Series/Sequel: Follows "A Place of Silence", "Sanctuary and
Sacrifice", "Standing Against the Storm", "Schisms and
Shadows", and "Synergy". Sixth and final piece (for now) in the
"Devotion" series. Category: angst, action/adventure, drama,
A/U, vignette
Rating: PG
Summary: The harbinger of the future arrives.
Archive: My homepage, M_A and The Nesting Place only; all
others ask first please.
Disclaimer: Lucas owns 'em. I use 'em. Lots.
Authors' Notes: WARNING! This vignette gives a few definitive
and crucial facts, like what happened to our boys at the
conclusion of "Synergy"...but it also opens one gigantic door
to some more A/U stuff I'm thinking about writing in the
future. If you can't stand to have the prospect of a distant
future series/short novel thrown at you, run away fast and
hide...fair warning!
Feedback: Please, please, and please. All comments and
criticisms are welcome.
NOTE: Additional author's notes regarding future stories in
this series can be found at the end of this piece.
(Four Years after the conclusion of "Synergy"...)
"The disturbance in the Force is pronounced today," Obi-Wan
said softly, watching Qui-Gon as he rapidly scanned dispatches
from a far-distant world called Naboo, a planet Obi-Wan had
never heard of.
His lover stabbed a finger against the datapad, scrolling
through interminable pages of text, and nodded absently at
Obi-Wan's words. "Even the students sensed it today. There were
many questions, some I could not answer." His eyes darkened as
he set the small datapad on the table in the quarters they'd
shared for over four years. "So much is happening, and it's
coming too fast...things have been set in motion, and I worry
that we are unprepared."
"The Jedi are the best-trained warriors in the galaxy, Qui-Gon.
Even against this threat...they will inevitably triumph."
"It's too soon to tell," Qui-Gon said soberly. "However, I have
news that may give you some indication of the level of
apprehension among the Council." He looked up at his former
Padawan, eyes raking over the blue Healer's robes with a kind
of deep amusement flickering in them.
"What?" Obi-Wan asked impatiently. His curiosity continued to
plague him, even as he settled into this quiet life with the
man who was forever his Master.
"They have asked me to go back out into the field, to take a
position as head of the battle unit heading off to the other
side of the galaxy. There's been activity there...they suspect
the Sith have massed sufficient numbers of trained adepts to
take control of the shipping routes. Jedi are dying."
Obi-Wan's mild expression vanished, as though a storm cloud
passed over the sun. "And will I be allowed reassignment there
as well?"
Qui-Gon rose and stretched languidly, feeling a weary ache in
his muscles that seemed to grow more pronounced each day. "More
than that," he said, meeting Obi-Wan's eyes. "The Council plans
to inquire if you would consider taking your Trials, and
accompanying me to Tatooine as a Knight."
Obi-Wan felt all the air in his chest vacate his lungs in a
rush, and he sat down hard at the table. To have chosen so long
ago...and to have his decision undone by a simple sentence, a
few words, a casual request. It was unreal. The world had
turned upside down suddenly, and he was underneath the weight
of it all.
Qui-Gon was beside him instantly, to lay warm hands on his
shoulders and anchor him. "You are no more a healer than I am a
teacher," he said fiercely. "These are the roles we accepted.
The decisions we made to end your ordeal, to be together...I
would not change them. But you are a warrior, Obi-Wan. It sings
within you; the Force calls you to be something more than what
you are now. Don't deny it. I was your Master; I know your
strength in battle."
"But..." The words faded, died. He frowned, looked at Qui-Gon
quizzically. "I made this decision for us to be together. I
won't accept a separation."
"Are you listening?" Qui-Gon teased gently. "We will go as a
bonded pair, Knight and Master. No separation. The Council knew
I would not accept this assignment unless offered on my terms,
and that is what they've given us. A chance, to begin again on
a new path that parallels the old." Qui-Gon knelt beside the
chair, touched his hand to Obi-Wan's face. "All that's required
of me is to pack and go. You must face the Trials, and then
readjust to your old life...the life you left behind."
"Not so difficult," Obi-Wan said with a grin. "You've drilled
with me constantly since the day I chose the Healer's
Disciplines as a life path. My skill is ten times what it was
before I cut off that damned braid."
"What will it be, then?" Qui-Gon asked, unwilling to prompt his
lover.
"Aren't they afraid we'll tap into the darkness, turn to the
Dark Side?" Obi-Wan asked, half in jest, half serious.
"I think, at this point, the prospect of a Master Jedi turning
to the Sith pales in comparison to the evil the Jedi face
across the galaxy," Qui-Gon said, and his words chilled both of
them to the bone with their truth.
"I will take the Trials," Obi-Wan said slowly, his eyes
fastened to Qui-Gon's. "From there, the future must decide
itself." His mouth captured Qui-Gon's in a slow, thoughtful
kiss, as if days and years to come could be measured, captured
and controlled in the space of time between breath and the
touch of lips.
Whatever was to come, they would face it together. It was the
will of the Force. It was destiny, preordained, and the
harbinger of evil could not touch them in that moment as they
locked together, body and soul.
End
8/29/99
Done...for now. This series absolutely wore me out. Please feel
free to send all constructive criticism, feedback and comments
- they are welcome at destinaf@hotmail.com
AUTHOR'S NOTES: As you can see, there was some resolution and a
teeny cliffhanger. If you are wondering about Qui-Gon's time on
Corellia and his struggles with Darkness, or Obi-Wan's
training...I would love to write those stories and include them
at some future point as part of "Devotion", but I simply lack
the time right now, and I didn't want to string you along
forever. I'm still thinking of writing some missing scenes in
the near future, and posting them. As for the Epilogue, I have
a definite vision in mind for what happens next, but it
will take me some time to get to it. What do you think -- is it
worth pursuing, or are y'all too frustrated as it is? Let me
know!
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