The west garden was tucked into a corner near the gymnasium, hidden from prying eyes. Meadow flowers, in riotous hues, grew in abundance. Glowing in vibrant tones of amethyst, topaz and ruby, the blossoms flowed tumultuously over the small stone path that meandered through the space; a soft afternoon breeze teased them into a gentle dance amongst the greenery. In the center of all this beauty, a wide granite bench held a single individual.

Seated there, eyes closed and head tilted to catch the last of the afternoon's golden sunlight, was an older woman. In her mid-fifties, she had once been lovely. Now, framed in dark-brown hair that was liberally streaked with grey, her face seemed tired and careworn. Dressed in turquoise tunic and indigo leggings, a shawl of aqua and azure draped over her slight shoulders, she waited silently among the scented blossoms.

Obi-Wan looked at her for a moment, thinking of what he must ask her, hoping for some answers to unsettling questions. As he began to move forward however, Mace abruptly stepped in front of him, stubbornly blocking his way. "I have something to say before I introduce you, Kenobi." Obi-Wan shifted back, bowing his head, silently signaling the Bendu to continue.

"I know why you are here." Bending down slightly to catch the Knight's startled eyes with his own, Mace's deep voice was harsh, caustic. "I know what or rather whom you want. I do not approve but I have cooperated because I must."

Rising up, back now ramrod straight, Mace crossed his arms and glared at the Jedi. "Qui-Gon is his own man and makes his own decisions. I can do nothing about his actions or how they are perceived by others." He paused, his mouth flat with defiance. "However, Shmi Skywalker is under Bendu protection. You are not to harass her. Ask her what you must but...I will stop any questioning that I feel is unwarranted. Do you understand?"

Kenobi began to protest. "Master Windu, I am here for answers."

Each word was distinctly spoken. "Do...you...understand?"

"I hope you realize that this could be construed as interference with the duty of a Republic representative." Mace just stood there, silent and Obi-Wan huffed in annoyance. "Very well. I will keep the questions appropriate to my investigation. Will that satisfy you?"

The Bendu nodded stiffly to the Jedi and then strode forward. "Shmi..." She opened her eyes and stood, smiling as Mace came close. "I would like to introduce two visitors to our Sanctuary. This is Obi-Wan Kenobi, Jedi Knight and his Padawan Learner, Atel Sl'etah." Her smile faltered as she turned toward them, looking slightly apprehensive. "They are here from Coruscant, representing the Senate and the Republic, under the auspices of Jedi Order. They would like to ask you a few questions." Her eyes flickered towards Mace for an instant as though seeking support. He continued gently. "Please answer all their concerns with the truth, as I am sure you would. I will be nearby if you need me."

Mace moved to the edge of the small garden and stood there, arms crossed, staring resolutely at the two Jedi. Obi-Wan turned back to the dark-haired woman. "Please sit, Mistress Skywalker." With Atel at his right shoulder, he sat next to Shmi, her "Thank you" quietly spoken.

Hoping to relieve her unmistakable anxiety a bit, he said softly, "I met an Anakin Skywalker the other day. Do you know him?"

Shmi smiled tentatively at that but her eyes were sparkling with pride. "Yes, Anakin is my son. He is currently apprenticed to Master Jinn."

Acknowledging her words, Obi-Wan replied, "Yes, it seems to be working out well for them both." He paused for a moment. "You are from Tatooine, I believe."

The reply was more guarded. "Yes, I wasn't born on Tatooine although Ani was but we lived there for quite a few years."

"And you moved to Naboo about eight years ago. That must have been quite a change." As she nodded once, he continued, "Did Master Jinn bring you here from Tatooine?"

Her soft "Yes" prompted Obi-Wan to ask, "Any reason for leaving your home of many years?"

Shmi drew back, unsure if she should be alarmed or laugh at the ludicrous statement. "I was glad to leave. I missed Anakin and the prospect of living free was....welcome."

"Free? Weren't you free, Mistress Skywalker?"

The question came out sharper than he had intended and her vulnerable eyes widened in concern. She hesitated, unsure of what he wanted, uncertain about what she should say. "I....no, Jedi Kenobi, I was not free." He waited patiently, silently for her to continue. "I was a slave."

Kenobi nodded slowly, understanding her plight. "That must have been difficult for you."

She breathed softly, her reply almost unheard. "You have no idea."

"Was Anakin a slave as well?"

She looked down at her lap, her hands tightly clasped together, whitened knuckles betraying her apprehension. "Yes, Jedi Kenobi. He was."

"Did Master Jinn bring you both back?" Obi-Wan began pressing the point; he needed answers and she knew something. He could feel it, sense it through the Force.

"Yes...yes, he did."

"How did he do that? Did he purchase you?" She glanced up, seemingly frightened, and quickly shook her head. "How did you get here, then? You know that it is illegal to own slaves in the Republic." Shmi's anxious eyes grew wide and they flicked once to Mace and back again to Kenobi. "If Qui-Gon Jinn bought you and transported you here, he would have committed a crime, a serious crime with severe penalties." Obi-Wan leaned in close, whispering as softly as though he were sharing a secret. "If Master Jinn owns you now, we would arrest him and set you free." Her eyes grew huge in the afternoon light, then began to shake her head as the implications of his words sunk in. Voice husky and low, he continued. "Are you still a slave? Is Anakin?"

Shmi drew back, frowning, bewildered as she searched Kenobi's face for contradiction or trickery. "No, no, you misunderstand. I am free and so is Ani." Her sudden movement loosened the shawl, pooling it around her waist. Her fingers scrabbled about, grasping the edge of the fabric and pulling it tightly about her as if suddenly cold. "Qui-Gon Jinn is a wonderful man. How could you even think such things about him? He rescued us both from that awful place."

"How then did he do that? It is illegal to buy slaves if you are a Republic citizen, even while outside the Republic."

She hesitated at that, trying to think it through. "Even if it is to set them free?"

"Yes, even then." Deep shame briefly flickered across Kenobi's face. "The Republic's laws are quite specific on this issue."

Her mouth flattened with remembered sorrows. "How then can you rescue living beings from their bondage?"

"I don't know but buying sentients is strictly forbidden. I'm sorry." It was softy spoken, his regret evident.

Shmi sat up, staring at the Knight, her wrap tightening as she folded her arms, the barrier between them obvious. Her words were harsh but sincerely spoken. "And so instead slaves continue to live in degradation and pain, fearing for their very lives. All because the Republic cannot be bothered to help those who are powerless. This is not right or just."

The Jedi Knight looked away, contrite. "No, but it is the law."

"Then that foolish law needs to be changed."

Glancing back at her, Obi-Wan nodded thoughtfully. "I agree." He drew in a long, deep breath, and returned to his questioning. "Mistress Skywalker, you still haven't told me how Jinn rescued you."

She breathed out the long sound of resignation, conceding his point. "Anakin's freedom came first." She smiled briefly at the warm memory. "When Master Qui-Gon and Queen Amidala landed on Tatooine almost ten years ago, they needed to repair their ship. As part of a desperate gamble, they bet our owner, Wattoo, that Ani would win the Boonta Eve podrace. If he did, they would get the parts they needed and my Master would get the remainder of the winner's purse. If the race was lost, the Queen's ship would be his. So you see, either way, that Toydarian would win." She shrugged as though the outcome had been obvious. "Of course, he agreed. What we didn't know at the time was that Master Jinn had also bet the podracer against Ani's freedom. Luck was with us all that day. When the race was over, Queen Amidala had a repaired ship and my Ani was free." It was a sweet remembrance. "He left with Master Jinn to start a new life."

Kenobi recognized that there was more to the tale. "My lady, I am confused. Naboo was in the midst of an invasion at that time. You let your son go with a stranger into a war zone?"

Her denial was sharp and rapid. "No, no....Master Jinn took my Ani with him to Coruscant. The Queen was on her way to the Senate to plead for aid and Master Qui-Gon was part of her security team. He had hoped that the Jedi Order would take Anakin in. My son is strong in the Force....Master Jinn says very strong and he had thought that the Jedi would be happy to receive such a candidate for instruction." She hesitated, carefully watching the Knight as she continued. "Of course, then he still believed in the Order, still....still thought there was hope at the Temple."

"What happened?" Obi-Wan could guess at the outcome but he needed to hear it for himself.

"The Jedi Council wouldn't see him. They...they wouldn't even let him inside the Temple at all, met him on the front steps with armed guards and told him never to return. He tried to reason with them, to tell them of Anakin's Force presence, but they would not listen, merely turned away, and closed the doors in Master Jinn's face."

His "Ah" was laced with regret and remorse. He could envision it far too well.

She glanced at him, concerned that she had said too much, revealed too much of Master Qui-Gon's past to this unsettling Jedi. "Ani told me about it. Master Jinn never said a word."

"No, he wouldn't."

Kenobi's bittersweet response seemed odd to Shmi. "Did you know him...before? At the Temple?"

Glancing away, Obi-Wan stared unseeing out over the garden, its colors now dulled in the lengthening shadows of late afternoon. Finally he nodded. "Yes, I knew him very well. I was his Padawan, his apprentice, for many years."

"But you are investigating him...oh." The one word said all that needed to be said.

The Knight was still, unmoving for so long a time that Shmi was beginning to wonder if the interview was over. At last, Obi-Wan shook himself free of whatever melancholy thoughts plagued him and turned back toward the older woman.

"And you remained behind on Tatooine." She shrugged again. "How then were you set free?"

"A year and a half later, Master Jinn came back. My Master had had quite a bit of bad luck and was deeply in debt. Gambling had finally overcome his good sense and he had lost almost everything. Master Qui-Gon told Wattoo that he would buy the store on one condition - that any slaves he owned were to be emancipated before the sale was completed." Her slight grin was sardonic. "The Toydarian didn't want to do it, protested vehemently, but, in the end, he had little choice. I and one other were released. Master Jinn now owns the business and..." She chuckled lightly. "Wattoo is still there, running the shop. Quite a step down, don't you think?"

Kenobi nodded. "And very cleverly done, too. Slaves were freed before any money changed hands." His green eyes lit in pleasure for a moment, immense satisfaction in his voice. "The law avoided and justice served. Well played, Master Qui-Gon."

His apprentice shifted slightly beside him although she said nothing. It was not a Padawan's place to chastise her Master in public. But her stiff silence spoke volumes about Atel's disapproval of the ingenious underhanded way that Master Jinn had avoided the rulings of law. Obi-Wan could only admire his former Master's deft touch. She did not.

The Knight turned back towards Shmi. "And what about the other slaves he has been bringing back to Naboo?"

Shmi Skywalker looked abruptly afraid, the bones in both hands standing out sharply as she grasped the shawl ever closer; the fabric threatened to tear with the strength of her unease. Glancing imploringly at Windu for an instant, she tried to bury her thoughts from this intrusive Jedi as she lowered her gaze to the gravel path before her. Her voice was thready and hesitant as she replied, "Knight Kenobi, I don't know what you mean."

"I believe that you do." He looked at her, hard. "Jinn has been transporting slaves here from Tatooine and Ryloth. Why?"

"Are you sure?" It was clear that she was hiding something or protecting someone; the quavering voice and skittish movement of her hands gave Shmi away.

"Mistress Skywalker, Jinn has brought over two hundred 'passengers' to Naboo in the last several years. They disappear after reaching the spaceport. Of course they are slaves."

"You could be....mistaken." Her reluctant response was just above a whisper.

"No." Kenobi's retort was blunt, clear-cut. "He's transporting slaves and you know something about it. What is he doing with them?"

"I don't know what you want me to say." Shmi moved restlessly, keeping her head down while she glanced surreptitiously at the Knight. Her expressive fingers, busy with anxiety, began to shred the fine threads of her azure shawl.

He leaned forward, intent on getting some answers. His flat voice insisted, "The truth, I want the truth. Is he running a slavery ring? Is he selling them off-world or to a broker?"

This was not what she had expected him to say. Her startled eyes shot up to meet his, bleak astonishment in her bewildered face. "You...think..."

"You realize, of course, that if he is running a slaver ring and you know something, you would be considered just as guilty if you didn't turn him in."

"How could you think such a thing?" Her voice frosted, contempt bleeding past her resolve to hide the truth from these Republic spies.

"I have evidence that he is funneling slaves through Naboo. Is he selling them?"

Shmi stood up abruptly, shaking with indignation. "You have no idea what Qui-Gon is doing." The soft demeanor had turned glacially cold and fiercely protective. "He is a compassionate man. You knew him for years and you could think this of him?" She scowled at the Knight, her face carved in ice. "What do they teach you at that Temple of yours?"

Obi-Wan rose also, moving in closer. "If he's not selling them, what is he doing with the slaves?" He pressed forward, his stormy eyes boring into hers, the slightest touch of Force persuasion in his desperate voice. He must know the truth, for all their sakes. "Tell me."

"I...." She stepped back, shaking her head.

So intent was the Knight on getting to the bottom of this mystery that he did not notice Mace's indignant approach nor did he note Atel's tenacious tug on his ragged sleeve. Then, abruptly, Windu was there between them, his dark eyes flashing, hands clenched by his side. "That's enough, Kenobi."

Obi-Wan shook his head in frustration as he stared at the Bendu. "No, I need answers. I will have them."

"Not from her." Mace gazed at the woman standing there so still, her cloth mantle slowly shredding under her frantic grip, her eyes wide with anxiety. Gentling his voice, he smiled reassuringly at her. "Thank you, Shmi. Why don't you go back to your duties? I will take care of this."

Kenobi began to protest but he could see that Mace was adamant, his resolve set in duracrete. He would get no further here. "Very well, then. I'm sure that you will be able to give me the answers I seek." He turned to her and bowed slightly. "Mistress Skywalker, please accept my apologies for any inconvenience or distress I may have caused. You have been most cooperative and given me much to think on. I thank you."

Mace squeezed Shmi's shoulder in silent understanding, then watched her go as she scurried away. The scorching glare that the Jedi received could have melted Hoth but then the Bendu turned and stalked quickly away, muttering, "Follow me." His path, arrow-straight through the gardens and wide grassy spaces, led toward the front building.

Obi-Wan called after him, "I will find the truth."

Windu stopped at that, folding his arms and huffing in annoyance, his demeanor stiff, dark eyes glittering. When the Jedi reached him, he replied, "Really, Kenobi? By browbeating some poor woman?" He scowled for a moment, then made a visible effort to restrain his vexation. Finally, with a deep sigh, he said, "I will answer any questions that I can. Why don't we go to my office and continue this discussion there?"

"I have a better idea. Why don't we go to Qui-Gon Jinn's office?" Mace sent Obi-Wan an indignant look and reluctantly nodded.

"If you insist."

The rest of the time was spent in uneasy silence.

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

The room that Mace indicated as Jinn's office was surprisingly small, especially for one of Qui-Gon's stature. Just large enough for a desk with chair, dataport, another seat for guests, a minuscule table, and a couple of storage cabinets, to Obi-Wan, it seemed almost claustrophobic with three people jammed into the tiny space. Its one saving grace was the exceptionally large window that looked out over the interior gardens but even the view was partially obscured by several plants clustered on one side of the windowsill. The walls were covered with maps, memorabilia collected from past travels and drawings. The artistic works appeared to be done by a very young craftsman but were lovingly posted opposite the desk, easily viewed by the occupant.

Obi-Wan was incredulous. "This is his office??"

Windu chuckled lightly at that. "I told you we would be better off going elsewhere. Besides, he rarely uses this space other than for storage."

"I would have thought..."

Mace shrugged. "Qui-Gon said that the larger spaces should go to others more in need of it. You know how he is. Besides, he seems to like it well enough."

Shaking his head, Obi-Wan sat down at the desk, indicating that Mace should occupy the other seat. Atel, with a nod to her Master, began to look through the cabinets. Kenobi reached out past several rock samples to the silvered visual cube next to the dataport. As he touched it lightly, every few seconds it cycled through a display of tiny 3-D images of the people most important in Qui-Gon's life - Le'orath, Ben and Anakin but, surprisingly, there were others as well including Travst, Qui-Gon's first Padawan and several of Obi-Wan himself. His mouth went dry as the images flowed by, bringing up treasured memories of days long ago.

*Damn*. Kenobi moved quickly, pressing the cube again, shutting it off. He needed no more reminders of what he was doing here; the bitter taste of his own treachery seemed ever-present now. Mace watched him, a slight look of smug satisfaction in his dark eyes.

Annoyed that the former Jedi Master had seen his discomfort, Obi-Wan busied himself, pushing data crystals into the computer's port, and began to download its memory for later perusal. Satisfied that the information was flowing smoothly, he turned to the Bendu.

"You said that you would answer my questions."

"Ask what you wish. I will try and respond as best I can."

"Good." Obi-Wan paused, "What can you tell me about Master Jinn's visits to Telos?"

"Telos?? He hasn't been there in years." Taken aback, the look on Mace's face was one of bewilderment and surprise. "I would have thought that you'd..." He stopped and looked hard at Kenobi. "Telos? As far as I know, the last time he visited that planet was with you over twenty years ago. Why do you ask about that?"

"I have reason to believe that he has been to the Telosian system several times in the last year."

"That's odd. Are you sure?" Windu frowned, thinking intently. "It takes a minimum of seven days travel in hyperspace to get there and back and I don't remember Qui-Gon being away from Naboo for that long this past year. It is quite a distance from here, across the galaxy if I remember correctly, and we have been busy enough with this part of space. Why do you think he went there?"

"I have records that indicate he was in negotiations with the mining consortium. With Offworld."

Mace did something quite unexpected. He gave a great bark of laughter. "Really, Kenobi. That is ridiculous. You, of all people, should know how he feels about Offworld. He's sooner cut his own throat than have any dealings with that group of gangsters." His dark eyes grew speculative. "I suggest that you check your sources. It is just not possible."

"I have the Telosian and Naboo flight records and his tax returns which list Offworld as one of Jinn's holdings."

"Well, I think that you need to examine them again. I am positive that Qui-Gon would have nothing to do with a consortium known for its double-dealing and criminal methods."

"I plan on doing just that once I return to Coruscant. However, my information seems quite complete."

"May I see these records?"

From the corner of the room, the rustling of flimsiplast ceased as Atel waited for her Master's reply. That data was confidential and not to be shared with potential criminals. She knew that the Jedi Council would not appreciate any breach of protocol, especially in this matter. Breathless with apprehension, unsure of his response, she caught Obi-Wan's grey eyes and gave a slight shake of her head. /*Please don't, Master.*/ was her frantic plea. /*It's against the Codes of Behavior. You know this.*/

She relaxed slightly as he stared back at her and nodded slowly. /*Yes, Padawan, I do know.*/ Then, he brought out his datapad and began scanning through several screens. Finally able to access the flight information, he handed the glowing pad over to Mace. "These are the take-off and return dates for Jinn's flights to Telos in the past year."

Atel's growl of frustration could be easily heard. /*Master, what are you doing?*/

His reply through the Force was simple and straightforward. /*What I must, Padawan.*/ Aloud, he inquired mildly, "Have you found anything of interest, Atel?"

She shook her head, incensed, but her voice revealed nothing of her inner turmoil. "No, Master, not yet."

"Keep looking."

Her nod was jerky, her eyes glistening with annoyance. Atel turned back toward her investigation, and, if the sounds coming from the search of the cabinets and clutter on the table were louder than before, Obi-Wan chose to ignore them.

Windu had felt the Force flutters of mind-speech between the pair but he wisely remained silent through this exchange. Apparently, all was not well between the two Jedi but that was none of his business. Instead, he turned back towards the datapad, closely perusing the information.

Mace frowned suddenly. "Obi-Wan, I cannot tell you where he was for all of these but this first so-called trip occurred during Ben's birthday celebration. Half the town was there and so was Qui-Gon. It was quite a party, as I remember." He snickered briefly at that. "I'm sure that there are several sources that you could access that would account for Qui-Gon's whereabouts during the festivities. Or ask the Governor or any of his staff. They were all there with their children."

Mace scrutinized the information further. "The third set of dates, he and I were on Melida/Daan on business...the Naboo flight records will show that we returned in the middle of this 'trip' to Telos. If you wish, you can access the records here."

"Thank you but we already have the flight logs. I will cross-check the dates when I have some time this evening."

"I cannot tell you about the other dates at the moment. I don't keep track of Qui-Gon every minute. That's really up to Le'orath." He chuckled at his own poor attempt at humor but the two Jedi just stared at him. "I do know that such a large time spent in transit should have been noticed by the staff since Jinn comes to the Sanctuary on a regular basis to teach. Do you want me to inquire further?"

"Not at the moment. As I said, I will check the dates between the two sets of flight information and see if there are any other anomalies."

Mace shrugged. "Fine by me. And why are you so interested in Qui-Gon and Telos? It has to be more than just buying mines from Offworld."

Atel crouched by the cabinet, rummaging through the files, plast sheets piled on the floor, and pointedly ignored her Master's response. He wouldn't listen anyway. But Obi-Wan had no intention of telling Windu about the Force manipulation or the murders, in any case.

"I'm sorry but that is confidential." Atel breathed a silent sigh of relief and returned to her hunt.

The Bendu merely sat there, waiting patiently for the next strike. It wasn't long in coming.

&"Perhaps you might clear up another mystery for me then, Master Windu." Silent, his earth-colored eyes flickering back and forth between the two Jedi, Mace nodded regally. "Qui-Gon Jinn has been to Tatooine and Ryloth on a number of occasions. Whenever he returns, he has a shipful of passengers."

"So, is that illegal in the Republic, to transport beings from one planet to another?" The deep voice of the Bendu was playful, the barest flicker of buried deceit coloring his words and the Force before Mace's shields became impenetrable. Obi-Wan's smoky eyes sharpened, trying to discern just what was going on.

"They disappear upon entering Naboo territory. That is very odd, is it not?"

Mace held up his hands, spreading them wide in a gesture of impatience. "Is that Qui-Gon's fault? So they disappear. Perhaps they are tourists out for a little fun and do not wish to be disturbed."

"They never leave this planet, at least under their own name."

The Bendu shrugged, seemingly indifferent. "That is not my concern."

"It should be." Obi-Wan's face hardened, voice dagger sharp. "I ask you again. Who are the passengers that come from Tatooine and Ryloth? Those places are rife with slavery and drugs. "

"I cannot say. Qui-Gon will have the answers you seek. Ask him when you see him next."

"But I am here and I am asking you." Kenobi waited a few tense moments, probing the Force for some clue as to Windu's level of subterfuge. Then, when nothing was forthcoming, he began to evaluate aloud. "There are only three likely possibilities for disappearing passengers from slave-holding planets. One, they are indeed tourists bent on having a good time. This is highly unlikely. Too many have disappeared. " Windu's face was stony, blank, no emotion or thought seeping through the stoic visage.

Obi-Wan paused dramatically. "Two, Qui-Gon Jinn is running a slavery ring. A few people have indicated that this is indeed the case and there is much to be said for such a scenario." Obi-Wan paused in distaste,

watching Mace's eyes begin to glitter with disgust. "Slavery, while illegal in the Republic, is highly lucrative. There are few expenses, and, if the security forces can be persuaded to ignore the trade, the slaver is not likely to be caught. In addition, Naboo is ideally situated since it is close to the center of the slave markets."

Kenobi leaned forward, his hands splayed across the inlaid desk. "Again, it is highly unlikely." Atel's movements stilled, as she listened closely to her Master. "I cannot believe for a moment that Qui-Gon Jinn would ever deal in slaves. It is not in his character." His Padawan started to protest but he sent her a penetrating look, quelling any protest. "Mace, you and I have known him for many years. To profit by the suffering of others? No, not possible. He was always one to rescue a lost soul, not cause it to cringe in fear."

"Besides, I cannot believe that a people so adamant about the abolition of slavery would allow anyone, even a hero of Naboo, to run a slavery ring right under the noses of the security forces. No, the third possibility is the only likely one."

Windu sat there, mouth flat, eyes hard, and did not ask for clarification. That was enough to confirm Obi-Wan's conclusion. "Three, Qui-Gon Jinn is helping runaway slaves to escape into the Republic, hiding them here at the Sanctuary until they can be safely transported deeper into the Core regions - giving them new identities, perhaps training them to deal with their situations and allowing them to hope for a better life."

A moment later, Mace began shaking his head. "Obi-Wan, you are jumping to conclusions again." He took a deep, cleansing breath. "You know that it is illegal to help runaway slaves and the punishment is quite severe - two years in a penal colony for each offense. The Republic passed laws several years ago on this very issue." He looked straight at the Knight, Windu's brown eyes stark in censure. "They have Senate-approved bounty hunters to capture those fleeing bondage - and to arrest anyone helping them."

"I know that Qui-Gon Jinn would not let slaves suffer in silence if he could do anything to help." Obi-Wan leaned forward. "I remember him trying desperately to free slaves legally on several occasions. The Jedi Order was honor-bound to follow the dictates of the Senate." Kenobi blew out an annoyed sound of disbelief. "And they refused to help. Instead, the first Slave Act was passed, making it almost impossible to free the enslaved ones outside the Republic. Politics and profit again.... I remember Qui-Gon railed for weeks about it until finally the Council made it quite clear that he was to do nothing. Or else." Obi-Wan spread his hands wide. "He agreed out of a sense of duty but it always hurt him immeasurably whenever he could not legally help those in need."

He drew closer to Mace, capturing his eyes, holding them hostage. "The Qui-Gon Jinn I knew would be funneling runaway slaves to freedom, not selling them for a profit. And I cannot believe that my old Master could have changed that much."

Windu looked away, clearing his throat. He said nothing for several moments. " Many things have happened over the years. People change..."

Obi-Wan shook his head and said clearly, distinctly. "Not that much."

Mace drew back and dismissed the Knight's conjectures with a wave of his hand. "Your evidence is strictly circumstantial. You will need more proof than speculation to net a slaver or even someone helping runaways."

"And what about your part in all this?"

"My part?" The Bendu was startled, apprehensive.

"Yes, you have traveled with Jinn on a number of occasions to Tatooine and Ryloth. What were you doing there?"

Mace snickered at that. "Selling ice." Kenobi looked at him with disbelief. "I make a huge profit just by distributing clean frozen water to the Tatooine businesses - it's compact and cold, perfect for selling in a hot, dry desert. And Ryloth...well Ryloth has trouble raising crops; here we have an excess. Again an enormous profit item." He shrugged. "Sometimes, my ship comes back full of gems and craft items. Naboo has a long artistic tradition and welcomes new ideas."

Pausing, the Bendu raised his hand to forestall any further inquiries about slaves. "And yes, sometimes I also carry passengers. I ask no questions about their private lives and they tell me nothing as well. As long as they are disease free, Naboo welcomes tourists and potential settlers. If they disappear when they leave my ship, it's not my concern."

"But..."

"It's not my affair and I don't believe you could prove otherwise." With that, Mace leaned back, his long legs stretched out and folded his arms, waiting silently. It was clear that this topic was closed.

Kenobi was not pleased with this turn of events but Windu was correct. He didn't have absolute proof and, unless he could muster the data necessary or get a confession of guilt, there was little he could do. He turned back towards the desk, gathering up and securing the now-filled data crystals in his beltpouch and then began to rummage through the drawers, hoping to find evidence of Jinn's activities.

Atel had finished her search. She had discovered nothing of interest and leaning back on the edge of the table, watched the Bendu sitting there smugly serene. She reached into the fastness of her threadbare cloak and pulled out a round silvered ball. Smiling, she placed it before Mace and asked, "Master Windu, perhaps you could tell me what this is."

The Bendu straightened and reached for the globe, looking at Kenobi for permission. When the nod came, Mace grasped it and began tossing the ball from hand to hand. "Why, Padawan, you know perfectly well what it is. A children's toy. What of it?"

"It's a mental maze, " said the apprentice. Windu's brown eyes gleamed with amusement as he acknowledged her words. She continued, "A toy, useful only to Force users. A training tool for manipulation and control."

"And your point is...." One dark eyebrow came up in a gesture of glib inquiry as the former Jedi tossed the ball skyward and caught it when gravity took over.

"Why are you training Force-sensitive children? They should have been sent to the Temple."

"And why would I want to do that?" Mace was beginning to enjoy this far too much.

"For proper guidance in the use of the Force, why else?" Her response was flat, indignant.

He chuckled at that. "My dear Atel, you forget that we have the finest teachers here, not on Coruscant. The Jedi Order has seen fit to discard their best and brightest - educators, philosophers, pilots, farmers and rebels. We give them a new home and a new purpose. I'm sorry that you do not see that."

"And the children?" The Padawan was frowning deeply.

The silvered globe stilled in his hand. "We will raise them as we see fit. They are the children of the Bendu, our own young ones. They do not belong to the Jedi nor will they."

"Your children?" She seemed quite surprised.

"Of course. I mentioned that very fact earlier if you remember - when we were talking about the school. Why, do you think Qui-Gon was the only one to get married and raise a family?" His eyes twinkled with suppressed mirth. "We are not the Jedi Order. There is no forbidden attachment here. Adi and I have two daughters, strong in the Force; many other former Jedi have children as well."

"And you think that the Order will stand for this?"

"They can do nothing about it. There is no law at present compelling parents of Force-sensitive children to send them to the Jedi. And if they passed such an absurd law, they would have a very large fight on their hands. No parent would stand for it, Bendu or not." Mace was staring straight at Obi-Wan when he finished speaking, his brown eyes challenging the Knight's own grey ones to disagree. But Kenobi said nothing. He knew that Windu was right.

"But you are teaching them how to use the Force, " protested Atel, her violet eyes whirling with disbelief.

"Of course." Windu said smoothly. "We need to guide them on the correct path. Teaching our children to use their talents wisely and well is paramount to their following the ways of the Light." He leaned forward, looking at her with challenge in his gaze. "Surely, you are not suggesting that we let our young ones flounder about and try to use their Force gifts without proper training, do you?" As she frowned, thinking of how to respond, he relaxed back into his chair. "That would not be wise. That avenue could lead to Darkness."

"The Jedi should be training them, not you." Her flat condemnation of his words was absolute.

Mace spoke with patience, his hands still cupping the reflective ball as though protecting a priceless treasure. "Padawan Sl'etah, the Jedi do not own the Force. They cannot keep it locked away in a box or given away as a bribe to those deemed worthy by the Order. It is not something to be manipulated or controlled by the Jedi or by any other group...even our own." His brown eyes held her own violet ones and she could not look away. "You have your mandates, your weaponry and your rules within the Order. We do not dispute this nor do the Bendu wish to challenge the Jedi's place in the Republic." Mace paused, trying to make her understand. "But the Force goes far beyond the Temple, beyond the Republic, certainly beyond Naboo." He shook his head. "We will not cripple our own for your peace of mind."

He rose smoothly to his feet. "Now, Knight Kenobi and Padawan Sl'etah, if there is nothing else, I have other duties that need my attention."

Obi-Wan motioned for him to be seated once more. "I have not quite finished my examination of Qui-Gon's office. It will be but a few moments and then we will take no more of your time, Master Windu."

With a slight growl of annoyance, Mace dropped back down onto the chair and closed his eyes, still holding the toy. They would be finished soon enough and gone. Hopefully, there would be no need for any sacrifice, no matter what the misguided and ever stubborn Qui-Gon Jinn insisted on doing. He began to drift, waiting for their departure, when he heard the brief snick of an opening lock. He glanced around and noticed that Obi-Wan was on the floor, reaching up under the desk while Atel stood by, her small frame quivering in anticipation. Mace drew his hand across his forehead, covering his dark eyes for a moment and thought of his foolish friend. *Blast, Qui-Gon, what have you done now?*

It did not take long to find out. First one lightsaber was pulled from the hidden compartment below the desk, and then a second and a third. Each was unique, but clearly a mixture of Jedi and Bendu design - the crafted weaponry sat there gleaming, the sleek dark-blue and silver trim an eloquent and obvious condemnation of Qui-Gon Jinn.

Obi-Wan leaned forward, both hands on the desk, his stormy eyes boring down on an astonished Mace. Lowering his voice to emphasize the gravity of the situation, the Jedi asked distinctly, "What are these doing here, Master Windu?"

The former Jedi whispered, "I have no idea." His eyes never left the three sabers sitting there in the darkening room. One mahogany hand started to reach for the silver tubes but halted midway, instead falling to the desk edge and gripping tightly.

The Padawan tried to interject with an excited, "Master, these are just the evidence...." but Kenobi silenced her with a razored glance. Mace locked his gaze with Obi-Wan, the Bendu's regret and deep sorrow whispering through the Force before his shields set into duracrete once more. It was clear that Windu had not known about the lightsabers in Jinn's office.

There was nothing more to be said. The Knight gathered the sabers, dumping them into his Padawan's eager hands and, leaning over, gently pried the now-forgotten silvered toy from Windu's lax grip. Obi-Wan bowed to the Bendu Champion and, moving past him, opened the door. Atel was first into the hallway, starting to walk quickly towards the exit as though afraid Windu would snatch the evidence from her zealous fingertips.

Kenobi started to follow her but was held back by strong hands gripping his threadbare cloak. "Don't do this to him," Mace pleaded quietly. "Obi-Wan, please. He is a foolish old man who has made a new life, a better life for himself. Don't take that away."

Obi-Wan's heavy murmur of regret ghosted in the air, quiet, desperate. "What would you have me do, Mace? I cannot ignore this, I cannot ignore all of the evidence that tells me that more is going on here than a fine teaching school or that it is a harbor for runaways." His grey eyes were liquid with sorrow. "I cannot wish away the sabers, either."

Obi-Wan looked down at the marbled floor, whispering. "Tell me a way to explain this to the Council and I will." He reached for Mace's hand, fisted in the Jedi's ragged cloak and covered it with his own. "Tell me that I am wrong, that all of it is wrong." Squeezing tightly for a moment, he let his hand fall uselessly by his side. "I don't want to do this any more than you. Tell me that I am wrong."

The Bendu stepped back, releasing the fraying cloth, and said nothing. After a long moment, Kenobi nodded and turned to go.

"Obi-Wan, what will you do now?"

He should have ignored the question but he could not. "Code dictates that I contact the Jedi Council and apprise them of the situation. They will decide what is required. It is unlikely that they will overlook the evidence I have and you know what the consequences are." Mace nodded unhappily.

Obi-Wan took a deep breath and decided to do something exceptionally foolish, something that could get him punished or worse. But it didn't matter. Qui-Gon's life was at stake here. "Mace, I will be contacting the Council tonight but I won't be doing anything else before morning."

The Bendu blinked in surprise, sharply studying the Knight, understanding the meaning behind his words, and decided to meet trust for trust. "He won't run, Obi-Wan. You know how stubborn he can be. Once he has decided on a course of action, an exploding nova couldn't divert him."

Kenobi looked away, nodding once in agreement. Despair colored his quiet reply. "I know. I'm truly sorry."

Mace's brown eyes glistened with unshed sorrow. "So am I."

The Jedi turned to go but hesitated. He looked down, unable to meet the somber mahogany face gazing back at him. "One more thing. I know that it is not possible now but I would still like to know."

Mace waited patiently. "Yes?"

"Do you...have you accepted Knights that leave the Jedi voluntarily?"

The Bendu was taken aback; this was completely unexpected but then he nodded slowly. Mace understood just what was being asked. "We accept all those who walk in the Light... even Jedi Knights who have only done their duty."

Dull grey eyes flashed upward, meeting the compassion reflected there. Kenobi bowed slightly and said. "Thank you, Master Windu. I take my leave. May the Force be with you."

Mace looked at the Knight, standing there so solemn, the Jedi's duty at war with impassioned regret. In that instant, the Bendu champion truly understood just what price Obi-Wan Kenobi was paying. His reply was heartfelt. "And may the Force be with you, Obi-Wan."

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

Mace Windu stood by the window and watched the landspeeder as it vanished into the far wood and out of sight. Sighing with both deep aggravation and bone-weary sorrow, he turned on his comlink and waited for an answer. It wasn't long in coming.

"Jinn here."

The familiar voice drove Mace further into his anger, almost wishing the speaker was present so that he could cheerfully throttle him. His deep rumble was mild, though. "Are you alone?"

"Yes, is he gone?"

Windu, his ire peaking, growled back, "You, Qui-Gon Jinn, are a fool. What were you thinking?"

The response was gentle. "I take it then that he has left."

Teeth gritted, Mace shook his head. Closing his eyes for a moment, trying to tamp down his indignation, one large hand fisted, relaxed and fisted again. He wanted to strangle that stubborn gundark, jump right through the comlink and shake some sense into the man. "Yes, he is gone."

"You seem upset. Did he find out about the safehouse?"

His voice darkening with suppressed ire, he hissed back, "I...am...upset. But, no, he didn't. Your old Padawan is smart. He figured out about the runaways although I denied everything. We'll have to start using the alternate routes immediately. I don't know what he'll tell the Council but it is best to assume the worst in this case."

"Good. Anything else?"

"He kept asking about Telos." Mace wasn't ready to discuss the sabers just yet. He needed to regain his calm center first.

The surprise in Jinn's voice was absolute. "Why Telos? I haven't been there in years... well, since Xanatos died over two decades ago."

Mace sighed heavily. "I don't know. He wouldn't say but he did share the Naboo flight information with me. In a couple of cases, they were clearly wrong and I told him so."

Qui-Gon seemed puzzled, hesitant. "He.... shared the information? That's odd and most certainly against the rules of investigation. Why did he do that, I wonder?"

"I don't know but his Padawan was upset with him about that and other things."

"Yes, they do seem to be at odds quite frequently." Jinn chuckled lightly. "Obi-Wan has his hands full with that one."

"This is no laughing matter, Qui-Gon." Windu's clipped tones and rising anger came through the comlink clearly.

"All right, Mace. You always save the best and the worst for last. What is it?"

"He found the sabers in your office."

Jinn's mild "Ah" only fueled Windu's ire and the sarcasm that bounced across the link was strong. "What were you thinking? Oh, wait, I forgot.... Feel, don't think." Mace's face began to redden ever so slightly. "Well, your instincts were wrong this time. This time you should have thought!!!"

"Mace, you need to calm down and listen to me." He waited a few moments, hoping that his old friend would understand what he needed to say. "I believe that the Force wanted them to be found."

Windu had not expected that. "What are you talking about?"

Qui-Gon's voice was deliberate, thoughtful. "I did not forget about the sabers, Mace. When I was there yesterday, I had fully intended to remove them along with the others. But when I took them out, it seemed wrong somehow and the feeling only increased as I left the office. I found myself, almost without thought, returning them to their hiding place." Qui-Gon gave a soft sigh. "I stood there in my office for a very long time, staring down at that desk."

The wry humor was evident as Jinn continued. "Yes, even I knew that it was foolish to leave them in such an easily found hiding place. But I could not ignore what my 'instincts' were telling me. Mace, the Force wants me to go to Coruscant with Obi-Wan. It is the only explanation."

The Bendu paused, deep in thought. "Are you sure, Qui-Gon? I doubt that we would be able to get you out."

"Yes, I'm very sure of this. I do not know what waits for me in the Temple but it is important that I go. Even my son had foreseen that I would leave with Obi-Wan."

"Very well." Windu was resigned. He knew that he could not talk Qui-Gon out of going. "Kenobi will probably be there in the morning."

"Morning?" The news was startling to the former Master.

"Yes, I believe that Obi-Wan is giving you time to go into hiding if possible. I told him that you would not."

"That is very foolish and very brave of my fine young apprentice. I hope that he will not reap the reward of his compassion with those damned bureaucrats at the Temple." Qui-Gon paused, "Mace, I will not be talking to you again before I go. Take care of my family and watch out for Anakin. He is not happy with this but he will come to see that this is the right path."

"I will, my old friend. Until we meet once more, may the Force be with you."

Qui-Gon's reply was gentle. "May the Force be with us all."