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Author	Topic: The Living Gift - Qui-Gon, Obi-Wan, short story - complete
VaderLVR64 Title: Fan Fic Manager in Combat Boots Registered: Feb '04	Date Posted: 8/7/06 2:30pm Subject: The Living Gift - Qui-Gon, Obi-Wan, short story - complete - Date Edited: 3/19 7:51am (14 edits total) Edited By: VaderLVR64
	Title: The Living Gift Author: VaderLVR64 Characters: Obi-Wan, Qui-Gon, OCs Genre: adventure, drama - short story (this will be somewhere between 3 and 5 posts) HA! I guess I was wrong about THAT! Summary: A mission is more than it seems, and in the midst of it all, Obi-Wan learns a lesson that will forever change him. The Living Gift Obi-Wan had never heard of the planet before Qui-Gon mentioned it in passing. At the time, it was just another mission, merely the latest in a long line of them. Nothing in the briefing seemed to indicate it would be any different; Obi-Wan felt no prodding from the Force, or even any anxiety from his Master. There was not a single sign that the mission would change his life. The planet Mystoor was tiny, and not very important in galactic affairs. The only reason the Republic even agreed to send a team of Jedi for the negotiations was that the High Tribal Leader was related to someone who knew someone who worked for the Chancellor. It was easy, not to mention inexpensive and expedient, to send in a pair of Jedi and wash his hands of the whole affair, and so Chancellor Valorum did just that. To be fair, he had much larger issues on his mind at the time. They arrived late in the evening, just in time to see the spectacular sunset from beyond the famous mountain range. Though not particularly wealthy, Mystoor was known for the export of a rare type of caf called detui, grown only on that planet. It was favored by the rich and powerful, though that single crop was Mystoor’s only claim to importance. However, the Jedi had not been summoned for any trade negotiations, for the people of Mystoor had no complaints with their already lucrative arrangements. The problem plaguing Mystoor was more a difference in philosophy than finance. Thirty years before Qui-Gon Jinn and his apprentice arrived, the people of Mystoor had hired a rather large group of mercenaries to protect them from the marauding pirates that frequented the sector. The mercenaries, who were very good at their job, also found the little planet very hospitable, and many of the men found that the women of Mystoor very lovely and amenable to their company. More than fifty of them settled on Mystoor and made it their home, raising families and learning to grow the rich little detui bean. They had children and those children grew up. That generation of children was part of the problem that called the Jedi to their planet. Not much was known about the source of the difficulty, all that Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan knew was that the leader of the planet, known as the High Tribal Leader, had recently angered some of his subjects and found himself on the run for his life, his system of government in turmoil. Through luck and a series of happy mistakes by his pursuers, he had been able to make contact with the relative who set into motion the arrival of the Jedi team. Posing as prosperous merchants who wanted to get a contract to sell the famous detui caf, Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan arrived in unaccustomed splendor, the rich fabrics and colors of their garments sure to convince the Mystoorians that they were capable of paying the outrageous fees that would be required in order to win the rights to sell detui. Every courtesy was shown to them and they were soon comfortably ensconced in a suite and preparing for a meeting with the Trade Secretary. This meeting was vital to their true mission, as the Trade Secretary was believed to be loyal to the High Tribal Leader. The new Tribal Leader, who had dropped the first honorific from the title when he had usurped his predecessor’s place had not had time to put his own men into every government spot, and since the detui bean must continue to flow off of Mystoor, the Tribal Leader had been satisfied to wait until one of his own men proved sufficiently capable of filling the position. So it was that a man named Trolin Wyyk met the Jedi in his office. Qui-Gon held out his hand and gave a bow of respect. “Qui-Gon Jinn, representative of the Jinn and Kenobi Trading Corporation.” He motioned to Obi-Wan who gave a short bow as well. “This is my partner’s son, Obi-Wan, who is training to fill his father’s shoes one day.” He laughed condescendingly. “I’ve brought the boy along to show him how such negotiations should be conducted.” Obi-Wan shifted on his feet and looked rather irritated, which was exactly what his role called for. He shot Qui-Gon a sly glance and then rolled his eyes, as if to express to Wyyk his irritation. Qui-Gon merely smiled patiently at his companion’s obvious irritation, and studied the man before him. “Tell me, Trade Secretary,” he murmured. “Can we be assured of our…privacy here in your office?” Wyyk looked rather confused. “I’m sorry?” “Can we be sure that there is no one listening in to our conversations?” Qui-Gon asked and the genial mask of a merchant was gone. In his place was the focused concentration of a Jedi Master. “Our negotiations are sensitive and confidential, as I’m sure you’re aware.” Still bewildered, Wyyk nodded. “Yes, yes,” he answered. “We are alone, no listening devices. I have the area swept every morning, just to keep business honest. No giving anyone any unfair advantages, you know.” His eyes twinkled at the thought, and Obi-Wan could tell that the Secretary rather enjoyed contemplating such scandalous scenarios. Qui-Gon motioned to Obi-Wan, who immediately closed the door and took his place by it. He would be aware of any visitors long before those visitors were aware of him and could warn Qui-Gon. The Master took Wyyk by the arm and led him to the small sitting area where the Secretary had arranged for some simple refreshments. “Secretary, we are here at the behest of our own Chancellor Valorum,” he said quietly, watching Wyyk’s eyes grow wide. “We are Jedi and we’ve been sent here to negotiate peace between the two factions.” Wyyk trembled for a moment. “Thank the goddess that you’ve come,” he whispered fervently. “I was worried…” He reached out and took Qui-Gon’s hand and shook it. “You have no idea how glad I am to see you, how happy all of us will be when you get this terrible misunderstanding settled.” “And what is the crux of this terrible misunderstanding?” Qui-Gon asked. For the first time, Wyyk appeared nervous. He cleared his throat and pulled at his collar before answering. “Well, it’s a matter of tradition, really,” he said. “The young don’t understand the necessity of some of our traditions – one in particular - and they’ve rebelled, you see, risen up against our High Tribal Leader,” Wyyk said with disdain. “They don’t understand, they’re too young to know how important it is to observe the rituals of the ancient ones.” “Rituals?” Qui-Gon queried, his look growing intent. “We have certain rites which must be observed to preserve our way of life,” Wyyk answered with sadness. “They only see what they want to see, think they’re being compassionate, but they’re missing the point, the why of it all.” “The why of what?” Qui-Gon asked somewhat impatiently, grimacing at the foolish-sounding question. Wyyk looked startled. “I thought you knew,” he said in surprise. “Why the custom, of course.” “The custom?” Qui-Gon bit out, and Obi-Wan recognized that his Master was fast losing all patience with the roundabout conversation. “Shybyta, Wyyk replied in a reverent voice. “The Ceremony of Shybyta. I was sure the Jedi would have heard of it.” Taking a deep breath, Qui-Gon shook his head. “The galaxy is vast, Secretary, and even the Jedi archives do not include information on every planet and its customs. Please, enlighten us.” Wyyk still looked somewhat bemused, but he seemed willing enough to expand on his explanation. “The Ceremony of Shybyta is a ritual we have practiced here for almost a thousand years,” he said. “What – exactly – is the Ceremony of Shybyta?” Qui-Gon asked, obviously holding onto his good humor only through the thinnest of threads. This question seemed to completely befuddle Wyyk, who stared at the Jedi as if there was some elaborate joke being played and he was the only one not in on it. “Surely the Jedi, of all beings, would know about it?” His expression betrayed his very genuine shock. Qui-Gon shook his head and turned to his Padawan. “What about you, Obi-Wan? Have you heard anything about it? Read about it somewhere?” Frowning slightly in concentration, Obi-Wan paused thoughtfully and then replied, “No, Master, it doesn’t sound familiar.” Wyyk sat back with a sigh of vexation. “Well now, this is most unexpected,” he muttered. “Could you explain it to us, Secretary?” Qui-Gon asked politely, but Obi-Wan heard the edge of frustration in his Master’s voice. “Well, I suppose so, though it is rather complicated to explain to someone who is not at all familiar with it,” he said rather pompously. “I shall endeavor to give you my full concentration,” Qui-Gon said dryly. “Go on,” he instructed. “Very well,” Wyyk answered. “Mystoor is a planet full of life, rich and generous to its people, as I’m sure you noticed upon your arrival.” Qui-Gon nodded to show that he had made that observation. Wyyk seemed to find his agreement reassuring and spoke with more confidence now. “Well, infrequently, but usually at least once every generation, a child is born to one of our people…a special child, one that we mark as honored. We call them the “Living Gift”.” “I’m following you so far,” Qui-Gon said with a touch of humor. Obi-Wan had to hide a smile behind his hand. “We treat this child with special respect, and his or her parents are given positions of honor and wealth in our society,” Wyyk explained. “We consider the arrival of such children to be a portent, a special sign that the detui crop will be bountiful for a full generation. We pray that in each generation a child will be born and thus ensure that our way of life will endure.” The man nodded his head enthusiastically. “You can imagine the joy of our people when we know that one of these special children has been born to one of our own – we know the cycle will continue.” “Yes, I can,” Qui-Gon said, absently stroking at his beard. “What makes these children so special? How do you know that the child is a Living Gift?” He laughed and shook his head at their ignorance. “That’s just it, that’s why we thought the Jedi would understand,” he confided. “You see, such children can feel what you call the Force.” Wyyk shrugged. “We have a different name for it, but it is the same thing.” Qui-Gon’s eyes widened and he stared at the man. “I’m sorry, I’m not quite following what the difficulty is,” he said apologetically. “Have you had such a child born and want him or her tested by the Jedi?” Wyyk shook his head. “Oh no, that is not our custom.” He sounded horrified by the very notion. Now it was Qui-Gon’s turn to be completely bewildered. “Then why did you call for our help? Is this child ill? Do the parents need help in raising a Force sensitive child? Do the rebels want to take the child from the parents?” “No, of course not,” Wyyk answered, genuinely surprised. “We are well accustomed to dealing with such things and we do not take children from their parents,” Wyyk said pointedly. Qui-Gon merely sighed and decided not to argue the point. Wyyk sighed and his fingers plucked at the hem of his robe. “You see, this younger generation does not appreciate the fact that the formalities must be observed, that the traditions must be upheld if our planet, our very way of life, is to survive.” “And where do we come in?” Obi-Wan asked, and both men looked at him in surprise. He flashed an apologetic look at his Master. Well, the poor man still hasn’t gotten around to his explanation of why we’re here, Master. Qui-Gon’s lips curved up briefly and he nodded before turning his attention back to Wyyk. “My Padawan is not alone in his curiosity, Secretary Wyyk.” “Well, we need you to convince these misguided rebels that they should bow to the wisdom of their elders and accept the traditions that have sustained for so long.” Wyyk gave an emphatic nod of his head. “What do these rebels want?” Qui-Gon asked. “They want to overthrow the government!” Wyyk exclaimed indignantly. “For what purpose?” The Jedi Master asked softly. “To stop the ritual,” Wyyk explained slowly as if trying to reason with a stubborn child. Qui-Gon sighed deeply and closed his eyes for a brief moment. “And what is the ritual they wish to stop?” “I’ve already explained that,” Wyyk replied with exasperation. “Humor me,” Qui-Gon said dryly. “They want to stop the Ceremony of Shybyta,” Wyyk answered. “The time has come for the ritual but they have taken the Living Gift into hiding.” His hands went this throat. “It’s a disaster! Our crops will fail and our people will be ruined if we don’t retrieve the Living Gift and perform the ceremony.” He leaned forward and confided, “They’ve set up their own government because they knew the High Tribal Leader would find the Living Gift and the ritual would be performed. The time has come, and the Living Gift has reached the age at which the rite must be performed.” “Why so much opposition to a simple ritual?” Obi-Wan asked curiously. Wyyk shrugged. “I have no idea,” he sighed, obviously puzzled. “You would think they would accept it, and after all, we’ve been doing it for countless generations.” Qui-Gon considered this for a moment and then asked quietly, “Secretary, what does the ritual entail?” “We sacrifice the Living Gift to the goddess Shybyta, of course, so that she will bless us again in the future, and keep watch over the precious detui – the primary source of our planet’s wealth.” -----signature----- If you have to choose between tears and laughter, remember that laughter burns more calories. Proud New Army Mom - off to bootcamp!
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Arwen-Jade_Kenobi Registered: Feb '02	Date Posted: 8/7/06 3:08pm Subject: RE: The Living Gift - Qui-Gon, Obi-Wan, short story
	OMG!!! Sacrifice the kid?! Oh dear! Awesome first post there, can't wait for more! -----signature----- Retired Council Master of the Lightside It's all about the blues, baby "Love can ignite the stars." - ROTS novel I'm a Trekkie: Deal with it, or suffer the wrath of Khan This user is certifiably insane
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Lady_Padme_Organa Registered: Aug '06	Date Posted: 8/7/06 4:05pm Subject: RE: The Living Gift - Qui-Gon, Obi-Wan, short story
	They sacrifice the kid?? No wonder the young generation has rebelled against the ritual!!!! Well, I can't say that I blame them for rebeling. Very good start!! Please keep going with it!!!! -----signature----- My Master is LaYa until further notice!!!! Proud member of The Royal Handmaiden Society! Obi-Wan and Anakin fan!!
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palpyisgod2 Registered: Aug '05	Date Posted: 8/7/06 4:20pm Subject: RE: The Living Gift - Qui-Gon, Obi-Wan, short story
	wow! this is really good! can you put me on the pm list for this (if there is one) please? -----signature----- "Oh, Janette...I didn't know you could do that... I think I feel an election coming on..." -John Howard "Keating" - The Musical We Had To Have
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dianethx Registered: Mar '02	Date Posted: 8/7/06 4:42pm Subject: RE: The Living Gift - Qui-Gon, Obi-Wan, short story
	Nice guys, sacrificing a kid to the gods in order to keep selling caf beans. It would seem that money talks more than compassion. And they don't even see it as a problem. I wonder what the kid has to say about it. Good job. Please PM me with updates. -----signature----- Betrayal - http://boards.theforce.net/s/b1/10935143 updated 9/22/08 Fragments of Illusion- http://boards.theforce.net/bts/b10475/28456473 updated 8/16/08 Freeze frame - http://boards.theforce.net/s/b10476/27820434 Master to jedidas3 Impeach Bush!
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Gkilkenny Registered: Mar '04	Date Posted: 8/8/06 3:05am Subject: RE: The Living Gift - Qui-Gon, Obi-Wan, short story
	The living Gift. Sounds like something Qui-Gon and Obi-wan would want to protect. "Not sacrifice" Very interesting start I'm hooked I love short stories. If there is a PM list 'Yes Please' -----signature----- Padawan to p_stotts Peace over anger - honour over hate - Strength over fear. Links to Stories in my Bio. Obi-Wan forever.
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Princess_Arulmozhi Registered: Nov '04	Date Posted: 8/8/06 3:24am Subject: RE: The Living Gift - Qui-Gon, Obi-Wan, short story
	I'm much more worried now that they're going to sacrifice either Qui-Gon or Obi-Wan (possibly Qui-Gon), who have the 'Living Gift.' Sacrifice! But I understand their viewpoint, sort of. A life is the greatest gift anyone can offer, of course. The problem starts when the one who's hgoing to be sacrificed doesn't agree. Great start, Vadey. I'm eager to know the rest! -----signature----- Perceptions (Xanatos/Obi/Qui/Anakin) AU:http://boards.theforce.net/the_saga/b10476/25276178/p1/?7 - vignette Stones (Li'l Obi/Qui) - http://boards.theforce.net/before_the_saga/b10475/23371821/p1/ Best Author, WFFA (BtS) 05/06 Lore-Master to 7
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Valairy_Scot Title: PT Rewrite Winner Registered: Sep '05	Date Posted: 8/8/06 1:00pm Subject: RE: The Living Gift - Qui-Gon, Obi-Wan, short story - Date Edited: 8/8/06 3:23pm (1 edits total) Edited By: Valairy_Scot
	Aw....shivers. I knew it had to be a sacrifice; am I good or not? However, considering how you started off...and the "Living Gift" is Force-sensitive - oh, dear, is Obi-Wan going to be a substitute? Loved how irritated and trying not to be Qui-Gon was. PM me. -----signature----- http://boards.theforce.net/fan_fiction_resource/b10304/25405090/p3/?52 Prolific Author thread: list & links there. Muse fueled by coffee. Often AWOL despite frequent sipping. Writes on inspiration, not a schedule. Proud master of several padawans
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Aya-Na_Bashu Registered: Jul '05	Date Posted: 8/8/06 3:00pm Subject: RE: The Living Gift - Qui-Gon, Obi-Wan, short story
	Oh boy, talk about being stuck between a rock and a hard place. Can't wait to see how they work this one out. Please add me to the PM list. -----signature----- Master to aden Proud member of ISPLN Step away from Qui-Gon and no one will get hurt! My fics are in my bio.
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ardavenport Registered: Dec '04	Date Posted: 8/11/06 6:20pm Subject: RE: The Living Gift - Qui-Gon, Obi-Wan, short story
	This was such a simple little mission. Basic, no forebodings in the Force....and then they get to the part about sacrificing a kid in a ceremony. I look forward to seeing how Obi-Wan and Qui-Gon react to this. -----signature----- Links to all fics -- http://boards.theforce.net/Message.aspx?topic=25405090&brd=10304&start=26223917 The Heart of the Jedi -- http://boards.theforce.net/b/b1/26013327 ---- Qui-Gon, Obi-Wan, JA and everything you wanted to know about lightsabers
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Layren Registered: Oct '03	Date Posted: 8/11/06 7:55pm Subject: RE: The Living Gift - Qui-Gon, Obi-Wan, short story - Date Edited: 8/11/06 7:56pm (1 edits total) Edited By: Layren
	Woah, somehow I expected that the ritual would involve child sacrifice if there was such an upset over it. Wonder how well Qui-Gon will handle that since he cherishes(sp? the word looks odd to me tonight) all life. Bet that's not going to go over well Excellent job, MamaV but I expect nothing less from you Put me on the pm list too -----signature----- Proud Master to Ara-gon The Triad Chronicles http://boards.theforce.net/before_the_saga/b10475/25934993/p1/?177 (OC's) Into Another Day http://boards.theforce.net/before_the_saga/b10475/27926050/p1/?0 2008 Dear Diary Challenge I am Jinngerbread.
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Jemmiah Registered: Mar '00	Date Posted: 8/12/06 4:48am Subject: RE: The Living Gift - Qui-Gon, Obi-Wan, short story
	Eeerie and ominous begining! Please add me to the PM list! -----signature----- The new improved Hell's Chance Cantina! Home for many assorted JA fanfic stories!: http://www.hellschancecantina.com/index.html Open to all: have a go at Star Wars Caption Contest no.7: http://www.hellschancecantina.com/Caption_comp.html
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Dragonlady Registered: Jul '05	Date Posted: 8/12/06 10:40am Subject: RE: The Living Gift - Qui-Gon, Obi-Wan, short story
	Fascinating. This should be fun. Please add me to the PM list.
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PadawanKitara Registered: Dec '01	Date Posted: 8/12/06 6:07pm Subject: RE: The Living Gift - Qui-Gon, Obi-Wan, short story
	Some how we knoew it wouldn't be easy -----signature----- Courtier of the Royal Order of Shambling Dufi We are Dufi...Resistance is Futile! UCLA BRUINS
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Gina Registered: Jun '03	Date Posted: 8/14/06 4:14am Subject: RE: The Living Gift - Qui-Gon, Obi-Wan, short story
	Uh-oh! I had a feeling that the ritual would involve a sacrifice. Now I'm very curious to see how Obi-Wan and Qui-Gon will handle this situation. Excellent beginning!! -----signature----- A long time ago in a house far away, there was a mother who was strong in the ways of the Force. She "forced" her sons to clean their room, she "forced" her sons to behave. - Part of a story written by my 9 yr. old sons I found while cleaning their desks
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Independence1776 Registered: Feb '06	Date Posted: 8/14/06 9:28pm Subject: RE: The Living Gift - Qui-Gon, Obi-Wan, short story
	I had the feeling that was going to be the case with the ritual... And now the Jedi are torn between saving a life and trying to end the conflict. Great job! Could you please PM me when you update? -----signature----- "Independence forever." John Adams Padawan to Luna_Nightshade Fics in bio Mostly lurking at the moment
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