Warnings: 1) No betas: caveat lector. 2) My depiction of Dagobah is based on vague recollections of TESB, which I saw a couple of times when it first came out. If aspects of the story are contradicted elsewhere, I can only wave my wand and say the magic words, "AU, AU, AU." One element of my story that is definitely missing from TESB I try to explain away in the addendum.
Their spaceship had been enshrouded by the dense cloudy atmosphere of Dagobah for what had seemed like hours, and Obi-Wan Kenobi was eager for an unobstructed view of the planet. Like generations of initiates and padawans before him, he had been brought up to revere Master Yoda, the oldest and most powerful living Jedi. By extension, the ancient one's homeworld was generally regarded as a shrine to the living Force. The gnome-like master's policy of keeping specific details about Dagobah to himself and a trusted few only lent an added glamour and mystery to the place.
Moving to one of the view ports, he pressed his nose against the pane. *The cloud cover certainly doesn't let in much light to the surface. How did Master ever manage to land this shuttle?* As his eyes adjusted to the dimness outside, his brow crinkled in puzzlement. *What _is_ this? We're in the middle of a swamp. Could we be on the wrong planet?* He quickly suppressed the notion; surely Qui-Gon Jinn was incapable of such a miscalculation.
Trusting that his misgivings would be allayed once they debarked, he headed for the entry hatch. While he managed to slow his movement to something approaching an acceptably dignified pace, he could not repress the occasional bounce on the balls of his feet or the anticipatory gleam in his aquamarine eyes. After all, this was his first trip to Dagobah.
Qui-Gon Jinn followed more sedately, suppressing his amusement. *Oh, to be thirteen again.* As former padawan to Master Yoda, he was quite familiar with Dagobah's attractions - or rather, the lack thereof. The Jedi master hoped his student wouldn't be too disappointed when confronted with the planet's physical reality. This visit should prove useful in reinforcing previous lessons on the dangers of judging things based solely on their face value - lessons that Obi-Wan was not always mindful of.
The excursion to Dagobah was unplanned. Master and apprentice had recently completed a field assignment on the planet Malthus when Obi-Wan contracted a particularly virulent local variety of the flu. Their departure had been delayed due to the government's strict quarantine regulations and it was four weeks before local authorities gave the young Jedi a clean bill of health. Then, in the midst of arranging their return to Coruscant, Qui-Gon had received a special request from the Temple. Master Yoda's annual retreat to his native world had concluded and he was in need of transport back to Coruscant. Of those Jedi currently in the field, Master Jinn was the closest to Dagobah, so would he mind making a small detour? Master Jinn had indeed been pleased to comply. It would be the first face-to-face encounter with his old master since he had departed for Bandomeer in the company of his not-then padawan. There were a few matters Qui-Gon was interested in discussing with his former teacher - particularly the role a certain green, three-toed gnome had played in arranging for that company. Qui-Gon Jinn didn't believe in coincidences.
At last the entry hatch opened and the young apprentice took a few enthusiastic steps forward before coming to an abrupt halt. The first thing that impressed itself upon his senses was a gust of odors that made him wish the flu medications had not done such an efficient job of clearing his sinuses. The air was thick with various unique organic aromas, given weight and texture by the all-pervading dankness. Obi-Wan knew that Dagobah's Force-rich aura was a reflection of its abundant flora; from his current first-hand experience, he could now also confirm that at least some portion of that vegetation was in an advanced state of decomposition. The young apprentice had rarely experienced an assault of such magnitude on his olfactory sense. Gasping, eyes watering, he started to reach for the portable breather attached to his belt, then halted and instinctively looked to his master for guidance.
*Force, but I'd forgotten just how _robust_ the air was,* Qui-Gon realized, much to his discomfort. Only decades of training enabled him to maintain a semblance of his usual calm demeanor. "Embrace it and let it flow through you, Padawan. You will gradually become accustomed to it".
*I'm not the only one here breathing through my mouth.* Obi-Wan wasn't quite confident enough to bring this observation to his master's attention.
As if that thought had been transmitted through their still- developing training bond, the older Jedi gave his student a sharp look before clenching his jaw and deliberately inhaling through his nose. *Definitely worse than I remember.* He had to swallow a few times, but was finally able to assume his usual placid facade. Qui-Gon realized with surprise that pungent though they were, the odors evoked a stronger than expected nostalgia for the times he had spent here under the tutelage of his diminutive master.
Obi-Wan sent him a dubious glance, but followed suit. Aware of his mentor's scrutiny, the Jedi novice took a cautious whiff and made a valiant effort to appear unaffected. This goal was somewhat spoiled by a fit of coughing. He recovered enough to send his master a rueful, watery-eyed grin. "I think Dagobah's rich air is too heady for a mere padawan like me. Is it safe to assume that Master Yoda's sense of smell is not too keen?"
The older Jedi appeared to give the matter serious thought before he responded dryly, "That is a distinct possibility; however, now you've discovered why he keeps this place such a closely guarded secret. The destructive potential of a few canisters of this air in the wrong hands is something that would strike fear in the hearts of sentient beings everywhere".
=======
After resigning himself to the unique properties of Dagobah's environment, Obi-Wan became aware of the total lack of any sounds generated by mechanical or technological means. There were hardly any sounds at all, except the occasional far-off screech of some avian life form or the faint splash of something breaking the surface of the swamp. In addition, the dense cloud cover that concealed Dagobah also impeded dissipation of the planet's surface heat. Combined with the lack of any air movement, the effect was that of a greenhouse: hot and humid. The young student thankfully complied with Qui-Gon's instructions to leave his robe behind in the shuttle.
"It would probably be best to protect your lightsaber from the damp, Padawan." The older Jedi suited actions to words by stowing his own saber within the folds of his tunic.
At this reminder, mild though it was, Obi-Wan flushed guiltily. The damaging effect of moisture on a lightsaber's power cell was something all initiates learned before being entrusted to use one. He hastily tucked his weapon into his inner tunic and resolved that next time he would remember on his own.
"Follow as closely in my footsteps as possible, Padawan," Qui- Gon cautioned next. "This place can be treacherous for the uninitiated or the unwary." The older Jedi chose not to disclose the very real possibility that their present route might unexpectedly mutate beneath their feet. Master Yoda seemed to have a form of shared consciousness with his native world through the Force, and if the ancient one did not wish to be found, the very planet would cooperate in protecting him. Pathways once accessible might suddenly be swallowed up by rising swamp waters or blocked by an impassable tangle of underbrush. Some of Qui-Gon's early training exercises in using the Force had consisted of finding his way back to his master's home - blindfolded - after the ancient one had rearranged the landscape. In the present case, Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan were expected and he didn't believe his old master would hinder their approach; however, the younger master was familiar enough with his elder's idiosyncratic sense of humor to keep alert.
Between the humidity and slogging through the swamp, Obi-Wan was all too successful in following his master's dictate to embrace the environment and was well on his way to becoming one with it. The spikes of his padawan haircut were clumped into patchy tufts as if forced to cling together for survival; his usually jaunty braid was anchored as if by a stone weight. The only respite from squelching through shallow water and mud was provided by the occasional dry patch created by centuries of fallen leaves and dead wood that had compacted under their own weight to form an island of sanctuary. There was no corresponding relief from the moisture that dripped constantly from surrounding vegetation.
Obi-Wan focused on his master's movements and tried to emulate the older man's almost feline grace. For a large man, Qui-Gon was surprisingly light on his feet. His boots and leggings showed remarkably few traces of the mud and stains that festooned the corresponding attire worn by his apprentice. Even his long hair, bound back with a tie, didn't seem to absorb as much moisture as his student's. Obi-Wan fervently wished that his command of the Force were at a level that would enable him to cushion his footsteps from actual contact with the ground. His thoughts wandered through the past year, searching for examples of Force use by his master. A pattern soon became apparent: Qui-Gon used his powers, Force-enhanced or not, solely to defend others - including his padawan - and to avoid serious injury or death. Even in the latter case, his actions were never self-serving but based on the fact that his being alive was necessary to aid and protect those who depended on him. Even now, his mentor was using the Force solely to guide them, not to ease any temporary physical discomfort or deflect muck from his clothes. Thus reminded of the true nature of a Jedi's vocation, Obi-Wan winced at the pettiness of his earlier wish to use the Force simply to avoid a little mud. *I wonder if I'll ever be able to live up to Master's high standards.* He once again marveled that such an eminent master had actually consented to take one Obi-Wan Kenobi as his padawan learner. Even after nearly a year, he found it hard to believe; there were still occasions when he woke up shivering from nightmares of what might have been. He recalled the derision of Bruck and his cronies and the even more painfully humiliating pity of friends once they had learned of his assignment to the AgriCorps. Unconsciously, the boy sought reassurance by reaching for his braid, the tangible and irrefutable proof of his apprenticeship.
Qui-Gon caught the gesture as he turned to check on how his student was faring. *There he goes, tugging on that braid again.* He had noticed this habit several times before and recognized the accompanying feelings of self-doubt and insecurity that leaked through his student's nascent shielding. The older Jedi had observed that while Obi-Wan did not falter during moments of crisis or danger, given time to brood he was subject to these moods. If pressed, Qui-Gon might have considered that his repeated rejections of the boy throughout the whole Bandomeer affair had contributed to his apprentice's lack of faith in himself; nonetheless, the Jedi master was surprised to find himself at a loss for dealing effectively with the issue. It was not something that he had much experience with. *My two previous padawans didn't suffer from this anxiety to such a degree; quite the opposite in the case of Xanatos....* As if by automatic reflex, his mind shied away from those events that had precipitated his own loss of self-confidence.
*I keep forgetting how young Obi-Wan is. It's easy for me to overlook that when he's proven so capable of handling many difficult situations over the past year.* He recalled the mature resolution and composure of a twelve year old Obi-Wan in the mines of Bandomeer, offering up his life to save others; the utter tenacity and sheer will power that had defeated the memory wiping "renewal" process on Phindar. On Gala, he had faced up to his error in judgement without excuses or petulance, and then done what he could to provide redress for the consequences of that lapse. After nearly a year of non-stop missions, Qui-Gon had come to respect - and yes, he realized, depend on - his padawan's resiliency and spirit. *Still, it's past time we returned to Coruscant. He needs the stability and interaction with his age-mates that the Temple can offer. As for this insecurity, I can but hope that it will fade as his abilities grow. If not, perhaps I will need to consult with my old master.* Then, recalling the frequency and vigor with which that wizened being applied a certain cane to recalcitrant padawans and former padawans, he reconsidered. *This is something Obi-Wan and I need to resolve between ourselves. Perhaps it would be a good idea to accelerate his combat training. He excels at physical exercise and already has a highly developed weapons sense. The training should bolster his confidence.* That settled, he became aware that the subject of his musings was giving him an uneasy look and realized that he must have been staring at the boy for quite some time. In order to dispel the awkward moment, he offered some encouragement through their training bond. /It shouldn't be much longer now. We should reach Master Yoda's home shortly./
A degree of relief was apparent in Obi-Wan's expression, but he did not entirely relax. He tried to interpret the intense scrutiny his master had subjected him to. *What did I do - or didn't I do? Is he angry that I didn't remember about the lightsaber? Surely he can't scold me for getting dirty - or can he? Right now I must look like a very sorry excuse for a Jedi.* He gave his braid another pull.
Qui-Gon inwardly sighed. *I guess I should be grateful that he doesn't chew on it as well.* He gave his student one of his rare smiles, noticing how the boy's spirits seemed to revive at this sign of approval. "I suspect a meal would be welcome at this point and Master Yoda is quite familiar with the appetites of young padawans - or at least he used to be."
=======
After a few more minutes, they came upon a small clearing and spied a familiar wizened green figure sitting on a log, tapping the ground with his cane. "Padawan, waiting have I been. Wondered, I did, if lost you were. Remember the way you did not?"
Obi-Wan couldn't believe his ears. The great Qui-Gon Jinn being taken to task as though he were a mere initiate - and a not too bright one at that? This was not the kindly and benevolent Master Yoda the boy had encountered at various times during his initiate days at the Temple; he could not ever recall hearing the ancient Jedi sounding so testy. The young student suddenly remembered rumors circulated among the initiates regarding the ancient one's expertise at, and zeal for, targeting various body parts of offending beings with his infamous cane. Obi-Wan decided it might be a good idea to remove himself from the line of fire and assumed the classic padawan stance: head bowed, hands clasped together. He regretted leaving his more concealing robe in the shuttle.
*He's up to his usual tricks.* Long familiar with the humors of his former teacher, Qui-Gon acted as though Master Yoda had greeted them with the most fulsome of welcomes. "I'm glad to see you looking so well, my Master. And no, I didn't get lost. If we seemed to tarry, it was because I was reliving old memories of this place."
The little green gnome assumed a more cheerful expression. "Hmmm... yes, fond recollections have I, as well. Remember I do, that time camping we were and a snake in your bedroll crawled. So fast out of bed, never saw you get." He beamed at both of his visitors, inviting them to share his mirth.
Qui-Gon closed his eyes for a moment and took a calming breath. *Yes, definitely up to his old tricks.*
Obi-Wan was half scandalized, not quite certain whether Master Yoda was being serious. The notion of a panic-stricken younger version of his master scrambling out of bed was so incongruous with his own experience of the man that his mind simply refused to cope with it. He concentrated on the more immediate concern, casting an alarmed glance around. "We didn't see any snakes on our way here. Do we need to look out for them?"
"Padawan of my padawan, need to worry _you_ do not. Drop out of trees they do, and better target your master is."
/Thank you so much, my Master./
/Welcome you are, Padawan mine./
=======
With a flourish of his cane, Master Yoda directed them toward his dwelling at the far side of the clearing. He then gave his former apprentice an expectant look and Qui-Gon responded automatically to the familiar hint by lifting the ancient one on to his shoulder and starting off for the house. The youngest of the three Jedi followed, fascinated and perplexed by the interaction between his elders. Obi-Wan was not skilled enough to read his master's feelings through their training bond, but there were faint undercurrents that the boy could sense through the Force.
*Once a padawan, always a padawan in a master's eye, I guess. Was Master Yoda trying to provoke Qui-Gon? And yet, it didn't seem to bother Master. It's almost like an old, familiar game between those two. I wonder if Master and I will ever develop that kind of ease?* He carefully tucked this wistful hope away with all his other youthful aspirations.
As they neared the house, Qui-Gon's steps slowed. He regarded the entryway, concealing his dismay. *It's even smaller than I remember. I really would prefer not to subject my padawan to the edifying sight of me trying to squeeze through.* He deposited his old teacher in front of the entrance and tried to think of a plausible excuse for staying outside.
"Come in, you must. Rest you can, before journey back."
Obi-Wan stood back to allow his elders to precede him but neither seemed inclined to go first. Master Yoda blandly eyed his former apprentice while the object of his regard continued to hesitate. After a bit, the ancient master's left ear drooped and he sighed. "For you, fine stew prepared have I. Much trouble have I gone to and try it you will not?" He appeared mortally wounded at this lack of appreciation.
Obi-Wan gazed up at his master with surprised reproof. Caught between the crossfire of their regard, Qui-Gon decided his only option was to surrender as gracefully as he could. "As you wish, my Master," he sighed. *That expression still works on me and the little green troll knows it.*
Like twin beacons, the faces of his former master and current padawan lit up. They exchanged pleased glances, resembling fellow conspirators to such an extent that Qui-Gon began to wonder whether his student's mind-speech abilities were more developed than he had assumed.
Leading the way, Master Yoda passed through the entryway. Following next, Obi-Wan found the passageway a bit snug even though he was by no means considered large for his age. As for his master...! The young apprentice had to call upon all his Jedi discipline to maintain his composure. He was certain that levity would not be appreciated. *The muscles in my face and stomach are going to be sore for a week.*
Qui-Gon actually _wiggled_ - there was no other word for it - in order to enter the structure built on such a reduced scale. He was only too well aware of his audience; once he was finally inside, he shot an aggrieved look at his elder and spared a piercing glance for his apprentice. He was met in both cases with patently guileless looks. Then Master Yoda commented as if to himself, "Good that excel at the seventh kata you do." The seventh kata was commonly referred to as the "snake" kata.
At this Obi-Wan's frail poise broke. He desperately tried to convert his laughter into coughing, but it lacked somewhat in verisimilitude. Master Yoda quickly intervened, shamelessly taking it upon himself to support the boy's threadbare ploy. His expression one of concern, he patted Obi-Wan's hand. "Heard, I did, that sick you have been. Not fully recovered you seem." He gestured for the padawan to make himself as comfortable as the dimensions of the house permitted.
=======
Before allowing his natural curiosity free rein, Obi-Wan covertly examined his boots to see just how much mud he had tracked inside. When he realized that the floor essentially _was_ dirt, he gave it no more thought. Still carefully avoiding his master's eye, he gazed around at the interior. Whatever material the dwelling was made of - wood? stone? mud? - it was basically one room; curtained alcoves and a few honeycombed partitions gave the illusion of separate chambers. He scrunched up to make room for his taller and wider master. It took a bit of shifting about before the two humans were able to find positions that would allow them to eat in relative comfort without endangering their elbows or displacing the contents of Master Yoda's shelves. During this process, their host kindly offered suggestions on where to move - some of which were even helpful - interspersed with agitated yelps for caution when they seemed in danger of knocking one of his prized possessions off a shelf. Obi-Wan soon discovered that the only comfortable position for himself was cross-legged on the floor. His master ended up partially curled around one of the inner walls, both feet under the ancient one's bed.
After giving them time to catch their breath, their host indicated that they should help themselves to the contents of the cooking pot simmering over the hearth. Given the physical limitations involved, Qui-Gon directed his student to do the serving honors. *I remember so well doing the same. That even looks like the very same pot that he used when I was his padawan. It was _always_ stew and he never varied the seasonings. He never revealed what those spices were and since they certainly didn't improve the flavor, I became convinced that they were the secret to his being so powerful in the Force. I thought that by eating as much of that stew as possible, I too would grow strong in the Force.* He shook his head at the woefully misguided naivete of his younger self.
After surreptitiously wiping his hands on his tunic, Obi-Wan began ladling stew into three bowls. His attention was caught by the well-worn condition of the encrusted cooking pot. *I wonder if he ever washes it.* He sternly told himself to dismiss such an unworthy and nauseating idea. *Master must have pretty much lived on this stuff and it doesn't seem to have done him any harm. Hmm... I wonder is there's something in it that made him grow so tall.* He eyed the unappetizing sludge with more interest. Although his mentor assured him that he still had a few years to go before achieving his full height, the boy was a bit sensitive about his lack of inches. As he turned to pass the first bowl to their host, Obi-Wan came face to face with a flaw in his theory. *It certainly didn't have that effect on Master Yoda. Wait - maybe it only works on humans. Natives of this planet must be immune.* His face brightened with the satisfaction of vanquishing the inconsistency in his hypothesis.
The small master settled down by the hearth to eat, ignoring the fire's heat. For several minutes there was a lull as all three Jedi concentrated on eating.
*The taste certainly hasn't improved,* Qui-Gon thought wryly. He blinked in surprise when he heard his apprentice politely ask for seconds. *Surely he can't have enjoyed it? Maybe his taste buds are still dulled from his illness. Then, too, it just might be his youthful appetite asserting itself.* He watched as Obi-Wan started in on his second helping. Judging from the boy's expression, he wasn't deriving any gustatory pleasure from the meal; still, his padawan seemed determined to ingest every particle. A sudden intuition brought a slight wrinkle to his master's brow. *He can't possibly have come to the same erroneous conclusion I did about the stew's imaginary benefits?* The thought made him groan inwardly.
Master Yoda cackled with glee, "So, like my cooking you do? More tasty than Temple food, this is, hmmm?"
Obi-Wan responded as diplomatically as he could. "It's very, um, filling."
"More you need? Special stew, for growing young ones good it is."
Obi-Wan's ears pricked up at the words "special" and "growing".
As he started to respond, Qui-Gon hastily interrupted. "Padawan, you've had your fair share. I think you should leave the rest for our host. After all, it's the last sample of Dagoban cuisine he'll be able to enjoy for a while." *Thank the Force he's never managed to find the ingredients on Coruscant; otherwise the entire Order would have gone on strike.*
His former master turned to him with a knowing gleam in his narrowed eyes. "Padawan, finish it up, you need to. Only one bowl you ate."
Qui-Gon Jinn had been a Jedi master for decades; he was regarded as the Order's premier lightsaber fighter and one of its most skilled negotiators; his affinity with the living Force was unmatched. In spite of all his expertise - or perhaps because of it, he knew better than to try and beat a certain three-toed gnome at his own game. "Yes, my Master," he sighed, holding out his empty bowl.
=======
Obi-Wan dutifully took charge of the post-meal tidying up, making sure that the cooking pot received a thorough washing. While he was thus occupied, his master took the opportunity to engage in mental conversation with their host.
For some time, Qui-Gon had suspected that his old master had had a hand - or in this case, a claw - in the Senate's decision to send him to Bandomeer a year ago. He was even more convinced that the little green troll had made certain that Obi-Wan would be traveling there at the same time. In all likelihood, he would never be able to get the ancient one to openly acknowledge his involvement, but the mere challenge was something Qui-Gon looked forward to. He was sure his master also relished the mental and verbal sparring that was so integral a part of their relationship.
/You must be feeling quite pleased with yourself,/ he sent as his opening volley.
/Pleased?/ came the cantankerous reply. /Cause to be pleased have I?/ Then his master did the unexpected by refusing to engage in his usual tactics of feigned ignorance and evasive maneuvers. /Pleased _you_ should be. Fine padawan he is, and strong in the Force./
Qui-Gon blinked at the sudden vehemence behind those thoughts.
Relenting, Yoda continued in a gentler tone, /True to you and your teachings this one will be - not like that _other_./ Ever since Xanatos' defection, the Jedi elder had refused to refer to him by name. /Troubled on that account, you should not be. Allow past to dictate present, do not. Believe in him, you should; believe in yourself, you must./
Eight hundred years had done nothing to blunt his master's perception. /So, you still have confidence in my teaching abilities and feel certain that I am the boy's best choice?/
/Well matched, you are. Sensed this, I did before. Sensed it, _you_ did./ This was sent with a touch of exasperation and the hint of a challenge.
/Knowing something isn't necessarily the same as accepting it, Master. And before you say so, I know that in this case I still have much to learn. Both my padawan and I have much to learn together./
His elder was not placated so easily. /Hold back from him, you do. Grow strong the bond cannot. Must share, master and padawan both. Mentor he needs, not remote Jedi ideal./
/I'm far from perfect, as you of all people should know. But a master needs to maintain a degree of distance in order to secure his padawan's respect./
The ancient one gave the equivalent of a mental snort. /Know more than _me_ you do, of training padawans? Earn his respect you can, and still human be. But master to padawan at first always perfect seems. Know you as man, not worshipped hero he needs./ Having delivered the message he intended, Master Yoda resumed in a more bantering tone, /Help you with that, I can./ He couldn't quite conceal the crafty glint in his eyes.
/I'm sure you can,/ his former pupil sent dryly, thankful the lecture seemed to be over. He conceded the need to meditate further on how best to achieve the proper balance in his relationship with Obi-Wan. /You've made a fine start already and no doubt you're determined to do a thorough job. But I couldn't possibly add to the burden of your other Temple and Council duties./ He took care to sound solicitous.
/Help my Padawan, no trouble it is./ The epitome of selfless generosity. And obstinacy.
*Sigh.* /Would it be asking too much for you to refrain from enlightening him about that little incident on Riazan?/
/But best story that one is./ The wizened one sounded like a child told he must abandon his favorite toy.
/I don't see how I can inspire the respect due a master from his padawan if you insist on telling him that tale. I'm sure you have more than enough other stories to get your point across; you're trying to humanize me, not undermine my credibility. Besides, I could tell him a thing or two about you. Remember your reception by the natives of Nestario?/
/Need to know that, the boy does not,/ the ancient one hastily sent.
/So, you agree not to mention Riazan?/
/As you wish, Padawan mine./ *Heh. Forbid he did not, story about Qui-Gon, astromech droid and Senate floater pod.*
Each believing he had scored a coup on the other, both masters were pleased with the results of their negotiations.
Their silent conversation had not gone unnoticed by Obi-Wan. *I guess they're discussing Masterly things beyond the comprehension of a lowly padawan.* He hesitantly cleared his throat to signal that he had completed his chores. When both his elders turned to him with satisfied smiles, he wondered what the joke was. *I'll never understand those two.*
=======
Declaring that it was time to leave, the eldest master made a final inspection of his home. When all within had been settled to his satisfaction, the three Jedi departed in the same order they had entered. This time Master Yoda had the grace to distract Obi-Wan by inquiring about his recent travels, for which Qui-Gon was grateful. He squirmed with as much dignity as he could muster under the circumstances, all the while regretting the second serving of stew.
Once outside, he discovered that his master had appropriated Obi-Wan as his mode of transport. With a motion of his cane, the ancient one assigned Qui-Gon the task of carrying his gear. Fortunately, it was all in proportion to its owner's size and easily handled.
Obi-Wan felt a tap on his head. He turned to look at the wizened features of his passenger and found himself the recipient of a conspiratorial wink.
/Chose you, I did, to carry me because not so tall you are. Remember, the snakes./
Startled into a grin, the boy hesitantly sent back, /Did one really get into his bedroll?/
/True it is. Tell you other stories, I can. Hear them, you wish to? Hmmm?/
Qui-Gon caught the gist of this silent exchange, as he suspected the little green troll had fully intended. /Master, remember: not a word about Riazan./
/Trust me you must, Padawan mine./
Deciding that in this case it would be wiser to take the offensive, Qui-Gon turned to his apprentice with rueful smile. "Padawan, it might be better if you heard the story from me. This way you'll be assured of getting the unembellished version. In all deference to Master Yoda's age, I'm not sure if he remembers the details accurately...."
He was rewarded for this impertinence with a whack on his shoulder. He was spared further blows when Obi-Wan tactfully moved himself and his passenger out of range.
Unexpectedly touched by the protective gesture, Qui-Gon sent with less formality and more warmth than usual, /Thank you, Padawan./
/You're welcome, Master. It's the least I can do./ His student's response was a mixture of shyness and pleasure. /I'm just thankful you didn't pick up _that_ particular habit from your master./
As Qui-Gon smiled back, master and padawan shared a moment of complete accord and empathy.
Somehow, Master Yoda's indignant protests at the insult to his mental acuity went entirely unheeded.
Addendum:
And now, the answer to the question: If Dagobah smells so bad,
why didn't Luke hold his nose and let out a huge "Pee-ew!" when
he got there? Choose one of the following:
1) Between the garbage compactor on the Death Star and the night stuffed inside the taun-taun on Hoth, his sense of smell had long since given up and surrendered.
2) Yoda whammied his nose so he: a) wouldn't turn around and leave after one whiff; and b) wouldn't be distracted from his training.
3) He liked the smell.
4) George Lucas cut the scene during final editing. He was
afraid of the negative impact on sales of Yoda toys if they
were associated with a place that smelled like a compost heap.
Considering that Yoda _looks_ like something that might have
crawled out of a compost heap, Mr. Lucas was probably right.
(Of course there's that Sesame Street character who lives in a
garbage can, but he's much cuter.)
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