Risorgimento--Journey's Beginning

by obi-ki and padawanewan

Title: Risorgimento--Journey's Beginning

Authors: obi-ki and padawanewan

Pairing:: Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan

Rating: PG-13

Catagory: Q/O AU

Time Period: About 20 years post ABY

Disclaimer: Everything Star Wars belongs to George Lucas and Lucasfilms. We're just playing in his world, borrowing the boyz and their accomplices and will return them all when I'm through. No money is being made from this, it is all done for entertainment only.

Author's notes: This is the eighth story segment in the Risorgimento series and is the sicth segment that was totally co-written and as such is told from both Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan's POVs. Thanks to Monalee and Merry Amelie for their thorough betas and thoughtful suggestions. The story would be much less without their valuable input. Sorry again that it's taken so long to get this part posted, RL has been crazy for both for me and for padawanewan.

Summary: Qui-Gon awakens in an unfamiliar environment, disoriented and thinking that the time is immediately following the Battle of Naboo. Obi-Wan awakens in the same environment, confused and thinking that it is immediately following the Battle on Mustafar. They separately meet with their host, Var-Son Meirr, and eventually find that they are in a remote medical facility, that Var-Son cloned them and that it's currently fifty-five years post Naboo. After spending some time getting acclimated and learning about the events of the last fifty-five years, Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan are finally brought together by their creator.

When the shock wears off, Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan spend time with the healer and eventually alone together. They learn more about the events that have occurred and about each other. Especially in Obi-Wan's case, the events that occurred during the years after Naboo changed him and he is far from the inexperienced padawan that walked for so many years at his master's side. As they reconnect, they find something is off about them and they struggle to figure out how to deal with it. They speak to the healer about their concerns and Obi-Wan hears vague directions and odd comments from an internal voice. They decide that joint meditation may prove helpful and Var-Son directs them to the facility's garden.

During their joint meditation, Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan reach out to one another and create the beginnings of a new bond between them. Although not as strong as their previous connection, they both feel it's a good beginning and will strengthen in time. Unbeknownst to them, they have company during their meditations - their ethereal counterparts are watching them and contemplating what if anything they can do to aid the clones along their path. When the meditation is over and both men return to their individual quarters, they spend some time in thought trying to get a handle on their situation.

Both Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan contemplate the events of the past few days and of their joint meditation. They use the datapads they find in their quarters to put their thoughts down and try to come to terms with their unique situation.

Putting their thoughts into words give both men some clarity. Qui-Gon uses the ritual of dressing to add the final level of serenity while Obi-Wan resorts to a more physical activity to release the last of his pent up tension. Obi-Wan shocks Qui-Gon with a bit of overt flirting but is glad to find it is more than welcome.

They join Var-Son for first-meal and answers to more of their questions but get one that they don't expect. The healer is dying and will not be coming with them when they leave the medical facility. With that knowledge heavy on their hearts, they head to the mechanics lab to construct new lightsabers.

The construction of their lightsabers offers surprises as well, the Force leading them to select 2 different gems to power their dual phase sabers. Although time consuming, the process is completed without issues and they leave the lab feeling more complete, lightsabers now hanging from their belts.

Feedback: Feedback is treasured in any way, shape or form, either in comments in this journal or through email to kiowkqgj@yahoo.com or padawanewan@gmail.com

It was only nineteenth hour when they finished with their lightsabers, so Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan decided to head to the dining room for late meal. They arrived to find the expected assortment of food sitting in the warmers but neither Var-Son nor his companion FX-7 droid were around. Even the chef-droid who normally staffed the dining area was absent.

Qui-Gon settled into a seat at the table, spooned a variety of items onto his plate and looked over at Obi-Wan. "Doesn't it seem odd to you that we haven't seen Var-Son since mid-meal yesterday?"

After swallowing the bite he'd taken, Obi-Wan shrugged. "Qui-Gon, there is not much that does surprise me. The man is dying. I rather expect he's either ill or having a lie-in." He took a sip of caffe and then was silent for a moment, thinking. "Not to be a dark bastard, but…" Obi-Wan looked at Qui-Gon. "We might want to see if he's still breathing."

After the past few days, nothing should have shocked Qui-Gon, but these callous, insensitive words coming from his former padawan definitely did. "I didn't realize you'd become so callous, Padawan. But I do think we should check on Var-Son. His absence over the last thirty hours cannot mean anything good."

After saluting Qui-Gon with his cup, Obi-Wan took another sip before replying softly, "Callous perhaps, Master… However, having been a Council member and a Master Jedi myself for many years, I prefer to think of it as occupational pragmatism." One eyebrow was raised and there was no smile on his face. "Master, as I am sure you will recall from the many lessons you passed on to a rather less than realistic young padawan, there are times when one must be the biggest and most pragmatic motherfucker in the room. Today is my day and I am the poster boy for it."

"However," Obi--Wan grinned. "I will try to tone down from 'complete prick' to 'just this side of human'. Will that suit?"

"I would appreciate it if you would show a little compassion to the man who is responsible for us being here. Especially since the man is dying," Qui-Gon admonished. "Pragmatism is fine when it's necessary, but in this case there is no need. Let's finish our meal and we can go and check on Var-Son."

Obi-Wan simply looked at Qui-Gon and replied again, softly but firmly. "You have your way and I mine, Master Jinn. I didn't refer to him as many of the things I could have pulled out of my extensive repertoire of snarky asides and bitchy comments. I am being realistic to a fault. The man is dying and I did offer to see him through to the end." He stood after finishing his drink. "I am finished. I am also not in the mood to argue or 'discuss' my behavior. You cannot change it. You seem to forget, I am no longer your padawan."

Shaking his head in frustration, Qui-Gon pushed aside his plate and rose from his seat. Obi-Wan had always been stubborn and headstrong, but this cold and callous behavior was unlike any he remembered from his former padawan. It seemed that there were still a lot of things that he needed to learn about this older and much more jaded general and master Obi-Wan Kenobi, and not for the first time, he wondered how he was going to come to terms with this new Obi-Wan. "I didn't think asking you to be compassionate to a dying man was asking you to change your behavior but, since it appears that you saw it that way, I will refrain from making further comments." He walked away from the table and headed out the door. "Let's find Var-Son."

"We shall have to agree to disagree, Qui-Gon." Obi-Wan sighed as he walked to the door behind Qui-Gon. He was still determined to make his point. "I do not expect you to understand, nor am I seeking your approval for my level of compassion, as you perceive it." He glanced at the doors as they walked down the corridor and without thinking, had been walking with one hand resting on the hilt of his lightsaber. "I am not going to be ill-mannered or rude; however, even you must admit this whole situation has a ghoulish aspect."

It took all of his renowned serenity to keep from replying in kind but Qui-Gon managed to hold back. He would need to spend some time in solitary meditation to absorb the differences in this older Obi-Wan and figure out how to deal with them. The silence was heavy as they made their way through the hallways towards Var-Son's lab. They opened the door to find the room empty except for a B6 medical droid.

"May I be of assistance, Ser Jedi?" the droid asked as they entered.

"We are looking for Var-Son. Do you know where he is at the moment?" Qui-Gon inquired.

"Var-Son is currently resting in his quarters and FX-7 is attending him. His quarters are at the end of this corridor, on the left," the droid explained.

Thank you," Qui-Gon replied as he turned and headed down the hallway, leaving Obi-Wan to follow as he would. When he got to the door, Qui-Gon's knock was answered by FX-7. "May I speak with Var-Son?"

"He is resting," FX-7 said but a weak voice from inside the room contradicted the droid. "I'm awake. Please come in, Master Jinn."

Entering the room, Qui-Gon was shocked by the sight that greeted him. The man lying on the bed was a pallid depiction of Var-Son, almost unrecognizable as the vibrant scientist whose research and perseverance had given him and Obi-Wan their second chances at life.

It took Qui-Gon a moment to find his voice. "I don't mean to disturb your rest but I was concerned. Is there anything that I can do for you, Var-Son?"

"There's nothing that can be done," Var-Son said faintly. "It won't be more than a few more hours." He took a few wheezing breaths and then added, "Though I wouldn't mind company, Qui-Gon."

Obi-Wan nodded at the healer's words. He wondered if Qui-Gon would actually hear him if projected? Obi-Wan stepped closer and laid his hand on the scientist, trying to release some of the pain from the wasted body. To Var-Son, Obi-Wan softy said, "It's the least we can do." He also sent the thought to Qui-Gon: It's not compassion I lack, Qui-Gon. It's blind faith. I would never allow anyone to suffer.

Relieved to see this more expected response, Qui-Gon replied in kind. You are a good man, Obi-Wan Kenobi - frustrating but good. He pulled up a chair to Var-Son's bedside and settled in for the duration.

They passed the next few hours telling tales of some of the more outrageous missions they had been on during their years together. They kept the stories light and humorous, in contrast to the reality of the moment. At one point, Var-Son asked about his kin, Ki-Adi Mundi, and both Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan told him stories about the Knight and Council member.

As the end grew near, Var-Son began to have more difficulty breathing. Repeating what Obi-Wan had done earlier, Qui-Gon used the Force to augment the man's lungs and to ease his pain until the monitor recording the healer's heartbeat transitioned from repeated peaks to a straight line. The moment he withdrew his aid, Var-Son's chest stilled and Qui-Gon reached up to close the man's eyes.

"Rest in the peace of the Force, Var-Son Meirr," Qui-Gon said. "We will do everything in our power to honor your legacy."

FX-7 approached the bedside and confirmed with his equipment what Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan already knew. The droid drew the sheet up over Var-Son's face and then turned to the Jedi. "I suggest you retire, Ser Jedi. It will take approximately eight hours for me to get the rest of the equipment loaded and remaining preparations for the evacuation of the facility completed."

"Will you need any assistance completing the preparations?" Qui-Gon asked.

"No. There is a lifter droid available to do the heavy work and programs have already been set up for the computer wipes," FX-7 explained. "Once all the work is completed, I have a final set of instructions from Ser Meirr to turn over to both of you. They include his directives for the disposition of his mortal remains, the data on his scientific research and cloning techniques and some minor personal information."

"To us?" Obi-Wan asked.

"Those were Ser Meirr's instructions." The droid handed Obi-Wan a flimsy containing a set of numbers and symbols. "Here are the codes for the ship you will be using for your trip back to the Core worlds," FX-7 said. "It has been maintained regularly and was used for a supply run six cycles ago but I expect that you will want to run through a full series of pre-flight checks before your departure."

Looking at the type and grade of ship, Obi-Wan couldn't stop his faint grin or whistle. "Bloody brilliant! She's going to be a pleasure to fly." He glanced up at Qui-Gon and shrugged. "Battle pilot."

"I see." Qui-Gon shook his head, surprised by yet another revelation about this new iteration of Obi-Wan. Although his padawan had been much more than an adequate pilot, Obi-Wan had preferred journeys where others were responsible for the piloting. "It seems there is no end to the permutations you have undergone."

Bowing, Obi-Wan replied, "I can only thank the brilliant Master that trained me and the Force that gave me the abilities." Then, with a raised eyebrow, Obi-Wan added, "The mere fact that I needed to keep my arse from getting blasted to fragments did help."

They arranged to meet FX-7 in the dining area at 0600 and left the droid to his work. Heading back down the hallway, they quickly reached Obi-Wan's quarters.

"Sleep well, Obi-Wan. I expect there will be more surprises in store for us in the days to come."

Obi-Wan felt it. He felt a moment of prescience. His eyes taking on a faraway look, Obi-Wan replied with a soft but certain voice, "Our lives are going to be different and yet full of many things. Together, always."

Continuing down the hallway to his room, Qui-Gon wondered how long it would take for sleep to come to him.

Qui-Gon found he was feeling more than a little apprehensive when he reached the dining area. Obi-Wan and FX-7 were both already in the room when he entered and turned to look at him.

"Good morning, Ser Jedi," the droid said. "If you have no objections, I will proceed with the information while you break your fast."

"That would be fine," Qui-Gon replied to the droid. Turning to Obi-Wan, he smiled. "Good morning, Padawan."

"Master." Obi-Wan bowed, then gestured to the food. "Let's eat quickly. We've much to do."

When they had both filled plates with food and mugs with tea, they settled into chairs and FX-7 began. "Your ship has been fully stocked. There are enough provisions to support you for at least three cycles. It's equipped with state-of-the-art communication and navigation systems. The equipment containers have been launched and the New Republic relief organization has confirmed that they will collect the supplies. All the information on Ser Meirr's research and procedures has been downloaded onto a secure datapad that can only be accessed with the application of your right thumb prints."

Nodding, Obi-Wan sighed. "At least the data will be secure until we can place it in the hands of the New Jedi Order."

"Sounds like you have set up everything, FX-7," Qui-Gon said. "Is there anything else we need to know?"

The droid walked over to the holo-terminal and slipped in a disk. "The rest of the information will come from Ser Meirr directly."

Before either Jedi could comment, a miniature image of Var-Son appeared and started to speak.

If you are watching this recording, then my time has come. I am certain that FX-7 has followed my instructions to the letter and updated you both on the arrangements.

At this time, I would like to make one final request. Per my instructions, FX-7 has cremated my body and placed my ashes into the wooden trinket box that belonged to my mother. Will you take my ashes back to Cerea and sprinkle them into the sea?

The two of you are my legacy. The history tomes portray both Qui-Gon Jinn and Obi-Wan Kenobi as heroes in the waning days of the Old Republic. Let the Force guide you as you undertake this new journey. Share your knowledge and experience with Luke Skywalker and help him to rebuild the Jedi Order and promote stability in the galaxy. The path may be rocky but I am certain you will persevere.

May the Force be with you, Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan. May you walk in the Light and stand firm in the face of adversity. Your existence is my parting gift to the galaxy and I have no doubts that you will enrich it.

The hologram winked out and FX-7 popped the disc out of the unit.

Obi-Wan whispered, "And the Force be with you. There is no death." Looking at Qui-Gon, Obi-Wan pulled up his hood. His demeanor was that of the General. "Master Jinn, we have been granted a second chance and owe a debt." He held out his hand to the droid for the box. "Shall we repay that debt and go teach a few New Republic Jedi what the Old Republic Jedi knew about the Force, my Master?" Obi-Wan was silent for a moment, before continuing, "Shall we be together and show them how to dance with the Light and fight the Dark?"

"I do believe that it is time, my Padawan," Qui-Gon replied before turning to the droid. "And what of you, FX-7?"

"Once you and Master Kenobi have left the station, Master Jinn, I will initiate the self-destruct sequence and board a small module that will dock with one of the equipment containers in orbit," the droid explained. "When I am certain that the lab has been fully destroyed, I will initiate the final step which will be my own memory wipe."

"Would you not prefer to accompany us and assist the Jedi Healers in the New Republic?" Qui-Gon asked.

"Thank you but no, Master Jinn," FX-7 replied. "After decades working with Ser Meirr in numerous clandestine facilities doing secret research, I find the notion of using my skills to assist with relief efforts very appealing. It will be a new start for me as well."

Qui-Gon looked intently at the droid, taken aback by its humanitarian response. Though with what Ser Meirr had accomplished recreating himself and Obi-Wan, having FX-7 exhibit this type of emotion should not have been such a surprise. "I am certain you will make a valuable contribution wherever you end up."

Walking over to join Obi-Wan, Qui-Gon smiled and palmed open the door. "Let us embark on this new journey. I have no doubt that no matter what types of adversity occur along the way, together we will face and overcome anything."