The Understanding
by WolfPyre

“Obi-Wan, get your things together…we have another mission.” Qui-Gon said.

“But master…we just got back. I don’t want to go away again.”

“I’m sorry padawan. The council made the decision. We have to go.”

“NO! I don’t want to go…you can go by yourself.” Obi-Wan crossed his arms defiantly over his chest. //I may have only been Qui-Gon’s padawan for 6 months but we’ve already gone on four missions. I’m not going and he can’t make me! //

“Did you just tell me no?” Qui-Gon replied darkly. Obi-Wan swallowed hard. He knew that tone, but he didn’t want to go. His temper flared.

“Yes I did. I don’t want to go and you can’t make me! You don’t have control over me. I can do what I want. And if I don’t want to go…” he ranted.

“PADAWAN! That is enough. I will not tolerate disrespect and disobedience. You WILL do as I tell you. You do not have a choice in the matter. We are leaving in 2 hours so you better start packing.”

“GO TO HELL” Obi-Wan screamed as his temper hit its peak. He knew he made a mistake the minute the words were out of his mouth.

“THAT’S IT! I’ve had enough of your insolence. I don’t know what’s gotten into you today but I am putting a stop to it. NOW.” Qui-Gon grabbed Obi-Wan’s braid and pulled a chair out from the table. He gave a sharp tug on the braid causing Obi-Wan to fall over his lap, then bared his bottom.

“Young man, I will not tolerate anymore of this behavior. Do you understand me?”
Obi-Wan refused to answer. He was still angry. //If he thinks I’m going on this mission because he spanks me, he’s crazy. //

“Obi-Wan, you have 2 seconds to answer me or I’ll go get my belt.”

”Yes Master. I understand.” //Hey, a spanking is one thing…a strapping is an entirely different story. //
Qui-Gon didn’t waste any time. He began methodically smacking one cheek then the other. By the time he was done, the backside before him was a deep red.

“Now. Have I made myself clear on this subject or do we need to discuss it further?”

“N-n-no M-m-master.” Obi-Wan said between sobs. “I-I understand.”

Qui-Gon let Obi-Wan off his lap. “Good. Now go pack. We now have 1 ½ hours to get ready.”

“Yes Master.”

1-½ hours later:

Obi-Wan sat gingerly on the seat. His butt was killing him. //What possessed me to push him like that? I’m not going to sit comfortably for days//

“Master, where are we going?”

“To a small colony in the Tarex system. We are to help them with their peace negotiations.”

“Peace Negotiations! Ugh! Not again Master. Why did I have to come then? I only sit there and die from boredom!”

“Padawan, I suggest you quit this attitude now, unless you would like to continue the conversation we had earlier.”

“No, Sir. That’s not necessary.”

“I hope it wont be. I am warning you…if you continue this behavior and disrespect you will feel my belt across your backside. You are to conduct yourself as a Jedi Apprentice should. Do I make myself clear?”

“Yes, Master.”

Qui-Gon was about to continue to explain what they were needed for when the shuttle lurched.

“Master, what’s going on?”

“I’m not sure. It looks like the engine’s malfunctioning. I need to find a place to land.”

Obi-Wan looked at the map. “Here Master. Altec 5. It’s small, but you shouldn’t have a problem landing”
Qui-Gon carefully landed the shuttle. “It looks like we are stranded Padawan. We’ll need to contact the Temple and have them send a rescue party.”

Five minutes later Qui-Gon hit the disconnect button on the comm.

“Something wrong Master?”

“It seems we’ll be here for a while. The Temple was attacked and everyone is busy trying to get things back to normal. It will be a few days before someone can reach us.”

“What are we supposed to do until then?”

“According to the sensors, there is a cabin not far from here. Hopefully we will find someone there that is willing to help us until the rescue team arrives.”

“Blair, get into the house. Someone is coming.” Jim Ellison said. Blair looked up but didn’t see anyone.

“Where?”

“I hear them coming. I don’t know if there friendly or not so I want you in the cabin where it’s safe.”

“But Papa, I don’t want to go inside! I wanna…OW!”

“Young man, I’m not going to tell you again. Get. Inside. Now!”

Blair made his way to the house rubbing his backside.

“Go in the house…jeeze I’m not a baby…I can take care of myself” Blair mumbled to himself.

“Blair! ”

“I’m going, I’m going.” // How did he hear that? //

Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan found the cabin nestled in a small clearing in the forest. Qui-Gon saw the man standing on the porch watching them. “It looks like he’s been expecting us.”

“Can I help you?”

“I hope so. We were on our way to Tarex system when our ship malfunctioned. We crashed about 10 miles from here. There isn’t much left of the ship. I was wondering if you might provide us with shelter until help arrives. We don’t have anything to pay you with, but perhaps we could work for our keep?”

Jim gave the man and boy a hard look. “Jedi?”

“Yes. I am Qui-Gon Jinn and this in my Apprentice Obi-Wan.”

“Jim Ellison.” They shook hands.

“ I don’t see any harm in you staying and I could sure use your help. I have to get the roof replaced on the cabin and barn before the cold weather hits. I could use some extra hands.” Just then the cabin door flies open.

“Hi!” Blair said enthusiastically.

“Young man! Didn’t I tell you to stay in the cabin?”

“Yes, Sir. But I wanted to know who was out here.” He turned to Qui-Gon. “Wow! Are you a Jedi? How did you get all the way out here? Do you have a star cruiser?” he could barely contain himself.

“Blair! Settle down. You’ll have to excuse him. He doesn’t get to see many people living way out here.”

“That’s quite all right.” Qui-Gon replied.

“Blair this is Qui-Gon Jinn and Obi-Wan. Gentleman, this is my son, Blair.”

Jim explained to Blair that Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan would be staying with them.

“Please, come inside and make yourself comfortable. “

The Next Morning:

“No.”

But papa, I just want to show Obi-Wan the new horses you just bought. We wont go in the corral…I just want to…”

“Blair!  I don’t want either of you anywhere near the corral. The horses are still wild. There’s no telling what they will do. “

“But Mr. Ellison, we’ll be careful. I’ve never see horses up close” Obi-Wan said.

“Obi-Wan, if Jim says no, the answer is no. Do not continue to argue” Qui-Gon said sternly.
Obi-Wan looked at Qui-Gon, saw the stern expression, and averted his eyes. “Yes Master.” He replied quietly.

“Papa…”

“Blair! I said no. End of discussion. Now, you have chores to do. Best get to them.” With that said Jim turned to Obi-Wan.

“I want you to help Blair with his chores, then you will both clean the barn out.”

“AWWW papa!”

Jim grabbed Blair’s arm, turned his sideways and gave him a hard swat to his backside. “That will be enough young man. I will not tolerate anymore backtalk. Move.” Jim gave him another swat and pushed him out the door. Obi-Wan stood there watching.

“Do you need some motivation to get going as well?” Jim asked him.

“No sir. I was just going.” Obi-Wan said as he hurried out the door.
 

Blair and Obi-Wan made short work of the chores. All that was left was the barn.  Blair turned to go into the barn when Obi-Wan stopped him.

“Hey, lets look at the horses.”

“Are you crazy! My papa said we weren’t to go near them. So did Master Jinn.”

“No. My Master told me to not argue with your father. He didn’t say anything about going near the horses. And your papa said not to go near the corral…he didn’t say anything about the pasture” Obi-Wan quipped.

“Yeah, there’s a good argument if we get caught” Blair said sarcastically.

“Come on! Are you chicken?” Obi-Wan taunted. “Afraid to get caught?”

Blair became angry. “I’m not chicken but I’m also not stupid. Do you know what my papa will do if he catches me?”

“Probably the same as my Master. That’s why we can’t get caught. Come on… They’re out in the north section looking for wood to make shingles. They wont know. Please? I really want to see them.” Obi-Wan pleaded.

Blair knew this was a stupid idea but he saw those ‘puppy dog’ eyes of Obi-Wan’s and caved.  “Oh, all right. But we have to be real quiet.”

Blair and Obi-Wan crept over to the pasture and tried to get the horses’ attention. But, the horses ignored them. Obi-Wan’s legendary temper started to flare.

“Those stupid horses!” Obi-Wan picked up a rock and pitched it at the horses in anger.

“WHAT DID YOU DO!?” Blair yelled as the horses whinnied and reared up.
 

Qui-Gon and Jim were almost to the house when they saw the commotion in the corral. //Wonder what spooked them// Jim thought as he hurried over to the corral to calm the horses down. He turned the corner and saw Blair and Obi-Wan frantically trying to quiet the horses. Jim snuck up behind them.

“Boys, what have you done? Stay. Here. And. Don’t. Move.” Jim said quietly through clenched teeth.

Blair and Obi-Wan froze when they heard that voice. Jim crept over the gate that led from the corral to the pasture and quickly opened it. The horses fled out into the pasture grateful to be able to get away. The boys weren’t so lucky.

“Blair Jacob Ellison! Front and Center! You too Obi-Wan!” Jim bellowed.

The boys slowly walked over and stood in front of Jim, heads down.

Qui-Gon came up behind Jim.

“What in all that’s holy did you think you were doing?” He yelled.

“Ummm…well you see Master, we just wanted to see the horses…” Obi-Wan started.
Jim leveled his gaze at Blair. “The horses I told you not to go near?”

“Yes Sir” Blair squeaked out.

“What part of ‘don’t go near the horses’ didn’t you understand?”

“Well, actually Sir you said to not go near the corral” Obi-Wan said. Blair cringed. He knew what type of reaction that answer would get.

“Don’t play with me Boy! You both knew exactly what I meant. You could have been hurt or killed if the fence didn’t hold.” Jim yelled.

“Obi-Wan! That will be quite enough. You knew that you we not to go near the horses, correct.”

“”Yes Master. But…”

“No buts. You disobeyed not only me but also Mr. Ellison as well.”

”But Master I didn’t disobey you…you only said to not argue with Mr. Ellison…you didn’t say anything about the horses.”

Qui-Gon gaze hardened. “Padawan! Are you trying to tell me you didn’t think Jim’s directive was aimed at you?”

“Umm… well…”

“Answer me Padawan.”

Obi-Wan thought about saying yes but caught the look in Qui-Gon’s eyes. //Sith Hells I’m in big trouble//

“No Sir. I knew Mr. Ellison meant both Blair and me.” He replied, defeat in his voice.

Jim looked at Blair. “Well, young man. You are in a heap of trouble. Get yourself out to the woodshed. NOW!”

“And you Padawan. Go into the barn.” Qui-Gon said as he gave Obi-Wan a shove in that direction.

Obi-Wan regarded Qui-Gon silently trying to gage how much trouble he was in. He could hear the whipping going on in the woodshed and prayed that he wouldn’t get it as bad as Blair. Qui-Gon unbuckled his saber belt. //So much for prayers// “Padawan, I am very disappointed in you. I thought the lesson I gave you before we left would be enough of a reminder to behave. Apparently I was wrong.” He led Obi-Wan over a hay bale. “You know the drill.”

Obi-Wan slowly undid his pants and bent over. Qui-Gon didn’t waste anytime.
SMACK! SMACK! SMACK!

“Why are you being punished Obi-Wan?”

“Because I OH! Disobeyed you OUCH! And Mr. Ellison.”

“That’s correct. I thought you understood you were to never disobey me. I guess I didn’t make good enough impression last time.” With that said Qui-Gon laid into Obi-Wan.

SLAP! SMACK! SMACK! SLAP! SLAP! SMACK! SMACK! SLAP! SLAP! SMACK! SMACK!

“OWWW. Master please! OUCH! OH!”

SLAP! SLAP! SMACK! SMACK! SLAP! SLAP! SMACK! SMACK! SLAP! SLAP! SMACK!

“Do we have an understanding now?”

”Yes Master. I’m sorry. I’ll never disobey you again.” Obi-Wan choked out between sobs.
Qui-Gon gave him a couple more licks then put the belt down. He pulled Obi-Wan up and into a hug. Obi-Wan clung to his robe and sobbed.

“Shhh. Its okay now. You’re forgiven.” Qui-Gon soothed.

Obi-Wan’s tears slowed as he desperately tried to get himself under control.

“Now, I believe you have an apology to make and a barn to clean.”

“Yes Master.”

3 days later:

Obi-Wan and Blair walked slowly and carefully out to the shuttle. The effects of the punishment were still making their presence known.

“I’ll miss you Obi-Wan.” Blair said quietly.

“I’ll miss you too. I’ll keep in touch. Maybe you and your father can come to the Temple for a visit one day?”

“Yeah. That would be great. Just as long as we stay out of trouble. I don’t want to have that ‘discussion’ on disobedience again.”

“Me neither!” They shook hands, “Well, I’ve got to go. I’ll talk to you soon”

Jim, Qui-Gon and Master Windu were waiting by the shuttle. “Master Windu. What are you doing here?” Obi-Wan said.

“I was heading back from my holiday when I heard the call about your rescue. Since I was nearby, I volunteered to come get you. It certainly isn’t the first time I’ve had to save Qui!” He said with a laugh as he got on the shuttle.

“Jim. I’d like to thank you for your hospitality. I am forever in your debt. If you ever need anything just call.”

“Thank you. If you’re ever in this area again, please don’t hesitate to stop by. The boys could finally go riding since the couldn’t do so in their present condition.” Jim said with a grin.

They shook hands. “May the force be with you.”

Obi-Wan and Qui-Gon got on the shuttle. Qui-Gon stopped when he saw Obi-Wan staring at the seat. He looked over his Padawan’s shoulder, saw the pillows piled on Obi-Wan’s chair and bust out laughing.
Mace looked at Obi-Wan with a smirk. “I saw the way you were walking and thought I’d make you journey home a little more comfortable. But do me a favor.”

“Yes Master?”

Try to stay out of trouble the next time I rescue you, Okay? I had a hard time finding all those pillows!”
 
 

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