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[Jedi Apprentice] - 18(21)



Obi-Wan’s mind was spinning as he left the rooftop. He felt like a fool. Why didn’t he suspect that Grath knew he was a Jedi all along? The infiltration had been too easy, he now realized. Obi-Wan felt ashamed for not figuring it out earlier. He had wanted his plan to work so badly that he assumed everything was going just fine. Only it wasn’t.

Obi-Wan made his way through the streets to the homespace. In the back of his mind was a voice that reminded him that he hadn’t been entirely honest with the Freelies, either. He hadn’t told them he was a Jedi.

But I was acting for the good of the planet, he told himself. I was trying to bring everyone to a peaceful solution.

This all felt much like the situation on Melida/ Daan, Obi-Wan realized. When Obi-Wan had joined the Young, he was certain that he was doing the right thing. But in the end he was not sure that the Young were on the right path. And it had not taken him long to know that leaving the Jedi order was not the right path for him.

At first glance, the situation here on Vorzyd 4 seemed totally different from the one on Melida/Daan. Harmless, really. But now Obi-Wan could not see many differences. And the similarities were screaming in his ears.

The arguing Freelies. The explosions. The inability of the generations to talk openly together.

Worst of all, Obi-Wan knew, he was no longer in a position to help. The kids didn’t trust him. And why should the adults believe someone who had been keeping secrets from them all along?

Not sure what else to do, Obi-Wan headed back to his room at the retirement complex. He had not been there long when Qui-Gon arrived.

Obi-Wan knew his Master was concerned about him - and probably the situation as well. With a sigh, he began to tell him all that had happened.

“Someone must have tipped off the adults,” Obi-Wan began.

Qui-Gon nodded. “I did not say anything, as I promised I would not,” he said. “But I did overhear the building maintenance team reporting a disturbance to Chairman Port. They were acting on a tip.”

Obi-Wan had not suspected that Qui-Gon was responsible for the intrusion, but was glad to hear his Master confirm that he was not.

“A group of adults stormed the secret meeting,” Obi-Wan said. “But ore of the kids, Flip, dropped a smoke capsule and led everyone to safety.”

“He was well prepared for just such an invasion,” Qui-Gon said pointedly.

Obi-Wan nodded. “I thought that at the time,” he said. “Perhaps he was the informer. It seemed too simple. But much more has happened since then….”

Obi-Wan trailed off. It was getting difficult to look his Master in the eye. He felt responsible for the state of the situation between the kids and adults. Once again he had the feeling that his instincts had been all wrong.

“Go on,” Qui-Gon said gently. His eyes were full of empathy. But somehow that didn’t make Obi-Wan feel any better. In fact, it made him feel worse. He didn’t deserve understanding right now. Things on Vorzyd 4 were worse than when they’d arrived.

And it was all his fault.





CHAPTER 17


Qui-Gon could see that his Padawan was struggling. He was tempted to push him further to see if he would open up, but knew that was not the right choice. What Obi-Wan needed was a bit of time, just as Qui-Gon himself did on occasion.

The room in the retirement complex was quiet for several minutes. Then Qui-Gon spoke.

“I think we should go outside and spar,” he said. “It has been too long since we did lightsaber training together.”

Qui-Gon was hoping that the physical activity would help his Padawan release some tension - and piece things together in his mind. Regardless, focusing on something entirely different would be a good change of pace.

Obi-Wan seemed reluctant as they exited the building. But once he was outside and facing his Master, his eyes flashed with an intensity that surprised Qui-Gon. The young Jedi ignited his lightsaber, and Qui-Gon did the same.

The two Jedi circled each other slowly with their lightsabers raised, as if in a dance. Obi-Wan moved gracefully, his eyes locked on Qui-Gon’s. It was as if he were challenging him to do something, to make the first move.

Qui-Gon did. He brought his lightsaber down in a powerful strike - once, twice, three times. Obi-Wan was there to block each blow. The graceful arcs he made with his blade were confident and accurate. His eyes never left his Master’s face.

Qui-Gon suddenly realized that his Padawan’s lightsaber skills had improved significantly in the past months. His physical energy was exceptional - young and true. Obi-Wan was fighting like a Jedi Knight.

Not to mention trusting his instincts, Qui-Gon thought wryly. He suddenly had the feeling that one day the boy would beat him. And that such a day might not be so far away.