“Master and Apprentice” - From a Certain Point of View

"Master and Apprentice", by Claudia Gray, is from the point of view of Qui-Gon Jinn. This story takes place shortly after the previous story, "Rites." Qui-Gon communes with his old Padawan, as Obi-Wan prepares to execute the plan for which he has waited so many years. It is a touching story, and may alter your perspective of Obi-Wan's efforts in A New Hope.

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WARNING: This is a plot summary of the short story, spoilers ahead:

The story begins within The Force, as a conciousness slowly brings itself together, and gives itself the form it had when it existed as a physical being. Qui-Gon Jinn has gradually mastered his ability to separate his individuality from the greater Force, and commune with the living. At first, he was able to connect with Obi-Wan, in a sort of telepathic manner. But his knowledge of the process has grown over time, and knowing the gravity of the situation for his old padawan, he has decided to give himself a more corporeal form. As he tunes himself into the moment, he "sees" Obi-Wan, and along with him, the two droids that had been there from the beginning. Seeing them brought a sort of comfort to Qui-Gon, as it seemed like everything was coming full circle, and the time was right for the next step.

Qui-Gon misses Obi-Wan's companionship. He marvels at Obi-Wan's incredible fortitude and dedication to the Force, despite his life path having brought him nothing but tragedy. Anyone that Obi-Wan had ever loved, has died right before him: Qui-Gon, Satine, Padme...and while Anakin did not die, it would have been preferable to what he had become. Yet Obi-Wan knew that there was but one way that everything might be righted, and that was to watch over Luke Skywalker until the time was right to set him on his proper journey. Obi-Wan did this in almost complete solitude on a miserable planet. Qui-Gon connected Obi-Wan several times, not only to teach him the knowledge of maintaining his conciousness within the Force after his death, but also just to help him through his time on Tatooine, which otherwise lacked any form of companionship. Now the moment was almost upon them. Luke had sought out Obi-Wan, and his journey was about to begin.

Qui-Gon assured Obi-Wan that his decision to keep Luke's father's identity secret was the correct one, lest Luke be overcome with the wrong kind of emotions, and go off the rails just like his father. They had an exchange of guilt, each saying they had let down the other, but in the end, Anakin had been provided all of the tools necessary to follow the good path, but he chose otherwise. Obi-Wan was now anxious. After years of waiting patiently, he was concerned that Luke would be killed by stormtroopers when he rushed off to his homestead. Qui-Gon told him that it was certainly possible, but he must be patient and let Luke discover his destiny. Qui-Gon knew that Obi-Wan would be with him soon.

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