Master Apprentice 
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Obi-Wan could not meditate, though the issues on which he
needed to meditate were the same issues that prevented him
from doing so. [I must release my feelings into the
Force,] he told himself.
He and Qui-Gon were kneeling side by side on the stone veranda outside their cottage. As always, the Jedi Master was a statue. Sighing, the younger Jedi tried again to calm his mind. [My master must find his confidence in order to take up a lightsaber again,] he thought, quelling the worry and the concern which welled up within him. [Release, release...] [I must show him my utter faith and trust in him... that will help. And somehow we will need to encounter Xanatos one last time...]
He thought it odd that neither of them had been able to return to the "spirit land", though they had by now seen numerous references to it in the archives, and understood it to be a tool for the Oraclyne. [We will need to ask Maki',] he thought soberly. [So, how can we find Xanatos? Will he simply find us when it is time?]
A stirring in the Force startled him. **Yes...** the answer seemed to say to him. Then he understood; Xanatos was already part of him. Perhaps the more he opened himself to his beloved, the closer Qui-Gon could come to embracing Xanatos as well.
Then he froze. **I feel your concerns, Padawan,** Qui-Gon whispered lovingly into his mind. **You think too much. Stretch out with your feelings, Beloved. Empty your mind and feel...**
**I love you, Qui-Gon,** Obi-Wan sighed longingly into their bond.
**That's a good start,** Qui-Gon returned with amusement and much fondness. **I love you as well, Obi-Wan.**
**How long do I have to meditate before you will take me to bed?**
Qui-Gon laughed out loud. **Perhaps we can meditate... later!** The Master Diplomat rose gracefully to his feet and extended a hand to his lover, who looked up at him, startled. "What?"
"Choosing to make love over meditation?" Obi-Wan loved the idea, but it was unexpected. He took the hand and allowed himself to be pulled to his feet. Immediately he was pulled into his master's arms, and he sighed to feel the solid strength surround him.
"Yes, if it will help, and I believe it will a great deal," Qui-Gon murmured, caressing his young lover's back as he nuzzled the side of his neck. "You know, we might want to start meditating in the bedroom..."
"What?" Obi-Wan gasped, half from shock, half from a rising arousal.
"So we're already near the bed," Qui-Gon chuckled, further surprising his beloved by nipping lightly at his earlobe.
Obi-Wan's arms had come to settle around his lover's neck and shoulders. "Can I ask you to do something ridiculous?" A sly grin spread over his face.
Qui-Gon straightened to look at him. "And what would that be, my life?"
"Carry me to bed?"
The dark blue eyes narrowed. "You're not a boy, Obi-Wan..." Qui-Gon trailed off, adding an image in their bond that proved just how *not* a boy he thought his padawan was. "And you'd be one hell of an armful to boot."
A wink was added. "Carry me anyway. You're strong..." He added his own image of a Qui-Gon exercising stripped to the waist, the powerful back and shoulder muscles rippling.
"Oh." Qui-Gon smiled slowly, releasing him. "Very well..." With a couple of deft movements he divested them both of belt and sash, then with a grunt he hoisted up his adult padawan into his arms. Obi-Wan re-linked his hands around Qui-Gon's neck again, grinning wickedly. "You're heavy," Qui-Gon admitted with a wink as he walked him back into the cottage.
"You're welcome," Obi-Wan retorted with a chuckle. As they entered the bedroom, he sobered. "You've carried me in so many ways..."
Qui-Gon put one knee on the bed and laid him down. "As have you. And never more than in this past week and a half." He spoke quietly, not meeting his lover's eyes. In the momentary silence that fell, he gently removed Obi-Wan's boots and opened his tunics before straightening to remove his own.
Obi-Wan lay still, watching him. "You know I had help."
The tall Master froze, closing his eyes for a moment, then looked down at him with a little smile, pulling off a boot. "Yes. So you say."
Obi-Wan sat up as Qui-Gon finished undressing, shrugging his tunics off his shoulders and slipping off his leggings and stockings. "If we need to link minds again... as many times as is necessary..." [Until Xanatos and you meet face to face,] he thought, not needing to say it between them. [Until you accept his atonement, accept the power of our connection... somehow you have not yet...]
Naked at last, Qui-Gon climbed onto the broad bed, laying his body atop his lover's. "Not now," he whispered, dipping his head to kiss Obi-Wan's throat. "Just let me love you."
Sighing, Obi-Wan acquiesced, closing his eyes as he filled his hands with the beloved hair. [Meditate, I will just float on the Force,] he thought as he relaxed, yielding to his lover's attentions.
In a few minutes, Qui-Gon was sheathed inside his beloved Obi-Wan, who opened his eyes again to face his lover's intense regard as he began to move within him. The deep blue eyes bored into his, watching as arousal played over his face.
**Qui...**
**Obi... you carried the hope of the Oraclyne when it was stripped from me,** Qui-Gon sent, holding his gaze. His thrusts were slow and thorough, the accompanying pulse in their bond more like a powerful tide of ocean than licking flames. **And when I asked you to go into death with me...**
**No...** Obi-Wan cried out even as he moaned his passion. **That wasn't you...**
**But it was a part of me and you went into death with me, Obi-Wan,** the voice in his mind continued, relentless.
Obi-Wan, holding onto his lover with ankles pressed against the back of Qui-Gon's waist, hands anchored behind his shoulders underneath his arms, nodded in reluctant agreement, unable to avoid the loving, serious gaze. **And will again,** he replied. In that instant he realized that he had something to accept of the Oraclyne connection himself.
Qui-Gon nodded, slowing as he brought his face closer. He understood. **One day one of us will ask that of the other again. And the same choice will be made.**
A long, deep, shuddering sigh escaped the Jedi padawan, both in reaction to the powerful stroking within his body and the truth they were facing together. "Yes," he breathed aloud, gasping. "I will die with you, for I cannot live without you. And... and I will choose it as I did then."
The deep blue eyes closed at last. Qui-Gon leaned down to kiss his vibrant young lover as he increased his pace, and when at last he came, he groaned deeply into Obi-Wan's mouth. **Yours in life and death, beloved.**
A few more strokes and Obi-Wan came as well, arching against
Qui-Gon's body, hands desperately clutching his lover's head
to him as he kissed him deeply, moaning in his throat.
**Yours in life and death, Qui-Gon.**
At the Healers' Temple, a lone figure exited the airtaxi that had brought him from the spaceport. He hauled his two packs onto his shoulders and strode up the steps to the entrance, feeling strange and exceedingly out of place.
He felt eyes on him as he entered, and knew he must present a strange sight indeed. An Artificer, he wore the dark charcoal gray robe and pale golden yellow tunics of his Discipline. Moreover, his padawan braid and the fact that he traveled alone also marked him as something unusual. [They'll assume I'm a patient,] the young man told himself for the hundredth time. Though he'd prepared himself for the misunderstanding, the expectation still stung.
Padawans did not travel without their masters. But then this padawan did not have one any more.
[Oh, what am I doing here?] he thought miserably, looking around the anterior hallway.
"May I help you, Padawan?" asked a voice at his elbow suddenly.
The Artificer whirled to face a gray-skinned humanoid Healer with a feather crest on his head. The dark blue robe marked him as a Master, he noted quickly. "Ah, Master Healer, I...I've just come from Corellia. I..." His gray eyes looked wild for a moment. "I need to see someone in charge."
Gallidys Hyr peered at the young Artificer for a long moment. That the dark-haired young man was uncomfortable... and alone... was obvious. The Pytthrvan's long experience with young Jedi told him more. There was trouble in the padawan's heart. "Is anyone expecting you?"
"No... I don't think so." The committee of Artificers at the Temple on Corellia had not deigned to inform him whether they would call Dantooine. They hadn't known what to do with him, except provide transport. [They haven't known what to do with me for some time,] he thought ruefully.
"What is your name, Padawan Artificer?" Gali asked, narrowing his eyes. "And how old are you?"
"Tevis Farolo," the young man answered. "I'm nineteen Standard."
[He's not much older than Obi-Wan,] Gali was thinking.
He looked him over: too slim, straight dark brown hair, too
pale skin, eyes of soft gray. Intelligent... perhaps
prodigiously so. "Come with me," the Master said
quietly.
To both their amazement, Master T'kennu seemed to be expecting the Artificer. "Thank you, Gali," the Neti dismissed the other Master. When the other hesitated, T'kennu rumbled in humor. "I won't break him, Gali. Tell CZ-92 to come in, please."
The droid came in a moment after Gali Hyr left. Tevis, who stood quietly aside, arms folded in his robe sleeves, did not as much as glance at the droid, a fact that told the ancient Neti a lot. "Ninety-two," the Master addressed the human-shaped droid first, "Padawan Farolo will be staying with us. Please take his things and prepare him a room. By the time you return here, you can escort him there."
"Yes, Master," the CZ-class secretary droid replied, hoisting the two bags, then departing.
T'kennu looked back at the padawan to see his eyes averted. [Not only does he have no interest in the droid,] he noted curiously, [but there is pain in his eyes to even see one. Hmmm... very strange for an Artificer.] "Padawan, to answer the question I know you want to ask - yes, I have heard from Corellia about you."
"Oh," Tevis murmured, paling even more.
"Not in detail, however," T'kennu hastily added. "One day you will tell me more. For now, you may rest and enjoy the hospitality of the Temple here."
The young man shook his head as if the words hadn't registered. "What... what did they tell you?"
"Oh, that?" T'kennu rumbled with disgust. "Nothing, really, just that things weren't working out for you as an Artificer. And that you requested to come here."
There appeared a glimpse of a silver fire in the gray eyes for a moment, something else the old Master found intriguing. "That's it?"
"It is enough," T'kennu said quietly.
Tevis swallowed hard. "Yes, Master."
[Bitterness, disappointment, and some real pain,] T'kennu noted sadly. [This one could be quite the challenge.] "You may go, Padawan, I see the droid has returned." He flipped a tentacle at him in dismissal.
"Sir?" Tevis seemed shaken. "Will I... will I be assigned a new Master?"
T'kennu regarded him patiently. "It doesn't work like that here, Padawan. You may stay here as long as you like. If a Master chooses to take you on, well, then I suppose you will have one. By the way, did you take your Senior Padawan vows with your old master?"
The young man shook his head, a brief hint of horror showing in his eyes before he blinked it away. "I... wasn't allowed."
[Artificers,] T'kennu thought. [One big happy family if you belong. No room for the odd ones there, and I'm guessing young Tevis here is an odd one indeed.] "Well, you'll have something to think about tonight, then. A Master and Senior Padawan are renewing their vows tonight. It promises to be... quite a beautiful ceremony. They're a bonded pair, lovers."
"What?" Tevis asked, more sharply than he'd intended.
[He's stunned by the thought,] T'kennu noted. "Something wrong, Padawan?"
Again the convulsive swallowing - more tilting to this young man's world? "No, of course not," he muttered, but his eyes revealed his shock.
[Enough.] "Rest, Padawan Tevis," T'kennu said gently. "Your spirit and mind need rest. Here, you will find it. Do not think about the past... or the future. Just... rest."
Tevis nodded, accepting. "Yes, Master." He bowed formally and departed with the droid.
T'kennu hummed absently to himself, thinking how change could
be good... even for the Jedi Order.
That evening, at the Healers' Temple, the two Diplomats
prepared separately, each in an adjacent garden alcove off
the Dome of Life, which served as the main hall in the center
of the Temple, an interior garden light-splashed from
the huge crystalline dome above, alive with life.
Silently the rest of the assembly gathered, many blue robes
in the various shades, one small figure cloaked in green, and
one charcoal gray robe of a new arrival, a Padawan Artificer.
Obi-Wan Kenobi felt the weight of his impending vows as he knelt to his future, what he was about to profess, the corner of his life he had inexorably turned. Behind him were his childhood, and aspects of himself he wished to leave behind forever as well. As he bent himself in half, folding down to touch his forehead to the sweet grass beneath him, he recalled himself as a Jedi Trainee, so full of competitive fire, so desperate to please, so fierce to outdo his classmates. [I did not need to worry,] he considered soberly. [I am a tool of the Force, and it has willed me to align my path with that of Qui-Gon Jinn's. Yoda saw this... I leave behind my childish anger to my future as Qui-Gon's partner...]
Wondering, he glanced down at his new tabard, touching the blue homespun fabric soberly, then smoothed the edge of his brown robe over it. They'd chosen not to exchange the colors of one Discipline for another, but to add one, and so both he and his Master wore their same brown and cream Jedi Diplomat uniforms, save for the new Healer tabards which Maki' had proudly put on them both earlier.
Shutting his eyes tightly, Obi-Wan put his hands over his face as a wave of humility passed through him, thinking of his Oraclys. [I am his,] he thought, [Oh, Force, that I have been brought together with him to form this new entity. To become Oraclyne and not Jedi alone. I assent to it, I assent to his molding me, training me to be Jedi, Diplomat, Healer... and ever his partner, wed to him...]
He shuddered once, the wanting an ache, then stilled. [Not that... not now. This is about placing myself in his care to be molded into a Knight, and standing beside him as an adult, his partner in our work as Jedi. I must empty myself, become pure and receptive to all he would teach me.] The other... the death that would one day claim them together... had been set aside. There was life to live.
Slowly he calmed, settling easily now into a final meditative
trance.
In the other alcove, a Jedi Master was contemplating his own achings. He lay on his stomach at full length against the grass, his hood covering his head, the full sleeves covering even his fingertips. [I yield, not to my Discipline or even the Order,] Qui-Gon Jinn thought, [but to the Light of the Force, the will of which I am sworn to follow.] He welcomed the cool dark inside the robe, the light scent of the grass and earth, the embrace of the Living Force through the all of his being. Submitting to the Force was freeing...
But there were parts of him not yet ready to be so freed. Qui-Gon grimaced as the unwelcome memories taunted him with his own failings. [Belvin Three was my fault alone,] he thought as the sickening remorse pulsed back up. [I should have had better control. I should have been able to stop after healing the diseased water...] He clenched his fists, remembering painfully all that he'd subjected his beloved Obi-Wan to. Of course he knew - he'd been psychotic, echoing the illnesses of the mental hospital patients he'd healed. Was he truly healed from that? [I cannot take up a lightsaber again until I've been thoroughly tested, no matter how well Obi and Maki' think I am. I dare not...]
Yoda had said with no room for argument: "Train your apprentice without a lightsaber, you may not." It was more than a weapon, of course, and Qui-Gon had to admit to himself he felt strange without its weight on his belt. Often it was a focusing mechanism for a Jedi, a conduit to the Force. A Master might not actually need one. Yoda did not carry one any longer. But Qui-Gon could not teach without it.
He relaxed his fists completely. [Let it go, Qui. It's over. Most importantly, he lives.] Taking a deep breath, he filled his mind with the images he should be focusing on - the happy faces of the patients he'd healed, the relief on the face of their healer, Maki', and most of all, the undisguised joy on Obi-Wan's face when he'd realized his Qui-Gon was well once more. That Light... *that* should haunt him, not what might have been. [My Light, my focus now, my heart and life,] Qui-Gon thought with a deep satisfaction so complete it filled his eyes with tears. [My Obi...]
Concentrating on his love for his beloved, Qui-Gon settled
into trance as well... and let it all go.
Maki' was suddenly aware of a young Healer padawan in light blue tunics nudging his elbow. He turned to look down, and recognized Nika Pevi, Padawan to a friend of his, Knight Healer Raveb. "Hello, Padawan Nika, something I can do for you?" he asked, then glanced up at his friend. "Hello, Raveb..."
But the thirteen-year-old girl was commanding his attention again as her master smirked behind her. "Made these," she muttered, and pushed a covered tray at him.
Maki' looked questioning at his friend, then removed the cloth from the tray. "Oh... my..." he murmured, looking at the two items that lay there.
"She's quite the Jedi artisan," Raveb explained proudly. "When I mentioned to her that the Oraclyne was a bonded pair of Healers, she took off immediately to make these. And..." He gestured.
"These" were a pair of what Maki' soon figured out were adornments for Jedi robe sleeves as the girl of few words took one up and gestured for him to kneel and extend his arm. Deftly she attached the shoulder piece - an arc of stylized blue leaves like the Healer symbol but with gold and brown veins, made of shellacked fabric over a wire frame but very light, circling the shoulder from front to back in a wreath-shape. From this extended blue streamers attached to a blue strip that pinned to the end of the sleeve. "For them, formal wear," Nika murmured reverently. "For the Oraclyne."
The streamers on one set were substantially longer than the other. One for each Oraclys, then, and judging from the way they seemed to mirror each other, one for a left arm, one for a right. Maki' removed the one sleeve piece and looked at it closely, admiring the craftsmanship. "Nika, this is very beautiful - you made this for the Oraclyne?"
The Padawan Healer nodded, eyes only on her handiwork. "One for each outer sleeve, as they are one in unity," she murmured, then refolded the sleeve decoration on the tray.
Raveb was unaccountably proud of her. "Wisdom from the mouths of children..." he sighed happily.
"She should be an Artificer perhaps, though, Ravi," Maki' commented thoughtfully. "They often create things of beauty as well as function."
"Healer," Nika said firmly, then glanced off across the interior garden under the Dome where stood the lone Artificer.
Maki' saw him, then, and frowned. The Artificer was a Padawan, from his hair style and apparent youth. What was he doing here? As he wondered, the Artificer turned from the Healer he was speaking to... and looked directly at Maki'. Something in that bland gaze struck something deep within the Healer... just for a split second, then it was over, the young man looking away. Shaking his head, Maki' looked back down to the Healer padawan. "Nika, I'm sure you will make a fine Healer, and I'm sure the Oraclyne will be very happy to receive your present."
The girl smiled briefly, then went back to shyly bury herself against her master's voluminous robe. "See you later, Maki'," Raveb murmured, slipping an arm around his padawan.
When they'd moved off, Maki' recalled Yoda's suggestion that
he take another padawan. [Oh, but I don't
know...]
The Master Diplomat rose from meditation first, rising slowly to his feet. He left his hood up for the moment, drawing the dark brown robe close about him, his arms folded before him in his sleeves. When he entered the Dome, the assembly hushed, parting as he strode to the center where Master Yoda and Master T'kennu awaited him. He bowed deeply, then straightened. "My Master... Master T'kennu, we are both honored that you are present to witness my apprentice's vows. We welcome all present tonight to witness and celebrate with us. I thank you." As he finished, he lowered his hood.
T'kennu could not physically bow, but he made a sweeping motion with his tentacles that served the purpose. Yoda bowed low, nodding at his former padawan. Then he gestured Qui-Gon to stand beside him. As Qui-Gon turned to stand next to the tiny Contemplative, Maki' Windsailor silently took a position on Qui-Gon's left side. Word had already gone around the Temple what the two Diplomats were, and that Master Windsailor was their Healer.
The four Jedi Masters faced the back of the hall where Obi-Wan now stood, awaiting his turn to approach. His face was composed, as serene as they'd ever seen him, being fully centered and grounded in the Force. A wordless hum of approval rose subtly from the assembly. Yoda nodded and Obi-Wan strode forward.
Yoda in particular was thinking of the marked differences in Obi-Wan Kenobi since his first vow ceremony five years ago. At the time, Obi-Wan had just returned from Melida/Daan, defeated and sorely needing to bond adequately with his master, who had taken him back after the boy's leaving the Order. The experience had been humbling for both Master and Padawan, and their fervor as they spoke their vows to one another had been plain to see. But the certainty that they would prevail together was not yet there, and Obi-Wan had a year of probation in which to prove his worthiness to return to the Jedi Order.
Obi-Wan had grown up a lot in that experience, and in the past five years even more, smoothly fitting in as Qui-Gon's Padawan Learner. He easily passed all his probationary evaluations and overcame the setback to his training. In fact, once he and his master had established the mind-communion necessary for his training, Obi-Wan had flourished, excelling beyond his peers in studies and physical training. The bond between Master and Padawan had grown deep, allowing Obi-Wan the security and confidence he needed to grow into an adult, a Senior Padawan.
Not that all had gone smoothly. Yoda was aware of the setback that had taken place when Obi-Wan began to understand the nature of Qui-Gon's relationship with his two Master Diplomat friends. If anything, the experience caused Obi-Wan to grow up all the more, as he realized that his master had a life outside of his padawan... had had one before Obi-Wan had come along and would have one after his padawan was Knighted and left him. It had been a sober realization, though tempered by the fact that around this same time, Qui-Gon began to spend less and less time with his two lovers even when they were on Coruscant together.
Master Raen Gi had come to Yoda, knowing that what she had seen was something that needed to be shared with Qui-Gon's former master. When she told him of her strong sense about Obi-Wan - that he was destined to be Qui-Gon's lifemate - Yoda had not been in the least surprised, and tremendously relieved. The fluxes and ripples in the Force had told him that... well, something like that... for years, that a shared destiny lay upon these two particular Jedi.
Yoda hadn't expected the Oraclyne. But it fit everything he'd believed about these two as long as he'd known them both. That Obi-Wan would grow into a deep and true love for his master had taken no prophecy to see. That Qui-Gon Jinn would come to love this beautiful, bright spirit in his life had not been hard to see either, though it was clear that Qui-Gon's first priority was the young man's training, and a more personal relationship between them would not be allowed to interfere with that.
Now Obi-Wan Kenobi was an adult, andYoda," he greeted him, choosing to name him by his position in the Order rather than his current Discipline. Then he bowed to the Healers. "Master T'kennu... Master Windsailor..." Sometime in the past two years, Yoda had cause to notice, the Padawan Diplomat's voice had settled into its adult range, a quietly beautiful baritone.
Lastly he bowed to Qui-Gon. "My master..." he murmured, his voice rich with pride and love. There was only one Jedi to whom he would say those two words. He lifted his eyes at last to meet those of his master's. The deep contentment and loving regard he saw therein warmed him thoroughly. Internally each touched their newly expanded bond, as if to hold mental hands.
"Padawan Kenobi," Yoda spoke again as Obi-Wan returned his attention to him; he'd deliberately left out the Discipline designation. "What do you ask of the Masters?"
The voluminous hood was lowered to his shoulders, then arms slipped back into the billowing sleeves as Obi-Wan inclined his head. "I ask to be allowed to make my vows to my master as his Senior Padawan Learner."
Yoda nodded, and responded, "It is granted." Then he asked in accordance with the ritual, "Who have you asked to give the Instruction?"
Obi-Wan replied solemnly, "I have requested that Master Galiddys Hyr give the Instruction."
Unlike the initial Master-Padawan vow ceremony, this one was almost entirely centered on the new Senior Padawan, who arranged for the traditional Instruction before making his vows. Qui-Gon, in fact, would not be making new vows to his student, but affirming his original ones. As a Jedi, this ceremony marked Obi-Wan's entrance into adulthood in the Order, and his right to stand beside his master as support and partner in what would now become their common work as a team, and not just the work of Qui-Gon Jinn. Usually it was hoped that by the time a Jedi Padawan was eighteen years of age, he or she had already begun to function more as a partner than a tag-along student.
As Obi-Wan turned around to face outward, Gali Hyr came forward to stand facing the assembly and the five Jedi in the center. "My Jedi brothers and sisters," he began, first addressing the gathering, "a Senior Padawan stands before us ready to assume his place in the Jedi Order as an adult. He has grown and learned among Jedi since early childhood, and now he has reached his majority. What is your responsibility for his development? And you do have a responsibility..."
He spread his lavender-tinged gray hands wide, head crest fanning out as he smiled. "I'm not one for formal speeches, as many of you know, so I will speak plainly. Obi-Wan Kenobi and his Master have come to us from another Discipline, so most of us do not know them well. They are not leaving their own Discipline, only embracing ours, and in that they will seek us out, to learn of our ways and arts so that they may fulfill their own destiny as unique Healers in their own right. Let us share our knowledge and experience with them, indeed even our hearts, for the heart of a Healer has the greatest knowledge of all."
Now Gali looked directly at the Master Diplomat. "Qui-Gon Jinn, you are known in the Jedi Order for being especially attuned to the Living Force. It is that close communion with life that tells us what sort of a Diplomat you are... a very compassionate one... and what sort of Healer you will be. Now you will be handing on that legacy to your apprentice, not just to form him into a Jedi Diplomat and Healer, but to prepare him to stand beside you as the partner he is clearly meant to be for you. I can imagine nothing more fulfilling than to prepare one's own bonded lifepartner to work at your side as your equal."
A murmur went through the assembly, surprise mingled with a wondering delight, for this aspect of the pair of Diplomats had not been known. "We haven't taken *those* vows yet, Gali," Qui-Gon spoke up just loud enough for the Healer to hear, a smile curving his lips. In front of him, Obi-Wan felt a stir within him at the reminder - life vows! But he quickly re-centered himself, desiring only to concentrate on the ceremony at hand, and not future eventualities.
"All in good time," Gali replied, winking at them. "Master Jinn, be loving and patient with your apprentice, which I know well you will be... but also be firm and challenging. Remember that you are the image of a Jedi Knight that he sees the most, the clearest example of his goal, the vision and the Light of all that he hopes to become. Guide him well, Qui-Gon, and with the Force as your guide."
Qui-Gon smiled warmly at the old Healer and nodded his thanks. **And thank you for your support, Gali,** he sent silently.
**You're most welcome, Qui,** Gali replied with equal warmth, then turned his attention to the young man before him. "Well, Obi-Wan," he addressed him, winking when he got a smile from him, "you're an adult now. You are luckier than most Senior Padawans in that your path is... well, I cannot say the path is clear, but at least you know with whom you will traverse it. That is well, but it does not absolve you from responsibility. A Jedi never stops learning and must study his or her whole life. Now that you have started on your advanced studies... and are going to study in two Disciplines now... your dedication to learning must be complete. You have the knowledge to choose your own courses of study now, and it will be expected of you that you continually challenge yourself, and not merely work to meet your master's expectations."
Obi-Wan had the brief thought that his master already expected him to excel; often Qui-Gon was relentless in pushing his apprentice to reach ever higher in his studies and training. Now that he thought of it, the pace, while hard, had not been one whit past what Obi-Wan was capable of. [He means that now I will determine my own pace, and it will be expected that I take over the task of pushing myself to succeed,] he mused as the Master Healer paused for a moment. [I can do this; if I am to be equal to my beloved Master... if we are to be equals as Oraclys... then I must be my own taskmaster...]
Gali nodded, noting that his words were taken to heart, then continued. "There are challenges ahead aplenty, Obi-Wan Kenobi, as you ought to well know. As a Diplomat, you will have the responsibility to represent the Republic as well as to become a voice of reason, calm, and harmony where often there is none. Many will depend on your courage, your honesty, and your integrity. As a Healer, you open yourself to the disharmonies of others, and that vulnerability carries its own price. To be a Jedi is to spend one's life, my young friend. Spend it all, in service, caring, protection, defending those who cannot, healing those who cannot. It is a good life... and you will not live it alone. Go with the Force, Senior Padawan Kenobi."
Obi-Wan's eyes were fairly shining with a burning sense of
commitment as the old Healer reminded him of his life's
goals, his purpose as a Jedi. "Thank you, Master Gali,"
he responded, his voice low but clear. "And you, as
well."
Now was the time of vows. There was a moment of
murmuring through the gathered throng, then as the young Jedi
turned to face his master, a hush fell throughout the Dome
again.
Now there was but Obi-Wan and Qui-Gon, their bond already shimmering with life and love and promise, the Living Force so powerfully strong within them both now, the apprentice no less than the master, thanks to the connection of the Oraclyne which bound them. Obi-Wan glanced up to meet his teacher's gaze briefly, then he gracefully went to one knee before him. He folded his hands on top of his knee and looked up again, peaceful and prepared to speak his vows.
What he saw undid him. Now he clearly saw the unshed tears of joy in his beloved Qui-Gon's eyes and suddenly all of their past rushed up at him, the frustrations and horrors they'd shared together since their awful beginning, Qui-Gon's withholding of himself from his new padawan and Obi-Wan's betrayal on Melida/Daan... all through to the terrible healing on Belvin Three which nearly destroyed his master's mind...
Only a small exhalation of breath was given as warning, and then Obi-Wan Kenobi was folded into two at his master's feet, the bottom foot of the Master's dark brown robe pressed furtively into the padawan's hidden face as he struggled to put it all back together.
And put it back he must. And alone. The assembly froze, waiting. The Master Diplomat simply forgot to breathe. The bond... their bond held itself in abeyance, poised...
Then the quiet but strong voice within the bond spoke. **This is what you mean to me, Master,** Obi-Wan murmured.
Qui-Gon swallowed an abruptly remembered breath. **Obi-Wan...**
Taking a deep breath, Obi-Wan straightened, though remaining on his knees. He opened his arms to either side of him, indicating his reception to his master. When he met Qui-Gon's gaze again, his own was unwavering, though his face was wet. "I, Obi-Wan Kenobi, do vow to you my Master, Qui-Gon Jinn, obedience in my training with you, commitment to you as my teacher, and dedication to my education and formation in the ways of the Force and the Jedi Order. In addition to these vows which I have spoken to you once before, I also vow support to you, to work alongside you for our mutual work as Jedi in our missions to provide Light, protection, healing, peace, and justice wherever we are called to go."
His voice was strong and vibrant, and he felt a million years from the stubborn thirteen-year-old who left his master five years ago. He never felt more pride in being Jedi. And he was, and felt it all through his being, the Force singing clear in him. He was Jedi forever. No matter what pain and hardships they still had to face together, he had that. "This I vow here today before this assembly," he finished proudly. "May the Force be with us."
As the gathered Jedi echoed his words - "May the Force be with you both" - he added silently to his master, **And I vow you my love, Qui-Gon. My heart is yours.**
Qui-Gon could barely speak; only decades of self-discipline enabled him to contain his composure. He gave the response clearly, the only emotional bobble a mental one, "I accept your vows, my Padawan, for the sake of the Light."
The bright joy of the assembled Jedi begged to break free in celebration, but the ceremony was not concluded yet. Qui-Gon would now renew his vows to his student.
The Master made a slight gesture with his hand, and in response Obi-Wan rose to his feet again. His smooth, young face wore contented bliss, all traces of the temporary upending gone. The clear blue-gray eyes were windows of happiness and confidence. Confidence... Qui-Gon had a brief thought that his student was far more confident and sure of himself than he was. He could not even bring himself to possess a lightsaber.
Lightsaber... Qui-Gon had already killed one padawan with his lightsaber...
His eyes widened as he stared at his apprentice... his lover. [I cannot renew my vows to him when...]
In that instant, as Qui-Gon Jinn realized he was not ready to
renew his vows to Obi-Wan, there was a tugging on his
consciousness that he could not avoid, could not prevent...
then his mind was taken away as he fell to his knees...
The lightsaber in his hands hissed and spat as it skittered against the red blade of his opponent, his nemesis, the man in the black clothes and cape, the long black hair flying around his head like the wings of angry birds. Obi-Wan was somewhere behind him, in pain from a glancing blow to his shoulder from their opponent's blade. The pain lanced through their Master-Padawan bond like a stinging insect, and Qui-Gon shook his head as he concentrated.
The other was far younger than he, knew his moves intimately, and had hatred to match every ounce of self-preservation and protectiveness that the Jedi Master possessed. It was clear now that this battle was to the death, and everything in the Force around him told him that there would be death today, here. Not Obi-Wan's, though Qui-Gon was determined to prevent him from returning to the fight, for the blow had been to his saber arm and he would be easy prey trying to fight off-handed. No, Qui-Gon must kill Xanatos, or perish they both would.
There was no escape, either, this time, not like the times before. Xanatos, in his haste to trap his former master, had maneuvered them into an energy field that had an hour release timer set on it, though he was not expecting Obi-Wan to get trapped inside with them. An hour - time enough to wear out and make fatal mistakes. Xanatos fought like a demon-possessed man, first disabling the younger Jedi then feverishly attacking his former master.
Did the man want to die? Qui-Gon had the thought, though Xanatos evidently was going to make it very difficult for Qui-Gon to kill him, yet... his handsome face was streaked with tears, the anger mixed with pain. The Jedi Master had no time to wonder about his former padawan's state of mind, for he fought with the Force flowing fluidly and free within him, ably countering Xanatos at every step, though unable as yet to find an advantage.
Then he saw it, a slip in the rigid defenses. Qui-Gon saw the shock on the man's face as he realized immediately how he'd left himself open, then the Master saw his green blade connect with Xanatos's left side, severing ribs, muscles and skin in a deep, biting cut, a death blow. In the next instant he'd thumbed the blade off, dropping the hilt as Xanatos cried out in agony. Qui-Gon went to one knee beside him, catching him to the ground.
Qui-Gon felt no anger, then or before, only a deep, bitter sorrow. Though he knew he could not have done anything differently, he nevertheless felt remorse sweep over him as he held the dying man. Xanatos, eyes wide with shock, gaped at him...
And Qui-Gon was suddenly aware of the fact that he was re-living this, that this was not the first time, that he was seeing this all over again happening before him... only he did not see the anger and bitterness in Xanatos's eyes that he had seen two years ago, had thought he'd seen in his pain. He saw... he saw...
Confusion.
Loss.
Understanding... searing awareness of his errors as Xanatos realized that even now there was no hatred in the Jedi Master for him, no triumph in winning the battle. That in Qui-Gon Jinn was everything he'd truly ever wanted, a love and a peace that no political power, no amount of his father's luxuries, nothing that he'd thought the Jedi had kept from him could ever have given him.
Repentance.
Then the dead body in his arms was gone, and Qui-Gon was kneeling in a quiet, sunny clearing in a forest. He stood up and turned to face whom he now understood he was meant to meet again in this spirit place.
"Dear Master," Xanatos sighed, lifting a tear-streaked face to his. He was again wearing the white Jedi tunics... white for the peace he sought, and the atonement he had made. "Please forgive me for all the harm I have brought you and your beloved..."
Qui-Gon felt compassion flood his heart, mingled with an old ache of a once-love for this man. He raised a finger to stroke away the tears, brushing aside the feathery black hair and touching Xanatos's cheek gently. "Xani," he breathed, looking over the familiar features and glad to one more time. "I forgive you, Xani. The harm is repaid. And I thank you for all you have done to see that the Oraclyne connection held strong until I could be healed."
The tears still freely flowing, Xanatos allowed himself to lean into the touch. "It nearly wasn't strong enough, Master. I..."
"It was enough." Qui-Gon murmured. He knew that only Maki's precipitous arrival had saved his and Obi-Wan's life that day, five days ago now when Qui-Gon tried to commit suicide. But the strength that Xanatos - functioning as the Oraclyne connection - had lent Obi-Wan had been sufficient enough for Maki' to reach them. "It was all that was needed. We survived, Padawan."
The pale blue eyes widened in hope at the title. "Then you truly do forgive me..."
"As I said..." Qui-Gon whispered, his hand now cupping the cheek that in life had born the self-inflicted scar of a broken circle. [I need to do this,] he thought, peace returning. [It is time.] "I forgive you, Padawan."
Then he bent to kiss his former student - the would-have-been lover. Atonement... accepted. When their lips touched, Qui-Gon found himself pulling Xanatos into his arms. They kissed warmly then, and purely, without erotic intent, a kiss of reconciliation. After a long moment the Jedi Master released his former padawan, and both of their faces were now wet.
As Qui-Gon looked down at Xanatos again, he blinked for he seemed to be seeing double... and he realized it was Obi-Wan's face superimposed on the other's. Now he remembered that Obi-Wan and Xanatos had somehow merged before, something about the Oraclyne connection that Xanatos represented becoming sealed to Obi-Wan. That... must happen to him, too, he understood with a flash of insight.
"Now," Qui-Gon breathed, assenting to the union as he kissed
the forehead, eyes, then again the lips of the man he had
once slain... no, not slain, released from the Darkness that
held him captive, freed his spirit to do a work of which no
Jedi could be prouder... and the kiss turned to fire as
tongues tangled and breaths hitched in desire. Desire,
metaphor for life here in the land of spirit, and Qui-Gon and
Xanatos yielded to life to the fullest, merging in Light and
hope... and Obi-Wan there with them, joining with them
both...
There was not a sound in the Dome. Only a few seconds had gone by, but it was long enough for the shocked assembly to register what it saw - a Jedi Master folded to the ground, the hem of his Padawan's brown robe pressed against his face with both hands. The Padawan stood frozen, his eyes closed, face serene. Those who were closest saw the kneeling, bent form shudder once in final reaction to... whatever. Beside them, Maki' bit his lip, unable to go where they went, see what they saw, but silent witness nevertheless to the fact that something powerful had just happened.
Then Qui-Gon returned to himself, aware of the damp, dark fabric against his skin, the pulse of life so rich in the Force surrounding him, a crick in his back... and a flush of unexpected satiation in his body. A soft sigh above him brought him more fully to the present, and he unfolded his body, standing up to do that for which he was now ready.
Looking at Obi-Wan's face as his young lover opened his eyes, Qui-Gon realized that Obi-Wan had been aware of all of it, drawn into the needed reconciliation because of his connection to them both. Not only aware... the sigh had been in reaction to Obi-Wan's own condition of satisfaction. Together they touched the Oraclyne connection between them, more than their physical imprinting, more than the expansion of their mental bond, more than the healing touch of a spirit now one with the Force, forgiven. The connection burned jointly in them as a laser piercing the Dark, bright, fervent... healing.
Qui-Gon laid both hands on Obi-Wan's shoulders, steadying himself. **How long?** he asked quickly, though unable to hold back a smile.
**Ten seconds,** Obi-Wan replied, meeting the smile gladly.
**Time to renew vows,** Qui-Gon sighed happily, giving the other's broad shoulders a squeeze. Aloud he spoke in the peace of the Dome; more than one Jedi breathed a sigh of relief that he spoke at last. "I, Qui-Gon Jinn, Master of the Jedi Order, renew my vows to guide you, my Padawan Learner, and teach you the ways of the Jedi and the Force. From this day on, as you are now an adult in the Order, let us share my vow of protection, for as partners now in our work as Jedi, we must protect one another. As I did once before, I give you my trust, my respect, my support... and forever I give you my heart, Obi-Wan. Force be with us both..."
This last was spoken with a tightening throat, then Qui-Gon was hugging his apprentice hard to himself, finally letting his joy spiral forth, not only in the fire of their bond, but out into the swirling, exultant Living Force like brilliant sparks of Light illuminating everything and everyone. The Oraclyne shone with love and the Force, healed... Healers.
The crowd let loose its excitement at witnessing such a powerful ceremony, raising voices to add to the two Healer-Diplomats' joy. Maki' Windsailor swiped at his own tears of happiness for his friends' joy, especially as he realized that, as Obi-Wan had hoped, the long-needed reconciliation between Qui-Gon and his former padawan had somehow taken place. Yoda smiled, basking in the beautiful energies of the Force within the Dome, content that Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan had finally completed their path toward their destiny as Oraclyne. T'kennu rumbled happily as well, his root-like tentacles weaving their own dance in the air.
**He is at peace,** Qui-Gon said with streaming eyes as he bent to kiss his beloved deeply. **He is at rest...**
**Oh, yes, Beloved!** Obi-Wan returned happily, kissing his lover back with equal fervor. **And somehow forever one with us as well. Xanatos *is* here, Qui-Gon. He is our connection as Oraclyne. He will always be with us in that sense.**
Maki' took a deep breath, feeling faintly dizzy from the overwhelming emotions he was so attuned to in these two. Looking out across the gathering, he saw that the celebration was starting already... and he chuckled to himself, for this was one party he planned to enjoy to the fullest. Then something caught his attention, something oddly out of step with all the energy and life and sheer ebullience radiating from every Jedi in the Dome.
Every Jedi but one. One single young face, streaked with tears but not of joy, wearing an expression fraught with pain and bewilderment. It was only a glimpse that Maki' had caught, before the young man with short dark hair turned in a swirl of charcoal gray robe and hastened from the assembly.
Then Gali was thumping Maki' on the back, pulling him into
the throng of well-wishers surrounding the new Senior Padawan
and his Master. And Maki' did not see the strange,
pained Artificer again for a long time...
Although the post-ceremony celebration was already underway -
buffet tables having been hastily laid out and a small
instrumental group having begun to play - Master Maki'
Windsailor managed to get himself heard, calling for all
their attention. "A party would not be complete without
a present for the new Senior Padawan and his Master!
Padawan Nika, would you please do the honors?"
The young, shyly smiling Padawan Healer came forward. As Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan turned to her with interest, Maki' held out the tray for her which she'd given him earlier. "Kneel down, please, Master, Padawan," she instructed them. Raveb, her master, looked on with pride. Pleased, the Healer-Diplomats knelt. Then Nika revealed the contents of the tray. "For the Jedi Oraclyne," she announced solemnly. As they watched in delight and wonder, she pinned one of the wreathes of blue leaves to Qui-Gon's right shoulder, pinning also the strip holding the loose streamers in place to the edge of his long robe sleeve. Then she pinned Obi-Wan's to his left shoulder and edge of left sleeve. "Force be with you both," she murmured when she finished.
"Padawan, these are lovely," Qui-Gon responded, smiling broadly at the girl. "Thank you! You made these for us?"
"We are honored, Nika," Obi-Wan said, grinning. "Thank you so much!"
"Yes, made them," Nika answered shyly, though she was smiling. "You're welcome." When Knight Raveb held out a hand to her, she took it. "And you're welcome to the Temple," Raveb added to the Oraclyne.
"Thank you," they said together. Maki' waved at the instrumental group to continue as the party resumed.
Nearby, a Senior Padawan Healer came and knelt beside the ancient Contemplative. "Master Yoda, sir, there's a call for you from Coruscant," the young woman informed him.
Yoda turned and looked for the Pytthvran Healer standing nearby. Gali had heard the name "Coruscant" and had turned in his direction. Solemnly the Healer nodded. "Thank you, Padawan," Yoda said to the woman. "Lead us to your communications station you will."
Qui-Gon, who with Obi-Wan was chatting with Raveb and Maki', looked over as Yoda and Gali passed by on their way out of the Dome. The latter sent to him hastily, **Council.** Wondering, Qui-Gon exchanged a concerned glance with his beloved.
"What was that about?" Maki' asked, retrieving glasses of sparkling juice from a passing tray.
"The Council," Qui-Gon sighed, accepting a glass gratefully. "Yoda is taking a call from the Council. I think we know what it's about."
"The Council?" Raveb asked in surprise, then blanched. "I'm sorry, it's none of my business, Master Jinn."
"Actually it may be everyone's business," Qui-Gon replied. He slipped his free hand around Obi-Wan's waist, drawing his padawan closer. "We're challenging a fundamental concept about the Jedi Disciplines. Before this, a Jedi could only belong to one Discipline at a time, and with the exception of the Contemplative Discipline, had to go through an extensive process and retraining to move from one Discipline to another. For Jedi to belong to two Disciplines at once is unorthodox." He then smiled ruefully, mostly at himself. "I seem to have acquired a habit of unorthodoxy over the years, I'm afraid, and am well aware my past is not going to help our cause much."
"Master," Obi-Wan asked thoughtfully, "cannot the Council see the advantage of having Diplomats who are also Healers? There are plenty of cases where Jedi of different Disciplines had to be sent in together. If the Disciplines can work together, can they not also accept individuals who combine elements of two or even more Disciplines?"
"What makes sense to us, my Obi-Wan," Qui-Gon replied quietly, looking down at his young lover, "does not necessarily make sense to those who view the Disciplines differently."
"They've become factions in a way, I suppose," Maki' added with a sigh. "Some more than others. I like to think we Healers are open to all, but I've heard that the Artificers, for one, are very clannish.&nbld have a hard time gaining others' trust."
"But you're already Diplomats," Raveb commented. He had arm around his young Padawan's shoulders in reassurance; the girl's eyes had gone wide at the topic of the adults' discussion. "Surely they can allow you to continue your work to some extent..."
"They may think we would be 'distracted'," Obi-Wan offered, subtly leaning against his master. Something he already liked about the Healers was that they openly touched a lot more. He felt very comfortable touching his master and being so close to him in this environment. "I mean in the sense that our focus has shifted. And I think there is a subtle distrust of Healers among some Diplomats."
"True, Diplomats often make the worst patients," Maki' replied with a smirk. "Qui-Gon was completely impossible."
"Ah, well," Obi-Wan smirked back, "he had an excuse."
"I'm not going to ask," Raveb chuckled. "Nika, what do you think about our new friends being in two Disciplines at once?" he asked, looking down at his padawan with a smile.
"All Jedi," the girl said firmly.
"Here, here!" Obi-Wan agreed, chuckling. "Master, was I that wise at thirteen... ah, don't answer that..." Belatedly he thought of the mess he'd gotten into when he was a little younger than Nika. But he smiled at his master, sharing a knowing look. It was well behind them now.
The Healers laughed, not getting the full meaning behind Obi-Wan's words. "My Nika," Raveb said proudly. "Since you're such a wise woman, let me ask you this - do you think we could get something to eat now? Your old master is hungry."
Nika made a rude noise. "You're not old, Master! And you're always eating."
"Ah, well, I have to keep up my strength to stay ahead of you, you know," Raveb teased her. "Excuse us, Qui-Gon, Obi-Wan, Maki'..."
Qui-Gon pulled Obi-Wan into his arms, sharing a quick private moment as Raveb and Nika's teasing reminded them of innumerable such exchanges they'd made together. They shared a smile, looking into one another's eyes. Then, nodding in mutual agreement, they looked together at their friend. "Oh, Maki'..." Obi-Wan began.
Maki', who had been looking after the departing pair, turned back to them. "Yes?" he inquired, then realized after a moment that looking had turned to staring. "What?"
Something had happened when their Oracine shifted attention back to them. It was as if Maki' had folded an emotional bubble around the two of them, muting the celebratory air in the Dome somewhat. "You're doing it," Obi-Wan commented, grinning.
"I'm doing what?" Maki' asked, bewildered.
"I don't think he can tell," Qui-Gon replied. "Maki', you're doing the Oracine thing... not that we're suffering from the infectious Healer happiness abounding around here, but it's nice to get a moment's respite from it."
"I...!" Maki' was speechless, even after his Oraclyne
began laughing at him.
Gali had never seen Yoda this close to spitting before. "Force them to go to Coruscant, I will NOT," Yoda repeated emphatically at the image in the viewscreen. "All the Healers they need to verify Qui-Gon Jinn's mental health are right here. Need your examination, they do NOT."
"A little biased, aren't you, Yoda?" Mace Windu was just warming up. For a long time he'd been beginning to think nothing would shake the ancient one's dominance of the Council. "We're always overly forgiving of our former padawans."
"Overly forgiving, I am not," Yoda responded, his voice just a shade on this side of exasperation. "New to their increased bonding they are. To subject them to the pressure of all those minds on Coruscant, I will not. The Council must not demand this of them."
"I concur as a Healer," Gali spoke up. He remembered that he'd had to pull Healer's Privilege once before on the Council. He'd likely only get a second chance if he needed to. More would be considered abuse of his privilege, even if T'kennu had declared him Advocate for the Oraclyne. "This is not a good time for them to go there."
The entire Council was listening in, though Windu's closest supporters were ringing the viewscreen. Master Even Piell spoke up from beside him. "The request stands, Healer. Defy it if you will. We have gotten inklings of activities that have prompted this need to speak to Master Jinn ourselves."
"Then come to Dantooine," Yoda replied firmly.
**What activities?** Gali asked, puzzled.
**Mission report from Vitruga, I would imagine,** Yoda replied. **It was... unexpected... that Padawan Kenobi finish the mission. Sent the report in, he has.**
**It was an extremely unimportant, routine mission,** Gali countered. **What difference does it make which Diplomat finished it?**
**Taken vows as Senior Padawan, Obi-Wan had not,** Yoda retorted ironically. **No authority, he had...**
**Oh, brother!**
"The whole Council cannot just pick up and go to Dantooine!" Windu was arguing.
"The whole Council *can* pick up and come to Dantooine," Yoda threw back. "Owe T'kennu a visit, you do."
"It still stands, then, that we want to see Jinn here," Master Yarael Poof countered from Windu's other side. "And as for the other matter, that has already been settled."
"What other matter?" Gali burst out before he realized he'd done so. Yoda patted his arm gently.
"Their Discipline membership," Depa Billaba - Windu's former padawan, now the newest Council member - replied calmly. "We will record their transference to the Healer Discipline."
"You cannot do that!" Yoda snapped, pounding his stick into the floor once. "Work as Diplomats, they can still!"
"Not the way we see it," Windu sighed.
"You voted without me," Yoda muttered, aghast.
"Of course not, Master Yoda," Yarael Poof replied. "Unless you do not believe that Master Yaddle cannot be trusted to vote in proxy for you?"
"Yaddle's voting for me, acceptable is," Yoda admitted reluctantly. "Then what was the vote?"
"Four for their transference," Depa explained, "The four of us. And four for the dual membership in both Disciplines - that would be you, Yaddle, Plo Koon, and Ki-Adi-Mundi. The rest... abstained."
"That many abstentions, a message to you is," Yoda returned firmly. "Issue for the Council to decide, this is NOT. Membership in Disciplines decided by the Council is not. No exception, this is."
"It sets a dangerous precedent," Windu calmly replied.
"Interfering in the health of Jedi, a more dangerous precedent is," Yoda retorted. "Speak to the Chancellor, I must."
To their surprise, Mace Windu looked at Yoda blankly. "The... Chancellor? This is an internal matter, Yoda, I don't see..."
Gali even took a step backwards, for the Force flowed powerfully through the tiny old Councilor in this moment. "Affects the entire Republic, this decision does, Master Windu," Yoda said in a lowered voice. "The Oraclyne must be free of the restriction of Disciplines. Diplomats, they must be. Healers, they must be. Seen this in the Force, I have."
Gali relaxed. Even Mace Windu wouldn't challenge Yoda's interpretation of the Force... would he? Although he looked mighty piqued... "As president of the Council, I have the authority to break a tie," Windu was saying, to their dismay. "It's been decided. Jinn and Kenobi are restricted to Healer functions."
"This is not over," Yoda stated... and cut the
transmission. Immediately he began to set up another
call. "Bring them," he said softly to Gali, who
understood and promptly departed. **But take your
time,** Yoda sent after him.
In the Dome, the party was going strong, with no apparent signs of diminishing. As it had been a while since any such ceremony had been held there, the Healers had been looking forward to something like this for a while and would be hours enjoying it to the fullest. Gali sidled up to his former Healer partner. "Nice party..."
Maki' turned to regard the Pytthvran with surprise. "What..."
**Shhh...** Gali nodded toward Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan who were greeting Healers still. **Yoda wants them... in a bit. He's... negotiating." He grinned at his friend's suspicious expression.
**You make him sound like a Diplomat,** Maki' countered, then rolled his eyes. **Oh, right, he used to be. So the Council is being fussy?**
**You have no idea... so... how are you?** Gali clapped his friend on the arm. **I'm starting to sense what you do for them. That's a pretty nice trick."
Maki' sighed. "Nice party, nice trick - don't you have anything else to say?"
Gali chuckled, then sobered a little as he felt Qui-Gon's eyes on him. A moment later Obi-Wan turned to look, alerted by his lover's shifting focus. "So, Master Jinn, do you know what a fine mess you've created?" Gali asked as they came over.
Qui-Gon's fingers tightened on his lover's waist, the only betrayal of his concern. "Is that what the Council is calling the Oraclyne, Gali?" he smiled. "A mess?"
"Something like that," Gali replied wryly. "Yoda is, ah, hammering out a solution, I believe. He wishes you to come to the comm station in a while."
"For that matter, you two," Maki' interjected, "your Healer suggests you go now, take a little break from all this. You have something to... discuss?" He looked at them both so pointedly that Obi-Wan had to chuckle.
"Yes, perhaps we do," Qui-Gon replied, sighing despite his smile.
"Hmmm?" Gali inquired, looking for one to the other.
"They'll tell us later, Gali," Maki' said, giving Qui-Gon a little push. "Something happened during the ceremony. Something good, I think."
"No kidding something happened," Gali snorted. "All right, but remember, I want to hear this."
"Thanks, Maki', Gali," Obi-Wan said for them both as Qui-Gon
gladly steered them away from the party, which would more
than be there when they returned later.
Outside the door to the Temple communications center, Qui-Gon
pulled Obi-Wan close to his body, wrapping his long arms
around him, letting his head drop against his. **I like
the Healers, Obi,** he whispered lovingly into their bond as
he soaked up his lover's presence. **They exude
life. The Force sings so sweetly here...**
**Yes, it does,** Obi-Wan returned in the silence they both wished to maintain. He nuzzled his cheek against Qui-Gon's beard, enjoying the brush of softness against his skin. **I like them, too, and I think we're going to have many friends here.** He paused, listening to his lover's breathing. **Qui-Gon... are you all right? Xanatos...**
Qui-Gon released a long exhale. **Yes. I feel at peace with him now, and he is at peace as well, one with us, one with the Force at last.** He kissed Obi-Wan's cheek tenderly. **I'm thinking the nightmares and strange images will be gone now... and tomorrow... I will start to make a new lightsaber.**
Obi-Wan tightened his arms around him. **Oh, Master...**
**We will keep the Dark at bay together, Beloved,** Qui-Gon breathed into his mind like a tender kiss. **And I shall need my lightsaber to do that, to be Jedi at your side. Besides, you're going to need a sparring partner on a regular basis, Senior Padawan Healer-Diplomat Kenobi.**
**That sounds ridiculously long, Qui,** Obi-Wan replied, smothering a laugh against his jaw. **Sometimes I hate titles.**
**Or labels...** Qui-Gon kissed his temple, enjoying their silent intimacy. **We just are, Obi-Wan. We are Oraclyne and Jedi. The rest is so much noise.**
**I couldn't agree more,** Obi-Wan sighed, shifting to find his lover's mouth.
They kissed for a long minute before the presence waiting on the other side of the door registered. Smiling, they separated, though still holding hands. "My master," Qui-Gon greeted Yoda when the door opened at last.
"Someone to speak to you, there is," Yoda said quietly, an
air of distinct smugness about him.
"Well," the dark-haired man with silver temples addressed the two lovers when they came before the vidscreen. "You're surprised to see me?" he added, seeing their shock.
The Master recovered first. "I shouldn't be, sir, but, yes, we were expecting to face the Jedi High Council, I will admit." Beside him Obi-Wan gulped nervously, not knowing what to make of their surprise.
Supreme Chancellor Finis Vallorum, elected as such less than a year before, regarded the Jedi's topnotch negotiator with amusement. "Now, Jinn, you know the Council," the Chancellor chuckled. He and Qui-Gon were friendly acquaintances, and as a Senator, Vallorum had had ample opportunity to learn of the Jedi's reputation. "They were being... recalcitrant."
"I can imagine," Qui-Gon said with heavy irony.
"Well," he said again, and they got the first inkling that he was warming up to doing something he really liked doing... pulling the strings only a Supreme Chancellor of the Republic could pull. "First of all, congratulations to your Senior Padawan."
"Thank you, sir," Obi-Wan got out immediately, his curiosity spiking exactly as high as his master's was, which he could feel in their tingling bond.
"Secondly, I have an assignment for you two."
"An... assignment?" It wasn't what either of them was expecting to hear. Qui-Gon resisted the urge to glance at Yoda, who still radiated his glee all but audibly.
"Yes, a rather long-term one," Vallorum explained, smiling. "Permanent, even."
"And that is?" Qui-Gon was guessing, and the relief he longed to feel threatened to get ahead of him. **If this is...** he started to say to Obi-Wan.
**What, what?**
"Qui-Gon Jinn, you and Obi-Wan Kenobi are assigned permanently to my Office as Special Ambassadors of Healing to the Republic," Vallorum announced with a wink. "As such, you report to me... and only to me. I will, of course, make your reports available to the Jedi High Council... if they request them. I understand that there are those in the Council who will have... problems... with this unusual assignment, but as the entire Jedi Order essentially works for me anyway, I really do not see how the complaints of a few Jedi Masters are going to be of much importance." Pleased, Vallorum sat back, enjoying the looks on their faces.
"Told you gape at the screen they would," Yoda cackled gleefully.
A few seconds later, the Oraclyne pair remembered to close their mouths. **He told him! Yoda told him everything about the Oraclyne!** Qui-Gon said silently to his beloved in astonishment. **What did the Council tell him?**
**So, the Discipline thing doesn't matter, Master?** Obi-Wan asked, equally stunned.
Qui-Gon managed to respond to the patient, beaming man on the vidscreen. "Sir, I do not know what to say except thank you... although I do not believe the Council will be as pleased as we are."
"The Council has been informed," Vallorum explained, shrugging. "I don't know what issues Windu has with you, Qui-Gon, but I have no such qualms about the Oraclyne. I can see a good thing when it comes my way, and certainly I want to grab this opportunity to snatch such a potentially useful tool for my own use... and I have the right to do that. Not just a tool, of course..." His smile broadened. "A force for good. I've been in this job long enough to know that the winds of uneasiness have started to swirl in the Senate - so much squabbling - and I think we're going to need Healing of the kind I think you'll be able to provide over time. At least it brings me hope. I can use that in this job."
"Yes, sir," Qui-Gon sighed, elated. The Chancellor's stamp of approval was a powerful one, and not even the Disciplines could deny the Chancellor the need for Diplomats trained in Healing if that's what he asked the Jedi Order for. "Thank you, Chancellor!"
"Thank you, Chancellor Vallorum," Obi-Wan echoed, as stunned as his master was at the apparent victory. Together they bowed in respect to the man's office.
Vallorum waved them off. "Go, I hear you're missing your own party. I understand that you have quite an adjustment ahead of you as it is, learning about what the Oraclyne is and what you can do... so let's tentatively say that in six months I'll expect you both in my office to discuss this further... and hopefully to get you two back to work. How does that sound?"
"Eminently adequate, Chancellor," Qui-Gon replied, relieved. Six months out of the field would seem an eternity to the very active team, but as they had a whole Discipline to learn, or much of it...
"Yoda, I owe you for this," Vallorum chuckled at the ancient Jedi Master. "Come to supper and I'll make my chuffilia sponge cake for you."
"Adequate payment, sponge cake is," Yoda replied,
winking.
When the vidscreen grew dark, they rounded on Yoda. "So, that's it?" Obi-Wan asked, still incredulous. "The dual Disciplines thing doesn't matter now?"
Yoda had sobered a little, thinking. While the politics had been cleared up, it wasn't likely to be smooth sailing in the long run. The Oraclyne would have to prove itself to get the respect needed to ease the way for loosening the divisions between Disciplines. "Allowed to matter... they will not. Once the Oraclyne is functioning... they will see. Oh, yes, they will see."
He shuffled out of the comm station, muttering something about what items had better still be available on the buffet table in the Dome.
"Then we've just started on this path," Qui-Gon sighed.
Obi-Wan looked up at him sidelong, a smile starting again. "A rocky path to start with, but getting smoother now, at last."
"Hmmm?"
Arms slid around the Jedi Master's waist, drawing him in. "We're imprinted, you're healed of the psychoses, you're going to make a new lightsaber, and Xanatos is one with the Force. And now we've got a new job."
"Oh, I can go you one better than that," Qui-Gon smiled at last.
"Oh?"
"I've got you in my bed nights."
"Oh." Obi-Wan smirked. "True."
Qui-Gon slid his arm around his beloved's shoulders, steering
him out the door to head back to the party. "Now, do
you think the Temple kitchen will make more tagaleaf and
cheese squares if we ask? Because Master Yoda is going
to be awfully disappointed if he learns that we got the last
two pieces left on the buffet ten minutes before we came up
here..."
Outside, on a bench beside a little lake on the expansive
Temple grounds, a Padawan Artificer lay on his side, his
tears long dried. The billowing wave of Healer
exuberance and joy so vibrant in the Force in this place had
penetrated his cloak of despair, calming him. He
slept... beginning to heal.
The End