Disclaimer: The whole of the Star War Universe belongs to Lucas Film. Shashini and Khadila are mine. This story is for purely entertainment reasons only and no profits are received.
Two will always fight, The room was dark. Only lit by the glows emanating from two lightsabers, one purple and one orange. They clashed, sending sparks throughout the room and lighting two very determined faces in the darkness.“Khal, I suggest you give up,” a woman's voice called between gasps.
“Why….? I almost…have you!” Khadila answered as the purple lightsaber moved in for the kill. Suddenly the orange glow went out.
“What the hell!?” Khadila yelled as suddenly the orange blade appeared behind her and made the killing move. A few moments later the lights came up in the room and Khadila turned to face her Master.
“Shini, what kind of game are we playing here?” Khadila asked angrily.
“Only a reminder that you should rely more on the force and less on what you can see,” Shashini answered. “Besides,” she added smiling, “it's the only way that I can beat you, and it worked!” Khadila was forced to smile at the exasperated yet pleased look on her Master's face.
“Ambassadors?" came the soft voice of co-pilot Jordans. "You asked to be informed with time to change before we make planetfall. We should arrive in a little over an hour." Kas's Jordans was surprised to see that Jedi, who only were stoic and always seemed emotionless were laughing and enjoying themselves in the ships cargo area. If only she could get Captain Hardens to see that they were as human as the rest of the world. There was no way that Captain would believe that though. In all the years that they had transported different Ambassadors they had come to see only one kind of Jedi, it looked like Jedi never ceased to amaze after all.
“Come Padawan, we need a 'fresher and change of clothes before we meet the peoples of Kaanan.” Master and Apprentice left the hold talking quietly of little things on the way to their rooms.
In her room Khadila Prem, Jedi Padawan, showered quickly and tied her long brown hair into a high ponytail. Tossing on her Jedi robe and brown cloak, she stopped for a glance in the viewing glass before she headed to Shashini’s room. Khadila was reminded, when she saw her own five foot four inch frame, brown hair, blue eyes, and muscular body how different she and Shashini were. There we sixteen years between Shashini’s 38 and Khadila's 22, but problems occurred because they looked so close together in age. Shashini Yee was just under five-foot tall, with gray green eyes, long white hair, pale skin, and fine features. When they first met Khadila questioned her ability to give respect to someone she constantly had to look down to see. She soon learned that like Master Yoda it was easy to show respect to her diminutive Master. With those thoughts floating around her head, Khadila left for Shashini’s room.
Khadila and Shashini had dressed in identical tunics but Shashini had chosen a cloak in a much deeper shade of brown than her Padawan's. Shashini had also placed the jewel, traditional of her people, where the mythical ‘third eye’ would be on her forehead. Looking up from her datapad she watched Khadila enter, execute the perfect bow, and then seat herself in the proffered chair next to Shashini.
“Let’s do a run down of the information we have so far, shall we Khal?”
“We are arriving on Kaanan, a planet renowned for it’s natural tropical forests. It’s the rainy season there, by the way. Two different groups are in contention for the crown of the King. Rulers of the planet are elected in a vote made by representatives of differing sections of the planet. The present King is very near death and a new King needs to be elected. One of the electees, Veltar, is supported by powerful companies and rich offworlders who live planetside. The other electee, Jaishon, is supported mainly by the general populous of the planet and a few companies and offworlders. The problem is that there have been several attempts to take Jaishon's life in the process of the elections and the Imperial Senate and the members of Jaishon's court suspect they are hired hands of Veltar." Khadila looked to see Shashini nod for her to continue. "The Supreme Chancellor would like us to keep Jaishon alive long enough for the elections to take place so that a rightful ruler can take the crown."
“Anything else you can think of?”
“None Master.”
“Good so far. If there is still trouble after the election we will being staying on in Ambassadorial and Negotiator positions until the Council decides what other measures will be taken. We can only protect him though. If we catch the attacker fine, if they confess fine, but no and I mean no chasing after the an attacker who does not attack." Shashini gave her Padawan a fixed look before smiling again. "I did that once and that was when we just started together," Khadila replied.
"One more thing, though. The Council asked us to deliver a message to a Jedi Knight and his Padawan who are training out of communications range here somewhere. I hope you weren’t in a hurry to get back to Coruscant when we were done, ‘cause it looks like it may take a few days to find them.” The wall mounted com-link came on and the co-pilot announced communications would be made with Kaanan landing in five minutes, would the ambassadors come to the cockpit to be on hand for that. “I guess that’s our cue to become the mysterious Jedi Ambassadors,” Shashini smirked as she pulled up the hood of her cloak, tucked her hands into it, and led the way to the cockpit.
The ArdiannaXII approached Kaanan and the captain contracted the landing port in Million on the surface.
“ArdiannaXII, you are clear to land in hanger bay 19. The Ambassador’s escort will be waiting for you there,” came the announcement planetside. The Captain turned to the Jedi. “Sorry to bother to have you come up here but I wanted you to close in case there was any trouble.”
“Good,” replied Shashini, “we will wait for the landing and then depart immediately for the negotiation tables. You are to remain on standby until further notice.”
“As you ask lady,” he answered. Khadila and Shashini exited the cockpit as the Ardianna started her descent into the atmosphere of Kaanan towards the city of Million.
Exiting the Ardianna off the landing ramp, the two Jedi were greeted by Lalea, an Ambassador to the Imperial Senate from a nearby planet who was hoping to help settle this dispute. “Master Jedi Yee, Jedi Padawan Prem, it is an honor to have you amongst us so soon,” Lalea started. “Do you need time to rest from your journey or would you prefer to meet those you will be working with?”
“We have come to protect and would like to start,” the Master replied.
“Of course. This way please.” After traveling through the landing complex, the small assembly entered the large living complex. From there they proceeded to the center of Million to the Imperial gardens, where the young electee Jaishon awaited them. He was taller that Khadila with the pale blue skin of the Kaanan people and no older that 18 years. Jaishon was surrounded by his court and councilors as well as other palace officials. After the introductions the Jedi and Jaishon retired for the night.
It was a hellish month. Everything that could have gone wrong did. The Imperial Senate had to send more help for the two Jedi only a week before the election. There were questions as to weather or not the election would be rigged and neither side could afford to risk that the other might do such a thing. There had been more than twelve attempts on the life of Jaishon with no one taking claim for the offensives and no one was ever caught that would speak as to who had hired them. After being in peace talks for almost two years the Jedi found themselves thrust into a battle zone. The day of the election came and went. The voting was supervised by the Imperial Senate after the whole fiasco about rigged voting. In the evening Jaishon was declared the heir to the crown and the royal guard took over the duties involved in protecting him. The two Jedi retreated to their rooms in the palace to lick their wounds. They had spent a total of 36 hours in various med-bays across the planet over the month and both were desperate for a retreat. First, however, they had to report to the Council and the Senate.
The call to the Senate was quick and painless with Supreme Chancellor Palpetine congradulating them on their success. The call to the Jedi Council took longer. They were grilled on methods and practices and then Master Yoda had to add something before they were dismissed. "Very tired are you, yes? Many long months have you been working. Rest you will. Come with the Jedi to Coruscant, rest," the old Masters eyes shut slowly at the statement. "Come to peace with this turn of events you each must. Meeting and closing of souls is this." He opened his eyes again to look at the young Jedi. "Go, may the force be with you."
Awaking bright and early with the second of Kaanan’s three suns, Khadila immediately knew this would be a good day. A quick stroll to the garden and a peek out the window revealed that Shashini was in morning meditations. Knowing her Master wanted to make an early start, Khadila quickly readied their travel packs and then joined her. Dressed in their oldest tunics and their robes, the two grabbed their packs and headed in the direction the other Jedi had gone months ago when they had landed. For in the closing of souls,
Although the sun was high and bright in the morning, by mid afternoon rain had set in, soaking slowly through the cloaks and tunics of the women.
“They had to send us here during the rainy season.” Shashini laughed, her face betrayed her voice, as it was screwed in an unpleasant grin. "I guess this won't be as pleasant a day as you thought Padawan."
“Not only that, but these two couldn't train in civilization this year could they,” Khadila added with a snort. “Now Khal,” Shashini began in a lecture mode, “we all connect with nature. We feel closest to the Force there more often then not. Just because most of them feel like nature is those holo-vid gardens on Coruscant is no excuse!” She finished with a chuckle, "Not that I ever thought this Master had a grip on the living force."
“Make no mistake. I like it really I do, but it’s too wet today. Perhaps we should have waited another day. Who are we looking for anyway?”
“Master Kenobi and his Padawan Skywalker are out here according to Council Member, Master Windu. I am starting to wonder how far away they thought they needed to get, though.”
“The name sounds familiar but I can’t think why. Should we know them?”
“Maybe you do, I know the Master at least.” A happy look crossed Shashini’s face, but it was replaced by a look of extreme sadness. Shashini hid her face quickly from Khadila, and her voice was light and laughter filled when she continued. “The Master is an old, ugly man. Maybe you can pick yourself up a date to the Supreme Chancellor's ball next month! I’m remembering you say something about attractive older men. Right?” Khadila’s snort was the only response Shashini got. They traveled on in silence for some time, moving quickly and soundlessly in the direction of the other Jedi.
Later, after moonrise, as the two women began to setup camp for the night, they felt a faint ripple in the Force. It came from an approaching presence. Khadila reached under her cloak for her Lightsaber and dropped into a guard position. Shashini however stood straight, slightly behind her Padawan. She silently commanded her Padawan to hold, staring intently into the trees. A young boy of about ten emerged slowly from the trees.
Khadila looked on startled as Shashini spoke, “You must be Skywalker. I am Shashini Yee and this is my Padawan Khadila Prem. We have come to see your master, Kenobi. Will you take us?”
A nod of his head was his response as they quickly departed through the trees. No one spoke as the boy lead them through the rainy forest to a small clearing. Inside the clearing was setup a camp of sorts. Sitting under the lean-to watching the fire was a young man of 26 years, dressed in the robes of a Jedi Knight. At their approach he quickly rose and hurried towards them. Sweeping Shashini up in an embrace, he swung the short woman around as if she was a young child. Khadila stared in shock at the young Master Kenobi, old indeed! Khadila didn’t know that Shashini had been in such a joking mood earlier.
“Master Yee! I didn’t realize it was you until just moments ago. I didn’t know you had a Padawan. But anyway, how have you been?” he finished breathlessly as he finally set her back down.
“Calm down Obi Wan!” Shashini started. “You can call me Shashini or just Shini now Knight Kenobi. When last we talked my Padawan was in the infirmary, I assumed that your Master had told you about her. Obi Wan Kenobi, this is Khadila Prem.“ The sparkle left her eyes as she pulled him away from their Padawans to speak privately.
"I am sorry I couldn’t be there for you when he was gone. They didn’t even tell me because I was aiding in another set of peace talks, but I felt it." Tears stood in the Master's eyes. "Oh, Obi Wan, I do miss him dearly.”
“Master Qui Gon was your closest friend, I know. I tried to reach you but couldn’t” he turned his face from hers.. “He left us each a little something special you know,” here Obi Wan paused. “I think he knew it was coming… I have been carrying yours," he looked down to met her eyes again, "hoping to see you soon.” Reaching into his robe he handed her a minidisk and walked with her to a nearby datapad so Shashini could view it.
Khadila had been left with Skywalker at the clearing’s edge. New souls will met,
“I’m Anakin and you’re Khadila, “ the boy said matter-of-factly, sticking out his hand. She shook it. Anakin lead her over to the fire and away from where the two Masters were talking. When Anakin noticed how Khadila kept looking over to their Masters every time a ripple of sadness passed through the Force, he added, “They’re talking about him you know.”
“Who’s ‘him’?”
“Obi Wan’s Master, Qui Gon Jinn,” he stated as if that explained everything.
Khadila looked up to see Obi Wan give Shashini a disk from his robe and lead her to a nearby datapad. “What’s wrong with him, that they are so sad?”
“He returned to the force,” Anakin responded. “It happened about ten months ago. Obi Wan had disks for certain people Qui Gon made not too long ago. That’s what they are looking at now. Hers,” he continued indicating Shashini, “is the last one he had to give out. Obi Wan said he wanted to give it to her in person instead of mailing it like the rest. He said she and Master Qui Gon were good friends.”
Khadila looked up to see Kenobi place his arms around her Master and lead her to a nearby tent. Less than half an hour later, he joined them at the fire.
"Is she going to be ok?" Khadila asked the young Knight.
"I think so. She wasn't expecting the disk from him, I think maybe I just should have destroyed them all."
"I'm sure that Master Shini is glad that you shared it with her, even if it makes her sad."
"I hope so," with that Obi Wan lightened the mood of the conversation up. "It will take about two days to get everything in the area straitened out so that we can head back to civilization. I was thinking that Master Yee could give Anakin some pointers in wilderness survival." Anakin nodded at this. "She said that you could use a new opponent in Lightsaber practice. She told me that she keeps getting you with the same move she always used to get me too. Perhaps we can come up with a solution to the problem. What do you think?"
"That would work out great with me," Khadila replied.
Obi Wan began to bank the fire for the night. "Anakin and I will sleep out here tonight, you can join your master in the tent." Wishing everyone a good night Khadila turned in for a night of rest.
The next morning came early for the Jedi. Breakfast was prepared by Shashini and Obi Wan and was ready by the time their Padawans awoke. They spent the bulk of the morning working on tearing down the temporary camp in the forest. It was mid-morning before Shashini broke the silence to suggest that they all take a break. New days will dawn,
"I think that perhaps Anakin and I will take a walk in the woods. Perhaps we can find something to make dinner more appetizing." Her eyes sparkled as she added, "Not that I am trying to say that your cooking lacks something, Obi Wan. Khadila, you should show Obi Wan your lightsaber skills. Watch out though he is a real tiger when cornered. Come on Anakin," she added standing and heading towards the woods, trailed by the young Padawan. Khadila and Obi Wan both laughed as they heard Shashini start the familiar lecture about the force in nature and the nature of the living force. Khadila and Obi Wan were soon left alone in the glade. After they cleaned up what was left of lunch they took Shashini's advice for a little Lightsaber practice. They were often away from the temple and Khadila was resigned to fighting with her Master or performing lone Kata. It would be a wonderful change to practice with another Jedi.
Khadila engaged in her warm up sand asked Obi Wan, "Tell me what happened to your Master?"
"He was killed on Naboo, by a Sith," flashes of remembered pain crossed his face.
"Gods! I'm sorry I shouldn't have pried. I just wondered because of my Master."
"They were very close friends. I would assume if soul bonds weren't forbidden by the council between Knight's with Padawans, they would have been formed one long ago. When they met he was training his first Padawan, he took his second right away. Later he mourned a loss close to him and when he was ready to move on I crept into the picture. I had hoped that after I left they would be together, but they would have had to wait for you anyway. Holding that disc was the heaviest weight I have ever carried."
"Ten months ago we were at the Bancub-Nirg talks. One night after a very long and trying day Master Shini collapsed and they took her to the infirmary. Later the same night Master Yoda called and she took the next day off. I thought it was all because we had exhausted ourselves, but I see otherwise now. The next day the Supreme Chancellor tried to tell us the talks were a lost cause and we should come home, but she threw herself back in with a vengeance. They settled in three months time. It is sad to lose someone and not be able to deal with it directly, now, thanks to you she can." They took up fighting stances.
"Let's keep this casual, I don't want to tire us out and leave dinner to the others."
"Sure," Khadila responded. Why don't you tell me how you met your Master?" As their 'sabers crossed Obi Wan recounted the sorted tale of Bandomeer.
The boy, Anakin, was full of life and questions. He asked about everything from the world around them, to the living and unifying force, and then about his Master. Shashini had all kinds of stories about all the trouble that Obi Wan stirred up as a youth and shared some of the lessons that Qui Gon had taught him. It was a busy afternoon. She tried to share everything she could think of. They looked around for the living force until even Anakin got cross-eyed. He asked her why she was so intent upon it. "Anakin, the living force is half of a whole. Your Master happens to be very strong in the Unifying force. I just want to make sure that he doesn't neglect the other half too much. Anyway that is my strong suit. I was often left with the healers when my Master had to go somewhere a Padawan was too young to go. I learned alot." Shashini looked to see the second sun getting ready to set. He asked about 'being a Jedi'. "I know about your mother and I know that there is nothing that you want to do more than see that she is free and as soon as possible, but that is not what a Jedi does. When you are a Knight you must listen to the wisdom of the council and always take care. We are the peace keepers and negotiators of the republic. We help and respect all peoples, but we can't do anything to bring war down on the republic. What we do or don't do is for the greater good of all people. You don't understand now," she added stopping him before he even got started, "but you will sometime, and soon. Come on now, help me gather the last of this Tellasi root and then we will make dinner. I will tell you how I met Master Qui Gon. What a sordid tale that is."
Dinner was even better than the previous meal thanks to the additions by Anakin and Shashini. While they ate Obi Wan and Anakin told the other Jedi how they met and the misadventure that took place on Naboo. They laughed when they learned about Jar Jar, thrilled with Anakin when he got lucky in space, cried with Obi Wan when he faced the Sith, and were happy for the people of Naboo when they liberated their own world and learned as lesson in tolerance and acceptance. Old lessons are taught,
Next Shashini kept her promise to young Skywalker and told the story of how she met Qui Gon Jinn. When she was 16 her Master, Y'sin Perdon was called to witness the Royal wedding on the planet of Eberb. "Now the planet of Eberb isn't a place that you want to visit on a normal day, let alone when there is as big a social event as this one. When Y'sin went away somewhere that I couldn't go he often left me in the care of Master Healer Desat. The second day that I was under his supervision they brought in a young Knight who was covered from head to toe in the blackest, smelliest, stickiest goo I have ever seen in my life. Mind you this was not a life threatening situation, he just told us that no matter how much he washed he couldn't get it come off. As it turns out he had gotten involved with with a Seplhian in the lower city while buying tea for his sick Padawan. The only thing that was really recognizable were his eyes and the second that I saw them, my breath was taken away.
"It took three hours to get it all off him and to add injury to insult, he had to save his head because we couldn't get it out of his hair." Obi Wan laughed, if a Jedi was allowed one vanity then his hair was Qui Gon's. "Of course I couldn't tell if he liked me like I liked him and he was older then me and a Knight. Of course in love and in the force age didn't matter anything at all. I did see him on and off for the next few years. Later on we met more and more and eventually his Master, Yoda pointed out to us that we were on our way to a soul bond. At that time we both still had training bonds, he with his Padawan and I with Master Y'sin. I was Knighted the same year that Xanatos left Qui Gon's side for the dark. He mourned for a long time and the council pressured me to take a Padawan, there was one whose Master had died of the Velux Flu and he needed his training completed. I worked with him for six years and then he passed his tests. By then Obi Wan had crept into Qui Gon's life and we would have to wait a little longer.
"In the end even though the force would allow us a soul bond time wouldn't. I took Khadila as Padawan when her Master had to 'leave' the order. We thought that as soon as Khadila passed her trials we could finally take some time off. However... things didn't work that way." Shashini turned away from the fire. A sad look crossed Obi Wan's face. "No, Obi Wan, even if you hadn't come along something else would have, it wasn't destined to be. With this disc, his gift to me, and the picture of him as a giant human gunk ball that I stole from his medical record, I will always remember him." Shashini lifted the happy somber mood of the group when she announced, "All good Padawan's must wash the dished tonight because the Masters are drying. Remember to get them clean we are leaving at first light and we wouldn't want to get them out next time to see that something had grown on them." An all out water war resulted from the chaos that washing dishes in a stream with two Padawan's can cause. The whole group went to their tents tired and happier than they had been in weeks.
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