| Should As Strangers We Meet |
Obi-Wan could feel victory in his grasp. He had been locked in battle well over four hours now and could finally sense a touch of weariness in his much older opponent. All he had to do was continue to wear the man down. Time and the stamina of youth were on his side. With energy to burn the young Jedi somersaulted over the tall man, swinging down with his lightsaber as he passed overhead. His blue blade clashing with the green of his Master’s, frozen in a struggle of power and strength. Using this leverage, he angled his landing far out of reach of the elder Jedi. Obi-Wan twirled his lightsaber, a glowing arc of blue spread out in front of him as he advanced. Qui-Gon, ever the serene master, eyed his apprentice appraisingly. Outwardly the young man appeared calm and controlled. The only sign of physical exertion was the way sweat caused his short hair to stand up in spikes. Healthy and strong at nineteen, Obi-Wan was well on his way to being the powerful Jedi Knight he was to become. The Force flowed from the Padawan in waves and with it Qui-Gon could read a combination of emotions that lingered beneath the calm exterior. Through their bond Qui-Gon wasn’t surprised to feel the strong desire that whirled in the boy’s mind, spurring him on. Inwardly, the Jedi Master smiled, though not a hint of it crossed his face. This feeling, this desire of Obi-Wan’s had been steadily growing over the last few years and was always strongest during their lightsaber practice. More than anything Obi-Wan was consumed by the burning passion to defeat his master in swordplay. Even now, his face set with concentrated determination, Qui-Gon could feel the emotions of this ancient rite of passage surging through him. As he probed Obi-Wan's mind through the Force a vision was suddenly flashed into his own head. Exhausted and sweat-soaked Qui-Gon lay flat on the floor, empty handed and helpless. His apprentice stood over him looking down in triumph, a booted foot weighted firmly on his chest, while the blue lightsaber planted a stinging kiss to his neck. A look of things to come. Obi-Wan sent across the bond after feeling his master's prying fingers in his mind. An almost imperceptible raise of an eyebrow was the Jedi Master's only response to this bold challenge. Obi-Wan allowed a small smirk to flit across his face as he strengthened his mental shields, blocking his master from his mind. Attacking with a vengeance, he engaged Qui-Gon full force. Slashing and jabbing, he pushed forward. Qui-Gon countered each motion with a defensive move born of the Force. Both combatants continued their graceful and fluid dance. The small cargo hold filled with the essence of the Force and the bitter scent of ozone as the blades met again and again. They circled each other warily, each vying for an opportunity to expand upon a weakness of the other. Beep, beep, beep, beep, a soft twilling sounded through the ship. The ship's autopilot announcing they had reached their destination. Too late the young Jedi realized his mistake. For the briefest of seconds the alarm had caught his attention. Seizing the moment, Qui-Gon spun around low, sweeping one long leg out in front of him. He connected with his apprentice's legs, knocking them out from under him. "Argghh..." Obi-Wan blurted, falling heavily to the floor before knowing what hit him. The air was knocked out of him, replaced by the heavy pressure of his master's rather large foot on his chest. "Is this what you had in mind, Padawan mine?" Qui-Gon asked, towering over him. Obi-wan made no response other then a surprised grunt. "Shall we shorten your Padawan badge then?" the Jedi Knight teased, his lightsaber flirting dangerously close to the long braid Obi-Wan wore. Smelling the acrid scent of burning hair, he cried out "I yield Master!" as he anxiously pulled away from the weapon that hummed loudly in his ear. His braid was an honored symbol of his apprenticeship, one he revered and wanted no damage to. In an age old ritual, Qui-Gon had weaved a portion of his own hair into the braid after officially presenting the thirteen year old boy to the Jedi High Council as his Padawan Learner. To the young apprentice it signified much more than just his station in the Jedi Order. It symbolized the very bond he shared with the Jedi Master. They were a part of each other in the way only the Jedi knew. Qui-Gon was not merely his teacher or mentor. Over the six years he had become surrogate father and as the apprentice grew into adulthood, his closest friend. For as long as Obi-Wan could remember he wanted to be a Jedi Knight. He had been raised with the express purpose of fulfilling that destiny and had sought out the means to that end aggressively. Now more than ever as that dream came closer, he found more reason to attain it. Not only for his own self interest, but more so as a means to make his beloved master proud. Extinguishing his lightsaber and removing his foot from his Padawan's chest, Qui-Gon extended a hand to his red-faced apprentice. "You did very well," Qui-Gon commented with approval, "your control and technique are outstanding, but be mindful. Overconfidence can blind one to the present." "I understand that Master, but I saw my victory through the Force." the young Jedi responded, perplexed by the outcome. Together they walked down the cold metal corridors of the small spaceship requisitioned by the Council. "The Unifying Force may grant a glimpse of the future Obi-Wan, but you must remember the future is ever changing." the Jedi Master lectured. "Pay mind to the Living Force so that the future may not suffer." "Yes, Master." Obi-Wan knew Qui-Gon was right of course. He was constantly being reminded to be mindful of the Living Force. It was just he didn't have the ability or inclination to follow the promptings of the Living Force in the same unswerving manner as his master. As much as he admired Qui-Gon, he was not even sure he wanted to. Look at all the trouble the elder Jedi managed to get himself into with the Jedi High Council by his single-minded dedication and subsequent defiance. Even though he knew that Qui-Gon had no real interest in being on the Council (he believed he served the Force better as a Guardian of Peace and Justice), Obi-Wan felt that denying him the chance to decline a seat to be an insult. Arriving at the cockpit Qui-Gon stepped aside, permitting Obi-Wan to seat himself in the pilot's chair. "Does the Council believe these rumors of a time machine?" the young Jedi asked, busying himself with the ship's controls. "That's why we were sent here, to discover their validity." Qui-Gon answered, gazing out the front view port. A small dot in space loomed directly ahead of them, growing larger with each passing minute. “Do ‘you’ believe it possible?” Obi-Wan inquired, sparing a glance behind him. "There have been beings technologically advance for centuries. Throughout that time there have been individuals who've spent their lives in the creation of such a device." Qui-Gon intoned ominously. You didn't answer my question. Obi-Wan sent, turning his attention back to the control console. "What I believe is immaterial. If such a thing exists it could be infinitely more dangerous than any weapon ever built. It could completely change the face of the galaxy as we know it." Qui-Gon had spent a great deal of meditation on the subject since receiving this mission, and for once he was in complete agreement with the Jedi Council's stand on the issue of time travel. The Galactic Senate had long ago prohibited all scientific research into such endeavors and used the Jedi Order to enforce its decree. If such a device were found it was to be destroyed immediately. The possible consequences of falling into the wrong hands would be catastrophic. This demanded absolute compliance to the law. "Dolari Tunz coming up Master." Obi-Wan announced. The small dot, now a multi-colored planet filled the view port. An inviting world of blues, greens and browns that seemed to promise hospitality, but looks could be deceiving. The Tunzi were a suspicious, untrusting people. Not quite xenophobes, they preferred to exist without off world contact or interference. It was their leader, Superior Dukka Lute, who pushed for entry into the Republic. He argued with the resisting governing body of the benefits of acceptance into the Republic Senate. It had taken decades and this was the first official cooperative effort of the Tunzi and Republic representatives and was under tremendous scrutiny. "Landing coordinates are set." Obi-Wan broke the silence in the cockpit. The ship vibrated slightly as it traveled through the planet's upper atmosphere, following the beacon that had been arranged to lead them to their destination. The Superior had decided in the best interest of his people and the precarious nature of this mission to limit contact with the planet's inhabitants as much as possible. There were those known who wished nothing more than for this endeavor to not just fail but prove admittance to the Republic a liability for Dolari Tunz, thereby continuing their self-sought isolation in the galaxy. For this reason Superior Lute had arranged the Jedi to land at a more discreet location outside the capital city of Dolar. It was also a more convenient location, closer to the suspected device he had reasoned. There they would rendezvous with a man who could guide them. "I'm not receiving acknowledgement on our arrival," Obi-Wan warned. Slowing their descent to the planet, he headed for a forest that lay between two mountains in the distance. "The Superior stated the nearby mountains were composed of zenite and might disrupt communication," Qui-Gon reminded gently. Pursing his lips in agitation, Obi-Wan focused on their landing. Did his master not feel the disturbance in the Force or was he choosing to ignore it. Of course I feel it Padawan. Qui-Gon silently voiced, but it's indistinct and may have nothing to do with our mission. And yes, I know, you have a bad feeling about this. How does he do that, Obi-Wan thought as he expertly set the ship down in a clearing near the edge of the forest. How did Qui-Gon always maintain that perfect Jedi composer even when presented with the most dangerous of situations. Granted, the disturbance Obi-Wan felt in the Force was only the slightest of tremors, but it had set his nerves on knife's edge so much so his muscles twitched involuntarily. "You must calm yourself Padawan." Qui-Gon place a reassuring hand on his apprentice' shoulder, sending soothing energies across the Force. Obi-Wan felt his master's gift and relaxed slightly. He debated whether to tell Qui-Gon what he sensed in the Force, but he knew he couldn't quite put it into words, at least not yet. It wasn't a strong feeling, not even one of danger, just a nagging sense of wrongness. "Ready?" Qui-Gon inquired, waiting to see if the young man was going to tell him what was on his mind. "Yes, Master." Obi-Wan walked past the Jedi Master without another word. Qui-Gon followed him, assuring himself that whatever was troubling his apprentice would be brought to light if important. Walking off the ship together, Qui-Gon couldn't help but notice that though his Padawan's demeanor was neutral, his cloak was pulled back behind his dangling lightsaber, a hand lightly resting on it. After a quick survey of their landing site Obi-Wan frowned, "The least our guide could do is meet us at the ship." Reaching out with the Force, Qui-Gon felt the surrounding forest. The almost overpowering thrum of its Living Force resounded steadily through him. "Over there." he directed, sweeping his arm out to point the way. At the edge of the clearing a small road cut through the dense foliage, leading out of the forest. Wordlessly the Jedi traveled down the road coming upon a speeder car crashed broadside against a large tree. The driver's side was smashed and dented, wet streaks running down it. Cautiously Master and Padawan approached, lightsabers now in hand. "Our guide?" Obi-Wan queried at the empty speeder. "Undoubtedly." Qui-Gon bent down, closely examining the red streaks as Obi-Wan's eye caught sight of a glistening heap further down the road. "Blood" Qui-Gon announced, "And still fresh." Standing, he began to rummage through the speeder’s back seat. "I think I found our guide." Obi-Wan croaked disgustedly from a distance. Laying on the side of the road was the remains of a Tunzi male. At least Obi-Wan assumed it was male. The body was horribly mutilated. Deep gaping slashes ran from chest to hip eviscerating the man in frightening detail. Internal organs were pulled and torn from the body and strewn about. Least of all was the absence of a left arm. "I think I have too." Qui-Gon stated gruffly, retrieving a severed arm from the back seat. "We'd better get back to the ship and notify the Superior." the young Jedi stated, repulsed by the scene. Suddenly the Force screamed out danger. In a blink Qui-Gon had dropped the arm and ignited his lightsaber. "Obi-Wan" he cried out fearfully, just as a towering shadow broke out of the forest bearing down on his apprentice. Obi-Wan having also felt the Force had his weapon ready. What he wasn't ready for was the sight of the enormous, snarling monster that crashed out from the trees only meters from him. The mammoth creature was nearly five feet tall on all fours. A coarse grainy hide covered its wide muscular girth. Its yellow-maddened eyes glared at him furiously. A long trunk like appendage hung from the middle of its massive head, swinging wildly as it closed on him. With Jedi trained eyes Obi-Wan memorized each and every detail of his foe, including the long, deadly claws protruding from the creature's front paws. As he raised his lightsaber in defense the monster's trunk shot out at the precise moment it was within range to make contact. Striking him in the chest with incredibly force, Obi-wan was knocked off his feet, sailing head first into a nearby tree. Pursuing the object of its rage, the beast roared loudly, barreling down on the young Jedi. Crumpled at the foot of the tree after the impact, Obi-Wan tried to will himself up. His head swimming, he tried to gather the Force in an effort to clear the dizzying pain. Reaching its intended victim the monster rose up on its hind legs, now well over nine feet tall. Bellowing harshly, its trunk held high, it displayed a large cavernous maw, deep with ragged teeth. Fighting a losing battle against the darkness trying to claim him, the last thing Obi-Wan saw as his world blackened was the grotesque creature poised to kill him. It happened so fast the Jedi Master could do nothing but watch in horror as the creature attacked. With no time to move, Qui-Gon whipped a Force stream into the creature's primitive mind. He sent the only thoughts and images he believed would save his Padawan. Claws poised for a killing blow, the beast stilled, cocking its head, then suddenly letting out a high-pitched squeal. No! Qui-Gon anguished. It didn't work! His heart skipped a beat as he stood motionless watching the creature lower itself closer to the unconscious Obi-Wan. It's long, prehensile trunk reached out and gently prodded the still form, a soft mewl escaping it. Qui-Gon released a hitching breath, unaware how long he'd held it. The animal whirled around suddenly, reacting to the natural sounds in the forest. Its large head twitched nervously seeking the source of the many sounds. The Jedi Master remained perfectly still, knowing he was now the one in danger. Presently the beast wrapped its trunk around Obi-Wan. Lifting him off the ground, it trudged down the road, carrying the limp form away. Reaching for the Force, Qui-Gon searched out his apprentice. Relief spread through his body as he touched the young man's mind. Unconscious and injured, he was still alive. He could feel the boy's energies focused on healing and added his own through the bond. **Don't worry, I'm here. All will be well.** he sent, comforting himself along with his Padawan. As he lost sight of the creature around a bend in the road, Qui-Gon quickly ran to the sight of the attack and pulled Obi-Wan's lightsaber out of the bushes. Stealthily he pursued the wild creature and its precious cargo, his mind filled with concern for his apprentice. Obi-Wan Kenobi had been his Padawan learner now six years. Probably the most grueling six years of the boy's life. Reluctant at first to take on another Padawan in general and Obi-Wan in particular (he was head-strong and hot-tempered) he had begrudgingly relented when the Force threw them together. Cool and distant at first, unable to allow himself drawn again into blind sentiments, he trained the boy dispassionately. All the while the young apprentice labored strenuously in seeking his approval. It had been the boy's greatest test as a Padawan learner, breaking through his elder Jedi's hardened heart to create the bond they now shared. Obi-Wan had long ago dispelled the black shadow of Xanatos, his former apprentice. It was Obi-Wan's persistence and unfailing heart that showed not only the incredible worthiness of the boy, but also the error of the elder's belief that it was in some way a failing on his part that Xanatos turned to the dark side. Even with the same strong desire to become Jedi Knights, he was able to see the differences in what drove each boy to that goal. Xanatos had been filled with pride and longed for the power he saw Jedi Knights wield. It was after seeing another kind of power, the kind not earned after hard work and dedication, but that coveted by the greedy, the envious or the evil that began his transformation to the dark side. It was this power he saw his father have that angered Xanatos beyond reason, completing his fall. In contrast, Obi-Wan's aspirations were driven by a pure heart and the desire to do the work of the light side and yes, the quest of approval from his master. The thought of now losing Obi-Wan was more than he could stand and he pushed his fears aside and followed the creature as it left the cover of the forest. Out of the dense foliage, the creature headed for a trail that lead up the side of the adjacent mountain. Casting for Obi-Wan and feeling the still unconscious young man was in no immediate danger, Qui-Gon was content to hang back as the beast began its climb up the base of the mountain. Holding its trunk high in an effort to keep the limp form it carried from further injury, the animal produced soft, intermittent whimpers as it cautiously traversed the steep incline. Qui-Gon hid behind a large boulder at the bottom. He had noticed the black opening of a cave further up the mountain and assumed that was the creature's destination. Beyond this rock there was nothing of sufficient size to hide his large form. He would have to wait here until the animal entered the cave before resuming his pursuit. It would do neither him nor his Padawan any good to upset the beast now. Settling down, he reinforced the earlier thoughts and images he had sent to the creature at the same time sending healing waves to Obi-Wan. After waiting for what he consider an appropriate amount of time to pass, Qui-Gon glanced around the boulder. There was no sign of the creature. It had gone into the cave. He began the climb up, careful to move slowly so as not to disturb the loose rocks. The sound of them tumbling down might very well alert the creature to his presence. Following the same path, the Jedi Master was disturbed by the discovery of a trail of blood that led the way up. It was only random drops yet the sight of them caused great concern. Remembering the way Obi-Wan had been thrown head-first into the tree he could only hope that the wound was superficial. Head trauma always bled profusely, but it might be nothing more than a flesh wound. Still, he wouldn't feel at ease until he was at his Padawan's side and could judge for himself. Hurrying his climb, he reached the cave, cautiously pulling himself up on the ledge. He could see nothing past the first ten feet as it was enveloped in darkness. Slowly stepping inside, giving his eyes times to adjust, he saw that the cave forked into three different tunnels. Qui-Gon remembered from his preparation for this mission that the Tunzi had mined the mountains, stripping them of all natural resources, thus leaving abandoned a labyrinth of tunnels. This posed no problem for the Jedi Master. Using the Force he was easily able to sense the creature in the tunnel on the left. Determined, he headed in that direction. The passage was amply wide but the tall Jedi was forced to hunch down to make his way as the height of it was barely six feet. After following it for fifty meters, the low tunnel suddenly spread out high and wide before him, revealing a large chamber. Though unable to see much more than black shadows on black walls, he could sense both beast and apprentice. He had kept an open thread in the Force to Obi-Wan, constantly sending reassuring and regenerative energies across it. As Obi-Wan progressively healed Qui-Gon could feel his Padawan's consciousness expanding. It wouldn't be long before he awoke. It would be preferable to be rid of the beast before that happened. Sliding along the hard rocky wall, Qui-Gon blindly searched for some sort of cover. Finding a good-sized crevice, he stuffed himself into it, pulling his lightsaber out in case things went awry. Reaching into the ele-sharkmouth-tiger's mind again, he sent another wave of thoughts and images. These not replacing, but adding to the previous ones. The first thing Obi-Wan sensed as his mind floated up from darkness was the pain. Sharp, stabbing shards of transparisteel battered the inside of his skull, overwhelming what little consciousness he had and causing him to groan in response. Remembering to except the pain as a necessary signal from his body, he gathered the Force to him, nestling into it like a soft, fluffy pillow. Instant relief was felt as the Force chafed off the coarse edges of the pain, enough to make awareness again bearable. Now, if only this was nothing more than a nightmare, he groggily thought to himself, his mind waking further when he suddenly felt a nearby presence, one both amused and concern. His pain was eased even more as his master hastened waves of compassion and healing into their bond. Thank you Master, Obi-Wan was about to test the extent of damage to his body when an immediate and unyielding Force field held him in place.. Remain still, Padawan, Qui-Gon commanded in a tone leaving no room for argument. It was then that Obi-Wan remembered the monster that had come charging out of the forest at him and froze, no longer needing the Force assistance. He could hear the animal’s location beside him. Keeping his eyes closed, he nearly flinched when he felt a long, pebbled appendage run over his face. The ele-sharkmouth-tiger emitted an almost cooing whine, then the apprentice heard it trudged off, away from him. Qui-Gon pushed himself further back into the fissure when he sensed the creature's approach. Cloaking himself in the Force, he rendered himself unseen as it passed by him. Giving it time to distance itself, he waited patiently, reinforcing the new thoughts he had sent it. Once out of danger, he pried himself out of the crevice and hurried to his Padawan's side. Igniting his lightsaber, he found Obi-Wan lying on a bed of dry grass. "Obi-Wan", he spoke softly. Using the glow cast from his weapon as illumination, Qui-Gon visually assessed the young man's injuries. A small gash on the temple had bled openly, but appeared to be the only wound. Obi-Wan's eyes fluttered open. "What happened?" he asked in bewilderment, attempting to get up. "I was sure that...that thing was going to eat me." "Not so fast," Qui-Gon admonished, pushing him back down and squatting next to him. "I've bought us a little time." Holding his apprentice by the chin, the Jedi Master took a closer look at the injury. The cut had already clotted and would probably heal without too much intervention, still he would do what he could. Handing the glowing lightsaber to Obi-Wan, Qui-Gon removed a small, foil packet from one of the pouches on his utility belt. Ripping it open he removed a square of folded bacta soaked gauze and placed it over the wound. Looking quizzedly at his master Obi-Wan waited for him to explain their current predicament. Searching the elder's face for enlightenment Obi-Wan thought he saw a suppressed smile. "What exactly did you do?" he finally asked hoping that smile was only a trick of shadows in the poor light. "I instill a different impression of you in her mind," Qui-Gon answered with a hint of amusement. "Her?" Obi-Wan inquired suspiciously. "I simply told her you were her offspring." "Her...offspring?" the young Jedi stammered indignantly. "It was either that or watched you become her dinner. I'm sure you'll agree it was the wiser choice." Qui-Gon laughed heartily. Removing the pad from Obi-Wan's head, he unfolded it and wiped away the streaks of blood that ran down his face. "And where is she now?" Obi-Wan cocked his head in curiosity. "To encourage her to leave, I told her you were hungry," Qui-Gon answered smugly. Obi-Wan's eyes went wide, then his entire face contorted in revulsion as he remembered the condition of their unfortunate guide. Immediately he pulled himself to his feet using the cool cave wall for support. "Are you up to moving?" Qui-Gon queried with concern. "I have no intention of being here when mother returns with my meal." "Then we should be off, but I'm afraid we'll have to take the long way around." Qui-Gon glanced in the direction the ele-sharkmouth-tiger had gone. "Mother's on her way back." |
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