Qui-Gon could see that his Padawan was struggling. He was tempted to push him further to see if he would open up, but knew that was not the right choice. What Obi-Wan needed was a bit of time, just as Qui-Gon himself did on occasion.
The room in the retirement complex was quiet for several minutes.
Then Qui-Gon spoke.
'I think we should go outside and spar,' he said. 'It has been too long since we did lightsaber training together.'
Qui-Gon was hoping that the physical activity would help his Padawan release some tension — and piece things together in his mind. Regardless, focusing on something entirely different would be a good change of pace.
Obi-Wan seemed reluctant as they exited the building. But once he was outside and facing his Master, his eyes flashed with an intensity that surprised Qui-Gon. The young Jedi ignited his lightsaber, and Qui-Gon did the same.
The two Jedi circled each other slowly with their lightsabers raised, as if in a dance. Obi-Wan moved gracefully, his eyes locked on Qui-Gon's.
It was as if he were challenging him to do something, to make the first move.
Qui-Gon did. He brought his lightsaber down in a powerful strike — once, twice, three times. Obi-Wan was there to block each blow. The graceful arcs he made with his blade were confident and accurate. His eyes never left his Master's face.
Qui-Gon suddenly realized that his Padawan's lightsaber skills had improved significantly in the past months. His physical energy was exceptional — young and true. Obi-Wan was fighting like a Jedi Knight.
Not to mention trusting his instincts, Qui-Gon thought wryly. He suddenly had the feeling that one day the boy would beat him. And that such a day might not be so far away.
The two Jedi dodged and weaved with incredible speed, their ignited blue and green blades blurs of energy in the Vorzyd night. But behind them pulsed something even stronger-Jedi will. Obi-Wan wanted to be treated as an equal, Qui-Gon knew. But while he had grownup a lot in the last four years, he was only seventeen. He still had much to learn.
With each stroke, Qui-Gon pushed Obi-Wan farther back. It was not terribly difficult. But even as he advanced on his Padawan, Qui-Gon had the feeling that Obi-Wan was allowing him to do it — that the Padawan was somehow in control.
He was. In a flash of blinding green light Obi-Wan swung, ducked, and turned. His blue eyes flashed and a small smile turned up the corners of his lips. He now had the upper hand.
Qui-Gon was accustomed to this kind of haughty strategy coming from an enemy. But it was slightly unnerving to see it in his own Padawan learner. And yet it had worked.
As if picking up on his Master's thoughts, Obi-Wan stepped up the pace an additional notch. Now he was swinging repeatedly and with phenomenal strength, pushing Qui-Gon in a wide arc around the courtyard.
His green blade was a bright blur in the darkness, and his entire body moved with certainty and empowerment.
Qui-Gon had to concentrate — hard — to keep ahead of his Padawan.
They had fought side by side often enough for him to be able to guess what Obi-Wan would do next. Of course, the same was true of Obi-Wan. And once in a while the young Jedi blocked a blow so quickly that Qui-Gon knew the boy had known exactly what was coming.
With a flash and a buzz, the lightsabers met in a raised cross. Both men were breathless, sweating from the exertion. This had been no lighthearted spar.
Obi-Wan looked up at his Master, his eyes bright and intense. It was clear that he had not actually won the match, but that he had stated his case firmly. Something had changed between them. Obi-Wan had taken yet another step toward becoming a Jedi Knight, and Qui-Gon was closer than ever to letting him go.
Without speaking, the two Jedi switched off their lightsabers and headed back into the retirement complex.
'You must go to Grath,' Qui-Gon said quietly. 'The students and the laborers have much to teach one another.'
Obi-Wan nodded. 'I agree,' he said. 'As you have had much to teach me. I am grateful, Master.'
Qui-Gon felt a surge of pride. Obi-Wan was a good man, and would be a great Jedi Knight. 'We learn from each other, Padawan,' he said. 'But thank you.'
Obi-Wan nodded. 'I think I should find Grath immediately,' he said.
'I see now that there is still a chance for us to stop the dispute, to get the two sides to listen to each other. But we do not have much time. I think that deep down, the students and the adults want the same thing.'
'Yes, deep down,' Qui-Gon agreed.
Chapter 18
Obi-Wan slept soundly through the night and awoke with a clear head.
He knew exactly what needed to be done, and was prepared to do it.
After donning his Jedi robes, he left the retirement complex, walked over to the Ports' homespace, and knocked on the door. It seemed as though Grath were standing right on the other side, because the door slid open immediately. Obi-Wan was surprised to see Nania behind him.
'We were just getting ready to come look for you,' Grath explained.
