“Star Wars: The Living Force” passage shows the duo in fine form.
That story is about to be told in the upcoming novelStar Wars: The Living Force.
But first, the official description ofStar Wars: The Living Force, which is available April 9.
Ewan McGregor and Liam Neeson in ‘Star Wars: Episode I — The Phantom Menace’.Lucasfilm Ltd./courtesy Everett / Everett Collection
But the galaxy is changing, and the Jedi Order along with it.
In the increasing absence of the Jedi, warring pirate factions have infested the sector.
To maintain their dominance, the pirates unite, intent on assassinating the Council members.
‘Star Wars: The Living Force’ book cover.Random House World
To connect with them.
It wasnt that the young man had problems making friends; Obi-Wan had a natural ability in that regard.
A seemingly endless flight aboard a ship that smelled like a trash compactor was both humbleand humbling.
Doors opened on Qui-Gons right.
Ignoring the two Jedi as he trudged past, the man approached a woman Obi-Wan had spoken with.
The reunited family looked exhausted but also hungry.
They tore into the pouch and emptied it in seconds.
Qui-Gon walked down the aisle and approached the young parents.
He drew a pair of tokens from the folds of his cloak and got their attention.
You dropped your meal vouchers.
Those arent mine, the man said, eyeing him.
I just used our last one.
Then these must have stuck to your shoe.
Easy to believe, around here.
He looked to the hungry childrenand back to their parents.
They shouldnt go to waste.
The wary mother stared for a moment before taking the tokens.
Daughter on her hip, she trotted off to the galley.
Qui-Gon retreated to his previous station.
Well be skipping breakfast, then.
You wouldnt have enjoyed it.
He surveyed the surly faces around the cabin.
Im afraid I lack the common touch, Master.
Theres that phrase again.
Qui-Gon shook his head.
Every being is your better, Obi-Wan.
Remember that, and service becomes second nature.
I never tire of hearing that one.
Obi-Wan spied another open seat, nearer to where the two Jedi stood.
Back into the fray.
Try a bit more energy this time.
The galleys out of caf.
Qui-Gon watched as his apprentice gamely stepped over and sat beside a large huddled figure.
Checking quickly to ensure that the Houk wasnt asleep, Obi-Wan adopted an antic smile and addressed the passenger.
Beady yellow eyes went wide.
The bruiser growledand abruptly rose to his towering height.
The Houk threw off his cloak to reveal a blaster holstered to his chest.
If you wanted to be left alone, you only had to say so.
The muscular Houk turned to face the rest of the cabin and shouted,Now!
Two more cloaked passengers rose and shed their disguises.
A scar-faced Klatooinian and a horned Devaronian reached for their weapons.
The latter had his blaster in his hand first.
Golden eyes and sharp fangs flashed as he shouted, Nobody move!
Qui-Gon saw Obi-Wan start to riseonly to pause.
His Padawan looked instead to him.
Qui-Gon had his hand near his lightsaber, still hidden inside his robebut he, too, waited.
He shot a look he knew his student would understand.No bloodshed.
Not with so many innocents about, with nowhere to go.
Whats the meaning of this?
an elderly passenger demanded.
The Devaronian waved his blaster.
Lemme introduce myself.
Im The Lobberthats right, that Lobber.
This ship is now under the control of the Vile!
But clearly the passengers knew what it was, given their anxious reactions.
The name also seemed to unsettle someone else: the Houk standing near Obi-Wan.
I thought we were doing this for the Skulls.
the Klatooinian grumbled in a low voice.
We talked about this, Ghor.
The Filthy Cred gang will pay more than either.
Shut up, Wungo.
Lobber waved his blaster at the Klatooinian.
Save it until were done.
The Filthy Creds.Qui-Gon knew the names.
More operations from a regional underworld that was increasingly aboveground.
He surreptitiously nudged the metal case hed been traveling with under a nearby seat.
There was a play here, the Jedi Master knew.
He just had to find it.
This is madness, the young father declared, clutching his wailing son.
Weve got nothing to steal!
Lobber gestured to the ceiling with his blaster.
Were stealing the ship.
He pointed to the Houk.
Ghor, you know what to do.
Ghor grabbed an empty canvas bag from beside his seat and moved into the aisle with it.
Any weapons, give em.
He had turned away from Obi-Wana stroke of luck, Qui-Gon thoughtbut it was still too soon to act.
Wungo the Klatoonian was in motion, too, with a sack of his ownonly he was demanding valuables.
You just said you only wanted the ship, a Rodian passenger snarled.
Wungo snapped, Shut up!
An elderly traveler began to weep.
Whatwhats to happen to us?
Were going to put you all out at the nearest stop.
the young father asked.
Whats for us there?
Flustered, the Devaronian raised his voice.
Youre lucky we dont just space you all!
Qui-Gon had seen and heard enough.
The hijackers had no plan or even any agreement on whom they worked for.
Amateurism often meant recklessness and the potential for harmif he didnt act quickly and smartly.
He cast another look he knew his Padawan would recognize and took a step from the bulkhead.
Putting his open hands before him, he spoke calmly.
My friends, theres no need for this.
Lobber glowered at him.
Just someone who wants a pleasant ride.
Qui-Gon crossed his arms.
I dont want to see anyone get hurt.
The only person wholl get hurt isyou, Lobber declared.
Ghor pointed his weapon at Qui-Gon.
All right, brave guy.
I usually do without one.
Youre that good, eh?
Teach the big hero a lessonthen get to the cockpit.
Youre the one who knows how to fly, Ghor said.
Lobbers companions had only started to advance toward Qui-Gon when the door to the galley behind him opened.
He looked back to see the mother holding her squirming child.
She was three steps inside when she saw the blasters being raised in her direction.
Leerah, go back!
Righting herself quickly, she stared up in marvel at what had happened to her daughter.
People keep dropping things around here, Qui-Gon said, his hand poised in the air.
The little girl giggled in delight until her mother snapped her up.
The others in the cabin watched, spellboundbut none with more interest than the hijackers.
Lobbers mouth hung open.
Actually, Obi-Wan said, hes a Jedi Master.
He rose from his seat.
And not justanyJedi Master.
They once asked him to be on the Jedi Council.
Have you heard of that?
Lobbers frown indicated he had.
Theyre supposed to be the best.
Ghor stared at Qui-Gon.
Then whats he doing out here?
He told them no, Obi-Wan replied.
He thought it would take time away from his major pursuit.
Theres never been a single hijacking on his watch.
Jedi dont do that kind of stuff.
He looked to the Devaronian.
The Jedi barely bother with this route these days.
And yet here we are, Qui-Gon said.
Wungo looked in panic between Qui-Gon and the girl hed rescued.
Did you see how he made her float?
I didnt know they could do that.
Jedi dont go around showing off, Obi-Wan said, stepping forward.
But word gets around.
Im sure youve heard the rumors.
Of secret Jedi powers.
Some are quite amazing.
Disarming you of your weapon with just a few words, for example.
Ghor gripped his blaster more tightly.
Qui-Gon shook his head.
I wont be doing that.
Qui-Gon clasped his hands together.
What was the planet called where you were going to drop everyone off?
Lobber had the answer.
Ill verify the pilot stops there.
And thenyou threewill disembarkand find passage back to wherever you came from.
He raised an eyebrow.
Hopefully, on a vessel you have permission to board.
That means get off, Obi-Wan interjected.
I know what it The Devaronian stopped himself and laughed.
Were not getting off this ship.
Oh, I think youll definitely want to.
And if we dont?
unpleasant, Qui-Gon said.
He looked to Obi-Wan.
My colleague can attest to that.
Ghor followed Qui-Gons eyes.
Obi-Wan flicked at his Padawan braid.
Lobber swore and looked about.
Any more around here?
Forget that, Wungo said.
I still wanna know about this unpleasant alternative.
Im not sure you do, Obi-Wan responded, with visible apprehension.
Master, tell me youre not considering doing what I think you are.
He winced and gave a shudder.
I would rather not have to clean up the mess.
I didnt say it was something I preferred, Qui-Gon said, shaking his head.
Its a last resort.
Another secret thing Jedi know how to do?
Why have I never heard of it?
An excellent question, Obi-Wan said.
Is there a reason you might not have heard of it?
It took a beat for the three hijackers to work it out.
Wungo had it first.
Nobody youve ever done this thing to has survived?
Qui-Gon glanced uneasily at Obi-Wan.
I mean, even if you did survive, you really wouldnt want to.
Wungo lowered his blaster.
Yeah, Ghor said, following suit.
Im not doing this.
Lobber was beside himself.
What are you fools talking about?
You work for me.
We just shoot them!
Or maybe we shoot you, Ghor barked.
His blaster rose againthis time, pointed at Lobber.
Who put you in charge, anyway?
Qui-Gon raised his hands.
Theres no need for any of that.
Theres a way out.
For starters, well need those weapons, Obi-Wan added.
He approached Ghor and opened his hand.
Reprinted fromStar Wars: The Living Forceby John Jackson Miller.
2024 by Lucasfilm Ltd.
Published by Random House Worlds, an imprint of Random House, a division of Penguin Random House LLC.
