tushanshu_logs | if only i could find the words, i'm sure that they would go unheard

Entry tags:

if only i could find the words, i'm sure that they would go unheard

Characters: Obi-Wan Kenobi, Robert Callaghan, Abigail Callaghan
Date: Same as this thread.
Location: Sky Sector, Central College
Situation: Robert's finishing up some classwork. He hasn't had a chance to check the network in a while. One of the biggest news is coming straight to him.
Warnings/Rating: Semi-hysterical parent?

[he's just finishing up some discussion with the Kedan- some of them students, some of them faculty. by now, he's gotten a decent feel for them all, and at least has a vague sense of belonging- though he's very deliberate with encouraging their growth as a culture as opposed to outright bringing in San Fransokyo's technology. for one, the lack of resources. for two...

well, he's curious what they can come up with, in their own time. he's certainly willing to share and advise, but it's not unlike how he taught back in the city- where they go is their own choice. he's just there to watch.

even so, it can be tiring. he's looking forwards to being done for the day, even if it's going to take him to a somewhat empty home - too many people come and gone - but at least he can get some rest. he moves through the halls, giving a few final remarks to the others before turning to leave]

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[It was a chance meeting that brought Obi-Wan back to the college. He's leading Abigail into one of the buildings where he's fairly certain that a Robert Callaghan was doing his lectures. Though in which room exactly he wasn't sure. This he stopped a passing Kedan to inquire about where they should go. Only to be informed that the lecture was already over but if they hurried they might catch him.

So that's what brought the Jedi Master, leading the young lady in the flight suit, down a certain hall where they would cross paths with the very person they were looking for. Upon spotting him, Obi-Wan said nothing and instead moved aside so that father and daughter would be unobstructed in their reunion.]

[Once inside the college building, her attention spreads from a forward direction to nearly all around. As she moves alongside Obi-Wan, keeping to one side and slightly behind, Abigail focuses on two senses simultaneously; her vision, to look for her father as well as her hearing, in hopes of catching some mention of his name or any syllable uttered in his voice. She knows his voice in all its range, both within and outside of the learning environment. The change of the tone and pitches could never keep her from recognizing his timbre. If only she could hear an echo of him talking she would know which way to go, and then she could let loose the agitated feeling in her feet brought about by trying to focus her urge to run to him, wherever he may be, into a more precise search.

That question to a passing Kedan reveals two things: he is here if for a moment more, and the right direction to search in the building. As though her heart were not already at work, it beats all the faster at the thought she might have just missed him. Spurred into a quicker pace, her hand trembles holding too tightly to her helm, but she pushes her shivering muscles to expedite the search until she and Obi-Wan reach a split in the hallway ahead. Abigail slows to a stop balanced anxiously just off her heels to scan over the Kedan walking away to one side. Then she turns to face the direction the Kedan had come from, the side at which Obi-Wan had been standing just before, when she halts all together. Cold as she feels, now she is frozen; her breath catches in her chest as a tightness takes hold upon seeing the face her guide already had. It's him, her father is here!

Yet he isn't the same as in her yesterday.

Blue eyes widen as she stares, able to see the familiar so clearly, yet at the same time, so shocked by the stark differences. His hair has lost its dark color all together, and his face shows far more traces of history than before.

Doubt restrains her for that moment, balanced precariously between elation and crushing disappointment, her voice pleading quietly for him to assure her he too recognizes her in her white flight suit.]

Daddy...?

Edited 2016-02-10 18:03 (UTC)

[he turns, looks up

and halts.

the scope of Robert Callaghan's world abruptly narrows to a pinpoint as the blood drains from his face, a sharp inhale accompanying his shock. it feels like his heart's stopped; it feels like the world itself has stopped, and that for this endless moment, there is only him, and the white-suited woman only so far away.

he notices the bearded man next to her as one might observe a wall or floor. present, unimportant - meaningless. the only thing that has any meaning is the impossible, because surely

it can't be

it

can't]

Abigail.

[his voice is a whispered prayer; a plead to the world around him that if this is a dream, let him wake up now, and if it's not- if she's here...]

[Obi-Wan continues to stand off to the side, not minding that he's gone unnoticed. His hands clashed in front of him, hidden by the long sleeves of his robe.

Obviously they recognize each other, and he can feel their emotion plainly. Thus he respectfully stays out of it. It's a touching moment, and he's glad he could assist in bringing them together. He remains silent, quietly watching as father and daughter reunite, a soft smile on his face.]

[Barely, Abigail hears the whisper of her name, and with that sign, is freed from the stalemate. Exhaling in a relieved airy laugh, a smile pulls across her expression as she shifts her weight forward and takes the steps necessary to close the distance between them with growing length in her stride. Helmet dropped to the floor with a clatter, it is practiced ease that guides her hands to slip by his sides at just the right level so that her arms wind around him in a secure hug that buries her right against his broad chest. Arms pulling in to squeeze with every last ounce of strength she can muster, she closes her eyes to just...breathe.

At first, her surface is cold to the touch, but a few seconds are all it takes for the warmth beneath to bleed into the contact and reassure that there is life in Abigail. Her heart is pounding, and her breathing is deep and strong.]

[even the helmet's loud clang doesn't break the spell. it's only when he feels her, warm, alive, that he moves - arms that start slow suddenly clutching at her, and him? well, him burying his face against her, whispering over and over]

Oh, god-oh, God, Abi, it's you, it's you, you're here, oh god-

[he's babbling. weeping. so many emotions are choking him - relief, delight, a terror that this isn't real, a grief battered away by one simple fact;

this is his baby.

his baby has come back to him.]

[The strength of his arms as they encompass her, even held back by the chest plate of her suit, is all the more comforting. It feels right. His strength has always been her security and support. So it is to her surprise when the strength of his arms is not matched in his voice. Her father is crying...

Eyes opening partway, Abigail leans her head over to nudge and press her head against his hair as she shifts her stance. Taking her weight backwards, she encourages him to rely more upon her support as she locks her knees in extension to keep steady. One arm remains around his side, moving only with his breathing, and she slowly works her other arm from the other to slip up and over his shoulder instead. Gloved hand pressing against his back between his shoulder blades, she pulls with that arm to keep him curled close as she murmurs steadily.]

It's okay, Dad. I'm here. I'm not going anywhere... Everything's okay.

[As she says it, Abigail has to wonder as worry unsettles her mind. Her father has cried before, but never like this - never so intensely in front of her. It is true that the years between them have grown in an apparent separation, but Abigail is unable to comprehend a sufficient potential. Had he been here so long? What could he have faced here that would push him to this point?]

[he's clinging to her like he's afraid she'll disappear. and who's to say she won't? the Hamadas did. Akito did. Thomas did. he doesn't want her to go. the thought terrifies him beyond measure, and he tries desperately to get this under control, because the last time he cried like this in front of Abigail

well, was when she was a child. and when he made himself promise to not cry again. to not subject her to that. but he can't help himself right now, because oh, god, his baby, his child, god help anyone who tries to take her away from him again, he'll do whatever it takes to keep her

blearily, he looks past her, registering the person beyond her as a person and not just a fixture. it helps him get control of himself, in a way, with the understanding that he's not alone. he clenches trembling hand, breathes in an unsteady breath, and then lets it out in a shaky exhale before pulling back to look at Abigail and smooth back her hair.]

Baby, I- I'm sorry, sweetie. I've missed you.

Edited 2016-02-11 04:07 (UTC)

[That support Abigail provides remains until he finally draws back, her muscles protesting the prolonged contraction with a ratcheting release as she eases her grip in mirror and relaxes her stance. Hand sliding from his shoulder blades around to curl over his shoulder instead as he straightens up, she blinks her eyes a little tighter as his hand contacts her hairline only to lean of her head towards that passing hand.]

Sorry for not calling ahead.

[The weak humor is her way of indirectly answering that apology as unnecessary. She could not have possibly called to warn him of her coming, just as she could not expect him to have felt nothing regarding her absence.

Hand lifting from his shoulder, she reaches up to his jaw to swipe away some of the traces of his tears. Doing so once again confronts her with the evidence of the time that has passed for him that she has yet to experience, but she does not waver as she starts the process of learning the changes.

After another pause to let him regain more of his emotional balance, Abigail speaks again to explain how this moment has come about.]

I woke up outside the city last night. Only just finished at the Welcome Center a bit ago, and I would have missed you if I hadn't had help. [A glance over her shoulder to Obi-Wan is cast in indication while offering him a grateful smile in the moment she actually looks away from her father. She really does owe him so much for guiding her here.]

[While watching the emotional scene unfold, Obi-Wan considered quietly taking his leave. He had done his part and it wasn't really any of his business to stand there and eavesdrop on a private conversation. Just as he was getting ready to do so, something then gave him pause. He sensed feelings that he had felt from someone close to him once. It disturbed him and brought on a wave of sadness and remorse. His own feelings though were well concealed.

As Abigail turned her attention toward him. Obi-Wan smiled and dipped his head politely toward the both of them, acknowledging the part he had played in bringing her here. It hadn't been much, but he was certainly glad he could help bring them together.]

That's all right. [a kiss to her forehead, thumbs brushing back her hair again.] It's all right now. Everything's all right. [god, he is a mess - he reaches in to a pocket, pulling out a handkerchief and wiping at his face. he listens as she speaks, once again looking towards the man

and pausing.]

Abigail, is that...?

[okay, no. that's just rude of him. he makes a rueful grimace, wiping his face once more before - with an arm still wrapped tight around Abigail - addressing the man.]

Thank you. If there's anything I can do...a meal? Something?

[it's a weak offer, but it's heartfelt. he owes this man, regardless if it's...well.]

[Her smile only strengthens at those tender gestures, for the comfort they impart, and as he takes a moment to wipe his face with the handkerchief while she explains, Abigail drops her raised hand down to slip back around his side. Arms both sliding around him once more, she leans in against his chest to the same side as his arm around her, turning just enough to be able to look comfortably between her father and the man that had brought her to him.

To her delight, he also recognizes the Jedi master. Waiting for her father to thank him, she gives him a small squeeze as she pipes up.]

Actually...that is Obi-Wan Kenobi.

[A look up to her father speaks to her seriousness. The man standing with them is no substitution, and certainly no poor replication or ruse. He is as authentic as a fantastic hero could ever be. Waiting for her father to process that information for a few seconds, she then looks back to Obi-Wan.]

My father is the one that introduced me to the videos and reading material I mentioned. [Translation: He might be a little shocked to be actually meeting you too.]

[At the offer to do something for him, Obi-Wan quickly raises a hand.]

Thank you, but that won't be necessary. A simple kindness needs no reward. It was my pleasure.

[Seeing the happy reunion was reward enough. That was just one of the joys of serving. However, he noticed that there was a flash of recognition in the older man's eyes, which had him curious. But Abigail soon confirmed what he suspected. He must know of him as well from this strange media they have in their reality. He had to wonder if he would run into this with others too.]

Oh, I see.

[This was going to take some getting used to.]

Ah- it'd be my pleasure. [in more than one way. but oh dear, he's looking from Abi to Obi and back again, and then manages a little laugh.] Besides, I'm sure the stories aren't accurate. They're always prefaced with 'a long time ago in a galaxy far away'. [pls don't feel awkward mister Jedi. pls don't.] Bound to be a few things mixed up in translation, right Abi?

[WE DO NOT TELL THE JEDI HE IS A FICTIONAL CHARACTER, YOUNG LADY.]

Absolutely. Writers don't like being constrained by things like facts. [It would just be plain mean to try to convince someone else they were a work of fiction in a different universe. They might either feel less real or simply violated.]

Perhaps, if we can't do anything for you, there is something we can do to help someone else on your behalf. Not right now, but if you ever needed help with anything from us...? [A quick glance to her father is taken to make certain he agrees with this proposal as well. She is not terribly fond of feeling indebted, and at least with the option of a favor left open, no reciprocation on their part would be more easily attributed to lack of opportunity than a decline.]

Why do I get the feeling there's something you're not telling me?
[Did you guys forget that he's a Jedi? He might not know everything but intuition is strong in this one! Regardless, Obi-Wan doesn't press the issue. They may very well have a good reason?]

Well, alright then. We can call it a favor. [He's willing to settle with that. Because he's pretty sure he'll probably need someone's help for something in the future.]

So how much do you two know, exactly?
[Okay so he's not quite letting it go.]

Edited 2016-02-12 00:30 (UTC)

[WELL...]

They have actors where you're from, right? Movies-Abigail, do they call them holo-vids or am I mis-remembering?- and shows and the like. Imagine, ah, some of the highlights of your 'career' like that, assuming they got anything right at all.

[he'd rather not get too specific............]

[Pleased to have the solution of a favor deemed satisfactory, Abigail nods her head once in acknowledgement. She would have been willing to help Obi-Wan even without the promise of a favor, but this would give him leverage for more on her part.

Of course, then the Jedi presses for information regarding their knowledge of him. Not surprising, but not something easily navigated either. Thankfully her father fields it, giving her the opportunity to add a detail of history likely well known to those of his own universe.]

Mm, yes I think it is holovid.

For example the final battle on Naboo against the Trade Federation. That was documented.

[This is just... so odd. But Obi-Wan manages to take it in stride. They do mean well, and he can hardly bring himself to be upset over them knowing so much about his galaxy, even if it continues to be somewhat awkward.]

Ah, well then. I suppose that makes some sense in a strange sort of way.

This place is strange- I take it you're new here? [this is where he can take just a bit more command, moving forwards, keeping an arm around Abigail to take her with him.] This- place- seems to be as much unreality as it is, we,, reality. I've researched quantum physics and it never fails to keep surprising me.

Trust me, this will be the least of the oddities.

[A subtle cue is all it takes to urge Abigail into motion with her father. A few steps along the hallway, she slows to stoop down just enough to snag the edge of her dropped helmet weighted by the items she had been given at the Welcome Center. Lifting it up, she immediately returns to her previous position at his side, one arm secure around her father's back while the other supports helmet to carry.

Oddities will take some getting used to...including seeing her father visibly older.]

[As they start walking, Obi-Wan does the same, keeping his pace with theirs.]

I've been here nearly two weeks, and I've already had my fill of surprises. I suppose I'll just have to have to get used to it.

[Two weeks and he hadn't even introduced himself on the network. But there was a reason for that. Despite that, he's found no lack of things to do. There's already been quite a bit of excitement.]

[he's still clearly young enough to take the lead and set a decent pace. he's not hurrying, not by any means, but with the way his grip retightens on Abigail - a lingering fear remains underneath him, that if he stops to think about this she'll disappear.]

Two weeks- then you probably already know the basics. Time and space and most of the laws of physics decided to take a nap, and here we are. [he's going over that half for Abigail's benefit, with the intention of going over it more later.] Mind the Kedan, they can have some...interesting culture quirks.

[That pull she can feel when he secures his grip on her is met with more of a lean against his side. Not enough to throw off his balance as they continue to move forward, just enough to get a little more contact between them and her arm that much farther around.

Curious, Abigail would definitely be interested in the specifics of any deviations taken from the laws of physics as well as time and space as they knew them in San Fransokyo. That however, would need to wait until after some sleep. For now, she'll keep her curiosity on topics that could be relevant for Obi-Wan as well.]

What kind of quirks? [Please tell her so she doesn't cause an incident.]

Oh, I've already discovered that.

[Obi-Wan says this with an amused quirk of his lips. The Kedan were an interesting people to be sure. But then, not all that different from many of the cultures he's encountered throughout the galaxy.

As far as Abigail's question though, he'll let her father explain as he's been here quite a bit longer.]

Watch what you're wearing on any given day, for one. And how you address people. Most of them are forgiving for the new ones, I'll go in to it a little more, later. [the latter is directed mostly towards Abigail; since Obi-Wan's already discovered all that, he can't help but be curious-] You're already familiar with that sort of thing, aren't you, Obi- ah- [there's a part of him that wants to say sir, another remembers them being referred to as 'Master', but-

look! an example with how to ask for the preferred term of address!]

[A sense of dread makes Abigail cringe under her father's arm as she realizes there are going to be quite a few things for her to learn to acclimate to the culture of Keeliai. Social grace is not something she possess naturally, and she will never live down that dinner with his colleagues when she was 11. She can take notes when they talk later, right?

At least for the moment, she picks up on what her father is asking of Obi-Wan.]

...would it be correct to address you as Master Kenobi?

[Obi-Wan merely walks along and listens quietly, up until the point that he's sort of addressed and there's a question as to what to call him. There's an amused smile as he holds up his hand.]

As a formality, yes. Though most here don't know that title, and I wouldn't expect them to. So feel free to call me Obi-Wan if you so wish.

Edited 2016-03-16 03:53 (UTC)

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if only i could find the words, i'm sure that they would go unheard

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