This is the second of Jude Watson's "Special Editions" for the Jedi Apprentice, with half of the volume focusing on a mission involving Qui-Gon Jinn and Obi-Wan Kenobi, and the other half on a related later mission involving Obi-Wan and Anakin Skywalker. Both parts of the tale focus on would-be followers of the Sith who wish to reclaim a long-lost Sith artifact that promises terrible power. There are lovely contrasts between the Jinn-Kenobi partnership and the Kenobi-Skywalker partnership that underscore and foreshadow issues to come, as well as insights into the attraction of the Dark Side.
Here are a couple of my favorite passages.
***
Obi-Wan stared at his Padawan. He never would have considered keeping this kind of information from Qui-Gon. As a Jedi team, it was essential that they share every piece of knowledge they gathered. They had to trust each other. Completely.
With a jolt, Obi-Wan realized that Anakin might not totally trust him. Why else would he keep something like this from him?
As Obi-Wan stared down at his Padawan learner, an awful thought crept into his mind: He wasn't sure he completely trusted Anakin, either.
***
"Make a mission great, excitement does not," Yoda said gravely. The wise Master looked over at Obi-Wan, and Obi-Wan felt a twinge of guilt. Did Yoda think he was failing as Anakin's Master? Was he concerned that he was not capable of leading the boy?
These were his own fears, of course. Qui-Gon had been such a wonderful teacher. He was brave, strong, and wise. A gifted leader.
Would Qui-Gon think I am failing Anakin? That the boy needs an older and wiser Master?
Qui-Gon had been dead for almost four years, yet Obi-Wan suddenly felt his Master's presence. He was grateful for that, and took comfort in it. But sometimes he felt the loss so strongly that his chest ached.