would save him or her from being fully vulnerable to attack.

Unfortunately for Qui-Gon, he missed completely.

As he saw his emerald blade meet nothingness, Qui-Gon prepared himself for the lethal counterattack that Maul was sure to unleash on him, the incoming strike he would be unable to block in time…

But the counter never came.

Darth Maul, in his haste to end the life of the Jedi Master as quickly as possible, saw Qui-Gon’s initial slash as his golden opportunity to finish the battle once and for all. He quickly moved to aggressively parry the attack, ready to use the bounce of the first blade to plunge the second into Qui-Gon’s exposed chest. Too late, he saw the feint for what it truly was, a set up to the far deadlier second attack behind it. As the second blow came, Maul decided that self-preservation was far more important than setting up a counterattack certain to claim his life along with the Jedi Master’s. So he threw his aggressive approach to the winds and spun away as fast as his feet could take him, clearing the blade just in time, seeing as it cut the space that his own body had occupied mere moments before.

As Qui-Gon resumed his defensive stance, Maul quickly broke his spin and set his feet, resuming his own fighting stance. Maul then charged at Qui-Gon, driving him back towards the far wall, establishing his position as the aggressor once more. Effectively using his advantages in reach, stamina, strength, and extra blade, Maul unleashed a seemingly unending barrage of jabs, flicks, and swipes, forcing Qui-Gon to exert every ounce of energy and concentration in deflecting the vicious blows raining on him from all directions. Though he was still able to occasionally counter with attacks of his own, defense was now clearly the main concern of the Jedi Master. As Obi-Wan stood anxiously observing the action a scant few feet away, he started to wonder just how long his Master could hold on while the laser doors remained shut.

Unfortunately for him, he didn’t have to wait long to find out.

Suddenly, the Sith Lord parried a horizontal stroke, then brought his blade to the right of the Jedi Master. As the Jedi Master moved to counter the attack, he quickly pulled back and brought his other blade to the left. As Qui-Gon tried to simultaneously twist out of the way of the second incoming blow and connect his right-handed blow against the Sith’s left shoulder, the Zabrak quickly whirled to his right, and performed a vicious backhanded stab with his back to the Jedi Master. Qui-Gon was caught completely unawares, with no possible way to either deflect or avoid the blow. The angry, crimson blade of the Sith’s lightsaber caught Qui-Gon directly in the midsection, inflicting a surefire killing blow…

Or so it would have, had Qui-Gon’s blade not caught Maul’s right shoulder at exactly the moment Maul inflicted his own blow.

As Qui-Gon felt the searing painful burn of the Sith's saber pierce through cloth, flesh, and bone, he heard the desperate, frenzied scream of his padawan, Obi-Wan Kenobi, crying out his name in despair. Then, through the Force, he felt a deluge of pain, anger, and agony coming from his young padawan, expressed by the next sound to escape Obi-Wan’s slightly tear-salted lips:

“NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!”


 

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My Fics: Shifting Tides: http://boards.theforce.net/The_Saga/b10476/21016976/p1
2009 Diary Challenge Entry: A Long Night's Journey Into Day: http://boards.theforce.net/the_saga/b10476/29653882/p1/?7
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Specterace  1009 posts
Registered: Jun '05
6656_Ulic Qel-Droma
Date Posted: 8/5/05 7:32am Subject: RE: Shifting Tides (TPM-era AU. A/P, Obi-Wan, PT characters & a semi-OC). Updated 8/5
Seeing as I have a bit of time before I get to work, I suppose I could get on with the responses I promised last night...

LadyPadme: Thank you very much for your support. I hope to update consistently, depending on how I'm able to write the story. I have the basic story arc in my head and outlined, but I like to flesh out the details as I get to the writing itself. I'd like to say I will update as fast as I did yesterday, but the truth is I plan to be very careful and take my time with the story as it unfolds. But again, thank you and I hope you like the story.

Healer Leona: Thank you! The polarization thing was kind of what I was shooting for, so I am very happy you recognized it.

As for the fate of Qui-Gon, well, we'll just have to wait and see...

 

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My Fics: Shifting Tides: http://boards.theforce.net/The_Saga/b10476/21016976/p1
2009 Diary Challenge Entry: A Long Night's Journey Into Day: http://boards.theforce.net/the_saga/b10476/29653882/p1/?7
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Specterace  1009 posts
Registered: Jun '05
6656_Ulic Qel-Droma
Date Posted: 8/7/05 2:57pm Subject: RE: Shifting Tides (TPM-era AU. A/P, Obi-Wan, PT characters & a semi-OC). Updated 8/7 ! - Date Edited: 8/21/06 7:38pm (3 edits total) Edited By: Specterace
And now for the next part... Hope you guys like it... praying

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Chapter 3: Kenobi vs. Maul

Standing merely a few feet away, behind the laser door, Obi-Wan had seen the end of the battle in its entirety, as the unease and anticipation grew in his stomach with every step, slash, and parry. As the battle moved from the laser door towards the far wall, Obi-Wan started to feel like it had gone on forever, a constant stalemate in which neither combatant seemed to gain a decisive advantage long enough to win.

When it happened, it seemed to Obi-Wan as if time itself had slowed down.

He saw Maul’s right feint, and felt confident his Master would parry the blow. But as he saw the front blade come back as the second blade swung left, the ever-persistent feeling of dread came back in full force. As he saw his Master try to twist away from the second blow, Obi-Wan saw the feint for what it truly was, and with it, the color drained from his face as he realized Maul’s true goal: to set-up his Master for a lethal stab though the stomach. Sure enough, he saw Maul spin once again to the right, the tip of his crimson blade closing in inch-by-agonizing-inch on Qui-Gon’s exposed chest. Obi-Wan could only look on and hope that his Master’s emerald blade could catch the Sith Lord before the latter’s crimson one met his chest. When he saw Qui-Gon’s blade meet Maul’s right shoulder, Obi-Wan thought his Master had, against all odds, saved himself yet again.

But almost immediately, Obi-Wan’s eyes fell on his Master…and the angry pillar of red light that protruded through his right side and out his back.

After what seemed like an eternity, Obi-Wan tore his eyes away from the lightsaber and back to his Master. He saw Qui-Gon’s body stiffen up straight, then slowly fall backwards as the blade was withdrawn.

He saw his Master’s chest heave defiantly, then lower as the breath it contained seemed to pour out of his body.

He saw his Master’s blue eyes darken, then grow opaque as he fell to his knees.

And as he saw the bearded, careworn face of his Master’s settle into a tired, world-weary look, Obi-Wan felt his life with his Master flash before his eyes.

He saw how the two linked in the Force while they escaped a trap set up by Xanatos, Qui-Gon’s former apprentice, in the ionite mines of Bandomeer.

He saw himself, now a padawan learner, standing with Qui-Gon in a medical ward on New Apsolon, as they watched over the dying body of Master Tahl, the only woman his Master ever truly loved.

He saw himself on board the Trade Federation’s Droid Control Ship, fighting side-by-side with his Master against squads of battle droids and droidekas.

Just when he felt his mind calming his consciousness by replaying these happier moments, Obi-Wan suddenly began to see other moments, mostly of more recent times.

The turbulent bongo ride through the core of Naboo, in which Obi-Wan and his Master had a somewhat heated argument on his philosophy concerning the Force and his constant championing of what he, Obi-Wan, considered lost causes.

The meeting on Tatooine, where Obi-Wan called their young savior, Anakin Skywalker, a “pathetic life-form” after his Master himself declared his belief that the boy was the fabled “Chosen One” just the night before.

The scene on the balcony of the Jedi Temple of Coruscant, where Obi-Wan finally gave in to his frustration and berated his Master on his stubborn willingness to defy both the Jedi Code and the Jedi Council in favor of his conscience.

And finally, the scene in the Jedi Council chamber itself, when his Master clearly declared his intentions to train Anakin with or without the approval of the Council. A scene followed up by a declaration so unexpected that it left Obi-Wan shocked to his very core: that he, Obi-Wan Kenobi, was ready for the Jedi Trials. What followed was both a feeling of utmost pride and deepest resentment; pride that his Master believed in him enough to declare him ready for the trials to become a Jedi Knight, and resentment at the thought that his Master only declared him ready for the trials so that he could take Anakin as his Padawan learner without breaking the single-padawan rule of the Code, a thought that made Obi-Wan feel as though he was being cast aside like an obsolete speeder.

As the last scenes finished playing in his head, Obi-Wan felt a deepening sadness resonate throughout his being. A sadness that came from the thought that despite all they went through in the last weeks, his Master had never once chastised him for doubting his every move, nor had he uttered a single word of disapproval when Obi-Wan’s frustration finally got the better of him, resulting in the rift that had opened up between he and his Master. His Master, Obi-Wan realized, had refrained from chastising him for his criticizing because he truly valued Obi-Wan’s opinion. Also, His Master had not been constantly reminding him to be mindful of the Living Force so he could remind him of his place as a padawan learner; he had done it because he honestly believed that Obi-Wan could eventually understand the Living Force and realize his true potential. Qui-Gon had also not declared Obi-Wan ready for the trials for the sake of taking Anakin as soon as possible, he had done it because he, in his heart of hearts, truly believed in the both of them, both in Anakin’s destiny and Obi-Wan’s worthiness as a Jedi Knight.

As the last thoughts crystallized in his mind, Obi-Wan was suddenly brought back to the present. When he looked upon the face of his Master once again, the sadness brought by his recent thoughts and the pain wrought from the prospect of his Master dying in front of his eyes combined with his anger at the Sith Lord responsible for both hunting down his Master from the sands of Tatooine to the power station of Naboo, then stabbing his Master through the chest like he was a common beast in a jungle world. The combined emotional stress overpowered Obi-Wan in an instant, and for the first time in years, tears streamed down his face. As he felt the twin clear, salty orbs of agony spill down his face and reach his lips, Obi-Wan could no longer contain his grief, and howled in agony. First, he screamed the name of his Master. His next scream, moments later, consisted of a single syllable, but it resonated with the purest of every emotion running through the very core of his soul.

After screaming for what seemed like an eternity, Obi-Wan’s voice finally died out. As he heard Qui-Gon’s lightsaber clatter to the ground besides the fallen Jedi Master, he saw Darth Maul approach the laser door and set himself in a battle-ready stance. Obi-Wan looked into the eyes of the Sith Lord, matching the rage, hatred, and perverse joy he found there with the anger, grief, and determination reflected in his own. Maul, Obi-Wan noticed, was once again stalking back and forth before the laser doors, as he had before the previous battle with Qui-Gon.

This time, Obi-Wan promised himself, he won’t escape the death he should have been dealt long ago.

Obi-Wan set himself in a battle-ready stance, anticipating the deactivation of the laser doors. When he felt the capacitors were about to disengage, he activated his lightsaber, bouncing on the balls of his feet as he waited for the door to open. At this, Darth Maul activated both ends of his own saber, angrily scowling at Obi-Wan as he did so.

An instant later, the laser doors had deactivated and Obi-Wan was finally free.

He angrily charged Darth Maul, bringing his deadly cerulean beam to bear on the Sith Lord as he unleashed several powerful blows in a high-to-low pattern, bouncing his blade against both blades of the dual-saber. Maul, though expecting such an attack, was nevertheless driven back by the young Jedi’s raging blows, and was barely able to bring his dual-saber vertically in time to parry each blow. As soon as he blocked Obi-Wan’s last slash low, Maul flicked his wrist, brought the dual blade horizontally, and tried to unleash a double-sided counter flurry of his own. But he was only able to get two cuts in when Obi-Wan suddenly charged in again with a quick cut to the midsection, followed by a powerful overhead strike. As Maul blocked the second chop, Obi-Wan suddenly swept his saber up, and as soon as he forced Maul’s front blade aside, took a fierce two-handed cut at the Sith Lord’s head, which the Sith Lord barely blocked with his other saber by blindly swinging backwards. Immediately upon blocking Obi-Wan’s last strike, Maul brought his blade horizontally and launched into a quick double-sided flurry aimed for Obi Wan’s midsection. But once again the Sith Lord found himself unable to complete the combo due to an Obi-Wan forward charge followed by a fierce 4-hit combo focused to the midsection. Maul spun his lightsaber in a helicopter motion, catching the first three strikes in place before blocking the fourth while spinning backwards. The move allowed Maul to put some distance between himself and Obi-Wan as he took stock of his situation. The younger Obi-Wan, though not nearly as experienced, efficient, or precise in his attacks as Qui-Gon, was far quicker in both hand and foot speed, with the twin added benefits of greater stamina and fresher legs. Such advantages not only allowed for Obi-Wan to pursue and engage Maul in constant close-quarters combat, but also allowed him to break up the Sith Lord’s combos consistently. And, he was able to avoid certain attacks altogether, as Maul found when he tried to cut Obi-Wan’s legs out from under him, only to see the Jedi Padawan leap over both blades, bring his lightsaber up in mid-air, and quickly turn the leap into a jumping downwards slash that Maul barely deflected by ducking low and bringing the back end of his dual-saber high.

Obi-Wan, for his part, was so consumed by his rage and anger at his failure to prevent the fall of his Master that he threw all planning and strategy out the window and simply attacked Maul on pure instinct. He simply wanted to drive Maul back, not necessarily caring where he was driving the Sith Lord back to. As it was, he was driving Maul back towards the far wall, vaguely hoping to corner the Sith Lord somehow and exact revenge for the fall of his Master. And for a moment, it seemed that he would.

He finally had Maul backed up to within 3 feet of the back wall, and as Maul once again threw both sabers in a downward arc to try and cut his legs off, Obi-Wan saw his chance. He quickly leapt over the slashes, landed, then proceeded to unleash a powerful 7-hit barrage on Maul’s exposed form, slashing high three times, then low, then to the midsection, then high again, all capped off with a punishing uppercut. Maul, despite being able to deflect all the attacks, nevertheless found himself losing his balance, and as a result was unable to bring his blade up in time to parry the uppercut. In the end, the Jedi’s blue blade met the right side of the Sith’s dual-saber handle, cutting off the emitter of the right blade. Just like that, the Sith’s dual-blade advantage was no more. Obi-Wan then delivered a hard kick to the Sith Lord’s midsection, knocking Maul backwards, then leapt into a falling corkscrew somersault slash, intending to cut the grounded Sith Lord in half.

What his blade found instead was the cold metal floor of the melting pit chamber.

Maul, having been knocked to the floor by Obi-Wan’s kick, recovered in time to roll out of the deadly path of the Jedi’s blade just as the blade met the floor. Maul, having avoided the immediate danger, rolled on his side to the nearby wall, popped up to his feet, and set himself in his battle-stance once more. Obi-Wan likewise readied his own blade, and the two renewed their struggle. Maul, now single-bladed, attacked first, whipping his blade in wide, powerful swings left and right. Obi-Wan parried the angry swipes, then countered with a quick series of slashes aimed at Maul’s legs. Maul brought his saber low, deflected the Jedi’s latest attacks, then tried a 3-hit stab-and-slash combo at Obi-Wan’s midsection, all the while backing up around the edge of the pit in the center of the room. Obi-Wan sidestepped the initial stab, then whipped his blade back and forth to catch the trailing slashes. They made their way around the right side of the room, past the fallen form of Qui-Gon, and towards the laser doors. After Obi-Wan’s initial rush, the battle had settled into an evenly contested affair in which neither combatant was able to seize any sort of decisive advantage. Every time Obi-Wan mounted an attack, Maul was there to turn it aside and counter with his own, and visa-versa. But as the battle wore on, Maul’s frenzied bloodlust slowly started to surpass the fierce determination that drove the young Jedi. In addition, Obi-Wan’s inexperience finally started to show, as he constantly found himself being tricked into compromising situations by the more experienced Sith Lord.

As the two combatants approached the laser door entrance, Maul suddenly charged into a quick barrage of overhead blows, driving Obi-Wan back towards the pit. Sensing his strength waning and his grip on the battle slowly slipping away, Obi-Wan quickly parried Maul’s blows, then gathered up all of his strength in a last-ditch attempt to overpower the defenses of the Sith Lord and end the duel at last. He brought his blade downwards in a chop that had all of his remaining power behind it, caught Maul’s blade, and held it. As the shimmering cerulean blade of the Jedi struggled against the raging crimson of the Sith’s blade, Obi-Wan leaned into Maul, meeting the Sith’s angry, yellow-eyed scowl with his own grimacing countenance, his blue eyes flashing with cold fury. After standing there for what seemed like days but was really only mere seconds, Maul suddenly forced Obi-Wan’s blade back, then followed it up with a quick Force Push that sent the young Jedi flying towards the edge. Obi-Wan barely hit the floor before he tumbled over the edge and into the melting pit itself, his lightsaber falling with him. In an act of utmost desperation, he quickly reached out and grabbed one of the metal rungs jutting out just under the mouth of the pit, and held it with both hands. There he remained, hanging helpless, as he looked up and contemplated the demonic, twisted grin on the tattooed face of Darth Maul.

As far as Maul was concerned, the battle was all but over. His last remaining adversary was hanging helpless below him, barely holding on to a bit of metal protruding from the face of the pit. His other adversary was on the floor to his right, all but dead. As he strode confidently to the lip of the melting pit, he contemplated how he would relate the tale to his Master, Lord Sidious. How should he do it? Should he give the barest of details in a monotonous voice, as if the mission had been nothing at all? Or should he embellish on the tale, carefully detailing how he had overpowered and outsmarted the two Jedi? While he contemplated this in his mind, Maul started to swing his saber at the metal lip of the pit, raining hot, stinging sparks on the barely-surviving Jedi Padawan. Soon enough, Maul thought, the young Jedi would lose his grip, and would tumble into the dark, empty chasm, never to return.

As Obi-Wan felt the shower of sparks raining on him, he began to calm himself from the inside out, and tried to tune himself to the Force like he never had before. Whereas he previously relied solely on the Unifying Force, he now summoned up every last ounce of his reserves in an effort to touch the Living Force as well, so he could find a way out of his current predicament. As he opened himself up more and more, he focused on the room above him, sensing the dark presence of Darth Maul looming over him like Death personified. With a great effort, Obi-Wan focused himself away from Maul and to the still form of his Master. Grief threatened to overcome him as he saw an emptiness in the Force where his Master’s body lay. Just when he was about to look away, he detected a faint glow where his Master’s presence should have been. At first, he thought his mind was deceiving him, mocking him for his constant desire for his Master’s recovery. But as he looked again, the glow returned, stronger this time.

"Could it be?” Obi-Wan asked himself. "Has he really avoided Death yet again?”

Obi-Wan held his focus, as if waiting for his Master’s presence to fade again. But the faint glow held, constantly shimmering in the Force like the last rays of light in the deepening twilight sky of a Coruscanti sunset. And with each passing moment, Obi-Wan’s doubt began to fade, replaced by the utter joy and relief that his Master was indeed still alive…for the moment.

The last thought brought Obi-Wan back to his present situation. Heartened by what he had just witnessed through the Force, Obi-Wan hardened his resolve and cleared his mind of all doubt. Now, he knew there was no other choice. He could not let himself die under any circumstances. He had to get to his Master, no matter what. With renewed vigor, Obi-Wan again focused on the room above him, searching for anything that could help him defeat his opponent and get to his ailing Master. Suddenly, his focus fell on the handle of his Master’s lightsaber, lying next to Qui-Gon a mere few feet from the edge. Thinking quickly, Obi-Wan hatched a desperate plan, knowing that he had only one chance to make it work. He couldn’t afford the slightest mistake, lest he be cut down mercilessly by the angry Sith blade of his adversary.

Gathering his strength and courage, Obi-Wan suddenly propelled himself up with the help of the Force, leaping out of the pit and over the startled from of Darth Maul. At the same time, he summoned the deactivated blade of his Master, catching and activating it with a single motion in mid-air. After twisting in mid-air to change his direction, Obi-Wan landed his feet on solid ground, right in front of the shell-shocked Sith Lord, who quickly turned around to confront him face-to-face. As Obi-Wan took a split second to look into the yellow eyes of Darth Maul, he saw the twisted, vile look they contained, even as rage, anger, and disbelief contorted the red-and-black visage of his face.

But before Maul could even begin to raise his blade to save himself, Obi-Wan slashed at the exposed chest of the Sith Lord, consuming him with the blazing emerald fury of his Master’s lightsaber. Maul, his chest cut open, felt the searing heat of his wound as it cauterized, even as his mind spent it’s last moments trying to figure out how the battle had turned so quickly and decisively to the favor of the young Jedi standing in front of him. An instant later, the light in Maul’s sulfur eyes faded, and the Sith fell backwards into the pit, blackening out before his body hit the bottom of the pipe hundreds of feet below.

Immediately upon seeing Maul’s dark form tumble into the pit, Obi-Wan shut off his lightsaber and rushed to the ailing body of his Master, lying on the ground a few feet to his right. Kneeling at his side, Obi-Wan lifted Qui-Gon’s head and cradled the body of his Master in his arms.

"Master!" he gasped, his throat quickly drying up as he willed Qui-Gon to hold on.

"Obi-Wan." Qui-Gon uttered, his voice breaking. "You have fought well, my young… Padawan. Very well … indeed. But it may be… too late… for me, my young friend."

"No!" Obi-Wan screamed, shaking his head in desperate denial.

"Now you are ready… whether the Council believes so… or not. You must be ready, Obi-Wan… And you will be, my young…apprentice." Qui-Gon said, barely above a whisper. "I believe in you… You will become a great Jedi Master someday… Obi-Wan."

"Yes, Master!" Obi-Wan cried, his heart rending at the seams.

"Obi-Wan… you must now be the teacher." Qui-Gon uttered, his voice fading with each passing second. "Promise me… you’ll look after the boy… in my stead, Obi-Wan."

"I will, Master!" Obi-Wan said, desperate to say anything he could to ease the suffering of his Master, as he was willing to do whatever his Master asked without thought or care of the future.

"And if I do not survive, Obi-Wan…" Qui-Gon continued, his eyes steady even as his body fought for every incoming breath, "Promise me… you’ll train… the boy… in my place. Promise me… you’ll train… Anakin…"

"Yes, Master!" Obi-Wan declared, the tears now coming hot and wet on his cheeks. "I will train the boy, whether the Council wishes it or not!"

"Thank you… Obi-Wan…" Qui-Gon said, his face suddenly taking on a look of relief and happiness. "He is… the Chosen One. He… will bring balance… to the Force. Train him well."

Obi-Wan nodded quickly, hoping with all his heart his Master could see his desire to fulfill his wishes. As Obi-Wan began to lay his Master back against the floor, Qui-Gon suddenly opened his eyes widely and uttered his loudest words yet:

"Obi-Wan! Wait!"

"Yes, Master?" Obi Wan asked, his tear-stained countenance expectant, as he awaited Qui-Gon’s answer.

"There is… more, Obi-Wan." Qui-Gon suddenly said, his voice growing desperate with every word. "Come closer…"

As Obi-Wan heard the next words of his Master, a look of utter surprise, confusion, and disbelief suddenly spread across his young face. After taking in his Master’s latest words, he found his voice once again.

"Are you sure, Master?" Obi-Wan asked, the doubt and confusion growing in his voice and on his face as the seconds passed by.

"Yes, Obi-Wan…" Qui-Gon whispered. "There can be no doubt… I am positively sure."

"But… how, Master?" Obi-Wan managed, unable to disguise the surprise in his voice.

At this, Qui-Gon smiled mysteriously. "Search your feelings, my young apprentice… and theirs. You will see… just as I have."

"I will try, Master!" Obi-Wan promised, though he inwardly doubted he would succeed.

At this, Qui-Gon’s face suddenly took on an uncharacteristically lifeless look, as his eyes finally shut and saw no more. Obi-Wan lowered his brow to his Master’s head, as he felt, for the first time in his 25-year-old life, completely empty and alone. As Obi-Wan let the grief consume him once again, his thoughts fell to the burden he now carried on his young shoulders. A burden that had suddenly grown exponentially to immense proportions.

If he had not been so consumed with grief, Obi-Wan might have tried to sense his Master through the Force one last time.

If he had, he might have been heartened by what he would have seen.

Though his body looked dead, the presence of Qui-Gon Jinn in the Force had not entirely gone out. Indeed, where there was once a powerful, shining presence, there was still a thin strand of light, stubbornly holding on to existence like a final, glowing ember among the remains of what was once a fierce pillar of flame.

Had Obi-Wan Kenobi looked one last time, he would have seen another truth:

Qui-Gon Jinn was not fated to die on this day.

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More coming soon!

 

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My Fics: Shifting Tides: http://boards.theforce.net/The_Saga/b10476/21016976/p1
2009 Diary Challenge Entry: A Long Night's Journey Into Day: http://boards.theforce.net/the_saga/b10476/29653882/p1/?7
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Specterace  1009 posts
Registered: Jun '05
6656_Ulic Qel-Droma
Date Posted: 8/11/05 12:27am Subject: RE: Shifting Tides (Late TPM-era AU. A/P, Obi-Wan, Qui-Gon, PT characters & a semi-OC). Updated 8/7 - Date Edited: 8/21/06 8:37pm (3 edits total) Edited By: Specterace
And the next part...

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Chapter 4: The Council of Naboo

Two days after the fight in the power station, Obi-Wan Kenobi was in his guest quarters in Theed Palace’s north wing. He was sitting cross-legged on the floor facing the setting sun, his mind deep in meditation, as he tried to piece together the events of the last two days for what seemed like the millionth time.

The millionth time, and I am barely any closer to completing the puzzle than I had been the first time, he mused to himself, chagrined.

Shortly after carrying Qui-Gon’s nearly dead body out of the melting pit chamber and into Theed city itself, Obi-Wan had run into a stray team of medics tending to the wounded from the battles that had taken place throughout the city during the uprising. When they saw the injuries Qui-Gon had sustained, they insisted on examining him, despite Obi-Wan’s tearful insistence that his Master was dead. So when the medics came back to Obi-Wan with the news that Qui-Gon was still alive, Obi-Wan had been stunned mute, unable to speak while an immense wave of hope, relief, and utter joy swept through every fiber of his being. He stood there, unmoving, for such a long time that the medics started to wonder whether or not it would be a necessary to examine him as well, despite the fact that he had suffered no visible injuries. After nearly 3 minutes of being prodded and shoved towards a stretcher next to his Master, Obi-Wan regained his senses and instructed the medics to take him to Theed Palace as quickly as possible. The medics, by now positively believing Obi-Wan to be gravely sick in the head, nevertheless acquiesced to his demands, put him and Qui-Gon into an ambulance, and drove to Theed Palace, breaking just about every traffic law on the way. Soon after arriving, the medics were mildly amused at the sight of Obi-Wan tearing into the palace at full speed, only to be shocked speechless by his swift return, with Queen Amidala and her ever-present handmaidens in tow, along with every member of the elite Royal Palace Medical Team. After the RPMT, acting on the orders of the Queen, whisked Qui-Gon’s stretcher away to the state-of-the-art medical center conveniently built right next to the West Wing of the Palace, the Queen herself personally thanked the stunned medics in the ambulance for their swift actions and aid regarding both Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan, and sent them on their way.

Shortly after seeing Qui-Gon safely stabilized in a bacta tank in one of the medical center’s biggest recovery rooms, Obi-Wan, on summons from the Queen, went to the Palace throne room, where he was formally reunited with not only the Queen and her handmaidens, but Anakin Skywalker, Sio Bibble, Ric Olié, and Captain Panaka as well. He then, by request of the Queen, proceeded to recount his part of the events that transpired since their separation at the appearance of the Sith Lord. However, he omitted sharing the last words exchanged between he and Qui-Gon, believing they would be better suited for another time.

After he had finished, he stayed with the others as Anakin recounted his adventures aboard the N-1 Starfighter. He listened, captivated, as Anakin recounted every part of his fateful flight into space, detailing how he had semi-flown the ship straight into the heart of the Federation defense, penetrating numerous shields and guns as he made his way into the hanger of the Neimoidian flagship. Anakin then revealed how he had, in the process of trying to re-engage the N-1’s engines, torpedoed the droid control ship’s main reactor, setting off the chain reaction that destroyed the ship and the central transmitter, effectively disabling the droid army of the Federation. Though Anakin confessed to have had no general plan of attack nor any intention of firing the torpedoes where and when he did, such a declaration only served to amaze Obi-Wan even more. Now, more than ever, Obi-Wan was convinced his Master had been right all along. The more he questioned Anakin, the more he believed Anakin’s actions had been guided by a far higher, more complex power than simple luck or fate. These acts, along with results detailing the boy’s exceptionally high midi-chlorian count, were both clear signs of his innate ability to connect with the Force at a level on par with the greatest of Jedi Masters. As he contemplated all of this, Obi-Wan purged any and all lingering doubts from his head, and finally believed, beyond all doubt, what his Master told him just hours before: Anakin Skywalker was the ‘Chosen One’ of ancient Jedi prophecy.

After Anakin finished recounting his tale, both he and Obi-Wan had been excused, for the Queen had many matters that required her immediate attention. However, Obi-Wan later learned of the Queen’s exploits in the Palace from Captain Panaka at dinner. He was fascinated by every step of her daring assault, from her bold entrance by way of the hanger, her daring ascension-gun climb along the side of the palace with over 500 feet of Solleu River waterfall right beneath her, right up to her risky, yet clever ploy to seize Nute Gunray, the viceroy of the Trade Federation, in her own throne room using her decoy, Sabé, as bait. Obi-Wan had previously seen the idealism and compassion that were such a vital reason behind Amidala’s ascension to the throne of Naboo. Now, he had evidence of the resiliency and fortitude that her people often attributed to her success as Queen, despite the fact that she had only been elected a few months before.

The next day saw the arrival of Cos Palpatine, the newly elected Supreme Chancellor of the Republic. He was accompanied by all twelve members of the Jedi Council, along with a team of the elite Chancellor’s Guards, hand-picked by Palpatine to be his private vanguard at all times. His arrival had been expected, mainly for two reasons. First, Naboo was his home planet. Second, it was widely known throughout the Republic that the Federation’s invasion of Naboo had been the catalyst for his election to Supreme Chancellor. However, Obi-Wan was fairly surprised to see that the entire Jedi Council had come to Naboo. He had expected one or two members, for the Council had made it clear that the mission to Naboo was very important, and after hearing his short report the night before, had promised to come to Naboo as quickly as possible to provide help and support. But he had not been prepared to see all twelve members emerge from Palpatine’s ship, accompanying the Chancellor and his security detail. What was more, they had brought a team of Jedi Healers from the temple, led by Master Healer Bant, to supposedly assist in the treatment of Master Qui-Gon Jinn.

Shortly after the formal royal greeting, the Jedi Council went to the medical center where Qui-Gon was being treated, healers in tow. After the healers performed their own detailed examination of the Jedi Master, they declared that he was indeed alive, though just barely. The injuries he had suffered at the hands of the Sith Lord had not only severely damaged some vital organs in Qui-Gon’s body, but also threatened his very life-force, to the point that his presence in the Force was also holding on by a thread. As a result, Qui-Gon was currently in a comatose state, unable to see, hear, feel, or understand anything going on around him, through physical senses or the Force. Though the healers assured everyone present that Qui-Gon would eventually make a complete recovery from his injuries, they also informed them that he would have to remain in their care for at least a month, and strongly recommended two. They also strongly advised against moving him from Naboo to another location during the recovery, their reason being that doing so could cause unforeseen complications in his recovery, which would delay it, or worse, stunt it altogether. All in all, Obi-Wan had been pleased to hear such a report from the healers, and felt unabashed joy at the prospect of seeing his Master at full health once again.

As Obi-Wan felt the beginnings of a smile come over his otherwise stoic face at the thought of the healers’ report, he quickly reflected back to the events of the current day. Earlier that day, the Council had summoned Anakin to the palace’s northern turret room, the use of which Queen Amidala had graciously lended the Council so it could serve as the Jedi Council Chamber during their stay on Naboo. Though Obi-Wan had not been allowed in the chamber during Anakin’s meeting with the Council, he had been able to generally surmise what had happened by piecing together what Anakin had told him with what various Council members revealed during his own meeting with the Council, and combining the two with a touch of common sense. Apparently, Anakin had been summoned to relate his part in the events on Naboo, and share his feelings on the events themselves. Though it had all the appearances of an ordinary conversation, Obi-Wan suspected the Council had truly summoned Anakin so they could make a final assessment on the boy based on what had transpired since their last session on Coruscant.

Judging by the fact that they summoned him again a few hours ago, their evaluation must be proving to be more complicated than they expected. Obi-Wan mused, unable to stop the smile this time. Furthermore, since they already dismissed Anakin exactly an hour ago, they must be having an unusual amount of difficulty in coming to a decision on his status… At the thought of this, Obi-Wan started to chuckle to himself. Figures. Master Qui-Gon always did have a way of stirring the pot with regards to the ‘Old Folk’s Home’…

As Obi-Wan began to feel his concentration slip slowly away, he shifted his thoughts to his own meeting with the Council, during which Obi-Wan had told the council everything he knew regarding the part both he and Qui-Gon played during the uprising. But again, he chose to omit most of the final conversation with Qui-Gon in the melting pit chamber, deeming it far too personal to share, even (or perhaps especially) with the Council. He did, however, push for Anakin’s acceptance into the Jedi Order, using his interpretation of Anakin’s adventures, his impressions of the boy, and his newly discovered insights as reasons why. Though the Council’s leader, Master Mace Windu, had simply told him that the Council would take the matter under consideration, Obi-Wan left the chamber feeling quite confident as to the outcome of that particular matter. As far as he was concerned, Anakin had proven his worthiness a hundred times over with his destruction of the Droid Control Ship, and he was sure the Council would undoubtedly see the same.

But as his thoughts drifted back to his Master, Obi-Wan’s mind began to replay Qui-Gon’s last words to him on the melting pit chamber floor. As he contemplated each and every word, Obi-Wan began to feel the familiar sense of doubt he encountered when he first heard the words.

Could Master Qui-Gon have truly meant what he said? If so, why hasn’t anyone from the Council not picked up on it yet? Why hasn’t Master Yoda seen it? If anyone could confirm Master Qui-Gon’s words, surely it would be him… Well, him or Master Windu. But Master Windu hasn’t commented on it either…

Suddenly, a nagging thought occurred to him: What if they already know!?!? Perhaps they do know, and are keeping it all to themselves…

Just when Obi-Wan was beginning to seriously consider the reality of such a scenario, he dismissed the thought completely. No, they don’t. If they did, they would surely have done something about it, and I would have known about it for sure.

Moments later, he was in the process of finishing up his meditation when he felt a familiar presence at the door. Obi-Wan rose, his mind occupied by a single thought as he approached the door: At last, they have come to a decision.

He opened the door, then looked down at the familiar figure of Master Yoda, the leader of the Jedi Order. As he bowed to the diminutive Master, his blue eyes met the bright green eyes of the venerable, wizened teacher, noting the clarity and awareness he saw in them through their sleepy, drooping appearance. No, Obi-Wan decided. If Master Yoda knew, he would have reached and acted on a decision some time ago.

As if mirroring the thoughts in Obi-Wan’s head, Yoda suddenly spoke to the young Jedi, in his uniquely strange voice: “Reached a decision, the Council has. Request they do, your presence in the Council Chamber, Padawan Kenobi.”

“Yes, Master Yoda.” Obi Wan said, slightly surprised. He rose immediately, quickly following Master Yoda out the door as the tiny Master walked ahead, at a speed far greater than his 869 years of age would suggest.

They had not walked very far from the guest quarters when Obi-Wan suddenly spoke up, curiosity clearly present in his voice. “Master Yoda, I would suppose the Council’s decision regards the status of Anakin Skywalker? If so, why would the Council request my presence in the chamber?

Yoda, considering this, paused for a moment before responding slowly, his voice suddenly taking on a cryptic tone. “So certain are you, of the decisions made by the Council, Obi-Wan? So certain, you are, on what has been decided?”

“Well, with the exception of Anakin’s fate, it’s not as if the Council has had much to decide on… unless I’ve missed something?” Obi-Wan responded, confused.

“Patience, young one. Soon, the Council’s decisions, you will hear.” Yoda said, his voice carrying the tone of finality that Obi-Wan knew meant the conversation was over. As he continued on, Obi-Wan scratched his chin, his mind contemplating Yoda’s mysterious comments one final time.

Decisions? Why would Master Yoda use the plural sense of the word? Furthermore, why would I be considered such a big part of these “decisions” that the Council would request my presence specifically, to the point of sending Master Yoda himself to fetch me?

With these thoughts in his head, Obi-Wan continued towards the turret room.
--------------------------------------------

Moments later, Obi-Wan entered the northern turret room, which now doubled as the temporary Council Chamber of the Jedi Order on Naboo. The room itself was located high along a turret on the northern wing of the palace (hence the name “turret room”), and it generally served as a spot of solitude, peace, and quiet, for any Palace-dweller seeking a place to study, write, or meet up with another in relative privacy. During the day, the room would be brightly lit by way of the numerous large windows on the walls. From this room, one could view either a magnificent sunrise, the shining glory of the sun at its highest point in the sky, or a breathtaking sunset, depending on the hour of day.

Currently, the last rays of the setting Naboo sun cast their dark golden glow on the room’s creamy limestone walls and rose-tinted marbled floor, imbuing the lighted center area with a mystical, ethereal glow. However, due to the hour of day, there wasn’t much light in the room, so the rest of the room was cast in contrasting shadows. Obi-Wan then noticed that the Jedi Council had set up their chairs in their familiar crescent formation along the outer rims of the lighted areas, close to the windows of the wall opposite the entrance to the room.

As he looked around the room, Obi-Wan contemplated the various Jedi Masters in those chairs, briefly pausing over each one as he looked around the room. To his left, he saw Masters Yoda, Ki-Adi-Mundi, Plo Koon, Yarael Poof, Adi Gallia, and Yaddle. To his right, he saw Masters Mace Windu, Oppo Rancisis, Depa Billaba, Eeth Koth, Even Piell, and Saesse Tiin.

Not quite the way they assemble in the Jedi Temple… Obi-Wan mused, his eyes sweeping the Council once again as he took a closer look. Masters Yoda and Windu still at the head. As the heads of the Council, it would only be natural that they take the center spots... His eyes drifted a bit to the left of Master Windu, contemplating Masters Rancisis and Billaba. Odd. This must be the first time I haven’t seen Master Billaba seated next to Master Windu. Normally, Master Billaba and Master Rancisis would have traded seats… He knew, like almost all Jedi, that Master Billaba had been Master Windu’s padawan once upon a time.

As Obi-Wan went further left, he saw Masters Koth and Piell sitting side-by-side. No surprises there. Masters Koth and Piell are such good friends, it would be difficult to imagine them not seated next to each other. And indeed, Masters Koth and Piell, despite their sharp contrast in appearance, had a reputation of being inseparable amongst the Jedi, taking on almost every mission together, agreeing on just about everything, and so forth. But still, he thought, something’s not quite right here…

Finally, Obi-Wan reached the last Master, Saesee Tiin. Master Tiin!?! Doesn’t Master Gallia normally occupy the seat on the right end? And with that, Obi Wan quickly shifted his focus to the left side of the Council. What he saw left him completely confused and perplexed. As he took in the sight, he tried to compare the configuration before his eyes with the one he remembered so well from the Temple. Masters Mundi and Yaddle are in their normal seats, but what are Masters Gallia, Koon, and Poof doing on the left side? I thought they sat on the right… Wait! They do sit on the right!

Suddenly, Obi-Wan realized what it was he felt so wrong when he saw Masters Koth and Piell. He lifted his gaze once more to the left as he pieced it together. Normally, Masters Koth and Piell sit to the left, accompanied by Masters Yoda, Yaddle, Tiin, and Mundi, leaving the right to Masters Windu, Billaba, Rancisis, Poof, Koon, and Gallia. Curious. I wonder why they chose to sit the way they do now…

But before he could begin to guess the reasons as to the mysterious configuration of the Council, a deep baritone voice interrupted his musings.

“Welcome, Padawan Kenobi.” Master Mace Windu said.

“Greetings, Master Windu.” Obi-Wan answered as he bowed in respect to Master Windu and the rest of the Jedi Council. “I must admit, I was rather surprised that the Council would request my presence at this time, especially in light of what Master Yoda has told me.”

“Considering we gave you the impression that you had nothing to do with our decisions, Padawan Kenobi,” Mace Windu replied, “your surprise is perfectly understandable.”

“However,” Windu continued, “you will soon see that you will be one of the most impacted with regards to the decisions we have made.”

Obi-Wan waited a moment before finally asking the question that had filled his brain for the last twenty or so minutes. “Decisions, Master? I was under the impression that the Council had only one decision to make, the nature of which regarded Anakin Skywalker, who I respectfully note, is not present in the room.”

At this, Master Windu turned to face Master Yoda, a grave expression on his face. After meeting Windu’s gaze, Master Yoda shut his eyes, as if contemplating something. Within minutes, he opened them again, and nodded towards Master Windu resignedly. Windu, apparently satisfied, turned to Obi-Wan once again, bridging his hands as he spoke.

“You are correct, Padawan Kenobi, in suspecting the Council’s decision regarding Skywalker to have already been made. However, the Council has also recently made other decisions regarding other matters than the fate of young Skywalker.”

“If I may ask, Master Windu, what other matters are you referring to?” Obi-Wan asked, suddenly filled with apprehension and curiosity.

Master Windu regarded Obi-Wan for a moment, then shifted his gaze to each and every Master presently seated, finishing with Master Yoda, who he kept his gaze on for a second before answering.

“The first matter, Padawan Kenobi, deals with you.”

“Me?” Obi-Wan answered, surprise clearly in his voice. “Why, Master?”

At this, Master Yoda spoke again, his voice warm. “Padawan Kenobi, confer on you the level of Jedi Knight, the Council does.”

For a moment, Obi-Wan stood rooted to the round, unable to move as he replayed Master Yoda’s words, his expression turning from shock to disbelief to simple wonder as he felt the declaration sink in.

Jedi Knight! I don’t believe it… I’ve actually done it! I’ve actually become a Jedi Knight!

But then another thought came to him, one he blurted out before he could stop himself. “But what about the Trials, and…”

Yoda silenced Obi-Wan with a hand as he spoke again. “Decided, the Council has, that your battle with the Sith Lord, sufficient trial it was.”

Obi-Wan was again rendered speechless, as he considered Master Yoda’s latest words. Suddenly, his thoughts turned to his Master, recovering in a tank of bacta a short distance away. Master Qui-Gon, I actually did it! And as soon as this session is over, you’ll be the first person I’ll come see, I promise!

Finally, Obi-Wan found his voice. “Thank you, Masters. I don’t know what to say, except that I am truly honored and humbled by your approval of me as a Jedi Knight.”

And for the first time Obi-Wan could remember, Master Windu had a smile on his face as he regarded the young Jedi. “Congratulations, Knight Kenobi. You have most certainly earned it.”

Obi-Wan stood for a few moments in the midst of the Council, as he gathered himself together once more. Suddenly, his thoughts went to Anakin. Now that I am a knight, perhaps I can request Anakin as my padawan learner once he gets approved… With this hope running through his veins, Obi-Wan asked his next question. “And what of Anakin? Has the council approved of his training after all?”

As soon as he finished speaking, Obi-Wan felt all of the happiness and goodwill brought on by his knighting drain out of the room, as he observed the various members of the Council first look uneasily at Master Yoda, then at Master Windu. As he looked at the scene before him, Obi-Wan could almost feel the silent tension in the room as Master Windu, who was currently being speared by eleven sharp pairs of eyes, lowered his gaze to the floor, then raised it again. However, instead of looking at Obi-Wan, Windu once again turned to Yoda, looking questioningly at the diminutive Master. After acknowledging Windu, Yoda turned to Obi-Wan, and after a long moment, finally spoke.

“Trained, the boy will not be.”

At hearing these words, Obi-Wan’s eyes widened in shock, as if struck by a gigantic lightning bolt. What!?! They refuse to train him? Why? How could they refuse to train him after all he’s done? Can’t they see his potential? Even as his mind contemplated the various reasons as to why Anakin should be trained, he tried to convince the Council to reconsider its decision.

“But Masters, in light of recent events, the boy’s potential cannot be ignored! Surely you can see his innate talents with regards to the Force? Not only is his midi-chlorian count the highest ever recorded, but his experiences suggest he has an abnormally strong innate connection to the Force! Add to that the circumstances of his birth and life, and he clearly shows all of the signs of being the Chosen One of prophecy, does he not?”

Master Windu quickly held up a hand to silence Obi-Wan. “Regardless of the circumstances of his birth or what he has done on Naboo, the Council still believes Anakin Skywalker is too old to be considered for training. Not only is the boy too emotionally attached to those important to him, but he has also come too far along the path of life for the Council to expect him to completely dedicate himself to the Jedi Order and the Jedi Code.”

As Obi-Wan remained standing there, speechless, Master Yoda spoke again. “Realize the boy’s potential, the Council does. But with it, too much anger, fear, and hate, the Council has found. So prevalent in him, they are, that cloud his very destiny, they do. Therefore, see his path, the Council can not.”

Once Yoda finished, Master Windu continued. “Furthermore, if the boy’s potential is never realized, so much the better. Even if he were to be trained, his power in the Force may still be too great for him to control. And if he cannot control his power, one cannot honestly expect someone else to control it either, or control him, for that matter. Therefore, there is still a possibility that he will fail to become a Jedi, even if we were to take him in. So in short, Knight Kenobi, training him would be an unwarranted risk, regardless of his potential.”

Obi-Wan tried again, this time from a different angle. “Masters, if we do not take him, then there is a very strong possibility that the Sith, wherever they may be, can get a hold of him and train him in the Dark Arts. In fact, by rejecting him, there is a strong chance Anakin could grow to resent the Jedi, making him a prime candidate for training as a Sith. Surely by now, the Sith must have heard of Anakin’s exploits on the Droid Control Ship, and have started to wonder how a young boy with no previous flight experience was able to do what he did? They could have figured out what we have about him, that he is unusually strong in the Force, and could be planning to get a hold of him even as we speak. If that happens and the Sith turn him to the Dark Side, he could…”

Before Obi-Wan could finish speaking, Master Ki-Adi-Mundi cut him off. “Knight Kenobi, do you honestly believe that the Sith would be even the slightest bit concerned with a 9-year old boy? Surely they could not have spent enough time close to him to realize his potential. Otherwise, we would have known about it, considering that the boy has almost been ceaselessly accompanied by Master Jinn and yourself since he was discovered. Yes, the Sith may very well have heard of the boy’s deeds aboard the Naboo Starfighter, as they’ve been broadcasted over and over on the Holonet these last two days, along with every detail released regarding this occupation. But the Council has no reason to believe that the Sith, wherever they are, could have attributed his deeds to anything more than a sheer amount of luck. Therefore, we strongly believe that the boy is not being targeted by the Sith at this time.”

Undaunted, Obi-Wan tried to make the Council understand one last time, though he knew it would be futile. “Masters, perhaps the boy, with the right teacher and the proper training, can one day overcome these feelings of his. Having spent time around him, I now know that he is a good person at heart, and has compassion for others. Though he was reared in an unfavorable environment, he has not let that influence who he is. He simply approaches things differently than we do, which is perfectly understandable. All he needs is a bit of time and help, a good Master, and some patience, and he can surely become a Jedi…”

This time, it was Yoda who motioned Obi-Wan for silence. When he spoke, his voice was firm and authoritative. “Believe you do, Knight Kenobi, that more qualified to decide on these matters than the Council, you are? Know more about young Skywalker than the Council itself, you may yet. Nevertheless, our own council, opinions, and criteria we will keep, regarding who will or will not be trained.”

“But Masters…” Obi-Wan began, his voice pleading.

“On this matter, no more argument will we hear, Knight Kenobi!” Yoda exclaimed, emphasizing every last syllable with a sharp strike of his gimmer stick on the marbled floor.

As Obi-Wan stood there, considering the last decision of the Council, he once again heard Qui-Gon’s last words ringing in his head. For the first time since he heard them, he considered telling another what Qui-Gon had told him two days ago in the melting pit chamber. He was so lost in thought that he did not notice himself start to loudly inquire about the subject of those words.

“What about the Queen?”

Master Windu looked at Obi-Wan a moment, obviously confused. “The Queen, Knight Kenobi? What does the Queen have to do with any of this?”

At this, Obi-Wan suddenly snapped back to reality, realizing what he had said. What have I done?!? If they didn’t know before, surely they know now… He then slowly turned his head around the room, looking each Council member in the eye for a short moment before finally settling on Master Yoda. What he saw mystified him even more.

They don’t know?!? They really don’t know?!?!?!?!? How could they not have seen it??? Perhaps Master Qui-Gon WAS wrong after all…

Finally, Obi-Wan spoke. “Masters, surely by now you have realized that the Queen and Anakin are more than just acquaintances? Indeed, in the short time they have spent with each other, they have forged an abnormally strong attachment to each other. How do you believe she will react when she hears the Council has refused to train Anakin for a second time, especially after all he has done for her planet? And what of Anakin? Does the Council plan on summoning him to the chamber as soon as possible to inform him of the decision?”

Before Master Windu could reply, Master Yoda silenced him with a hand. He then closed his eyes for a moment before answering in Master Windu’s stead. “Convey the Council’s edict to the boy and the Queen, your job will be, Knight Kenobi. Answer any and all questions they may have regarding the decisions, you must. Speak to the boy and the Queen on behalf of the Council, you will. If there is need, help make the necessary arrangements, you will also.”

Obi-Wan stood there, stunned and confused to his very core. The Council is asking me to inform Anakin and the Queen regarding these matters? How am I supposed to make Anakin and Padmé understand, when I don’t even agree with the decision, let alone understand why it was made? What is the Council playing at? Why don’t they summon Anakin to the chamber, and inform him personally? Does he not at least have a right to be directly informed of what his fate will be?

Despite these thoughts, Obi-Wan gathered himself again. When he spoke, it was in a clear, calm voice. “Yes Master, I shall do so shortly. But first, may I be allowed to visit my mas… I mean, Master Jinn? I haven’t had a chance to do so all day, and I would like to do so now.”

For the second time since the conversation began, Obi-Wan felt a feeling of uncomfortable apprehension spread through the Council. But unlike earlier, when it felt like the Council’s focus was fixed on Master Windu, this time the Council members started to stare at each other, as if every member was either unsure or unwilling to be the first one to break the silence and acknowledge Obi-Wan’s request. They remained there, silent, for a few minutes before Master Windu finally spoke, his voice grave.

“I’m afraid that won’t be possible, Knight Kenobi. Master Jinn has been transported to the Jedi Temple on Coruscant. The Council has decided that he will continue his recovery there, under the care of the Jedi Healers and the protection of the Jedi Order.”

Even though this session had already included his knighting and an unexpected resolution to the decision he had expected, it was this latest decree by the Council that had left Obi-Wan in the greatest state of shock and disbelief yet. For a moment, he simply stood there, wide-eyed, weak-kneed, mouth agape, and unable to find his voice if his life depended on it. Sensing his confusion, the Council members graciously allowed him some time to regroup his thoughts, all the while sitting with blank looks on their faces. When Obi-Wan finally did find his voice, he unconsciously voiced the first thoughts that came to his head, without particularly caring about either his wording or the tone of his voice.

“But Masters, didn’t the healers specifically recommend that Master Qui-Gon not be moved from Naboo? Why has the Council chosen to do so anyway?”

“Knight Kenobi, the Council has determined that it is in the best interests of both Master Jinn and the Jedi Order that he be cared for in the Jedi Temple” Master Windu answered, his voice firm. “We believe his recovery will be optimized if he is cared for by the healers in the Temple as opposed to a recovery room on Naboo.”

Master Windu waited a moment before continuing. “In addition, there were other issues that factored into the Council’s decision as well.”

Obi-Wan eyes narrowed as he pressed on. “Issues? What are you referring to?”

Master Windu answered the young Jedi immediately. “The Council has determined that the longer Master Jinn stays on Naboo, the greater the risk is that the Sith will come back and finish him off while he is completely unable to defend himself. In the Temple, he will at least have considerable protection at all times. That, combined with the best care the Jedi can provide, far outweighs any risk involved by transporting Master Jinn in his current state.”

Even as he heard Master Windu’s words, Obi-Wan knew something was clearly off. Though Master Windu spoke clearly, it struck Obi-Wan as a bit strained, like he was trying too hard to convince him. Also, his voice sounded a tad rushed, as if he had something to hide. Obi-Wan, at the end of his tether, stood his ground as he proceeded to do something he had never even dared consider before: demand an answer from the Council.

“Master Windu, if I may be so bold, I believe that the Council had another reason as to why they decided to take Master Jinn back to Coruscant. I wish to know what it is.”

Though he knew the twelve Masters were now staring holes through him, Obi-Wan pressed on, his voice suddenly pleading. “Please, Master. I simply wish to know the truth.”

This time, it was Master Yoda who responded. “Determined, the Council has, that unbalanced in both thought and judgment, Master Jinn has become. Believes, the Council does, that influenced by this unbalance, Master Jinn’s actions were. Taken to the Jedi Temple, Master Jinn was, so that further examination can be conducted posthaste.”

Unbalanced?!?! Obi-Wan thought. What in the Force could the Council have found to deem Master Jinn unbalanced? All Master Jinn has done is fulfill his mission and his duty to the Order to the best of his ability. Are they so intent on refusing Anakin that they would deem Master Jinn’s discovery and constant support of the boy to be the work of Dark Side corruption? How preposterous!!!

“Master Yoda, if I may ask, what evidence has the Council found to declare Master Jinn unbalanced? Surely his actions on Naboo were conducted in good faith and judgment, the only problem being that we were forced to kill the Sith Lord before he could tell us anything?”

Instead of responding directly, Master Yoda deferred to Master Windu, who responded quickly. “Using both your story, Knight Kenobi, and the story of young Skywalker, the Council has broken down Master Jinn’s every action not only since he left the Jedi Temple, but since the moment the both of you set foot on the Droid Control Ship. After thoroughly examining those actions and their results, the Council has determined that Master Jinn’s judgment and motives have become clouded, and he should be taken back to the Jedi Temple immediately to be examined for any trace of Dark Side corruption. Simply put, Knight Kenobi, the Council has determined Master Jinn’s latest actions to be too rash and careless to be considered normal, even for one such as him.”

In an attempt to mask his disbelief and outrage at what he was hearing, Obi-Wan quickly asked the next question on his mind. “What does the Council eventually intend to do with Master Jinn?”

“After treatment and examination, the Council will determine if indeed Master Jinn has been corrupted by the Dark Side. If so, the Council will temporarily revoke his status as a Jedi Master, and will help him find his way back to the Light as much as possible. If not, the Council will restore him to active status immediately upon his return to full health. But either way, the Council will continue to closely monitor him, so that we can prevent the Dark Side from getting hold of his soul.” Master Windu replied, his face expressionless.

As Obi-Wan considered this, Master Windu continued. “Is there anything else you would like to bring to the Council’s attention, Knight Kenobi?”

“No, Master.” Obi-Wan said, passively.

“Then you are dismissed, Knight Kenobi. You are to inform the Queen and the boy of the Council’s decisions as soon as possible. If necessary, you are also responsible for making arrangements for the boy’s return to his homeworld, per the Jedi Code.” Master Windu suddenly rose, wrapping his robes around him as he did so. The other members of the Council followed suit. “We will speak with you again upon your return to the Jedi Temple.”

While he observed the various Council members file out of the room, Obi-Wan replayed the events of the session that had just concluded. So, they still refuse to accept Anakin for training… Why can’t they put the Jedi Code aside for a moment and see that accepting Anakin would not only be the logical thing to do, but the morally correct one as well?!? How can the Council, in good faith, send Anakin back to Tatooine, when every single bounty hunter in that nest of scum and villainy will be fighting for the enormous price the Trade Federation is sure to put on his head? He wouldn’t last three days there! And why is the Council so insistent on attributing Master Jinn’s actions to Dark Side corruption? Have they truly become so rigid and closed-minded that they now consider any action inconsistent with the Jedi Code to be the work of the Dark Side? If so, then perhaps the Council isn’t nearly as wise as I always considered them to be…

Obi-Wan let his mind linger on his last thoughts, his expression grave. The more he thought about it, the more he was convinced that the Jedi Council was making a grave mistake in rejecting Anakin and arranging for his return to Tatooine. As he considered the matter, he remembered his promise to Qui-Gon in the melting pit chamber, two days ago…

“And if I do not survive, Obi-Wan…” Qui-Gon continued, his eyes steady even as his body fought for every incoming breath, “Promise me… you’ll train… the boy… in my place. Promise me… you’ll train… Anakin…”

“Yes, Master!” Obi-Wan declared, the tears now coming hot and wet on his cheeks. “I will train the boy, whether the Council wishes it or not!”

At that moment, Obi-Wan made his choice. He would not abandon Anakin Skywalker to an unknown fate on a harsh desert world. Rather, he would fulfill his promise to Qui-Gon and look after the boy through thick and thin. Furthermore, he would personally see Anakin Skywalker trained as a Jedi, regardless of whether the Council approved or not. And he wouldn’t do it out of any obligation to Qui-Gon, but out of a belief that the boy deserved a better life than the one the Council was dooming him to.

Hardening his resolve, Obi-Wan gathered his robes and briskly strode out of the turret room, determined to find Anakin and Padmé as quickly as possible.

 

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My Fics: Shifting Tides: http://boards.theforce.net/The_Saga/b10476/21016976/p1
2009 Diary Challenge Entry: A Long Night's Journey Into Day: http://boards.theforce.net/the_saga/b10476/29653882/p1/?7
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Pokey  402 posts
Registered: Jun '02
8054_Anakin and Padme
Date Posted: 8/26/05 3:16am Subject: RE: Shifting Tides (Late TPM-era AU. A/P, Obi-Wan, Qui-Gon, PT characters & a semi-OC). Part IV Up 8
The council thinks Qui-gon is EVIL?! And even after Obi-wan told them that Padme and Anakin are close the council still thinks that Padme will just let them send Ani back. They are even stupider then usual. Loving this story, very intresting so far. I like the changes and can't wait to see what you do.
Could you please PM me whrn you update, I would love to get to read more!

 

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Only two things are infinite, the universe and human stupidity, and I'm not sure about the former. " - Einstein
Don't knock on Death's door. Ring the door bell and run away. He hates that.
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nd_jedi 
Registered: Sep '05
20635_Obi-Wan and Qui-Gon
Date Posted: 9/5/05 1:54pm Subject: RE: Shifting Tides (Late TPM-era AU. A/P, Obi-Wan, Qui-Gon, PT characters & a semi-OC). Part IV Up 8
This is a great story - very well written. I loved your description of the duel with Maul - you have a real knack for writing action sequences.

What is up with the Council, thinking that Qui-Gon has been turned angry ? And how will Obi-Wan handle it? Please post more!

 
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Specterace  1009 posts
Registered: Jun '05
6656_Ulic Qel-Droma
Date Posted: 9/15/05 10:40pm Subject: RE: Shifting Tides (Late TPM-era AU. A/P, Obi-Wan, Qui-Gon, PT characters & a semi-OC). Part IV Up 8
Time for some long-overdue responses:

Pokey: Thanks a lot for your support. I truly appreciate it. As to the story, let me just say this: It's quite a bit different from the canon story, due to various changes I made in my AU universe's past, so stay tuned. You may even be surprised by some of them...

nd_jedi: Thank you! Quality is what I am shooting for here, along with a good, long AU story with time, research and effort put into it, so I truly appreciate your approval. Those action scenes in particular took a bit of time and effort, because though the structure (start and end) was provided by the movie and book, I felt the need to bulk and spice it up a bit, since the Ep. I duel wasn't as good as it could have been, at least in my eyes.

Oh, and as for the stupidity of the Council, I can only say this: you haven't seen the end of it...

 

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My Fics: Shifting Tides: http://boards.theforce.net/The_Saga/b10476/21016976/p1
2009 Diary Challenge Entry: A Long Night's Journey Into Day: http://boards.theforce.net/the_saga/b10476/29653882/p1/?7
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JediMasterRev  1288 posts
Registered: Dec '04
13589_Anakin and Padme
Date Posted: 9/16/05 12:28pm Subject: RE: Shifting Tides (Late TPM-era AU. A/P, Obi-Wan, Qui-Gon, PT characters & a semi-OC). Part IV Up 8
Very interesting. Looks as if the Council is up to something. And Qui-Gon is under suspicion? Perhaps it is that he knows too much and is to be sequestered before he can cause any trouble. Interesting start. Enjoyed the action sequences immensely. Curious to see where you will take this!

 

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"This above all, to thine own self be true." Polonius, Hamlet, Act I, Scene III
For the Love of the Queen: http://boards.theforce.net/the_saga/b10476/24151408/p1/?0
The Naboo Chronicles: http://boards.theforce.net/The_Saga/b10476/18644312/?162
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Specterace  1009 posts
Registered: Jun '05
6656_Ulic Qel-Droma
Date Posted: 9/18/05 4:56pm Subject: RE: Shifting Tides (Late TPM-era AU. A/P, Obi-Wan, Qui-Gon, PT characters & a semi-OC). Part IV Up 8 - Date Edited: 9/18/05 4:57pm (1 edits total) Edited By: Specterace
A quick response before I post the next part...

JediMasterRev: Thank you very much. I've admired your Naboo Chronicles story for months, and since that story was one of two that directly influenced this one, I appreciate you support very much. As for the Council's reasons and the direction of the story, all I can say is: everything will be revealed in time... mischief

 

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My Fics: Shifting Tides: http://boards.theforce.net/The_Saga/b10476/21016976/p1
2009 Diary Challenge Entry: A Long Night's Journey Into Day: http://boards.theforce.net/the_saga/b10476/29653882/p1/?7
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Specterace  1009 posts
Registered: Jun '05
6656_Ulic Qel-Droma
Date Posted: 9/18/05 5:37pm Subject: RE: Shifting Tides (Late TPM-era AU. A/P, Obi-Wan, Qui-Gon, PT characters & a semi-OC). Part IV Up 8 - Date Edited: 12/6/08 7:39am (9 edits total) Edited By: Specterace
And here comes Part V...FINALLY!!!

Well, as they say in football, it's time to take a shot down the field...

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Chapter 5: Decisions in the Night

On the Skywalk bridge outside the north wing of Theed Palace, a young, sandy-haired boy stared forlornly at the white moon shining through the dark Nubian night sky as he pulled a woolly brown cloak around himself to protect against the coming evening chill.

Anakin Skywalker, the 9-year old hero of the Battle of Naboo, did not feel like much of a hero as he stood alone near the center of the stone bridge, his eyes shifting down from the moon to the waterfall of the Solleu River hundreds of feet below. Rather, he felt cold, lonely, and homesick, like any other young desert boy taken from his home planet to a strange world. Also, Anakin’s mind carried the added weight of not knowing what would become of him, now that the man on whom he had pinned all of his future hopes, Master Qui-Gon Jinn, had been left in a state of near-death by the mysterious Sith Lord. Since the Jedi Council had refused to train him upon his first examination on Coruscant, it was unlikely that any other Jedi besides Master Jinn would consider taking him in now, including his own apprentice, Obi-Wan Kenobi. Instead, it was far more likely that the Jedi would return him to Tatooine, his home planet.

Oh well. he thought. At least I’ll no longer be a slave. And I’ll be able to see Mom again. Maybe I can find some way to race pods for a living, and someday win enough to free her too…

As Anakin contemplated his future, he suddenly heard soft footsteps coming towards him from the left. His countenance brightened considerably as he saw a slim, petite girl approach him, draped in a large royal blue cloak with the hood slightly down. Though her face was partially covered by the hood, Anakin recognized the familiar form of Padmé Nabérrie, more commonly known as Queen Amidala of the Naboo, as she came and stood alongside him along the side of the Skywalk. Since she had removed her makeup, let her hair down, and changed out of her royal robes, Anakin now saw her as Padmé, the beautiful girl he had met and quickly befriended only a few days ago. Standing next to her, Anakin felt all his loneliness, sorrow, fear, and uncertainty melt away, as feelings of comfort, peace, and happiness quickly came to replace them.

“Hey, Padmé.” Anakin said.

“Hi Ani.” Padmé responded, her voice filled with warmth as she smiled at her young friend. “How have you been?”

“Okay, I suppose. It’s been a little hectic and confusing, with all the really important people walking around here. And the Jedi Council sessions have been really weird, since I feel like I’m being checked inside out in there. It’s like being in front of the other Podracers right before a race.” Even though Anakin tried his hardest to disguise his discomfort at the latest memories, Padmé picked up on it immediately.

“Oh Ani, I’m sorry I haven’t been able to see you much these last few days.” Padmé said, as she laid a comforting hand on his shoulder. “I’ve just been too caught up in all of the things that have popped up since this invasion, and all of the people that I’ve had to greet, and…”

“It’s okay, Padmé. I understand. You’re a Queen and all, so you have to do all this formal stuff like getting dressed, greeting important people, make big decisions, and stuff like that. I’m surprised they even let you take enough time away from that to eat, let alone come talk to me.” Anakin said, wrapping his own arm around Padmé’s waist as he covered her hand with his.

“But still, Ani, I’m sure you must be bored and lonely, since you don’t really know anybody here, and…”

“Nah, it’s no big deal. Having been a slave, I didn’t really have that many friends back home, so it’s not like being alone is anything new for me. Besides, this place has way too much stuff to see and explore to be boring. I could spend a year here and still not explore it all. And the views from here are so wizard! You can see anything and everything from up here.”

“I’m really glad you like it here, Ani. I was afraid you might find it a bit too big and intimidating to be comfortable. At times, even I feel overwhelmed by it all.”

“Really, Padmé? I thought a queen would be used to it all, especially one as calm and cool as you. The way I figure it, if you aren’t born into this kind of life, you get used to it just because you see it every day. The only people who are amazed by it are people who don’t see it all the time, like me. It’s kind of how you reacted when you heard I was a slave back home. You hadn’t seen slavery before, so you were a bit shocked by it. Me, I’ve been a slave all my life, so it wasn’t really a big deal for me.”

But even as she heard his words, Padmé knew Anakin wasn’t telling the whole truth. Her young friend, who had been freed from his previous life of slavery by virtue of a strange combination of luck, timing, outside intervention, and his own exceptional piloting skills and reflexes, was clearly trying to hide his own personal shame and resentment at the fact that he had been borne into slavery in the first place, and though he had never blamed his mother for it, he was clearly angry at the way fate had chosen to bind him to others from the moment he was born. No, Padmé thought. It was a big deal for you, Ani. As much as you try to hide it, I can see that it was. And even having been freed from it yourself, I can see that it continues to be a burden on you, even as you try to escape it by burying it in the past...

For a moment, neither one of them spoke as the stood together contemplating the view of nightfall on Theed Plateau afforded them from the Skywalk bridge. As Anakin’s thoughts shifted to his future, he wondered if he should tell Padmé what was bothering him, with the hope that she could help him figure out what to do.

Well, she’s been in my corner this entire time, so I don’t think she’ll think of me as a fool for telling her how I feel. In fact, she’s been the only person besides Qui-Gon who has actually cared about me at all since this whole thing started… Hmmm. Maybe I should trust her, since she hasn’t let me down… yet. And maybe she can help me figure out where I go from here…

Gathering his courage, Anakin turned to Padmé, his expression clearly both apprehensive and troubled at once.

“Padmé, what do you think is going to happen to me now? Master Jinn was almost killed by that creepy-looking thing a couple days ago, and since the Council had already refused to train me, I get the feeling that he’s the only one who would even think about training me to be a Jedi. But now he can’t, because he’s fighting for his life. I guess I can hope Obi-Wan will do it, but he doesn’t seem to care like Qui-Gon does. I was also kind of hoping that what I did would impress the Council enough to accept me into the Order, even though I didn’t mean to do it. But if the Council sticks with their decision, where does that leave me? Where will I go? Will I be sent back to Mom on Tatooine?”

Even though Anakin was talking a mile a minute, Padmé found she had no problem in understanding every word he was saying. It was the thoughts behind those words, and the emotions she felt behind them, that slowly began to heat her blood with anger with each passing minute. Even now, he’s afraid to trust people, even those who care for him. How can a young boy have lived so much in such a short time that he instinctively mistrusts everyone he meets? And why shouldn’t he, seeing that just about everyone who he had trusted, from the Jedi Council on down, have turned their backs on him, save Master Jinn, who in now utterly incapable of doing anything given his current condition?

But even as she felt the relentless waves of righteous anger consume her bit by bit, Padmé tried to keep a positive outlook on the situation, remembering that nothing was quite cast in stone yet.

Perhaps not all is lost. If what I heard is correct, then the Council has been calling session after session these last few days. Hopefully, along with the rumored knighting of Obi-Wan, they have come to reevaluate their opinion of Anakin. If so, then I can only hope, for their sake, that they have finally come to their senses and approved him for training…

As these thoughts ran through her head, Padmé wrapped her arms around Anakin, as she felt a wave of pure, raw emotion wash over her. For the first time in years, Padmé Nabérrie, the elected Queen Amidala of the Naboo, put all thought aside and acted on pure instinct. Later, she might examine whether or not her actions were reasonable or not, given the situation. But for now, all that mattered to her was that she had to find some way to help this young boy who had, in a matter of a few days, saved her life not once, but twice, along with the lives of her friends and her people, all without a single concern for health, riches, or glory.

“Ani, listen to me. I cannot tell you what the Council has decided, because they haven’t told me what they have done. In fact, I don’t think they’ve told anyone just yet.” Padmé waited until she could look Anakin in the eye before continuing. “But regardless of what they have decided, I can tell you this: I know what the Jedi do to those they refuse for training, and in your particular case, they would first inform you of their refusal, and then proceed to send you back to Tatooine. However, if you do not want to return, I, for my part, will not, under any circumstances, allow you to be sent back to Tatooine. This I promise you, Ani, and you can trust me on this.”

As Anakin looked deep into the soulful brown eyes of the young Queen, he saw the absolute truth behind her every word. It was a look he rarely saw from anyone besides his mother. In fact, Master Jinn was the only other person besides both his mother and Padmé who had ever spoken to him in such a manner. Deeply touched, Anakin held Padmé’s gaze as he spoke again.

“Why?”

Padmé took a moment to gather her thoughts before responding. “Because I believe you deserve a better life than the one you would have on Tatooine. You deserve an opportunity to become the best you can be, Ani. You shouldn’t have your dreams dashed and your future ruined just because you weren’t born free in the Republic. And if the Jedi Council does not take you in for training, then that is what they would be sending you back to: a harsh life on a planet you will be lucky to escape from a second time”

Anakin considered her words, then asked the next question on his mind. "So what are you going to do, Padmé?”

“I’m not entirely sure yet, Ani, but I will think of something. But maybe I won’t need to do anything. Hopefully the Council will accept you for training, if they’re as wise as they say.”

“Yeah” Anakin said, though he was clearly unconvinced.

The two remained there, side-by-side, each with an arm wrapped around the other as they heard the loud roar of the moonlight-kissed Solleu River waterfall resonating through the night.

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Obi-Wan Kenobi strode briskly down the long, narrow hallway of Theed Palace’s North Wing as he searched for any sign of either Anakin or the Queen, as either the Queen or Padmé. He knew the palace’s guest quarters were on the North Wing, and the Queen’s personal quarters were in the upper floors of the center of the palace.

It was somewhat confusing for a basic configuration, as it left the entire first level of the palace to offices, sitting rooms, the grand hall, the museum, the dining hall, and the great ballroom. In a manner of speaking, the first floor was the palace itself, or the part of the palace open to public eyes. Rarely was anyone allowed to the higher levels of the palace, where the guest quarters and the more private areas of the Palace’s North, East, and West wings were found, and no one, absolutely no one, was allowed into the Queen’s personal living complex, where she and her various handmaidens had their quarters. The only way anyone other than the Queen, her handmaidens, or royal guards were ever allowed into her personal complex was by a specific invitation from the Queen (or King, depending on the ruler).

But even though the basic configuration was only somewhat confusing, the completed palace itself was a nightmarish labyrinth for a guest. It’s large size, numerous rooms, winding corridors, and various floors made it impossible to navigate quickly for an outsider, and many throughout the years had found themselves spending most of their time in the guest rooms located in the North Wing of the Palace, for fear of losing themselves in the maze. However, such a luxury was not available to Obi-Wan at the moment, since the only way he could resolve the mess of a situation the Jedi Council had dropped in his lap was to find either Anakin or Padmé as quickly as possible, with the hope of getting the help of one to find the other. He needed to speak to both, and he needed to do it in private. As he strode down the halls, Obi-Wan replayed the Council session over and over in his head, contemplating the meeting in depth. To his slight surprise, he found his personal views contradicting more and more with those of the Council the more he compared the two.

Exactly why is the Council so insistent on deeming Anakin unworthy for training? For my part, I see nothing wrong with the boy that cannot be resolved. In fact, I would think he should be trained not in spite of the various circumstances surrounding his life, but because of them. Is it not the nature of the Jedi to assist those in need, rather than turn them away? To share our knowledge with other Force Adepts, rather than keeping it to ourselves? And wouldn’t logic dictate that the ones we should be helping most of all aren’t the calm, controlled, predictable ones, but rather those who are in need of guidance, discipline, and purpose? Furthermore, how can they truly know the Sith have not discovered his potential? Indeed, up until Qui-Gon fought that tattooed Zabrak on Tatooine, the Council had deemed the Sith all but extinct! If we cannot even detect the servants of the Dark Side, how are we to know what it is they are planning? What will happen if the remaining Sith get a hold of Anakin, and somehow twist this experience of his around and succeed in turning him to the Dark Side?

With each passing minute Obi-Wan spent considering such a scenario, he discovered he had a direct interest in the well-being of the boy, though he kept telling himself it was based on morality and nothing more.

Never mind the danger that a turned Anakin could pose to the Order. How could I even live with myself if I were to allow that to happen? I will have forsaken an innocent young boy to a life shrouded in darkness because of my unwillingness to act. He wouldn’t deserve that even if he had been a complete stranger to me. Does he deserve that now, in light of having saved me, my Master, the Queen, and countless others without any semblance of a selfish thought? No!!!

But even though he tried to keep his thoughts on Anakin’s situation in general terms, Obi-Wan could not deny his personal interest in the boy’s fate for long, especially as it pertained to his own relationship with Qui-Gon. Finally, he could no longer hold back his thoughts, as he acknowledged the fact that the boy’s fate indeed had a direct bearing on his own relationship with Qui-Gon.

If I lose Anakin, I don’t think I will ever be able to look my Master in the face ever again…it would be the greatest act of betrayal I could ever commit.

With that, Obi-Wan forced his thoughts away from Anakin to another subject which had occupied his thoughts for the last three days: the Sith.

If we, the Jedi, are unable to even detect the Sith, or any servants of the Dark Side for that matter, then we are in serious trouble indeed. That Sith Lord I fought in the power station was disconcertingly well trained. In fact, it still amazes me to think of the skill that one had in the ways of the Force. What’s more, if what the Masters and old texts say is true, then he cannot be the only one out there. It is said that there are always two: a Master and an Apprentice. And I certainly don’t buy the idea that the Zabrak we fought was the Master. No, if he was truly a Master, not only would I not have stood a chance against him, but he would have been a lot more cautious in his approach. That one seemed too overconfident, too cocky, and too young to be the Master. And even though he was a gifted fighter, he showed little aptitude in the usage of Dark Side powers… No, I think the Master is still out there somewhere. Where he or she is, however, I can’t even begin to guess…

Turning into another hallway, Obi-Wan continued his musings, as his thoughts shifted to the man he still considered his Master.

So the Council considers Master Jinn to be in danger of Dark Side corruption… It’s funny, really, how the Council, once insistent on the belief that the Sith were all but extinct, are even starting to suspect one of the most loyal servants of the Order of being a Dark Side servant. And they haven’t really given any specific explanation as to why they believe he has become unbalanced. He’s been defying them over and over for years; why have they chosen to declare him unstable now? It seems to me that if we are looking for any servants of the Dark Side, we should be investigating the actions of the Trade Federation and their associates thoroughly before we start suspecting our own… And if the only evidence they have is Qui-Gon’s maverick attitude, which has been a legendary trait of his for years, then I would seriously have to wonder just how much time and thought they have put into this matter… Hmmmm. Perhaps what Master Jinn has been saying about the Council is true after all. Maybe they have become too impersonal and detached from reality for far too long…

As Obi-Wan reached the end of the hallway, he looked out of the window, towards the Skywalk Bridge that connected the North Wing with the Livet Tower, and saw the cloaked figures of Anakin and Padmé. Thanking the Force for his good fortune, he rushed to find the quickest way to reach their location.
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After standing with Padmé for what seemed like an eternity, Anakin shifted to his left, out of the hold, and lifted his head as he heard firm footsteps approaching their position quickly. He turned and saw the hooded form of Obi-Wan Kenobi as he briskly strode to the Skywalk bridge. Once he had taken a few steps onto the bridge itself, Obi-Wan removed his hood and stopped right in front of the two young figures wrapped in their cloaks.

“Good Evening, Anakin.” Obi-Wan said as he faced the young boy eye-to-eye.

“Good Evening, Master Kenobi.” Anakin responded stiffly, as he regarded the young Jedi carefully.

“And good evening to you as well, your Majesty.” Obi-Wan said, as he turned and courteously bowed his head towards the cloaked figure of Padmé with his hands clasped together.

“Good Evening, Padawan Kenobi.” Padmé responded, smiling softly. “Or should I say, Knight Kenobi? I have heard rumors of your knighting in the last couple of hours. I believe congratulations are in order, as you have most certainly earned them.”

“Thank you, your Majesty.” Obi-Wan said, as he felt a slight twinge of embarrassment creep up on him. “Yes, I was knighted only a few hours ago, in a session by the Council shortly before nightfall.” He paused for a moment, as he decided how best to approach the matter he sought them out to discuss. Deciding that the best way to do it was straightforward, he pressed on.

“However, I have been looking for the two of you for some time, as there are some matters from that session that the Council has entrusted me to relay to both of you.”

Seeing that he had the pair’s undivided attention, Obi-Wan pressed on. “As you have no doubt figured out, the Council has been rather busy these last few days, what with all that has taken place here on Naboo. The aftermath of recent events has forced the Council to view the overall situation in a new light, and they have come to certain decisions that are directly related to these events.”

Obi-Wan took a moment to let his previous words sink in before continuing. “More to the point, the decisions refer to specific participants of these events.”

At this, Padmé held her hand up before interrupting. “I assume, Knight Kenobi, that by participants, you are specifically referring to Anakin, among others?”

“Yes, your Highness. Though the decisions did indeed involve others, you are correct in believing that Anakin was a particularly important factor in the decisions.” Obi-Wan then took a step closer before continuing. When he did, his voice took on an even more serious tone than before. “Specifically, the Council had, among other things, come to Naboo to reassess Anakin one more time, to see whether or not their previous decision on his training status should be revised or not.”

Padmé wrapped her left arm around Anakin once more before speaking. “And what is their decision with regards to his fate now?”

Obi-Wan, clearly noting the sharp contrast between the young Queen’s icily formal tone and the sharp gleam in her brown eyes, hesitated for a moment. As I suspected, she isn’t going to take this well…Might as well take my shots now, I suppose…

“The Council, though thoroughly impressed by both Anakin’s actions on Naboo and the noble intent which drove him to take them, have decided that he is still unfit to be taken in for training. Therefore, they have upheld their previous decision in refusing his admission into the Jedi Order.”

Upon hearing this, Anakin lowered his head resignedly, without a word. Padmé, however, was not so easily satisfied with Obi-Wan’s explanation.

“Knight Kenobi, did the Council elaborate on the exact reasons as to why Anakin is considered unfit for training?”

“Specifically, Your Majesty, the Council had determined that Anakin is simply too old to be considered for training. However, age itself was not the issue, even though the fact that he is seven or eight years older than those the Order normally accepts for training was certainly a factor in the decision. The real issue was that the Council has found too much anger, hate, and fear in his heart to consider him acceptable for training. Moreover, they believe, and I specifically quote Master Windu himself on this, that he has ‘come too far along the path of life for the Council to expect him to completely dedicate himself to the Jedi Order and the Jedi Code.’”

“Knight Kenobi, how can the Council honestly believe they are doing the right thing in denying a future to a young boy who simply had the misfortune of being born a slave outside of the Republic? Yes, he may have some anger and fear in his heart, and I certainly am not naïve enough to suggest that he hates nothing or no one. What’s more, I believe Anakin would be the first one to admit to such things.” At this, Padmé took a moment to look at Anakin, who still had his head bowed. “But do you not think, by the circumstance of living a life of slavery in a harsh and unjust planet, that he would be entitled to such feelings? Indeed, considering what he has gone through, wouldn’t a lack of such feelings be considered abnormal?” she continued, lifting her head once more to Obi-Wan as she spoke.

“I understand your feelings on this matter, your Majesty. Regardless, the Council has found that the feelings he has clouds their ability to see his future. They themselves admit that they do not know his path…”

“Sweetly Singing Saints of Naboo, Knight Kenobi, he’s only nine years old!” Padmé, who had been willing herself to calm down ever since Obi-Wan first revealed the Council’s decision, found she could no longer hold back her anger and outrage at the injustice of the situation. Her eyes, once having held a bright glint, went completely molten as she spoke, her voice strong and sharp with exasperation and rage. “Of course they can’t see what his future will hold! Nothing is done until it is done, is that not so? Or can the Jedi, among their various other Force-blessed talents, honestly claim the ability to see what, how, when, where, and why every person that crosses their path will do what they do, go where they will go, see what they will see, and believe what they will? Surely the Jedi cannot be arrogant enough to claim something like that?”

Obi-Wan, though he expected the Queen to react unfavorably to his words, was nevertheless stunned by the magnitude of the power and force her anger gave to her words. He wisely took a moment to let her calm down before continuing. “I, your Highness, do not believe I am qualified to speak for the Order as a whole, so I cannot answer that question. Regardless, since the Council has refused to accept Anakin for training, they have asked me to assist in any way I can in making arrangements for his return to his family and home planet, per the Jedi Code. Since his closest immediate relative is his mother on Tatooine, I have been instructed to return him there.”

Padmé took a long moment to calm the second wave of anger quickly building up inside of her before responding. “And what about yourself, Knight Kenobi? Do you, personally, agree with the decision of the Council?”

Completely caught unawares by the Queen’s question, Obi-Wan quickly responded with the first thought that came to mind. “Me, your Majesty? I fail to see why my opinion would matter at this time.”

Picking up on his hesitation, Padmé quickly pounced. “On the contrary, Knight Kenobi, considering that the Council has seen it fit to entrust you to not only inform both Anakin and I of their decisions, but to arrange his transportation back to Tatooine, I believe your opinion would matter quite a bit indeed.”

Seeing that there was no way out besides giving a truthful answer, and having finally had enough of keeping his feelings to himself, Obi-Wan took a few steps back as he mulled over the best way to answer the Queen’s question. Even though what he was about to say would not go over well with the Council if they ever were to get wind of it, he figured they deserved as much for having left him alone to clean up behind the aftermath of their decisions, without knowing (or bothering to care) whether or not he actually agreed with the decisions in the first place. When he finally spoke, it was in a calm, concise, guileless manner, leaving no doubts as to his sincerity.

“Your Highness, when the Council decides on issues as delicate and unusual as this, I am naturally inclined to trust in both their collective sense of justice and their combined wisdom. I am not one to doubt their decisions or the logic behind them, and I usually go so far as to advise any and all interested parties to do the same. I usually leave the defiance to my Master, seeing how his rebellious streak is big enough for the both of us. In this particular instance, I did not initially share Master Qui-Gon’s favorable opinion towards Anakin, and I strongly urged and advised against defying the Council’s initial judgment. And even now, having witnessed the second decision of the Council and having thought things over for quite a while, I can honestly say that their decision, though surprising, should probably not have been entirely unexpected, either by myself or by any of you. As is their custom, the members of the Council have chosen to stand firmly by their strict interpretations both of the Jedi Code and the customs of the Jedi Order, have their reasons for doing so, and I fully believe that they are entitled to them.”

Upon finishing, Obi-Wan turned around and walked slowly back across the bridge, head bowed, as if the conversation had ended. As he walked away, Padmé angrily glared at his back, scowling deeply. But right before he reached the other side, he suddenly stopped. Raising his head, he suddenly spoke, his voice clear and firm.

“However, after the events of the last few days, I can also honestly say that I have come to seriously question both the wisdom and judgment of the Jedi Council.”

At this, both Padmé and Anakin’s countenances changed dramatically. Anakin, having kept his head bowed for much of the session, suddenly looked up, his face taking on an almost hopeful look. For her part, Padmé’s scowl completely gave way to a look of utter surprise as she took in the idea of Obi-Wan Kenobi, the Council’s mouthpiece, questioning his trust in the Council’s wisdom and judgment.

After standing silently in the middle of the bridge for a long moment, Obi-Wan slowly stepped towards the left side and leaned his head over the side, placing his elbows on the top of the railing as he did so. “Specifically,” he continued, “I strongly disagree with their decisions regarding both this matter and another one in which they have decided upon today.”

Seeing that Obi-Wan was waging a personal war with himself even as he expressed his opinion, Padmé gave him a moment to collect his thoughts, then released her hold on Anakin as the two of them slowly walked towards the young Jedi Knight, stopping a few feet behind him. After a long, tense moment, Padmé decided it would be best if they got everything out as quickly as possible.

“Knight Kenobi, what exactly is the other matter the Council decided on today?”

Obi-Wan, despite having misgivings towards revealing a matter he considered too personal to share, nevertheless decided that the Queen deserved to know all that was taking place on her planet. “The Jedi Council has informed me that they have moved Master Jinn to the Jedi Temple’s healing facilities on Coruscant.”

“But I was personally informed by Healer Bant that Master Jinn was absolutely not to be moved from our own medical facilities here on Naboo only two days ago! Why would the Jedi so quickly decide to make this kind of change without informing anyone?”

Obi-Wan lifted his gaze to the night sky as he answered. “First of all, I believe the Council made that decision against the advice of the healers to begin with. And as for their reasoning, the Council believes Master Jinn to be unbalanced due to the influence of the Dark Side. They have taken him to the Jedi Temple to be examined for any trace of Dark Side corruption.”

Baffled, Padmé continued her questioning. “But what kind of evidence does the Council believe it has found to declare Master Jinn corrupted by the Dark Side? In our recent travels, I had never had any reason to believe Master Jinn had, in any way, acted like a Sith, or any other servant of the Dark Side, for that matter. True, his methods were a bit unusual, but…”

“That’s the point, your Highness. The Council has, using evidence they have gathered from both Anakin’s experiences and mine, declared Master Jinn’s actions to be far too rash and careless to be considered normal for a Jedi, despite conceding that Master Jinn has never acted like much of a normal Jedi to begin with.”

“And you say you do not agree with their decision…” Padmé pushed on.

“No, your Highness. I certainly do not. In fact, it is this decision, combined with the Council’s decision on Anakin, which has me questioning the wisdom of the Council. First of all, Master Jinn has become legendary for both his willingness to use unorthodox means to achieve his goals as well as his willingness to defy the Council when he feels he must. After thoroughly examining the events of the past few days, I see nothing that suggests Master Jinn was, in any way, influenced by the Dark Side into doing something out of character.”

Anakin, who had yet to say a word the entire time, finally spoke. “Master Kenobi, I think the Council thinks Master Qui-Gon’s gone evil because he kept supporting me all the time. When they asked me about him, I always said he tried to help me as much as he could. So if the Council thinks he went evil because of me, I just want to say I’m really sorry for all the trouble I’ve caused, and…”

“Ani,” Padmé said, her eyes once again taking on that molten look that signaled her coming anger, “you shouldn’t blame yourself for something you not only had no control over, but wasn’t your fault to begin with.”

“But Padmé, if Master Qui-Gon hadn’t brought me to the Council and consistently supported me through everything, then he wouldn’t be in trouble now, and…”

“No, Anakin, her Majesty is right.” Obi-Wan said as he lowered his gaze and straightened up as he turned to face the young boy. ‘You are not at fault here, and you should not blame yourself in the slightest.” Pausing for a moment, he continued. “Master Qui-Gon would most certainly be angry with you if he heard you saying that.”

“Furthermore,” he continued, “it is my belief that if we are truly looking for any servants of the Dark Side, we would be far better off investigating the Trade Federation and their associates, since, after the Sith themselves, they were the ones that clearly stood the most to gain had that tattooed Zabrak succeeded in killing off Master Jinn and I. And it is certainly no coincidence that he appeared merely a day and a half after we got that phony transmission on Tatooine. Someone was helping him track us, and my guess is the Federation were the ones lending him a hand. Investigating them, and any personal associates Nute Gunray and Rune Haako might have, would certainly be a more logical start than blaming and marking loyal members of our Order for going against the Jedi Code while acting in the best interests of all.”

“On that at least, we seem to be in agreement, Knight Kenobi.” Padmé said. Shifting to her left, she wrapped her arm around Anakin before she spoke once again. “But there is still the issue of Anakin to deal with, Knight Kenobi. I, for one, do not intend to stand aside and let him be sent to a life on a Hutt-ruled planet outside of Republic space if it means he has to go against his will.”

Even before hearing her words, Obi-Wan, for the first time since the session in the Council chamber, began to hear Qui-Gon’s last words in his head. Remembering his last promise to his Master, he carefully scanned the two youngsters before him for their presences in the Force. As he expected, he found Anakin’s luminous white presence in the Force glowing as brightly as the twin suns of his homeworld, announcing the boy’s strong connection to the Force. He certainly has a presence; one even Jedi Masters would be hard-pressed to match…

Obi-Wan then shifted his senses to Padmé, expecting to find the faint, pale yellow light projected by an ordinary sentient being in the Force.

What he found instead shocked him to his core.

Instead of a faint, pale yellow light, what Obi-Wan found instead was a bright hot-pink one, shining strongly. But that was not all. Pulsing from the pink light was a white glow that flashed off and on with each passing second, as if the light was being contained, only to explode sporadically for seconds at a time. Obi-Wan knew that even though there were beings that could project their own signature presence in the Force to the point of changing the color of their Force-signatures, only one kind of being had the power to project a white glow in the Force…

In fear of jumping to premature conclusions, Obi-Wan decided to keep his Force-gaze on Padmé, thinking the glow he had seen was a trick of his imagination. But the more he kept scanning her, the more he saw the glow return, time after time after time. What was more, the glow kept getting brighter every time it returned.

As he kept observing the young Queen’s presence in the Force, the truth dawned on Obi-Wan, slowly but surely:

Master Qui-Gon was right all along.

Obi-Wan stood there, silently, even after Padmé had finished talking. Finally, he focused on the face of the young Queen, and saw her looking at him as if she expected some sort of answer. With a great effort, Obi-Wan focused his thoughts on the present.

“Excuse me, your Highness, but could you please repeat that last part once more?”

“I said, Knight Kenobi, that if Anakin does not wish to return to Tatooine, I do not intend to let the Jedi Council return him there by force.”

Obi-Wan, suddenly all too aware of the true magnitude of the task his Master had entrusted to him, decided that his latest discoveries put the current situation with Anakin in a whole new light. He took a moment to gather his thoughts before answering in a grave, determined tone.

“Your Highness, even though the Jedi Council has refused to take Anakin for training and has specifically instructed me to return him to his homeworld, be assured that I have neither the desire or intention to do so, and certainly not against his will.”

Upon hearing this, Anakin lifted his head up once more, looking at Obi-Wan with an expression of pure anticipation on his face, clearly not believing what Obi-Wan had just said. Padmé, unsure of whether or not she could trust her own ears herself, blinked a couple of times before continuing.

“Can you repeat that once more, Knight Kenobi?”

“I said, your Highness, that I have no desire to see Anakin returned to his homeworld, if that is not what he wants for himself. In addition, he has, on multiple occasions, made it known to Master Qui-Gon that he wishes to learn the ways of the Force and become a padawan learner. If, at this time, he still wishes to do so, then I, in the place of my Master, shall see it done.”

Anakin, unable to contain the joy and disbelief that quickly overcame him, interrupted Obi-Wan before he could finish. “Really? You would train me, Master Kenobi?”

Obi-Wan took a few steps towards Anakin, and went down to one knee, so he and the boy were face-to-face. A small smile came over his face as he responded. “If you still want to learn the ways of the Jedi and the Force, young Anakin, then yes, I would train you. The question is, do you still want to do so? Keep in mind that the path of a Jedi is not an easy path to take, and that once you start down this path, you cannot take it back. It is a path that demands dedication, hard work, and utmost loyalty, and it will test you mentally as well as physically. Are you sure this is what you want?”

Anakin, though initially scared a bit at Obi-Wan’s serious tone, nevertheless understood every word the young Jedi had said. When he responded, he did so from the bottom of his heart, without regrets.

“Yes, sir. I am sure. I want to be a Jedi Knight someday, and I want to learn the ways of the Force.”

Accepting his response, Obi-Wan nodded. “Very well. Then I shall do my best to guide you.” To seal the promise, he stretched out his hand, which the young boy took firmly. “You will be a Jedi, Anakin. I promise.”

“Thank you, sir.”

For the first time since the conversation began, Padmé smiled. Her lips remained curved as she said: “Thank you, Knight Kenobi. Even if you are doing this out of a debt to your Master, it is still the right thing to do.”

“Your Highness, even though I promised my Master that I would train Anakin, please understand that I am not doing this out of any sort of obligation, but rather from the belief that the Jedi Council has not only made a grave practical error, but more importantly, failed to uphold a moral duty in assisting Anakin. Besides that fact that he is extremely powerful in the Force, I personally strongly agree with your opinion that he deserves a better fate than what the Council is sending him to on Tatooine. He has made it clear that he wishes to learn the ways of the Jedi and the Force, and I for one, do not believe the Jedi Order should ever turn away one who seeks guidance in the ways of the Force, especially not one who has risked his life to save others time and time again without thought to himself.” After regarding Anakin with a smile, Obi-Wan continued, rising as he did so. “In addition, I believe Master Qui-Gon was correct in believing Anakin could be the Chosen One of Prophecy.”

Padmé regarded Obi-Wan with a questioning glance. “If you may be so kind, Knight Kenobi, could you please enlighten us as to what exactly is this ‘Prophecy of the Chosen One’?”

Obi-Wan took a moment to consider the matter before responding. “Your Majesty, I would ask that we please speak of that another time. Personally, you will understand that I am more concerned with how I am going to train Anakin. Unfortunately, I cannot take him along with me as a true padawan learner, because the Council has already officially refused his training. However, he does need a place to stay, and though I do not intend to return him to Tatooine, I see no place where he can make his home…”

Padmé, who had started to think on the matter of giving Anakin a home herself, took a moment to evaluate the situation. “Well, the laws here on Naboo regarding refugees and immigration are among the strongest in the Republic, seeing how we Naboo originally started out as a gathering of refugees from various planets several millennia ago. We have strong laws governing the rights of those we consider legal refugees, especially pertaining minors. In fact, any minor who comes to Naboo having been displaced from his home is immediately regarded as a ward of the state and the crown, and as such, we provide a temporary home to said minors while we try to find them a permanent home. As for Anakin himself, we can keep him here for quite a while as a ward, seeing that the Jedi, by refusing to train him, have forfeited their rights as his guardians. Since his mother, Shmi Skywalker, entrusted him to Master Jinn, she is not exactly his legal guardian either. But Master Jinn, an addition to being unable to care for Anakin at this time, is not even on the planet right now. That leaves Anakin as a displaced refugee of Naboo. Unfortunately, we cannot keep him here long enough to make him a citizen of Naboo, but…”

“Excuse me, your Highness,” Obi-Wan said, “but there is also the matter of Anakin’s training to consider. As much as I would like to, I can think of nothing that could allow me to stay constantly within close proximity of Anakin. The Jedi Order does have enclaves and training facilities in Alderaan, Corellia, Ilum, Duro, and Manaan, among other planets, but as you can see, few of those are in the Mid Rim Territories, and none is close enough to either Naboo or Tatooine as to allow me to visit any one of those planets frequently for long periods of time…”

As she heard him, Padmé lifted her gaze at the Livet Tower, contemplating all of her options. Her eyes fell on the faint light given off by the undying flame at the top of the tower. Suddenly, the solution to the issue revealed itself in her mind, part by part. Quickly weighing the pros and cons, she decided she had only one way of ensuring that Anakin had a home, and that he and Obi-Wan could remain within easy reach of each other. It’s certainly a long shot, and it will require that Anakin decide to stay here on Naboo… And I’m sure the Jedi Council, among others, will not approve, which would put Obi-Wan on the spot once more. In addition, I will have to investigate whether or not I can do it, and what the qualifications are… Well, at least it isn’t that late yet. I still have time to pull it off, if I hurry…

“Knight Kenobi,” Padmé said, “I believe I have found a solution to our problems. It will take some time, and I will have to ask you to trust me on this, but first I must ask both you and Anakin some very important questions.”

“Yes, your Highness?” Obi-Wan said.

“First you, Ani.” Padmé said to the young boy. “Ani, how do you feel about staying here on Naboo?”

“Staying here on Naboo?” Anakin repeated, wide-eyed. “Is that even possible, Padmé?”

“Well, I will have to clear up the details, and you will have to do a couple of things, but yes, I believe it is, Ani.”

“Well,” Anakin began, not wanting to seem too eager at the thought of living on Naboo, “if you can do it, then I guess it would be a good idea. I mean, I really like this place, and I would like to become a Jedi under Master Kenobi, so, ummm…” He hesitated, not knowing how to continue. In the end, he decided straightforward was best. “Yeah. I would like to live here.”

“Okay, Ani. And now for you, Knight Kenobi.” Padmé said, turning to the young Jedi. “Just how far are you willing to go in defying the Jedi Council?”

All too aware of the tricks and traps used by politicians (both old and young as well as monarchical and democratic), Obi-Wan carefully regarded the young Queen’s question. “Your Highness, I’m not entirely sure where you are going with this…”

“Simply put, Knight Kenobi, are you willing to go along with a plan that, for all intents and purposes, completely defies the will and mandate of the Jedi Council?”

Though he was unsure of the exact nature of the Queen’s plan, Obi-Wan nevertheless knew where his loyalties were, and though he considered himself a servant of the Light Side of the Force, they were not to the Jedi Council itself, at least not right now. “Your Highness, I intend to fulfill all of my promises to both Anakin and my Master. To that end, I am willing, discreetly, to go along with any plan you might have that can act as a means to those ends.”

“Discreetly, Knight Kenobi?” Padmé asked, a wry smile on her face.

“Yes, Your Highness. As much as I intend to help Anakin with his training and keep my promise to my Master, I ask that, if at all possible, you refrain from forcing me to publicly display my intentions to defy the Council’s mandate at this time. To do so would be counterproductive to both Anakin and myself.”

“I understand, Knight Kenobi,” Padmé said, even though she inwardly did not. But further questioning would have to wait for another time, as she now had quite a bit of work to do to set her plan in motion. “For what it is, I accept your discreet cooperation and thank you for it. Now that both of you have agreed to help me, I shall see what I can do.” With a smile on her face, Padmé turned to Anakin. “Come now, Ani. Seeing that you’ll be staying here on Naboo for a bit longer, I think it would be best to give you a new bedroom here in the palace.”

Padmé waited until Anakin had come beside her before speaking to Obi-Wan once more. “With your leave, Knight Kenobi, we shall retire for the evening.”

“Then I will say good night, Your Highness, and for what it’s worth, wish you luck in whatever it is you are planning.”

“Good night then, Knight Kenobi.” Padmé said.

“And good night to you too, Anakin. Sleep well, and may the Force be with you, young one.” Obi-Wan said as he regarded Anakin with a smile.

“Good night, Obi-Wan.” Anakin said, as for the first time since they had met, Anakin directly called the young Jedi by his first name and not his last. With that, both the boy and the young Queen made their way towards the palace proper, leaving the young Jedi Knight by himself in the shadow of the Livet Tower.

But rather than electing to follow them inside, Obi-Wan chose to remain on the bridge, as he replayed both the earlier meeting and the meeting with Anakin and Padmé over and over again in his head. But even though the meetings had produced enough twists, turns, decisions, and planning to make any sentient being in the Galaxy feel dizzy, it was not the decisions that concerned Obi-Wan now, but something entirely different:

Padmé Nabérrie’s presence in the Force.

Even though he had managed to answer the young Queen’s questions pertaining to Anakin’s fate, and had kept his composure long enough to say what needed to be said, Obi-Wan’s mind kept going back to the girl’s Force Signature. More specifically, he couldn’t stop thinking of the white glow he had found pulsing from the hot-pink signature. For it was a glow that Obi-Wan was quite familiar with himself:

It was the glow projected by a Force-Sensitive being.

And with that, the final words Obi-Wan shared with his Master on the floor of the melting pit chamber came back one last time, stronger than ever…

“Obi-Wan! Wait!”

“Yes, Master?” Obi Wan asked, his tear-stained countenance expectant, as he awaited Qui-Gon’s answer.

“There is…more, Obi-Wan.” Qui-Gon suddenly said, his voice growing desperate with every word. “Come closer…”

“What is it, Master?” Obi-Wan said, as he gazed down at Qui-Gon’s clear blue eyes.

“Obi-Wan, the boy…”

“Do not worry, Master.” Obi-Wan said, trying to keep his voice calm and soothing all the while. “You have my word that I will train him well.”

“No, Obi-Wan… Listen to me.” Qui-Gon said, straining against the searing pain of his wound as he did so. “The boy… is not the only one… who needs guidance, Obi-Wan.”

Puzzled, Obi-Wan responded. “What do you mean, Master?”

“There is… another, Obi-Wan…” Qui-Gon said, his voice growing desperate. “Another one... who must be trained in the ways of the Force.”

Obi-Wan did his best to keep the surprise he felt from showing as he asked “Who, master?”

“It is… her, Obi Wan…” Qui-Gon answered, his voice filled with pain. “It is the girl… my young apprentice”

“The girl? Which girl, Master?”

“The one… called Padmé…”

Shell-shocked, Obi-Wan was barely able to move his mouth to form his next words. “The Queen, Master?”

“Yes, Obi-Wan. She, like the boy… is a Force Sensitive being.”

“But Master, I haven’t seen anything in our travels that suggests the Queen has any attunement whatsoever to the Force, in either her royal role or as a handmaiden…”

If he could have, Qui-Gon would have chuckled. “She hides it incredibly well, Obi-Wan. Even I have only recently seen it myself… But no matter what she does, she cannot hide it when she is with him… with Anakin… or perhaps I should say she doesn’t want to hide it… Regardless, you must awaken her, Obi-Wan.”

Qui-Gon paused a moment to regain his strength before continuing. “You must find a way, Obi-Wan… But first, you must see it for yourself… for you cannot help her if you do not realize what she is…”

Obi-Wan found that he suddenly needed a moment to gather his thoughts and take in his Master’s words. When he finally did so, he found his voice once again.

“Are you sure, Master?” Obi-Wan asked, the doubt and confusion growing in his voice and on his face as the seconds passed by.

“Yes, Obi-Wan…” Qui-Gon whispered. “There can be no doubt… I am positively sure.”

“But… how, Master?” Obi-Wan managed, unable to disguise the surprise in his voice.

At this, Qui-Gon smiled mysteriously. “Search your feelings, my young apprentice… and theirs. You will see… just as I have.”

“I will try, Master!” Obi-Wan promised, though he inwardly doubted he would succeed.

As his mind snapped back to the present, Obi-Wan was reminded of the magnitude of the burden he had taken on as the true nature of his task finally revealed itself. He had been entrusted with the care of not one, but two Force-Sensitive youngsters in need of guidance. He not only had to teach a young boy how to tame feelings no boy his age should ever have to feel, but he also had to awaken the full potential of the Force in a young girl who gave all indications of being determined to contain it in herself to the point of not allowing anyone to know it existed. And he had to do it all without raising suspicion from either the Sith, or the Jedi Council. On one hand, he had to protect the two children from the invisible clutches of the Sith, despite not even knowing where they could be, much less what they could be planning. And on the other, he could not afford to have the Jedi Council punish him for insubordination, lest he allow his promise to Qui-Gon go unfulfilled and leave Anakin and Padmé to fend for themselves in the process. He could only hope that whatever secret plan Padmé was cooking up would help him in some way, shape, or form.

With a weary sigh, Obi-Wan finally made his way towards the palace, determined to wait until tomorrow before dealing with a situation that seemed to grow more complicated with each passing second…

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Well, I'm not entirely sure if it was a good update, but I gave it my best...

More very soon...

 

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My Fics: Shifting Tides: http://boards.theforce.net/The_Saga/b10476/21016976/p1
2009 Diary Challenge Entry: A Long Night's Journey Into Day: http://boards.theforce.net/the_saga/b10476/29653882/p1/?7
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Healer_Leona  36871 posts
Title: Manager Emeritus
 Registered: Jul '00
8059_Qui-Gon Jinn
Date Posted: 9/19/05 9:04am Subject: RE: Shifting Tides (Late TPM-era AU. A/P, Obi-Wan, Qui-Gon, PT characters & a semi-OC). Part V Up 9
I'd lost track of this one, I apologize. As I'm reading I'm greatly saddened that it looked like Qui-Gon did again die, but lo and behold he lives!!! YAY!!!

“Knight Kenobi, do you honestly believe that the Sith would be even the slightest bit concerned with a 9-year old boy? Surely they could not have spent enough time close to him to realize his potential.[/i[

Surely the Jedi Council could not be as ignorgant as this?? Or wait, they never even sensed Sidious, so yes, they can! rolling_eyes

What on Coruscant is going on with these beings, have they lost all sense?? I'm with Obi-Wan on his raction of Qui-Gon being unbalanced. What a load of poodoo!

[i]“However, after the events of the last few days, I can also honestly say that I have come to seriously question both the wisdom and judgment of the Jedi Council.” The young msan see the light and is determined to go agiasnt the silly mandates of the Council.

I will make better effort to keep up here! happy

 

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Break away from everybody
Break away from everthing
If you can't stand the way this place is
Take yourself to higher places
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VaderLVR64  31012 posts
Title: Manager Emeritus
 Registered: Feb '04
49060_Obi-Wan Kenobi (811092)
Date Posted: 9/19/05 9:22am Subject: RE: Shifting Tides (Late TPM-era AU. A/P, Obi-Wan, Qui-Gon, PT characters & a semi-OC). Part V Up 9
I've only read the first post, but BRAVO! applause Wonderful work!

 

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R.I.P John, Alex, Jason, and Christian flag Never forgotten
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Pokey  402 posts
Registered: Jun '02
8054_Anakin and Padme
Date Posted: 9/20/05 3:32am Subject: RE: Shifting Tides (Late TPM-era AU. A/P, Obi-Wan, Qui-Gon, PT characters & a semi-OC). Part V Up 9
Your not sure if it's a good post, well I think it is an amazing post! Wonderful, I loved the conversations between Padme and Anakin and then with Obi-wan. I think you did a really good job capturing everyone's speech patterns, I was really impressed. It sounded just like the three of them.

The Anakin-Padme part was very sweet, I love their realationship at this age. It has this wonderful innocence to it, and it's a realationship that isn't explored enough in Fanfics.

One question, you said "She hides it incredibly well" about Padme. Does she know she is force sensative and hiding it on purpose or is she doing it unknowingly?

Thank you so much for telling me about the update, I really enjoyed it!

 

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Only two things are infinite, the universe and human stupidity, and I'm not sure about the former. " - Einstein
Don't knock on Death's door. Ring the door bell and run away. He hates that.
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