The last few scraps of muja pie lay ignored and uneaten.

            Scant seconds after Qui-Gon agreed to accept Obi-Wan's help, the food had arrived. The distraction of the droid bustling about the cabin, setting up the table and organizing the dishes before floating off to its next delivery, gave a brief respite to the emotions of the moment. That silence continued, broken only by the murmurs of how good the food was and when they would have the opportunity for more. Qui-Gon was reluctant to pursue the interrupted conversation. He did not want to test their new resolve, to probe their alliance - not yet. For now, the air was still dusted with unanswered questions.

             "...Dex's Diner."

            Blinking, Qui-Gon came out of his reverie. Deep in thought, he had missed the question posed by the Padawan but it was clear Obi-Wan was defending his choice of dessert... with some vigor.

              Atel remained skeptical. "A diner, Master? I would have thought the best places would be... well expensive."

                "Not so, my Learner. The best I ever ate was at Dex's." Qui-Gon watched as the memories drew a gentle smile from the Knight. Obi-Wan glanced at him for a moment, the spirited light in his eyes telling their own story of warm remembrance and dry humor. He could see that Obi-Wan needed to share his past with his Padawan, to reconnect after the last few bitter days, to ease his heart over all the arguments and anger. Qui-Gon sent a brief smile back, spurring him on.

                "His nerf steaks were first-rate but it was his sweet-tooth that got me into trouble. Often, he'd have a stack of pies a kilometer deep and a line of customers around the block waiting to buy one or two or ten. They were all different and all delicious but nothing could compare to his muja pie." He shook his head in wonder.

                Obi-Wan then turned a questioning eye toward Qui-Gon. "Funny thing is that he always had one waiting for me." Pausing, he looked more pointedly at his old Master, the barest hint of amusement coloring his voice. "If I didn't know better, I would have said that someone alerted Dex whenever I was in the area."

                The Bendu wisely said nothing but nodded the truth. In the reality of missions, a few pieces of sweetened fruit seemed little enough reward and the young boy had always been hungry. Only when he had grown to manhood did the flow of dessert slow to a trickle. A brief longing for that child was quickly squashed - the past was past and could not be regained. But the man was here. Qui-Gon resolved to enjoy the moment, no matter how fleeting.

                Obi-Wan's mouth quirked upward, the memory of his youthful zeal coloring his words. "Dex's place was amazing, especially for a boy fresh from the Temple. Full of fascinating creatures and exotic food. Clean and bright but with just a hint of scandal underneath, just a slightest touch of danger and unspoken secrets. Perfect for a fourteen-year old Padawan itching to get out into the galaxy." 

                "And were there secrets, Master?" The Padawan seemed eager to hear about his past.

                "Probably. But a kid would only focus on the excitement and the adventure. Dex had been a space miner in his youth and he was always happy to spin wild tales of daring and peril - to my great delight." He shook his head, the playful gleam in his eyes making him seem years younger. "But Dex had his serious side, too. He was connected in ways I couldn't even begin to fathom. I could always count on him finding out the most interesting or obscure information."

                Obi-Wan looked at the Bendu, a question in his gaze. "Master Qui-Gon took me there quite frequently. I was never sure exactly why."

                "Because you enjoyed it, Obi-Wan. Why else?" Qui-Gon's wry grin told its own tale.

                The Knight shot back. "Maybe because my Master craved sweets as much as I did."

                "Your insight serves you well, my young Padawan." Jinn nodded, conceding defeat.

                Obi-Wan snorted at that. "Not so young anymore."

                The Jedi Padawan's face was serious, frowning slightly at the gentle humor. Her envious eyes flicked from Obi-Wan to Jinn and back again. "But, Master, I don't ever remember going to Dex's Diner and we've been together a long time."

                Sobering quickly, he nodded. "The diner is gone now. Soon after Master Qui-Gon was dismissed, the Senate decided to raze that area and tore down a number of businesses. I never saw Dex again. I still miss the pies and his wonderful stories. And his connections..."

                Qui-Gon frowned at that. Something didn't sound right but the thought soon vanished - no matter, it would return. He leaned forward, continuing the conversation. "And Astri and Didi? How are they faring?"

                "I don't know. They were swept up in the rebuilding as well." The Bendu's frown deepened but Obi-Wan had all ready turned towards Atel, explaining, "Padawan, they were father and daughter, two friends of ours from my young days as a Learner. We had always managed to eat at Didi's Cafe when we were on-planet. Good food - well sometimes good food but definitely amusing company and lots of useful information. Didi had many contacts among the criminals of Coruscant's underbelly. If he couldn't find out what was going on, no one could."

                Obi-Wan smile returned. "In fact, Didi and Dex often competed to see who would be first at finding out obscure information. They were both quite good. Unfortunately, Didi was in a bad location, same as Dex. I believe that Didi and Astri moved to the other side of the planet - to start afresh. Unfortunately, I haven't kept up the correspondence. Atel and I were busy with missions and, when I finally had time, they had moved on. I do miss their bickering. It was quite amusing to watch."

                Qui-Gon's face sobered. This news was troubling. Two friends of his, two sources of information and both gone soon after he had been dismissed. A coincidence perhaps but he was now wary. There was more going on than was immediately apparent. "That's odd. Did you try to find them once they had moved?"

                "Yes, but they had disappeared, same as Dex. The missions soon began to overwhelm what little free time I had and I had to let it go. I'm sorry that I let their friendship lapse. Why? Do you think there was a connection?" Obi-Wan's frown returned as he thought beyond the obvious concerns.

                "I'm not sure... perhaps, but it can wait. We have more immediate things to discuss - now that the pie issue has been decided." His words were said with wry humor but reality quickly set in. Time was fast escaping their grasp and they still had much to discuss. As quickly as the ever-changing light of Hyperspace pulsed through the portal, Coruscant loomed before them. They had a day, little more.

                Obi-Wan nodded solemnly, accepting the advice for what it was. The brief respite was over - no more ignoring the struggle that was to come. Pushing the dishes to one side, he brought out the datapad and began scrolling through the relevant information.

                Turning the display so that Qui-Gon could easily read the details, Obi-Wan gestured towards the arrest charges. "I believe that we need to go over the evidence in more detail, Master. There were four areas of concern for the Council. Perhaps, if we went over the documentation, we might be able to make a case for dismissal."

                The Bendu leaned back, the sudden frown deepening as he watched the slow scroll of circumstantial evidence. Halting the catalog of misdeeds, he said, "I don't think dismissal is possible. Perhaps..."

                "Qui-Gon, I am going to help you whether you wish it or not. I'm all ready in enough trouble with the Council that a few more broken rules will not make much difference." It seemed that Obi-Wan was prepared for battle, ready to defend his Master even against himself.

                "You mistake me, Padawan." The Bendu's reply was quiet. He pointed toward the datapad, one finger tapping on the screen. "On one charge, there can be no dismissal."

                 Obi-Wan sighed in exasperation. Why did his Master keep insisting on this course of action? It made no sense.

                "The lightsabers." Qui-Gon tapped the datapad again in gentle reproach. "The Council will not ignore such concrete evidence; they cannot. Perhaps, however, we might soften the blow sufficiently to reduce the sentence."

                Shaking his head, Obi-Wan relaxed. Perhaps, his Master was finally beginning to see the problems ahead. "I agree that the saber issue is a large one and the only one with solid evidence. However, it will be difficult to get any of the charges dropped. The Council Members were quite concerned about all of them."  Frowning, he gestured toward the datapad in Qui-Gon's hand. "The ones that worry me the most, however, are the murder allegations and those dealing with misuse of power."

                Qui-Gon shook his head, looking at both Jedi with puzzled eyes. "Those charges have me baffled. I haven't murdered anyone. What evidence do you have that indicates my involvement in this?"

                A soft grunt and Obi-Wan pointed again at the datapad. "Electronic data only at this point." He gestured toward his silent Padawan. "Atel was able to find this information only by digging deeply into both the Telosian and Naboo databanks."

                Both men turned toward Atel. Turning her head away, teeth worrying her lip as if she were pondering the issue at hand, she tried to rein in her errant thoughts. Sharing evidence with a potential felon was not acceptable. She had promised to help, yes, but not at the expense of violating the very rules she had sworn to uphold.

                She had hoped that Obi-Wan would wake up to the realities of the situation before this. Even the rogue understood the problems. Why couldn't her Master? There was helping and then there was this foolishness. And this open exchange of information, this infraction of the Rules of Behavior would not go unnoticed by the Council. Instead, it would lead them all down the road to ruination if they were not careful.

                Realizing that her Master was still waiting for some reply, she sighed. She had given her word. 

                "As Master Obi-Wan indicated, the information was difficult to find. I had to follow several leads and they were all layered with thick blankets of coded protection. Your financial reports of the last six months were quite specific however - listing the Telosian mines bought. From there, it was a relatively simple matter to backtrack to the security reports on the murdered men."

                Obi-Wan nodded his thanks. "The information was quite extensive and fairly complete."

                "But I haven't murdered anyone," Qui-Gon insisted. A perplexed frown began to etch his face in bewilderment as he looked from one Jedi to another. "Is there any other evidence of this?  Electronic evidence alone does not warrant arrest or imprisonment. There must be some concrete proof."

                Obi-Wan was quick to agree. "The Council members were quite adamant that we return with you to Coruscant, with or without additional information. I had hoped that we would be able to interview some of the witnesses ourselves or have some Jedi stationed near Telos do it when time permitted. But Master Tharten...."

                "Sera Tharten?" Qui-Gon's voice was sharp, pointed.

                Both Jedi were startled at the vehemence. Obi-Wan answered with a question of his own. "Yes, Master. Do you know her?"

                Nodding, his face tightened with remembrance; Qui-Gon knew her quite well. Half-whispering, he replied, "So... the rumors are true after all. She is on the Jedi Council."

                He said nothing else for a few seconds, trying to collect his thoughts. But he knew he could no longer ignore the past. It might be important. "Sera Tharten had always been ambitious, always had to be the best at everything. Yes, I knew her. She and Xan..." He stopped for a moment, the icy pain of long-ago failure skittering across his shoulders. "They were very good friends, Obi-Wan. When I returned from Telos after that fateful mission, she accused me of abandoning Xanatos and making up lies to cover my own transgressions. For several years, she went out of her way to spread rumors among the Padawans about my failings. Unfortunately, some were true and many in her Clan believed all the rest." Looking away, his mouth flattened in remembered anger. "When I took you as Padawan, then-Knight Tharten went so far as to try and get it rescinded. Claimed that I was a monster that would ruin a child." He shrugged, trying to release the anxiety that crept into his skin. "She bears me no good will."  

                This did not sound good. "Do you think it will be a problem?

                A slight sigh, a rustle of movement and Qui-Gon shoved aside the remains of the meal. Silently, he got up and stood by the window. He looked pensive and worn, the reflected light sharpening his features, the long harsh years etched into his face. Another sigh and a question. "Perhaps... I've heard only rumors and second-hand accounts, nothing substantial. Who else is on the Council?"

                But before Atel could remind Obi-Wan of the need for silence in this - it was none of Jinn's business after all, her Master spoke again. "There are nine members now."

                The unexpected answer did not please the Bendu.  "Not twelve? There have always been twelve."

                The Jedi spread his hands in helpless denial. "The Senate saw fit to reduce the number of Councilors. Said it made it easier to come to a consensus with fewer voices, faster and more efficient."

                The sarcasm in Qui-Gon's voice was unmistakable. "Nice of them to be so concerned."

                Obi-Wan agreed with him. He had not been happy with the changes but his opinion on the matter was neither sought nor welcomed. "Yes, very." He continued, "Master Tharten is a Senior Member of the...."

                Atel could remain silent no longer. "Master, please don't. Master Jinn is not a member of the Jedi Order and any information about the workings of the Council is restricted." The chilling stare that Obi-Wan sent her way made her hesitate but she pressed on. It needed to be said. "It is against policy to share this with non-Jedi and you know it. Please don't make things worse that they already are."

                "I will do what I think is right, Padawan. It is not for you to criticize my judgment in this."

                Her darkened eyes bore into his for a moment, then the cool chastened reply. "Yes, Master."            

                He sent her another stern look before he continued. "Master Tharten is in charge of Temple Regulation Control and wrote the current Rules of Behavior. She has much influence, both on the Council and among the current Jedi population."

                "Ah, yes." Qui-Gon nodded. "She would have risen quickly with her ambition. Who else?"

                "Master Veendo, a Rodian, is head of the Sedition Activity Investigations. He uses his influence to keep control of what is said and not said among the remaining Jedi. The younger ones think nothing of it. The older Jedi are not so happy with this turn of events but seem helpless to stop him at the moment. There has been some talk about ousting him and his department but little has been done."

                With a thoughtful frown, Qui-Gon looked out into hyperspace. "Master Veendo... I didn't know him well. I seem to recall that he and Master Tharten were often paired on missions but little else."

                Obi-Wan nodded and continued, "Master Trest Sle'fey, another Senior Member, heads the Committee for Jedi Missions. I recall that he and Master Tharten used to argue quite frequently but, in the last few years, he has almost always sided with her decisions."

                Folding his arms, staring off into space, Qui-Gon seemed almost indifferent. "So he made it onto the Council as well." He murmured, "I knew him as a boy. His Master, Anet 'Ta, and I had been rivals in our youth and we often disagreed on methods, actions, almost everything. That enmity followed into adulthood. Master 'Ta and I could work together but it was never comfortable."

                His thoughts turned inward, remembering the past. Even now, it was coming back to haunt him. "The Setltos incident was the final breaking point between us. Not surprisingly, the Council listened to his voice over mine and I was censured due in part to his mission notes." He looked back toward Obi-Wan. "Padawan Sle'fey blamed me for his Master's injuries. He did have a point. I had been less than mindful and 'Ta paid the price for my mistakes. But, from that moment on, he considered me his adversary."

                Qui-Gon shrugged again. "Sle'fey went on to a brilliant career, mostly in the diplomatic arena. I've had little contact with him since. I admit it was a bit of a relief."

                Obi-Wan pushed back the table and moved to stand next to the Bendu, lending support with his very presence. Gently berating his old Master, he said, "Perhaps you should choose your enemies with more care. This is not promising."

                But Obi-Wan's small attempt at humor fell flat. There was too much truth in it.

                Qui-Gon sent him a fleeting grin and then, "I will remember that next time, my ever-prudent Padawan."            

                "See that you do." Obi-Wan shot back. "Next is Master Rangt Nunb, a Sullustan. He is in charge of the Office of Dismissals and Expulsions and also co-chair of the Hunters' Group. That is the organization which pursues so-called Rogue Force-users. He will be especially concerned about your Bendu Philosophical Group."

                Qui-Gon nodded. "Master Nunb was always one for the hunt. He was a bully when young. Apparently, he has channeled his talents into more productive pursuits since then. Or maybe not. He was another of Xanatos's close friends and, like Tharten, blamed me for Xan's fall. He didn't go as far as she had but it was clear that he held me in some enmity."

                Obi-Wan looked quite concerned at this newest revelation. "This is not looking good for your case. With such history, the Council may choose not to listen to you at all."

                The large gentle hand on his shoulder brought back old memories as did the words. "Padawan, do not center on your fears. I believe the Force is guiding me in this. Perhaps some of the other Councilors would be more sympathetic..."

                "Not likely." The Knight shook his head. "Master Zak Xacor is Security Team Leader for the Jedi Order and co-chairs with Master Nunb for the Hunter's Group. He oversees all aspects of Security, from casual visitors to vidfeeds of the hallways. He is also in charge of guarding the Supreme Chancellor when he is on Coruscant."

                "I know him only by reputation and that some years old. Does he seem like a fair man?"

                "It was not for me to judge but he is a friend of Master Tharten's. He sides with her most of the time... unless it impedes his duty. And even then...."

                Obi-Wan turned to lean against the bulkhead and folded his arms. For a moment, he said nothing, looking inward. He was becoming concerned. The power balance of the Council had shifted in recent years, skewing more and more towards regressive and restrictive control of the Jedi Order. Now it appeared that the impact of that balance was glaring and real. Keeping his Master from prison might take more power than he could muster. He was worried.

                Qui-Gon gently nudged his former Padawan back to the present. "Who else?"

                "Those five Masters are the guiding authorities in the Council. All major policy and anything that might affect the Order, to the smallest detail, comes directly from the Senior Members. And they are quite influential."

                He continued, "The other four Councilors are relatively new. They were all appointed within the last several months and haven't had the impact of the more Senior Members. Master A'Ala-Tanze is Head of Indoctrination which includes all education departments.  Master Tharten used to occupy that position but was encouraged to move up by the Senate Representative. Knight Tion Medza is in charge of Procurement and Disposal. Master Holu TaKet heads Information Resources - commonly referred to among the lesser beings as "Espionage Services". And Knight NeTa Phen is in charge of Human Resources and the Healer's Ward."

                "I am not familiar with them."

                Obi-Wan shook his head. "I didn't think you would, Master. They are relatively young. Frankly, I'm still unsure why they were even chosen to sit on the Council. More petty minds might think that they bribed their way on. I just don't know."

                Qui-Gon smiled, chiding him gently. "It will be all right, Padawan. I'm certain that the Force is guiding us in this course."

                The younger man merely nodded. "I hope you are right."

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

                From across the room, Atel watched them both with some dismay. Their quiet analysis of evidence had morphed quickly into an examination of the strengths and purported failings of the Jedi Council. She was unhappy with this - it was against the Rules of Behavior after all. But something even more disturbing was becoming very clear.

                She knew that Master Obi-Wan and this Jinn had once been a powerful working team. But, even after all the years, when distance and time should have put an insurmountable barrier between them, there was none. They seemed to know instinctively what the other would say - even when they disagreed. Their discussions, the way they approached each other when speaking of difficult things, their natural empathy spoke of a deep and ongoing connection. 

                It hurt her to admit it but her Master and Jinn seemed to belong together - more so than she did. She knew that Master Obi-Wan listened to her concerns, answered her questions; he always had. But even throughout their own decade-long Master/Padawan relationship, he had never seemed to accept her words quite so quickly as this rogue's.

                Biting on her lip, she looked down and frowned. She didn't like it at all. She felt removed and abandoned. And jealous of the Bendu. It wasn't a comfortable emotion and certainly not acceptable to a Jedi Padawan. She should be above such things but the feeling persisted, seemed to grow the more she suppressed it. She realized that it would have to be dealt with quickly. Jealousy would impede her perceptions of the situation, perhaps drive her Master further away. She would need all her strength in the coming trials.

                And yet, to be honest, she wasn't sure if it was mere jealousy that drove her to question and berate her Master or if something in the Force urged her to caution. His actions of the past few days had certainly irked and infuriated her. But she could almost understand his need to connect with his former Master. Almost...

                A small movement caught her eye. The rogue was admonishing Master Obi-Wan, telling him not to center on his anxieties, to "Live in the Moment". She grimaced; it seemed to be Jinn's answer to everything. As the pair continued to discuss the Jedi Council, she sunk back down into her musings.

                Atel had never heard her Master talk this way in recent memory. Within the Temple confines, he had always defended the Council, explaining their inner workings, making excuses when it seemed that their instructions were inane or potentially destructive. And outside of the walls, discussion of the Order, especially with non-Jedi, was not permitted. She had no idea that he felt so strongly about it. It seemed almost as if the underlying bitterness had been shoved down, layered in tight shields of half-truth and shame, and only now was allowed to bubble to the surface. 

                She realized that the loss of  Master  Jinn at a crucial time in Obi-Wan's life must have made a marked impression on his views of the Jedi Order. But, like it or not, his actions now would affect his standing with the Jedi and the Council. He needed to be very careful. Otherwise, his actions could hurt him and any case he might make for Jinn. The Council would certainly be less forgiving than a mere apprentice.

                "Padawan, are you in there?" Master Obi-Wan's gentle question startled her out of her reverie.

                Blinking, she looked up to see both men gazing at her, her Master's eyes gleaming with the barest hint of amusement. Shamefaced, she shook her head. She had not heard the last few moments of discussion. "Sorry, Master. I was just thinking."

                "Anything I should know about?" He looked at her closely, the amusement now gone, the concern beginning to creep into his face as he studied her.

                "No, Master. It was nothing." She certainly was not going to tell him here and with Jinn staring at her. Definitely not. She did not need another argument, not now.

                "Nothing?" With a quick shake of her head, he let the subject drop - for the moment. "We were just about to go over the evidence that you had uncovered." When she remained silent, he added, "The murders, Atel."

                A quick nod and she gestured to the datapad, still lying discarded on the table. "Yes, Master. I have the information right here."

                Obi-Wan glanced at Qui-Gon and then moved back, settling down on the bed and across from his Padawan. Without a word, Atel began to gather up the remains of the meal, the clattering dishes a sharp counterpoint to the quiet study in his eyes. Avoiding his gaze, she bustled about, busy with cups and plates. Her face gave nothing away as she cleared off the small table. Lifting the tray, now filled with dirty crockery, she opened the door and left it outside; the droids would whisk it away in time.

                Moving about the cabin, she began to straighten up, pulling the bed linens taut, brushing off a speck of dust from a gleaming surface. She was aware of her Master's unspoken concern but chose to ignore it. The revelations of the past few minutes had disturbed her more than she realized.       

                Finally, exasperated, Master Obi-Wan spoke, "Atel, please sit. We need your input on this matter."

                Her "Yes, Master" was half-hearted at best. With a lightening-swift glance at the rogue, she sighed and sat down at the table, opposite Obi-Wan. Schooling her features into neutrality, she stilled and waited in silence.

                After staring at her for a long moment, he nodded and turned toward Jinn. It was apparent that he was not going to press her for answers -  it was not the time for confrontations.

                Catching the Bendu's eye, Obi-Wan pointed to the datapad, "Master, as I indicated earlier, your own tax records provided the first clue to the murders.  In the last year, the audits show that you purchased four mines from Offworld." He hesitated, knowing that the reminder of past choices would trouble his old Master. "While you were on Telos. And you personally had a hand in negotiating with the mine owners."

                Qui-Gon stiffened, his leonine face set in a sharp frown. Jaw clenching in remembrance of things best forgotten, he stood there, his unease stark in the rigid stance and clouded eyes. Finally, shaking his head as he leaned back against the bulkhead, he answered slowly, "Mace said that you had questioned him about Telos. That you said I had gone back to that place. I don't understand this. I haven't been there in decades, not since Xan... Xanatos died."

                The Knight nodded. "I didn't think that you had. But there is unambiguous proof that you used your ship to travel there recently." His finger tapped the datapad gently. "The Naboo shipping records as well as the Republic documents show the arrival and departure of your ship, Serenity, from that planet at the time of the murders. You were listed on the manifest as owner/pilot."

                Twisting, shrugging one shoulder as if to remove an aeons-deep pain that still lingered there, Qui-Gon denied the charges. "It's not possible. I swore I'd never go back to that place and I haven't in all these years. Someone is trying to discredit me." Looking out into the vastness of hyperspace, the random flashes of light sharpening the worn lines of his face, he murmured, "Quite effectively it would seem."

                The Knight nodded slowly, "I agree. But why?"

                Still frowning, Qui-Gon lifted one hand in dismissal. "Any number of reasons. I have made a few enemies in my time."

                The Jedi gave a soft humph at that. "Yes, Master. Especially among the Jedi."

                Folding his arms, leaning stiffly into the bulkhead, the Bendu looked away for a moment. "I have also been less than welcome elsewhere. The Jedi merely head a long list." Glancing at his old Padawan once more, Qui-Gon focused on the matter at hand. "What other evidence is there for these.... murders?"

                Obi-Wan continued the litany of allegations, his dry tone at war with the disquiet on his face. "The security records on Telos state that your company acquired the mines under very suspicious circumstances. The mine owner, a secondary partner in the Offworld Consortium, turned you down when you initially tried to buy the mine. The offer for the property in question was at less than market value and you were flatly refused. The owner then filed complaints with the Telosian Security Forces, stating that a former Jedi, one Qui-Gon Jinn, was trying to force him to sell by threatening him and his family and with mind tricks. However, the following day, the man rescinded the complaint, welcoming you with open arms and selling you the mine at your initial price. The abrupt change in the seller's attitude was clearly marked and there was mutterings of Force manipulation in the later investigations." The Jedi  gestured toward the datapad once more. "The records are considered tamper-proof so these depositions would stand up in a court-of-law."

                "The accusations are based on electronic evidence alone." When Obi-Wan acknowledged this with a sharp nod, the Bendu thought for a moment, "And the murders?"

                Reluctantly, glancing first at Atel and then back to his old Master, Obi-Wan replied, "Sometime after that, the owner disappeared."

                Qui-Gon frowned at this news. "No trace?"

                The Knight stood up. Moving to stand next to the portal, gazing into the face of the man who had once meant everything to him, Obi-Wan answered, "Eventually, the mine owner was found." He paused, then plowed on. "Tourists visiting Telos came across his remains when they were hiking in the area. Your name was prominently mentioned as a possible suspect but there wasn't enough evidence for extradition. The furor died down in time."

                "But you said murders, as in more than one...." Qui-Gon didn't like where this was going but he needed to know.

                Nodding, the Knight looked out of the window into the vastness of space. "The records show that you returned to Telos three more times. And the same scenario was repeated - again and again. In all, four mine owners have died in the last year and your name was linked to every one of them.  After each occurrence, when the Security Forces investigated, they found the bodies at the same location."

                "Where?" Suddenly, Qui-Gon didn't want the answer.

                "Master, they were found by the Sacred Pools."

                The Bendu drew in a sharp hiss of breath, his low, rumbling voice sickened with sorrow. "Sacred....  The place where Xanatos ended his life?"

                Obi-Wan's eyes shifted into the grey of unwelcomed memory. Nodding slowly, he stared into the pained face of an old man.  "The very spot. Apparently, there was little left. The acid in the pools had almost completely disintegrated their bodies - only small bits of bone and teeth could be used in identification."

                "This happened more than once." It was not a question.

                "Yes, Master." The Knight nodded, recalcitrant.

                Qui-Gon folded his arms tightly about him, the unconscious gesture speaking more of his anguish than any words. Blinking hard, his throat tight with long-ago pain, he murmured quietly, "Someone must hate me very much to do this."

                Obi-Wan frowned at that, "Planting evidence so that you would be blamed? It is certainly effective. "

                Shaking his head in sharp denial, the former Jedi stiffened. "No, not just that. They chose the one place that would have meaning for me, the one place that I still remember with shame."

                "I'm sorry, Qui-Gon."  When the Bendu said nothing more, just stood there with arms clasped and rigid and so distant, the Knight insisted, "We will find out who did this, I swear it."

                The older man nodded once. The anger and deep hurt of this latest revelation would have to be put aside for the moment. There were more important things to consider. "Who knew about the Sacred Pools?"    

                Obi-Wan recognized that they must return to the investigation at hand. Only then could they find the evidence necessary to prove his old Master's innocence. "The Council members of the previous regime would certainly know. We gave them a full report after we returned from Telos."

                "Most of them are dead or have joined the Bendu. They would have no reason for this."

                "I realize that, Master. However, I remember that the rumors flew through the Temple when we came back. My friends seemed to know all about it." Obi-Wan paused, remembering those difficult times. "When they questioned me about my involvement, I gave only generalities, no specifics. Only that Xanatos had died on Telos by his own hand, nothing more." Thinking back, he replied, "It was odd that they would have known anything. The records were sealed and I certainly didn't tell them. But then the furor over the whole affair died down rather quickly."

                "And yet Xanatos and the Sacred Pools have come back to haunt me with false accusations." The Bendu's voice was sharp; the pain of old memories still lingered in the air.

                The grey-green eyes of the Jedi Knight shifted into confusion. "Before this mission, if asked, I would have said that no one even remembered his name or that he turned and was killed on Telos. It was only important to a chosen few and it was so long ago."

                Jinn pointed out, "But it is important now."

                Nodding, Obi-Wan considered the possibilities. "The current Council would have access to the files. In fact, Master Sle'fey included it in our mission update. My Padawan has the information."

                Both men turned toward the young apprentice. She had been listening, a bit confused, her violet eyes flicking from one man to the other. She had not wanted to interrupt while they talked about du Crion but their riddle was no mystery to her.

                "Master, I knew about du Crion before the mission. You are talking about Master Jinn's old Padawan, Xanatos du Crion?" She hesitated, knowing that her Master would not be pleased. She didn't need any more animosity between them but he had a right to know.

                Obi-Wan grew impatient. It was clear that something was amiss. "Yes. How do you know about him?

                She almost seemed to shrink inward, watching her Master glance at the Bendu in bewilderment as she grew  more hesitant; oh, this would not be well-received. "It's common knowledge, Master. We studied his case in our Padawan Rights Seminar series."

                The Jedi's voice sharpened. "What are you talking about, Atel?

                Taking a moment to center herself, she focused on her Master, ignoring the startled rogue, and attempted to tell  the tale dispassionately. Perhaps it was important after all. "Last year, I was required to take the course work for Senior Padawan level 3. The Rights series was included in that. The du Crion case is used as an example of what rights a Padawan has when their Masters behave in a manner unbefitting a Jedi."

                "A manner unbefitting..."

                She fought hard not to look at Jinn, standing there rigid as stone. "Yes, Master. According to the case study, Padawan du Crion was harassed mercilessly and driven from the Temple by your old Master. The research showed that former Master Qui-Gon Jinn used mind control and physical abuse to demoralize him, warping du Crion's mental state to the point that he could no longer function as a Jedi.. Ultimately, Padawan du Crion abandoned the Jedi Order to flee the mistreatment.  Master Jinn then falsified the records to indicate that he had turned."

                There was stunned silence.