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Author	Topic: What's in a Name?
Jane Jinn Registered: Jan '00	Date Posted: 1/12/00 3:00pm Subject: What's in a Name? - Date Edited: 1/19/05 8:56am (1 edits total) Edited By: Herman Snerd
	This was written before I knew that The Jedi Apprentice Series even existed, let alone TheForce.Net, so there are sure to be many discrepancies between that and this, which are the result of pure ignorance. I can't help liking the story, however, and I'd like to give other people the chance to read it. "What else do you know about Pira'a, young Padawan?"asked Jedi Master Qui-Gon Jinn. "They don't have droids there. They don't even allow them on the planet,"said his apprentice, Obi-Wan Kenobi, keeping one eye on the controls of the small cruiser he was piloting."And they're supposed to have the fastest, most efficient system of justice in the Republic." "That's not a rumour, it's true." "Master--I still don't understand why they think a Jedi must be involved in the disappearance of this girl,"Obi-Wan said, wrinkling his forehead slightly in confusion. "Our reputation precedes us, and our abilities grow with every re-telling,"Qui-Gon smiled."Pira'a is far enough away from Coruscant that Jedi are rarely seen there. They have an exaggerated idea of what we can do." "If any Jedi were involved, she'd be halfway across the galaxy by now and impossible to trace." "I don't think any Jedi have even been near this system for years,"Qui-Gon mused."And as far as I could check, all the other masters and Padawans are accounted for elsewhere. That means there's something else going on there. It must be a measure of their desperation that they've sent such a message asking for our help. They've had very little previous contact with Coruscant." "A girl disappears right before her wedding. A small speeder is found crashed in the mountains, far beyond its normal range. They've been searching for more than four days and their sensors only get faulty readings or none at all."Obi-Wan shook his head."Naturally they assume that a Jedi is hiding there in the forest, manipulating the sensors in order to shield the girl and let the animosity between the two houses continue. And then they send for us, other Jedis, to find the girl and prevent civil war. It just doesn't make sense." "It's not exactly logical, but it is human to turn for help to those who have experience in solving such problems,"Qui-Gon said."I still feel that there is more to this than they've told us on the hologram. Something to do with the Force, perhaps, but not necessarily with a Jedi." He was silent for a moment, then added,"The Force is not unknown in Pira'an history. Some Jedi were even born there--in the past. If the Force leads us, we might even find a promising youngster to take back to Coruscant for testing." For one quick second, Obi-Wan saw a vision of a face. It was too quick to know if it was male or female, young or old, though he felt fairly certain that it was not a child's face."I also feel that the Force will lead us to someone, Master." Qui-Gon nodded approvingly, and Obi-Wan turned back to the controls, bringing the cruiser out of hyperspace. For a moment, the stars seemed to race past the cockpit as long streaks, but then they became shorter and disappeared as the cruiser slowed, and the planet of Pira'a was there ahead of them, glowing green and blue. Obi-Wan set the cruiser down on the public landing strip of the main city, following the directions he'd received from transportation control. Turning off the engines, he left the cockpit, gathering up his brown Jedi robe on the way. He pulled it on and followed Qui-Gon down the open loading ramp. It was evening in the main city and the sky was completely overcast. On the ground, a cluster of people were waiting for them in a sharp wet wind that whipped their hair and clothing. Then a man of middle age came forward, bowing slightly. He was dressed in a red coat, a colour that flattered his short dark hair. "Honoured Jedi Masters, my name is Bodar of the House of Krata'an. Please be welcome." "Qui-Gon Jinn,"the Jedi Master announced, also bowing."My Padawan, Obi-Wan Kenobi." The next man smiled suddenly as though amused, then quickly bowed. He was younger, with longer, lighter hair, purple clothing that did not suit him, and an earring in one ear."I am Nurno, of the House of Freda'un. Please be welcome." It seemed that the heads of both houses were determined to keep an uneasy truce and that every meeting would be on neutral ground. The Jedis were taken to a large tent that was grotesquely set up in the middle of what, in the summer, would have been a beautiful garden in the middle of the city. At the round table, Bodar and Nurno took seats exactly opposite each other, and a third man, older than the other two, took the remaining position across from the Jedis. At Qui-Gon's questioning look, he explained,"I am the President of the Union of Guilds and therefore Constable and Lawspeaker. My name is Zarquo." "You are a neutral observer?" "I renounced any allegiance to any house on Pira'a when I joined the Guild." "Then perhaps you'd like to begin, Constable, and tell us exactly what the problem is." "Less than a year ago, Nurno of Freda'un lost his first wife in an accident,"Zarquo began."He expressed an interest in marrying the oldest daughter of Bodar of Krata'an. After much consultation, an agreement was made. The dowry was given to Nurno in a special ceremony five days ago, and the wedding was to take place the next day. In the night, the bride-to-be disappeared. There was a small speeder missing as well, which was later discovered crashed near the mountains. We've been scanning the area around the speeder since then, but either the sensors pick up nothing or they malfunction completely. Human searchers have also found no trace of her, no footprints, nothing. It is the opinion of both gentlemen that someone is shielding the girl, someone with the ability to manipulate humans and equipment. After the visit of Jedi Master Hak-Lyn Dayar and his Padawan to Pira'a ten or eleven years ago, we know that only Jedi have this ability. That is all, Master Jinn." "But Jedi wouldn't do that--"Obi-Wan burst out and was silenced by Qui-Gon's hand on his leg. "That was an extremely neutral report. Thank you, Constable Zarquo."Qui-Gon leaned back thoughtfully in his chair. Almost immediately, Nurno exclaimed,"This entire situation is nothing but an insult for the House of Freda'un! I was ready to forget the feud between our houses. I was ready to take Bodar's oldest daughter off his hands. But now they've found a renegade Jedi and bribed him to hide the girl, in the hope that I'll give up and look elsewhere for a bride. They want to humiliate me by forcing me to choose a wife of lower rank or from a lower house!" "I will not hear such things!"Bodar retaliated."I also believed that we could forget our differences. But how do I know that the House of Freda'un has not paid a Jedi knight--a renegade--to kidnap my daughter, to take what I was already willing to give! No doubt they want to insult the House of Krata'an by proving they can snatch our most valued possession! Of course they'd need a Jedi to get past our security system. No one from the House of Freda'un could manage it!" "If we had wanted to do such a ridiculous thing, we wouldn't have to bother with a Jedi. Anyway, she's hardly your most valued possesion,"Nurno said scornfully."You do have two other daughters, and both prettier, I might add." "They are younger daughters, Master Jinn,"Bodar stated, turning to the Jedi in appeal."Our law states that a younger daughter may not marry until the oldest daughter has. As long as she is not known to be dead or married, none of the younger daughters may marry, and my house will die out! It's a malicious plan!" "And you have sent out search parties from both houses,"Qui-Gon interrupted smoothly, sketching a gesture in the air. Both men blinked, confused at the sudden change of subject, then nodded. Obi-Wan glanced from one to the other, feeling -----signature----- Mostly retired now Just making the occasional guest appearance
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Jane Jinn Registered: Jan '00	Date Posted: 1/13/00 4:54am Subject: Re: What's in a Name?
	Tai'hal was on constant alert as she walked, sweeping the surrounding area regularly with her enhanced senses, but the sound of the ship landing was audible even to normal ears. Was it a coincidence that it was setting down so close to her, or not? There's been that feeling in her mind, almost a voice, a sudden sense of someone searching for her, and although she'd lashed out with the Force, trying desperately to break the connection, she began to be afraid that she had unwittingly betrayed herself. Despite her exhaustion, she began to move faster, eager to put more distance between her and the ship. As she walked, Tai'hal rolled her feet to minimize the noise, and tried to avoid brushing against branches. The wind blew a sudden gust of rain into her face, and she shivered with cold. Her stomach growled with hunger, and she froze, afraid that someone would hear. But there was no one there when she looked around, and she hastily continued walking. She didn't see the man until she'd moved around a particularly large tree, and then suddenly he was right in front of her. Gasping with the shock, she stared dumbfoundedly at him, too surprised to turn and run away. "Hello,"said the man simply. "Hello,"Tai'hal replied automatically. He was tall and under the hood of his waterproof coat she could see that he sported a short, greying beard. He also seemed to radiate goodness and benevolence, not ill-concealed malice like Nurno, or just plain nonchalance like her father, and almost immediately, she knew why. "You're a Jedi,"she exclaimed."A Master." "Yes,"he smiled."My name is Qui-Gon Jinn." He waited expectantly for her to give her own name, but Tai'hal said nothing. After a moment, he put his hands in his pockets and pulled a fruit out of one, looking at it with faint surprise, then offering it to her."Hungry?" "Thank you."Tai'hal took the fruit and bit into it immediately. "What are you doing out here, in weather like this?" "I am waiting for the man of my dreams,"Tai'hal replied truthfully between bites. Master Jinn smiled."Does he look like me?" "No,"she said, then added,"Do you have a Padawan?" "I do, actually. Come back to my ship with me. You can get out of this rain and have something hot to eat while we wait for him."He gestured with his hand, but Tai'hal hesitated. The thought of warmth and food was compelling, however, and then there was the Padawan. She had to see him, see if he was the one she was waiting for. At length, she nodded, and they walked to the ship together. "This man of your dreams,"Master Jinn said conversationally as they strolled along."Did you arrange to meet him here?" "No,"Tai'hal replied, then asked,"Did you mean to land on Pira'a, or did you come here by accident?" "We have business in one of the cities." "All the large cities are to the west of the Great Forest, by the sea. If you head in that direction, your sensors will soon show you where they are." "I shall keep that in mind. Thank you."They had reached the ship by now, and Master Jinn pressed the button on the control that brought the loading ramp down. He indicated that Tai'hal should board, but they were interrupted by the sound of someone crashing through the trees and bushes behind them. Tai'hal turned around abruptly, cursing herself for having let her guard down, then realised that it must be the Jedi Padawan who was racing in their direction. He, too, was wearing a waterproof coat with the hood up and she could not see much of his face. "Oh, you found her,"he called out eagerly as he got closer. Tai'hal realised with sudden, sickening clarity that the Jedis had not landed here by accident, as she had believed. Instead, they had been out searching for her--and she had almost walked right into their trap. Had her father sent them, or Nurno? It didn't matter. She turned and ran, choosing a course between the two men that led her deeper into the forest, panting the word "no" with every breath. She lost hold of the fruit and then the survival blanket, which fluttered away behind her, but she didn't stop. "We just want to talk to you!"she heard the Padawan shout, and then he started running, too. Tai'hal did not hesitate, but it seemed that a dead branch lying in her path suddenly lifted itself up and snagged her ankle. She fell hard, banging her head against the trunk of a tree, and remained prostrate in the mud, sobbing with pain and anger and frustration. "I'm sorry, but we want to talk to you,"the Padawan said, coming closer. He reached out to help her up, but she shrugged off his hand and got to a sitting position by herself. Her head throbbed and when she took her hand away, there was blood on her fingers. "Come to the ship,"he said, gesturing at her."We've got an emergency medical box on board." "No!"Tai'hal trembled with the effort of fighting the compulsion to exactly what the Jedi suggested. "Then I'll bring it to you. Stay there,"Master Jinn said, and disappeared up the ramp. Tai'hal immediately seized the opportunity, glancing around for anything she could use as a weapon, and caught sight of a group of small boulders near the other side of the clearing. As she lifted them with the power of the Force, she stood up to distract the Padawan. He stepped back to give her room and, edging away, she sent the boulders flying towards him. Reacting instinctively to the danger, he spun around, his light saber already in his hands and activated. He managed to deflect the two highest boulders, but the others slammed into his leg and his fell backwards into a crumpled heap. Emerging from the ship again with the box in his hand, Master Jinn gave a shout, and Tai'hal suddenly felt a burst of the Force knock her down to a sitting position again. She wanted to inch away, but Master Jinn was coming forward with one hand extended in her direction and she was strangely powerless to move. As the Padawan struggled to get up, clasping his left knee with both hands and bending over it with a cry of pain, the hood of his coat fell back to reveal his head. Tai'hal gasped in horror. It was him! The man from her dreams! The long, stern face, the dark blond hair clipped very short, the thin braid that dangled behind his right ear, the blue light saber--that was him! "Oh, no!"she exclaimed, aghast."What have I done? I didn't know it was you! I'm sorry--I didn't know! I'm sorry. Let me help. I can heal him. Please." Master Jinn lowered his hand, watching her warily, and she found that she could move again. Kneeling down by the Padawan, she reached out and placed her fingers gently on his leg. She could feel his pain now; the sharp agony of the broken bones and deeply bruised flesh. Closing her eyes, she sent her consciousness further in until she was able to identify every cell and begin repairs. That one here, this one there...her energy was dwindling, she had to concentrate better...a little more there...not enough yet...she was weakening...concentrate...there. She opened her eyes, dizzy now with sudden, total exhaustion. The Jedi Padawan sat up, flexing his leg and staring at her in astonishment."You healed it. You're not a Jedi, you're not a healer, but you used the Force to heal it. How did you do that?" "I trained myself,"Tai'hal replied. It was an effort to move her mouth at all. Her voice seemed faint, very far away, and the forest around her was no longer green and grey, but black. ***** Obi-Wan caught the girl automatically as she collapsed, then carried her inside the ship and placed her on the narrow bed in his own tiny cabin. Qui-Gon helped him remove the girl's backpack, jacket, and boots, all of which were damp and muddy. Opening a small compartment in the wall, Qui-Gon pulled out the flexible plastic cuff of the medical surveillance system and fastened it around her wrist. It was standard equipment aboard every Coruscant ship, and the Jedi us -----signature----- Mostly retired now Just making the occasional guest appearance
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Jane Jinn Registered: Jan '00	Date Posted: 1/13/00 8:29am Subject: Re: What's in a Name?
	The vision had been so clear--her, the Padawan, the two boys, the feeling of happiness--that Tai'hal had never once doubted it would come true, and the rejection was so unexpected that she simply gaped at him in astonishment. Giving his Padawan a disapproving look, Master Jinn changed the subject and asked,"Where did you learn about the Force at all, Mistress Tai'hal?" She had to collect her thoughts before she could answer."Oh, about ten years ago, a Jedi Master came and stayed in our House. His name was Master Dayar, Hak-Lyn Dayar. He had a Padawan a bit younger than I was, called Bar. I don't remember the rest of his name, just Bar. He was quite arrogant and liked to tease me. One day, she told me that I had the Force and that I should come to Coruscant for training. He even started showing me how to use it to move small objects. Then he stopped and suddenly said that I was too old to train. He ran off laughing after that. I don't think he ever told his master what he'd done, however, because Master Dayar never spoke to me at all. I felt so disappointed that he didn't invite me to come to Coruscant with them, that I just started practising on my own." Master Jinn nodded."Yes, Hak-Lyn spent many years trying to teach Bar to be more humble. He often wondered if he would ever succeed. I was more lucky with Obi-Wan here. He was only headstrong, impatient, hot-tempered..." The Padawan smiled briefly and Tai'hal felt her heart ache unaccountably at the sight. Then he said suddenly,"Thank you for healing my leg, Mistress Tai'hal." "I apologize for attacking you in the first place, Padawan Kenobi,"she replied."I thought you were going to take me back to Master Nurno and I panicked. I'm sorry." They looked solemnly at each other for a moment, then both glanced away. Master Jinn spoke up. "It seems that we have two choices, Mistress Tai'hal. We can either take you back to your father and help you explain what has happened, or you can go back out into the rain, here in the forest, with no food and no shelter, and walk on until you drop dead of exhaustion." Tai'hal flinched, although Master Jinn was only telling the harsh truth. Along with the walking, it had drained her strength to use the Force so much and so often, and she'd been so hungry after she'd eaten the last of the food. The nights had been so dark and cold, and the rain maddening in its unpredictability. She hadn't dared to light a fire, in case it called attention to her, and once in the dark, she'd had a rather bad scare with a hungry nawei. Fortunately, she'd been able to use the Force to influence it into thinking that food was farther away. The experience had left her almost too scared to sleep at nights in case another one came around. "I'll go back. I'd like to have the marriage contract annulled,"she said wistfully."But I have no proof of Master Nurno's intentions. Nobody would believe that I heard his thoughts. My father believes that the Jedi have the Force, not ordinary Pira'an like us. I tried to talk to him about it, once, tell him what I could do, but he wouldn't listen. He said it was ridiculous to imagine such a thing. And now he would only see that I have brought dishonour upon the House of Krata'an by refusing a good marriage for no reason at all." She paused, choosing her next words deliberately, then added,"In all truth, I could not even tell him that there is another man willing to marry me." Padawan Kenobi said nothing and Tai'hal felt her heart sink. That had been her only hope during all those long, cold days and nights in the forest, that she could go back and ask her father to annul the contract because a Jedi was also offering to marry her. After having broken this news, she had even planned to suggest that Master Nurno marry her sister instead, which would have made everybody happy all around. "Now that the dowry has been paid, I think I have only one option, and that is to break the contract and refuse to marry him, in front of three witnesses,"she concluded. It was the choice she'd been trying to avoid, but now that she had no other choices, she began to mentally fortify herself to take the consequences it would bring. "There are two of us, and Constable Zarquo,"said the Padawan, grasping eagerly at the suggestion."That's three." He did not ask about the consequences, and Tai'hal did not mention them. There was no point. His rejection had been clear enough, and begging would only bring another one. "Obi-Wan, get the engines started. We'll fly back to the city and arrange a meeting with everybody involved,"said Master Jinn. "Yes, Master."Padawan Kenobi stood up quickly and walked to the cockpit. When he was gone, Master Jinn turned to Tai'hal with a gentle smile."The Force shows us what can happen, but it doesn't always show us the way. Have patience." "I'm not what he expected,"Tai'hal said sadly."He wants the girl of his dreams." "You are the girl of his dreams. He just hasn't recognised you yet,"Master Jinn said. "Maybe I was wrong and I only thought I recognised him. Maybe there's another Padawan who looks like him, and he's the one I'm supposed to marry." "You weren't wrong. Come with us to Coruscant. Have patience and trust the Force." Tai'hal glanced up."You'd take me?" "I believe that your destiny is leading you there." "No matter what happens with my father and the contract, and everything?" "I give you my word." Obi-Wan landed the cruiser on the same spot as before, and Master Zarquo met them with transportation to the tent in the park. Bodar and Nurno were already there, glaring at each other across the table, but when they entered, Bodar jumped to his feet."Daughter! Are you well? What happened? Where have you been?" "I am well, Father,"Tai'hal replied. They touched hands briefly, pressing their palms together, then sat down. "Who kidnapped you? Were you treated badly?"asked Nurno, shooting a sideways glance at Bodar. "Nobody kidnapped me,"Tai'hal explained calmly."I was alone in the forest." "But nobody could find you. The scanners showed no readings, or else they malfunctioned. Somebody must have been manipulating them to keep you hidden!"Bodar also cast an angry look at Nurno. "Mistress Tai'hal ran away to the forest and was using the Force to keep herself hidden,"Qui-Gon explained gently. "The Force?"sneered Nurno."Only Jedi have the Force--not little girls from Pira'a." Little girl? thought Obi-Wan. She was almost as old as he was. "You ran away? You ran away and hid--deliberately?"Bodar asked. He sounded more insulted than worried, or so it seemed to Obi-Wan."We arranged a better marriage for you than anyone could have hoped for, and you ran away? You bring dishonour on our House!" "She just doesn't know what's good for her,"said Nurno."I'll overlook that--she's still inexperienced. The wedding can be arranged for to-morrow." Obi-Wan felt the anger and hate in him, caught the triumphant picture in his mind of Tai'hal tumbling down the steps, and a glimpse of another girl, strangely beautiful, and looked at Qui-Gon in horror. The Jedi Master made a horizontal motion with his fingers and the image disappeared. "I'll keep her under guard,"Bodar declared."She won't run away again, and the wedding will go ahead." "I refuse to marry Master Nurno,"Tai'hal stated."Before these three witnesses, Constable Zarquo, Master Jinn, and Padawan Kenobi, I refuse to marry him. I find him revolting. I spit on him. I spit on the House of Freda'un!" "She insults my House!"Nurno roared."This insult must be avenged!" "Daughter!"threatened Bodar."Think of the consequences! Retract your statement at once!" "I know the consequences, Father, and I will not retract. I say again, before these three witnesses, I refuse to marry Master Nurno."Obi-Wan could see that Tai'hal had started to shake slightly. "Constable Zarquo, she cannot mean this." -----signature----- Mostly retired now Just making the occasional guest appearance
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Jane Jinn Registered: Jan '00	Date Posted: 1/13/00 10:43am Subject: Re: What's in a Name?
	Despite the wind and the insistent rain, the stands of seats that lined the square were already filled to bursting when they arrived there the next morning. Constable Zarquo guided them to a specially reserved bench at ground level and as they sat down, Obi-Wan watched him mount the platform and stand at one side of it, between a table and a large, flat wooden box. He could also see two bars about as far apart as a man could reach with outstretched arms, both with wrist manacles on short chains dangling from them, and he wondered vaguely why there were two. A moment later, Bodar and a woman, probably his wife, approached and sat down next to them after nodding a greeting. Nurno arrived soon after with a girl at his side, as beautiful as Tai'hal was plain, though Obi-Wan thought he could see a family resemblance. This must be her sister Ren'hal. Shortly after they had seated themselves, there was a sudden, piercing sound, a single note from a horn, long and high. When it had died away, the guards entered the square, leading Tai'hal between them. They had taken her warm, colourful clothing away. Instead, she wore a strip of black cloth with a hole cut in it for her head, held together only with a belt, over a pair of loose, baggy trousers. She did not even have a hat to protect herself from the rain, and her hair hung loosely down her back. As she went up the steps to the platform, Obi-Wan could see that she was barefoot and that they had also bound her hands behind her back. She walked stiffly upright, almost arrogant in her determination not to droop, and it made her look as vulnerable as a small child. Obi-Wan watched easily as the guards forced her to kneel on the wooden box. Then the horn produced a lower note of shorter duration, and Constable Zarquo spoke into the microphone, his voice resonating throughout the square. "Mistress Tai'hal, the daughter of Bodar of the House of Krata'an, contracted to marry Nurno of the House of Freda'un, has refused this marriage before three witnesses. She will be punished according to the law for breach of contract. After this punishment, her name will be erased, to avenge the insult to the house of Freda'un." A muffled sound from his right made Obi-Wan turn his head slightly. The woman beside Bodar had pressed both hands to her face as though to smother a cry, and her eyes were bright with unshed tears. In a gesture of tenderness that he had not shown to his daughter, Bodar placed a comforting hand on her thigh. Obi-Wan turned his attention back to Constable Zarquo, who had signaled a third guard, obviously higher in rank, to come forward. The guard took a pair of scissors from the table and began to cut off Tai'hal's hair close to her head, dropping the long tresses heedlessly onto the platform where an occasional gust of wind blew them away. Keeping her neck stiff throughout, Tai'hal refused to bow her head, even when the guard tried to push it forwards. He did not shave her head when he had finished, merely left the uneven stubble and laid the scissors down. The two guards set her on her feet again, then undid her belt and lifted the cloth over her head. Guiding her to the bar, they unbound her hands, led her arms to the manacles, and clasped the cuffs around her wrists. Obi-Wan opened his mouth in astonished recognition. It was her. With her hair now short, he could no longer deny it. A sudden glimpse through the Force made her plain features seem suddenly beautiful, because it showed him that there was no darkness in her being, no anger or hate, only great sadness and the heartache of betrayal. This was indeed the girl he was meant to marry, and because he had not been willing to see it before, she was about to be punished now. Why hadn't he listened to Qui-Gon and looked at her before? Why hadn't he trusted the Force and asked her to marry him before they'd flown back to the city? He could have spared her all this if he hadn't been so insistent about her looks. He felt sick. "The punishment for breach of contract for a woman is twenty lashes,"Constable Zarquo proclaimed. There was a curious double note from the horn, and the guard raised the whip and struck immediately. Tai'hal fell forwards with the force of the blow and her scream had barely died away when the guard lashed her again. To Obi-Wan's surprise, he then laid the whip on the table and turned to Constable Zarquo. The horn blew the double note again, and the constable announced,"Mistress Tai'hal has paid ten percent of the price. Is there anyone here willing to take mercy on her and take the rest of her pain upon his own body, receive her remaining lashes as though they were his own? No part of her blame will be attached to him and the punishment will be forgotten as though it had never happened. Anyone who is willing to take mercy on her may step forward before the horn sounds again." Later Obi-Wan would discover that the question was traditional, part of every public spectacle since Pira'a had become civilized and that not once in a thousand generations had anyone offered to take mercy on the lawbreaker. But now it seemed as though Constable Zarquo was offering him a chance to make up for his mistake. Without hesitating, Obi-Wan stood up and took the steps to the platform two at a time. Constable Zarquo stared at him in amazement as the horn sounded, and the guards looked first at him and then at each other. "Padawan Kenobi?" "I am willing to take mercy on her,"Obi-Wan announced loudly enough so that those in the first rows could hear him, and a murmur of surprise went through the crowd. "Objection!"shouted Nurno, standing up as well."Objection! She should be punished, not him! She broke the contract, she insulted my house. He is a Jedi, not even Pira'an!" "Objection overruled,"said the constable."The invitation is part of the law and must be spoken. It is also open to everybody who hears it, whether or not they were born on this planet. Sit down, Master Nurno." Chagrined, Nurno sat, and Constable Zarquo turned to Obi-Wan, covering the microphone with one hand."Padawan Kenobi, do you fully understand what you are agreeing to? You will be whipped eighteen times as though you yourself were the lawbreaker." "I understand. I only wish you had asked earlier, so that I could take the entire punishment from her."Obi-Wan glanced over to Tai'hal, who was holding her head fiercely upright but crying with pain as silently as she could, her tears undistinguishable from the raindrops that poured down her face. "There will be medical attention afterwards, for both of you,"the constable nodded. Removing his hand from the microphone, he announced to the crowd,"Jedi Padawan Kenobi is willing to take mercy on Mistress Tai'hal." He made a gesture with his hand, but the guards only stood there, looking at him and at each other until the constable covered up the microphone again and quietly commanded,"Strip him!" Removing Obi-Wan's waterproof coat, the guards folded it carefully onto the table. One of them undid his utility belt and laid it on top, eyeing the light saber appreciatively. Obi-Wan felt strangely light and bereft without it, but the guards were already stripping him of the different layers of shirts, placing them neatly on the table as well. The rain and the wind were cold on his naked skin and Obi-Wan shivered, wishing suddenly that they would hurry up and get it over with. Then one of the guards whispered apologetically in his ear,"We have to take your boots off, Padawan." To make it easy for them, he sat down on the wooden box and extended both legs. They pulled off his boots and his socks as well, and then led him to the bar directly across from Tai'hal. He raised his arms, and they fastened the broad cuffs around his wrists in unison. All at once, he felt so incredibly relieved to be doing the right thing at last that he couldn't h -----signature----- Mostly retired now Just making the occasional guest appearance
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Jane Jinn Registered: Jan '00	Date Posted: 1/13/00 3:30pm Subject: Re: What's in a Name?
	When the horn repeated the long, low note, she watched the crowd turn around again and then start to leave because there was nothing more to see. She watched Nurno and Ren'hal walk away, talking earnestly with their heads bent together, and then Bodar and his wife, also arm in arm, but silent, their eyes looking in different directions. None of them even glanced at her, and as they disappeared through the corner exit, she whispered,"My own father..." "Stranger, you have no father here,"Constable Zarquo was at her side, freeing her right wrist while another guard fumbled with her left. She opened her mouth to reply, but the fact that he was right left nothing for her to say. The guard dressed her in the cloth again and tied the belt around her waist, keeping the fabric loose in the back. She glanced over to Padawan Kenobi. He had been released as well and was now sprawled over a stretcher, all but unconscious. As she watched, the guards placed a medicated bandage over the red, raw mass of flayed flesh and blood that was his back, gathered up his arms and legs, and wrapped him in blankets. Then Constable Zarquo stepped in front of her, tucking a warm, comforting blanket around her own shoulders, and guided her down the steps of the platform. The mud of the square was cold under her bare feet. They climbed into one side of a covered ground vehicle, and the guards followed with the stretcher, securing it on the other side. Just before they shut the door, Master Jinn slipped in, holding the bundle of his Padawan's clothing against his chest with one arm."Where are you taking him?" "To the infirmary,"Constable Zarquo replied, and the Jedi nodded, seating himself matter-of-factly on the last bit of bench. The vehicle hit a piece of uneven ground and she was thrown backwards against the wall. Gasping with the pain, she leaned forward to prevent it happening again, holding herself steady on the edge of the stretcher. They were jolted again, and a groan from the Padawan made her skin crawl. She'd never been able to bear the suffering of others. She hadn't even been able to watch him being whipped--she'd had to turn her head away, but the sound of every whiplash and his resulting screams had made her cringe. Now she surreptitiously moved her hand a little bit farther until she was touching the Padawan's shoulder through the blankets. Despite the sharp ache of her own back, she found it easier to concentrate on his injuries this time. For a moment, the agony of his flayed back almost made her pull away, but then she went deeper, initiating repairs, and the pain vanished as the Force flowed vigourously through her. He opened his eyes and smiled up at her, and in that instant, the vehicle stopped with a jerk. The doors were flung open from the outside and the stretcher removed. As she got out, she watched the guards run with it down the hall of the infirmary into a treatment room. Constable Zarquo followed, giving instructions to the medical personnel, and for a moment, she was left alone with Master Jinn. "I felt you use the Force,"he said."Did you heal him?" She nodded. "Did you heal yourself?" She shook her head and whispered,"I can't." "You can't heal yourself?" She shook her head again, unable to explain why it only worked for others. Constable Zarquo returned then and led her into another treatment room where there was a woman in medical colours."This is a stranger who has been punished." "Let's see,"said the woman briskly, unwrapping the blanket and flipping up the strip of cloth."Oh, only two. That's not so bad." The woman sprayed something over the welts which dampened the pain, then pulled the cloth back down and tucked it in."That will help it heal. Try not to do too much for a few days." The girl nodded and wanted to reach for the blanket again, but Constable Zarquo was already folding it up. "Stranger,"he said,"you are free to go." She stared at him for a moment, not comprehending, until he opened the door and indicated that she should leave. Then she turned and walked back into the corridor, shivering. "You're cold,"said Master Jinn, coming towards her as the constable pushed by towards the exit."Here." He set the pile of clothing down on a nearby bench and stripped off his coat, helping her into it. On the inside, it was comfortingly warm with his body heat. As she pulled it tightly around her, the door of the other treatment room opened and Padawan Kenobi came out hastily, talking to someone behind him and waving his hand in a familiar Jedi gesture."No, no more tests. I'm fine. I'm perfectly fine and I'm leaving now." He caught sight of Master Jinn and grinned."They think I healed myself and they can't believe it. Come on, Master, let's get out of here before they put me on permanent display." Gathering up his clothes and boots, he led them out of the infirmary into the wind and the rain. Constable Zarquo and one of the guards met them outside."Master Jinn, Padawan Kenobi, this transport is at your disposal." "Take us to our ship,"Master Jinn told the guard, holding the door for the girl to climb in. "Thank you for your help, Master Jinn, Padawan Kenobi,"said the constable, bowing at them."May the Force be with you." "May the Force be with you,"both Jedis replied, also bowing. They rode in silence to the landing strip. Padawan Kenobi pulled his socks and boots on first, then his shirts and the utility belt, and then the waterproof coat. When the ground vehicle stopped and they got out, he flipped up the hood and muttered,"Doesn't it ever stop raining on this planet?" "In the winter, it snows,"the girl said without thinking, and he looked at her and laughed."I love you. Will you marry me?" "What?"she asked, astonished, and Master Jinn frowned."She's still in shock, Obi-Wan, and not in a position to decide anything." His smile faded instantly."You're right. I'm sorry." They went up the landing ramp and the Padawan pressed the control to close it behind them, then turned to the girl."Shall I try to heal your back?" "It's all right,"she said dully."They gave me something at the infirmary. It doesn't hurt very much anymore." All she wanted to do now was curl up in a blanket--many blankets--and get warm, then fall asleep forever. "Get permission to take off, Obi-Wan, then fly us back to Coruscant,"Master Jinn said. Looking disappointed, the Padawan shed his coat and dropped it over the nearest seat as he walked to the cockpit. Master Jinn transferred the coat to another seat, then made the girl sit down and placed his hands on her shoulders."Perhaps I can try?" His touch made it impossible for her to resist anymore, and she nodded. After a moment, she felt the Force swirling around her, more powerful and more controlled than she had ever felt it in herself, but it seemed that an eternity went by before her back suddenly started to tingle and the pain disappeared. She felt strangely exhilarated at first, but then the feeling faded to simply good. "All right then?" "Yes. Thank you."Her mind was clear again, and she no longer felt so sleepy. "You're still shivering." "I'm so cold." "Come with me and I'll find you something to wear."He led her to the tiny cabin she'd slept in before, and opened a drawer under the bed. Pulling out various articles of clothing, he said,"Obi-Wan's things will fit you better than mine. They'll keep you warm until we can get you some of your own." After he'd gone out, she stripped off the black punishment clothing with a sudden feeling of revulsion, then pulled two pairs of socks over her icy feet and fastened a pair of overlong trousers around her waist. She didn't bother to sort the different shirts, just pulled on one layer after another. They hung loosely on her, and after a bit of searching, she found a spare belt to complete the outfit. "We're in hyperspace now, Master,"the Padawan was saying as -----signature----- Mostly retired now Just making the occasional guest appearance
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Jane Jinn Registered: Jan '00	Date Posted: 1/14/00 12:42pm Subject: Re: What's in a Name?
	I'd really appreciate some comments on this, if anybody's lurking out there. Even if you think it's ploddingly slow and boring, tell me! I'll try to do better next time. -----signature----- Mostly retired now Just making the occasional guest appearance
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mouse2 Registered: Oct '99	Date Posted: 1/14/00 1:13pm Subject: Re: What's in a Name?
	I really enjoyed reading your story. i have a bad habit of lurking and not posting. I'm looking forward to your next story. -----signature----- Want to know what ANTAR and TLST are? Visit Hell's Chance! http://www.hellschancecantina.com Proud Master to Lola64! I've gone into lurking mode... If you need me feel free to PM me...
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Jane Jinn Registered: Jan '00	Date Posted: 2/15/00 7:52am Subject: Re: What's in a Name?
	Just thought I'd push this to the top again and see if I could double the number of posts from other people on it. -----signature----- Mostly retired now Just making the occasional guest appearance
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Mekial Registered: Dec '99	Date Posted: 2/15/00 2:11pm Subject: Re: What's in a Name?
	Great work Jane! I like this! -----signature----- People say I'm strange Does that make me a stranger? 'Cause my best friend was born in a manger - dc talk
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Pixel Novastar Registered: Apr '99	Date Posted: 2/15/00 2:41pm Subject: Re: What's in a Name?
	This was good! Good job, Jane!
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HealerLeona Registered: Jan '00	Date Posted: 2/15/00 3:09pm Subject: Re: What's in a Name?
	Wow! Where's this been, I really have to get into the archives more often. Jane Jinn that was amazing. I was really getting ticked off at Obi for obsession with beauty but you saved him nicely. Great story Back to the top!
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Kit' Title: Manager Emeritus Registered: Oct '99	Date Posted: 2/15/00 5:32pm Subject: Re: What's in a Name?
	Gosh that was nice. I'm now smiling all over ahhhh Obi-wan Goood!!!!! Even though it took me about half-an-hour to read! Go Jane!!!! Kithera -----signature----- Join the insanity http://boards.theforce.net/the_saga/b10476/27996678 * One bad day and a temper tantrum does not a dark Jedi make! http://fanfic.theforce.net/fanfic.asp?action=view&ID=1060
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Snysu Jinn Registered: Feb '00	Date Posted: 2/19/00 6:27pm Subject: Re: What's in a Name?
	Oh Jane, that was beautiful! I am sitting here crying my eyes out and wanting to know more about Ben Kenobi and his wife and sons. Please tell me that they didn't die..because I really don't want to hear that. BRAVO!!!!
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Amidolee Registered: Jan '00	Date Posted: 2/19/00 7:51pm Subject: Re: What's in a Name?
	Obi-Wan-garbage heap! I was rolling at the floor at that one!!!!! Great Story!!! I really enjoyed that! Yeah, for a moment I wanted to smack Obi-Wan for looking on the outside and not in, but he redeemed himself by the whipping and proposal. Have a question though. Was this before or after TPM? -----signature----- Mar. 1 - One Prick to Bleed: http://boards.theforce.net/the_saga/b10476/20423905/p1 "You're like a walking encyclopedia of weirdness." Dean to Sam in Roadkill.
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Snysu Jinn Registered: Feb '00	Date Posted: 2/20/00 1:29am Subject: Re: What's in a Name?
	Ok, here is a question for that question.... stupid though it may make me sound What is TPM???? Jane Jinn, I seriously want to hear more about this couple and their adventures. I have a feeling that Taedano could be a very commanding character. And think of the handsome sons they could produce!!!! WOO WOO!!! Snysu Jinn
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Jedi Speewwy Registered: Dec '99	Date Posted: 2/20/00 1:46am Subject: Re: What's in a Name?
	TPM = The Phantom Menace -----signature----- Meine Ruh' ist hin Mein Herz ist schwer.
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