Heading back to the spaceport, the landspeeder was crowded with profound silences. Concerned with the feeling of jumbled desperation leaking through her Master's granite shields, Atel drove swiftly, impatient to return, and arrowed the speeder straight for the dataport center. She kept glancing at him furtively. He sat stone-still, almost inanimate, his shuttered face stared outward, bruised eyes unblinking. Unseen was the radiance of the mountains reddening in the coming dusk, their saw-toothed majesty gleaming in sunset glory; unacknowledged was the joyous dip and whirl of birds reveling in the fierce celebration of evening flight. Obi-Wan appeared almost detached, withdrawn; only Jinn's captured lightsaber rolling silently from hand to hand betrayed his innermost turmoil.

His seeming indifference to the triumph of their discoveries was disconcerting, troubling to the young Padawan; even more alarming was the suppressed tumble of chaotic emotions gathering like a thundercloud about him. Atel frowned in remembrance. With any other mission, Master Obi-Wan would have been quietly relieved to discover the truth, to bring a criminal to justice, to do his duty. Now he just sat there, his mind's tumult frozen by the outer facade. This was not good.

Jinn was guilty; that was very clear. He was rogue, after all, just as her teachers had said - despite Obi-Wan's protests. With his illegal sabers and his slave dealing and the Telosian murders a very real possibility, the old ex-Jedi had a long list of criminal activities. And yet the certainty of Jinn's guilt had only made her Master more unhappy. She knew that he had been mistaken in trusting Qui-Gon Jinn; his misplaced loyalty had only caused him pain and confusion. For that, she was truly sorry.

But Atel was relieved that the investigation was over. For her Master's sake, she tried not to bask in the warm glow of victory, the elation of a job well done. His anxiety and roiling anguish tarnished an otherwise stellar mission. She knew that the Council would be pleased; once again the team of Kenobi and Sl'etah had pulled a Corusca crystal out of the pile of bantha droppings - if only Obi-Wan could understand that and be happy about doing his duty.

She strengthened her resolve; she knew that she would have to be the strong one just this once. She was certain that, once they returned to the Temple, he would regain his balance and go on as before. When this was done, her Master would understand that it was meant to be.

The Padawan gave a small satisfied sigh when they finally pulled up to the dataport center. It would soon be over. A short report to the Council, a quick pickup of the felon and they should be on their way back to Coruscant within a few hours.

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

The Jedi Council was in rare form.

As part of the reluctant concession of the Order towards its field agents, specific times had been allotted for investigative reports, and, for the most part, it worked relatively well for Knights in good standing. Kenobi had learned from his colleagues that requests for Council time were answered with some bureaucratic interference, but the other agents were seen promptly, their accounts accepted with few questions. Not so with Obi-Wan. Tainted with a perception of the Jinn heresies, reaping the reward of his long-ago apprenticeship, he was always last on the agenda. His short reports had become long drawn-out affairs with much animosity and little support of his actions. Today would be no different.

One short hour later, the request finally acknowledged, Obi-Wan bowed before the group and reluctantly waited for their signal to begin. Atel shot him a worried glance but his closed face gave her no ease. Tamping down on the formidable dismay tunneling through her, she stood quietly in the typical Padawan position, and awaited the Council's pleasure.

Before the pair, in the flickering light of long-range transmission, were three Masters of the Jedi Order and the ever-present Kenth Zaros, Senate Representative of the Oversight Committee on Jedi Affairs. Obi-Wan shuddered slightly. His experiences of the past few days had changed his perceptions drastically and reminded him of what a Jedi should be. Quenching his distaste with a gargantuan effort, he hardened his resolve and looked more closely at the group.

It almost appeared as if Representative Zaros had not moved from the centermost chair since the last time Kenobi had spoken with the Council. Sitting like a bloated spider, the man was now dressed in robes of a gleaming purple so deeply saturated in hue as to be nearly black. Heavily embroidered with threads of purest gold, the cloak was encrusted with the rarest of treasures - Corusca gems, the iridescent diamonds of Ryloth, and Veda pearls. His boots almost a mirror with the black shine and trousers impeccably made, it was his vest that was most impressive, gleaming a rich grey purple in the transmission light. His every movement set off the jeweled sparks of light and color and despoiled credits. Kenobi wondered how the parasite could move - the robes were so stiff with ornamentation.

Sitting to the left of Zaros was the frowning white-furred Bothan, Trest Sle'fey, who had given Kenobi much trouble with the requested dismissal listings a few days back. The ever-smug Sera Tharten was at the Representative's right hand. Leaning in close to Zaros, she stared at Kenobi with narrowed glittering eyes and wet mouth. Seated next to Tharten was the zealous Sullustan Master, Rangt Nunb, head of the Office of Dismissals and Expulsions, his scowling visage thunderous with annoyance.

Obi-Wan knew that the next few minutes would be a turning point - for himself as well as Qui-Gon Jinn. He had hoped for some guidance in the gentle ocean of the Force but his pleas had been met with an uneasy silence and he was alone. He swallowed hard and waited for the inquisition to begin. It did not take long.

Feigning a vast indifference, the rat-faced bureaucrat waved his bejeweled fingers towards the waiting Knight. "Well, Kenobi, it's about time. Let's hear it. When are you bringing Jinn back under arrest?"

"Representative Zaros, I will answer to the Jedi Council momentarily. But, before I do, I have a question for them." The harsh murmurs to this unprecedented response echoed in the dusty halls of the Chamber.

Her eyes inky with profound annoyance, Tharten quickly retorted, "Don't waste our time, Kenobi. We want your report, not questions."

Obi-Wan flicked his hands as though brushing aside an irritating insect. "Master Tharten, your pardon but I believe that Master Nunb would best answer this as it pertains to his department." Kenobi turned to the astonished Sullustan, "Master, how many members of the Jedi Order have been dismissed..."

The chaos of noise echoing in the dataport office cut off his next words but the strident sounds were nothing compared to the din raised within the Council Chambers. The words spilling out over the spaceways - "How dare you?" from the Sullustan, "Kenobi, mind your tongue." from fury-scarred Thartan and the Bothan's "Not now, you idiot" fought for control of the situation. Through it all, Obi-Wan stood stiff and unrepentant, waiting for the silence to descend.

Finally, Zaros, through sheer volume, was able to answer. "Listen, you little Jedi fool. It is not your place to question your betters. Whether the Senate has dismissed one Knight or the entire Jedi Order is none of your business. You are here to report on Qui-Gon Jinn, nothing more. Do I make myself clear, Kenobi?"

Obi-Wan bowed slightly. "Very clear, Representative Zaros. However, I did not ask your opinion but that of Master Nunb."

That the Knight would reply and in such a way was astonishing to the Council. Zaros began to wonder if, perhaps, sending Kenobi had not been such a good idea; defiance in a Jedi, especially one as powerful as he, was not to be taken lightly. Even more importantly, it was not good management technique. Who knows, it might even spread throughout the unruly Temple and then where would the Senate be? Up to its collective eyestalks in rebellious Jedi. He squirmed at that unsettling thought but, before he could try and squash this budding anarchy, the ever-servile Council members came to his rescue.

The Sullustan Nunb sputtered heatedly, "Senate Representative Zaros is right. It is none of your business."

"And the deaths of hundreds of former Jedi are also not my concern?" The ice-sharp reply only seemed to incense the Council further.

Master Nunb, his eyes wide with shock, was quick to reply, "How did you know about the deaths? That information is confidential."

"Apparently not as confidential as you would like, Councilor. Did you think to keep this hidden? These murders must be stopped at all costs." The scowl on Obi-Wan's face was steel and stone.

"This is not your concern." Master Tharten's stern visage was almost purple with indignation, her cold beady eyes veiled with daggered threat.

"Then whose concern is it?" Obi-Wan challenged, growling deep in his throat.

The Bothan was quick to reply. "We are studying the situation and the committee hopes to make a report to the entire Council next week."

"A committee?" The sheer astonishment and distain in his heated voice was palpable. "So you just sit and let our people die while you study this in a committee? This is unbelievable."

Sle'fey's bark was sharp, pointed. "Knight Kenobi, we are doing the best we can with our limited resources." The Bothan paused dramatically, ivory fur frenzied in dismay. "Since you are so knowledgeable about the situation, the Investigative Committee of Unwarranted Terminations will be glad to accept your expertise. Plan on joining it once you return to Coruscant."

Obi-Wan's obstinate thought *If I return* scampered past his resolute shields before he tightened them into duracreet. Atel looked sharply at her Master, her violet eyes widening with shock, unsure if what she had felt had been real or imagined. Ignoring her frantic questioning probes, he continued. "And that's it then. That is all you will do."

Sle'fey's piercing eyes bore into Kenobi's own stormy ones. "For the moment, yes. Return and we will discuss this."

Zaros was viper-quick on the uptake. "Now, Jedi. We are waiting for your report."

Obi-Wan moved into immovable stance, his face set in granite. Arms folded, he stared at the flickering images, their forms wavering in the grey mists of long-range transmission. Eyes fierce with resolution, jaw clenched in stubborn resistance, a slight frown carved his brow. But he said nothing.

As the moments lengthened without sound, without reply, the tension built within the Council chambers and within the heart of one apprentice. Her skittering thoughts pounded into the Force, trying to break through the impenetrable shields of the man standing next to her. /*Master, what are you doing? Master Obi-Wan, answer him, please.*/

Finally, Nunb spat, "Kenobi, you will report on your findings now or we will have to take steps to curb your insolence. And you might not like the result."

The threat was sincere - punishment, imprisonment, banishment. And still Obi-Wan said nothing.

A heartbeat, two and then the blue-tinged Thartan condemned him, her thin voice dripping with satiated warning. "So be it, Kenobi. Return to Coruscant to submit to our judgment."

Atel abruptly stepped forward, startling the Council members. A senior Padawan of her stature should know that interrupting a Council member was not wise in the best of circumstances but she had to do something to stem this potential tragedy. Bowing low before the image, the very essence of a penitent Padawan, she begged, "Please Masters, a moment. Master Obi-Wan has not been well. He doesn't realize what he is doing. Please, let me reason with him."

Shrugging briefly, the Bothan Master waved his paw diffidently. "Very well, Padawan....reason with him. But do not take too long. Five minutes, no more. We grow impatient with his foolishness." Moving forward, Sle'fey pressed a single button and the image winked out, the snow of paused transmission filling the space.

Whirling to face him, her voice was rough with confused desperation. "What do you think you are playing at? This is no game, Master."

Sighing with a weariness borne of somber resignation, Obi-Wan calmly met her frantic eyes. "But it is a game to them, Padawan, a grand diversion full of deceit and treachery, power and death. An entertainment where they pull the strings and I dance to their tune. I was just deciding whether to dance or not."

Taken aback, shaking her head as if to deny his perplexing words, she said indignantly, "I don't understand you at all. Do you think that defying them will help the murdered Jedi or Jinn or you?" Reaching for his ragged cloak with both hands, she grasped his arms, shaking him sharply, to try and penetrate the murky fog she imagined there. "The Council has agreed to do something about the fatalities. A committee is but the first step in fixing the problem and you will be on it, helping to keep them on the right track, pushing for a quick resolution."

He looked on her with bitter, astonished eyes. "Padawan, when did you become so naive? They will bury me there with rules and regulations and nothing... nothing will be done." He pulled away from her, folding his arms in embattled defense.

She stepped back, frowning. "Master Sle'fey gave us the information in the first place and he seems sincere."

Obi-Wan shook his head, looking down for a moment and then into her bewildered face. "He may be. I can no longer tell the good from the bad, the dark from the light. They hide their deceit so very well."

She moved closer, one small hand clutching his threadbare cloak. "Master, if you do not return, you certainly will not be able to help find out who is murdering the dismissed ones. Isn't that as bad as doing nothing at all?"

He hesitated, "Worse. It is a denial of...of what a Jedi should be." He hurried on, doubt and despair coloring his reply. "But they will thwart my every attempt at solving this mystery. Surely you understand this."

"Master, I only know that if you do not go back and try to discover the culprit, the murders will continue. If you ignore the wishes of the Council, if you refuse to be a part of the investigation, you are as much to blame as they. Chose this path of denial and you, Master... you will know that you could have stopped it and did not. Because you looked away. Can you live with that?"

Obi-Wan's murmur of resignation was bittersweet. "No...no, I cannot."

Atel's voice hardened again in frustration. "Then give them your report on Jinn."

He shook his head, sharply denying her request. "They will destroy him."

Her fingers tightened involuntarily, the dark cloth bunching in her fist. "Wake up, Master. Jinn is a criminal, whether you give your report or not."

Gently, he covered her clenched hand with his own and looked into the bewildered depths of her violet eyes. "But if I give them what they demand...it is I, not the Council, who will betray him."

She yanked her hand from his grasp, stepping back, face now steely with determination. "If you will not give the report, I will." His grey eyes closed for a moment, frown deepening. "Master Obi-Wan, think about what you are doing. If I give the report and they tell me to arrest Jinn, I will do so, with or without you." Her voice lowered, urgent and sharp, anxiety growling like an untuned hyperdrive coil. "It is my oath and my duty. I must obey the Council."

When he did not answer her, Atel pressed deeper, cutting through his choices with the swiftness of a lightsaber blade. "I cannot defeat you in battle, I know this, but I will do what I must regardless of the cost. And if I go down by your own hand, can you live with that? Can you?"

He shook his head sharply, the alternatives tearing at his consciousness as memories - of a bright-eyed child smiling up at him, smoothing his sweaty brow as he tossed in fever, guarding his back as blaster shots pinged their way past his riposte, laughing, screaming, crying for her Master in her nightmares - flashed past with brutal speed.

Quietly, he said, "I knew from the beginning..." Pausing, he looked down at her, his very young apprentice standing there so stiff and steadfast, stony resolve in her uncompromising stance.

"What, Master?"

Saddened that it had come to this, Obi-Wan smiled briefly, his eyes heavy with regret. "That either way, I knew I was damned."

Atel stepped forward again, gazing up at her foolish, misguided Master. "It doesn't have to be like that. Give them what they want." As his face hardened once more, she continued quickly, "Qui-Gon Jinn is going to be arrested whether you wish it or not. The reality is that he will return to Coruscant for judgment by your hand or by other Knights of the Order."

Pausing, she grasped his arms once more, her hands fisting in the fraying cloth, and spoke distinctly as though to force his understanding. "But you have a chance to help him. He will need an advocate, someone who is a Jedi yet can speak for him in the Council Chambers."

She shook him slightly, to jar him into reality. "Do you want him to go before the Council alone? He will need your help. Help him now by giving the report they require. We can do this, Master. I will help you with his defense - surely there must be a way to satisfy the Code and your own conscience."

Frowning deeply, grey eyes stormy with regret, he just gazed at her, recalling what he had asked Jinn's apprentice just few days ago. *Help me to prove that he is innocent, that he had done nothing wrong.* Almost the same words from his mouth to hers and that remembrance was ash in his soul.

But, more importantly, she was right. He could do nothing for Qui-Gon now and any further defiance toward the Council would declare him rogue and prevent him from helping his old Master. He grimaced, the taste of bile rising in his throat. *Damned.*

On the very heels of that thought, Master Tharten's voice cut through the silence. "Well, Kenobi? Ready to give your report or must we order others to do your dirty work?"

He closed his eyes for a moment, nodding slightly and stepped away from his Padawan. Blinking, trying to clear away the dust of hypocrisy, he bowed to the ghostly images. "Forgive my momentary confusion, Masters. I am quite ready."

It was almost imperceptible but it seemed as if the Council members hunched forward as one, vultures all, looking at Obi-Wan as though he were a gutted sacrifice to their forsaken honor. Zaros, waving his bejeweled fingers, roughly spoke. "We've wasted enough time. Begin now."

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

It was not until he finished detailing Qui-Gon Jinn's business interests that the Council members became increasingly restive. Finally, Master Nunb interrupted. "Well, Kenobi, are you telling us that he has led an exemplary life? No problems, no misdeeds...the perfect hero, beloved by all?"

"No, Master Nunb, I am not. I thought that you would like a complete report before making a judgment on a man's life."

Jowls fluttering in annoyance, the Sullustan snapped. "Are you criticizing us, Knight Kenobi?"

"Of course not, Master. I was merely..."

"Enough of his laundry list. What evidence have you found that he is violating the Jedi mandates or the Senate's laws?"

Obi-Wan sighed, despair and resignation coloring his voice. Bringing forth one of the confiscated lightsabers, he held the gleaming carved tube in the palm of his open hand. A shining example of saber technology, it clearly condemned the owner - the weapon of a Jedi and forbidden to Qui-Gon Jinn.

"This was the only piece of concrete evidence that we were able to uncover." Atel moved slightly at that, frowning, her violet eyes searching his shuttered face. He glanced at her quickly. His thousand whispering pleas for understanding ghosted through the Force but his apprentice did not respond. Stonily, she turned back, gaze sliding past Obi-Wan and towards the wavering images. He continued, "We found it hidden in his office at the Bendu Sanctuary. It is one of three, all with the same configuration."

"So he flouts the law. Excellent." The somber-tinged Master Tharten seemed quite pleased but then she began to frown as she took in the rest of his words. "What is this about a Sanctuary?"

"Master Qui-Gon Jinn is a founding member of the Bendu Philosophical Group. It is a charitable organization whose goal is to help those in need whenever disaster strikes. They have a sterling reputation among the Naboo people."

Zaros snorted, his words dripping with sarcasm, "Of course they do. Sterling reputation indeed." He glared at Obi-Wan, the irritation at this over-long discussion clear in his indignant words, "And that's former Master Jinn to you, Jedi."

Tharten nodded, her damp mouth pursing with distain. "Yes, Representative Zaros, quite correct. Kenobi, watch your tongue." He bowed slightly in obedience.

Master Nunb, slick skin gleaming in annoyance, spat impatiently, "Well, continue. What is this about a Sanctuary?"

"The Sanctuary is a large complex near former Master Jinn's farm. It is the main headquarters for the Bendu group. Here they teach, train and do the many administrative tasks needed for their charity work."

"Is that all?" The malicious woman leaned towards the Knight, her black eyes tainted with sour anticipation.

Obi-Wan hesitated for a moment, not wanting to say more but knowing that his apprentice would if he did not. "No, Master Tharten. It is called the Sanctuary because...the Bendu felt they needed a place of refuge, of safety. As you are well aware, a large number of them had been murdered about six months after leaving the Temple. They have banded together for protection."

"What do you mean... aware? And what's this about a Temple? Who exactly are the Bendu, Kenobi?" Her caustic words sliced through the ether.

"They are an organization of individuals consisting of both non-Force users and Jedi dismissed from the Temple."

The irate woman stood up abruptly, her hands clenched, eyes glittering with accusation. "Why didn't you tell us this sooner?"

Obi-Wan started to answer her but the Bothan cut him off. Turning toward the now-pacing Master, Sle'fey motioned for composure. "Sera, please. Kenobi is only informing us of his research. Let him finish." She returned to her seat with a huff and sat there glaring at Obi-Wan.

White fur smoothing down in an attempt to regain calm in this increasingly tense situation, the Bothan asked, "Now, Knight Kenobi, how many former Jedi are in the Bendu organization?"

"Master Sle'fey. I appreciate your patience. According to the membership lists, there are 1688 dismissed Jedi among the Bendu at this time."

For a moment there was silence and then the clashing objections reverberated through the cubicle. Tharten's rough "Rogues, all of them" to Nunb's sanctimonious "A rival Temple, never" to Sle'fey's careful "How many did you say?" warred with the effort to be heard over the others. Zaros, his harsh eyes narrowed in imagined treachery, stared at Kenobi's calm visage, and waited for the pandemonium to die.

Obi-Wan began to speak, his quiet words calming the chaos. "Masters, I believe that you have mistaken the Bendu's intent. Former Master Mace Windu has assured..."

The blue-skinned Master growled, "Windu is there? Surely, he was..." and stopped, pensive and nervous.

"Master Windu was quite specific. He denied that the Bendu has any intentions of intruding on the Jedi's sphere of influence. He said that they had been very careful to follow the laws of the Republic so that there would be no conflict between the Bendu group and the Jedi Order."

Sle'fey's muzzle wrinkled in concern. "Did you believe him?"

His answer was clear. "Yes, Master Sle'fey. He showed us around the Sanctuary and answered all of our questions. There were a number of items that skirted the line of the Jedi mandates, including their weaponry and their school, but I believe that they have not violated any laws."

Nunb's beady eyes narrowed. "Weaponry, you say. Describe it."

Obi-Wan sighed heavily. "Master, the Bendu use a light-pike, a double-bladed weapon. They are based on lightsaber technology but they do not look like Jedi sabers even at a distance. I believe that they could successfully argue that they have not broken any law."

The Bothan pointed at the lightsaber resting next to Obi-Wan's hand. "Except for that."

The Knight nodded. "Yes, except for that. Former Master Windu was as surprised as we were when we found them."

Thartan gave a displeased grunt at that revelation. "And the school you mentioned. What of that?"

Obi-Wan swallowed hard, drew in a calming breath, and answered, "They have been teaching their children the ways of the Force." As the Councilors began to argue once more, Kenobi cut across the tempest. "Masters, as I am sure Representative Zaros would agree, the Bendu have every right to teach their children whatever they wish, as long as they complete the requirements of the Republic's curriculum."

The rat-faced bureaucrat said nothing but nodded reluctantly.

"Thank you, sir. Masters, unless there has been a radical change in Republic law in the past few weeks, you still need the permission of the parents to bring Force-sensitive children to the Temple for training." Zaros nodded again, his eyes narrowing with enmity. "I have asked and they have refused point-blank. At this time, there is nothing else the Jedi Order can do."

Zaros complained bitterly, "Don't you people have any control over your own?"

The Bothan Master retorted, "As Knight Kenobi might point out, they are not our own and we cannot force them to give up their children."

Zaros spat back, "At this time..." and Sle'fey bowed in acquiescence.

Sera Tharten snarled at the bureaucrat. "We will have to investigate this further. A rogue Temple, whatever they may call it, is not allowed within the Republic." As Obi-Wan started to protest, she abruptly changed the subject, "Well, Kenobi, anything else to tell us about your venerable Master Jinn?"

When Obi-Wan did not reply immediately, she leaned forward, frowning. "Answer me! Surely, you wish to tell us that your precious Qui-Gon is a model citizen, dabbling in business and running missions of mercy to the far reaches of the Outer Rim. Ridding the Galaxy of drug cartels and slave traders, no doubt."

The Knight's grey eyes widened at her sarcastic remarks. Too close to the mark. His Learner must have made some slight movement, a small brush of the hand because both Nunb and Tharten looked sharply at the young Padawan.

The Sullustan's inquiry was acid. "Well, Padawan Sl'etah, is Jinn running a drug cartel or not?"

Glancing quickly, shamefully at Obi-Wan, Atel stepped forward, preparing to answer the Councilor when, abruptly, Obi-Wan spoke. "Master Nunb, the evidence is quite circumstantial but it appears that Qui-Gon Jinn has been funneling slaves into Naboo for some time."

The jowly alien just looked at the Knight, aghast, unable to speak. Beside him, Tharten began to snicker while Sle'fey said nothing, concerned with this news. However, the Republic bureaucrat seemed most affected, his face stunned for just a second, before his great boom of laughter echoed through the Chamber and out into space. This went on for precious moments while Obi-Wan stood, silent and painfully stoic through the gleeful sound. Finally, Kenth Zaros was able to contain himself only long enough to sputter, "Your precious Jinn is a slaver" before bursting into uproarious laughter once more.

At last, the snorting guffaws of the loathsome sycophant died. Wiping away tears of amusment, Zaros waved his hands toward the Knight. "Thank you, Kenobi. I haven't laughed quite so hard in some time. You should give more reports on the ever-saintly Jinn."

Master Nunb was not so amused. "Representative Zaros, please. This is no laughing matter. The reputation of the Jedi Order will be stained forever if it became known that a former Jedi Master was dealing in slaves. Appalling business."

Frowning at the thought, the Bothan spoke up, "Are you sure, Kenobi?"

Obi-Wan nodded slowly. "I am sure that he is transporting beings from Tatooine and Ryloth, Master Sle'fey. Once they reach Naboo..." he shrugged, seemingly indifferent. "They disappear."

Dismissing this information, Master Nunb waved his hand. "It does not matter where they go. If he is transporting slaves for profit or some other nefarious reason, it is still unacceptable to this Council. He will have to answer to us." His black eyes glittering with dismay, he turned toward Obi-Wan once more. "Is there anything else?'

Tharten hurried to agree, nodding, a predatory look on her pasty face, "Yes, Kenobi, your Master Jinn has been quite busy. Surely there is more?"

"Nothing else of note, Master Tharten. My report is complete."

Atel abruptly looked at him, her violet eyes going wide. Her frenzied thoughts pounded against his granite shields, /*Master, don't do this. You haven't told them about Telos yet. Surely...*/ but her attempts at gaining his attention were futile. He stood rock-still, dismissing her agitation.

Sera Tharten leaned forward, staring hard at the Padawan before drifting her inky eyes towards the reticent Knight. "Kenobi, your apprentice seems unhappy with that last statement. Care to explain?"

"There was one more item but the data is flawed. I was hoping for additional information to clarify the situation before presenting it to the Council. I would not want to waste your time on something that is defective, incomplete."

She narrowed her eyes, staring at Obi-Wan with distaste. "Oh, Kenobi...waste our time. I would like to hear about this 'flawed' data."

"The information is so absurd that I hesitate to even mention it, Master Tharten." When she said nothing but continued to eye him, displeasure plainly written on her hardened face, he sighed. "Very well. Master....former Master Qui-Gon Jinn has been accused of misusing the Force to gain ownership of several mines from the Offworld Mining Consortium on Telos and of murdering four mine owners."

The Council was speechless for a moment - Nunb shiny with rage and jowls quivering, the Bothan's fur a frenzied dance of concern and surprise, Tharten's purpled face satiated with grim satisfaction - and Zaros sat looking like a caught fish, mouth opening and closing with abandon. Before the Council could pepper him with comments, Obi-Wan continued. "I'm sorry Masters but it is just not possible. I've known the man for many years. It is not in his character to do this."

A brief snort from the Sullustan broke the dam of silence. "Character...character! Slave trading, running a rogue Temple, owning an illegal lightsaber. Kenobi, you have an odd idea of his character if you don't think it possible for him to murder innocents."

"Master Nunb, I appreciate what you are saying. But we did investigate further. Former Master Windu assures me that Qui-Gon could not possibly have been on Telos on at least two of the days when the mine owners were killed, flight plans to the contrary. It is possible that the electronic data is in error. I was hoping to confirm his whereabouts on the dates in question while on Naboo." He hesitated, "When I had more substantial information, I was also going to request that the Council send an investigator to Telos to confirm the reports."

Tharten burst out. "Don't be ridiculous, Kenobi. We would not waste the time of our people on something so trivial as this. The electronic data will have to suffice." She stared at him, eyes slitted. "And what was this about Windu? You didn't share the information with him, did you? That would be against the Standards of Behavior as you well know." The threat was very clear.

Obi-Wan straightened, his stormy eyes flashing, face tense with resolve. "As part of my investigation, I did ask Master Windu about Qui-Gon's activities on those dates. I judged that he would be helpful in this regard."

The woman growled. "You told Windu...you told him?! This is completely unacceptable." She turned towards Atel. "And you, Padawan, you let him do this?"

The apprentice glanced quickly at Obi-Wan and shook her head. "He is my Master. I..."

Kenobi interrupted, stern and adamant. "Leave my Padawan alone. She had nothing to do with this. It is my responsibility alone."

"Enough!" spat out Sle'fey. "These accusations will gain us nothing at this time." Master Tharten leaned back, her eyes mere slits of black ice, her resentful face purpled with frustration. Obi-Wan stood there, awaiting the inevitable. It did not take long.

The Bothan stood, drawing up straight and tall, his fur flattened with righteous indignation. "Knight Obi-Wan Kenobi, listen well. It is the judgment of this Council that Qui-Gon Jinn be arrested and brought back to Coruscant. He will be tried for his crimes according to the laws of the Republic and the Jedi Order. Kenobi, do your duty and we await your return. That is all."

And with that, the image winked out and only echoing silence remained.

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The soft evening had given way to harsh night by the time they left the dataport office. In this part of the spaceport, there was little activity once darkness had fallen and the elegant, ornate buildings seemed as sullen masses of grey and shadow. Everywhere, the moonslight had turned the gently carved stone to stark lines of ebony and chalk. The glowing lights of distant amusement only sharpened the deep gloom of the here and now.

Seemingly undisturbed by what had just transpired, the Knight walked slowly, the classic facade of stoic Jedi reflected in his leaden eyes and haggard face. He said nothing, had said nothing since that disastrous Council report. Beside him, matching his step with hers, Atel glanced anxiously at her too-quiet Master.

When they arrived at the speeder, he merely gestured for her to get in, then sat behind the stick and drove carefully away. Still he said nothing; the sole sound was the hum of the repulsorlifts as he moved the vehicle through the stone streets and marbled colonnades towards the hostelry. Atel glanced at him once more. His face was lighted in the patterned reflection of green and stark moonsglow, the lines of his mouth flat, unhappy, and the frown tunneling his brow was sharp-edged and deep.

When, at last, they reached their accommodations and he powered down the speeder, Obi-Wan made no move but to sit, listening to the silence, and staring straight ahead.

Atel was deeply worried now. This was not the man who had trained her all those years, the gentle, patient Master with a dry wit and laughing eyes. Here was a stranger and she didn't know what to do. She needed to break through this infinite silence somehow.

"Master?"

He sat there for a just a moment and then began to speak, a murmur of enigma and questioning contradiction, his voice scarcely above a puzzled whisper. "I was going to be a farmer. Did you know that?" Atel quickly shook her head.

"So long ago, it seems a lifetime." A brief upturn of the mouth and then he turned solemn once again. "It was a lifetime ago. Just shy of thirteen and desperate to attract a Master, I let my anger control my actions, push just a little harder, parry just a little stronger than a Jedi should. Foolish mistake." His frown deepened and then smoothed out as the memories took over. "And because of that, no Master in his right mind would come near me." He shrugged, shadowed irony in the set of his shoulders and far-off stare. "I probably wouldn't have come near me with that much passion and anger." He grew still once more. "Finally, I had a chance to prove myself before the assemblage of Knights and Masters, in a sparring match that ended in triumph. But I had used my anger and aggression to win the battle and no one wanted to take on a Padawan with such traits."

He gazed at her, quiet voice thready with loss. "Instead, I was shipped off to Bandomeer, to the Agri-Corps, a failure. I still loathe the place, even now. I don't think I would have minded quite so much if they had sent me elsewhere, into the piloting program maybe or the Engineering Corps but farming was never in my blood."

He looked away, off into the somber night. "I was disheartened, all thoughts of my ever becoming a Jedi Knight dashed into atoms. I did not know what to do, what to think." He paused once more. "The odd thing was that Qui-Gon Jinn was on that ship. I never did find out the real reason, whether the Force was with me that day or maybe it was Yoda's machinations, I don't know."

He breathed a gentle sigh of regret. "That man was always stubborn as a gundark. Even though I tried so hard to please him, to make him see that I could be a great Jedi, Qui-Gon refused to consider me as a Padawan, told me no several times and dashed my hopes into dust."

Obi-Wan glanced at her but he only saw the past, his mind's eye turned inward. "Did you know that when hope is gone, when you have nothing left to lose, you are free, truly free? Free to make your own choices and be damned with the consequences."

"I was about to help Qui-Gon get clear of the trap we had fallen into, blow open the door and myself with it. The explosive was attached to my worker's collar, you see, and, with very little time left, there was only one option - let the explosion rip apart the door and have a true Jedi save the planet. I would die, of course, but that really didn't matter." He frowned again, remembering the terror and peace that came with sacrifice. "And when that moment came, without hope of surviving the blast and all my dreams scattered like ash in the wind...in that moment, I was finally free. I was free of the torment of knowing I'd never be a Jedi, free to help so that others could live, free to do something worthwhile one last time." He huffed slightly, smiling at the memory. "And in that instant, Qui-Gon called me Padawan."

Atel was irate. "That was certainly last minute."

He finally looked at her with clear eyes. "So it was. But, ever stubborn, he would not let me die, refused my sacrifice and demanded that there was another way." He smiled slightly. "We found it together. We saved Bandomeer that day and a lot of people and Qui-Gon Jinn became my Master at last."

"That's a lovely story, Master, but is there a point?"

Obi-Wan sighed, disappointed. "There is always a lesson." He looked off into the ebony distance and murmured, "When all hope is gone, there is truly nothing left to lose."

"Master, are we talking about Jinn?" She was puzzled and more than a little alarmed. His quiet "Of course" did not calm the turmoil just beginning to rise now. Her concern for his well-being deepened with each passing moment. She had to get him back on track quickly.

"Good." The Padawan glanced at him again, frowning at his seemingly placid facade. "Now that we are here, we should be able to pick up our things and arrange for a transport back to Coruscant. A passenger ship leaves at first hour, according to my schedule, and that gives us plenty of time to take former Master Jinn into custody and get him on board."

"We will go to Qui-Gon's farm tomorrow, Padawan."

Atel was astonished. "Tomorrow??!! You can't be serious, Master. Jinn will be long gone by then."

Obi-Wan shook his head, slowly as though the weight of the Galaxy burdened him beyond bearing. "No, he would be gone already if he were going to run. I imagine that Master Windu commed him right after we left. No, he will be waiting for us tomorrow."

"Master, are you sure?"

"Oh, yes. My old Master will be there. Of that, I am very sure."