The planet Onlon loomed before the small transport ship, a
rotating ball of brown with blue dotting here and there. Obi-Wan Kenobi eyed the
view with misgivings. The mission had stated that a small dispute between the
government and it's people was threatening to escalate into civil war. Onlon was
a new member of the Republic, important in its trade and active in its
membership in the Republic. Powerful people were worried about the outcome of
the martial escalation.
Qui-Gon Jinn also stared out of the viewport, seeing the same view as his
apprentice, but different thoughts floated in his mind. Their mission, the
Supreme Chancellor had informed him, was to contact both leaders of the factions
and ascertain what the grievances were. If possible, negotiate a cease-fire
until the proper Senate ambassadors could be dispatched to handle the situation.
If negotiation was not possible, report back to the Senate the nature of the
grievances so that the proper course of action could be taken.
It seemed fairly simple in its entirety, but Qui-Gon knew that more lurked
beneath the surface. This was more than upset citizens rebelling against a
struggling government. Something more was at stake, though what it was Qui-Gon
could not determine.
Obi-Wan seemed excited about the mission. Qui-Gon admitted to himself that
their time since Qui-Gon had taken Obi-Wan as his padawan on the mining planet
of Bandomeer had been spent in dull and mundane missions. These missions were
important but lacked the excitement and challenges the padawan craved. Qui-Gon
feared that this mission was going to give both of them their fair share of
excitement and challenge. Qui-Gon wasn't sure he was ready for this, but fate,
and the Force, decreed otherwise and down the path laid forth he would go.
"It doesn't seem like a very important planet," Obi-Wan told his master,
still eyeing the planet through the viewport.
Qui-Gon suppressed a smile and maintained his cool exterior. "Remember that
looks can be deceiving. Onlon is an excellent trade center with the Outer Rim
and their citizens have become very active throughout the Republic. They have
made themselves very important."
"Hmmm," was all Obi-Wan would comment and he turned from the galactic
scenery. "I should get my things then." The boy headed toward the door that led
to the corridor, but paused when Qui-Gon cleared his throat. The boy turned back
to his master, face expectant.
"Grab only essentials. I'm sure we'll be doing a lot of traveling, young
padawan, and wondrous though your ship models are, they will do us little good
planetside." The boy's face twitched in disappointment but he bowed respectfully
to his master and continued his departure.
The communicator in the side console beeped at him and Qui-Gon opened the
channel, revealing a holographic image of the Jedi Council's great master, Yoda.
"Master Yoda!" Qui-Gon exclaimed, surprised at the unexpected call. He had
expected the pilot stating that the ship was preparing to land. "To what do I
owe the great honor?"
"Listen well, Qui-Gon Jinn. Disturbance in the Force, I feel, so slight, feel
you not. Danger lurk where you go." The small green troll-like creature frowned,
his droopy-eyelids drooping even more. "Not happy with your mission I am. Watch
back and keep eye on padawan you will. Right this is not."
"Master Yoda, I don't understand," began Qui-Gon, alarmed at the insistence
in Yoda's voice. The one-sided conversation had put him on edge and he reached
out with all his might to the Force to sense this disturbance the old master
spoke of, but he felt nothing.
"Understand I know not too. Know only what Force tells me. Keep eye on self
and Obi-Wan. Trust only those the Force guides you to. Powerful, desperate
enemies you will face." Yoda's sleepy-visage blinked away but not before Qui-Gon
saw the expressive ears twitch in frustration.
It bothered Qui-Gon that the master could sense danger on the distant capital
planet of Coruscant, but he felt nothing except the gentle peace he normally
felt with the Force. It also bothered the powerful Jedi master that Yoda could
not even pinpoint what the danger was enough to give an accurate warning. It
bothered Qui-Gon a great deal.
So much in fact that Obi-Wan picked up on the irritation immediately when
they met up again near the exit of the transport ship as it finished it's
landing procedures on the planet's surface.
"Something troubles you, master?" asked Obi-Wan, securing his light pack on
his shoulders, leaving both his hands free should trouble arise.
Qui-Gon noted that Obi-Wan was still carting around his meager possessions,
but refrained to comment on it this time. There were more important issues to
discuss than Obi-Wan's refusal to do without his few luxurious personal items.
"Master Yoda senses great danger ahead for us, but I sense nothing." He
watched as Obi-Wan frowned at the news and stretch out his own feeling of the
Force for signs of disturbance. Qui-Gon hoped the boy would sense something, but
he did not.
"I sense nothing as well, Master Qui-Gon," the boy shook his head. He
adjusted the pack one more time before they headed down the ramp and into the
bright sunlight of Onlon.
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