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Topic:
Fear Of Failure (young Qui-Gon) - Chapter 4 (13/11/2007)
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SilSolo
Registered:
Mar '04
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Date Posted:
10/30/07 10:52pm
Subject:
RE: Fear Of Failure (young Qui-Gon) - Chapter 2 (30/10/2007)
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you did the plot bunny justice. very nice start 
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KELIA
Title: Fan Fiction Moderator
Registered:
Jul '05
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Date Posted:
11/2/07 6:40am
Subject:
RE: Fear Of Failure (young Qui-Gon) - Chapter 2 (30/10/2007)
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I loved Qui-Gon's meticulous preperations for his first mission.
Interesting the Force is whispering so loudly to him and not the Council members...or have they learned to ignore it?
Great update
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VaderLVR64
Title: Fan Fic Manager in Combat Boots
Registered:
Feb '04
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Date Posted:
11/2/07 9:31am
Subject:
RE: Fear Of Failure (young Qui-Gon) - Chapter 2 (30/10/2007)
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Qui-Gon shook his head. No, his way of interpreting the Force had to be wrong. He would do exactly what the Council had ordered.
Qui-Gon's strength is in listening to the Force...no matter what. I hope he remembers that.
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If you have to choose between tears and laughter, remember that laughter burns more calories. Army Mom! HOOAH! Adopt a soldier: http://soldiersangels.org/
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Valairy_Scot
Title: PT Rewrite Winner
Registered:
Sep '05
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Date Posted:
11/3/07 10:48am
Subject:
RE: Fear Of Failure (young Qui-Gon) - Chapter 2 (30/10/2007)
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It's up and getting the responses you deserve. I'd better get busy and beta the next chapter(s), huh?
Great job padawan.
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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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Fifilla
Registered:
Mar '06
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Date Posted:
11/6/07 3:42am
Subject:
RE: Fear Of Failure (young Qui-Gon) - Chapter 2 (30/10/2007)
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PM List:
jedidas3
VaderLVR64
earlybird-obi-wan
Quigonjecca
KELIA
Cole_Kenobi
Jinngerbread
dianethx
* * * * * * * * * *
jedidas3:
Excellent update. I love the way that you are building up the history and the mission that they are about to undertake. Great job and thanks for the PM. 
Thank you so much – I hope you enjoy the next chapter.
dianethx:
Well, that doesn't sound good. If he ignores the Force then he's going to get into big trouble.
 I think you are right!
Good job. Please PM me with updates.
Thanks for reading – PM is on the way.
Jinngerbread:
Ack, I echo what Diane said. Listen to the Force, Qui-Gon, or you're going to get in big trouble. Then again, guess that is the idea, isn't it? 
Yes, that’s the idea … poor Qui-Gon! 
Excellent work! Looking forward to more 
Thank you! I’m glad you like the story.
Cole_Kenobi:
It sounds like he is unsure of himself when it comes to trusting his own judgment, this first misson sounds like it's going to lead to danger.
Yes, Qui-Gon is pretty unsure of himself because it’s the first time without the guidance of his Master.
Wonderful update, thanks for the PM.
Thank you so much! You are welcome!
earlybird-obi-wan:
heading to danger no doubt and nice Yoda giving Qui-Gon his title.
Great update
Thank you for reading!
SilSolo:
you did the plot bunny justice. very nice start
Thank you! I’m glad you like it!
KELIA:
Interesting the Force is whispering so loudly to him and not the Council members...or have they learned to ignore it?
I think they can hear it also but they cannot interfere because of political constriction.
Great update
Thank you! 
VaderLVR64:
Qui-Gon's strength is in listening to the Force...no matter what. I hope he remembers that.
It’s his first mission and he is very unsure of himself – but he will learn. The only question is, will he learn fast enough?
Valairy_Scot:
Great job padawan.
Thank you so much, Master!
* * * * * * * * * *
Chapter 3: Teaming Up
Early the next morning Qui-Gon arrived at docking bay 4C. His excitement about the imminent mission had made him wake up long before the alarm clock had rung.
Although he was a bit early, Master Mys’laron and her Padawan were already waiting.
Mys’laron was a Twi’lek with purple skin. Both of her lekkus were wrapped with beige leather strips that perfectly matched the color of her clothes. Qui-Gon didn’t know exactly how old she was, but he knew that Sahria was already her fourth Padawan. This meant that Mys’laron couldn’t be much younger than 60 years; but like all Twi’lek women she had a native grace that attracted a lot of looks and didn’t give a hint of her true age.
Mys’laron was almost as tall as Qui-Gon, a fact that dwarfed the girl who stood beside her even more. Sahria Tazzil was 11 years old and for her age rather small. Her almost not visible braid showed that her Padawan status still was quite new. She had short dark blond hair that curled on her head in wild untamed strands and her big brown eyes sparkled with curiosity.
Qui-Gon approached them, bowed and said, “Good morning, Master Mys’laron. It gives me great pleasure to attend a mission with you.”
Mys’laron smiled and laid her hand on Qui-Gon’s arm.
“Good morning, Qui-Gon. I’m also glad that it is you who will join us.”
Then she turned towards her Padawan and said gently, “Sahria, this is Knight Qui-Gon Jinn.”
Sahria seemed to be very self-confident for a girl in her young age for she didn’t wait for her Master to introduce her. She took a perfect little bow before Qui-Gon and said, “Good morning, Knight Jinn. My name is Sahria Tazzil.”
Qui-Gon couldn’t help but smile - he immediately liked Sahria. Her presence in the Force was agleam and pure and Qui-Gon’s former agitation decreased more and more while he was standing beside her.
* * * * * * * * * *
The flight to Chazwa went smoothly and uneventfully. They had taken a public flight along the Perlemian Trade Route. It was just a small shuttle; Qui-Gon estimated that it has not more than 100 seats. The flight was not fully booked and a lot of seats remained empty.
Most of the passengers were male, many of them busily typed reports in small mobile computers or read through the latest news. They looked like travelling salesmen who pursued their business on Coruscant and were now on their way back to their home planets.
Although the small group of Jedi differed very much from the elegantly dressed business people, they attracted no looks. Jedi were a familiar sight on Coruscant and furthermore most of the salesmen dealt with so many different species from all parts of the galaxy that they didn’t mind different appearances.
The three Jedi found their booked seats at the very rear of the shuttle and made themselves comfortable in the seats. They settled down on a group of four seats with a small table between them.
Master Mys’laron had folded the back of her seat and slept now safe and sound. Her Padawan Sahria however had become restless. She looked curiously either out of the window or at the other passengers. The girl obviously hadn’t been on missions very often; she still found everything exciting and thrilling.
Qui-Gon could sense her rising agitation and he began to smile. Not long ago he had had the very same feelings. His very first mission as a Padawan had been not more then ten years ago – not a very long time. He could easily remember how he had felt then.
Sahria turned red when she noticed his smile. Obviously she had interpreted his expression correctly.
“Please, don’t laugh at me, Knight Jinn! This is my very first mission outside of Coruscant, I have never been on a hyperspace flight before. I am so excited, everything is so… big and fast and… I don’t know… it’s just amazing,” she looked at him with sparkling eyes.
Then she turned down her eyes and said in a very low voice, “And I’m afraid that I will make mistakes and that I will be a disgrace to my Master.”
With some effort, Qui-Gon banished the smile from his face. He didn’t want Sahria to think that he didn’t take her seriously.
“Believe me, Sahria, I don’t laugh at you. I just remembered my first mission; I think I was even more excited than you are now!”
He bent forward and assured her, “Don’t be afraid of disgracing yourself! After all you made it into the shuttle without making a mockery of yourself and your Master.”
Now it was Qui-Gon’s turn to blush. He still found embarrassing what had happened then, even if the event dated back almost ten years.
Qui-Gon looked at Sahria and he could sense that she no longer radiated excitement and nervousness.
She began to giggle when she saw Qui-Gon’s red cheeks and asked hesitantly, “Will you tell me what happened, Knight Jinn?”
For a few moments Qui-Gon just fixed her eyes and finally he said in a deep voice, pretending to be severe, “I will tell you what happened but only if you stop calling me ‘Knight Jinn’.” He bent forward, winked once and whispered, “Otherwise I’ll feel as old as your Master is.”
Without moving, Mys’laron opened one eye and mumbled, “I heard that, Qui-Gon!”
Qui-Gon looked at Sahria and after a few moments they both started to roar with laughter. Good-naturedly Mys’laron shook her head, put her hood over her eyes and cuddled deeper in her seat.
After they had recovered from their fit of laughter, Qui-Gon asked Sahria, “Do you really want to know what happened on my first mission?”
She nodded eagerly and watched him with her big brown eyes.
Qui-Gon sighed. “All right, but you must promise, that you won’t tell anyone about it!”
As if that would make any difference – the whole temple knows about our little misadventure, he added in thoughts.
“I promise I won’t tell anyone or otherwise my Padawan braid shall shrivel and fall off!” she said solemnly.
Qui-Gon looked at her still very short Padawan braid and began to grin once more. Sahria tugged sheepishly at her hair and giggled. Only a few moments later they both roared again with laughter.
Qui-Gon noticed that even Mys’laron in her seat didn’t sleep – her upper body was shaking slightly. With a sigh she finally sat up and removed her hood from her face. She was laughing now so hard that she had tears in her eyes.
“Please, Qui-Gon, I beg you, don’t tell this story! I will die from laughter if I hear it once more. I can remember that it was the topic in the temple for weeks. Poor Master Dooku was not very amused about the whole story.”
Qui-Gon’s face was now glaring red. He remembered all too well the incident, Master Dooku’s reaction and the following weeks in the temple.
Mys’laron seemed to have pity on him for she turned to her Padawan and said, “I think we should leave Qui-Gon alone, look at how embarrassed he already is.”
Qui-Gon tried to send her a grateful smile but then she bent down to Sahria and whispered with a twinkle in her eye, “I will tell you the story later when we are alone.”
Sahria and Mys’laron began to laugh and for a short moment Qui-Gon didn’t know if he should join them or if he should be angry, but their laughter was simply too contagious to remain serious.
* * * * * * * * * *
Having talked about everything and nothing for quite a while, they finally became silent and got lost in their own thoughts. Sahria started again to watch her environment and Qui-Gon could sense how her former agitation returned.
He closed his eyes and raised his mental shields. He intended to meditate for a while before they arrived on Chazwa.
Qui-Gon breathed deeply and slid easily into a light meditation. At the beginning his thoughts dwelled on the upcoming mission – his first mission as a Knight – and he found it difficult to empty his mind. But after a short while he managed to banish every concrete thought until only his feelings remained.
Although he had successfully shielded Sahria’s excitement, he still could feel some nervousness. Qui-Gon furrowed his brow; where did this feeling come from? He examined his mind and was puzzled when he recognized that this was his very own feeling. But why was he so nervous? Was it just the fact that this was his first mission or was there something else?
The longer he tried to examine his feelings the more elusive his uneasiness became; he just couldn’t grasp it. The only thing he could do about it was to wait and see what the future would bring.
With a sigh Qui-Gon opened his eyes and finished his meditation.
His thoughts turned to his two companions.
They had found out that Sahria had become Mys’laron’s Padawan almost five months ago, on the very same day Qui-Gon had been knighted. Sahria found that fact immensely thrilling and even Qui-Gon had to admit that he was fascinated by it, for both he and Sahria had taken a step in a new direction that very day.
Being only 11 years old Sahria seemed to be very clever and eloquent. She was a self-confident young girl and Qui-Gon was sure that she would easily find her way. Sahria reminded him very much of Mys’laron; the two of them were really of one kind.
Qui-Gon had some trouble to imagine how such a Master-Padawan relationship would work. His own Master, Dooku, and Qui-Gon himself were different in almost all things and they had disagreed on almost everything. Qui-Gon had to admit that because of their differences his time as a Padawan had been often difficult and stressful but nevertheless he had learnt a lot from Dooku.
First of all he had learnt to look at things from different points of view. Most of the time his point of view had differed from the one Dooku had had and in the end Qui-Gon always had had to subordinate his own opinion. In the beginning of their relationship Qui-Gon had often been frustrated that Dooku had never approved of his Padawan’s opinion but he had finally accepted this behavior – mainly because he had found out that Dooku acted always this way.
Dooku was a very self-confident man who was sometimes almost a bit arrogant about his abilities and his knowledge and who never argued when he had chosen his path. But even if arrogance was not a Jedi trait this behavior came not from afar because Dooku was not only an excellent swordsman but also his knowledge of the galaxy was immense. Qui-Gon counted himself lucky to have had such a Master even if Dooku had driven him to the edge of frustration more than once.
A part of him envied Sahria; surely she would experience this kind of frustration only very seldom in her relationship with Mys’laron. Mys’laron always had loved the discussions with her pupils and Qui-Gon was sure that she would encourage Sahria to always pronounce and stand up for her opinion.
(TBC)
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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
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KELIA
Title: Fan Fiction Moderator
Registered:
Jul '05
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Date Posted:
11/6/07 3:53am
Subject:
RE: Fear Of Failure (young Qui-Gon) - Chapter 3 (06/11/2007)
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That was wonderful.
I loved the friendship beginning to develop between Qui-Gon and Sahria.
But now I'm dying to know what happened on his first mission!!
Great update
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dianethx
Registered:
Mar '02
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Date Posted:
11/6/07 3:57am
Subject:
RE: Fear Of Failure (young Qui-Gon) - Chapter 3 (06/11/2007)
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It sounds like things might get a little hectic once they arrive. Qui-Gon's feelings are telling him something's not right and he'll learn to listen to them eventually.
This made me sad.
Qui-Gon had some trouble to imagine how such a Master-Padawan relationship would work. His own Master, Dooku, and Qui-Gon himself were different in almost all things and they had disagreed on almost everything. Qui-Gon had to admit that because of their differences his time as a Padawan had been often difficult and stressful but nevertheless he had learnt a lot from Dooku.
Poor kid. Although he learned a lot, how much more might he have learned if Dooku had been a different type of master. Oh, well.
Looking forward to more.
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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 11/20/08 jedidas3's Master At last - Hope for our country
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Cole_Kenobi
Registered:
Aug '05
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Date Posted:
11/6/07 4:01pm
Subject:
RE: Fear Of Failure (young Qui-Gon) - Chapter 3 (06/11/2007)
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Awww, this chapter had a very nice feeling about it. I love how easily Qui-gon made the situation of working with another master and her padawan. Aha, I love their personalities. I could just picture the girl's reslestness and excitement. I really want to hear this story of Qui-gon's first mission aha. Wonderful update, thanks bunches.
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jedidas3
Registered:
Apr '07
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Date Posted:
11/6/07 4:21pm
Subject:
RE: Fear Of Failure (young Qui-Gon) - Chapter 3 (06/11/2007)
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Wonderful update! I really enjoy how you continue to build up the story that makes the reader wanting more. So how about it? More soon, please? 
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Jinngerbread
Registered:
Sep '07
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Date Posted:
11/6/07 6:27pm
Subject:
RE: Fear Of Failure (young Qui-Gon) - Chapter 3 (06/11/2007)
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I agree with Diane. Qui-Gon should listen to those feelings! And I really want to know about Qui-Gon's first mission. Perhaps you can do that as a back story someday?
Keep up the good work
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Master_Tigris_Leigh
Registered:
Jul '04
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Date Posted:
11/7/07 12:09am
Subject:
RE: Fear Of Failure (young Qui-Gon) - Chapter 3 (06/11/2007)
- Date Edited:
11/7/07 12:14am (1 edits total)
Edited By:
Master_Tigris_Leigh
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I love this story! I'm glad I found it. Sahria is very cute.  I like the friendship developing between her and Qui-Gon, and his thoughts about the difference between his experience as a Padawan and Sahria's experience were interesting. For me it sort of foreshadows his relationship with Obi-Wan. Excellent job!
You're also building up suspense quite nicely. I'm a bit nervous about whether everyone will make it out of this okay, since you mentioned a big event that would put Qui-Gon in a crisis. Don't keep us in suspense for long! Update soon!
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Alaska: The odds are good, but the goods are odd.   Empathy=Quantum Mechanics   "Oddentity: the individual expression of self in ideosyncratic ways." -An awesome typo by my friend Brandon that evolved into an entirely new word. ^-^
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VaderLVR64
Title: Fan Fic Manager in Combat Boots
Registered:
Feb '04
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Date Posted:
11/7/07 9:08am
Subject:
RE: Fear Of Failure (young Qui-Gon) - Chapter 3 (06/11/2007)
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What a nice relationship seems to be budding here.
“I promise I won’t tell anyone or otherwise my Padawan braid shall shrivel and fall off!” she said solemnly.
Qui-Gon looked at her still very short Padawan braid and began to grin once more. Sahria tugged sheepishly at her hair and giggled. Only a few moments later they both roared again with laughter.
Qui-Gon noticed that even Mys’laron in her seat didn’t sleep – her upper body was shaking slightly. With a sigh she finally sat up and removed her hood from her face. She was laughing now so hard that she had tears in her eyes.
“Please, Qui-Gon, I beg you, don’t tell this story! I will die from laughter if I hear it once more. I can remember that it was the topic in the temple for weeks. Poor Master Dooku was not very amused about the whole story.”
Qui-Gon’s face was now glaring red. He remembered all too well the incident, Master Dooku’s reaction and the following weeks in the temple.
Mys’laron seemed to have pity on him for she turned to her Padawan and said, “I think we should leave Qui-Gon alone, look at how embarrassed he already is.”
Qui-Gon tried to send her a grateful smile but then she bent down to Sahria and whispered with a twinkle in her eye, “I will tell you the story later when we are alone.”
Sahria and Mys’laron began to laugh and for a short moment Qui-Gon didn’t know if he should join them or if he should be angry, but their laughter was simply too contagious to remain serious.
Loved it! 
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If you have to choose between tears and laughter, remember that laughter burns more calories. Army Mom! HOOAH! Adopt a soldier: http://soldiersangels.org/
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BottledUpInside
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Date Posted:
11/7/07 1:50pm
Subject:
RE: Fear Of Failure (young Qui-Gon) - Chapter 3 (06/11/2007)
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I would love to be put on the PM list for this fiction! You've done a fantastic job so far, I can't wait to see more into the past of Qui Gon!
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earlybird-obi-wan
Registered:
Aug '06
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Date Posted:
11/9/07 6:23am
Subject:
RE: Fear Of Failure (young Qui-Gon) - Chapter 3 (06/11/2007)
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What will happen on Jinn's first mission?
Great update
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Fifilla
Registered:
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Date Posted:
11/13/07 4:45am
Subject:
RE: Fear Of Failure (young Qui-Gon) - Chapter 3 (06/11/2007)
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PM List:
jedidas3
VaderLVR64
earlybird-obi-wan
Quigonjecca
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Cole_Kenobi
Jinngerbread
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BottledUpInside
* * * * * * * * * *
KELIA:
That was wonderful.
Thank you very much!
But now I'm dying to know what happened on his first mission!!
Perhaps I will tell this story someday… we’ll see.
dianethx:
Poor kid. Although he learned a lot, how much more might he have learned if Dooku had been a different type of master. Oh, well.
I don’t think Dooku was a very caring Master… poor Qui-Gon, indeed
Cole_Kenobi:
Awww, this chapter had a very nice feeling about it. I love how easily Qui-gon made the situation of working with another master and her padawan. Aha, I love their personalities. I could just picture the girl's reslestness and excitement. I really want to hear this story of Qui-gon's first mission aha. Wonderful update, thanks bunches.
Thank you so much I’m glad you’re enjoying the story.
jedidas3:
Wonderful update! I really enjoy how you continue to build up the story that makes the reader wanting more. So how about it? More soon, please?
Here is the next chapter, I hope you like it.
Jinngerbread:
And I really want to know about Qui-Gon's first mission. Perhaps you can do that as a back story someday?
I already have something in mind… but I fear you have to be patient!
Master_Tigris_Leigh:
I love this story! I'm glad I found it. Sahria is very cute. I like the friendship developing between her and Qui-Gon, and his thoughts about the difference between his experience as a Padawan and Sahria's experience were interesting. For me it sort of foreshadows his relationship with Obi-Wan. Excellent job!
Thanks for reading, I’m glad you like it!
VaderLVR64:
What a nice relationship seems to be budding here.
Loved it!
Thank you so much
BottledUpInside:
I would love to be put on the PM list for this fiction! You've done a fantastic job so far, I can't wait to see more into the past of Qui Gon!
You are on the PM list – thanks for reading. I hope you enjoy the next chapter.
earlybird-obi-wan:
What will happen on Jinn's first mission?
Not everything will be fun, I can promise that
* * * * * * * * * *
Chapter 4: Arrival
Chazwa was the third stop on their flight. The three Jedi packed their few belongings and prepared to leave the shuttle.
Once they arrived in Iritsa they first checked into their accommodations. The small hostel was located in a calm side street only a few minutes away from the conference center. The building had a very unimpressive look from the outside but inside it provided the newest technical standard. The Jedi would be able to contact the temple at any time to access the information in the archives or to contact the council if necessary.
On the one hand Chazwa attached great importance to the newest technical standard. The planet had been the mainspring for the formation of a trade alliance. On the other hand the inhabitants of Chazwa didn’t want to abandon their traditions. That was the reason why all of the buildings looked plain and almost old-fashioned from the outside. It was understood that the most current technological advances were embraced by the inhabitants, yet such was so artfully concealed as to be nearly invisible. But as soon as one was able to see behind the curtain, a technical standard appeared that was by no means inferior to that on Coruscant. On the contrary, the Chazwanians loved to purchase the newest technical gimmicks and to artfully integrate them in their antiquated looking houses or companies.
After they had moved into their accommodations – Sahria was delighted that she had obviously got the biggest of the three rooms – they met in front of the hotel. Qui-Gon and Mys’laron were amused by the 11-years-old’s hilarious joy when she enthusiastically reported about all the technical gimmicks in her room.
The appointment with the security chief of the conference center was not before late afternoon and so the three Jedi decided to explore the environment and have a small meal in one of the restaurants nearby.
In a good temper they headed for the conference center. Typical for Chazwa, a strong and cold wind was blowing. The light rain that had accompanied them from the spaceport to the hotel had stopped.
The owner of the hotel – a young man who seemed to talk a lot – had told them that the weather forecast for the next few days didn’t announce rain. He had said with a twinkle in his eyes that he would take this as a good omen for the upcoming negotiations.
Qui-Gon didn’t mind the weather, he just loved to be outdoors and feel the elements of nature. He turned his face into the wind and breathed deeply. A light smile crept on his face.
The slight and elusive nervousness that accompanied him since they had left Coruscant vanished for a short moment but then returned immediately. The smile left his face; he furrowed his brow and shook his head lightly.
Mys’laron peered at him. „Is everything all right, Qui-Gon?“ she asked quietly.
Qui-Gon winced and tightened his mental shields. He tried to smile at her and nodded shortly.
Mys’laron watched him intensely for what seemed an eternity to Qui-Gon. Finally she laid a hand on his arm and said, “Whatever is troubling you, you know that you can always come and talk to me.”
Qui-Gon bowed slightly. “Thank you, Master! I value your advice very much.” He didn’t want to bother her with his indefinable feelings at the moment. He intended to meditate later this day about everything but if he was unable to find a solution, perhaps it would be a good idea to speak with somebody about his feelings.
They decided to first approach the conference center on the main street and later check the backside of the buildings and the smaller back roads. They stopped every now and then to discuss a possible weakness in the building’s security and made a lot of notes about the local situations.
Despite her young age Sahria made some good remarks and she never hesitated to answer Mys’laron’s questions with sophisticated and well-structured comments. Mys’laron explained a lot of things and encouraged Sahria to ask her questions at all time. At first Qui-Gon was surprised that Sahria not only asked her Master but also him without hesitation. But after an encouraging nod from Mys’laron he answered all her questions eagerly. Qui-Gon discovered that he tremendously enjoyed discussing all aspects of the security with Sahria and Mys’laron.
Time passed quickly and finally Sahria started to shiver in the cold wind. They searched for a place to warm up and found a nice looking small restaurant. Soon they were sitting in front of steaming plates and enjoying the simple but nevertheless delicious meal.
* * * * * * * * * *
The conference center was, like almost every public building on Chazwa, divided into a traditional and a modern part. The core of the complex and at the same time the newest landmark of Iritsa was the great semicircular entrance hall with its large convex multi-colored transparisteel roof. Around the hall circled a wide corridor with lots of little offices and chambers. The five additional buildings that held the conference rooms were arranged around the entrance hall like the petals of a flower. These five main buildings were single-storied, only the entrance hall with its large transparisteel dome towered above all other buildings in the area.
As it was common for Chazwa, the entrance hall was furnished traditionally. There were old-fashioned wooden doors with doorknobs and keyholes and painted tableaus on the walls. The only concession to the technology was a large screen that announced the upcoming meetings. On a nice day the sunlight that shone through the ceiling painted the floor with fancy patterns in all imaginable colors.
Yet as soon as one left the entrance hall and the public area, it suddenly seemed to be a different world. Metal sliding doors with electronic number pads, computer terminals and straightforward high-tech equipment could be seen everywhere.
Qui-Gon, Mys’laron and Sahria climbed up the few steps and entered the conference center through one of the many doors that led into the great entrance hall. The hall was empty except of a small group of security people who stood together and chatted quietly.
Before the Jedi were able to call attention to their presence the conversation stopped and the group disbanded. Only one man – Qui-Gon recognized him immediately as their contact person, Gabler Cartmell – stayed in the hall while the others disappeared through different doors. He looked up, smiled, and approached the three Jedi with large confident strides, his polished shoes clattered loudly through the abandoned entrance hall.
Security Chief Gabler Cartmell was a tall, slender man who looked at first glance quite impressive and intimidating in his dark green security uniform and with the three-day beard that covered his chin. But a soon as he approached the impression was immediately destroyed by the twinkling brown eyes and happy face. Cartmell was only in his early thirties and even though his short hair was already beginning to turn gray he seemed to be a dynamic and sporty man. Qui-Gon was surprised to see that his left earlobe was pierced with a small silver creole earring. If it had not been for the uniform Cartmell would have looked more like a pirate than like a security officer.
“So, you are the Jedi I’m supposed to meet, aren’t you?” he asked breezily.
“I am Master Mys’laron. This is my Padawan Sahria Tazzil and Knight Qui-Gon Jinn.” The three Jedi greeted the Security Chief with a little bow.
“Hi! I’m Security Chief Gabler Cartmell, but please call me Gabler or Gab,” he said with a hinted salute. “I have no interest in such formalities as titles.”
Mys’laron raised an eyebrow and smiled slightly. Gabler seemed to notice his faux pas because he added quickly, “Oh, I’m sorry, Master Jedi. I certainly will demonstrate all required respect.” He grinned disarmingly.
An awkward silence fell over them until Gabler finally cleared his throat and continued to speak. “The conference center will be closed in two hours. I suggest we make use of the time; I’ll show you round so you can get a general idea of the buildings.” His grin had disappeared and his tone was now all serious and businesslike.
They started their tour and Gabler showed the three Jedi not only the conference rooms where the negotiations would take place but also every other kind of room including the administration and security offices. He answered patiently all of their questions about emergency exits and about every other possibility of entering or leaving the building. The last thing Gabler showed them before they returned to the entrance hall was the spacious basement where the heating and technical installation was located.
“I hope you have now a general idea of our infrastructure. Is there anything else you want to know?”
“Yes, I have some more questions.” Although Qui-Gon didn’t speak very loud his voice echoed through the empty hall. “How many people do you expect here for the negotiations and when exactly will they arrive?”
“It was agreed that each planet could send a maximum of five main negotiators. Together with all the assistants, journalists and secretaries there will easily be a total of 150 participants. I fear it will be very difficult to guarantee their security if ‘The Preservers’ are really planning an assault.” Gabler furrowed his brow. “We have seven days before the first participants will arrive and then five more days until the negotiations will begin.”
“That should be enough time to check all security aspects.” Mys’laron’s voice was firm, but Qui-Gon wasn’t sure if she really felt that way or if she only wanted to reassure herself and the others.
“I hope you are right.” Gabler sighed deeply. “However, there will be a meeting with the security staff tomorrow morning at 0900 where we will discuss the next steps. If you have no more questions I would be happy to find a driver who will bring you back to your hotel.”
“Thank you but that won’t be necessary. Our hotel is just a few minutes walk from here.”
“As you wish.” Gabler motioned towards the exit. “But let me at least accompany you to the door.”
Together they crossed the entrance hall; Gabler opened one of the doors and they all went outside. “Oh, you are lucky; no more rain this evening.”
The three Jedi said goodbye to Gabler and stepped down the stairs in front of the main building. They had barely reached the street level when Qui-Gon and Mys’laron suddenly stopped.
Something was wrong; the Force stirred and whispered a warning in their minds.
(TBC)
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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
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