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Author	Topic: For Such a Time as This (Obi-Wan, Qui-Gon, others - very AU) - Author's Note 6/10
Master_Noi Registered: Sep '04	Date Posted: 6/7/05 8:22pm Subject: RE: For Such a Time as This (Obi-Wan, Qui-Gon, others - very AU) - Chapter 3, updated 6/7 - Date Edited: 6/7/05 8:43pm (1 edits total) Edited By: Master_Noi
	First of all, I want to extend an invitation for any lurkers out there to let me know you are out there. I didn't set out cookies or anything, but I have a lovely new post to tempt you out. Kitara - The flashback was sad I know. Sorry to have to do that to you, but their past is an important part of their relationship. Indra - I'm glad everyone is enjoying the idea. I think I am going to like AU. diane - I loved the flashback - the way you use it to tell us that love was allowed, families were important and both Obi-Wan and Qui-Gon lost people that they loved. You will find out in time that families are very important to the Order. A fine balance between doing what is right and trying to hide his background. Yes, he has a task ahead of him. Shaindl - This is just brimming with 'what ifs' and can go just anywhere. It is fun to have a wide open playing ground. I like that you're letting out details slowly - why let us have it all at once? It's hard. I've always had the tendency to just want to rush along with the other WIPs I've had and am really trying to challenge myself to develop this more. SapphireBloom - He has such a dislike of Senators, but I figured the Force would put him where he could serve. * Chapter 3 “What do you think, Obi-Wan?” The seventeen year old hid any disappointment he might have felt as he walked through the empty apartment. “There’s not much room.” “You will have your own bedroom, and I’ll have mine. It is sufficient.” “That’s not what I meant,” Obi-Wan said softly. He wandered to the third room of the apartment. It had at one time been two bedrooms and the previous owners had knocked a wall out to create a large master bedroom. Obi-Wan began to swiftly walk through the opening steps of a kata, obviously wary of the walls. It in some ways reminded Qui-Gon of the way he had seen animals pace in captivity. “I know. It’s not our home on Aksu, but we will have to make do. It’s affordable and this location is very good.” Obi-Wan walked to the window. The main university building was clearly visible. Qui-Gon had been offered a position as the head of the history department and Obi-Wan would start his studies there next semester. Qui-Gon walked up beside him and rested a hand on the boy’s shoulder. “Obi-Wan, I know this move is an adjustment for us both. There aren’t as many Jedi the further from Aksu we get and it will mainly be the two of us. But, we are needed here. The Force said it was time. The boy nodded and stood in silence for a few moments before turning to his mentor and smiling. “I think we are going to need really thick coverings for this window … unless we want the neighbors to talk.” “Indeed,” Qui-Gon said, reaching out to ruffle the youth’s hair. “Let’s start bringing stuff in.” On occasion, the two Jedi had taken advantage of abandoned warehouses on Coruscant’s lower levels for more involved sparring practice where Obi-Wan could enjoy the freedom to exercise his more acrobatic side, but most lessons were confined to the practice room. It was more than large enough for katas, but only had enough room for the most controlled of sparring, as evidenced by the multiple scorch marks on the walls. The first light of morning was now brightening the sky, unseen and unnoticed through the heavy curtains shielding the practice room from prying eyes. A gleaming blue blade cut through the air, glowing in the dimness of the room, a mere extension of its wielder. His eyes were closed as he saw his surroundings through the Force. It was his music. If he sensed his mentor in the background, he made no acknowledgement. Only the familiar melody guided his steps. The kata was difficult, beyond what he should be capable of at his age, but he stepped through the movements was grace and ease. Qui-Gon knew the ease was an illusion. The young man’s sweat-drenched torso and flushed skin betrayed his exertions. He watched as Obi-Wan’s saber bearing arm stretched out to a new angle and he held the position. One, two, three … Qui-Gon found himself counting along, subconsciously rubbing the bicep of his right arm. The position was remarkably difficult to hold and he knew the taut muscles in Obi-Wan’s arm were beginning to burn. Still he held, even as the rigid arm began to tremble. His face remained focused, and Qui-Gon knew he was releasing any pain or discomfort into the Force. Obi-Wan continued through the remaining sequence of steps, moving his saber in rapid flurries with his now-fatigued arm. The end of the kata had been a great source of frustration for Obi-Wan of late, and Qui-Gon found himself holding his breath with each change in position until Obi-Wan stood in the final pose, saber raised vertically in front of him. “Good morning Master.” Obi-Wan extinguished his saber and turned to face his mentor. “I see you moved through your impasse with this kata. What did you do differently?” A small grin curled the corners of the young man’s mouth as though he were a child that had just learned an important secret. “I stopped trying, Master.” “Then you have indeed mastered it,” Qui-Gon said. “I guess I will have to find something new to challenge you with now.” Obi-Wan’s face fell. “You can’t at least let me enjoy this victory?” Qui-Gon might have been worried if not for the mischievous tone in the young man’s voice. “No.” He smiled. “Now go get cleaned up.” After showering and dressing, Obi-Wan joined Qui-Gon in the small dining room. “You are dressed up today,” Qui-Gon said, eyeing the suit of crisp silks Obi-Wan wore. “Since Senator Kitab wants me to join him in the Senate today when he presents the Judicial Oversight Committee's recommendations, I want to look more presentable than normal,” he said, sitting at the table. “He’s really trying to sell this to you isn’t he.” “Oh, he’s in full form. I think the man could swindle a Toydarian.” Qui-Gon laughed. “You’re probably right.” “Ironically, he’s one of the few senators I truly trust.” Qui-Gon grew serious. “You are going to have a chance to observe the Senate like you have never had before today. Be mindful of the moment; seek out what the Force wants you to see. Also, keep your shielding firm as I have taught you.” “I know, Master. I’ve had a good teacher,” Obi-Wan said interrupting. “And most importantly Padawan …” Qui-Gon only addressed him by his status when it was very important and Obi-Wan listened intently. “… remember our transport to Aksu leaves at 1900.” * As time neared for the session to begin, senators began to file into the Senate rotunda, taking seats in the places assigned to them. Obi-Wan took a seat next to Senator Kitab in the pod occupied by the senators from the three main worlds of the Yopurga system. Teran Charay, the senator from Korla, the smallest of the three worlds, sat on the far end of the pod. Next to him was Aidan Derih, the senator from Obi-Wan’s home world, Aksu. The older man nodded at the younger, the one who would likely take his place. Olin Kitab, the senator from Yopurga, spoke for the system as a whole. The whispers of literally hundreds upon hundreds of individual conversations began to fill the air like the first gentle raindrops and breeze of a storm. As more beings packed into the arena, the voices became thunderous, echoing through the cavernous building. Obi-Wan had watched the proceedings from the sidelines on several occasions, taking notes for Kitab, but had never been in the middle of it. “Impressive, isn’t it?” Kitab said with a wide grin. “I just wouldn’t look down.” “I already have.” Obi-Wan grimaced as he glanced over the edge, following the hundreds of pods below to the floor. “It’s a long way to the bottom.” Chancellor Valorum’s pod began to slowly ascend to the middle of the arena. The storm of whispers died down to silence, and Obi-Wan joined the other senators, standing in respect as Mas Amedda called the Senate to order. “Show time,” Kitab whispered, with a hint of maniacal gleam in his eyes. For Olin Kitab, politics was fun. “The item on our agenda is recommendations from the Judicial Oversight Committee. The Senate recognizes the senator from the sovereign system of Yopurga.” Obi-Wan felt the repulsor lift of the pod start up and they floated to the middle of the rotunda. Now they were surrounded, eyes bearing into them from all sides, beneath the glow of a single spotlight. Kitab stood and smoothed out his deep blue robes before speaking. Obi-Wan didn’t need to listen. He had written most the senator’s prepared statement. Instead, he tried to focus on the room through the Force. Obi-Wan knew the darkness was growing. The elders had not shared their feelings with him, but he sensed it every day. Even now, the Senate rotunda was bathed in darkness. The government of the Republic was a festering wound, oozing with corruption and greed. Yet in the darkness, he saw pinpricks of light, like stars in a night sky. There were still true servants of democracy left in the Republic. Perhaps if they could endure, he could as well. He suddenly froze, feeling a brush against his mind. It was subtle. If he weren’t well trained, he never would have noticed. It was that same discipline and training that kept him from reacting. His shields were firmly in place so turned his attention back to Senator Kitab. “After much deliberation, we have decided to present Gyran Tes from Denysar as a candidate for the judiciary.” Several pods broke away from their docks, jockeying for a position on the floor, looking a bit like the Coruscant airways during rush hour. “And now for the fireworks,” Kitab said as he sat back down next to Obi-Wan. Truer words were never spoken. The next couple of hours were filled with endless debate and filibuster. Obi-Wan wondered briefly what he would be getting himself into if he accepted a position in this body. The vote finally came and the delegations began to trickle out one by one, each returning to their offices as the sky over Coruscant grew dimmer. Obi-Wan walked shoulder to shoulder with Kitab along the corridors of the Senate building. “First impressions?” Kitab asked, shooting his young companion a quizzical glance. “It was very eye-opening, but the words ‘barely controlled chaos’ jump to mind.” Kitab let out a loud chuckle. “Yes, it is a rush …” He shook his head, savoring the fight then whirled around, suddenly hearing his name. The slender woman who spoke was striking with dark, bronze skin and bright blue eyes that commanded attention. She wore a headdress of long white tentacles along with her senatorial robes. “Adi. What can I do for you?” “How is it the senator for Corellia has such a problem getting an appointment with you? I thought our worlds were on better terms than that.” “Obi-Wan, would you kindly stand behind the senator. I need someone to catch her after I inform her I actually plan to take a vacation. I think she may faint.” She leveled an icy stare. “We are also quite busy with Derih stepping down,” he continued to explain. “Yes, I was surprised to hear that. Do you know who will replace him?” Kitab threw an arm around Obi-Wan’s shoulders. “I am doing my best to persuade this young man right here.” “If you are on his radar, you might watch out,” she suggested. “I will be careful Senator Gallia,” Obi-Wan said, nodding his head. “I want your first open appointment when you get back,” she demanded. “We have important trade matters to discuss,” she said, hurrying away. Obi-Wan knew only he could see how she glowed. She was radiant in the Light and he wondered if she had any comprehension how Force sensitive she was. They made their way back to their offices, only to be immediately intercepted, as normal, by an aide upon entering. “Senator Palpatine was hoping you could still meet with him as the session ran into his appointment. Since you have nothing else on your agenda, I went ahead and showed him into your office.” “That’s fine,” Kitab said. “Do you need me to do anything?” Obi-Wan asked. Kitab glanced down at his chronometer. “No, because I believe you have a transport to catch and if you leave now you will have plenty of time to spare. I will contact you in a couple of weeks.” “Thank-you. Have a good break, Senator.” Obi-Wan grabbed his coat from his desk and left the room. Kitab turned, and was startled to see Palpatine now standing in the doorway to his office. “Is that the protégé you spoke of my friend,” he inquired. “I saw him sitting with you in the session.” Palpatine moved to watch Obi-Wan as he walked down the corridor. “Yes, he’s a sharp young man,” Kitab said with a father-like pride. “I could see him leading the system one of these days.” “Well, I will be watching with great interest then,” the older man said. There was a falseness to the smile he shared with the senator. His tones were calm and even, and his watchful eye lingered even after Obi-Wan had disappeared down the corridor. -----signature----- For Such a Time as This ( 01/17/09) A Shrouded Path (03/21/09)
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Kynstar Registered: Mar '04	Date Posted: 6/7/05 8:59pm Subject: RE: For Such a Time as This (Obi-Wan, Qui-Gon, others - very AU) - Chapter 3, updated 6/7
	Ohhhh “Well, I will be watching with great interest then,” the older man said. There was a falseness to the smile he shared with the senator. His tones were calm and even, and his watchful eye lingered even after Obi-Wan had disappeared down the corridor. Now how come that gave me chills? Excellent work!! So Adi ain't a Jedi, eh? She's a politician!! Oh loved it! Poor Obi... intro to the delegations of politics. I'm really enjoying your OC Kitab! -----signature----- Paddy sis to t_s & SarkaVrae/Master to hyperspace_police Member of Rebel Legion and Jedi Assembly (Kynstar Lans) Only thru fear, hatred, and pain will the true power of the Force be revealed. See stories/viggies in bio
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LuvEwan Registered: Mar '02	Date Posted: 6/7/05 10:28pm Subject: RE: For Such a Time as This (Obi-Wan, Qui-Gon, others - very AU) - Chapter 3, updated 6/7
	Ooooh. rubs hands together Now Palpatine's in the mix. I like. Your imagery in this chapter was so striking. I loved the flashback. Great job. -----signature----- What Light Breaks-AU Obi-Wan, Qui-Gon Anakin angst (collaboration with Spiritweaver) http://boards.theforce.net/the_saga/b10476/29979222/p1/?0 You want an Obi-Wan epic? We've got it right here.
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PadawanKitara Registered: Dec '01	Date Posted: 6/7/05 10:34pm Subject: RE: For Such a Time as This (Obi-Wan, Qui-Gon, others - very AU) - Chapter 3, updated 6/7
	Cookies! Treats! Yummy Yummy Post! -----signature----- Courtier of the Royal Order of Shambling Dufi We are Dufi...Resistance is Futile! UCLA BRUINS
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lori71 Registered: May '02	Date Posted: 6/7/05 11:02pm Subject: RE: For Such a Time as This (Obi-Wan, Qui-Gon, others - very AU) - Chapter 3, updated 6/7
	“Well, I will be watching with great interest then,” Very TPM I was so excited to see that you had started another fic! Lori -----signature----- This just bugs me... there - Anakin went there to kill them. they're - They're running from Anakin. their - Their heads are now rolling on the floor.
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ithesock Registered: Mar '05	Date Posted: 6/7/05 11:56pm Subject: RE: For Such a Time as This (Obi-Wan, Qui-Gon, others - very AU) - Chapter 3, updated 6/7
	Oh, nicely done. I liked the flashback...and about how the Jedi carry on their training secretly. So...enter Palpatine, eh? And he's going to keep an eye on 'He-Who-Matters'. Very intriguing. Love it! -----signature----- Fields of Elysia (JA): http://boards.theforce.net/Before_the_Saga/b10475/20100957/?140 - 10/8 Epistles to a Master (JA, AU): http://boards.theforce.net/Before_the_Saga/b10475/20479680/?25 Lore-Master to Seven
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dianethx Registered: Mar '02	Date Posted: 6/8/05 3:53am Subject: RE: For Such a Time as This (Obi-Wan, Qui-Gon, others - very AU) - Chapter 3, updated 6/7
	I loved the flashback. The backstory is just as intriguing as what is going on now. Fleshs out the characters even more. Great job with the Senate and Obi-Wan meeting Senator Gallia - I wonder if she's a secret Jedi? Do the Jedi know each other or just the ones closest to them (like cells in a secret society)? Enter Palpatine. Of course, he would be there, slimy worm. Great job with this. Do not rush it. It makes it all the sweeter to read. -----signature----- Betrayal - http://boards.theforce.net/s/b1/10935143 updated 11/2/09 jedidas3's Master Merlin - Diplomatic Immunity - http://boards.theforce.net/nswff/b10808/30459852
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Jedikma Registered: Feb '04	Date Posted: 6/8/05 8:50am Subject: RE: For Such a Time as This (Obi-Wan, Qui-Gon, others - very AU) - Chapter 3, updated 6/7 - Date Edited: 6/8/05 8:50am (1 edits total) Edited By: Jedikma
	Wow! This story gets more and more involved. And now we have Palpatine interested in Obi-Wan's career. Uh huh. I assume Adi is also a Jedi and that Obi-Wan just doesn't know her? Great post! I can't wait for the next one. -----signature----- Twice in a Lifetime 7/31 http://boards.theforce.net/The_Saga/b10476/16813029 A Quiet Afternoon http://boards.theforce.net/the_saga/b10476/23305946 follow up vig to: A New Order http://boards.theforce.net/The_Saga/b10476/17525231
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Shaindl Registered: Jun '02	Date Posted: 6/8/05 9:08am Subject: RE: For Such a Time as This (Obi-Wan, Qui-Gon, others - very AU) - Chapter 3, updated 6/7
	Diane beat me to the suspicion that Adi is a Jedi and that Obi just doesn't know it. Loved the parallel with canon. The world you're slowly building is wonderful, so detailed and well described. I'm really enjoying this so far. And AUs are really, really fun. Shaindl -----signature----- Halfway Moment - Qui, Obi, Anakin AU - http://boards.theforce.net/The_Saga/b10476/20110461/?0 - UPDATED JULY 3!
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Indra Registered: Dec '03	Date Posted: 6/8/05 12:13pm Subject: RE: For Such a Time as This (Obi-Wan, Qui-Gon, others - very AU) - Chapter 3, updated 6/7
	He will be watching Obi-Wan with great interest? Reminds me a little too much of Anakin. Like others have said, it's great to see all those little parallels to the films. This gets more interesting with every post. I love all the political stuff you brought in there. Wonderful story! -----signature----- I love deadlines. I love the whooshing noise they make as they go by. - Douglas Adams Picking Every Blade of Truth http://boards.theforce.net/the_saga/b10476/23113954/p1/?1 - collaboration with VaderLVR
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Kadi Registered: Mar '04	Date Posted: 6/8/05 2:17pm Subject: RE: For Such a Time as This (Obi-Wan, Qui-Gon, others - very AU) - Chapter 3, updated 6/7
	Uh oh. I think Palpatine has his sights on a new apprentice. I love this fic. More soon? -----signature----- Barn's burnt down... now I can see the moon! - Masahide Wait a minute, how'd this happen! We're smarter than this. -Obi-Wan Kenobi
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Siri-Wan-Kenobi Registered: Jan '05	Date Posted: 6/8/05 4:00pm Subject: RE: For Such a Time as This (Obi-Wan, Qui-Gon, others - very AU) - Chapter 3, updated 6/7
	Hello Noi! Sorry I am only now commenting, but I wanted to pop in and say how much I already love this AU! Sooooo many possiblities, there is no telling where you will go with this. The forshadowing with Obi's dream is very chilling! I can't wait to see what you will do with this! Straps self in for a long and bumpy ride -----signature----- For over a thousand generations, the Jedi Knights were the guardians of peace and justice in the Old Republic. Before the dark times, Before the Empire. ~Proud Padawan of Jedikma~ ~Padawan Sis of DarthMousche~
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kateydidnt Registered: Nov '04	Date Posted: 6/9/05 1:59pm Subject: RE: For Such a Time as This (Obi-Wan, Qui-Gon, others - very AU) - Chapter 3, updated 6/7
	WOW! What an AU! fantastic idea and fantastic start. So, I am guessing Adi is not a Jedi...earlier you indicate that Obi-Wan is the closest Jedi to the senate. Hmmm, I wonder is Yoda a Jedi? If he is, is he still alive? If he isn't is he still alive. So the Jedi are a hidden order, going about with regular jobs and acting like regular people... very original AU! I LOVE IT! -----signature----- R2D2: The Swiss-Army Knife of Droids The Outer Rim: Minor Character Index http://boards.theforce.net/message.asp?topic=21597215
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maychorian Registered: Jan '05	Date Posted: 6/12/05 11:37pm Subject: RE: For Such a Time as This (Obi-Wan, Qui-Gon, others - very AU) - Chapter 3, updated 6/7
	Yay! I love Adi as a Senator! Kitab is fun too. Love how gleeful he is about all the debates and politicking. He's definitely made for this job. Ooh, hints of darkness! I have a suspicion about what that mind was Obi-Wan felt brushing his. So many questions! So long between posts! New one soon? -----signature----- Kynstar's former Padawan The Unchosen: http://boards.theforce.net/Before_the_Saga/b10475/20049795/p1/ updated 2/16 When the darkness falls early, and the light hits the ground, there's a moment to be captured . . .
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Master_Noi Registered: Sep '04	Date Posted: 6/13/05 10:53pm Subject: RE: For Such a Time as This (Obi-Wan, Qui-Gon, others - very AU) - Chapter 3, updated 6/7 - Date Edited: 6/14/05 12:24am (2 edits total) Edited By: Master_Noi
	Kynstar Now how come that gave me chills? Gee, I wonder. I'm glad you like Kitab. LuvEwan Oh, so you really like Palpatine in the mix, even though you know that means trouble. Kitara Yes, there is something yummy about Obi-Wan and katas. lori71 Welcome! Well, ole Palpy has to keep his eyes on things. ithesock I'm thinking I'm going to stick with the flashbacks since everyone seems to be enjoying them so much. diane I am enjoying the flashbacks. It's like writing two stories in some ways. I'm just hoping they don't get old. I thought of you in the flashback for the next post. More to come with Adi. Jedikma And now we have Palpatine interested in Obi-Wan's career. Oh, he's very interested in Obi-Wan's career. I'll have to keep you guessing on Adi's role in all of this. Shaindl The world you're slowly building is wonderful, so detailed and well described. Thanks! I am hoping I can keep building. Wow, everyone is very interested in Adi. Indra I love all the political stuff you brought in there. Politics tends to be boring so I am trying to keep a balance of showing the political arena without getting bogged down in it. Kadi I think Palpatine has his sights on a new apprentice. You have 'uh oh' right, but I think Palapatine doesn't know what he thinks of Obi-Wan yet. Siri-Wan Straps self in for a long and bumpy ride Probably a good idea. kateydidnt WOW! What an AU! fantastic idea and fantastic start. So, I am guessing Adi is not a Jedi...earlier you indicate that Obi-Wan is the closest Jedi to the senate. Hmmm, I wonder is Yoda a Jedi? If he is, is he still alive? If he isn't is he still alive. So many questions. I promise answers in time. maychorian Love how gleeful he is about all the debates and politicking. He's definitely made for this job. Isn't he though? But a good guy over all. * Chapter 4 The calm breeze rolled along the gentle plains of Dantooine, causing long blades of soft lavender grass to sway back and forth. The sky was a crisp, vibrant blue and soft white clouds drifted lazily in its expanse. It was a beautiful spring day – a perfect day. Qui-Gon inhaled the air deeply, the scent of wildflowers teasing his senses. The living Force was vibrant, and it was his mission to drink in as much of it as he could before returning to the dismal urban landscape of Coruscant. He looked around at his companions, admiring their childlike ability to see things for the first time, every time. He saw several of the girls sitting in a circle, nearly consumed by a lavender curtain. They were laughing as they made crowns and necklaces out of the small white blooms that dotted the prairie for as far as the eye could see. He smirked, noting they were oblivious to the two boys approaching with a small reptilian creature and mischievous intent. A gust of stiff breeze blew his hair across his face and he heard the shrieks of the girls. He quickly pulled his hair away with his fingers in time to see the small creature disappear into the grass and flee. He laughed loudly as the chase began. The other elders had looked at him with stunned disbelief and a small amount of pity when he had agreed to take the younglings on an outing, but the reality was there was just no where he would rather be. In fact, he decided, he would have to bring Kara back here later, just the two of them. He started searching for his own white blooms to make a childlike treasure for his wife. “Master Qui-Gon?” The master turned to look for the source of the question, noting it was coming from beneath a blanket of grass. The figure sat up and shook the grass out of his reddish-brown locks before smiling. “Yes, Obi-Wan.” “You live on Coruscant. Have you ever been to the Jedi Temple?” Qui-Gon smiled. “Yes Obi-Wan I have. I hope to take you and your parents when you come to visit next month.” The young boy grinned widely. But, Qui-Gon sensed a hidden question; something was troubling the boy. “Do you have more you wish to ask?” “Our teacher showed us holos of Coruscant in class. In one you could see the Temple. Someone asked about the Jedi and my teacher said that there are no more Jedi.” Qui-Gon shifted uncomfortably and pushed some hair back behind his ear. “I am hoping you didn’t set the matter straight.” The young boy’s eyebrows creased. “Dad asked the same thing.” He shook his head and took on an expression far too serious for his age. “I know better than to tell anyone about ... us.” “Of course.” Qui-Gon relaxed. Bren’an would have trained his son well. “What else did you teacher say?” “Oh … the Jedi were thankful to no longer have to shoulder the burden of peace in the Republic – that they moved on and led normal lives,” he quoted in exaggerated tones. Obi-Wan knew being a Jedi was far from a normal life. Normal kids learned to play instruments and sports after school. After finishing his homework, he had saber practice and other lessons – and he couldn’t tell anyone. “It is a common misconception, Obi-Wan. The fact is there were very few Jedi left alive after the Sith were defeated. The younglings and padawans who were under 18 standard years were either given back to their families or turned over to orphanages.” “Were they sad?” “I imagine so. And, it was a devastating blow to the Order after losing so many already. The Jedi left Coruscant, so it was easy to perceive that they had just moved on with their lives.” “What did happen? Dad says you know more about Jedi history than the other elders.” “A Jedi Master named Jerik Ky’al, who was the last surviving Council member, believe that the Sith were not gone. He gathered what masters and knights were left. Aksu was a thriving colony in the mid-Rim at that time, in need of people willing to work. It was a prefect place to disappear and rebuild away from the Senate. They found work. Some married and had children, and they began to teach their children the ways of the Force, as your father teaches you now. Over time, they were able to find and adopt some of the younglings, and many of the older padawans eventually found their way back to the Order.” The boy had cupped his chin in his hands and was looking at Qui-Gon with intense fascination. Qui-Gon smiled. “I can get you a copy of his journals if you are interested. I don’t think your father will mind.” Obi-Wan shook his head. “I’d like that.” He dropped his gaze for a second and then looked back at Qui-Gon with determination. “Master Qui-Gon. Do you think the Sith are still out there?” Qui-Gon grew quiet, contemplating his answer. He usually would have hesitated to discuss such serious topics with the younglings, but he knew Bren’an was very straightforward with his son. “Yes, I believe they are Obi-Wan.” “What will we do about them?” He chuckled. Obi-Wan wanted to grow up so fast. “You need not worry about that now. You are young and have much left to learn, and I am confident your father is doing a fine job of training you. If we follow the will of the Force, we will be ready when the Sith appear.” * Senator Palpatine sat in his office watching the streams of light left by speeders and other vehicles darting through the darkened Coruscant traffic ways. He wasn’t paying attention to the lights as much as contemplating the game of strategy he always found himself playing. Time was drawing near and his patience would soon be rewarded. Controlling a Senate where corruption ran rampant was actually a very easy thing. Giving the greedy what they wanted, security to continue in their wealth and apparent authority, was a powerful mind numbing agent. But, the incorruptible were always a danger to his plans – and there were still many. Kitab’s new protégé was troublesome. The Yopurga system with its exuberant, persuasive senator had long ago been added to a list of systems, including such prestigious planets as Alderaan, Corellia, and Chandrila, with which to foster good relationships. But Young Kenobi was different. Yes, he had brushed his mind, but he couldn’t read anything. The young man was a blank slate. When he probed the Force, the darkness seemed to break around the young man, like the ripples of a vast ocean disrupted by a rocky coast. The darkness cried out in warning - Kenobi was dangerous, but he didn’t know why. It was too early to take him out of the equation, so it seemed he was going to have to find out more about him – keep him close like all his other potential enemies. *** Qui-Gon sat in the bottom bunk of the small room he had booked for his and Obi-Wan’s passage to Aksu. Obi-Wan had been exhausted when he reached the transport, and although the master was eager to hear what Obi-Wan might have picked up from the Senate, he had urged the young man to retire early. There would be time later. He now found himself trying to plan their time on Dantooine. With their schedules conflicting and busy, there were gaps in Obi-Wan’s training that he needed to rectify if the young man was to be knighted soon. Saber practice was a definite. It wasn’t that he was in dire need, in fact he was quite accomplished, but he couldn’t deny him the chance to spar with others in wide open areas. And although he knew Obi-Wan would protest, he really needed to brush up on his piloting skills. They both needed to talk with the elders. It could get busy, but he knew that more than anything the young man needed rest and the opportunity to enjoy the companionship of his fellow Jedi, especially as he was going to enter a new chapter in life. Even if he hadn’t heard the rustling of sheets from the bunk above, Qui-Gon would have known from the unease radiating off his apprentice that his sleep had grown troubled. He slid out from beneath his bed coverings and climbed up a few rungs on the ladder. Sweat was beginning to bead in the young man’s hairline and Qui-Gon could see the eyes beneath pale eyelids moving rapidly. His breathing was rushed, almost panting, punctuated with quick intakes of air. Qui-Gon pressed a hand against the side of Obi-Wan’s face as he had done many times before and began to send waves of comfort through the Force. Obi-Wan’s body relaxed and his breathing slowed as Qui-Gon pushed him into a deep, dreamless sleep. “You need your rest,” he whispered. It was good they would be able to talk to the elders soon. He climbed back down, deciding that perhaps he too should rest. He clicked off the small reading light and settled down in the darkness. A momentary pang of sadness sent an ache through his chest. Obi-Wan would be knighted soon and their ways would part. Oh yes, they’d both be on Coruscant and still see each other often, but the boy he had finished raising for his friend was no longer a boy. You would be so proud of him Bren’an, he whispered in his mind. *** The two Jedi awoke and had their morning meal with the other passengers before returning to their room. They had casually chatted about plans after arriving in Aksu. They would overnight and then take a private transport to Dantooine with several other Jedi. As Qui-Gon closed the door after returning to their room, the topic of discussion quickly grew serious. “Do you remember having a dream last night?” “Somewhat?” Obi-Wan said. “The memory is vague.” “Was it the same one – the Sith creature you spoke of before?” “No, I’m pretty sure this was a plain old nightmare. I think that brush against my mind spooked me more than I thought yesterday.” “You didn’t say anything about someone brushing your mind?” Qui-Gon asked with concern. “That’s because someone insisted I go right to sleep.” Obi-Wan grinned, earning a raised eyebrow that said ‘continue’ from his mentor. “Anyhow, during the Senate session, something brushed against my mind. I didn’t react or anything. It was brief.” “Did you sense who it might have been?” “I sensed several Force sensitives in the Senate rotunda at the time. Most of them didn’t seem to have any concept of shielding, so they were easy to pick up on?” “I suppose it makes sense that some would find their way into the Senate. Even if they didn’t realize the full extent of their abilities, they would have an edge.” “It’s not the ones I can sense that I worry about, Master. I imagine a Sith would know how to hide as well as we do.” “Better perhaps, especially if shrouded by a growing darkness.” Obi-Wan’s expression grew solemn. “Master, do you think there is any way that Jedi teachings survived outside our Order.” “What do you mean?” “I met the Senator from Corellia yesterday. She’s bright, and I sense that the Force is using her. But, I don’t sense that she is highly disciplined in her abilities.” “Remember Obi-Wan, not all of the padawans ever found their way home. It is entirely possible they married and passed whatever they knew down over the years, even if that training was incomplete.” “I look forward to talking to the elders about the Senate, Master. If I can survive the political wrangling,” he said grimacing, “a Jedi presence is needed there. It is dark … darker than I ever imagined.” -----signature----- For Such a Time as This ( 01/17/09) A Shrouded Path (03/21/09)
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