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Author Topic: The Heart of the Jedi -- Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan, JA -- COMPLETE -- 28-Apr-2007
dianethx 
Registered: Mar '02
46246_TFN Turns "10"
Date Posted: 3/11/07 12:21pm Subject: RE: The Heart of the Jedi -- Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan, JA -- Parts 1-9 -- 9-Mar-2007
Stealing a cookie, young Obi-Wan. shame_on_you Tsk, tsk. Patience, you must learn patience. On the other hand, a cookie is a good as any reason to get Qui-Gon out of bed. LOL.

Very cute.

 

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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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VaderLVR64 
Title: Fan Fic Manager in Combat Boots
 Registered: Feb '04
24058_Anakin
Date Posted: 3/12/07 6:30am Subject: RE: The Heart of the Jedi -- Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan, JA -- Parts 1-9 -- 9-Mar-2007
It would have been so much easier for him, Obi-Wan thought crossly, if Qui-Gon was still in bed because he had mysteriously died in the night.

laugh Loved it! applause

 

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ardavenport 
Registered: Dec '04
22348_Luke Skywalker
Date Posted: 3/15/07 5:38pm Subject: RE: The Heart of the Jedi -- Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan, JA -- Parts 1-9 -- 9-Mar-2007
azizah: Glad you enjoyed it! Poor Obi-Wan; Qui-Gon can be very trying and annoying master at times.

Fifilla: I toyed with the idea of Obi-Wan trying out one of his more radical methods of getting Qui-Gon, but I just knew he was too smart to be in arm's reach when he did it. grin Thanks for the reply!

NabooPop: Thank-you! Yes, caught with the cookie box indeed. grin

Valairy_Scot: Thanks! Patience, yes Obi-Wan must learn patience. happy

Gkilkenny: No doubt, rogue Qui-Gon can be very trying. rolling_eyes It's tough for Obi-Wan to know where he stands when Qui-Gon isn't sure where he stands, too. And while Qui-Gon took the cookie, Obi-Wan still had the box. happy Thanks for the reply!

earlybird-obi-wan: Thanks! True, Qui-Gon was showing off a bit with the cookie, so Obi-Wan might not want to see Anakin doing it.

Dragonlady: Thank-you very much! happy

Veloz: I think that Qui-Gon would have stopped Obi-Wan before he could accomplish any of his more extreme wake-up calls and possibly reversed it on Obi-Wan if he was feeling very puckish. mischief Obi-Wan is wiser than Qui-Gon. Thanks for reading!

dianethx: Well, I don't think Qui-Gon would have minded if Obi-Wan had a cookie. happy And Obi-Wan did get him out of bed. mischief Thanks for the reply!

VaderLVR64: Thank-you! Qui-Gon can be so irritating. mischief


 

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---- Qui-Gon, Obi-Wan, JA and everything you wanted to know about lightsabers
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ardavenport 
Registered: Dec '04
22348_Luke Skywalker
Date Posted: 3/15/07 5:52pm Subject: RE: The Heart of the Jedi -- Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan, JA -- Parts 1-9 -- 9-Mar-2007
///o\\\’///o\\\’///o\\\’///o\\\’///o\\\’///o\\\ - - - Part 10


Qui-Gon weighted an end cap in his hand. Then he picked up a second one. The third one before him had come from his now disassembled saber hilt. He finally settled on the one that had come from his previous saber, but he put the other two choices away in a mesh bin, with the other spare parts, in case he wanted to look at them again.

He looked at the parts laid out in approximately the positions they would be in the assembled saber. Then he compared them to the design, glowing on the screen at his work area.

This saber seemed to be coming to him very slowly. He had changed the design several times. It had started out being very similar to his old saber, but every time he tried a prototype it felt wrong, compelling him to make another modification. Obi-Wan had already settled on most parts of his saber, including the outer housing.

He picked up the crystal chamber, turning over the translucent cylinder; silver metal studs on it reflected the work light. He wondered again if he should use a design that would allow his saber to twist and come apart in the middle to extract the crystals directly, or have only access from the ends, so the whole mechanism could slide. Qui-Gon had been satisfied with both choices on different sabers. Obi-Wan had immediately chosen the latter for himself.

Qui-Gon could not explain his indecisiveness, but the pieces he had assembled and looked over did not feel quite right to him when put together.

He had never been mechanically inclined. While some Jedi Masters designed every logic circuit, fashioned every tiny energizing rod, Qui-Gon's sabers were more a task of choosing parts and assembly, though he did always fashion the hand grip himself.

Soft footsteps approached. Qui-Gon knew it was Obi-Wan even before he came around the corner of the row of workstations that he sat at. The very faint impression that he was the person walking tickled his senses through their bond. Obi-Wan was not yet experienced enough to consciously pick out the subtleties but he seemed adept enough at anticipating his Master sometimes.

Obi-Wan appeared at the end of the row and came to him. He had been initially disappointed that his Master had chosen a workstation in another part of the room, but Qui-Gon expected that he would see the wisdom of them not looking over each other's shoulder while they worked.

He turned to his waiting apprentice.

"You have a question?" he asked.

Obi-Wan held out his hands. He had four different power cores, all the same size, but different types.

"I'm not sure which one would be best," he explained.

"Aah," Qui-Gon responded, understanding. The choice of power core was one of the simplest for a lightsaber. The size, shape and shielding of it was more important than the power specifications. Qui-Gon had already selected a new one for himself, exactly the same type as the one in his old saber; one choice that he did feel confident in.

He took the four cylinders and lined them up on the edge of his work area. As he handled them, he immediately knew which one he thought would be best for Obi-Wan, but he said nothing. He needed to show Obi-Wan how to choose, not to make the choice for him. The details of this choice were not taught to Initiates, only Padawans, but Obi-Wan had been doing so well with building his saber, Qui-Gon had thought that he might wait until he had a complete assembly before showing him.

Taking a thick, flexible square from the back of his work area, he wrapped it around the first shielded core. That approximated the diameter of the completed saber hilt. He waved it up and down, explaining to Obi-Wan what he should and should not be looking for. “Let me show you,” Qui-Gon said.

Obediently, Obi-Wan took the wrapped power core, closed his eyes and cleared his mind. Qui-Gon got up and moved behind Obi-Wan. His large hands easily covered Obi-Wan's wrist and hand. He guided Obi-Wan through the motions of testing the feel of the power core. Qui-Gon taught every new form or lightsaber technique the same way, guiding him through the motions, the Force flowing between them so that Obi-Wan's mind and body would know exactly what he was to learn.

For this lesson, Qui-Gon revealed something new.

Even with an inactive power core a Jedi could sense how the Force would flow through body, saber and blade. The crystals and focusing rings contained and directed the blade, but the true power of the Force flowed into the core, renewing the energy of the blade. Lightsabers were designed that way so that even untrained Initiates would instinctively wield them that way as long as they used the Force.

Qui-Gon's last lightsaber had been constructed with a new and fully charged power core. In all its years of use, he had never needed to recharge it.

Speaking softly, Qui-Gon guided Obi-Wan's arm through the gentle sweeps and arcs that he had used. Eyes wide with surprise, Obi-Wan gasped, his hand held between Qui-Gon's and the power core. Obi-Wan already knew about the intuitive power of using a lightsaber and that the Force could renew the blade. Qui-Gon now taught him more about the control, how he would consciously strengthen it and how he would let it guide him.

Qui-Gon lowered Obi-Wan's arm.

"Now wait," he said before Obi-Wan could speak. He put back the power core, picked up the next one in the row and wrapped the flexible square around it. His hands once again enclosed Obi-Wan's, which held the new core. He again took his apprentice through the same motions.

"Feel the difference?" he asked over Obi-Wan's shoulder. He nodded, but didn't speak. They did the same for the other two power cores, then Qui-Gon resumed his seat, facing Obi-Wan.

"Now try again, with each of them." Obi-Wan silently nodded and tested them one at a time. Qui-Gon could sense his new awareness. The flow of the Force was a gentle breeze now compared to the torrent it could be with an active lightsaber, but the basic idea was the same and Obi-Wan had clearly grasped it. But Qui-Gon also sensed a discord accompanying it. Obi-Wan's awareness improved with each core, but his expression grew increasingly unhappy about it.

He asked Obi-Wan if he now knew which one to choose. Obi-Wan pointed at the one Qui-Gon had expected him to. Qui-Gon smiled.

"Something else is disturbing you, Obi-Wan," he said. His apprentice's eyes looked downward. Qui-Gon waited patiently for him to speak.

"I just sensed how strong you are in the Force, Master." Obi-Wan stopped averting his eyes and straightened. "And that I know now that I will not be." He looked like he was expecting a punishment.

Qui-Gon stared back.

"I have many years of experience, compared to which, you are still a youngling. You cannot know how your abilities will change as you mature."

Obi-Wan nodded sincere agreement to that. "I know that, Master, but -"
*
"No, Obi-Wan." Qui-Gon cut him off to squash this sudden, inexplicable defeatism. "Your abilities will be what they will be. Do not anticipate them. Any predictions you manufacture for yourself will become self-fulfilling, and I will not allow that."

"I only meant. . . . that I know I won't become as powerful as -"

"No, Obi-Wan." Qui-Gon waved his hand downward to cut him off again; this line of thought was even worse. "Wielding a lightsaber is not about power, young one. If it were, then Jedi would hurl Sith lightning instead of channeling the energy through the blade. The lightsaber is also the instrument and symbol of a Jedi's control and connection to the Force, not just its power."

"Yes, Master." Obi-Wan replied quietly. Qui-Gon looked at him critically. He read only confusion and hurt from his apprentice. More words would either encourage this new attitude or harden it into stubbornness.

"We will include this in all our future training. Tomorrow." A look of surprise briefly crossed Obi-Wan's face before retreating to neutral. They had been planning on one more training session before last meal. "In the meantime, I would suggest you meditate on what I have said."

Subdued, Obi-Wan silently nodded, collected his power cores and left. Qui-Gon turned away from his departure, back to the pieces of his own work.


--- tbc ---

 

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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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LuvEwan 
Registered: Mar '02
6458_Ewan and Temuera
Date Posted: 3/15/07 6:04pm Subject: RE: The Heart of the Jedi -- Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan, JA -- Parts 1-9 -- 9-Mar-2007
Poor Obi-Wan. sad

It would be very easy for him to think himself incapable of reaching great heights in Knighthood, when he is comparing himself to his accomplished Master. But of course, most Padawans (well, maybe not Anakin) would think the same thing.

Uncertainty can be the most difficult thing to overcome. Finding the right way to handle it is not easy. I look forward to seeing how Qui-Gon will handle Obi-Wan's lack of confidence in his skills.

I saw that you added replies, so I've been sitting around waiting to see if an update would come with it. Does that make me like a stalker or something? tongue Great update, as usual. Love your stuff to death. wink

 

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So it was Anakin's butt after all. He supposed he might take a modicum of comfort from that.
-Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith, by Matthew Stover
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Valairy_Scot 
Title: PT Rewrite Winner
 Registered: Sep '05
19543_Obi-Wan Kenobi
Date Posted: 3/15/07 6:24pm Subject: RE: The Heart of the Jedi -- Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan, JA -- Parts 1-9 -- 9-Mar-2007
Another nice update and look at the emerging relationship between the two.

 

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http://boards.theforce.net/fan_fiction_resource/b10304/25405090/p3/?52 Prolific Author thread: list & links there.
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Layren 
Registered: Oct '03
44311_Qui-Gon & Anakin
Date Posted: 3/15/07 7:15pm Subject: RE: The Heart of the Jedi -- Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan, JA -- Parts 1-9 -- 9-Mar-2007
Drat I missed a chapter somehow even with the PM! D'oh. beatup

Really had to laugh at Obi going in and finding Qui-Gon sleeping.. and the thing with the cookies.. of course Qui wouldn't want anyone stealing his cookies LOL! I laughed out loud at that grin


And poor Obi on the other, but I do see where both parties are coming from. Qui-Gon doesn't want Obi-Wan to fall victim to self-fullfilling prophecies of defeat, yet Obi-Wan is having a hard time comparing his own skills with how he could be one day. I think I agree with Qui-Gon and that he needs to meditate and perhaps he'll overcome his uncertain feelings happy Great job!

 

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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
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Gkilkenny 
Registered: Mar '04
7963_Obi-Wan Kenobi
Date Posted: 3/16/07 1:38am Subject: RE: The Heart of the Jedi -- Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan, JA -- Parts 1-9 -- 9-Mar-2007
I like that everything Qui-Gon does to Obi-Wan is solely to improve his connection to the Force.

You show him as a good teacher. but maybe he could smile a bit more laugh

 

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Peace over anger - honour over hate - Strength over fear.
Links to Stories in my Bio. Obi-Wan forever.
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Fifilla 
Registered: Mar '06
8151_Sando Aqua Monster
Date Posted: 3/16/07 3:27am Subject: RE: The Heart of the Jedi -- Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan, JA -- Parts 1-9 -- 9-Mar-2007
Qui-Gon got up and moved behind Obi-Wan. His large hands easily covered Obi-Wan's wrist and hand. He guided Obi-Wan through the motions of testing the feel of the power core. Qui-Gon taught every new form or lightsaber technique the same way, guiding him through the motions, the Force flowing between them so that Obi-Wan's mind and body would know exactly what he was to learn.
love Very sweet!!! applause

"I just sensed how strong you are in the Force, Master." Obi-Wan stopped averting his eyes and straightened. "And that I know now that I will not be."
Obi-Wan is how old in this story? 14? He is still a child, no wonder that he thinks he will never be as strong as his Master. I hope Qui-Gon can give him some self-confidence, perhaps he should tell him some stories from his youth? Would be fun to read them wink

 

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"There's always a bigger fish."
Fear Of Failure - young Qui-Gon (WIP) > http://boards.theforce.net/before_the_saga/b10475/27642896
Padawan to Valairy_Scot happy
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Shahar 
Registered: Nov '03
24161_Jedi
Date Posted: 3/16/07 5:01am Subject: RE: The Heart of the Jedi -- Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan, JA -- Parts 1-9 -- 9-Mar-2007
I feel silly writing the same thing over and over and over, but i must: "nice as always!". I loved the last chapters, and I cannot wait until the next one.

 

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Attack on the Senate - http://boards.theforce.net/before_the_saga/b10475/22676187/p1/?33
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VaderLVR64 
Title: Fan Fic Manager in Combat Boots
 Registered: Feb '04
24058_Anakin
Date Posted: 3/16/07 6:56am Subject: RE: The Heart of the Jedi -- Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan, JA -- Parts 1-9 -- 9-Mar-2007
"I just sensed how strong you are in the Force, Master." Obi-Wan stopped averting his eyes and straightened. "And that I know now that I will not be." He looked like he was expecting a punishment.

Qui-Gon stared back.

"I have many years of experience, compared to which, you are still a youngling. You cannot know how your abilities will change as you mature."

Obi-Wan nodded sincere agreement to that. "I know that, Master, but -"
*
"No, Obi-Wan." Qui-Gon cut him off to squash this sudden, inexplicable defeatism. "Your abilities will be what they will be. Do not anticipate them. Any predictions you manufacture for yourself will become self-fulfilling, and I will not allow that."

"I only meant. . . . that I know I won't become as powerful as -"

"No, Obi-Wan." Qui-Gon waved his hand downward to cut him off again; this line of thought was even worse. "Wielding a lightsaber is not about power, young one. If it were, then Jedi would hurl Sith lightning instead of channeling the energy through the blade. The lightsaber is also the instrument and symbol of a Jedi's control and connection to the Force, not just its power."

"Yes, Master." Obi-Wan replied quietly. Qui-Gon looked at him critically. He read only confusion and hurt from his apprentice. More words would either encourage this new attitude or harden it into stubbornness.

"We will include this in all our future training. Tomorrow." A look of surprise briefly crossed Obi-Wan's face before retreating to neutral. They had been planning on one more training session before last meal. "In the meantime, I would suggest you meditate on what I have said."

I really like the interaction between these two. And I LOVE your characterization! applause

 

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Veloz 
Registered: Aug '04
39908_Obi-Wan Kenobi
Date Posted: 3/16/07 8:04am Subject: RE: The Heart of the Jedi -- Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan, JA -- Parts 1-9 -- 9-Mar-2007
Wonderful update applause

I'm glad Qui Gon isnt wasting time in correcting Obi Wan's insecurities and allowing him to become the jedi he knows Obi can be happy

I love who u write both characters, and how their relationship started to grow, as they connect deeper with each other applause

Tnx so much for the pm grin peace

 

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"Who's the more foolish...the fool or the fool who follows him?"- Obi Wan Kenobi, ANH
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earlybird-obi-wan 
Registered: Aug '06
6130_Obi-Wan Kenobi
Date Posted: 3/16/07 8:40am Subject: RE: The Heart of the Jedi -- Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan, JA -- Parts 1-9 -- 9-Mar-2007
another great update with Qui-Gon as a teacher.

 

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ardavenport 
Registered: Dec '04
22348_Luke Skywalker
Date Posted: 3/21/07 6:33pm Subject: RE: The Heart of the Jedi -- Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan, JA -- Parts 1-10 -- 15-Mar-2007
LuvEwan: Poor Obi-Wan indeed. He is young, and even Qui-Gon isn't certain about how to deal with it. Best for them to think about it on their own before the find a resolution. Thank for reading!

I saw that you added replies, so I've been sitting around waiting to see if an update would come with it. Does that make me like a stalker or something?

No, that just means I'm very predictable in my story posting habits. tongue And thanks for the reply!

Valairy_Scot: Thank you! happy

Layren: I like to think that Qui-Gon gave Obi-Wan a cookie, since Obi-Wan was still holding the box. And yes, Obi-Wan needs to go and think about what kind of Jedi he'll be someday. Thanks for reading!

Gkilkenny: Qui-Gon is a good teacher, I think, but he tends to be serious. That seems to be a something that the Jedi Order encourages, and Obi-Wan tended to pick that up when he got older, too. Thanks much for the reply!

Fifilla: Thank-you! happy Yes, Obi-Wan is young, but I think Padme was a queen, or nearly so when she was the same age. A lot is expected of kids in the GFFA. I suppose if Obi-Wan asked, Qui-Gon would talk about his younger days, but he might have to ask others for the really good stories. wink

Shahar: Sameness is fine; I love replies. grin Glad you enjoyed this last chapter!

VaderLVR64: Thanks so much! happy Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan are an intriguing pair to write with; they have lots of stories in them.

Veloz: Thank-you! Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan are fun to write, especially when Obi-Wan is younger and things are still new to him.

earlybird-obi-wan: Thanks! happy

 

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---- Qui-Gon, Obi-Wan, JA and everything you wanted to know about lightsabers
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ardavenport 
Registered: Dec '04
22348_Luke Skywalker
Date Posted: 3/21/07 6:35pm Subject: RE: The Heart of the Jedi -- Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan, JA -- Parts 1-10 -- 15-Mar-2007
///o\\\’///o\\\’///o\\\’///o\\\’///o\\\’///o\\\ - - - Part 11


Obi-Wan was not very interested in eating; he had come to the dining hall out of habit. But when he saw his friend, Bant, in the crowd he had sought her out. They got trays and food together and found a table where they could speak privately. Bant's eyes kept looking around and Obi-Wan said nothing about Qui-Gon's conspicuous absence. By the time they sat down, her expression had become fearful.

He and Bant had been Initiates together and she had shown him only kindness during his probation. The young Calamari girl was well aware of Obi-Wan's difficult apprenticeship. As soon as they sat down, she told him that she had heard that he was commended by the Council for saving Qui-Gon's life on their last mission.

Then she had asked how he and Qui-Gon were doing. Obi-Wan assured her that they were both fine and that he was building a new lightsaber.

"Qui-Gon is not with you," she pointed out quietly. "I always see you eating together."

Obi-Wan lowered his eyes. If he wished to talk with her about Qui-Gon's lecture, then he would first have to tell her about it.

Bant listened, her large, silver eyes attentive while Obi-Wan told her what had happened. They sat together in the dining hall amidst the murmur of evening conversation from the Jedi at the tables around them. He told her what he had sensed when Qui-Gon had showed him how to choose a power core for his new saber.

Obi-Wan knew he was strong with the Force, and Qui-Gon's teachings had always reinforced that in him. He knew that just a year ago, before becoming Qui-Gon's Padawan, he would not have been able to act as he had during his last mission. But Qui-Gon's demonstration that day had revealed a level deeper than he had ever experienced, and Obi-Wan had known immediately that he would never reach it.

Obi-Wan had seen his Master train with other Jedi. During his probation, he and Qui-Gon had spent long periods of time at the Temple. Other Jedi Knights and Masters came to Qui-Gon Jinn to test their lightsaber skills and learn new ones. Except for a few other Masters in the Temple, Qui-Gon Jinn always prevailed in these sparring matches, sometimes easily.

Obi-Wan had observed those sessions carefully and imagined himself being that, the Master who others came to. But when he had felt the Force, pouring from Qui-Gon though him to the power core, he had realized that this would not be. Whatever skill was in Qui-Gon, did not exist in himself. It was something that was either there or not and no amount of practice or training would change that. He would be always be the Jedi who came to greater Masters to learn.

Bant's eyes were wide when he finished and Obi-Wan took a sudden interest in his soup.

"But, Obi-Wan," Bant finally said. "It sounds like you told Qui-Gon that you wouldn't be a very good Jedi."

Obi-Wan drew back. He knew he had not said that, but Bant only shook her orange-pinkish head in response to his denial, her expression sad.

"You said you would not be strong in the Force."

"Like Qui-Gon," he amended quickly.

"Is Qui-Gon the only Jedi strong in the Force?" she asked.

"Nnnoooo." Uncertainty suddenly dragged on his words. "But, I know what I felt. Through the Force. It felt like. . . . I don't have what Qui-Gon has. I could see both of us. There was something that Qui-Gon has with a lightsaber that I don't. And I could only see it then, because I was seeing it through him."

Bant pressed her thin, moist lips together. Then she held her hand out to him. Obi-Wan laid his hand in hers and looked up into her silver eyes.

"Whenever we have sparred, Obi-Wan, even though I am younger, and have much to learn, I know. . . ." She put her other hand on her breast, ". . . .that I will never be as strong with a lightsaber as you will be. That is not in me. Do you think then, that I will not be a good Jedi?"

"No!"

Obi-Wan could not imagine anyone more suited to be a Jedi Knight than his gentle friend, Bant. She was still an Initiate and nearly three years younger than he, but he knew few others her age who were more at peace with themselves and the Force. Her thirteenth birthday, the deadline when she must be chosen as a Padawan or leave the Order, was still years away, but Obi-Wan knew that a Master would take her to train.

His hand tightened around her small slender one. He could feel the Force through her soft skin, warm and moist and scented like salt water. The control and calm that he had often struggled for came to her naturally, because it was part of her, like Qui-Gon's skill was a part of him.

"I've always thought you would be a better Jedi than I." His lips curled in a small smile. "At least, a wiser one."

She smiled back. "You will be wise, too, Obi-Wan. I can feel that." She laid her other hand over his. Then her expression became serious again. "But Obi-Wan, do you think you need to be like Qui-Gon to be a good Jedi?"


///o\\\’///o\\\’///o\\\’///o\\\’///o\\\’///o\\\ - - -


Qui-Gon reached the top of the stairs and entered the intersection of halls on Obi-Wan's level of the Temple. He passed the huge potted plant, turned to his right and entered an empty hallway exactly like his own, two levels down, except the simple decoration on the floor and doors were tinted blue.

He stopped at Obi-Wan's door, touched the panel by it and waited. Obi-Wan usually anticipated his arrival.

When the door did open, Obi-Wan, fully dressed, nodded to him. He nodded back before entering. The room was different.

Obi-Wan had changed his holo-window from the usual sky scape to a leafy view of the gardens inside the Jedi Temple, accompanied by the very faint sound of air and plants rustling. Qui-Gon said nothing, but he did pause to look before taking his seat, facing away from the scene. And Obi-Wan noticed his glance.

Qui-Gon kept his face neutral, but an irrational hope sprang up within him. He had said nothing to his apprentice about his plain room. It was as minimal as a meditation chamber, the ideal abode of a Jedi Knight, but instead of fostering peace and simplicity, that beige void imprisoned its occupant. Qui-Gon had accepted the room as Obi-Wan's self-inflicted penance during his probation, but that time was past, and the Jedi Master welcomed the change.

"Have you considered what we spoke of yesterday?" he asked.

"Yes, Master." He sat up straight, the new lighting in the room made him look different. "I sensed through the Force that I do not have the same potential with the lightsaber that you have achieved. I must find my own potential instead."

Qui-Gon let the breath that he had been holding out very slowly.

"I would be honored to assist you in that journey." Obi-Wan's posture relaxed and he nodded. "I presume that we know what we will be meditating on this morning?" he asked and his apprentice smirked in return.

"Yes, Master."


--- tbc ---


 

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