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Topic:
A Long Time Ago, But Not so Far Away (Qui, Obi JA)--Ch. 5: The Start of a Long Walk-7/19
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p_stotts
Registered:
Jan '01
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Date Posted:
5/22 12:49pm
Subject:
RE: A Long Time Ago, But Not so Far Away (Qui, Obi JA)--Ch. 3: Hell's Aquarium--5/4
- Date Edited:
5/22 1:01pm (1 edits total)
Edited By:
p_stotts
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I thought the action was very well written. You've obviously did your prehistoric research. I kept waiting a T-Rex to show up when they were watching the giant grazers. I wonder what the boys would make of Rapters.
 Bravo! I look forward to reading more of this.
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If you want to make God laugh, tell him your plans for your life.
Proud master to Gkilkenny!
Stories in my bio.
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Bastet
Registered:
Dec '99
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Date Posted:
6/10 8:11pm
Subject:
RE: A Long Time Ago, But Not so Far Away (Qui, Obi JA)--Ch. 3: Hell's Aquarium--5/4
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If anyone is still reading this, don’t worry, I haven’t given up on it! Sorry it’s taking so long, and I really don’t have a good excuse, except massive writer’s block.  Ugh. Anyway, the next chapter is almost ready to post, I just have to go back now and proofread it. I’m going to try really hard not to take so long on the next chapter, so I don’t lose all of my readers, if I haven’t already. 
Cole Kenobi-- Brillant writing. Superb story.  Aww, you’re spoiling me with all your praise!  But I really do appreciate it, thank you so much!  I'm a little bit worried for Qui-gon, I don't believe he gave himself an antibiotic, he better be careful, or else Obi-wan will have to take care of him. Don’t worry, he was able to properly clean and bandage his wound almost right away, so no infections for Qui-Gon. 
Valairy Scot-- Though I knew both Jedi would be okay, I was worried. Don't be worried about your action scenes. Excellent update! Thank you! I’m glad you liked the action, and sorry I worried you! Okay, not really…
Sabriel Orion-- You did great on the action scenes. Don't think you didn't. Thank you so much!
You've kept my interest, so you don't have to worry on that score either. I’m glad! I just hope this long delay between posts didn’t ruin it. 
Gkilkenny-- Every detail was meticulously done, and the action in the ship and surrounding water kept me glued to the screen.  Aww, thanks! I’m glad you guys liked the action!
I could feel in your writing Qui-Gons worry for his Padawan, all in all a very action packed post  I’m glad that came across so well, I sometimes have as much trouble writing emotion as I do writing action.
jedidas3-- Wow! That was intense! Wonderful attention to detail providing your readers with another delightful post. Aww, you guys are too kind! Thank you!
Although, I was kind of worried about Obi-Wan for a while! 
Here's hoping that you'll update soon!  Sorry about that! But more is coming up soon now!
Qui-Jina-Jinn-- What an intense update! And a wonderful one! Thank you!
Somehow I couldn't help but thinking 'There's always a bigger fish'  Me too! Actually, I think I address that in this post coming up…
Glad to know Obi-Wan's fever broke - now let's just hope Qui-Gon doesn't catch one himself from that wound - it sounded pretty serious. Don’t worry, he’ll be okay. Though soon they’ll have bigger things to worry about.
Wonder how/when they will ever be rescued...  Me too! 
Glenstorm-- Loved every second of that. This story just keeps getting better and better. Aww, thanks!
I absolutely loved the title. I kept thinking about where I'd heard it before. Now I know Gotta love that Nigel Marven!
I too find it hard to write action but I think you've done brilliantly! Thank you, I’m glad you guys enjoyed it!
JediKenshin-- Excellent, as always. Love the title of the chapter. Thanks so much!
Lileia-- I liked the story very much and wait for updates impatiently. Thank you, and I’m sorry for the delay, I’ll try my hardest to do better next time!
And please tell your Russian friend thank you very much for such a nice and detailed review! I’m glad they’re enjoying my story too!
This novel reminded me of good old books – world classical adventure literature. Somehow it reminds me most of all of “The Lost World” by Arthur Conan Doyle. But not even because of the dynosaurs or breath-taking adventures. Because of absolute, invaluable, “old-fashioned” decency of the characters.
Absolute Purity and Light!  Wow, thank you!
I do hope this story will not be left uncompleted as it happened to some very good stories. Don’t worry, I plan to finish this even if it kills me!
p_stotts-- Welcome to my story! I thought the action was very well written. You've obviously did your prehistoric research. I kept waiting a T-Rex to show up when they were watching the giant grazers. I wonder what the boys would make of Rapters. Thank you, research is easy when you own about twenty books on dinosaurs. And about T-Rex… No raptors in this story, though, but there is something close!
I’ve already started working on chapter five, and I’m going to try really really hard not to take so long to get it posted! But I’m also moving and going on vacation this month, so we’ll have to see. (Yellowstone, here I come!!!  )
Current PM list:
Cole_Kenobi
Gkilkenny
Valairy Scot
Jinngerbread
Qui-Gina-Jinn
jedidas3
Sabriel_Orion
Please let me know if you want to be added or removed.
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"Oh yeah. Ooh, aah. That's how it always starts. But then later there's running, then...screaming." --Dr. Ian Malcolm
"Okay fine. Go ahead and scream. Then when that tricycloplots attacks you, don't come crying to me." --Paul Kirby
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Bastet
Registered:
Dec '99
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Date Posted:
6/10 10:30pm
Subject:
RE: A Long Time Ago, But Not so Far Away (Qui, Obi JA)--Ch. 3: Hell's Aquarium--5/4
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Chapter Four--A Warning
Obi-Wan came back to consciousness slowly. He was still so tired, he didn’t want to open his eyes. He was warm, and lying on something soft, and he could hear a gentle pattering sound that was threatening to lull him back to sleep even before he had a chance to come fully awake. The boy had just decided that that wouldn’t be such a bad thing after all when he realized that his warm, soft pillow was slowly, gently moving up and down.
Curious, Obi-Wan opened his eyes a crack. Finding himself face to face with his slumbering master, he blinked in surprise. What was he doing lying on top of Qui-Gon? Had he rolled over onto him in his sleep? But then he realized that not only were his own arms around his master, but Qui-Gon’s arms were around him as well. He felt himself blushing slightly, feeling a little awkward at such an open display from his stoic master. He started to pull away, but then stopped when Qui-Gon stirred.
“It’s okay, Obi-Wan,” the big Jedi murmured. “You’re gonna be okay…” His strong arms tightened their hold just a little, and then he moved one large hand up to rest on the boy’s head, gently drawing it back to his broad chest. Obi-Wan was too surprised to resist, he had never heard Qui-Gon talk in his sleep before. “Hmm…my Padawan,” he heard his master whisper, and then the big Jedi stilled again, falling back to deeper sleep.
Obi-Wan just lay there for a moment, a strange mixture of emotions washing over him. His slight embarrassment had quickly given way to a sort of shy pleasure. He smiled to himself. His master had never held him like this before, and he was finding the big Jedi’s arms to be very comforting. He felt completely safe and secure, like nothing would ever harm him here.
Obi-Wan’s smile turned into a yawn. He really was still very tired, he felt his eyes growing heavier again. He wondered idly what time of day it was, the light in their tree wasn’t all that bright, but it was also raining. It was the perfect sort of day to sleep in, he decided, as his eyes drifted closed. The gentle rise and fall of his master’s chest, the steady, strong heartbeat in his ear, the gentle weight of the hand on his head, and the soft patter of rain outside all soon mixed together in his mind to one single sensation of peace, security, and utter contentment as he drifted off to a peaceful slumber.
When Obi-Wan woke up again, he was actually disappointed to find himself alone. He had no memory of his master laying him down and leaving, he must have been really soundly asleep. He reached along their bond, and smiled when his master immediately responded. //Good morning, my Padawan,// he said, his voice infused with all the love and affection he could clearly sense was directed his way.
//Good morning, Master,// Obi-Wan returned.
//I’ll be right there, Padawan,// Qui-Gon assured. //With breakfast.//
Obi-Wan smiled. //Thank you, Master!// He heard Qui-Gon chuckle before he withdrew from the bond.
Obi-Wan yawned, leisurely stretching his arms and legs as he laid on the soft bed of leaves. It was only then that he finally noticed his left arm didn’t hurt anymore. He looked at it, and was very surprised to see his forearm wrapped in a bright white, crispy-clean bandage. He blinked. Where had that come from? Both he and Qui-Gon had been out of medical supplies from their belts, hadn’t they? Yes, they had, he was sure of it. Did the Temple find them already, then? But if so, why was he still in the tree? Obi-Wan looked around, this was most definitely still the tree they had slept in since their first night here.
Obi-Wan’s wandering eyes saw something then that hadn’t been there before. It was a yellow pack lying against the tree wall. Where had that come from? Now more confused than ever, Obi-Wan slowly sat up, intending to examine the pack more closely, but he stopped as a wave of dizziness washed over him. He closed his eyes, waiting for it to pass. He felt so drained, like he hadn’t slept in a week.
“Are you alright, Padawan?” Qui-Gon’s concerned voice asked, and Obi-Wan opened his eyes to see his master’s head poking into the tree, a worried frown on his face.
“I’m okay, Master. Just a little dizzy.”
“Mm, that doesn’t surprise me, you’ve been very sick. But this should help get your strength back up.” Qui-Gon ducked the rest of the way into the tree, and Obi-Wan saw that he was holding a small pot in one hand, a delicious aroma wafting from it. At the moment, though, the young Jedi was more concerned that there was now yet another thing that hadn’t been here before. What was going on here?
“Master, where did you get that?” Obi-Wan asked, pointing to the pot. “And where did that come from?” He pointed to the pack. “We obviously haven’t been rescued, or we’d be on our way out of here already.”
Qui-Gon sighed as he sat down across from his padawan. “No, you’re right, we haven’t been rescued. And I see you won’t rest until you get some answers, Padawan, but how about you eat first before I tell you what happened?” He handed Obi-Wan the pot, which already had a spoon in it. He saw that it was filled with chunks of cooked meat, tubers, and even some kind of sauce. And he soon discovered it tasted even better than it smelled.
“This is delicious, Master,” Obi-Wan said with a grin between mouthfuls. But then he sobered as he thought back to the last thing he could remember before he woke up this morning. He hung his head. “I’m sorry I didn’t tell you sooner that my arm was hurting me, Qui-Gon,” he said softly. “I thought it would go away, but then it kept getting worse, and then I got so dizzy, and…I passed out on you yesterday, didn’t I, Master?”
Qui-Gon cleared his throat. “Actually, Obi-Wan,” he said just a touch hesitantly, “you passed out the day before yesterday.”
“Oh?” was all Obi-Wan could think to say. Force, he hadn’t thought he had been that sick, no wonder he still felt so tired! And then he felt a stab of guilt as he remembered how protectively Qui-Gon had been holding him this morning, it was because he had worried about him for so long. And then, as he looked down at the pot, it suddenly came to him where it must have come from, and all of the other new things. He dropped his spoon.
“Padawan?” Qui-Gon inquired.
“Master?” Obi-Wan asked in a small voice, feeling tears of shame suddenly prick at his eyes. “You had to go back in the ocean again, didn’t you? Because of me.” Images of that big mouth full of teeth jumping out of the water to eat that flying reptile started replaying over and over through his head, and he wondered what sort of horrors his master had encountered in that ocean.
Qui-Gon scooted forward, and sitting down next to his padawan he put his hand on his shoulder. “It wasn’t as bad as you’re obviously thinking, my Padawan,” he said gently. “And as you can clearly see, I’m still in one piece.” He picked the spoon back up, and Obi-Wan took it with a grateful smile. “Now finish eating, and I’ll tell you all about it.”
Obi-Wan listened with wonder as Qui-Gon told him about his trip back into the ocean. When his master got to the part where he was trapped in the ship with that huge sea serpent, the boy stopped eating again, the spoon held forgotten in his hand. And when he finally finished his narrative, Obi-Wan was staring at him open-mouthed.
“I’m beginning to see the wisdom in the ancient Calamarian proverb, my Padawan, the one that says, ‘There’s always a bigger fish,’” Qui-Gon concluded with a wink.
Obi-Wan smiled a little at that. “Wow, Master,” he said softly. “I’m so glad you made it out okay. But I-” Suddenly he noticed, as Qui-Gon shifted his left arm, that there was a white bandage wrapped around it. “Master, you’re hurt!”
“Oh, that,” Qui-Gon said dismissively. “When I was freeing the creature from the ship, I was cut by a piece of debris. But don’t worry, my arm is quite alright. I was able to clean and bandage it properly right away, unlike your arm. It’ll be fine.”
“Oh, Master, I’m sorry I caused you so much trouble,” Obi-Wan said, hanging his head, truly feeling ashamed of himself. His master could easily have gotten killed because of him! He felt Qui-Gon put a strong arm around him, bringing him closer, and Obi-Wan leaned in to rest his head on the man’s shoulder. He almost smiled in gratitude as he felt a wave of comfort sent his way over the bond.
“Listen to me, my Padawan,” Qui-Gon said gently, resting his chin lightly on top of Obi-Wan’s head. “You were very sick, and as your master it’s my duty to look after you, to make sure you’re safe. But I consider it to be much more than a duty, my Padawan, it’s a privilege, and a pleasure. You’re the best thing that’s ever happened to me, you know that, don’t you?” He said it so earnestly that Obi-Wan pulled back to look at his face, and saw his master smiling gently down at him. After a moment, the young Jedi smiled back, seeing Qui-Gon’s sincerity in his expression.
“Thank you, Master,” Obi-Wan whispered, putting his head back down. “You’re the best thing that’s ever happened to me, too. And…I love you.” He felt his master rub his back for a moment.
“I love you too, my Padawan,” Qui-Gon said softly. “It’s very good indeed to have you back.” They sat that way for a few moment’s longer, each basking in the pleasure of the other’s company. Then the big Jedi seemed to rouse himself from his thoughts, and reaching over he took the forgotten spoon from where it had fallen on Obi-Wan’s robe and placed it back in the pot now sitting in the boy’s lap. “You’d best finish eating, Obi-Wan,” he said, “I don’t know how good that sauce is cold.”
“It’s still delicious, Master,” Obi-Wan reassured as he took another bite. “You really ought to write a recipe guide when we get home.”
Qui-Gon chuckled softly. “That would be interesting, wouldn’t it? Especially considering I’m making all these meals up as I go along.”
Obi-Wan smiled too. “So that’s how you’ve been doing it, I was wondering.”
“Brat,” Qui-Gon said affectionately, giving his padawan’s shoulders one last squeeze before he released him. Then his face turned serious. “After you’re finished eating, I want you to rest, Obi-Wan. You’re still not completely healed, and I don’t want you exhausting yourself.”
“Yes, Master,” Obi-Wan agreed, already thinking that a nap sounded like a great idea. He finished the last bite of his stew, then smiled gratefully as Qui-Gon took the pot and spoon from him.
“Thankfully I discovered there’s also soap in the pack, so we won’t have to eat from dirty dishes during our stay.”
“What else is in there, Master?” Obi-Wan asked with a yawn as he lay down, feeling his eyes already growing heavy as he looked over at the yellow pack now sitting in Qui-Gon’s lap. He listened with interest as his master listed the items, relieved that they were now well supplied, especially if they needed to go anywhere. Obi-Wan’s brow furrowed, wondering where that last thought came from, and why it suddenly filled him with a vague sense of unease. Why would they need to go anywhere? Too tired to contemplate it further, the young Jedi closed his eyes, and he had soon drifted back off to sleep.
When Obi-Wan woke next, late afternoon shadows had filled the tree, and he found himself once again alone. Slowly sitting up, he was pleased to find that he felt much better. Before he could even begin to wonder where Qui-Gon was now, the man ducked into the tree, the pot back in his hand. But he seemed preoccupied, looking back out at the clearing as he knelt down by his padawan. Obi-Wan sensed his wariness.
“What is it, Master?” he whispered, stretching out his own awareness, but feeling nothing.
“I’m not sure, Padawan,” Qui-Gon whispered back. “Something large was moving through the trees across the clearing a moment ago, but now it’s gone. I couldn’t tell if it was friendly or not.”
“Perhaps it was attracted by the delicious aroma of your expert cooking,” Obi-Wan offered, leaning in to take another whiff of the steaming pot. Force, it smelled good.
Qui-Gon turned back to his padawan with a quiet chuckle. “Perhaps. How are you feeling?” he asked as he handed the boy the pot. “I see your appetite hasn’t suffered any drawbacks, at least.”
Obi-Wan grinned guiltily, having already devoured three spoonfuls of the stew. He quickly swallowed the fourth as his master raised his eyebrows in amusement. “I feel much better, Master, this stew of yours works wonders!”
Qui-Gon laughed as he reached over and ruffled Obi-Wan’s hair. “I think the antibiotics had more to do with it than my cooking, but I thank you.” He took the fork from the pack, and they ate the stew together, each digging in with hearty appetites.
After he ate, Obi-Wan laid back down, his stomach pleasantly satisfied. “Thanks, Master,” he said around another yawn. Stars, what was wrong with him? He was already starting to feel tired again.
“Looks like its already bedtime for you, my Padawan,” Qui-Gon observed, a touch of concern in his voice. He leaned in and laid one large hand on the boy’s forehead. Obi-Wan closed his eyes, feeling his master probe his body with the Force. After a moment the big Jedi withdrew his hand. “You’re alright, Obi-Wan,” he declared with a relieved smile. “There’s still no sign of infection, thankfully. That illness did quite a number on you, though, that’s for sure. It’s still going to be a few more days before you’re back to your normal, rambunctious self, I’m afraid.”
“I’m never rambunctious, Master,” Obi-Wan said indignantly, his slight smile ruining his attempt to appear offended.
“If you say so, Padawan. But those foot impressions on your bed the other week suggest otherwise, I think.”
Obi-Wan grinned sheepishly. “Oh, that. Well, uh…”
Qui-Gon chuckled as he ruffled the boy’s hair again. “That’s what I thought. Now get some sleep, okay? Perhaps if you’re feeling up to it tomorrow, we can take a walk down to the beach, provided you take it slowly.”
“I’d like that,” Obi-Wan said with a sleepy smile. “Good night, Master.”
“Good night, my Padawan. Sleep well.”
Obi-Wan did indeed sleep well during the night, only waking up once when it started raining heavily some time in the dark hours of early morning. A cool breeze starting blowing into the tree, and the boy cuddled closer to his slumbering master for warmth, smiling happily when the big Jedi wrapped an arm around him in his sleep. He could definitely get used to this.
Obi-Wan woke the next morning to find a pile of fruit by his head, and his master leaning back against the tree wall, his eyes closed in meditation. Sitting up slowly, the young Jedi stretched slightly sore and stiff muscles, three days of inactivity lying on the semi-hard ground were starting to take their toll. Shifting to a more comfortable position, he selected an interesting looking oblong yellow fruit from the pile. The tough outer skin proved easy to peel, and Obi-Wan was soon enjoying the slightly tangy, juicy fruit within. The boy ate a spherical purple fruit next, then a green oval one.
Obi-Wan tried a flattened orange fruit next, but it proved much too sour for his taste. His eyes watered and his mouth puckered. “I guess that one isn’t ripe yet, sorry Padawan,” Qui-Gon said apologetically, and Obi-Wan looked up to see that his master had come out of his meditation.
“That’s okay, Master,” Obi-Wan said with a smile. “Thank you for breakfast, the fruits were delicious.”
“I’m glad to hear it. I thought we could use a few vitamins this morning.”
“Good idea.”
“There are food and energy capsules in the pack, but I thought we’d save them until we really needed them, though hopefully such an occasion won’t arise.”
Obi-Wan nodded wholeheartedly, feeling that it would indeed be a good idea to keep those capsules handy for any unforeseen circumstances. He didn’t even know why he felt it to be so important, just that thinking about it began to fill him with the same sense of unease he had started feeling yesterday. He frowned slightly, unable to pinpoint where the uneasiness was coming from.
“What’s wrong, Padawan?” Qui-Gon asked, frowning now himself.
Obi-Wan slowly shook his head. “I’m not sure, Master. It’s just a…bad feeling,” he said a bit hesitantly, already knowing what his master would say to that.
“Hmm,” the big Jedi murmured, stroking his beard thoughtfully. “While I would normally tell you not to center on your anxieties, Obi-Wan, I understand that there really isn’t much else for you to focus on right now, is there?”
“No, Master,” Obi-Wan agreed, grateful the big Jedi was being so understanding. “Perhaps that’s all it is, I’m just feeling restless. I think I’d like to meditate when we go down to the beach, that should help me clear my head.”
“That sounds like a good idea, my Padawan,” Qui-Gon said. “And perhaps I’ll catch us some fish for dinner. But first I want you to rest for the remainder of the morning. We’ll head down after lunch, alright?”
“Okay, Master, that sounds good,” Obi-Wan said around another yawn. He lay back down on the makeshift bed, shifting around until he found a comfortable position. Qui-Gon picked up the fruit peels and cores from Obi-Wan’s breakfast, then he exited the tree, leaving his padawan to get some rest. But the young Jedi wasn’t feeling as tired as he did yesterday, so he just lay staring at the now familiar brown walls of their little home.
Obi-Wan eventually closed his eyes, hoping that would help him fall asleep. When that didn’t work, he decided to start counting banthas in his head. One bantha over the sand dune, two banthas over the sand dune, three banthas… Obi-Wan got to eighty-seven before he started to drift off, making him lose count. Not that he minded, of course.
When Obi-Wan next woke, it was to another delicious smell, though he couldn’t quite place what it was. Sensing his master just outside the tree, he decided to join him and see what he had come up with for lunch. Qui-Gon’s culinary skill had been continuously amazing Obi-Wan during their stay, and he felt very fortunate that his master was such a good cook. And the fact that he was making it all up as he went along made it even more impressive to the fast-growing, ever-hungry young Jedi.
Obi-Wan slowly stood up, stretching his stiff muscles. It would feel good to be up and about again, that was for sure. He ducked out of the tree, and saw that his master had built a fire in a cleared area not far away. He had rolled a log over by the fire to sit on, and was currently roasting a long, thin stick full of pieces of fruit and tubers over the fire.
“Ah, Padawa, there you are,” Qui-Gon said with a smile as Obi-Wan walked over. He indicated the stick with a nod. “It occurred to me that those orange fruits might taste better cooked.”
“They certainly smell really good,” Obi-Wan commented, his mouth already watering in anticipation. The aroma was starting to remind him of one of his favorite fruity desserts from the Temple’s dining hall. As he stood gazing at the stick, he noticed his master looking at him, a somber, somewhat far-away expression on his face. “Master, what’s wrong?”
Qui-Gon seemed to shake himself out of his solemn mood. “I was just thinking how very good it is to see you up and about again, my Padawan,” he said softly. After a moment, when he didn’t say anything else, Obi-Wan walked over to the log and sat down next to the big Jedi.
“It is good to be up again, Master,” the boy said equally as softly. “And I owe it all to you. Thank you for saving my life, again.”
Qui-Gon smiled slightly. “That’s what masters are for,” he said as he put his free hand on his padawan’s shoulder, giving it a brief squeeze. “And I couldn’t imagine my life without you, my Padawan.”
“Nor mine without you, my Master,” Obi-Wan said earnestly, feeling deeply touched by Qui-Gon’s frank admission. He reached up and squeezed the hand still on his shoulder, smiling contentedly. They sat that way for several minutes, each lost in their own thoughts as they stared at the crackling fire, enjoying the simple pleasure of having the other at their side.
Finally Qui-Gon stirred, letting go of Obi-Wan’s shoulder with one last gentle squeeze. Bringing the roasting-stick close, he tested one of the tubers, then nodded in satisfaction. “I think they’re tender enough to eat now, Obi-Wan,” he declared, sliding off the tubers and fruit and piling them on a plate that matched the pot. He tried one of the orange fruits, then smiled. “Yes, definitely better cooked.”
Obi-Wan tried one as his master set the plate down between them, and was soon smiling himself. “It almost tastes like the filling of a razzleberry tart,” he said as he reached for another one, and then another.
Qui-Gon chuckled softly. “Don’t forget the tubers, Obi-Wan. You and your sweet tooth.” He shook his head, still chuckling.
Obi-Wan grinned sheepishly. “Yes, Master.” They had soon made quick work of lunch, the young Jedi dutifully eating his share of tubers. Afterwards, Qui-Gon extinguished the fire, then the two of them headed down to the beach. Obi-Wan noticed as they were walking that his master kept glancing sideways at him, apparently to make sure that he was still okay. Not wanting to give Qui-Gon any more reason to worry about him, and especially not to regret letting him take this walk, Obi-Wan stepped carefully to avoid stumbling, walking slowly and steadily.
The forest was cool and dim, much as Obi-Wan remembered it from four days ago. He slowly shook his head as he realized that that really was how long it had been since he was up and about. He wiggled the fingers of his left hand, and was pleased to find that his arm was feeling much better, there was practically no pain in it at all. He was truly on the mend.
The light up ahead grew steadily brighter, and soon the two Jedi once again stepped out onto the beach. Obi-Wan took a deep breath as he looked around, savoring the smell of the salty sea breeze. Nothing had changed here either, even the roasting spit Qui-Gon had set up earlier was still standing. They headed that way, then Obi-Wan sat down in the sand near the tide pool, watching the sea-birds screech at each other from the shore.
“Are you doing alright, Padawan?” Qui-Gon asked as he sat down on a nearby rock, eyeing the boy carefully.
“Yes, Master,” Obi-Wan reassured him with a smile. “I’m only a little tired, honestly. I feel the sea breeze already starting to clear my head.”
Qui-Gon nodded in satisfaction. “Very well, then.” He stood up and took off his boots. “I think I’ll take a short walk along the beach, call me if you need anything, I won’t go far.”
“Yes, Master.” Deciding Qui-Gon had the right idea, Obi-Wan took off his own boots, careful not to use his left arm too much. He sunk his toes into the warm sand, letting it cover his feet completely as he crossed his legs in his favorite meditation pose. It was past time he meditated, he couldn’t recall having done so since they crashed. It was no wonder he had been starting to feel edgy lately.
Obi-Wan reached out to the Force, letting it fill him with light as he sunk deep into its warm embrace. The light was all around, bright and soft and inviting as he floated along its tranquil currents. But then he gradually began to realize that the light was fading, shrinking into small individual points surrounded by inky blackness that covered his entire field of vision. Now instead of the warm light of the Force, he was floating in the cold emptiness of space. But then as he watched, several of the stars winked out, and he realized something was moving towards him. Several somethings actually, small dark objects that were rapidly growing larger. And watching them, Obi-Wan was suddenly filled with an unexplainable sense of dread.
The objects whizzed past, and he saw that they were asteroids, their dark grey surfaces pockmarked with craters. They were tumbling end over end, and as the vision shifted to follow their path Obi-Wan saw that they were headed for the blue and white planet spinning below. As he watched, the asteroids turned into meteors, burning blazing trails through the planet’s atmosphere.
The asteroids kept coming as the planet spun rapidly below, and Obi-Wan saw them hit on both the day and the night side. Since it looked like all of them burned up in the atmosphere as they entered, he wondered why he was experiencing such a feeling of dread, when there appeared to be no danger. But then the vision shifted back around to space, and suddenly he knew why. An asteroid several kilometers across was now headed this way, much, much larger than any of the others. And now he understood that the smaller ones had just been portents of worse to come.
Obi-Wan watched, horrified, as the huge asteroid rocketed by, heading for the planet’s dayside. In moments it was in the atmosphere, turning the asteroid into an enormous fireball, and the young Jedi knew that this one would not be stopped. There was a brilliant flash of light as it hit, and then like a stone causing waves to ripple out in circles when it's dropped in water, rings of fire began to spread outward from the impact site. The fire spread further and further, burning through the atmosphere at several hundred kilometers an hour. The sight was terrifyingly fascinating to Obi-Wan, he had never before witnessed anything so horrifically violent.
Suddenly the vision shifted, the colors blurring together to coalesce into a different scene, and Obi-Wan realized that the Force was now showing him the very beach he was currently at. His gaze was drawn immediately to the south, where the whole horizon was lit up red and orange, as if a massive fire was burning just beyond the horizon. Blazing chunks of rock and ash were falling from the sky everywhere in a cruel imitation of rain. Suddenly the vision shifted around, and Obi-Wan saw to his ever-increasing horror that the whole forest was engulfed in a raging inferno. Thick black smoke roiled upwards from the canopy, blotting out the sun.
Obi-Wan heard the sudden sound of rushing water, and then the visions shifted back around. He watched as the ocean suddenly withdrew from the shore, and he gazed in puzzled wonder at the colorful uncovered sea-floor. But almost immediately something drew his eyes upward, and wonder turned swiftly back to horror as he saw an immense wall of water stretching as far as the eye could see, towering higher and higher as it roared towards the shore. Obi-Wan couldn’t watch anymore. Please, end this! he begged the Force, as the massive wave thundered ever closer. Master, help!
The vision abruptly ended, like a light switch being turned off, and Obi-Wan felt himself falling backwards into darkness. “Master!” he cried out, hardly aware he had done so out loud. The sound of the roaring water faded, and he landed on his back in the warm sand.
“Obi-Wan!” he heard Qui-Gon calling, and then he felt strong arms around him, lifting him up, and he reached out, grabbing onto rough cloth, anything to anchor himself to reality. “Padawan, what’s wrong? Speak to me!”
“The fire, it was burning everywhere, and the wave, Master!” Obi-Wan cried, his hands twisting in Qui-Gon’s tunic. “We’re going to die!”
“Obi-Wan, Obi-Wan, look at me!” Qui-Gon said commandingly, and the boy immediately opened his eyes to see the concerned face of his master looking down at him. “You’re alright, Padawan, everything is okay.”
“No,” Obi-Wan moaned, shaking his head. “No, it’s not! It’s coming, Master! The Force warned me, it showed me! We’re in trouble!” He clutched harder at Qui-Gon’s tunic, unable to look past the man’s head and out at the ocean, for fear of what he might see. He felt his master’s large hand on top of his head, and then suddenly he felt a blanket of peace and calm enfold his mind, soothing his terror, allowing him to begin to relax.
“That’s it, my Padawan, calm down,” Qui-Gon said softly. Obi-Wan felt his master continue to pour comfort into him across their bond, and he closed his eyes again, dropping his shields to allow it to flow into him unhindered. Slowly his breathing evened out, and he sighed quietly in gratitude.
“Thank you, Master,” Obi-Wan finally whispered as he opened his eyes. He looked around, and saw that everything was the same as it had been earlier, the sky was blue with the occasional puffy white cloud, a cool breeze was blowing, and the forest was green and dim. And finally he was able to bring himself to look out over the ocean, and he saw with relief that it was still the same blue-green body of water stretching to the horizon that it had been before he had started his meditation.
“Can you tell me what happened, Obi-Wan?” Qui-Gon asked gently, and the padawan turned back to his master’s concerned blue gaze. He nodded, finally feeling calm enough to tell the big Jedi about his vision, as the horror of it was slowly fading under the clear blue sky and the tranquility of the moment, though he knew that it was something he would never forget. Slowly at first, Obi-Wan told his master of every detail, hardly aware that his shields were still down, allowing Qui-Gon to see everything as it had been in his vision as he spoke of it.
When Obi-Wan finished speaking, Qui-Gon remained silent for several minutes, taking in everything his padawan had told him. “Master, what are we going to do?” the young Jedi finally asked, breaking the heavy silence that had fallen. “We need to get out of here!”
It was another moment before Qui-Gon finally spoke, he had been gazing out at the ocean. He turned back to his padawan, his face serious. “Yes, we do, Obi-Wan,” he said regretfully. “We need to be far from here when that asteroid hits. But from your vision, I’m not even sure that will be enough. We need to find shelter, something much more substantial than a tree.”
“Like what?” Obi-Wan asked, still a bit too rattled to think very clearly. The desire to get as far away from the ocean and the forest as possible as quickly as possible was almost overwhelming him, it was taking almost all of his control not to jump up and start running right now.
“I was thinking a cave would be ideal,” Qui-Gon said. “The deeper the better.” Then he put his large hand back on Obi-Wan’s head, and the boy closed his eyes as he felt his master sending him another wave of calm. “Just relax, my Padawan,” he said softly, obviously having sensed the boy’s restless agitation. “I don’t think the Force would have warned you about what was coming if there wasn’t enough time for us to do something about it.”
Obi-Wan nodded gratefully, not having considered that. But while the urgency was no longer threatening to overwhelm him, he still very much wanted to get out of here as soon as possible. He couldn’t get the image of that massive ocean wave out of his head, and the beach no longer felt like an inviting place to him, even on this calm, sunny afternoon. “But we should still get going as soon as we can, Master,” he said, trying not to sound too desperate. “The Force wouldn’t want us to delay, either.”
“No, I’m sure it doesn’t, Obi-Wan,” Qui-Gon said, his voice still calm. “But I don’t think we need to get up and start running this very minute. I admit that I myself haven’t felt any warning from the Force, but I also know that I’m not as in tune to the Unifying Force as you are, my Padawan. But that doesn’t mean I doubt you, my boy, certainly I don’t.” The big Jedi reached out and gently ruffled Obi-Wan’s hair. “I’ll tell you what,” he continued softly. “How about we get one more good night’s sleep in the tree, and then we’ll head out tomorrow after breakfast. You’re still recovering, Obi-Wan, and I want you to be rested before we start on our trek. Especially as we have no idea how long it’s going to last. Is that acceptable?”
Obi-Wan took a deep breath as he turned his gaze once more to the ocean. Beyond the waves crashing onto the shore, it was like a sea of smooth blue-green glass, shimmering in the warm afternoon sunlight. Almost hesitantly at first, afraid of what it might show him this time, Obi-Wan stretched out to the Force once more, and felt it immediately fill him with the same peace his master had given him earlier, a peace he had not been able to achieve on his own until now. He realized the uneasy feeling of earlier was gone, as if the Force, now that it had gotten his attention, was backing off again to give him space, and for that he was grateful. He felt its approval of Qui-Gon’s proposal, and he knew then that they did have enough time to delay their departure one more day. But he also felt its slight restlessness, an unsettled undercurrent of energy that wanted to make sure he knew not to delay too long. Once they got going, they would need to keep going. And with the Force as their guide, he knew they wouldn’t steer wrong.
Slowly nodding his acceptance, Obi-Wan turned back to Qui-Gon. “Yes, Master,” he said with a slight smile. “Tomorrow will be okay.”
“Alright, my Padawan,” Qui-Gon answered, gently squeezing the boy’s hand as he smiled softly in return. “Then let’s get some dinner, shall we?”
------------------------------
-----signature-----
"Oh yeah. Ooh, aah. That's how it always starts. But then later there's running, then...screaming." --Dr. Ian Malcolm
"Okay fine. Go ahead and scream. Then when that tricycloplots attacks you, don't come crying to me." --Paul Kirby
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Valairy_Scot
Title: PT Rewrite Winner
Registered:
Sep '05
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Date Posted:
6/10 10:54pm
Subject:
RE: A Long Time Ago, But Not so Far Away (Qui, Obi JA)--Ch. 4: A Warning--updated 6/10
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Curious, Obi-Wan opened his eyes a crack. Finding himself face to face with his slumbering master, he blinked in surprise. What was he doing lying on top of Qui-Gon? Had he rolled over onto him in his sleep? But then he realized that not only were his own arms around his master, but Qui-Gon’s arms were around him as well. He felt himself blushing slightly, feeling a little awkward at such an open display from his stoic master. He started to pull away, but then stopped when Qui-Gon stirred.
“It’s okay, Obi-Wan,” the big Jedi murmured. “You’re gonna be okay…” His strong arms tightened their hold just a little, and then he moved one large hand up to rest on the boy’s head, gently drawing it back to his broad chest. Obi-Wan was too surprised to resist, he had never heard Qui-Gon talk in his sleep before. “Hmm…my Padawan,” he heard his master whisper, and then the big Jedi stilled again, falling back to deeper sleep.
Obi-Wan just lay there for a moment, a strange mixture of emotions washing over him. His slight embarrassment had quickly given way to a sort of shy pleasure. He smiled to himself. His master had never held him like this before, and he was finding the big Jedi’s arms to be very comforting. He felt completely safe and secure, like nothing would ever harm him here.
Obi-Wan’s smile turned into a yawn. He really was still very tired, he felt his eyes growing heavier again. He wondered idly what time of day it was, the light in their tree wasn’t all that bright, but it was also raining. It was the perfect sort of day to sleep in, he decided, as his eyes drifted closed. The gentle rise and fall of his master’s chest, the steady, strong heartbeat in his ear, the gentle weight of the hand on his head, and the soft patter of rain outside all soon mixed together in his mind to one single sensation of peace, security, and utter contentment as he drifted off to a peaceful slumber.
That sounds so soothing I'm almost tempted to head to bed. I'll give you an "aw, sweet" x2 on that.
“Master?” Obi-Wan asked in a small voice, feeling tears of shame suddenly prick at his eyes. “You had to go back in the ocean again, didn’t you? Because of me.” Images of that big mouth full of teeth jumping out of the water to eat that flying reptile started replaying over and over through his head, and he wondered what sort of horrors his master had encountered in that ocean.
Qui-Gon scooted forward, and sitting down next to his padawan he put his hand on his shoulder. “It wasn’t as bad as you’re obviously thinking, my Padawan,” he said gently. “And as you can clearly see, I’m still in one piece.” He picked the spoon back up, and Obi-Wan took it with a grateful smile. “Now finish eating, and I’ll tell you all about it.”
...
“Oh, Master, I’m sorry I caused you so much trouble,” Obi-Wan said, hanging his head, truly feeling ashamed of himself. His master could easily have gotten killed because of him! He felt Qui-Gon put a strong arm around him, bringing him closer, and Obi-Wan leaned in to rest his head on the man’s shoulder. He almost smiled in gratitude as he felt a wave of comfort sent his way over the bond.
“Listen to me, my Padawan,” Qui-Gon said gently, resting his chin lightly on top of Obi-Wan’s head. “You were very sick, and as your master it’s my duty to look after you, to make sure you’re safe. But I consider it to be much more than a duty, my Padawan, it’s a privilege, and a pleasure. You’re the best thing that’s ever happened to me, you know that, don’t you?” He said it so earnestly that Obi-Wan pulled back to look at his face, and saw his master smiling gently down at him. After a moment, the young Jedi smiled back, seeing Qui-Gon’s sincerity in his expression
Aw....again.
-----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. I'm a writer, not a storyteller.
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Gkilkenny
Registered:
Mar '04
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Date Posted:
6/11 12:51am
Subject:
RE: A Long Time Ago, But Not so Far Away (Qui, Obi JA)--Ch. 4: A Warning--updated 6/10
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It seems like a wonderful adventure they are on except
for the danger approaching.
I liked their time in the tree together where Master and Padawan realise their Father and son love for each other.
Make sure the cave is high up so it does not get flooded. 
Wonderful chapter well done my friend.
-----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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Sabriel_Orion
Registered:
Mar '08
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Date Posted:
6/11 1:02am
Subject:
RE: A Long Time Ago, But Not so Far Away (Qui, Obi JA)--Ch. 4: A Warning--updated 6/10
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This chapter was well worth the wait.
It was so sweet that Qui Gon was able to admit his feelings so easily. I loved the expression of their relationship in this.
Now, moving on to the vision, eek. They're stuck on a planet that's about to be hit by a huge rock that causes enough damage to wipe out the dinosaurs. I don't think it'll be that easy to escape this... I hope they can get off Earth before it hits..
-----signature-----
"Does the Walker choose the Path, or the Path the Walker?" from Sabriel, by Garth Nix Sabriel: http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v409/sabriel_orion/PadawanSabrielOrionColored.png
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Lileia
Registered:
Jan '08
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Date Posted:
6/11 3:14am
Subject:
RE: A Long Time Ago, But Not so Far Away (Qui, Obi JA)--Ch. 4: A Warning--updated 6/10
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Bastet
The gentle rise and fall of his master’s chest, the steady, strong heartbeat in his ear, the gentle weight of the hand on his head, and the soft patter of rain outside all soon mixed together in his mind to one single sensation of peace, security, and utter contentment as he drifted off to a peaceful slumber.
Oh, so sweet.
Very tender feelings and beautiful chapter!
But I've melted all of my brains trying to guess what that orange fruit was that tasted better when cooked.
What was it?
The events are getting more and more tense and interesting!
Can you, please, add me to your PM list?
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p_stotts
Registered:
Jan '01
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Date Posted:
6/11 5:41am
Subject:
RE: A Long Time Ago, But Not so Far Away (Qui, Obi JA)--Ch. 4: A Warning--updated 6/10
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Very nice mush and an awesome vision to boot! Now I wonder what they'll meet along their way to higher ground. I assume they're headed to higher ground. A cave isn't much good if the wall of water floods it.
Please add me to you pm list.
-----signature-----
If you want to make God laugh, tell him your plans for your life.
Proud master to Gkilkenny!
Stories in my bio.
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dimyavie
Registered:
May '06
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Date Posted:
6/11 4:09pm
Subject:
RE: A Long Time Ago, But Not so Far Away (Qui, Obi JA)--Ch. 4: A Warning--updated 6/10
- Date Edited:
6/11 4:10pm (1 edits total)
Edited By:
dimyavie
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I loved the mush. Thanks so much for updating! Awesome update! Poor Obi, at least Qui is there to take care of him. Thanks again!
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jedidas3
Registered:
Apr '07
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Date Posted:
6/12 5:45am
Subject:
RE: A Long Time Ago, But Not so Far Away (Qui, Obi JA)--Ch. 4: A Warning--updated 6/10
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Yeah! An update and what a wonderful one it was. I loved the mush, but I sense danger... You just need to update really soon!
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Cole_Kenobi
Registered:
Aug '05
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Date Posted:
6/13 7:57pm
Subject:
RE: A Long Time Ago, But Not so Far Away (Qui, Obi JA)--Ch. 4: A Warning--updated 6/10
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Awesome udpate! Thank you so much! I love reading this story. It's brillant.
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Glenstorm
Registered:
Mar '06
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Date Posted:
6/16 3:53pm
Subject:
RE: A Long Time Ago, But Not so Far Away (Qui, Obi JA)--Ch. 4: A Warning--updated 6/10
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Simply wonderful!
Sorry it's taken me so long to respond, but here I am. Better late than never
First of all I loved the opening scenes in the tree. You described Obi-Wan's thoughts here brilliantly. I know just how he was feeling. The thought of just lying snug and warm in your bed (or on top of your Master), whilst listening to the rain outside and knowing you can just stay there and laze... One of the best feelings in the world (I'm not a morning person don't you know ) and you captured those feelings perfectly
Nice twist with Obi-Wan seeing the pending meteor! I love it. This story just keeps getting more and more interesting.
So, they've arrived just at the end of the Cretaceous Period then? Does this mean we'll get to see T-Rex? It's in his era. Mind you, that would be a bit mean to the boys. We aren't that cruel, are we?
Please, please update soon. But on the other hand I do hope you have a good holiday and everything goes smoothly with your move
Once again a wonderful update
-----signature-----
"Our greatest glory is not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall." Songfic writer addict! All of of my Fics and FanArt can be found in my bio 
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dianethx
Registered:
Mar '02
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Date Posted:
6/18 6:17pm
Subject:
RE: A Long Time Ago, But Not so Far Away (Qui, Obi JA)--Ch. 4: A Warning--updated 6/10
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I really liked the way the two of them were connecting. I thought it was very sweet.
“Oh, Master, I’m sorry I caused you so much trouble,” Obi-Wan said, hanging his head, truly feeling ashamed of himself. His master could easily have gotten killed because of him! He felt Qui-Gon put a strong arm around him, bringing him closer, and Obi-Wan leaned in to rest his head on the man’s shoulder. He almost smiled in gratitude as he felt a wave of comfort sent his way over the bond.
“Listen to me, my Padawan,” Qui-Gon said gently, resting his chin lightly on top of Obi-Wan’s head. “You were very sick, and as your master it’s my duty to look after you, to make sure you’re safe. But I consider it to be much more than a duty, my Padawan, it’s a privilege, and a pleasure. You’re the best thing that’s ever happened to me, you know that, don’t you?” He said it so earnestly that Obi-Wan pulled back to look at his face, and saw his master smiling gently down at him. After a moment, the young Jedi smiled back, seeing Qui-Gon’s sincerity in his expression.
“Thank you, Master,” Obi-Wan whispered, putting his head back down. “You’re the best thing that’s ever happened to me, too. And…I love you.” He felt his master rub his back for a moment. “I love you too, my Padawan,” Qui-Gon said softly.
But that vision was very well done. I could really picture it easily. It's a good thing that Obi-Wan is so attuned to the Unifying Force and was able to warn Qui-Gon about the disaster to come. Sounds like that asteroid that helped to wipe out the dinosaurs.
Great job. Please PM me with updates.
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Bastet
Registered:
Dec '99
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Date Posted:
7/19 12:40pm
Subject:
RE: A Long Time Ago, But Not so Far Away (Qui, Obi JA)--Ch. 4: A Warning--updated 6/10
- Date Edited:
7/19 3:46pm (3 edits total)
Edited By:
Bastet
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Hello again everyone! Yes, I finally have a post, sorry this is taking so long, but I promise I won’t give up on this! (Barring any unforeseen catastrophic circumstance, anyway.) I’m all moved, but my new apartment is still a big mess. But writing fan-fiction is more fun than unpacking.
And now I have to say a big Thank You to whoever nominated my story for best drama! I almost fell out of my chair when I read the PM that I had qualified. I’ve never had anything nominated before, I really feel honored. Thank you, thank you! You guys really are the best readers ever, and thank you for being so patient with me for writing so slowly. That's also why I didn't say thank you earlier, I didn’t want to up this thread without an update and get everyone's hopes up for nothing. But anyway, whatever happens with the voting and all that, this nomination was already more than I would have ever expected, so once again, thank you very much!
And now it’s on to replies:
Valairy Scot-- That sounds so soothing I'm almost tempted to head to bed. I'll give you an "aw, sweet" x2 on that. Thanks! I guess you could re-read that part whenever you have trouble sleeping.
Gkilkenny--It seems like a wonderful adventure they are on except for the danger approaching. We never makes things easy on the boys, do we?
Make sure the cave is high up so it does not get flooded. Hmm, maybe I will.
Wonderful chapter well done my friend. Aww, thank you my friend!
Sabriel Orion--This chapter was well worth the wait. Woohoo, thank you!
It was so sweet that Qui Gon was able to admit his feelings so easily. I loved the expression of their relationship in this. Aww, thanks again! I’m so glad so many of you like the way I’m doing Qui-Gon, it’s the way I wish he would have been in the JA books. Alas!
I don't think it'll be that easy to escape this... I hope they can get off Earth before it hits..  
Lileia--Oh, so sweet. Very tender feelings and beautiful chapter! Aww, thanks!
But I've melted all of my brains trying to guess what that orange fruit was that tasted better when cooked. I hope your brains didn’t melt too badly, because I have to confess I’m making up all the plants, I don’t have nearly as much information on them as I do on the dinosaurs.
*Puts on nerd-hat*  I do know, however, that flowering plants supposedly just began to evolve during the Cretaceous, and I figure that some of them wouldn’t have quite gotten it right making themselves edible yet. So I’d say that orange fruit was a very ancient ancestor of the pineapple.
The events are getting more and more tense and interesting! Just wait!
Can you, please, add me to your PM list? With pleasure!
p_stotts--Very nice mush and an awesome vision to boot! Thanks!
Now I wonder what they'll meet along their way to higher ground. Hopefully you’ll find out soon!
Please add me to you pm list. Why, certainly!
dimyavie--I loved the mush. Me too!
Poor Obi, at least Qui is there to take care of him. He’s definitely going to need him! Thanks for reading!
jedidas3--Yeah! An update and what a wonderful one it was. I loved the mush, but I sense danger... Me too! Thanks so much for reading!
Cole Kenobi-- I love reading this story. It's brillant. Thank you! And thanks so much for reading!
Glenstorm--Sorry it's taken me so long to respond, but here I am. Better late than never Don’t even worry about it! Sorry it’s taking me so long to update!
So, they've arrived just at the end of the Cretaceous Period then? Does this mean we'll get to see T-Rex? It's in his era. Mind you, that would be a bit mean to the boys. We aren't that cruel, are we?  Oh no, of course not! I won’t be sending the boys into T-Rex territory in Chapter Seven, certainly not!  Why ever would you think I would?
Thanks for reading!
dianethx--I really liked the way the two of them were connecting. I thought it was very sweet. Aww, thanks!
But that vision was very well done. I could really picture it easily. Thanks again! I watched the asteroid-collision scenes in Armageddon, Deep Impact, and Prehistoric Park (starring Nigel Marven) to get an idea on how to describe it, I’m glad it paid off!
Please PM me with updates. You’re added to the list! Thanks for reading!
One other note, I’m sorry I haven’t been able to reply to everyone’s wonderful stories as often as I used to, I don’t have the internet at my apartment right now! I really only have time to get on the internet now on Saturdays, since I have to take my computer to the public library. But I’m still reading, and I’ll try my best to reply as often as I can!
Current PM list:
Cole_Kenobi
Gkilkenny
Valairy Scot
Jinngerbread
Qui-Gina-Jinn
jedidas3
Sabriel_Orion
Lileia
p_stotts
dianethx
Please let me know if you want to be added or removed!
-----signature-----
"Oh yeah. Ooh, aah. That's how it always starts. But then later there's running, then...screaming." --Dr. Ian Malcolm
"Okay fine. Go ahead and scream. Then when that tricycloplots attacks you, don't come crying to me." --Paul Kirby
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Bastet
Registered:
Dec '99
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Date Posted:
7/19 12:45pm
Subject:
RE: A Long Time Ago, But Not so Far Away (Qui, Obi JA)--Ch. 4: A Warning--updated 6/10
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Chapter Five--The Start of a Long Walk
Qui-Gon had decided it would be prudent to catch and cook an extra fish for dinner, so they would be able to save time tomorrow morning by eating leftovers for breakfast. Obi-Wan was unnaturally quiet for the rest of the day, and the master noticed how his gaze would often stray out to the ocean, as if to keep making sure the quake-wave from his vision wasn’t there. And when he wasn’t looking at the ocean in trepidation, he was looking sorrowfully at the forest, no doubt with an image of the inferno that place would one day soon become in his mind. Qui-Gon felt sorrow too, but he knew it would not help them to dwell on things they could not change.
“While it is prudent in this instance to keep the future in mind, my Padawan,” he finally gently admonished his apprentice as they finished up their dinner, “we shouldn’t let worry over it consume us. It will come when it does, but until then, the sunset behind you is very beautiful.” Obi-Wan, who had once again been staring out at the ocean, blushed slightly as he lowered his gaze. Smiling sadly, Qui-Gon reached out and gently lifted his padawan’s chin, at the same time turning his head to look out over the forest to the west. He watched Obi-Wan’s gaze still, and then his eyes widened slightly in wonder as he realized what he was looking at.
The sun had just begun to set behind the trees as they began to march up a broad hill a few kilometers away. The sun was a deep red color, and it looked twice as large as normal as it slowly sank, the scattered clouds around it all lit up every shade of yellow, pink, red, orange, and purple imaginable. The colors deepened to even richer shades as the sun slowly sank out of sight, lighting the tops of the trees in a soft orange-red light.
The two Jedi watched the sunset in comfortable silence for several minutes, and Qui-Gon was happy to feel his young student’s focus slowly returning to the present as he took in the spectacular display. “Wow, Master,” Obi-Wan finally said in a hushed voice as the sun at last disappeared completely. “I’ve never seen such a beautiful sunset. All those colors!”
Qui-Gon nodded as he took a deep breath of the salty sea air. “It is very beautiful, indeed, my Padawan,” he said softly. He decided not to tell the boy the probable reason why the sunset was so spectacular, that it was likely due to volcanic activity somewhere on the planet. He knew that would only serve to concern his padawan even more, his poor boy was already worrying about enough ri | |