. Bonds of Choice #15 Star Wars: TPM FanFic Series by HiperBunny (message 2 of 4) +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Obi-Wan closed out his datasearch and started gathering up his chips on antiquity preservation. He switched his comm link from 'messaging' to 'receiving' and heard a chime for messages. Corubia sounded rather excited and he had to replay for clarity. "Obi! Get in touch with me. The Senate finally approved our back-pay for leisure credits. We're RICH! I've reserved us a speeder so we can go shopping. Call me back NOW." Obi-Wan smiled and chimed for her comm link. Leave it to Corubia. She always got the good news first. "Nall." "Hey Cor. What's up? I just did some really interesting research on preservation of…" "We got clearance to go to Stone Marked. We're in hangar 2." "I'll be right there. Kenobi out." Obi-Wan clicked off and headed for the express lifts. When he arrived, the others were impatiently waiting. He jumped in the back seat and Swed launched them out into traffic. Once they were on their way, Jenji twisted around in her seat to face Obi-Wan. "Where were you?" "Doing research. Master gave me a wonderful gift, and I wanted to be able to take care of it properly," he responded, a touch of pride coloring his words. "What is it this time? Not another otter," Swed grinned in the rearview mirror. "Nope. Books." Silence descended over the group for a long moment. "Books? Like, more than one?" Jenji finally squeaked. "Like more than a hundred. A lot more. They're really, really old, and …" Obi-Wan rubbed his hand over his eyes. "They're in ancient languages and they're *beautiful*. I don't think I've ever seen anything so…" He suddenly realized that his friends were looking at him as if he'd grown a spare head. "Well they ARE," he huffed. Corubia chuckled. "Of course they are, boss." She patted his hand gently. "That's not funny, Cor. So, Stone Marked? Isn't that it down there?" Obi-Wan gestured towards the turn Swed was about to miss. Swed swerved in a wide arc. "Thanks, bro." He pulled into the parking lot on the roof of the building in which the Stone Marked shop resided. Being a Jedi on Coruscant tended to lead to odd deprivations in the Temple residents. Although the Gardens in the Temple itself did much to balance the energy fields and ambient Living Force, the living quarters allotted to the residents often had little or no space for living creatures and plants. Obi-Wan's solution had been a turtle, but his Master was particularly forgiving in the area of petkeeping. Qui-Gon had even gone so far as to spring for the various supplies and equipment that Obi-Wan needed to maintain his pet. The other Padawans were not quite so fortunate. It was Jenji who, during their time in the crèche, had discovered that the stones in Abrath garden actually created their own presence in the Living Force. The specimens of stone in that garden were usually quite rare and costly, but with careful research and selection, they had discovered what types of stone could be used to enhance the ambient Force in their personal space. It was their lightsaber crystals that had tipped them off, as to what stones would be most appropriate and Stone Marked was the finest crystal emporium on Coruscant. Not for nothing was it within easy striking distance of the Temple. Obi-Wan led the way into the store and immediately relaxed into the undertones and hum of calm energy brought to this place from hundreds of worlds across the galaxy. Every color in the spectrum was represented in the softly lit nooks and crannies of the shop. The proprietor, Ales Merand, held court behind his counter. Obi-Wan waved to he as he passed, headed towards the display of toned and chiming stones. Jenji paused there to speak with him and the others spread out, quietly browsing the displayed goods. Obi-Wan went to the middle of the chamber in which his favorite stones were housed, centering himself and preparing to open up into the energies there. He was careful to prevent himself from projecting, mindful of the erratic turn his control had taken of late. When he was ready, he let himself go on the wash of call and response. He felt something tugging at him, a sense of belonging, a sense of need pulling him towards a particular specimen. He closed his eyes and focused on that tug, smiling to himself as he realized his control was holding under this gentle exercise. His feet led him out of the chamber and towards a room he rarely frequented. Still, he let the Force guide him, trusting in its insistent urging as it guided his steps, then his hands out to THIS stone, THAT tone, a particular piece that would best suit him. He smiled as his fingers nestled down over the points and planes of a crystal cluster, let a sigh escape his lips as he connected to the stone with a near-audible *snap*. "A good choice for you, Padawan," came the odd slurring accent of Ales Merand. "If ever you need work, you could come here and make choosings for folk and do well." "Thank you, Ser Merand," Obi-Wan murmured, keeping his eyes closed. "What have I got here?" "Ah, is a good sign, for one so young. Is an alignment cluster, friend-mine. Makes matches between resonances, it does. Could be good to help you choose stones for your lightsaber, pick a place to live, make tough decisions regarding your future," he murmured, taking Obi-Wan's hands in his own. "And if you hold it like this, and turn it thus, it will bring into harmony the energies that surround it. They say it helps to coordinate the efforts of many, bringing focus more easily between individuals." "Why do I get the feeling that isn't what most folk would use it for?" Obi-Wan smiled. "Naah, most use it to identify their true love, which it will do, should you ever meet that person. But I always thought the hunt was part of the fun," Ales removed his hands. "And besides, everyone knows a Jedi doesn't partner for life." "Really? I didn't know about that rule," Obi-Wan smiled. "Could be Urban Legend," Ales conceded. "If you want a life-partner, surely this stone could find it for you. But you must first have the desire to seek, and the courage to find." "I see," Obi-Wan finally opened his eyes to look at his stone. He was shocked, stunned even, at what he beheld. "It's rather…ugly, isn't it?" "Yes, ugly, of course. Better that way. This stone, you must seek through it with the *heart*, yes. Not with the eye. And it's on sale this week, a very good price," Ales wrapped up his spiel. Obi-Wan checked the tag and had to agree. "A very good price, if one has use for it." Ales shook his head. "I saw you find. I know you were led. Not good, Jedi, to ignore the will of the Force." "Much you seem to know of it, Ales," Obi-Wan smiled. "It is part of what I do, to know these things. I can quote you practices on a thousand religions and peoples from all over the galaxy. This 'obey the Force' rule is no stranger to me," Ales preened. "Thank you, Ales, but I think Swed is waiting for you," Obi-Wan gestured towards his friend who seemed to be dithering over a wide selection of silver-blue stones. "Think well, Padawan," Ales smiled, already knowing the sale had been made. Obi-Wan returned his attention to the cluster of crystals in his hands. There were two very distinct types of stone, fused together on a dull gray base. About half of the splinters and formations were clear white, no more remarkable than common quartz. The others were mottled with black and yellow, reflecting light as if a bruise had been captured in stone. A pale sheen of blue on each surface only added to the effect. Obi-Wan sighed, looking around the room at all the beautiful and elegant specimen on display around him. *Oh well. Maybe something more pretty next time,* he shrugged and made his way towards the counter. As he turned, his foot caught in his cloak, tripping him up. He reached out to steady himself, and the stone slipped from his grasp. He caught it with a tendril of the Force, cushioning it from hitting the floor and being damaged. The Force resonated at the contact. It was as if someone had sounded a chime behind his eyes. Obi-Wan glanced around to see if anyone else had felt it. No one appeared to have noticed and Obi-Wan bent his scrutiny to the stone again. What under the sky had happened? With a rueful chuckle he remembered what Qui-Gon had said the day before. "Accidental levitation. Heightened precog. Oddling occurrences. I bet I energized this thing on accident…" Reassured that the universe wasn't playing tricks on him, he made his way to the counter to finalize his purchase. Ales' words regarding the pairing habits of Jedi kept coming back to him. He was silent all the way home, except to admire the purchases his friends had made. There was much he had yet to think on. ************************** Obi-Wan exited the speeder and straightened his robes. *Well, at least I got my research done,* he sighed. *And at least this doesn't seem life-threatening.* Obi-Wan was not too proud to admit he felt unsure of himself. Qui-Gon had given him very specific instructions for cases like this. He sent out a tendril of thought. **Master?** //Yes, Padawan?// **Where are you?** //Shower.// **Ah. I need to speak with you. Are you busy?** //Never too busy for you, Koatel.// Obi-Wan started to squash the warm fuzzies that name inexplicably set off in him, but instead let them flutter through his belly. *You're losing it, Kenobi.* Obi-Wan shook his head and set off for his rooms. The door to their shared quarters slid back and a wall of sound staggered the surprised Padawan. He stepped inside quickly to let the door close once more. Thumping bass lines drove into his chest while a wailing guitar solo glistened in the air around him. A crescendo on synthesizer gave way to vocals that attempted to shred Obi-Wan's opinion of his master's serenity. I'll kneel down before you And nothing will I waste I'd give up everything for you Just to learn the taste To see the way your body shakes When I bring you down When I make you beg for more I worship every sound The voice was not distinctly male or female, but Obi-Wan was suddenly and certainly aware that Qui-Gon thought of him when he heard this song. He went to the desk and picked up a music chip box, surprised to see the band was all female humanoids. "Shaybonee" was emblazoned across the photo of five seemingly enraged women of various planetary origins. Obi-Wan shook his head in wonder. Then he froze as the lyrics to the verse registered on him. Too, too young too sweet And how was I supposed to know? But when you spread out just for me Did you think I could say no? So now I have to offer everything Though I'd hold out if I could The weight of the planet on me I've given far more than I should He set the cover box down and made haste for his room. *Don't be stupid, it's just a song. You don't even know if he's paying any attention to it,* he chided himself. But he did know. In the same way that he knew just where a blaster shot was aimed, he knew. He heard the bathroom door open and close, saw Qui-Gon pass by on his way to get dressed. Peripherally, Obi-Wan was aware his master had only a towel on, but the singer's voice was back, more livid than ever before. When I lay down for you It's for you and no one else And when I make love to you I make love to myself And when you're coming in me I give all a woman can When you charm and win me Does it make me less than a man? Obi-Wan poked his head out of his door, looked towards Qui-Gon's room and realized he could see his master. A grin spread slowly across Obi-Wan's face. Qui-Gon was in front of the mirror, pants on but otherwise undressed. He was leaping, twisting, slinging his hair back and forth, flinging droplets of water in all directions, dancing, Obi-Wan suddenly realized, but with a fury and intensity rarely seen in a Jedi Master. A freedom ... I'll kneel down before you And nothing will I waste I'd give up everything for you Just to learn the taste To see the way your body shakes When I bring you down When I make you beg for more I worship every sound Qui-Gon was howling the lyrics, back bent, arms flung out as he spun on one foot. Obi-Wan felt his chin hit his chest. When Qui-Gon stopped, feet planted wide apart, chest heaving in rhythm to the music, growling the closing refrain, Obi-Wan was certain he'd never seen anything more erotic or more disturbing in his life. "Master?" Qui-Gon spun, instantly the very image of Jedi serenity. "Good evening, Padawan. Would you turn the music down? You said you had something you wanted to talk about." "Yes, Master." Obi-Wan went to the desk, turned the chipreader off and came back to Qui-Gon's room. When he returned, his Master was already in his tunics and adjusting the drape of his vest. "I'm afraid I need your assistance with something that's come up ... " "Afraid because you need my help, afraid because you don't like to ask for help, afraid because you think you're imposing on my time and attention or afraid because the situation is upsetting in some way?" Qui-Gon inquired. That brought Obi-Wan up short. It had been a long time since Qui-Gon had used conversational semantics to pry information out of his student. *But he is right. It isn't just semantics this time.* "All of the above?" "Very well. Let us sit," Qui-Gon gestured to the sofa. "Tell me." "If it please you, Master, I'd rather stand," Obi-Wan hedged. "Yes, of course Padawan," Qui-Gon settled down and began working on his hair. "Master, I ... First I must ask you to think not of me as your lover. I must ask that you advise me as my Master only, in this. Secondly, I must ask you very personal questions as to your feelings towards me. If either of these things are ... not viable, I shall seek the council of others." Obi-Wan let his hands grip one another within the hiding place in his sleeves. Qui-Gon drew a deep breath, then released it, centering himself. "I believe I can do that, yes." "Then, to the first questions. Is it true that Jedi do not mate for life?" Qui-Gon relaxed at that. "No, Padawan. You will rarely see a pair live to be old and gray together, but ... no. It is not true." Obi-Wan nodded, accepting that as a lesson to be meditated upon at a later time. "How does a Jedi know when it is safe to love?" Qui-Gon answered promptly, firmly. "In the same way we know anything. Through the will of the Force. And remember what I have often told you, Obi-Wan, silence is as instructive as speech. If you hear nothing within yourself, and are calm, at peace, you may know you are upon the proper path. If your heart is restless, you may begin to wonder if your course of action must be altered." Obi-Wan drew a breath and released it quite slowly. This was the rude part, the impertinent question that had pushed to the front of his mind and stayed there, during the ride home. "When you think of me, and consider your feelings, Master ... how feel you?" "At peace, Obi-Wan. Thoughts of you have always brought me the greatest calm and peace." "Thank you, Master." Obi-Wan bowed, a formal thanks for lessons from his teacher. "You are always welcome, Obi-Wan. I am honored that you brought these questions to me." Qui-Gon bowed his head in turn, honoring the thoughtful student. "I believe I would like to meditate now. Have you any instructions for me, Master?" "Yes, I do. I wish you to consider your dealings and current feelings on the matter of Knight Trydal. It has been offered that you might take your first shepherded mission this week, but the only appropriate assignment is headed by he. You know it is not allowed for ... personal relationships ... to alter the expectations between working partners and groups. If you honestly feel you can not work effectively with him, because of your personal history, I must decline the offer and leave the injuncture against him in place. Normally, I would refuse such an offer out of hand. However, I believe you are of an age and maturity that I may allow you to decide for yourself." Qui-Gon pulled his toplock back and began binding it off. "I wish for you to meditate upon that question." Obi-Wan bowed again, demonstrating his understanding of the assignment. "If you have need of me, I shall be in the Mid-Garden." "As you will," Qui-Gon smiled. Obi-Wan turned his steps towards that place, knowing his meditations would be long and deep. He was off-center, deeply troubled, needed much time and consideration to still the teeming chaos that was his heart. But part of him thrilled at the news. Passed to be shepherded! It was the first of many steps in the final phase of training, the first real sign that a Padawan was nearing his Trials. Corubia was going to skin him alive. He couldn't have been happier. ***************** Early the next morning, Obi-Wan entered Jenji's workshop quietly, scenting the wind around him with care. The odor of hot silicon pervaded the air, warning him as to what he might find. He was feeling much better after his meditations, but still wanted to check a couple of things with his most trusted advisors. "Harder, damnit! You've got to blow harder!" a familiar voice demanded. "Oh screw." Corubia was atop a tall scaffold, blowing into the top of a pipe while spinning it in her hands. Jenji stood below her wearing heavy gloves and wielding some odd-looking metal tools. She was working with glass sculpture again, but the one under her hands wasn't behaving properly. It canted to one side, thinned and fell. "Well, there goes another one," Jenji mourned, looking at the ruins of her creation. "Marry, I can not work it out! Maybe the temperature?" "I think you've just got inferior work partners, Jenji," Corubia called. "We'll try again in a minute." "Maybe if you tried taking in air through your gills," Jenji began. "No, no. That's not what they're for. Unless you want me blowing water, they're not going to be a lot of help," Corubia set the glassblowing pipe aside and made for the ladder. "Hi guys," Obi-Wan greeted. "Hey! Look who's here! How's it going, kid?" Jenji pulled her gloves off and clenched thumbs with him. "Um, not good, of course," Obi-Wan admitted sheepishly. "And you've come seeking help," Jenji surmised. "Why am I not surprised?" "Cause you know him so well?" Corubia guessed. "But I know that look. I've seen that one on you before. Let me guess, the problem is tall, handsome and his name starts with an O." "Am I that obvious?" Obi-Wan asked, surprised. "You can only watch your best friend fall apart over someone like that ONCE before you learn the signs. I know Qui-Gon wouldn't do something like that to you, so…" Corubia shrugged. "Obream's in the Temple. Did he bother you?" "No. I haven't seen him ... I've been offered a shepherded mission, but he's heading the team, so ... Master said I could decide for myself." Obi-Wan shrugged. Jenji spoke up. "Don't you think that shows how much he trusts you? I don't think he's even questioning whether or not you can handle the situation. I think he's asking if you want to." Obi-Wan nodded miserably. "And there's the ... other thing," Corubia alluded with a raised eyebrow. "Yeah. I mean ... he has to trust me on THAT point to even consider allowing this, right?" Obi-Wan whispered. "I'm missing something," Jenji correctly surmised. Obi-Wan nodded to Corubia, who took a moment to phrase the news. "Obi-Wan and Master Jinn are ... getting serious," she finally announced. "It's about time," Jenji smirked. "Now I can stop foretelling about you two." Obi-Wan's jaw hit his chest. "WHAT?" "You know, foretelling? My little 'Force Trick' since age nine? I've been seeing you two ... together ... for about a year now. I mean, nothing sure and certain ... but it's there." Jenji rubbed at the floor with the toe of her boot. "It didn't feel like the kind I should share, though. Sorry." Obi-Wan shrugged. "It happens." But inwardly, he wanted to strangle her. It was an unfair impulse. When a precognitive sensed they shouldn't tell, they never did. This particular scruple had apparently pre-empted more trouble than it caused, and the Order just had to live with it. Future knowledge was only shared if a course of action must be changed. If no change were necessary ... they just let it be. Since Jenji had sensed no danger in such a union, she had kept the information to herself and let nature take its course. The urge to strangle revived in Obi-Wan and he put it down again, with an effort. "Anything else I need to know about there?" he casually inquired. "I'll let you know if you do," Jenji assured him. "What about Obream, oh tellers mine?" he folded his hands in supplication. Corubia and Jenji looked away from him, eyes focusing on points in the distance. Corubia's brow furrowed in concentration while Jenji's fingers tapped out a rhythm on her leg. After a long moment, they looked at one another, clearly sharing some internal conversation, comparing notes subvocally. "Go." Jenji pronounced. "That's it? Just 'Go' ?" Obi-Wan demanded. Jenji shrugged. "It'll suck. It'll be a crappy situation to be out on this mission with him. But all futures in which you do not go suck so much more, I can't recommend that you decline this mission." "Something's up. You need to be off-planet and soon. This is the best way," Corubia confirmed. Obi-Wan nodded. "Guess I'd better go get packing, then." "And not lend a hand, of course," Corubia turned to prepare another blowpipe for the kiln. "Well, you know, that's not really where my talents lie," he hedged. "So go use your talents to some good," Jenji went to the tool rack and began selecting her implements. "Thank you, ladies. I owe you ... probably several dozen." he bowed. "We'll be along to collect eventually," Jenji assured him. Obi-Wan made no reply, choosing rather to beat a hasty retreat from the artistic labors they now returned to.