Jedi Council Forums - Our Honored Dead 1 yr post-TPM. *Ch 4* posted 0617. Obi, Ani, Padme. Banter, Serious both.

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Author	Topic: Our Honored Dead 1 yr post-TPM. Ch 4 posted 0617. Obi, Ani, Padme. Banter, Serious both.
Valairy_Scot Registered: Sep '05	Date Posted: 5/27 12:00am Subject: Our Honored Dead 1 yr post-TPM. Ch 4 posted 0617. Obi, Ani, Padme. Banter, Serious both. - Date Edited: 6/17 12:25am (7 edits total) Edited By: Valairy_Scot
	Title: Our Honored Dead Author: Valairy_Scot Timeframe: one year post-TPM Characters: Obi-Wan Kenobi, Anakin Skywalker Genre: short story Summary: It is one year since Naboo was freed from occupation. It is a time to remember, and to honor those who sacrificed their very lives. Note: Written in honor of Memorial Day (U.S. holiday, of course). Dedicated to the innocent bystanders of conflict, for while a "just cause" is defined by each side, there are always those who are caught up in events not of their choosing. Second note: My intent was - well, either a one-shot or a short story - but it took on a dimension of its own. A serious study and reflection - is no longer. It has become a short story with a solemn occasion as the catalyst for the story. It even went slapstick in one chapter which horrified me. I may have to rework that banished chapter into a double-entrendre slapstick skirting-the-guidelines humor viggie, and if I do post it, I may just have to do so anonymously so I don't have to hide my head in shame (says The Sith Stops Here author with an equally horrific chapter 3 not posted because - everyone will know it's me. The banished chapter is possibly Benny Hill meets Monty Python meets risque friends I-am-never-going-to-post-that-chapter-under-my-name-chapter - and I don't even know much about Benny Hill or Monty Python to make that claim). Our Honored Dead Naboo was, he had to admit, a beautiful planet. Soft clouds tantalized with glimpses of verdant green as the ship broke orbit and angled down to the designated landing spot. The capital came into sight – the broad boulevards and ribbons of silver water interlaced – the magnificent palace he had wandered alone in his grief. He had never meant to return, but here he was once more, one more being with one more piece of grief to add to the grief of the thousands he would face tomorrow. Obi-Wan’s hands tightened just a little on the control yoke of the small interplanetary craft and he glanced over at the almost-bouncing boy who had leaned so far forward in his seat that his nose smudged the windshield. He needn’t have worried; his padawan’s focus was out there, seeking the presence of another and oblivious to his master beside him. “Anakin, strap in, we’re landing shortly.” A slim hand gently urged his padawan back into his seat. That got the boy’s attention. Pleading eyes looked at him. “May I land, Master? May I?” Inwardly shuddering at the thought of an anxious boy barreling towards the landing pad -and Obi-Wan hurtling along with him - the young man merely said softly, “This planet does not need to witness another tragedy, my padawan.” “Master!” The boy’s eyes reflected his hurt at the statement, but Obi-Wan continued on as if he had not been interrupted, “And it would be a tragedy if I should stagger out of this ship and promptly throw up in the midst of our welcome.” What he saw as a possible tragedy was apparently a source of amusement to the boy at his side. “Yeah, my landings make you just as green as Master Yoda.” Anakin giggled and after a moment, Obi-Wan grinned as well. He could see the humor in the situation after all, from his padawan’s viewpoint. From the viewpoint of their welcoming committee, now - . A low chuckle escaped him. Never in the annals of recorded Jedi history had a Jedi sprawled on the ground before a head of state during a formal welcome. “I would hate to tarnish Master Yoda’s reputation, and a green Jedi low to the ground, bent over on hands and knees, might be mistaken in the first few seconds for our esteemed master. Not to mention I have no desire to have my ankle get reacquainted with his gimer stick.” “He hits Jedi? I won’t let him hit you, Master.” Anakin was all indignation now, and belatedly Obi-Wan remembered that Anakin had not grown up with either those jokes or little taps. He tousled the boy’s hair. “A joke, Padawan. I tug your braid, he taps ankles.” “O-kay.” The young man grinned. Anakin wasn’t quite persuaded, but he was willing to take his master’s word for it. That in itself was a miracle of the Force. His grin faded to a frown as he turned his attention on his final approach. They cleared the Royal Hangar and Obi-Wan let out a breath he hadn’t even realized he had been holding. He had thought the landing coordinates would guide them there, not close by. It was another miracle of the Force – two in one day. “You’re pale, Master. Master? Coruscant to Master?” After a short minute, a bellowed “Obi-Wan” followed, and the young Jedi winced and rubbed at his ears. “You know, you have been looking a little queasy the last day or two. You should have told Master Yoda you were getting sick – “ “I’m not sick,” Obi-Wan interrupted as a small hand reached over to touch his forehead. One hand came up and caught the boy’s hand and lightly squeezed. He looked out the window and his hand tightened further. He came back to himself and patted the boy’s hand at the small yelp. “I’m not sick; I’m just – I’m not sick,” he repeated gently. “You’re sad.” “I am sad,” Obi-Wan agreed after a moment’s hesitation. It had been a year, after all, he hadn’t realized the sadness was still there. Until Anakin called it to his attention, he hadn’t really tried to identify the emotion, merely to accept it and let it flow from him. “It will pass, Anakin, it will pass. ‘There is no emotion’ is something to strive for, not a state of being. And you, are you sad as well?” He could see Anakin taking just a moment to mull it over in his mind before admitting, “If I think about it, I’m sad, but I’m really excited about this being my first mission and getting to see Padme again. Do you think she kept the japor snippet I carved for her – do you think she remembers me? I think about her all the time, especially when I’m, uh, when I’m….” “Lonely?” Obi-Wan filled in. Anakin nodded. The young Jedi knew the feeling well. The last year had been intensive work, spent mostly in his padawan’s company as he tried to catch the boy’s training up to the level of his age mates. Dealing with the occasional temper tantrums and all too frequent mischief making of a boy trying inexpertly to cope with the upheaval in his life gave him little time to socialize with his friends – or any adults, really. “I know it’s hard, Padawan, but you are making friends.” “I’d make them faster if I wasn’t stuck in classes with kids,” Anakin suggested hopefully. “Keep working hard and your skills will soon be up to your age mates.” Anakin’s rebellious expression expressed his padawan’s perception that he was already at their level – or beyond. Overlooking the scowl, Obi-Wan offered gently, “You have worked very hard and learned much in a short time. It won’t be long, I promise, before I will ask the Council to reconsider which classes you should attend.” The scowl turned into a smile. “Thank you, Master!” The delighted grin usually preceded a big hug. Obi-Wan placed a hand on Anakin’s head, a warning not to unbuckle himself and interfere with the final landing approach. “There’s Padme!” Anakin pointed out the window, an even bigger grin splitting his face. “Maybe it’s her decoy,” Obi-Wan said with a sly grin, but Anakin merely shook his head as if he had no doubt. The ship settled with only the slightest of bumps. “Umm, Master?” “Yes, Padawan.” He decided to adopt the patiently bemused tone he was working on perfecting. Learning to throw in a twist of sorely abused patience would come later, and no doubt quite naturally, considering his padawan’s normal exuberance. “Not bad, but you really should have kicked in the retros one second sooner.” “We landed in one piece and no bumps. That is sufficient, Padawan.” “Yes, Master.” A dutiful murmur that meant “No, Master.” Obi-Wan rolled his eyes. Out of the corner of one, he could see Anakin doing the same. At least we’re in synch with something, he snickered to himself. Post-flight checks completed, Anakin’s tunics straightened and cowlick partially tamed, Obi-Wan reached for the ramp release switch – and hesitated. He looked at Anakin and decided a reminder was most definitely not out of place. Force knew the boy was all too easily distracted at times, and he was already bubbling with excitement. So before opening the ramp, he cautioned his padawan, “Remember this is not a social visit. This is a ceremonial visit and your first mission. Be mindful of your duties, no matter how excited you are.” When Anakin merely nodded, half-listening, Obi-Wan knelt and took the boy by the shoulders and made sure to have the boy’s full attention. “Remember we are here to honor those who died and suffered under the occupation. It is a very solemn observance. That is the Queen who waits to greet us. That is not Padme. You will see Padme at the Palace.” And you, Kenobi, who will you see? Will you see ghosts or have you laid the past to rest? He shook off that thought - he would welcome Qui-Gon's ghost if such appeared, but ghosts did not exist. Ghosts were nothing but memories of the heart. I did not want to come, but I came for you, Qui-Gon. I did not want to come, but I could not say no. A sad smile graced the knight’s face as he prepared to step forth on the planet that had changed his life. Not just his own life, either. Far too many lives had been altered on Naboo, a year ago. In a few days, they would recognize that and honor those who walked under the warm Naboo sun no more. The dead would finally be laid to rest, and their memory honored. Naboo’s first anniversary of freedom – Naboo’s first Memorial Day in recognition of the cost paid to achieve that. "If you honor what they fight for...." The words echoed in the young Jedi's mind. And suddenly there was no place Obi-Wan Kenobi would rather be, than dedicating the following days to those who had fallen and those who had lived to rebuild. The dead lived on, in those who were left behind. The Jedi knight squared his shoulders and raised his head high. Naboo awaited. -----signature----- http://boards.theforce.net/fan_fiction_resource/b10304/25405090/p3/?52 Prolific Author thread: list & links there. A million wins; a gazillion "also rans" - not bad at all! So very honored. Thank you!
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VaderLVR64 Title: Fan Fic Manager Digging out from Fay Registered: Feb '04	Date Posted: 5/27 5:13am Subject: RE: Our Honored Dead - written in appreciation for all those who suffer and die for freedom
	Simply stunning! I love the banter between Anakin and Obi-Wan. And Obi-Wan is spot on! PLEASE put me on the PM list for this one. “May I land, Master? May I?” Inwardly shuddering at the thought of an anxious boy barreling towards the landing pad -and Obi-Wan hurtling along with him - the young man merely said softly, “This planet does not need to witness another tragedy, my padawan.” “Master!” The boy’s eyes reflected his hurt at the statement, but Obi-Wan continued on as if he had not been interrupted, “And it would be a tragedy if I should stagger out of this ship and promptly throw up in the midst of our welcome.” What he saw as a possible tragedy was apparently a source of amusement to the boy at his side. -----signature----- If you have to choose between tears and laughter, remember that laughter burns more calories. They call me NANA Vader. At least she doesn't lack confidence...
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jedidas3 Registered: Apr '07	Date Posted: 5/27 6:06am Subject: RE: Our Honored Dead - written in appreciation for all those who suffer and die for freedom
	Wonderfully done! I love it when one shots take on a life of their own. Please PM me when you do update. In case I haven't asked before, PM for anything you write! -----signature----- The Past Revisited http://boards.theforce.net/the_saga/b10476/28440949 Lessons Learned http://boards.theforce.net/the_saga/b10476/28580784 Remembrance http://boards.theforce.net/before_the_saga/b10475/28009025 Padawan to dianethx
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dianethx Registered: Mar '02	Date Posted: 5/27 9:28am Subject: RE: Our Honored Dead - written in appreciation for all those who suffer and die for freedom
	I really liked the banter between Obi-Wan and Anakin. Plus Obi telling Anakin that it was a mission and not a visit to his friend, Padme. And suddenly there was no place Obi-Wan Kenobi would rather be, than dedicating the following day to those who had fallen and those who had lived to rebuild. The dead lived on, in those who were left behind. Very well put. Please put me on your PM list for this. -----signature----- Betrayal - http://boards.theforce.net/s/b1/10935143 updated 6/28/08 Fragments of Illusion- http://boards.theforce.net/bts/b10475/28456473 updated 8/16/08 Freeze frame - http://boards.theforce.net/s/b10476/27820434 Master to jedidas3 Impeach Bush!
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KELIA Title: Host: 20 Ques Bet Your Knowledge PT Rewrite Registered: Jul '05	Date Posted: 5/28 3:37am Subject: RE: Our Honored Dead - written in appreciation for all those who suffer and die for freedom
	That was a wonderful beginning. It seems so fitting for Obi-Wan and Anakin to return a year after the invasion to honor those who lost their lives. I loved the banter between Obi and Ani during the flight. Please PM me when you update looking forward to more -----signature----- "Do or do not, there is no try." Master Yoda A Light In The Darkness: http://boards.theforce.net/the_saga/b10476/28150602/p1/?8 Undue Circumstances: http://boards.theforce.net/the_saga/b10476/28530583/p1/?10
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Gkilkenny Registered: Mar '04	Date Posted: 5/28 4:19am Subject: RE: Our Honored Dead - written in appreciation for all those who suffer and die for freedom
	You honour them well. I think they will remember the good times as well as the bad. very nicely written. -----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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earlybird-obi-wan Registered: Aug '06	Date Posted: 5/28 8:16am Subject: RE: Our Honored Dead - written in appreciation for all those who suffer and die for freedom
	Lovely and just hoping to see what the ceremony will bring. Please continue this and a PM. Loved the Anakin Obi-Wan banter and just like Anakin to get a green master when flying. -----signature----- writer and Star Wars fan FANART [link=http://boards.theforce.net/fan_art/b10020/25793899]fanart[/link] stories in my bio
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charie Registered: Oct '07	Date Posted: 6/2 6:37pm Subject: RE: Our Honored Dead 1 yr post-TPM - Date Edited: 6/2 6:37pm (1 edits total) Edited By: charie
	Wonderful! I like how you show Obi-wan's train of thought in how he responds to Anakin. It shows his uncertainty as a master. They also seem very close and I too LOVE Obi/Ani banter. PM please.as you are well known for your stories to not usually be short. Lucky for us readers!
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Valairy_Scot Registered: Sep '05	Date Posted: 6/5 11:03pm Subject: RE: Our Honored Dead 1 yr post-TPM
	VaderLVR64: For what was meant to be a serious piece – it turned into banter and humor. I’m trying to yank it back to a less irreverent direction - I'd understand it, but many folks would be offended with the mix. This is not meant to be a dark humor piece. Jedidas3: The way this story was going, it had to be viggie (it could stand as it is, like that) or at least 2-3 chapters, because banter and the actual ceremony didn’t seem to belong in the same chapter. Dianethx: I just can’t write those together without either banter or an argument. Kelia: Thank you. Banter comes easily to me, as to them. Gkilkenny: Thanks. Yes, there will be memories, but they’ve lost the sharp bite. Naboo is painful memories, yet it was a time of beginnings and fresh starts as well. Earlybird-obi-wan: Green masters, yes, but no cold hands Miss Ice. I might decide to have the speeches “behind the curtains” as it were, for reasons that will become clear. Charie: Obi and Ani are close at this time. Shared tragedies, shared beginnings and not enough time to Palps to poison their relationship. I doubt this story will be too many chapters – 4 right now, but I’m trying to work in some “action” for Obi which might add 1 to 2 chapters. -----signature----- http://boards.theforce.net/fan_fiction_resource/b10304/25405090/p3/?52 Prolific Author thread: list & links there. A million wins; a gazillion "also rans" - not bad at all! So very honored. Thank you!
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PadawanKitara Registered: Dec '01	Date Posted: 6/8 7:44pm Subject: RE: Our Honored Dead 1 yr post-TPM
	I like the combination of banter and concern all tied into one story. Add me to the PM list please. -----signature----- Courtier of the Royal Order of Shambling Dufi We are Dufi...Resistance is Futile! UCLA BRUINS
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Valairy_Scot Registered: Sep '05	Date Posted: 6/10 12:03am Subject: Our Honored Dead 1 yr post-TPM Ch2 061008. Obi, Ani, Padme. Endings & Beginnings. - Date Edited: 6/10 8:01pm (1 edits total) Edited By: Valairy_Scot
	PadawanKitara: I like the combination of banter and concern all tied into one story. I like to write stories with a mix of emotions; this one almost had solemn ceremonial occasion with slapstick. It won't. Got'cha on the PM list. Chapter Two. Old Friends. Even a Jedi could be forgiven the falter in his steps as Naboo again filled his senses. The air was warm, almost hot, and aromatic with the spice that was almost a taste of wine against the tongue. In soft counterpoint, the delicate scent of pansea and jurnassi in full bloom sometimes triumphed over more intense aromas when a wisp of wind wafted its perfume instead. Water vapor from the mighty falls occasionally reached misty fingers here, this high above the vast pool below and coalesced into shapes – Qui-Gon! he almost gasped at one –before the shapes swirled away into nothing. Memories whispered against Obi-Wan’s mind, of tragedy and triumph, of danger and danger surmounted. Cheery baskets full of multi-hued blooms softened the prevalent stone of the plaza and surrounding buildings, proud banners of life adorning the stone facades rather than the more common flags seen elsewhere. Ripe Mylori’i vine fruit again tickled at his nostrils as it had when creeping through the then silent streets, not yet knowing what lay ahead. Sneaking up stairs and along walkways, every sense alert to the Force as the sense of wrongness swelled – armed droids escorting the Queen and her entourage to a prison-of-war camp – the quick fight – the escape into space – it was all as fresh as if yesterday. Sneaking through silent streets and into the Royal Hangar – the chill of impending confrontation – the battle and the blade – the blade, oh the blade that pierced two hearts that day - swallowing against the memories, Obi-Wan firmly planted himself in the here and now, and led Anakin down the ramp, to stand once more on Naboo. Had they turned back into their ship, they may have turned back time by a year, for those who had seen them off now stood to greet them. Dressed in formal regalia, the Queen stood flanked by her advisors, handmaidens and a contingent of Gungans. Obi-Wan almost smiled as his eyes caught sight of a squirming Jar Jar Binks, forcibly restrained in place by the firm hand of Boss Nass. Ever excitable, a child in an adult’s body, the Gungan had proven to be a valuable ally a year ago and despite his irritating eagerness he even was, Obi-Wan had to admit, quite tolerable in limited doses – limited, for even a Jedi’s infinite patience did not quite stretch to infinity in Bink’s presence. Qui-Gon had admitted as much to him, once upon a time. The elaborate headdress and formal layers of make up, not to mention the heavy, stiff dress had to be extremely uncomfortable in the heat, but no hint of discomfort was visible in the Queen’s demeanor. ‘The Queen’ was a public persona, a façade for the masses, a formal presence that masked the being inside, not unlike a Jedi in public. “Welcome to Naboo, Master Jedi.” The voice was as formal as the gloved hand held out, fingers bent to accept Obi-Wan’s fingers in return; the traditional finger clasp of protocol. “We are honored, milady, at your invitation.” Fingers lightly touching, Obi-Wan bowed over the hand. A smile touched Queen Amidala’s eyes as they passed over Obi-Wan to the boy at his side, urged to bow as well by his master’s hand on his back. “We are honored that the Jedi Order chose to accept our invitation to observe our day of recognition and reconciliation – and that it chose to send two of its best as its representatives.” At his side, Anakin bounced on his toes, beaming at the words. Obi-Wan merely dipped his head as protocol required. Focus, padawan, polite words they are, but not – necessarily - the truth. In some years, perhaps. A mental wink accompanied the thought. Anakin stilled, but the Force equivalent of an incredulous snort came back through the bond. For lack of a proper foundation the boy was overall at early initiate level, but once the basics of a particular skill had been mastered, the boy’s abilities at that skill far outstripped his age mates. Building that foundation was Obi-Wan’s task, as well as that of the other teaching masters, and it had proven to be no easy task for any of them. It had also come at a personal cost, though a cost Obi-Wan had willingly accepted. The new knight had not had time to be a knight, to learn to lead rather than to follow. This ceremonial mission was not just Anakin’s first mission; it was also Obi-Wan’s first mission in a year; the first without Qui-Gon in that lead position. The young knight hoped that in the next few years he could accept the occasional solitary mission. This past year he could not in clear conscience have left the boy behind, but after a year of adjustment and training, it was time to reevaluate many things. Anakin had been deeply immersed in training this past year, and his classes of necessity were with those younger. Anakin hungered for friends; suffered from loneliness that Obi-Wan could only attempt to minimize – largely by keeping Anakin occupied and trying to catch up to his age mates. Anakin’s rapid growth in skills and knowledge more than likely meant the boy might soon transfer into more advanced classes. It would do his padawan good to be with others of his age, not just his master and the younger students, and his winning personality should quickly garner him more friends. With his padawan better situated, Obi-Wan would feel comfortable leaving him behind. Not until Anakin was thirteen would he be allowed to accompany his master on any but the lowest threat missions. Officially, Anakin was only an apprentice, not to assume the formal title of “padawan” until that age. Knights junior to Obi-Wan were already seasoned knights, confident in their skills and leadership abilities. Even his friend, Garen Muln, knighted mere months, was a veteran of ten or more missions, while the “Sith Killer,” Knight Kenobi, had spent his first twelvemonths Temple-bound. It wasn’t regret but curiosity that made him wonder what that first year normally felt like – to experience the bittersweet satisfaction of one’s master severing one’s braid, the thrill and butterflies of being on one’s own, each and every decision in one’s own hands. His leadership skills were still untested, his capabilities not yet measured. He hoped someday to find out if the padawan of Qui-Gon Jinn was truly worthy of his rank, for the padawan of Qui-Gon Jinn had proved how much more he had still to learn not so very long ago, not long before his knighting. He wouldn’t find out for some time. Missions such as this would require little leadership from him – the responsibility of seeing that his padawan ate and slept on a reasonable schedule, for one – even such responsibilities were largely out of his hands. This mission he had just one responsibility, to see that Anakin had learned the basics of protocol and was able to put his training into practice in the field. The Jedi’s presence was otherwise largely ceremonial. This was Naboo’s day of remembrance, not the Republic’s. As yet there had been no trial; no public acknowledgement that what happened on Naboo a year ago was illegal or that the tragedy of Naboo was not an accusation but a reality. This legal limbo meant any Republic presence was only as honored guests, not participants. Even Chancellor Palpatine’s role would be largely invisible; to avoid any appearance of being present in a political capacity, the Chancellor had scheduled a short vacation on his home planet, thus avoiding all formality that would normally attend his arrival. This, of course, meant the Chancellor was not present as part of the welcoming committee that waited for the Jedi, though the briefing had indicated he would attend the ceremony. Catapulted into office by the events of a year ago, Palpatine walked a fine line. As Chancellor he could take no sides between the Naboo and the Trade Federation, as a Naboo citizen he was free to offer his personal support. “He is in a position similar to the Jedi,” Obi-Wan remembered explaining to Anakin. “The Order is formally a part of the Judiciary department and as such, we are not allowed a public alignment with either the Naboo or the Trade Federation. We shall be present, but we shall be silent, our roles unacknowledged.” Not unexpectedly, a boy barely ten didn’t truly comprehend political realities or the need for a body like the Jedi Order to maintain its legal and political impartiality – the nuances of life just could not be grasped at such an age. At ten, there was right and there was wrong. Not until later did youthful innocence give way to life’s realities. “But they tried to kill you and Master Qui-Gon!” Anakin knew, as did the masters of the Order, that the Zabrak who had killed Qui-Gon and the one that Obi-Wan had killed in turn was not directly allied with the Trade Federation. The Sith’s reappearance seemed mere happenstance – a chance to obtain Qui-Gon Jinn’s “Chosen One” for the Sith. The Force, it seemed, brought Jedi, Sith and the “Chosen One” together. The blockade of Naboo had only been the means of bringing the Jedi to Tatooine before the Sith. “Such has not yet been proven in a court of law,” Obi-Wan said. Seeing the boy’s stormy eyes, he kneeled down and took the boy’s hands in his. “As hard as it sometimes is, we live under a system of laws. All beings are entitled to make their defense. It is not a perfect system, Padawan, justice is not always done. It is the best system we have, for without laws we only have lawlessness, and the alternatives are far worse.” “You can tell them what they did!” “I have given my deposition and I shall testify when it is time,” Obi-Wan reassured the boy. “I have no need to prove what happened, to you or those that were there, but I have a duty to prove to the Republic that my words are truthful.” Anakin gaped at him. “But you’re a Jedi knight! You don’t lie.” “It is a jury I must convince of that, my padawan.” “But – make them believe. You can make them.” A tickle of unease had come with those words. “They will believe or not as they will. I cannot control their beliefs. I can only speak the truth as I know it, and they will have to accept my words or not.” “Then mind-whammy them.” This time Obi-Wan frowned. “A Jedi does not ‘mind-whammy’ anyone except in the most dire of needs, and solely in defense of himself or others. Is that clear?” When Anakin started to protest, Obi-Wan held up a hand. “Do not dispute that, Padawan. When it is time for you to learn mind-tricks, you will be taught how, when and why to use them. Save your words until those lessons and perhaps you will no longer have a need to ask more.” The blue eyes glistened and Anakin held back a sniffle. “Master Qui-Gon wouldn’t talk to me like that.” “Master Qui-Gon is not your master and he spoke to me like that many a time. I did, as you will, survive without harm. With each skill you master, you must master as well the proper use of that skill. I will not condense years of training into one conversation, Padawan, I cannot. I am not being harsh; I am being realistic.” The tears spilled over and Anakin rushed into his room; the bed springs creaking as he threw himself onto it. "So, once again we go through this drama. What did my words trigger this time?" Obi-Wan fixed a cup of tea and sank down in the couch, pinching his nose. The wise and responsible use of his gifts had been one of Anakin’s first lessons, perhaps the most important lesson of all to teach. That lesson was incorporated over and over again with the learning of each new skill. That lesson defined the Jedi, for with great power came the need to practice great responsibility. Anakin knew that; it was not his master’s words that were the problem. Despite his heart’s urging to comfort the boy, Obi-Wan remained in the common room as Anakin sobbed, staring blankly at the datapad he had picked up to study while the tantrum blew itself out. “Oh, Qui-Gon, am I handling this as I should?” But as always, there was no reply. Obi-Wan was on his own, finding his own way with his own padawan. It was not until the sobs diminished in intensity that Obi-Wan rose with a sigh and walked into Anakin’s bedroom. There was only waiting out the tantrum until it subsided and then dealing with it afterwards. A flash of guilt shook through him as he paused in the doorway. The boy looked so small, there, face buried in his pillow. Anakin’s pain was real, but the boy had too quickly learnt that tears and his face buried in his pillow stabbed his master’s heart with so much remorse that he would escape even a deserved lecture for misbehavior. Recognizing finally the error of this, Obi-Wan no longer allowed Anakin to manipulate his master this way. He bit back the, “I’m sorry,” that wished to escape his lips. Whatever triggered these tantrums, it was not Obi-Wan, and he would not take the burden of making things right upon himself. He would do as a master should – he would help Anakin help himself through them. The mattress dipped a bit as he sat on the edge of the bed and placed a comforting hand on the boy’s small shoulder, rubbing small circles that eased the tension in the young body. “What’s really the matter, Padawan?” Finally, a tearful and yet defiant voice whispered, muffled by the pillow, “You hate me.” Despite himself, Obi-Wan grinned. The boy was not going to use that against him, not any longer, now that he had recognized it as the weapon of choice for a scared and lonely boy still trying to prove his place – or lack of one. The scars of their initial interactions were deep within them both, but meditation had allowed the young knight to move past them. The accusations had hurt, holding that kernel of truth in them that he had resented the breach in his relationship with Qui-Gon due to the boy, but Obi-Wan had come to realize he had never blamed the boy and never would. The guilt from that kernel of truth had led to him desperately trying to prove the entire accusation false, to the detriment of discipline. “I do?” He let surprise bleed into his voice. “Hmm, why then am I sitting here – tickling you?” He pounced. Anakin giggled and squirmed underneath him, all signs of the tantrum gone with his laughter. “Master, stop. Stop, Master.” With a pretend grunt of surprise, Obi-Wan let his padawan push him off the bed and attack him in return. The physical exertion always washed the boy’s frustration away. He enjoyed the brief tussle as much as Anakin did, and he had to admit, the boy’s fierce hug that always followed. With that hug, all was right again in his padawan’s world – and thus in his own, as well. The tantrums and the accusations had diminished over the months, for which Obi-Wan was most grateful. They had gradually settled into a routine and relatively comfortable association. Affection, not just common goals, now tied the two together. Looking down at his padawan, Obi-Wan came out of his reflections of the past year to see Anakin glancing sideways at him, a hopeful look in his eyes. While he didn’t want to encourage his padawan’s seeming need for outside approval, it was the boy’s first official mission and as such, a momentous event in his young life. Yes, Padawan, you have done well. As Anakin’s eyes brightened, Obi-Wan added with a twinkle in his own eyes, see that you continue to do so. In return, Obi-Wan got the mental equivalent of a stuck-out tongue. He matched it with a playful mental tweak of that same tongue tip. The peace in such childish gestures strangely comforted the young knight. All was well when teasing was given and accepted in return. Such teasing had signified a change in his own relationship with his master, when harmony and affection blossomed from seemingly sterile ground. Impudent brat, sometimes just brat, Obi-Wan missed those playful epithets, signs of long desired affection teasingly bestowed. Perhaps, in time, he would find his own epithets for his padawan, and hope the uttering of the same would bring the same warm feeling to Anakin’s heart. Whatever bad associations he had with Naboo, Obi-Wan reflected; there was at least one thing good to come from those events – Anakin. He could not imagine life without his padawan. So many events tied into one day, this anniversary. With the pleasantries exchanged, one of the Queen’s retinue stepped forward and bowed his head in greeting before extending his hand in a gesture towards the Palace. “Master Jedi, shall we move on?” It was done; formalities completed. The Jedi were welcomed as guests, welcomed on a level less formal than that reserved for heads of state or ambassadors on official business. Obi-Wan had drilled Anakin rather extensively on the differences - to the point that the boy rather petulantly pointed that a half-bow was imperceptibly different than a three-quarters bow. To demonstrate that the difference was noticeable when the Jedi was over three feet high – that had gotten a yelp of indignation from Anakin – versus when one was as tall as, say, Qui-Gon, Obi-Wan had demonstrated each position while standing, then stood on a chair for added height. Anakin had neglected to mention he had broken a leg of that same chair, and in turn Obi-Wan nearly had broken one of his own when he tumbled to the floor when the leg gave way when his weight was full upon the seat. “A Jedi is always mindful,” Anakin had pointed out helpfully, that time. “Yes, indeed,” Obi-Wan growled back, rubbing his backside. He hoped his pointed stare got the message across. He had leaped gracefully into the air – a nearly perfect demonstration of balance and reactions – only to land with a foot on a tiny droid part that caused his landing to turn into a one-legged hop and pained crash. The merest tug of his cloak turned his peripheral attention to his padawan. “Mix and mingle?” Anakin mouthed, looking up at his master for his nod of confirmation. “Semi-Formal mix and mingle,” came the soft reminder. Obi-Wan turned to exchange some more words, less formal ones, with the Queen, only to see an exuberant Jar Jar bearing down on him. The Jedi braced himself. “Obiiii! So good to see yousa, ‘tis.” “Master Jedi, Binks,” Boss Nass growled, lumbering after the lanky Gungan. One arm reached out and hauled Jar Jar back to his side. A wide smile spread over the big Gungan’s face. “’Tis true though, good to see yousa, ‘tis. And the boy – growing big he is. Growing up, not out like meesa.” His hearty laugh shook the full jowls. “Obi-Wan feeds me well,” Anakin boasted, delighted to hear his inch of growth was noticed. Before he could declare his intent to match his master’s height within no less than a year, he whirled with a little cry of delight. Without even looking, the Jedi placed a hand on the boy’s shoulder to keep him in place. The bunched muscles confirmed his suspicions; Anakin was about to forget himself and try to launch himself into the Queen’s arms as she approached. “Mucho to talk about, weesa do, Obiii and Ani, uh,” Jar Jar found it impossible to continue with Boss Nass’s hand clamped over his mouth. “Talk more at social gathering later, weesa will. When yousa time to speak, weesa give the Jedi earplugs, weesa do, weesa thinking. Come along, Binks, later yousa can make a fool of yourself.” A gurgled “weesa see yousa later, Obiiiii, Ani,” faded into the distance as Boss Nass dragged Jar Jar off, a hand still in place. To his surprise, the young man realized while he couldn’t truthfully say he actually had missed Jar Jar’s presence, the free-spirited and entirely good-natured Gungan was a bit of fresh air, and in appropriately small doses, even acceptable. Qui-Gon Jinn would be rather proud of his padawan’s hard-won tolerance. “Master Jedi, it is a pleasure to see you again.” Sio Bibble, the head minister approached. The thick white hair was now thinning and the lines had deepened in his face. “Governor.” The young Jedi bowed in greeting. Staying behind on Naboo to serve as a “liaison” between the Naboo populace and the occupying Trade Federation, the man had subtly used all his political skills to ensure that the man meant to be a “puppet” and to placate the populace served his people first. His “plea” for the Queen to contact him, that her people were dying, served to get word out that the occupation was indeed anything but peaceful. The words had knotted the then-padawan’s stomach, a very real reminder that this game of evasion involved more than just the Queen, her retinue and crew, and the two Jedi – it affected the lives of an entire planet. Once the occupying droid army had been deactivated and the Trade Federation leaders captured, the Queen’s bodyguards had scattered to the camps in search of comrades and able-bodied citizens to begin the process of restoring Naboo’s citizens to their disrupted lives. One of the first freed from the camps, weary and ill, Sio Bibble had immediately taken charge of restoring order and liberating the camps, working tirelessly night and day. Sio Bibble was indeed one of the silent heroes of that time, a calm presence and a firm hand that saw that the injured and ill as well as those medical personnel who could treat them were the first freed as the starving were the first to be fed. Respect, not just formalities, infused the young knight’s bow. Predictably, the governor brushed it off. “Now, now, Master Jedi, you had a hand in getting everything organized despite your own grief. Your red eyes betrayed more than a lack of sleep. I never really got a chance to talk to you, or thank you, once your Jedi Council arrived; I hope to rectify that later. Naboo owes the Jedi a debt of gratitude that can unfortunately never be adequately recognized, such is politics. Come, young man, let’s start this procession off towards the Palace.” With a friendly hand on one arm, the elderly politician urged the Jedi forward at the same time a small boy darted forward to be at his friend Padme's side. Before he could take more than a step, a slim hand slid from within a tunic sleeve and cloak, caught Anakin’s shoulder and gently urged him back, behind the Queen, behind his master and to the side. A small grunt of exasperation escaped the boy; Obi-Wan's lips twitched. With a snort of amusement, the governor shook his head and leaned in confidentially to whisper in the knight’s ear, “So, tell me young master, does that little one still cause you to chase around after him? He has more energy than you and I together….” That quickly, the two Jedi were escorted to the palace, where both their lives had begun anew almost one year previously. -----signature----- http://boards.theforce.net/fan_fiction_resource/b10304/25405090/p3/?52 Prolific Author thread: list & links there. A million wins; a gazillion "also rans" - not bad at all! So very honored. Thank you!
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VaderLVR64 Title: Fan Fic Manager Digging out from Fay Registered: Feb '04	Date Posted: 6/10 4:47am Subject: RE: Our Honored Dead 1 yr post-TPM. Ch 2 posted 0610. Obi, Ani, Padme.
	Wonderful! I love your portrayal of both Obi-Wan and Anakin. Anakin stilled, but the Force equivalent of an incredulous snort came back through the bond. For lack of a proper foundation the boy was overall at early initiate level, but once the basics of a particular skill had been mastered, the boy’s abilities at that skill far outstripped his age mates. Building that foundation was Obi-Wan’s task, as well as that of the other teaching masters, and it had proven to be no easy task for any of them. It had also come at a personal cost, though a cost Obi-Wan had willingly accepted. The new knight had not had time to be a knight, to learn to lead rather than to follow. This ceremonial mission was not just Anakin’s first mission; it was also Obi-Wan’s first mission in a year; the first without Qui-Gon in that lead position. Lovely! -----signature----- If you have to choose between tears and laughter, remember that laughter burns more calories. They call me NANA Vader. At least she doesn't lack confidence...
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jedidas3 Registered: Apr '07	Date Posted: 6/10 5:47am Subject: RE: Our Honored Dead 1 yr post-TPM. Ch 2 posted 0610. Obi, Ani, Padme.
	Wonderful job! Of course, I knew it would be! The relationship that you are establishing between the two is wonderful! Can't wait for more! -----signature----- The Past Revisited http://boards.theforce.net/the_saga/b10476/28440949 Lessons Learned http://boards.theforce.net/the_saga/b10476/28580784 Remembrance http://boards.theforce.net/before_the_saga/b10475/28009025 Padawan to dianethx
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earlybird-obi-wan Registered: Aug '06	Date Posted: 6/10 7:58am Subject: RE: Our Honored Dead 1 yr post-TPM. Ch 2 posted 0610. Obi, Ani, Padme.
	Loved the interaction between Obi-Wan and Anakin. Showing they are human first and with emotions. And Obi-Wan appreciating Jar Jar great. -----signature----- writer and Star Wars fan FANART [link=http://boards.theforce.net/fan_art/b10020/25793899]fanart[/link] stories in my bio
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dianethx Registered: Mar '02	Date Posted: 6/10 9:13am Subject: RE: Our Honored Dead 1 yr post-TPM. Ch 2 posted 0610. Obi, Ani, Padme.
	I thought you did a great job on the training of young Anakin. Obi-Wan has indeed learned how to deal with temper tantrums and the guilt trips young kids often lay at their parent's feet. I'm glad he's using laughter to soften their relationship. Wonderful. -----signature----- Betrayal - http://boards.theforce.net/s/b1/10935143 updated 6/28/08 Fragments of Illusion- http://boards.theforce.net/bts/b10475/28456473 updated 8/16/08 Freeze frame - http://boards.theforce.net/s/b10476/27820434 Master to jedidas3 Impeach Bush!
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nada_smith Registered: Jul '06	Date Posted: 6/10 7:35pm Subject: RE: Our Honored Dead 1 yr post-TPM. Ch 2 posted 0610. Obi, Ani, Padme.
	Hi. I've been reading the stories here for awhile, but I've been too shy to post anything. I've enjoyed some of your other stories, and I decided I finally had to tell you how much I love this story and especially this last chapter! To me you've achieved the perfect balance of affection and discipline/learning, of uncertainty and acceptance in Obi-Wan and Anakin's early relationship. Also the initial description of Naboo and how it affects Obi-Wan's senses and stirs his memories was wonderful. I love to read about relationships and interaction and sometimes find myself skimming descriptive passages. This passage really caught my attention and drew me in though. I loved the bit about the air being "almost a taste of wine against the tongue." So thanks for sharing this story with us! Now maybe I'll get up the courage to post again sometime. ~nada~
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