The Force of Coincidence Who: Obi-Wan Kenobi [Narrative] What: Arrives in L.A. Where: Tatooine, then near the Riverside Homeless Shelter When: After midnight Rating: PG
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Desert nights on Tatooine were cruel. Sand storms picked up unexpectedly and threatened any creature lacking shelter or thick reptilian skin. Off in the distance, easily heard by those living on the outskirts, were the cries of Tusken Raiders moving their settlements. And the lights of a Jawa transport flickered, quickly becoming unnoticeable because of the wind and dust.
Sometimes, on a clear afternoon, Obi-Wan could make out the shape of the Lars homestead from a tall dune not far from his hidden abode. It was from this distance that he kept a close eye on the moisture farm. Owen would be furious to know that after two years he was still surveying the area to ensure safety for the Lars family and the young toddler they were raising, but Obi-Wan had made a promise. A promise and an oath. And no number of arguments with Owen Lars would stop him from protecting the small boy he'd left in their care. Even if he did know that the man was constantly berating him as a crazy old hermit who lived an unsafe distance from any major city.
Maybe he was right. It had been a long time since Obi-Wan had kept the company of others. He wasn't completely disconnected from the galaxy, but he was impressively isolated. Considered dead to the Empire and the eccentric desert wanderer Ben Kenobi to those who knew of him in the area. But that wasn't many people. In fact, aside from Owen Lars and Yoda (who was halfway across the galaxy,) Obi-Wan had ceased to exist.
But that's what exile was all about. Obi-Wan closed tight the door to what had become his home before the storm arrived. He had been sensing its approach for hours now, but never worried about it causing him harm. If his powers had diminished so much that he couldn't avoid a simple sand storm, then he didn't deserve the task he had accepted. The task of becoming a lone solitary figure for the sole purpose of protecting one child from a vast and destructive empire.
Once inside he sat on the floor. Deep breaths were inhaled to clear his mind and calm his spirit. This was a ritual he had practiced every morning and every night since departing to Tatooine. A practice that Yoda had promised would allow him to connect with the spirit of his fallen master. In time, Yoda had said. Great patience must you have. Waiting for you Qui-Gon is.
But how much longer must I wait?!
True, Obi-Wan had become much more understanding and wiser over the years. But he still had some of that padawan impatience in him. It would be years, maybe longer, before he finally came to terms with that aspect of his nature. It was embarrassing. Even out here, in the endless desert tundra, no other Jedi within light years, he was embarrassed by his inability to control that one emotion. Of course, it wasn't nearly as overwhelming in himself as it had been in his padawan. But it was a constant reminder of how easily one could slip over to the thrall of the dark side.
'Yoda warned you about keeping my defiance,' a familiar voice said. Not aloud and not in his mind. Somewhere in his soul, surrounded by the force, Obi-Wan could hear his old friend and mentor. But Obi-Wan didn't open his eyes from his meditation, for fear that he would lose the voice and any possible image that went with it.
"Yoda warned me about a lot of things. I guess I don't listen too well."
Obi-Wan heard, or maybe imagined, Qui-Gon's chuckle.
'Neither did I.'
"It's true then. We never run out of things to learn."
'Spoken wisely, my young padawan, my old friend. You have grown up faster than I would ever have expected.'
"I do like to surprise."
'And surprises like to befall you. But don't let this next one destroy your spirit. Even now I don't understand everything there is to know about the force. But let it guide you. It will help you find your way.'
Obi-Wan's forehead wrinkled in momentary confusion.
"I don't understand, master. What do you mean, this next one?"
'Trust me, Obi-Wan. Have I ever let you down?'
It was a tough question. And for a moment Obi-Wan felt like he was a young padawan again. Faced with one of the tests of the trials. He could think of one incident where Qui-Gon had failed. But was it a true failure? Obi-Wan couldn't see that far into the future. And the future surrounding Anakin had always been ... cloudy.
Obi-Wan opened his eyes to reply, but the words never left his mouth. He was no longer in his home. And from the rush of emotions and senses and feelings from those around him, he was no longer on that desert planet in the outer rim. He was somewhere else entirely. Though, where, he was not sure.
"Hey, man. Nice cloak!"
Obi-Wan turned to look at a disheveled old man in torn clothing, carrying a see-through bag of (what Obi-Wan could only describe as) 'stuff.' And he smelled. No. Reaked. Of filth and trash and lack of bathing. Obi-Wan tried not to turn up his nose and contort his expression. It was difficult. But somehow he managed.
"I beg your pardon?"
"Nice cloak. I'll trade you for it."
"Uhm, no thanks. I think I'll keep it," Obi-Wan replied, instinctively tugging his Jedi cloak closer around his body. It was colder here than his previous location. Cold and, somewhat unfriendly. "I don't suppose you could help me out. You see, I'm--"
"Yeah, yeah. I know. Hungry, tired, cold. Come on. I'll take you to Riverside. They even got free internet. Well, only one computer. And it's about fifteen years too old. And the nuns won't let you look at ... well, you know. But if you need to find a job, they'll help."
The old homeless man began to wander off.
"I, I--" Obi-Wan stuttered on his words for a moment. "I don't think you understand. I need to--"
"Trust me," the stranger replied. He coughed afterward. It was deep and gutteral. It didn't sound at all healthy. "When have I ever let ya down? Huh?"
Obi-Wan paused midstep to stare at the man in disbelief. If he weren't a Jedi, he would consider it a case of coincidence. But there was never coincidence when the force was involved.
"Come on. They got the best soup kitchen this side of L.A. And you can shave if ya want."