Bound by Fate (An alternate Obi-Wan and Qui-Gon Story) COMPLETED Nominated for best AU Story

IT IS A PERIOD OF DARKNESS. THE CHOSEN ONE, ANAKIN SKYWALKER, HAS FALLEN PREY TO THE TEMPTATIONS OF THE DARK SIDE. IN A CLIMATIC CLASH BETWEEN HE AND HIS MASTER, QUI-GON JINN, THE CHOSEN ONE FELL INTO A LAKE OF MOLTEN LAVA AND WAS BELIEVED DEAD. IN HIS PLACE THE DARK LORD DARTH VADER HAS ARISEN AND TOGETHER HE AND THE NEWLY CLAIMED EMPEROR SEEK TO PURGE THE GALAXY OF THE GUARDIANS OF PEACE AND JUSTICE.

HOWEVER, ALL IS NOT LOST. BORN TO SKYWALKER AND HIS WIFE ARE TWINS DESTINED TO BRING HOPE AND FREEDOM BACK TO THE GALAXY. IT IS THE JOB OF MASTER JINN TO KEEP THESE CHILDREN SAFE.

NOT KNOWING OF HIS OFFSPRING, VADER HAS SENT HIS HENCHMEN IN PURSUTE OF HIS OLD MASTER. FOR QUI-GON HOLDS THE KEY TO BRINGING FREEDOM TO THE GALAXY...


The Nubian transport, that Padme Skywalker had given to Qui-Gon Jinn to escape with her children in, rocked violently as another round of turbolaser fire slammed against it's shields. The pursuing Tie Fighters were much better pilots than Qui-Gon himself. Piloting had never been his strength, that was why he had always let his Padawans do the flying. First Lebar, then Xanatos, and then Anakin.

I wonder why Vader isn't among the hord. Surely, he would know that I am no match for his skills. Qui-Gon didn't spend much time considering this. He had to keep his concentration on the Force and his piloting.

"Qui-Gon?" Tahl, his wife for 20 years, called from the cargo hold where she was watching over the infants, Luke and Leia.

Apparently she had sensed his thoughts rove to his former and apprentice and the accompanying sadness that always came with such thoughts. It is alright love. I think we will be in range to activiate the hyperdrive shortly,Qui-Gon assured her through their bond. He didn't want her to have any more anxiety then was already necessary.

As he gunned the sublight engines to beyond there normal safety regs, the blue planet Naboo grew more distant. Rest well Padme Amidala Skywalker of the Naboo. May your bravery never truly be forgotten.

Dipping the ship to avoid quad ruby red lances of turbolaster fire, Qui-Gon reached deep within the Force. A connection that only a Jedi Master of his stature could obtain. He would need it if he were going to make the jump to lightspeed with his hyperdrive intact.

Although much more profficient a pilot in the Force, Qui-Gon still couldn't help the pummel of fire on their shields. Indicators on his consel began to flash red, signaling that they were losing their rear deflectors.

"Are you strapped in love?" Qui-Gon called back. "I'm about to make the jump to hyperspace."

"Ready," came Tahl's quick reply.

Qui-Gon fell deeper into the Force, until he could feel everything around him in its totality. He felt the edge of Naboo's atmosphere and knew exactly when he could punch it.

"Hang on," he muttered mostly to himself as he threw the lever and watched stars lineated before him.

 

I think I'm gonna like this AU, action right from the start. 7

 

Ahh... that was a wonderful begining!

Don't suppose we can have another post soon?

 

Qui-Gon sighed heavily, rubbing his thumbs across the inside of his eyes, trying to dispel the well of tension that coursed through his body. Silently, Tahl came up behind him and began to message his shoulders, the knots in them slowly but surely beginning to unwind. Their love and marriage had not been quite sanctioned by the Council and it had been a long road to acceptance, however he would have it no other way. Tahl was a continuing strength for him in this trying times. Perhaps it was their stubborness that had influenced Anakin's own when he and Padme had fallen in love.

"Where are we headed?" Tahl asked when she felt he was sufficiently relaxed.

He grabbed one of her slender hands and kissed it. "Alderaan. I spoke briefly with Bail Organa before the communications went out on Naboo and he has agreed to harbor us for however long we need."

She looked down at him with lovingly adoring eyes. "I thought you swore never to work with him again?" she queried, a hint of tease in her very cultered tounge.

He shook his head ruefully. "No, I swore never to gamble with him."

Tahl cocked a reddish eyebrow. "What's the difference?"

"Not much to you, my love," he played around her banter. He knew she was just distracting him, keeping him from feeling the overwhelming grief that cut through his heart.

Anakin had been like a son to both of them, but he had been Qui-Gon's Padawan. The bond they had shared had been full and healthy, helping Qui-Gon to recover from the death of Xanatos by a Sith Lord on Naboo. He and Xani had had their troubles but his twenty-five-year-old apprentice had given his life for him. And now Anakin wishes to take it.

"It wasn't your fault, you know. He made his choice," Tahl said into the quiet.

"I though I killed him, I though I killed my own Padawan." He looked up at his wife with eyes that were full with sorrow and regret. "Do you know that for a moment I was glad that he was dead, because it was better then having him to the dark."

"And now that you know he's alive?"

Qui-Gon returned his gaze the forward viewport. "I wish he were dead."

He didn't need to explain further. There was no one who understood him better then his wife. She knew that Qui-Gon felt responsible for this whole mess. That if he hadn't found Anakin on Tatooine and had pressured the Council into training the purported Chosen One that the galaxy wouldn't be in such a dark up heavel.

However, she wasn't about to let her husband wallow in self-pity and the best way to do that was to keep Qui-Gon's mind active.

"What's the plan once we reach Alderaan? We just can't amble up to the palace and walk in like the old days," Tahl said, drawing Qui-Gon's mind to the here and now where he best belonged.

"Bail and I already thought of that. He has an aide who will be meeting us at our assigned platform. From there he will guide us to the palace through some underground tunnels that only he and Bail know of." Qui-Gon snorted. "Does every palace have uncovered secrets."

"Probably. What's our contacts name?"

"Someone named Obi-Wan Kenobi."

 

[face_shocked] Oh, wow... that is a suprise... so Xanatos was Qui-Gon's Padawan who died on Naboo... and Obi-Wan... wasn't a Jedi?? Or he was and he left?

Shutting up- but ZaraValinor, this is wonderful! More soon, I hope!

 

I concur -

I'm sticking around for this one!

 

The Royal Palace in Alderaan was one of the most splendid sights of the galaxy. It seemed to be made of white ivory the glistened like a diamond in the light of the planets primary. On their first sight many just stood with mouth agape at the splendor that was to be held. Alderaan was known throughout the galaxy for its beauty, not only in its structures but its people.

Prince Bail Organa the Viceroy and Senator that represented the planet, was a man well respected and well liked. However, he was a strong political opponent in the Senate and was one of the few to oppose Emperor Palpatine in the open. Some said that the only reason the Senator had yet to be assassinated was that he was ruler of the Alderaan. The planet was to heavily connected and a rebellion would surely break out.

Only a few held the confidence of Prince Organa, the few and the most highly held was a nineteen-year-old Obi-Wan Kenobi.

He knelt before the Prince now receiving his latest instructions. "What is it you wish of me, my Prince?"

"How long have we known each other Obi-Wan?" Bail asked softly.

"Since I was sixteen, when I saved my Prince's life," Obi-Wan replied in the same humble tone.

Bail sighed, "And how often have I asked you to call me Bail?"

A sly smile crossed over Obi-Wan's smooth boyish features. "Repeatedly, sir."

"Obi-Wan please," Bailed begged, twitching a figure in a motion for Obi-Wan to join him. Still smiling Obi-Wan moved to take a seat on the stair next to Bail's throne. "Why do you always have to give me a hard time, my boy."

Obi-Wan ran a hand through his longish cinnamon hair. "I'm sorry Bail, I can't help it. What is my next assignment?"

"Don't you ever wish to settle down Obi-Wan?" Bail asked. "I'm sure Vansa would be willing."

A chuckle actually escaped the stern features of the younger man. "I'm far to young to be thinking about settling down. Besides, who would take care of you. I'm your personal bodyguard. I take that job seriously."

Bail frowed. "Sometimes you sound older then me. You're only nineteen years old, act your age for Force sake."

"I will when I'm older," Obi-Wan replied flippantly. "So what's my assignment?"

"Alright, I see I can't get you to think about anything else. I need you to discreetly go to Docking Port 1138 to meet a Nubian starship and just as discreetly bring it's passengers to me," Bail instructed.

Obi-Wan raised his eyebrows in surprise. Docking Port 1138 was usually used as for the Prince's personal ship, the one that nobody new about. And discreet meet the underground passageways. "And just who is it that I'm retrieving?"

"Jedi Masters Qui-Gon and Tahl Jinn, along with twin infants," Bail replied.

Great I'm stuck babysitting Jedi and babies, Obi-Wan thought to himself. Outloud he said, "I should be protecting his Highness."

"Obi-Wan trust me on this, it is better that I send you then one of the others. This is highly important and there is no one I trust more than you," Bail assured him. "There is much at stake if harm comes to either the Jedi or the children."

"You know if the Emperor finds out about this..." Obi-Wan trailed off, leaving Bail to his own conclusions.

Bail gave a half smile. "That's why you can't let him."

Standing up, Obi-Wan bowed before his Prince. "Yes, your Highness."

 

Hmm... so Obi-Wan is bitter towards the Jedi? Or not... please ignore my brainless speculations.


Eagerly awaiting more- you do realize you're spoiling us with three posts so close together?

 

Wow!
Great story so far!
Very interesting....can't wait for more!

 

"Nubian Starship, please transmit clearance code for entrance into the Alderaan system," the spaceport control said over the minuter comm system.

"Transmitting code now," Tahl answered back. She had decided to take watch over the ship so that Qui-Gon could get some sleep, but her husband had maybe slept a total of two hours. He was still plagued by nightmares.

"We have your clearance Sterling One, your escort will show you to docking port 1138." Even as the controller finished two X-Wings flew in to flank either side of the Nubian starship.

"Bail certainly isn't taking any chances, is he?" Qui-Gon asked suddenly from behind her.

She scrutinized him, trying to gauge his sense in the Force. Although their bond was deep and strong, she was always surprised how well he could shield himself from her. He was tired, that was clear only in the slightest hunch of his shoulders in his otherwise dominating presence. His eyes still carried the haunted look that Tahl could only begin to understand. Qui-Gon was a man of deep feeling and, despite the Council's qualms, was a better Jedi because of it. However, he was proned to being hurt, and Anakin's betrayal was a wretched pain that would not go away easily.

She gave him a mental carress and answered, "You know Bail. He isn't one to do things half way."

"I just hope this contact of his can be trusted. All we need is half the Imperial Armada waiting for us to arrive. The price on our heads would make even the most honorable of beings contemplate," Qui-Gon said. "Have Luke and Leia been up?"

"Just a couple of times in the night, needing to be fed." She smiled fondly. "You know they are quite well-behaved if you keep them together, try to separate them and they'll cry themselves to sleep." A pain shot through Tahl, one she had thought she had burried long ago.

Qui-Gon sensed it and placed a hand on her shoulder, wanting to do more but unable to while she was guiding the ship. They had lost their first child years ago and had never been blessed with another. Qui-Gon had found solace in taking a Padawan, but Tahl had absolutely refused. She did not want to replace her child with another.

"Tahl?" he asked softly.

She lifted a hand from her controls and patted Qui-Gon's softly. "It's alright love. It is in the past. I have to move on." She took several deep and steadying breaths, releasing her feelings. After a few moments she turned and smiled at him. "We are together at that's what matters."

He leaned over and kissed her. "We should be landing shortly. I'll go prepare the twins...," he paused, his brow creasing in concern.

"What is it?" Tahl asked alarmed.

"I just felt something. A strong presence in the Force," Qui-Gon replied. "We must be cautious."

"Aren't we always?" Tahl countered, returning to her old self.

"I am love, but you're way to reckless." After standing he leaned over her chair, brushed her long red hair aside and kissed her neck gently. "Wasn't it you who fell into that nest of gundarks and me and Anakin had to save you."

"Someone was going to fall in, it might as well have been me," Tahl replied tartly, but smiled to take away the sting of her words.

Despite Qui-Gon's warning of caution, there seemed to be no need. The fighters escorted them to the docking pad, and Tahl deftly brought the silver arrow of a ship into a landing with no incident. However, upon investigaton their contact was no where to be found.

After an hour of waiting, Qui-Gon decided that he had had enough. "I'm going outside. Bail said Kenobi would be here to meet us. Something isn't right."

Qui-Gon lowered the ramp and pulling the hilt of his saber slowly walked down it. That's when he heard the growling. It was a low rumble, not unlike that of an engine purring up. This, however, had a distinguished menace to it. And it was accompanied by a soft murmuring voice.

Following the sounds to the farthest corner of the covered platform, Qui-Gon was shocked to see a two meter beast all muscle and d

 

such a wonderful description of Obi-Wan- and another marvelous addition! As always, can't wait for more.

 

WOW! I love this story.

 

hey great post!

 

ZaraValinor - This is great! I especially loved the intro - I was expecting it to scroll by in yellow lettering .

Okay, I have to ask it - Docking Port 1138 any reference to THX 1138? Just curious.

Definately looking forward to reading more. I'm hooked .

Rogue

 

I've taken several liberties with age. Qui-Gon at the beginning of this story is around the same age he was in Phantom Menace. Anaking Skywalker/Darth Vader is now 24. Anakin was found by Qui-Gon when he was 10 while the Jedi Master was on a mission to negotiate with the Trade Federation about Naboo. Qui-Gon's then apprentice Xanatos joined him. Tahl is roughly the same age as Qui-Gon, and Obi-Wan as stated is 19. I hope this helps with any confusion that might rise up. Thanks.

While Master Qui-Gon Jinn returned to his ship to get his children and wife, Obi-Wan took the time to scan the area. He was uneasy and he had learned that when he was uneasy that meant that something terrible was about to happen. He had had one of the queasy feelings before, when he had saved Prince Organa from an assassination attempt. This one was just as strong and just as eminent.

"I have a very bad feeling about this," Obi-Wan muttered to himself.

Mentally, he urged the Jinn family to greater speed. What was it with Jedi and their ever-present need for patience? Obi-Wan breathed in deeply. It wouldn't help anything if he didn't pay attention to what he was feeling. He closed his eyes and tried to center on his gut instinct.

And suddenly he was in action.

Snapping his foot back in a blind kick, Obi-Wan's foot met something hard and unyielding. The force of the blow sent Obi-Wan tumbling but the young man rolled with the fall and practically flipped back onto his feet. He spun around to face his adversary and had to jump out of the way of repeated blaster fire. His antagonist wore blue and silver Mandalorian Armor and was now floating above him with a rocket pack. Obi-Wan instantly knew that he was a bounty hunter, the debate was, was he here for the Jedi or for him.

Obi-Wan rolled away from another round of too close blaster bolts and came up with his blaster in hand, his eyes tracing the armor for any weaknesses to get a shot into. There didn't seem to be a crack and his opponent was more heavily armed. Time to remedy that. Still bodily dodging fire, Obi-Wan aligned his sight with the bounty hunters right hand blaster. Even while he danced away he kept his sight trained on it. For a brief moment his eyes flickered and he squeezed a shot off. A small explosion erupted in the bounty hunters right hand and Obi-Wan heard him curse loudly in several different and undistinguishable languages.

Preparing to duplicate this strategy, Obi-Wan was struck by a red lance to his shoulder. The blow sent him staggering and collapsing onto the floor. Oh, not good! he thought briefly, when an arc of green light came in front of him. The lightsaber blade sent bolts dancing off of it and disintegrating into the permecrete walls of the docking pad, sending blisters of wall chips into the air.

Even worse, he despaired in his head again. He looked up to find the very tall and overpowering form of Qui-Gon Jinn, deftly maneuvering his lightsaber in a skilled dance of defense. Didn't this Jedi get anything into his head? Obi-Wan didn't need protecting.

That Mandalorian bounty hunter took the Jedi's arrival as his cue to go and rapidly fired his gun as he fueled his rocket to greater height. Obi-Wan brought up his blaster and snapped off several rounds, all in vain. That Mandalorian armor was more protective then he thought. With the bounty hunger gone, Jinn deactivated his lightsaber and offered a hand to the fallen younger man.

Obi-Wan purposefully ignored it, and it was all he could do to keep himself from belting the older man in the mouth. Instead he cried, "Do you never think before you act, man! I told you! I'm here to protect you not the other way around."

"Even if it costs you your life?" the Jedi Master countered.

Gripping his painful shoulder he answered, "Even then. That is my job. Don't you get it? You are now known to be on Alderaan, that puts the people and the Prince in danger. You were not to be discovered."

"I was moved by the Force to s

 

Ohh.... [face_shocked]

That was intense- great addition ZaraValinor!

 

I LOVE THIS STORY AGAIN!

 

Great story! I love that you are using Tahl, she is such a great character!

Can't wait for more!

 

I just found this fantastic story- can't wait for more

 

Wow!
You are spoiling us....2 posts in one day?!?
THANKS!
Go Obi! Put Qui-Gon in his place!

 

As Obi-Wan stomped through the knee high watery waste of the underground tunnels of the palace, he was beginning to feel very light headed. The blaster burn on his left shoulder had been broken open as he led the Jinns through to the palace and blood had seeped through his black shipsuit. It felt that a ball of fire had taken its perch on his shoulder and the only thing to douse it was the blood that was slowly draining him. His only hope was that when they reached the palace the Prince's medics could patch him up. He only hoped he could stay conscious until then.

He glanced back at Master Qui-Gon, and found that the Jedi was hard on his heels. Didn't the man ever cease to be overbearing? Obi-Wan would rather die than let on that he was more injured then they had originally thought. He could just imagine the older man's smug smile as they Jedi lent him healing strength. Over my dead body, Obi-Wan silently vowed.

Master Tahl was right behind her husband. Her gaze taking in everything around her. She cuddled the other child, a girl, Obi-Wan had learned, close to her chest cooing softly to keep the child silent. Obi-Wan was afraid that he might end up liking Master Tahl. She seemed to lack her husbands arrogance and he guessed that she was just as hard as Master Qui-Gon, but with a softness and understanding.

She caught him studying her and he quickly sent his gaze forward. He turned his attention back to his surroundings. The last thing he needed was to be caught off guard again. He still didn't understand what had been so amazing about his survival against the bounty hunger, Jango Fett. He hadn't a clue as to who Mace Windu was and why it was so astonishing that he had been killed. It seemed to him that the Jedi died rather easily. The Emperor and his second-in-command didn't seem to have a problem mowing them down. Great warriors, indeed, Obi-Wan thought to himself. However, he had to admit to himself that Master Qui-Gon's use of his lightsaber had been remarkable. The way it had flowed in his hand like an extension of his being was truly a beauty to be held. Obi-Wan, who prided himself on being proficient with any weapon, had felt a stab of jealousy that he would never be allowed to wield such a weapon. It was truly an elegancy in a time where the galaxy had lost its civility.

Still, he had to wonder, if the Jedi were so capable why did they allow themselves to be hunted like dogs, instead of fighting back with the rebellion? It was something he couldn't really understand. All his life he had acted. If a situation showed itself to be wrong he felt he should correct it. When Prince Organa's life had been threatened he hadn't concerned himself with the consequences of his actions, he had just acted. If he hadn't, he would never have known Bail, his only friend and true confidant.

"You are hurt," Master Tahl said, suddenly at his elbow.

He didn't look at her. "It is of no concern."

She shifted Leia in her arms. "I can feel your pain. Please let us help you."

"Do not trouble yourself with me. I have had far worse injuries and have survived without any assistance," he said in a hard voice. Out of the corner of his eye he saw her wince. "I thank you for your concern Master Tahl, but I am not in need of assistance," he added to soften his previous harshness.

"At least allow us to bandage it," came Master Qui-Gon's empowering tone. "It could get infected in these scum ridden tunnels."

"When we had time for stealth it might have been permissible. And although I don't think that Fett will go to any Imperial spies that might be harvesting on Alderaan, I don't know that for sure so speed is of the utmost importance," Obi-Wan explained, hoping that the two would just drop the subject. He was more than just a little annoyed that the Jedi had found out about his injury when he had tried so hard to keep it from them.

Master Qui-Gon was giving him a measured look. "Why don't you think he will stay on Alderaan?"

Obi-Wan gave a sigh tha

 

Ahh... it keeps getting better!

 

I concur with sheleigh 100%. This is great. And lots of posts too .

Really enjoy your writing style. Definately looking forward to more.

Rogue

 

I think this fic quite amazing.

 

Wow, this is a great story....I really love it! Can't wait to see what happens next!