. Bonds of Choice #12 Star Wars: TPM FanFic Series by HiperBunny (message 3 of 5) +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Obi-Wan was still at the desk when Qui-Gon entered. He didn't even look up from the screens. Kourt was right. Qui-Gon should help his Padawan in this. The Torlamin problem spanned over four decades, far too long for Obi-Wan to research alone in the time they had. Especially when most of the pieces were there in Qui-Gon's head already. So he reached out to Obi-Wan, asking entrance through the bond between them, which was granted. //What are you looking for?// **Where was Torlamin when her first master died? It says she had two Masters during her apprenticeship, but doesn't give the name of her first master. How did he or she die? And how long have the Kurasians been passing themselves off as primitives?** Qui-Gon took a moment to match his thoughtflow to the pattern Obi-Wan was working from. In moments they were meshed, focused on the same goal with two razor-sharp minds attacking the problem together rather than separately. //Oh, I see what you mean. Let me access that for you.// Qui-Gon's fingers tapped out a higher-level security code on the dataset and a long file scrolled past. **We'll never get anywhere like this, it's too slow,** Obi-Wan complained, reading the last bit of the file. **We need the dermal units in the library.** Qui-Gon considered his student for a long moment, then chose his course of action. //I can teach you something that will be faster and less painful than the dermals. More portable, too.// Qui-Gon took out his chime bell and settled his thoughts once more. //Get that file on Torlamin's first Kurasian mission.// Obi-Wan obeyed, watching his master closely, both internally and externally. Qui-Gon struck the chime and hit the fastscroll command at the same time. Obi-Wan saw his eyes flicking back and forth, reading at lightening speed. Inwardly, he could see how the trick was done. By focusing on the single tone, Qui-Gon entered a sort of meditative state in which his mind could accept large pieces of information at once, without consciously reading it. The information lay in his mind like a shining ember. A moment passed, and it blended in with the other knowledge already there. "That's amazing." "Do you think you can do that?" Qui-Gon asked. "Now that I see how it's done, yes." It took a few tries, but Obi-Wan could indeed swallow information as Qui-Gon did. It was much less painful than the dermal feeds and he didn't have to wait to sleep the information in. Pictures, graphs, text, audio files, all the chunks and scraps of information fed into Obi-Wan's mind as fast as he could find them. Then he discovered something VERY interesting. If he and Qui-Gon tried at the same time, they could cross-feed one another. Which lead to a curious thought. **Master, do you think I could access the information you already have?** Qui-Gon did not answer immediately. //You must be very careful to touch only what I give you. Erasing knowledge is much more difficult than Accessing it.// **Let's not try that just yet, then. Wait, I have another idea. What if we combined this with my trick with Dauhge? ** //You mean, I'll do an information feed while you jack up your logical processes?// **Yes. We shouldn't need to go much deeper into each other's minds than we are now…** //Let's try it.// Moments later Obi-Wan was settled on his pillow in front of Dauhge's tank. He let his eyes relax, following the turtle's movements. ** This doesn't always work, you know.** // I know. And we're working with pretty spotty information here. Just do your best.// **See if you can do anything with this stuff I found on Torlamin's master, while I give some thought to Torlamin's situation.** They passed information back and forth, occasionally pausing while Obi-Wan pieced things together. **I'm going to have to learn how to do this without the turtle, you know.** //Just go with what works for now. Let's look at what we've got.// ** It's pretty ugly. And it doesn't give us any real answers, just more questions.** // We'll need to double-check everything before we can take this to anyone else.// **I hadn't thought about that. We have to tell someone what we found?** //Eventually. Not this morning. Come here, Koatel.// Obi-Wan came and sat down next to Qui-Gon on the sofa. Qui-Gon had compiled their research into one long file which told a frightening story indeed. Obi-Wan struck the chime, ate the information and shut the lightslate down. He closed his eyes and curled up on the sofa, waiting for his mind to catch up. Qui-Gon pulled him closer, cradling his head in his lap. Strong fingers caressed his hair and face. //You've got a fever.// **I think I earned it.** // I think we'd better get some rest. They'll be doing that test this evening, so we'll need to be ready for that.// ********************************* Obi-Wan was awake before Qui-Gon, a habit long ingrained from his life of rooming far away from his master's quarters. He had plenty of time to shower and lay out a lunch that wouldn't give them both a bellyache during the tests. He got dressed in short order, pulling on his boots and struggling with his cuffs for a long moment before giving up. Qui-Gon was just sitting up in bed when Obi-Wan came in. "Master? Would you do my sleeves for me? I can't seem to get them to behave." "Of course, Koatel." Qui-Gon rubbed sleep from his eyes with one hand and directed Obi-Wan to sit on the bed with the other. He was warmed that Obi-Wan had come to him for help, even on such a small thing. It spoke of growth where much strength was yet needed. It was a comfortable thing, a ritual they did not engage in very often any more. Qui-Gon pulled the stiff fencing cuff down, smoothing it from just below Obi-Wan's elbow and began tugging the laces tight. The cloth molded around Obi-Wan's strong forearm, providing protection and support. Above the elbow, the shirt puffed and hung loose, leaving him unrestricted movement. Qui-Gon tied the laces off and tucked them out of Obi-Wan's way. The process was repeated on the other arm. "Thank you, Master. Lunch will be ready when you are." Obi-Wan stood and bowed to Qui-Gon before removing himself from the room. That little bow set the mood for the afternoon. They ate and meditated in formal silence. When they left their quarters to seek out their testing site, they were the picture of Jedi serenity and propriety. Both wore their formal robes rather than the field cowls more often associated with the Jedi. Under that they wore workout clothing more suited to a competition than a test. Obi-Wan had even taken the few extra moments to ensure their boots were polished to a high mirror shine and that Qui-Gon's hair was neatly secured in a smooth braid. Qui-Gon had returned the favor by re-working Obi-Wan's Padawan braid and tail. It took a moment for Obi-Wan to recognize the section of the Temple they had entered. He hadn't visited it in ten years. Qui-Gon paused a few steps from the door, turned to face his apprentice. He gave Obi-Wan a penetrating stare, assessed him from head to toe before tucking his hands inside his sleeves with a satisfied nod. Obi-Wan imitated the gesture and followed Qui-Gon into the testing center, the proper step and a half behind his left shoulder. They walked down a long ramp and into an arena. The floor was covered in mats, and a large obstacle tower had been arranged. Obi-Wan followed Qui-Gon to a pair of mats and settled into a kneeling posture. Moments later, Corubia entered and took a seat on a mat across the arena from them. Soon after, the sound of many boots echoed down the ramp. Obi-Wan turned his head to look. Masters Crowe and Ar'thapa were approaching, Rue Torlamin held tight between them. She looked tired, haggard, but radiated hate and anger. Obi-Wan reached for Qui-Gon's thoughts, relieved by the calm and serenity he found there. He sent a wave of contentment towards his master, just to let him know he was well. Qui-Gon turned towards him and smiled. They both observed as Torlamin was seated beside Corubia. The wayward Master stared at Obi-Wan, pouring her ire upon him. He sighed with regret that she could not find it within herself to do better than that and turned his attention to the sound of beings filling in the observation tier. The whole of the Jedi Council had taken their places before a word was uttered in the chamber. Then Master Gallia spoke. " The test is physical. Beginning with Master Jinn and his Padawan. Attain the red platform." Obi-Wan looked at the obstacle course. There were several raised platforms of varying colors. A different path would need to be taken for each one. The trick in a physical test was to use the Force as little as possible. He devised a plan, then scrapped it in favor of one that would take advantage of the teamwork he and Qui-Gon shared. **Like so, Master?** //Almost. Thusly.// Qui-Gon made an alteration in the route as they stood and shed their robes. **Yes, Master.** The first step to their route was up graduated posts about one handspan wide. Stepping from one to the next, they soon attained the height of a trapeze bar. As Qui-Gon was leading the way, he first swung across to a gray platform, arching his body to full length to make a safe landing. As Obi-Wan observed this, he realized his height was not quite sufficient to that technique. He swung back and forth once to gain momentum for a tight forward flip. More strenuous, somewhat flashy, but the quickest way to his goal. //Good. Mind your balance.// Qui-Gon admonished. They walked across a thin rail that ended at a blank wall. A tiny ledge, not quite wide enough for both feet, jutted from the base. //Hmm. We both miscalculated this one, Koatel.// The wall was just a bit too high for either one to reach singly, and there was no room even for a Force-jump. **Let me past, Master.** Obi-Wan requested. Qui-Gon dropped off the bar, swinging beneath it. Obi-Wan stepped between his hands and onto the ledge. He pressed his back against the wall, bending one knee to make a step. Qui-Gon swung back on top of the bar and stepped onto his Padawan's knee, swarmed up his shoulders and reached the top of the wall. He lay on his stomach and extended down to Obi-Wan, pulling him up safely. The next path was a row of rungs that ended some five feet out and cut off in midair. The rungs were mirrored beyond a five-foot break, ending at the red platform. Obi-Wan started out first, reaching the last rung before Qui-Gon began. Obi-Wan swung up, hooked his knees over the last bar and dangled down, reaching for Qui-Gon's hands. Qui-Gon transferred his grip with the surety of long practice, swung out and twisted in midair, turning gracefully to grip the opposite rung. He positioned himself similarly to Obi-Wan while the younger man twisted and stood on top of the bars. Obi-Wan centered himself and dove gracefully into the air, extending and twisting with all confidence that his master would be exactly where he needed him. Strong hands closed over his forearms just as he fell past, swinging him up and under the rungs, high enough to hook his legs through. Obi-Wan curled forward, caught the next rung in his hands and pulled his legs free, traveling hand over hand to the red platform. Qui-Gon was just a few steps behind him, having walked from rung-to-rung on top of the bars. When Qui-Gon was safely beside him, a bell sounded. They had passed the test. Master and Padawan leapt to the ground and resumed their seat on the mats, unconsciously breathing in unison, reflexively checking one another for injury or muscle strain as they went. Satisfied in one another's safety, they turned their attention back to the arena. They could not replenish their energy from the Force. Part of the Physical test involved assessment of recovery time or healing, so Obi-Wan was glad to simply sit and breath while waiting to see what would happen with Corubia. Why was Torlamin there? Again Master Gallia spoke. "Master Torlamin and Padawan Nall. Attain the Blue platform." Obi-Wan looked up. The designated platform would have been no challenge whatsoever for Qui-Gon and himself. It required little physical ability, just…teamwork. *Oh. They want to see if there is any possible way she will stand by her student. * Obi-Wan reached for his master's thoughts, but not through their bond. He let his thoughts filter through the Force, so that they were doubly connected. **She will fail this test, Master. Torlamin will bring her down.** //We will not let that happen, Padawan. This is mere formality. Torlamin must publicly fail in her duty before she can be properly set to trial.// **That sounds like nonsense to me, Master.** //Better we go through a lot of nonsense and prove our point about her than assume we are correct from the outset and make a grave error.// **Yes, Master.** Kourt and Teril let go their bonds on Torlamin. She started out well enough, approaching a hammock-like net-ladder. She began scaling it with ease with Corubia was right behind her. The trick, though, was that the pair needed to be in synch, so as to keep the net from tipping over. At first, there was no problem. Then a serious miscalculation caused the net to twist, turning upside down in a split second of motion. If Obi-Wan had been up there, he would have simply clung, waited for the swaying to stop and continued on the inversion. What happened was a betrayal of everything Obi-Wan had ever known in his own Master. Torlamin kicked Corubia in the face, tumbling her off the apparatus. Obi-Wan reached through the Force to catch her, only to find at least two people there before him. He diverted his attentions to Torlamin and was not at all surprised to find the entire Council had beaten him to it. He let go the Force and turned to his master. "Why did she do that?" "Corubia presented a threat to her own ends. It is the way of the Dark Side to cut down anyone who hinders you. She can not help what she is now. She can only be prevented from harming others." Qui-Gon replied. "What will happen to her?" "Focus on the Moment, Obi-Wan," Qui-Gon admonished. "Yes, Master." Obi-Wan discovered it was not very difficult to obey. Much simpler to consider only the here and now than to fret over the future, which he could not affect anyway. Master Ar'thapa had Torlamin by the arm and was trying to lead her from the arena and back to wherever she was being held. After a short struggle, Teril managed to knock her out. Obi-Wan turned away, disconcerted at the sight of even an ex-Jedi Master being carried off like so much baggage. Master Crowe was helping Corubia off the net-ladder. They spoke some quiet words while Master Crowe placed gentle fingers over the place where Corubia had been kicked. Then together they walked to stand before the observing Council. Crowe stood behind Corubia, hands resting lightly on her shoulders. "I take Corubia Nall as my Padawan Learner." "What say you, Corubia?" Master Windu asked. "I accept my place most humbly, Masters." Corubia spoke these words with absolute confidence. "Who will stand as witness?" Master Gallia asked. Obi-Wan was not surprised when Qui-Gon stood, saying "I will witness this bond." After all, Master Crowe had done as much for Qui-Gon when the Council had asked this of him and Obi-Wan. //Come along, Obi-Wan. You'll need to see how this is done.// Obi-Wan stood and followed his master. He had only fuzzy memories of his own bonding. The only clear image was that of seeing Qui-Gon arguing with the Council, hearing Qui-Gon say he would take Obi-Wan and the first, light-and-static sensations between them when Master Crowe had sealed their bond. He didn't even recall speaking the words of the Apprentice Litany, though surely he must have. Obi-Wan reached through the Force, seeking a way to observe, as his master had instructed him. After a moment, he felt the guiding 'hand' of Qui-Gon's mind show him how to perceive the occurrences between Corubia and Crowe. Master Crowe sent a thought-strand out towards Corubia, reaching for her mind. At first it skittered along shields and surface defenses. Then Qui-Gon touched her as well, making one spot 'sticky'. That was the only way Obi-Wan could describe it. A patch of Corubia's being was made available to Crowe's being and the bond sealed firmly between them. Obi-Wan took a closer look and saw how Qui-Gon had made that 'sticky' place. He filed the information away for future reference. Corubia and Kourt were clinging together, swaying slowly back and forth, humming some low note between them. Obi-Wan wondered if that is what happened between himself and his master all those years ago, was saddened to find he simply could not recall. Then strong arms reached around his chest, pulling him firmly back against Qui-Gon's solid form. A soft whisper reached his ear. "Koateleu. Padawan." He turned, slipping his arms around waist, rubbing cheek against chest. "Pantreti. Master." It did not matter what he could not remember. Not any more. He heard Kourt Crowe begin his part of the Oath-making. He spoke the Master's Litany with far more conviction that Obi-Wan would have expected. An odd thing, that. Most apprentices his age, most of the younger knights, too, put a lot of time into studying and interpreting the Litanies. For some reason, though, they were not much considered by the Order as a whole. Still, it seemed Master Crowe believed in the words he was speaking. "To you I pledge myself In all things possible For the time we are together Making myself available to you, I Open my heart and my life. Asking only that you trust me, I swear to be your protector, your kindred, your friend." Obi-Wan felt the warm breath against his ear as Qui-Gon spoke the vow softly. A warmth gathered in his belly as he listened and believed. "I make this oath To warm thee before I am warmed. To feed thee before I am fed. To comfort thee before I am comforted. To protect thee before I am protected. To love thee before I am loved. I make this oath To teach thee all that I know To train thee in the Light To guide thee from the Dark To protect thee from all harm To shelter thee with my own body To sacrifice all for thee To maintain and keep thee all the days of our Bond For what else is there, in this world But to be generous, one to another?" There was a long moment of silence before Corubia began her oath. Obi-Wan lifted his master's hand up, placed his lips upon his wrist and re-made his Oath as well, putting every ounce of conviction into each word he spoke. To you I pledge myself In all things possible For the time we are together Making myself available to you, I Open my heart and my life. Asking only that I may trust you I swear to be your loyal, constant apprentice I make this oath To be obedient with a willing heart To be grateful for all I am given To be content within your comfort To accept protection from your hand To be honored by your love I make this oath To learn all that you teach To follow the path of the Light To shun the pull of the Dark To avoid all harm To shelter myself in your strength To sacrifice all for thee To maintain and keep thee all the days of our Bond For what else is there, in this world But to be generous, one to another?" Obi-Wan sighed, calm and at peace. Those words had guided him through the most important work of his life. It was a comfort to speak them now, with his master so close and listening. He turned his eyes back to Master Crowe and Corubia to see her kneeling before him. Kourt was taking items out of his belt pouches and she was arranging them on the floor. Scissors, comb, thread, a long brown curl of hair, protein binder… "Oh," he breathed, twisting his braid around his fist in a reflexively protective manner. Corubia carefully snipped the thread wraps away from her braid and began unplaiting it. Though her hair was electric blue, the bottom inches of her braid were the white-blonde of Torlamin's hair. Obi-Wan looked down at his own braid, noticing for the first time that the end of it was a rich, chestnut brown, not a strand of gray to be found. He smiled, wondering if it had been colored or was simply left over from his master's youth. Kourt took up the scissors and neatly snipped the blonde lock away. Corubia watched his actions intently, as if memorizing his every move. Next came Kourt's hair and a heavy coating of binder. They waited for it to dry and strand, fusing the blue to brown. Then Kourt combed, separated and re-plaited the braid, wrapped the imped-together ends in rich violet thread and trimmed the end to approximate the braid's previous length. Corubia took the braid in her hands, stroking the new addition with a bemused smile. Then Master Crowe was asking permission to be excused, which the Council graciously granted, circumstances being what they were. Gallia spoke once more. "We will remove to the Council Chamber for further discussion." "May we be excused?" Qui-Gon spoke up unexpectedly. "I must see to my Padawan's needs. This has not been easy on him." "Yes, Master Jinn. We have no mission for you just now. You will remain at the Temple and work with Master Crowe for the nonce. And perhaps it would be better if your Padawan did not cut his hair any time soon. May the Force be with you." Master Gallia issued this order. They bowed and exited, but questions careened through Obi-Wan's mind. He simply fixed his eyes on the dark-robed back and followed where it led. Not cut his hair? He fingered the already-too-long locks, but could think of no reason to issue such an order. Perhaps they meant later to send him on some mission where his regulation style would be inappropriate? But that made no sense. The Trials? But no, he had never heard of a Padawan being ordered to grow his hair out for the Trials. The door to their rooms slid open. Obi-Wan looked around, at the space that he had finally begun to think of as home. The connection he felt to his surroundings hit him hard, so hard as to make him do what the test could not. He stumbled, fell, reaching out towards Qui-Gon's shoulder for support. Strong arms caught him. "Obi-Wan! Are you all right? No, obviously not. Come on, sit down." Obi-Wan was maneuvered onto the sofa. "What is this about my hair? They aren't planning to send me away while you stay here are they?" "I don't know what they mean to do with your hair, but no, they can not send you away. Not now, with what you can do for all of us, for them. They will not." Qui-Gon took Obi-Wan's face in his hands. "It will not happen. It will not. Where you go, I go."