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A sudden rumbling woke Qui-Gon up from his deep sleep, causing him to sit up with a start. He looked around, rubbing his eyes and peering out of the rectangular porthole window. The bright lights of passing stars flew by, glowing in a way that told him the ship was traveling through hyperspace. He yawned and scratched his short hair, slowly rousing to consciousness. He rose from his bed pallet, his Padawan braid falling over his shoulder.
He walked with bare feet to the front of the elegant ship they always traveled in, peeking into the cockpit. Master Dooku sat in his chair at the controls drinking a steaming cup of tarine tea. His dark eyes stared out the window, and he didn't move when his student approached.
“Master? Where are we going?” They'd been stationed on a Jedi outpost for two weeks, where they'd been under orders to defend the locals from a gang of raiders that had been attacking and raiding nearby villages.
Dooku sipped his tea before answering, “To Alderaan.”
Qui-Gon blinked. “Alderaan? The outpost—“
“Is secure. We were relieved of duty.”
Qui-Gon plopped down in the co-pilot's chair, crossing his legs and getting comfortable. His loose and sleep-rumpled robe was in a stark contrast to his master's immaculate appearance. Dooku had on a brown and black Jedi robe ensemble. His dark hair was combed back from his forehead, where gray could be seen blooming at his temples. The neatly trimmed goatee-beard combo that grew on his face was also speckled with glints of silver.
“Oh. Why are we going there?”
“To train.” Dooku's eyebrow raised, and he glanced at him.
“Ah. What sort of training?”
Dooku lifted his head and looked out at the stars, “When we arrive, I'd like you to guess.”
“Of course,” he said, deep in thought. What kind of training could he learn on Alderaan? He was excited to find out the answer. It had been a while since they'd genuinely gotten the chance to train together without bandits or pirates shooting at them. However, he couldn't be sure they weren't being sent to Alderaan to clear out a sudden pirate problem. He didn't want to jinx it.
“Get dressed, clean up,” Dooku ordered.
“Yes, Master,” Qui-Gon said, hopping off of the chair and doing as Dooku asked. It didn't take long before he was also presentable. He wore standard tan robes that were already getting too small for him. Qui-Gon was tall, lanky, and hadn't quite grown into his new height yet. He shaved his whiskers, but secretly couldn't wait until his scraggly adolescent scruff grew into a distinguished beard like Dooku's.
***
Once they'd departed hyperspace, the ship's large window was taken up by a vast and beautiful blue planet, who's surface was dusted with white clouds and large patches of green. They'd been here only a few times before, always on something diplomatic or serious. He wondered if they'd get to see a new part of the planet.
They arrived at a small port, surrounded by merchant ships and locals. When they docked and departed the ship, curious eyes of all kinds turned their way. Dooku didn't spare them a glance, just minded his own business as usual. Excitedly a few children and women waved at Dooku and Qui-Gon as they passed, calling out to them with mirth. Qui-Gon waved at them in a friendly manner, while his master nodded or gave them polite salutations.
A market was their first stop. This area was filled with massive green trees, thick grasses, and lovely wildflowers. Forests caged them on all sides, with grand mountains looming in the distance. It wasn't too hot or too cold, and a gentle breeze blew the Padawan's hair. It was gorgeous here, he could feel this place was strong with the Force. As his master bought things and put them in a dark purple bag, he would hand them to Qui-Gon to carry. The locals here seemed happy to see them, waving or giving them free things like pieces of fruit or bits of candy.
Dooku navigated the social interactions with charisma and grace, never once ignoring their calls or refusing the gifts. Qui-Gon hoped one day he would be as talented at speaking to others, all this attention made him rather shy. “Master, why are the people acting like this?”
His master pointed to a distant building, which looked abandoned. “There was a large series of earthquakes on this side of the planet six years ago. Many Jedi came to assist in finding the missing, healing the injured, and directing repairs. Most of these people had never even heard of the Jedi before. Now they see us as heroes, and often ignore it when we suggest we were just doing our duty.”
“I see,” Qui-Gon said, taking yet another bag from his master.
“Well, I've been trying to guess what training you have in store for me, and I think I've come up with an answer.”
His master turned to him, expression expectant.
“Meditation. I can feel how strong the Force is here. There's so much life and energy around us. I'd be surprised if it was anything else.”
“Correct.”
Qui-Gon felt a rush of joy, but didn't let it show. After the trip to the market, he and Dooku walked the rest of the day through the woods along an overgrown and often unmarked path. It wasn't until they'd reached a hill and a break in the trees that his master spoke to him again.
“We are heading there,” the older man said, head nodding to something Qui-Gon couldn't see yet. He walked further and nearly gasped when he saw the amazing sight before him. They'd stopped at the top of a ridge that overlooked a giant mountain lake, with distant hills and ridges beyond. It was lush and wild, filled to the brim with plants, animals, and shining water. Near the banks of the lake he spotted a cluster of small houses. The strong breeze ruffled his clothes and whipped his Padawan braid around. It had to be one of the most enchanting places he'd ever been. His heart swelled with all the life and vibrance he saw. There was so much light here.
“Come along,” he heard Dooku say, who had started down the path leading down the ridge.
“Coming!”
The small village along the lake was picturesque—and adorable in his opinion. He could see himself as an elder Jedi, too old to help with outposts or missions, spending the remainder of his life in a place like this. So calm, quiet, and colored with the best parts of the Force.
Their destination was a small cabin which Dooku had a key to. It must have been a place Dooku came frequently, because the inside was far more expensive looking than the outside. There was a loft room upstairs, a bedroom downstairs, a small kitchen area, and a bathroom. Dooku went around back and turned on its connection to the main power grid of the town. Once the lights came on, a television screen and holo-command pad flickered to life in the living room area. The floors and walls were made of polished, orange-tinted Alderaanian wood. It smelled like the planet’s variant of cherry berries he’d been snacking on during the hike here.
Once he and Dooku got settled in, the older man made them some tea and set some cakes and sweet dumplings out on the table. While they ate, Dooku read a non-fiction novel from Naboo, and Qui-Gon read a history book from the Jedi temple. It was peaceful. Instead of training that night, they ate dinner and went to sleep.
In the morning his master took him to the lake, got a boat, and they went fishing. They brought back their catch and had it for lunch. Dinner was rice, beans, and a tasty curry. That night they had tea and cakes again. It wasn’t until the second day of this that Qui-Gon realized how well-rested he was. How long had it been since he’d gotten to just sit back and enjoy nature? It was so nice, but also concerning. Was this training? Was he supposed to be doing something? He almost felt antsy. Was Dooku testing him or waiting for him to ask to be trained?
Master Dooku had a cook’s apron around his waist and was expertly fileting the fish they’d caught with his sleeves rolled up. It was Qui-Gon’s job to remove the scales from the fish with a special knife.
“Master?”
“Yes, my apprentice?” Dooku responded, voice a deep rumble.
Qui-Gon put the fish down and looked at him with hesitation.
“Was I supposed to have been doing something this whole time?”
A smirk tugged at Dooku’s mouth. “You are free to meditate at any time. I encourage you to do so. A mastery of meditation while performing simple tasks will lead to great things. You know it's my wish for you to be able to meditate in battle.”
“Of course,” he said, picking the fish back up and scraping it. Small iridescent scales glittered on his arms as he worked, thinking about his master’s words. So, Qui-Gon closed his eyes and let out a soft sigh, attempting to try and train right that second. ”Ow!”
Glancing out of the corner of his eye, Dooku watched his Padawan wave his finger about and lick blood off of his thumb.
“Patience, Qui-Gon. Perhaps try again when you’re not holding a knife?”
Sheepishly, he chuckled and put down the tool. “Yes, I’ll be right back.” Qui-Gon escaped to wash his hands while Dooku continued to prepare their dinner.
On the boat the following day, Qui-Gon cast his line, seeing the mist above the water’s surface swirl and rise. He could hear the chirping of amphibians and insects, the calling of birds, the occasional splash from a distant part of the lake, and the sound of his master cutting fruit slices. It was perhaps the most peaceful His mind had been in what felt like forever. There was usually someone needing him, or other Padawans around. When was the last time he just relaxed and did nothing? He honestly couldn't remember. He closed his eyes, opening his mind to everything around him. He breathed in the fresh air, and felt the Force around him. He was a Padawan skilled at meditation, but only in a quiet dojo with no distractions. He could do this, now, when the distractions were like music, and not really distracting him at all.
He found himself feeling the fish below, his master's energy, the animals in the trees, the decaying things in the underbrush, and after a moment, the people still sleeping in their houses. The Force was strong, flowing through him with ease. His mind was open, and he could tell a fish was about to bite his lure just before it did so because he sensed its energy. He opened his eyes, watching the line plunk down, ready. He tugged and began to reel in his catch. He was still in a meditative trance as he removed the fish from the hook and decided to let it go.
***
It had begun to gently rain outside as Dooku stirred the soup bubbling away on the stove. Gui-Gon was looking out of a foggy window, completely at peace. He'd spent most of the day challenging himself to perform tasks while meditating, surprised that he wasn't exhausted at all. This was so refreshing.
"I wish we could do this all the time," Qui-Gon sighed wistfully, fascinated by the tiny rivers of raindrops sliding down the glass.
Dooku had a spoon to his lips, taste testing the soup. He hummed satisfactorily, and dropped in a few spices. He came to sit at a table, tucking his arms into his robe sleeves. "But you can."
"What do you mean?" Qui-Gon turned to him quizzically.
"Your memories of this place will remain, even after you go. Sometimes when a Jedi finds himself in a dangerous place, having a calm one to go to in your mind can help."
Qui-Gon pondered this as his master continued.
"One day you won't need that crutch anymore, and you can find peace even in chaos. True meditation through the Force, once achieved, can make any place you are just as relaxing and calm as this one. A Jedi who has a level head at all times is a Jedi who will succeed, who will survive. It is one of our most important lessons."
The Padawan nodded, understanding the importance of Dooku's words. Could he really do it one day? Fight an attacker with a mind so calm, it was as if he was here in this lakeside cabin?
"Thank you, I will remember." After a moment of silence, Qui-Gon chuckled, "So does that mean we won't be taking another vacation anytime soon?"
Dooku turned to him with an amused look, mouth hinting at a smile, "I wouldn't count on it."
***
"Master! Catch! Catch it!"
Obi-Wan had been running along the rooftops above him, and slipped, throwing one of the eggs in his arms they'd been tasked with retrieving clear off of the building. He was reaching out for it and couldn't seem to grasp it with the Force.
Qui-Gon lifted a hand and the egg was saved from certain doom, gliding easily into his arms. Obi-Wan let out a sigh of relief and then glanced behind them, pulling out his saber and igniting it.
"Behind you!"
Qui-Gon turned to see the thieves running after them with blasters raised. He smiled up at his Padawan and called, "Go, I'll catch up with you. Get the rest of the eggs to safety."
"Alright!"
He turned with the egg in one big palm to face the enemy, unwavering and steady.
Obi-Wan was waiting for him back at their ship, panting and rubbing sweat out of his eyes.
"I can't believe I couldn't grab it."
"You were too afraid of the creature inside dying to focus properly. It's okay Obi-Wan, I understand. Don't be too hard on yourself. But know it will happen again until you can get a better grasp on your emotions. If you could have been unafraid, and confident that you would catch it, there would have been a much different result."
"I tripped," he mumbled.
Qui-Gon squeezed his Padawan's shoulder and laughed, "That's because you're still growing into your feet."
Obi-Wan shrugged and nodded, putting his hands on his hips, looking a little frustrated.
The Master Jedi turned to him, eyes bright with mischief. "You know what?"
"What?" Obi-Wan replied, with interest at Qui-Gon's change of energy.
"I think we need to go on a vacation."