The day crept in, pale and overcast, clouds painting the snow-capped mountains in pewter light. Closer to the spaceport, the dappled woods and patterned fields of harvested crops seemed leaden and dull in the sullen air. Thunderheads, glowering in the far distance, threatened afternoon rain. But, for the moment, the day was merely awash in greys and gloom.

The speeder, reflecting the murky colors of the morning mists, carved a swift and straight course toward the Jinn ranch. There was little noise inside the cockpit. The thrum of repulsorlifts gave a slow and steady beat to the sound of growing apprehension; the counterpoint of tiny shifts in speed and motor control was an annoying off-balanced whine, setting tremors of anxiety slithering through the ether. Quiet conversation would have been a welcomed overlay to the metallic dissonance but there was none. The coming confrontation occupied every thought.

The Padawan stared straight ahead. She did not need to speak; her fingers stretched taut over the speeder stick, the sharp ivory of bone and muscle, told their own tale of her inner turmoil. Betraying her in myriad ways, her hands made the anxiety conspicuous with shape and form and texture.

She had spent most of the night in meditation, thinking of what her Master might do, might say when they went to apprehend Qui-Gon Jinn. The arrest would not be accomplished with any ease. The files, sent from Coruscant, had been quite clear. Former Master Jinn had always been exceptionally strong in the Force and was reported to be an excellent swordsman, certainly better than Master Obi-Wan. There was a very real chance that they might not be able to take him without serious injury. She would need to be alert to any threat posed by that rogue Jedi.

And then there was her Master, sitting there so calm and serene, his face disturbingly blank. She had not been able to sense him in the Force since the previous day; he had never shut her out like this before but his shields were strong as durasteel. What was he trying to hide? Would he ignore the will of the Council and side with Jinn? He had been increasingly erratic, distant and confused since the beginning of this mission. In all other circumstances, the questions would not even arise. But now he was so still that she almost preferred agitation to this...this quiet.

"Master, we are almost there. How difficult do you believe it will be to arrest him?"

Obi-Wan gave a slow, soul-deep sigh and turned to gaze at her, his sea-green eyes hazy with calm detachment. "He was adept at evading capture on several occasions." With that cryptic reply, the silence descended once more but the echoes of past missions, past lives lingered on.

"Master?" Atel tried again to break through the ice-sheathed barrier between them.

His voice seemed rusty, ill-used, almost burned as if by some powerful acid. "Padawan, when we reach the farm, I wish to talk to Qui-Gon alone."

Atel shook her head, deeply apprehensive at this unsettling request. "Why would you want to do that, Master?" She glanced at him, frown cutting her brow with disquiet and she floundered for a moment as suspicion began to wash through her. "I should be there. Jinn was a Jedi Master after all and one of the best swordsmen in several generations. Alone, he might overpower you..."

Obi-Wan shrugged, seemingly unconcerned with the prospect. "I may be able to persuade him to come peacefully if I can approach him as his former Padawan. I know him..." She started to interrupt but quieted at his stony glance. "I knew him quite well for a very long time."

"I want to be by your side, Master." Uncertainty chilled her voice. "I'm sure that I can help with the arrest."

"Do you doubt me, my Learner?" The dull grey eyes sharpened slightly in pain.

"I have concerns about this, Master Obi-Wan. The Council was quite specific but you seem strangely reluctant to carry out their wishes. You are going to arrest Jinn, aren't you?"

He looked straight ahead, still and haggard. "I will do what I must."

----------------------------------------------------------------------

Qui-Gon Jinn was waiting for them as they drove up the gravel path to the rambling stone house. In the lee of the porch, with the ivory and emerald of blossom-covered vines a living backdrop, the peaceful setting seemed almost dreamlike in its serenity. The Bendu stood there, quietly watching their approach. Dressed in comfortable blue leggings and tunic, brown and silvered hair framing his face, he seemed untroubled by the sudden appearance of the two Jedi. But Obi-Wan could see the cobalt lightpike gleaming clearly at his side. Qui-Gon was ready for them.

Atel took in the scene with some trepidation. There were no dark powers here but the Force seemed to dip and swirl with unmade decisions and she was apprehensive of the coming confrontation. Jinn was a very powerful Force-user; he was here and he was prepared. This would not be easy.

She powered down the speeder, glancing apprehensively at an already worrisome Master Obi-Wan, and waited patiently for instruction.

Nodding to her, Obi-Wan rose slowly, reluctantly, and moved past the vehicle into the open area of the pathway beyond. He glanced quickly at Atel, gesturing for her to follow, and stopped just below the wide stone steps. He stood there quietly, looking at his former Master. The poignant overlays of shared memories kept impinging on Obi-Wan's consciousness with all the subtlety of a thermal detonator but he hastily shrugged them off. He did not need the distraction.

Qui-Gon stepped down onto the path and then halted before his apprentice. There would be no joyous reunion this time. Straight and tall, the large hands hanging loosely at his side, his blue eyes seemed as cloudy as the gloom sweeping across the mountains. Watching Obi-Wan's every move, he could see, feel the reluctance of this moment.

Qui-Gon was as calm as his former apprentice was not. "Have you come for me, Padawan?"

The words were gently spoken but Kenobi felt as if a vibroblade had sliced open his chest. Tamping down the anguished guilt that threatened to destroy his hard-fought composure, he stiffened perceptibly. Taking a deep, steadying breath, Obi-wan looked directly at his former Master, his voice sharp. "Qui-Gon Jinn, in the name of the Senate and the Jedi Order, I am here to arrest you for crimes against the Republic."

The Bendu nodded once, stoic visage firmly in place but the azure eyes were full of resignation. "I have been expecting you for some time. Of what am I accused?"

Hands clenched by his side in a massive effort to remain calm, Obi-Wan swallowed hard. It hurt to speak. "Possession of illegal weapons, specifically lightsabers. The Senate edict 327 restricts lightsaber use to members of the Jedi Order only." Qui-Gon's mouth quirked slightly at that. Most people would have thought it amusement but Obi-Wan knew better. Behind the grimace was a long-buried sorrow.

Rigid in an effort to maintain control, his next words were caustic, cutting. "Suspicion of slave trading."

The Bendu merely nodded at the allegation but his eyes were full of somber resolve, a slight frown troubling his brow. He shifted his stance slightly and waited for the rest.

Obi-Wan's voice hardened, "Suspicion of Force misuse for material gain." Qui-Gon shook his head, seemingly perplexed, but said nothing. "And suspicion of murder."

"Suspicion? Murder!? What murder?" A startled breath and the Bendu drew back for a moment, blinking rapidly, shocked at the unexpected accusation. It was almost ludicrous, a nightmare that had come to haunt him in a fevered dream. Shaking his head to clear his thoughts, he stepped forward again, his hands instinctively reaching for Obi-Wan, thinking that together they could make some sense of this absurd lie. His voice, too, was concerned and heated. "Padawan, surely you don't believe such a thing." To his profound dismay, Obi-Wan sidestepped quickly out of reach.

As Kenobi moved, his hand brushed Atel's sleeve in a frantic attempt to quell her zealous call to duty. She had misunderstood Qui-Gon's gesture, had mistakenly believed it to be an attack. Obi-Wan had felt the beginnings of her movements towards the Bendu, her hands coming up with instinct and training, ready to defend her Master. He could not fault her intent but he had reacted instantly to prevent further confrontation. Thankfully, she obeyed his subtle command and stepped back.

But, in that moment, Qui-Gon saw only that Obi-Wan had left his question unanswered, had moved away from his touch to stand next to his Padawan Learner. Misinterpreting the cause, unable to sense Kenobi's motivations through the Knight's impenetrable shields, Qui-Gon stopped abruptly. He was horrified at the implication. It was clear that the apprentice believed all the lies but Obi-Wan...could he believe that this hoax was true? Looking at the shuttered face of the man he had known so long ago, trying to shake himself free of the soul-deep disappointment, Qui-Gon moved back to stand alone. The mask of stoic indifference pulled over his face with unnerving speed.

Obi-Wan's voice was harsh and uncompromising. "Master Jinn, the Jedi Council has instructed me to return with you to Coruscant under arrest. I hope that you will not resist." At the Bendu's quiet "No", Obi-Wan nodded and looked down at Atel. "Padawan, please go and find Master Jinn's family so that he may say good-bye."

His apprentice looked at him, worried at the request. "Master, are you sure? There is little time." She leaned forward, whispering, "You would be alone and he is still armed."

Kenobi looked again at the silent Bendu. With his face neutral and Jedi stoic, he nodded roughly, "My apprentice has reminded me that you have not yet surrendered your weapon. Please do so now."

Qui-Gon closed his eyes for a moment, breathing deeply to quell the overwhelming sense of betrayal. He had not expected this stony conduct from his former Padawan and the disappointment was parsecs deep. An infinity later, he unhooked the lightpike and handed it gingerly to Kenobi.

Obi-Wan looked down at the weapon. Beautifully made and deadly, it vibrated with the essence of the man who had built it. The Knight's hand quickly closed over the used handle, the ribs and carving distinctly felt. He remembered how his Master had guided his own small hands in the movements of gentle kata and fierce battle, teaching him the thrust and parry of the blade, all the while learning about the Force and its subtle guidance. But now... now he could not think of the past but of the present. His Master has always taught him to live in the moment. How unbearable it all was.

He shoved the pike at Atel. "Put it in the speeder with the rest of the evidence and then go find his family."

"Master, this is unwise. At least, put the binders on him."

He shook his head, brushing aside her concerns. "I will take care of it." When she moved to thrust the cuffs into his hands, he swiftly held up his palm, blocking her. Sharply, he chided. "Padawan, he has given his word that he will not resist. There will be time enough for those." His face was shuttered, hardened and resolute. "Master Jinn should be able to see his wife and son before we leave. You're wasting time. Go!"

Frowning, she looked at her Master. It was odd, this sudden turn of reluctant Jedi into hardened Knight. Something was off-balance but she could not tell what it was. She searched his face for trickery or reluctance in carrying out his duty but there was none. He just stood there, still and stony, his grey eyes hard as flint. Bowing her head for a moment in obedience, she first placed the deadly weapon in the vehicle, then stepped gingerly around the impassive Bendu and into the house.

As soon as she was out of sight, Obi-Wan strode forward, his cold mask melting into one of intense concern. Reaching quickly for a startled Qui-Gon, grasping his old Master's arms with tumultuous agitation, the fierce whisper traveled the few centimeters between them. "Master, why are you still here? I would have thought Windu would have alerted you to this. You should have left while you had the chance."

Qui-Gon let out a long gratified sigh, and smiled, welcomed relief clear in his bearded face. "Obi-Wan, I knew my faith in my old Padawan was not in vain."

Obi-Wan was frantic, shaking his head in dismay. Looking down for a moment at his whitened hands, gripping and rapidly twisting the azure cloth of Qui-Gon's tunic, the vexation clear in his every movement, he stared into the mild blue eyes of his Master. Growling, he tried desperately to break through Qui-Gon's misguided composure. "Enough of this. I am here to arrest you but there is still time to run. The speeder is ready and I can always say that you overwhelmed me." His voice was frenzied with worry. "Go now. Before she comes back and we are lost." He looked at the Bendu who merely stood there smiling. "What are you waiting for? Go!!"

"My Padawan, you have ever been a joy to me but never more so than at this moment."

Kenobi abruptly pushed himself away from Qui-Gon and stood there, bleak face stern with disbelief. The words were deep in anger and frustration. "Are you insane? Have you been listening to anything I've said?"

Jinn's deep voice held the smallest touch of amusement. "Yes, you are telling me to run away from you. That you will have to take me back to Coruscant if I don't leave immediately."

Exasperated, Obi-Wan barked at his old Master. "Then why are you still here?" When Jinn didn't move, Obi-Wan folded his arms tight about his chest, indignant. "You are the most stubborn, irritating, irascible man I have ever met. Do you want to go back to the Temple in chains? Do you want them to imprison you or worse?"

His calm reply astonished the Jedi. "Padawan, I must return to Coruscant."

Overwhelmed with the utter foolishness of that statement, Kenobi just stood there, unable to speak for a moment. Growling with utter disbelief, he berated the impassive Qui-Gon. "You are insane." He walked away for a few paces then turned abruptly, clenched fists by his side. "Do you know what I did to get this opportunity? I sold my honor for this. I was going to defy them, Master." He seemed to quiet then, the frown deepening his troubled brow. "I thought that maybe... maybe, if I capitulated, gave in, I could talk you into running. That way, at least one of us would remain unsullied." His mouth flattened in remembered shame. "Blast."

Qui-Gon murmured. "What have you done?"

The grey eyes were cloudy with guilt as he softly murmured. "I betrayed you." Bending his head in tainted disgrace, his gaze did not waver from the coarse gravel beneath his feet. "I told them everything that I had learned - your slave trading, your lightsabers, even about the Sanctuary and the murders."

"Obi-Wan, I haven't murdered anyone."

Kenobi glanced up at this, nodding slowly. "Master, I know that you could not have done such a thing but the electronic evidence was very compelling. I had hoped to investigate further but the Council has demanded that I return with you to Coruscant."

"Yet you say that you have betrayed me." Qui-Gon's rumbling voice was very soft. "Could it have been that you were doing your duty as a Jedi Knight, nothing more?" Obi-Wan shook his head, sharply denying the idea, but the Bendu continued. "If it were not me but someone else you were investigating, would you have told the Council everything?"

Kenobi's resigned "Yes" drew a quiet sigh from Qui-Gon. "It's all right, Obi-Wan."

The Jedi frowned at that, his mouth hard with annoyance. "If it is so right, why are you still here? Why haven't you left?" Leaning forward, pleading for Qui-Gon to escape the coming storm, he admonished, " Please, Master, for both our sakes, for your family, for Le'orath and Ben, you must leave. Now. Before it's too late."

The Bendu was adamant, firm in his refusal. "Obi-Wan, I cannot. I must come back with you to Coruscant."

"Why?" All the frustration of the past few days thrust Kenobi's question into the air like a razored blade.

Qui-Gon reached out, his large hand resting on Obi-Wan's cramped shoulder. The remembrance of tranquil conversations, the gentle touch of his Master's concern, seemed to still the Jedi. "Because the Force wills it so. Did you think that your coming here was a coincidence? Again and again, the Force has demanded that I go with you. My meditations, Ben's visions, your very presence, all point to me returning to the Temple." The rumbling voice was serene. "Accept this."

"Accept what, Master?" Atel's strident voice broke through the quiet moment. Scathing, there was frank accusation in her tone. She stood there at the top of the porch steps, severe censure in her visage, her arms crossed in defiance. The violet eyes glared first at Kenobi, then flicked to Jinn before returning, with daggered stares, to her Master. Behind the apprentice, the rigid figure of Le'orath Jinn, hand linked with that of her young son, gaped at the two men.

From behind Obi-Wan, a second hostile voice echoed the question. "Yes, I also want to hear the answer, Master Qui-Gon. Accept what?" Anakin Skywalker stepped out past the green leaves and white flowers, to stop just beyond the speeder, a pace or two from Kenobi. The young man appeared to be completely at ease but the azure eyes were narrowed and belligerent, his hands curling slightly as they hung by his side. He stood there, ready for argument, ready for battle. A lightpike of indigo and silver flashed wickedly at his belt.

Qui-Gon turned quickly towards his apprentice, one hand raised in an effort to curb any rash action. "Anakin, we have already discussed this. We agreed that there would be no fighting, that I would go with Obi-Wan back to Coruscant."

Skywalker shook his head, eyes narrowing as his fierce gaze moved from Jedi to Jedi. "With them, with him? I did not agree to such a thing." His face was set in stone. "They will destroy you and you know it. I won't let that happen."

Letting Ben's hand go, Le'orath quickly stepped forward. Brushing past the despised Jedi Padawan, she halted at the edge of the porch and pleaded anxiously for her husband to see reason. "Listen to him, Qui-Gon. You must leave while you still can." She looked down at her young son, his eyes bright with unshed tears, his chubby hands grasping her tunic in bewilderment. Her words caught in her throat; despairing fear for Qui-Gon and heartsore distress that Ben had to see this travesty colored her voice. "For Ben's sake and mine, please."

The pull of her anguish moved Qui-Gon to close the distance between them. Stopping at the bottom of the stone steps, well aware of Atel's animosity and suspicion as she stood next to Le'orath, Jinn carefully ignored the apprentice and gazed instead at his frantic wife. He murmured gently, "Le', don't. You know why I have to do this."

Le'orath's frown was turbulent with disapproval. Folding her arms, unyielding in her determination to thwart his foolishness, she spat out, "No, I don't know why. All this nonsense of duty and sacrifice. When did your duty to the Jedi ever get you anything but pain? Give it up, Qui-Gon."

But he looked at her with sorrow and determination, shaking his head in resolute denial. "I cannot."

Anakin scowled at that remark. Qui-Gon Jinn had always been as stubborn as a gundark when he thought he was right. But now he was wrong, so very wrong. Every meditation, every dip into the Force's gentle wellspring of infinite possibilities had only confirmed Anakin's deepest fears. Master Qui-Gon's journey to Coruscant would end in agony. The Force sang of it, whispered it to Anakin in his dreams - somehow, he had to change the future before it was too late.

But Atel heard the same words and came to a different conclusion. The Bendu had accepted the situation. There would be no resistance, no struggle or messy confrontation. Breathing a soft sigh of cautious relief, she glanced at her all-too-quiet Master and awaited his signal to complete the arrest. Standing by the speeder, a sharp frown furrowing his brow, Obi-Wan stood there, silent and still, looking as grey as the clouds scudding overhead. But he made no move toward the rogue Jedi.

Within Atel's heart, however, remnants of suspicion remained. The conversation she had interrupted between her Master and Jinn had been unsettling and he had not answered her question; his continuing reluctance to do his duty was troubling and he still had made no effort to apprehend the Bendu. The very real possibility of misplaced loyalties made her voice ice-sharp. "Master Obi-Wan, it grows late. We must go if we are to catch the transport back to Coruscant." He seemed to hear nothing, see nothing beyond the anguished tableau spread before him. "Master?!"

When he continued to ignore her, when he stared instead at Jinn, his distraught wife, and their young son clinging to his mother's tunic for comfort, the Padawan grew even more wary. Her next words were biting. "Master Obi-Wan! Remember your duty." Voice razored with animosity and frustration, she spat, "Must I remind you that the Jedi Council has commanded us to bring him back to Coruscant? Master!!"

From the corner of her eye, she could see Anakin shift in restless outrage at her statement. But she ignored him. There were larger issues here than one unhappy Bendu apprentice.

A few heartbeats later, she saw Obi-Wan give a slight shiver of unease, seemingly chilled with the thought of what must be done. Finally, drawing in a deep, despairing breath, he looked at her, anguish in his clouded eyes. Nodding slightly, the Knight murmured, "Duty first."

With that acknowledgement, Atel quickly strode forward, thrusting aside the scented blossoms and soft greenery that seemed to grow everywhere. Angling past an angry, grieving Le'orath, she glanced down at the child, standing there, hiccupping in bewildered sorrow. A cutting sting of deep pity for the boy stopped the Padawan for a moment. Leaning down, she whispered, "I'm sorry, Ben." But he just burrowed his face into his mother's embrace, sullenly ignoring her soft words.

Straightening up, Atel stepped down from the porch, stopping in front of the tall Bendu. Yanking out the required Force binders, she said clearly, "Qui-Gon Jinn. You are under arrest." His face was a mask of indifference but she could see the enormous effort at control, standing there so rigid and severe; his azure eyes were bruised, sorrowful. She grabbed one large unresisting wrist and snapped the cuff shut, the spark and sizzle of blue energy coalescing about the binder. Leaning forward, she pulled at his other arm, pinning the second cuff closed. The sapphire color of the shackles intensified, little tendrils of shimmering light leaping from one arm to another, cold ruinous beauty.

Qui-Gon gave a little grunt of pain. His aura immediately muted, the binders cutting off his access to the Force, the torment of it vibrating through the air. From behind her, the cries of the young boy grew louder as he exclaimed, "Mommy, they're hurting Daddy."

But in that instant, as the tainted shivers of the cuff's Force energy began to surround Qui-Gon, Anakin leaped forward, a frantic "No" escaping his lips. He tried to angle past Obi-Wan, his hands thrust outward as though to tear away the manacles. But the Knight shifted into Anakin's path, grabbing for his arm.

The young one twisted, slippery and sinuous, and deftly avoided the grasp but Obi-Wan was not to be ignored. Angling forward, Kenobi's foot shot out, sending Skywalker into a rocketing sprawl. Astonishingly, instead of a clumsy dive, Anakin merely tucked into a roll, the sudden jolt of twisted limbs moving into fluid grace. The crunch and clatter of displaced rock and soil was loud as he hit the ground, the lightpike a noisy counterpoint as it rolled out of reach. The blonde youth let out a sharp hiss as he brought up one bloodied hand. Then, eyes narrowing, the bitter venom in his voice was clear. "Jedi!"

The echoes of a brief struggle from the house and the hoarse shout of "Anakin, stop" were ignored as the Bendu fell into the moment. He had failed, failed to protect his Master from those Jedi hypocrites, failed to prevent his capture. But they hadn't left yet. Perhaps there was still a chance to keep him from leaving with Kenobi, to save Qui-Gon from himself.

Anakin leapt up, almost rocketing toward his Master's enemy. Obi-Wan reversed, wheeling away swiftly, startled at the frenzy and speed of his opponent. But the apprentice would not be denied, his hand grabbing one swirling piece of Obi-Wan's ragged cloak, pulling it sharply. The sound of tearing cloth shredded the air but the fierce effort was enough. The Jedi was sent flying backwards in a sweep of brown.

Struggling to regain his balance, trying desperately to get up but entangled in his robe, Kenobi was trapped for a brief moment. Anakin leaped into the Knight, their bodies colliding as both grappled for leverage. The youth thrust his hands towards the vulnerable throat but the Jedi pushed him up and back. The momentum and agile use of the Force proved a powerful combination as Skywalker was tossed over the Jedi's body and landed hard a meter away. This gave Obi-Wan enough time to drop the ensnaring cloak and move into defensive stance.

He tried desperately to stop the youth. Speaking softly, he whispered, "Anakin, we are on the same side."

'Liar!" spat the young apprentice as he hurtled toward Obi-Wan. Experience proved a cunning defense as the Jedi blurred into motion, skillfully sidestepping the attack. Whipping around, Skywalker would not be denied and feinted left, then moved in, kicking at the Jedi's legs, hoping to bring him down. The faint sound of boot meeting flesh was followed by the crackle of gravel grinding beneath the two men as they tumbled to the ground. Snarls of anger and the faint noise of whispered appeals were not loud enough to hear beyond the fighting pair.

While the two men battled with fury and determination, Atel had her hands full with the rogue Jedi. He was huge, commanding and tall compared to her petite form, but she had the Force on her side and he did not. Jinn tried to step forward, his bound hands held before him as he moved to intercept the pair. Shaking her head, Atel grabbed his arm, yanking him back. Slightly off-balance, he bumped into her, hissing, "They could get hurt. Let me help."

Le'orath moved forward, catching one manacled hand with her anxious fingers. Jade eyes wild with emotion, she pulled him close. "Qui-Gon, can you help Anakin?"

"Le', it's not Anakin that I'm worried about." His voice was laced with concern.

Atel looked at him with disbelief. "Do you think me a fool, Jinn? Master Obi-Wan can hold his own against any half-trained boy." Her eyes scanned the struggle as it intensified with kicks and punches, her Master now dancing away and then leaping over Skywalker as the youth tried to pummel him. The aerial retreat failed as Anakin feigned with his own fast jump, fist connecting with Kenobi's stomach, doubling him over as he fell grounds ward. Soon, the pair were both bloodied. The onslaught of bruising attacks was beginning to take their toll.

"You are a fool." Qui-Gon's voice was hurried with anxiety. "Anakin is more than capable. If this fight escalates to lightsabers, Obi-Wan will be in serious trouble. Let me stop it before that happens."

She just snorted in disbelief and ignored his plea, turning back to watch the Jedi Knight grapple with his young attacker.

Obi-Wan was beginning to worry. His opponent was indeed well-trained as only an apprentice of Qui-Gon Jinn could be. He needed to finish this and soon.

Skywalker pushed forward defiantly, hoping to sweep in with a flying kick and end this conflict. But Obi-Wan moved impossibly fast, his upper torso twisting as he shifted abruptly, intent on capturing Anakin's outstretched leg and bringing him down. The youth saw his mistake immediately and tried to compensate by flinging his body away from Kenobi, hoping to regain control, but the pebbles beneath his feet shifted abruptly under the strain, throwing him off-balance. He fell awkwardly, a mere breath away from Kenobi's grasp. In a blur of motion, Obi-Wan was on the apprentice, flinging him face down onto the gravel path. Anakin's chest plowed into the stones, one hand locked behind his back, the other outflung but tightly bound by the Jedi's own. Obi-Wan pressed his body into Skywalker's, forcing him to remain still. Anakin tried desperately to break free but could not; he was caught tight.

Kenobi leaned forward, speaking gently to the Bendu apprentice. "Anakin, I am not your enemy." He nodded back towards Jinn. "I am not his enemy."

Skywalker struggled, trying to gain some purchase to break free. "Liar." He twisted hard but to no avail. "I've seen the future, Jedi. You and your precious Council are going to torture him. I've seen it!"

Obi-Wan was shaken, troubled with this revelation. "No, that can't be true. You must be mistaken."

"No mistake, Jedi. And it's all your fault." He growled, lifting his head, his sharp blue eyes meeting turbulent grey ones.

Obi-Wan was adamant. "I promise. I won't let that happen." His reply softened, hurt at the thought of that vision coming to pass. "I don't want to take him back either, Anakin. But he insists on going. Help me to stop... "

Interrupting the Jedi, rocking his body back and forth in a seemingly futile attempt at escape, he hissed, "He's a damn fool. And so are you..." With that, his fingers fluttered lightly.

The Force was suddenly ablaze with movement, an astounding whirlwind of energies aimed straight for the Knight. With that energy came a cacophony of sand and rock, the very gravel from the path lifting and smashing into Obi-Wan's body. He had very little time to react, raising his arm in a futile attempt at protecting his face. In the few moments of startled reflex, Anakin flung him off and scrambled away to evade the whirlwind of air and stone battering the Jedi.

Obi-Wan struggled to stand as the sharp-edged pebbles continued to pummel him. A thumb-sized rock swiftly scored one cheek, sending a trickle of blood down the Knight's jaw as the granite rubble battered his face. He grunted in pain as the far-off sounds of "Master" and "Anakin, no" filtered through the noisy blast of dirt and debris. Finally, he managed to send a frantic Force push back into the barrage of rock, stemming their fierce onslaught. The clatter of falling stone was loud in the sudden silence.

Wiping his face with one blood-streaked sleeve, he looked in astonishment at the young Bendu. "How did you do that?"

Anakin snorted, "It's a child's game. Seeing how much you can put into the air at one time. Don't you Jedi ever go outside and play?"

"Not like that." Obi-Wan frowned at the thought. "What other tricks has Qui-Gon taught you?"

"That one I thought of all on my own, Jedi." The smile did not reach his fierce eyes.

"Impressive." The Knight was serious. With proper experience and deft Force use, that attack would be almost unbeatable. But Anakin didn't need to know that at the moment.

"Yeah, I'm just full of surprises." And, frowning in deep concentration, Skywalker pulled out his lightpike and thumbed on the dual switches. The twin blades gleamed a brilliant green in the dusky air, the doubled sound of humming clear and loud. He stood there, resentment and battle-frenzy swirling like a miasma about his Force signature. And then, blurring with Force-heightened speed, he vaulted forward, one searing edge swinging down towards Obi-Wan's torso.

Voices raised in horror echoed from the porch but Obi-Wan had no time to listen. Instead, he backwheeled furiously, bringing up his own saber in a flash of blue flame as Anakin's swerving blade missed by millimeters. The second green tip swept roughly upward, aiming for his hip as Obi-Wan frantically blocked the cut. Then the right blade moved impossibly fast, the descent so swift that the trail of green fire was all that the eye could see. Kenobi's blade was a blur, halting the pike in midstroke.

Before the Bendu's left blade could begin its climb once more, Obi-Wan lashed out with his boot, stabbing towards Skywalker's vulnerable knee. Anakin felt the movement and shifted slightly, the foot impacting the upper shin instead. But the blow sent a sheet of agony through the muscles and ligaments around the joint, Anakin grunting in pain as he collapsed. The emerald pike flashed off briefly as Anakin rolled away, hissing in pain. Then, struggling to stand, he ignited the lightpike once more. A green blaze danced across his sullen face as he stared at the Jedi.

Obi-Wan stilled. There was still a chance to prevent further bloodshed. Trying to diffuse the thunderclouds of jealous fury sweeping over young Skywalker, his voice lowered to a gentle whisper. "Anakin, you don't want to do this. I am not your enemy."

The apprentice huffed at that. "I believe you said that before. Saying it again will not make it any less a lie." He shifted painfully, his emerald lightpike a glowing counterpoint to the thickening gloom.

"Don't do this, Anakin. It will only end in tragedy."

"Yes, it will. Yours, Jedi." And with that, the apprentice moved forward, the limp now imperceptible as he lunged for the Knight. Anakin feigned the pike high then quickly flicked the left blade low, pass Kenobi's guard, singeing his tunic as Obi-Wan danced away. The Jedi's eyes narrowed, concentrating on following the movements of Anakin's Force signature, looking for weakness. He needed to disarm this young Bendu before it was too late.

As the fight escalated, as the flurry of thrusts and parries between the two intensified into an ethereal blaze of deadly color, another struggle was taking place nearby. Qui-Gon Jinn watched with horrified eyes as Obi-Wan and Anakin began to batter each other with searing light, the scars of harsh energy appearing on cloth and skin. He had to do something, anything to keep them from this foolish conflict. Releasing Le'orath, he jerked out of Atel's inattentive grip and began to move towards them once more.

The Padawan leapt in front of him, hissing fiercely. One hand was raised in denial, the other hovered over the worn lightsaber at her side. "Where do you think you are going?"

"To stop this." He growled at her, his anxious eyes never leaving the savage rush of unexpected battle, his body leaning forward, frantic to reach the grappling pair. Even as he watched, Obi-Wan flew backwards over the speeder, a soft grunt joining the noise of flying gravel as Anakin created another Force storm, stones and dirt whirling towards the Jedi's head. The Knight scrambled to his feet, azure lightsaber ready as one steady hand pushed the chaotic debris back towards the Bendu apprentice. The youth ducked out of harm's way and nodded agreeably to his enemy. Admiration briefly lit his young face before his eyes narrowed again. Leaping up onto the speeder and down again, he moved the pike in a quick slashing motion and the deadly dance began once more.

Qui-Gon sharply thrust his hand toward the dueling pair, almost frantic in his attempt to make her realize the truth, that Obi-Wan may yet lose. It would only take one mistake. "Look at them, Atel. Reach out with your feelings and see what is really going on. Anakin is strong in the Force, stronger than any living Jedi, and he is well-trained."

The Bendu champion held his breath for a moment as Obi-Wan thrust his lightsaber forward and up, almost cutting Anakin's lightpike in half. But Qui-Gon knew that his apprentice had felt the movement. He saw the youth jerk back, out of reach as the Knight pressed his advantage, slashing with lethal accuracy. It hurt to watch.

Turning to the Padawan, he spat, "Blast it, trust your instincts and look!" Both manacled hands reached for her arm, bruising in its strength and fear, and yet it was his desperate eyes that moved her to turn and witness the ongoing melee. His voice was harsh with apprehension. "I need to stop this before they kill each other."

Even as Qui-Gon spoke, it was clear that Anakin was not done yet. His blue eyes seemed to mist over for a moment, then from behind the Knight, a large tree branch arrowed its way towards the Jedi's unguarded back. Sensing unseen danger, twisting at the last possible second, he avoided the projectile only to have Skywalker pull up with the green blade, scoring through leggings and shallow flesh. Obi-Wan hissed as the pain flared but he managed to escape once more, leaping over the speeder and moving to regroup.

Atel grunted, an echo of Obi-Wan's pain, "Master, no." Turning quickly, she spat at the Bendu champion. "Stay here."

As she raced away, Qui-Gon's eyes gleamed with rebellion. Waiting for a few precious moments, he ignored her rough command and hurried toward the fray. As long as the Force binders shimmered with polluted light, he was helpless to use his powers. But he must be ready. Powers or no, he must do what was needed to end this conflict.

Ignoring Qui-Gon's defiant folly as he followed her into the battle arena, Atel pulled out her lightsaber and rushed to Master Obi-Wan's side. Her violet blade was a stark counterpoint to his blue flame.

He glanced down at her and gave a brief grin. "Glad you could join me. I could use a little help." His eyes flicked to Qui-Gon standing close by and then, turning back to Skywalker, he called out, "Stand down, Anakin, before it's too late."

Qui-Gon's "Stop this, Anakin" echoed through the air, a harsh rumble of agreement with the embattled Knight but the apprentice just shook his head.

"No, I've got to save you, Master." And with that, he slid over the back of the speeder, using his momentum to fly at Obi-Wan, his pike a blur of emerald light as he tried to strike at both with one killing sweep. Atel leaped out of the way but abruptly turned as he rocketed past, his vulnerable back exposed. She leaned forward to strike, to end this conflict. But Anakin sensed her movement and arched wildly, blocking her saber's upward journey while Obi-Wan's blade met his low and pushed, twisting the emerald flame down as the sizzling sound of sabersong split the air. Atel disengaged, then spiraled in, cutting at his legs, hoping to distract him enough for her Master.

Anakin danced out of her reach just as Obi-Wan slashed dead center, cutting the lightpike in half. One end sputtered and died, clattering to the ground. Qui-Gon was shouting something but he ignored the noise.

Skywalker growled and backpedaled quickly, out of their reach. Instantly, Obi-Wan pressed the attack. Dancing forward, pushing Anakin back with the thrust of his blue blade, he began to hammer the youth with a flurry of attacks as his Padawan moved in from the side.

Anakin was starting to tire as he defended against the twin onslaught. Stepping back, parrying wildly, low and high as he met each blade with his own, he gathered his strength to make one final attempt at driving these Jedi away. Breathing sharply, his eyes flicked to the fist-sized stones near the porch, feeling them tremble at his compelling call. He thrust forward once more, forcing both Jedi back, then disengaging for an instant, backpeddling, and prepared to throw the granite debris at his Master's enemies. He shifted slightly so that the muted Force presence of Master Qui-Gon was behind him, out of the way of the onslaught.

But, instead of moving aside and away from harm, the Master stepped closer. As his apprentice raised his arm to begin the assault, Jinn swung both manacled hands toward Anakin's head, clipping him soundly. He dropped like a stone, dazed and furiously confused with this unexpected attack. Instantly, Qui-Gon knelt by his side, then leaned over his body, holding him down, talking to him in desperate, urgent tones.

Atel ran to engage the youth, moving to point her blade at his throat, hoping to make Anakin understand that the fight was finished and he had lost. But Obi-Wan pulled her back, shaking his head, and, thrusting binder cuffs at her, pointed toward the defeated Bendu. "We need to secure him quickly before he can do more damage."

"Yes, Master." Nodding sharply, she hastened to Jinn's side. Careful to remain out of reach of the still-groggy Anakin, she glanced at the former Jedi Master. He was pressing his apprentice down, clearly determined to stop any further attacks but the defeated pain in his clouded eyes was devastating to see.

The Padawan knelt quickly, bringing out the tainted Force cuffs and pressing the first onto one stiff wrist. The azure glow began to sparkle as it powered up but Anakin, blinking rapidly as he gained strength after the stunning assault, resisted the pull of the loathsome manacles. Snapping the other cuff on proved to be a challenge as the youth tried to crawl from beneath his Master's grasp. But, at last, the two shackles were joined and she stepped back quickly.

The sapphire light sizzled as the tendrils of cold fire flowed around Anakin's hands; the brilliant Force aura of the apprentice muted abruptly and he hissed in pain. Thrusting his bound hands towards Qui-Gon, his eyes darkened in confusion and sorrow. "Why, Master? Why did you let them do this?" His furious gaze melted into defeat. "It hurts."

"The ache will subside in time." His quiet voice did nothing to quell Anakin's unease, the question still unanswered.

Both looked up as Le'orath and Ben approached, the child huddled tight against her tunic. Smoothing one loving hand over her husband's hunched shoulder, she peered anxiously at the struggling apprentice. "Anakin, are you all right?"

"I will be when these binders..." His frustration and outrage at the situation escalated as Anakin glanced up. Standing nearby, the Knight and his little veldt Padawan were unharmed and watching him with those smug Jedi stares. Struggling furiously, Anakin scrambled to push past his Master and get to his feet but Qui-Gon was immovable. "Master, let me up! I can still save you if only..." Once more, he tried to shove the large man aside but Jinn would not be dislodged.

Qui-Gon's voice was harsh with condemnation. "Anakin, you disobeyed me." He gazed down at his wayward apprentice, his eyes sapphire hard.

Anakin stilled at that, suddenly afraid to hear more. He knew that he had to make Master Qui-Gon understand that he must not go with the Jedi. The visions were too strong, too frightening to ignore. Frantically, he said, "I had to, Master. They will destroy you if you go back to the Temple."

Jinn shook his head, weary of this resistance. "I had already made my decision. You had no right to interfere."

The youth's eyes flashed with cobalt fire, his head lifting in urgent reply. "I had every right. Sacrifice yourself for them?? So they can... no, he's not worth it, Master, not worth your life."

"Anakin, it is my choice and my sacrifice." His voice was saturated with haggard indignation, demanding obedience from his young charge.

Frowning at that, the apprentice spat back, "So that's it then. You'd rather go with him than stay here with me...with us?"

Qui-Gon drew back, surprised. "Is that what this is all about? You're jealous of Obi-Wan?"

Anakin quickly shook his head, his eyes flicking to the waiting Knight, to Le'orath, and back again. "No, it's just..." His mouth grew hard. "That's all you think about, that gundark and his little pet. Shouldn't Ben and your wife and, yes even me, be more important than those Jedi hypocrites? And it is your life now. Don't throw it away on them. Please..."

Qui-Gon sighed, heavy with the burden of what was to come. His apprentice was not the only one with visions of the future. "This has nothing to do with what I want, but what the Force wants. Feel the rightness of this, Anakin. See beyond the loss. It is what I must do." Softly spoken, the statement seemed to penetrate the youth's duracreet shields of anger and guilt.

Anakin's reply was rough with despair. "I don't want you to go."

"I know." Qui-Gon looked at his wife, her eyes bright and shimmering with unshed tears, and then back to Anakin, now lying quiescent beneath him.

"My apprentice, you realize that you have assaulted Republic representatives while they were on a mission. They have every right to arrest you and judge you here and now. It is possible that you will go to prison for some time for this offense."

For the first time since the scuffle began, the youth hesitated, uncertain, "I didn't want...I just wanted them to leave us alone. But they didn't seem to be able to take the hint."

"They are well within their rights to take you. Anakin, I needed your obedience in this. I wanted you here, to continue your training with the Bendu, to help protect my family, to keep you safe. But now..." He closed his eyes for a moment, trying to gather the strength to do what must be done. "An apprentice of the Bendu obeys his Master's instructions at all times. If he does not, the Master has the right to cast him aside."

Anakin's eyes flew wide at that. "No, Master, please. I..."

Qui-Gon continued as if there had been no interruption. "If the Master so chooses, he may deliver up the apprentice to senior members of the Bendu Philosophical Group for justice or to any other authority he deems worthy of impartiality and fairness."

"No, Master, don't..." The apprentice gazed at him, unable to believe what was happening. "Please no..."

Rising to his feet, Qui-Gon reached down and pulled Anakin up sharply. The youth seemed stunned, blinking in angry confusion as he stared unseeing at the ground before him. As Qui-Gon turned towards Obi-Wan, his hands still gripping his young apprentice with determination and anguished strength, he looked into the sea-green eyes of his old Padawan.

"Knight Kenobi, I present my apprentice to you for judgment. Know that he mistakenly thought to protect me with this rashness but it is no excuse. He had agreed to abide by my commands while under my tutelage. He has not done so in this case. Do with him what you must." The words were harsh but Qui-Gon's eyes begged for understanding.

Le'orath's hand gripped her husband's shoulder with bitter strength. "Oh, Qui-Gon, no." But when he reminded her that Anakin must learn that there are consequences to his actions, she stood there, her mouth an unhappy line and said nothing.

Obi-Wan drew himself up, resolute and controlled. Standing there, bruised and hazy with dirt, he stared at the apprentice. Wiping away one small irritating trickle of blood now coursing down his torn cheek, his voice rasped. "Anakin, what do you have to say?"

The apprentice's blue eyes were fierce with anguished regret as he shifted under Jinn's grip. "Master, please don't." But Qui-Gon ignored his plea, looking straight ahead and did not answer.

Anakin stiffened as he stared at the Knight, a touch of desperation in his voice. "I only wanted to help Master Qui-Gon. He should not be made to be the sacrifice you require."

"Did you think killing me would help Qui-Gon?" The words were quietly spoken.

The young man swallowed hard. The bleak realization that all his efforts had been in vain, that Master Qui-Gon would leave with this Jedi deepened with that single question. Kenobi's own words echoed Master Jinn's quiet reasoning, spoken only yesterday. It seemed a lifetime ago.

Anakin's response was hesitant at first. "No, I never meant... I only wanted you to leave...to leave us all alone. I thought I could scare you away." His voice grew sullen with remembered indignation and the futility of his cause. "But you wouldn't go. And I kept having to push harder. And still you wouldn't go."

Moving his hand slowly up to wipe away the drying blood, showing Anakin the smears of brown and red staining his ragged sleeve, Obi-Wan grimaced wryly, "I believe you got your point across."

"But you haven't gone." His helpless frustration ran parsecs deep.

"We will be leaving soon enough." The Jedi's voice was laced with regret. "With Master Jinn."

Anakin drew desperate again, leaning forward, jerking out of his Master's tight grasp, and then frowning, shaking his head at the Knight. "Damn it, Jedi. Haven't you been listening at all? For once, do what is right."

"Young one, it is far too late for that."

The words seemed to shake Anakin as he glowered at the Knight. Finally, with jaw clenched and hooded eyes, he turned his head towards the cloud-tipped mountains. He stood there quietly, seemingly calm. But his hands were anxious, trying to escape the azure fire of the binders, trying to see his way clear. The turbulent drifts of muted Force currents slipped and curled around the troubled apprentice, encasing him.

Obi-Wan looked at Qui-Gon, frowning. "What would a Bendu mediator do in this case?"

His eyes flicking once to Anakin before returning to the concerned gaze of the Jedi Knight, Jinn considered the question for a moment. "For disobedience, guided meditation. For aggressive fighting, isolation for a day, a week, a month depending on the reason. For attacking another such as Anakin has done, isolation, shunning; expulsion may be required or imprisonment. For killing in anger, punishment according to the laws of Naboo."

Obi-Wan thought about it, carefully mulling over the options. "The same as with the Jedi. And what do you want me to do, Master?"

Qui-Gon's response was straightforward. "I will not cast him out but attacking without provocation must be punished. Do what you must, Obi-Wan."

The Jedi Knight turned toward the sullen apprentice. "Anakin Skywalker, you said that you wished to help Master Qui-Gon." The young man nodded sharply, then straightened, waiting for his fate to be decided. "I believe that you are sincere." Anakin's eyes began to lighten in relief but Obi-Wan was not finished. "You taught me a great deal today, Anakin. Uses of the Force that I had never contemplated. For this, I am grateful and I thank you for my lesson."

The Jedi Knight drew in a hoarse breath, "But disobedience in an apprentice is not acceptable nor is unwarranted attacks."

He took a step closer, steadily staring at the blonde youth. "Will you obey your Master and accept my judgment?"

Anakin's bitter eyes flicked towards Qui-Gon and back to the Jedi, his indignant face a study in resentment. "Why should I? You are not my Master."

"No, I am not but he has asked that I decide on the punishment for your rash actions." Obi-Wan lifted his head, quiet resolve and determined strength in his stance. "So I will make it very simple. You can accept my judgment here or we can take you back to Coruscant to stand trial before the Jedi Council. They will be less pleased than I." He paused, "Do I have your word?"

Skywalker narrowed his eyes, huffing with deep frustration, not wanting to capitulate but knowing that he must. Finally, teeth gritted, with no options of escape and incensed at his own inept failure, his response was curt. "Yes, Jedi, you have my word."

Obi-Wan straightened, folding his arms across his chest and staring resolutely at the young apprentice. "Hear this and obey, Anakin Skywalker. Say no good-byes to Master Jinn but turn and walk away."

The youth started at that, frowning, and moved to object. But he subsided when his Master sent him a scathing glare; he had given his word and he must keep it.

The Jedi continued, "Do not look back but go straight to Master Windu. He will be able to remove the binders. You are to explain your actions to him, including your motivations - all of them - jealousy, anger, hatred. Leave nothing out. He will determine your punishment for disobedience."

Obi-Wan looked again at Qui-Gon, who nodded in grateful relief. The Knight continued wearily, "Tell Master Windu that, when your atonement is complete, you are to stay at the Bendu complex for six months - isolated. Talk to no one. Interact with no one. Since you will have plenty of time to reflect on your transgressions, begin to rebuild some of the Sanctuary's fallen masonry. I'm sure that Mace has a list of items that will need repair."

He stared pointedly at the apprentice. "Anakin, one final thing. No use of the Force is to be permitted during this time with the sole exception of defense for yourself or others. A little sweat, a little hard labor might help your outlook."

Anakin was bewildered, "Is that all?"

Kenobi shot back, "Isn't that enough?" At the apprentice's quick nod, he spoke again. "When all of this is finished, your punishment will be complete. And forgiven."

It was clear that Obi-Wan's statements met with some approval from Le'orath, quiet concern from Qui-Gon and immense relief from the wayward apprentice. However, Atel was incensed. Leaning close to Obi-Wan, a low rumble of fierce misgiving in her voice, she hissed. "How can you say that, Master? Anakin attacked you...with deadly force. He deserves to be arrested and brought up for trial. He should be in prison, not this."

"Padawan, my judgment is final." She scowled at that but subsided. However, Obi-Wan knew that he would hear about this later in great depth and probably, with a loud and lengthy discussion about the Standards of Behavior. Wryly, he thought, *I can hardly wait.*

Turning to Anakin, he saw the young man was staring intensely at Qui-Gon, as though trying to communicate without words. But the former Jedi ignored his apprentice; the punishment had already begun.

Obi-Wan's voice was hard and unyielding. "Anakin, go now. Do as I have said. Remember that you have given your word to obey."

The apprentice snapped back, "I will not forget this, Jedi." Narrowing his ice-blue eyes, a fierce frown branding his brow in lines of indignation and failure, he turned abruptly away and began to stride quickly towards the north, towards the Bendu Sanctuary. It was only with extraordinary effort that he did not glance at his old Master as he left. But Anakin kept his word; he did not look back.

Obi-Wan gathered up his torn cloak and tossed it into the speeder. Gesturing for his Padawan to stand by his side, he moved away slightly leaving the family alone for a few moments. He knew that they needed to make their final farewells in private.

It was the child that broke the impasse of silence. Ben tugged on his mother's tunic as one small fist brushed away the wetness on his soft cheek, his luminous eyes swimming. "Mommy, when is Anakin coming home?"

Kneeling down, Le'orath gathered her son in her arms, clinging to him tightly. "Oh, Ben, I don't know. He has to stay with the Bendu for a while."

Ben's small voice piped clearly, "For not listening to Daddy?" She nodded at that but the child turned towards his father, staring at him with wide blue eyes brimming with tears. "Is Daddy going away now, too?"

The hesitation in her words was a poignant reminder that Le'orath was also on the verge of tears. Only the determination to remain strong for the child kept the strangling emotions at bay. "Yes, Ben, he is."

"I don't want him to, Mommy. They're going to hurt him." He pointed to Obi-Wan, his chubby fingers wavering at the Knight. "He's a bad man for taking Daddy away. I don't like him. Make him go, Mommy."

Le'orath buried her face in Ben's bright hair, her breath hitching as she tried to maintain control. "Oh, Ben, I only wish I could."

Qui-Gon stepped forward and knelt beside his wife, his bound hands reaching for the young boy. The bright azure sparks of light danced across the Bendu's wrists, encasing them in light, but the child did not care. He began to whimper as he let go of Le'orath and threw his arms around Qui-Gon's neck. "Don't go, Daddy."

The Bendu leaned into the embrace, his bearded face gently nuzzling his son's wet cheeks. He whispered quietly, "My Ben, I don't want to leave but I must." He drew his head back, trying to meet the boy's eyes. But the child held on tightly and Qui-Gon fell back into his son's arms.

"Ben, do you remember what I told you about duty?" The tenuous shake of the red-gold head and the faint catch of a quiet sob told Qui-Gon that his son was listening, however reluctantly. "Sometimes, we have to do what is required of us even if it hurts. I need to leave with Obi-Wan." The child only gripped tighter, not wanting to let go. "And I could use your help with Mommy."

The child's reply was muffled, his face still buried in Qui-Gon's shoulder. "Mommy?"

"Yes, Ben. Mommy will be very sad when I leave. She will need you to keep her company and make her feel better. Do you think you can do that?" A tentative nod and Ben drew back, looking at his father's plaintive face.

Qui-Gon's smile was laced in sorrow. "Now, little one, I need to say goodbye to Mommy. Can you give me a goodbye hug?"

Ben's eyes grew huge, swimming again, and one lone tear rolled down his cheek. He tightened his grip once more, his face digging into Qui-Gon's neck, burrowing in. The boy's quiet whisper was halting, the pain of loss coloring his voice. "I love you, Daddy."

Qui-Gon's throat tightened unbearably, "I love you, too, Ben. Never forget that." He leaned into the downy cheek and then gave him a gentle kiss, murmuring, "Love you."

The child squeezed him tightly for a moment, then loosening his hold on his father's neck, stepped back and huddled against his mother.

The Bendu stood rapidly, extending his bound hands towards Le'orath, inviting her to stand with him one last time. She looked up at him, angry jade eyes shimmering in the gloomy overcast. She could not believe that the thing she had feared most had come to pass. Qui-Gon Jinn, the man that she adored, was deserting her.

Le'orath stormed to her feet, her arms crossed in furious resentment. She hissed at him. "So you're leaving then."

Qui-Gon blinked rapidly, surprised at his wife's obvious indignation. "Le', you know that I had no choice. Let our last moments together...."

She harshly interrupted, bitter irony in her voice. "You had a choice. You could have run away and come back later. They would never have been able to find you and you know it. Instead, duty wins again. Over me, over Ben, even over Anakin. Well, you can take your duty and..." She shivered, curling inward as if cold. Her face was suddenly wet with tears as she turned away, angrily brushing at her cheeks and staring at the stones beneath her feet. The silvered, cloud-swept mountains framed her in stormy half-light.

His first light touch was rejected with one swift jerk of her shoulder. But as he persisted, tenderly touching her back with his large hands, making soft circles to gentle the harsh stiffness in her stance, she began to lean into his caress. One hushed sob was heard as he began to speak. "Le', you knew when you married me that duty would come first. It always has and always will. But you should know that this is the hardest thing I will ever do... to leave you like this."

She whirled abruptly, grabbing his shoulders and dragging him close. "Blast it, Qui-Gon Jinn, you are the most irritating, stubborn man on the planet." She reached up, one questing, fervent hand caressing the rough silk of his beard. "I love you, you foolish gundark."

"I know." He turned his head for a moment, kissing her palm, then looked intently at the lines and planes of his wife's beloved face. He wanted to experience all of her in this moment, to memorize her image in his heart.

She smiled tremulously at that. "What do you know? That I love you or that you are foolish?"

"Both, Le'orath. Both."

And then she pulled him close, kissing his mouth as if it were the last time she would ever taste or touch him. His manacled hands followed the pulsepoints of her throat upward, cupping her face as they embraced, trying to drink her in. Clinging to each other in a tumult of emotion, they tried to make the moment last an eternity. But all moments must end.

At last, with one lingering caress, Qui-Gon stepped back, his eyes intense with grief and longing. "I will always love you, Le'orath Jinn. Good-bye." He turned swiftly away, moving towards the speeder. Stiff with emotion and loss, his voice cracked abruptly as he told Obi-Wan, "Let's go."

The Knight nodded in sympathy. Signaling his Padawan, both Jedi moved in, surrounding Qui-Gon, shepherding him into the passenger seat. Atel took the back and, as Obi-Wan settled in and began to drive away, he could hear Le'orath shout out behind him, "Kenobi, I won't forget this."

Obi-Wan knew that he would not forget this either - not for a long, long time.