Betrayal - Chapter 5

Old friends long gone

The two day flight to Naboo proved to be a boon to the weary Jedi. With no badgering sycophants, no cryptic admonishments for proper behavior and no life-threatening stops along the way, there was finally time to rest, a surprising gift after the exhaustion of endless missions.

"There you are, Padawan." Obi-Wan wore a slight grin as the still bleary-eyed Atel moved into the common area of their tiny accommodations. "I was wondering when you were going to get up. You've been asleep almost a full day and there is much to discuss."

He didn't tell her that he'd let her sleep in. The ship was decadent enough and the beds even more so. She'd had so little luxury in her life that he'd wanted her to experience it at least once before going back to grinding duty. Even he had been reluctant to get up.

She just grunted in response and moved to get some juice from the table. "Master, how is it that you always seem so...awake in the morning?"

He shook his head in fond remembrance. "You think I get up early? You should have seen Master Qui-Gon. He was always up with the dawn."

The mention of the former Jedi brought a quick frown to Atel's features but she turned away, apparently to try and hide her reaction from Obi-Wan. He could see that she was still troubled. She had seemed so uncertain when he'd insisted that Qui-Gon was no rogue. And she had protested that her teachers hadn't lied, that she would have felt it in the Force. Their talk had ended on a shaky note – no real information but only more questions to be answered.

Hopefully, this mission would do just that.

She must have felt his gaze on her because she schooled her features into one of calm concern. Looking down at the datapad, lying loose in his grasp, she said, "Maybe you should tell me about the information on former Master Jinn. I assume that it is complete."

He shook his head, frowning. "No, it is not."

Tossing it to her, she grabbed it neatly out of the air and sat down to read.

The information on the life and times of the former Jedi Master, one Qui-Gon Jinn, was frustratingly brief. For the first few months, he had been tracked incessantly, every job, every conversation monitored; it wouldn't do for a Jedi, even one dismissed from the Temple, to behave inappropriately. Discarded, yes but not unnoticed, Qui-Gon had gone from menial job to slightly shady dealings back to menial job. Finally, he obtained a position with the Naboo security forces and was moving up the ranks when, as per Temple policy, the half-year investigation ceased and Qui-Gon Jinn dropped out of sight.

He showed up again eight years later, a successful businessman, residing in the hill country of Naboo. Going off-world several times a year for supposedly 'mercantile' dealings, there were instances of spikes and ebbs in his cash flow accounts, unexplained and undocumented. He gave heavily to something called the 'Bendu Philosophical Group', to the 'Abolishionist Union' and the 'Rescue Relief Fund' but also to many other charities, legitimate or otherwise. In addition, he had been called upon by several influential Outer Rim groups to negotiate disputes, not a bad thing in of itself, but hovering close to that of the Jedi's fiercely protected mandate.

More damning was the gathering of several force-sensitive individuals within his sphere of influence, potential problems if they decided to band together and challenge the Jedi Order's place within the Republic and the powerful Senate. The Council did not take kindly to any threat, however insignificant, and these small coincidences were enough to warrant an investigation.

Obi-Wan paced as his apprentice sat quietly and absorbed the information. He knew that there was not enough evidence on that datapad for outright condemnation of his former Master. Point of fact, there was little real proof of any misconduct. But the Order and his own conscience would demand that he investigate the allegations to the best of his ability and make some judgment as to whether to take Qui-Gon into custody. Misuse of the Force, especially for material gain or power, was a serious offense in the Republic. And the Council would be quick to mete out justice.

Worry about meeting his old Master, long-buried guilt at letting Qui-Gon down and the more recent anger at the Council for forcing him to this subterfuge, swirled about his head like some malevolent swarm of demoniac ghosts. Cursed by Master Qui-Gon if I do and condemned by the Council if I don't. I hate this...I hate it.

Atel must have felt some of his anxiety because she glanced up, almost nervously, and watched his movements. He was pacing back and forth from wall to wall and back again. And he had to admit that he was muttering to himself as well while she read. He was disconcerted, anxious and she seemed to pick up on that.

"Master, something about this isn't right. Have you read all of this? Especially the recent Naboo history?"

"No, I skipped the history. What troubles you?"

"Whoever wrote this expects us to believe that....it's just so absurd. According to the reports, about nine years ago, Naboo was invaded by the Trade Federation. At the time, they had a fourteen year old girl as an elected queen." She rolled her eyes at that but got a stern look from him. She settled down and began again with some exasperation in her voice. "I know, Master, I know. I realize that other species develop early. The Tssek't are mature at three and dead at 20 and don't even get me started on the Neventhk. But we are talking humans, here, after all." Another severe frown from him, she shrugged in defeat and continued, "Somehow, this young girl managed to fend off the Federation with a brilliant maneuver, capturing the Viceroy. But that's not the ludicrous part, although it does seem a bit farfetched. A nine-year old boy, piloting a Naboo starfighter, managed to blow up the droid control ship and save the day. Nine years old! That has got to be wrong. Maybe they meant a nineteen year old boy?"

"I've heard more unusual things in my life. Perhaps the Force was with the child?" He was unsure about the information, unable to dismiss the tale but not ready to believe it either.

Atel snorted at that, obviously dismissing the thought. "Surely a boy with that much Force potential would be at the Temple . Must have been dumb luck."

Obi-Wan softly replied. "There's no such thing as luck."

"So you always tell me." She sent a sly smile his way. "Well, then, perhaps, your old Master knows him."

"I wouldn't be in the least surprised. He was always picking up strays."

The Padawan just grunted again, and turned back to her reading. Obi-Wan looked at her fondly for a moment, realizing that all too soon she would be off on her own missions, a Knight of the Jedi Order. He remembered wanting that name, that position as a young boy, as if reaching for a dazzling star, his longing pulsing bright. Such happiness when Qui-Gon finally chose him, so much joy and intensity in the training and the missions.

His old Master had been a puzzle at first, stoic and inscrutable. But, once you got past his brusque exterior, his abiding affection and patient understanding ran parsecs deep. Obi-Wan had adored his Master, had hoped for a long and illustrious career with Qui-Gon there as mentor, father, friend. And yet it had all turned to ash.

He looked again at his apprentice. It was time to make amends, time to tell her about his Master, time to make her understand the truth of Qui-Gon Jinn.

"Atel, my Master's inexhaustible talent for acquiring strays was the stuff of legends. I remember one incident where..."

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The Jinn residence was located quite close to Naboo's secondary spaceport, an easy landspeeder ride over gently dappled hills. As they approached, Obi-Wan Kenobi could not help but admire the serene loveliness of the place. Colored in rich honeyed tones, low and rambling, the stone house was wrapped in a blossom-covered porch, feathery trees kissing the gleaming slate roof. Several windows peeped through the green shrubbery, reflecting the blued, ice-capped mountains in the distance. Everywhere, the air was incredibly fresh and scented with flowers, delicious and relaxing. It made him envious for a moment but he hastily shook off the unnerving feeling.

As soon as the speeder powered down, Kenobi told his apprentice to scout out the area. He planned to meet with Master Qui-Gon alone, to gauge his reactions to this intrusive "visit". When he was more comfortable with the setup, he would contact her. Atel  nodded and scampered away towards the larger outbuildings. Obi-Wan remained behind, patiently waiting for his former Master to appear, discovering for himself just what reception he could expect after all these years. He didn't have long to wait.

"Hello, Obi-Wan."

He closed his eyes for a brief moment, then pivoted slowly, the sound of that calm, beloved voice triggering a myriad of stunning memories, bright flashes of intense imagery cascading through his mind, Bandomeer, Telos, Qui-Gon laughing, screaming at him to get down as blaster bolts twanged past, gentle smiles, severe frowns, that last horrible day on Coruscant. It was too overwhelming, the emotions of a lost lifetime.

Obi-Wan knew he must regain control and so he brutally suppressed the thoughts with an almost audible snap. He swallowed hard, finished his turn and stood there in typical Jedi stance, lifting his troubled eyes to the man that had once meant everything to him. Qui-Gon Jinn, his former Master.

The years had been kind to Qui-Gon. Brown and silvered hair still cascaded down his broad shoulders and he remained bearded, but there was a lightness of being in his clear blue eyes, his body straight and tall. He was not dressed in Jedi robes now, but in a comfortable blue tunic and leggings, slightly stained from kneeling in the soil. Qui-Gon's hands were covered in dirt, a smudge on his cheek, but he seemed very content, at ease with the universe. Seeing Obi-Wan's face, he broke into a broad smile.

"It's so good to see you again." Jinn strode forward, impossibly fast, and Obi-Wan was abruptly enveloped in a ferocious hug. The moment seemed forever as Obi-Wan eagerly leaned into the embrace, remembering the warmth and spirit that was uniquely Qui-Gon. His breath hitched once as he blinked away sudden tears.

Finally, reluctantly, Qui-Gon stepped back a bit, his large hands still grasping the shoulders of his former apprentice. Grinning as he studied Obi-Wan, his intense gaze faltered slightly as Jinn looked more closely. Obi-Wan knew that he wore the stoic Jedi facade well but there was an unsettling shadow to his manner, his mouth tightly compressed, his blue eyes hooded. He could not hide the unhappiness buried deep inside, not from his old Master.

"Padawan, how I've missed you."

"Hello, Master Jinn."

"Obi-Wan, please. Not so formal. My name is Qui-Gon, in case you have forgotten." He teased, blue eyes twinkling.

Stepping back, he wiped his large hands on his leggings and looked again at his former apprentice. Obi-Wan knew that Master Qui-Gon was remembering the last time he had seen him, ten long years before. Forced to leave the Temple, practically penniless, without friends or family, told to leave all behind, clothes, possessions, lightsaber, it had been a harrowing time. But the most damning thing of all was having to abandon his apprentice. The loss of that relationship had hurt both men deeply; they were still paying the price.

As Qui-Gon continued to scrutinize him, Obi-Wan realized that he could feel the questions rising in his Master's thoughts, questions about where he had been for the past ten years and why no contact. But Kenobi remained stonily silent and Qui-Gon, ever the diplomat, turned and gestured for him to follow.

"Come into the house. I need to get cleaned up and then we can talk." Looking around, Qui-Gon puzzled, "Where's your Padawan? You have one, don't you?"

Obi-Wan shrugged. "Oh, yes. She's around somewhere, probably looking at the plants in your garden. She'll be along soon enough."

Qui-Gon blinked, unasked questions flitting across his face and then he schooled his leonine features back into a broad smile. "Well, then. Come and meet the family."

"Family?!"

"Of course. I'm not a Jedi Knight any more. I'm a farmer with a wife and son." He grinned slyly, looking at Obi-Wan's startled face. "And a baby girl on the way." His mouth dropped open in surprise. Qui-Gon burst out laughing. "Come in."

Master Qui-Gon strode up the broad stone steps, and paused in the cool shade of the long porch. He glanced back at Obi-Wan and a warm smile lit his eyes, turning them a brilliant blue. "It's good to see you again, Obi-Wan." Nodding slightly, he turned and went into the house. His voice echoed through the open windows, "Le'orath, we have guests. Where are you, love?" And the sound of his footsteps faded into the far rooms.

Obi-Wan closed his eyes for a moment, the troubled frown deepening across his face. This was certainly not what he had expected. When assigned this mission, the Council had said that Qui-Gon Jinn was a successful businessman, not a farmer. A farmer! And with a family. Blast!! I knew I should have said no. I just knew it. He growled deep in his throat, furious with that Sith-begotten Council. It was too much, the pain of potential betrayal too great. He snarled again. They did this for spite and now I'm trapped. How am I going to do this? 

Shifting into immovable stance, determined to control the careening emotions, he breathed deeply once, twice. Do what you must, Kenobi. Duty first and always.

 Obi-Wan looked towards the inviting house for a long moment, then lifted his comlink and contacted his apprentice. "Atel, be mindful. Things are not as they seem."

"Yes, Master. I must agree. I'm almost at the barn now. And Master," hers was a half-whisper, "I think that there is a force-sensitive here. A very strong force-sensitive."

"Be careful, young one. And cautious. Remember, at the moment, we are here for a visit. Nothing more. I will let you know when I want you back." Obi-Wan clicked off and followed his former Master into the house.

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Atel looked disconcertedly at her comlink. Something was definitely up with Master Obi-Wan. She had never heard him more unsure

She thought again about their argument about that rogue, Qui-Gon Jinn. Could all of her teachers have been so wrong? Could the histories be false? She knew that Master Obi-Wan would never consciously deceive her but he could be mistaken. Loyalty could beguile and twist perception into lies especially when his bonds with Master Jinn were so powerful. She would have to wait and see. She clenched her jaw, for just a second. I will have to be strong if he cannot. I just hope it will not come to that.

But she pushed it to the back of her mind. Duty first. Investigating the barn and the occupant were her main priorities at this moment. There would be time enough later for questions and answers.

Atel looked again at the large outbuilding. More than two stories high, it appeared to be made out of stone and wood with earth mounded up along both sides. She thought, irrelevantly, that winters here must be brutal for such a strong structure but shrugged and looked for a way in. The front portals were immense and appeared to be locked, but off to the side, a small human-sized door beckoned. The door gave way to a large interior structure, almost cathedral-like in its size and scope, the light streaming though the upper windows. On either side were tiers of droids and other mechanicals, obviously used for harvesting various types of crops. The center was wide and bare, but large enough for a gymnasium or salle. Large rings and bars hung from the distant roof; it was difficult to guess what their purposes could be, although at the Temple , they would have been used in training exercises.

Her eyes halted on a lone figure, sitting cross-legged on the floor at the center of the structure. Light pooled around him, seemed to set him pulsing with radiance, his bright blond hair shimmering. More importantly, he was ablaze in the Force. Here was the force-sensitive she had sensed, a most powerful one if she was any judge. He was turned away from her, tools scattered about him and his arms and back moved as if he were struggling with something in his hands. She knew that he was aware of her, his breathing had stopped for just a second and he had shifted slightly. But he said not a word, just kept working as she moved towards him.

Finally, not turning, he spoke quietly. "May I help you?"

"I didn't mean to startle you. I was just exploring. I've never been on this type of estate before."

With that, putting down the droid in his hands, he rose gracefully to his feet and turned to face her. Dressed in blue tunic and leggings, he was about 20 years old, tall, slim and quite good-looking, his hair cropped short in a shaggy style reminiscent of a Padawan cut. A small blue jewel glittered in his right earlobe as the sunlight moved across his face.

"Estate? This is a ...." His blue eyes tightened suddenly, frowning, his whole body alert. "Jedi!" He scowled at her. "What in the blazes is a Jedi doing here?"

She stepped back, startled as he moved towards her, posture threatening. Atel shifted into ready stance of the first defense, her hands hovering, waiting for the attack. He started to mirror her move, then stopped, realizing what he was doing, and stood up straight, hands clenched.

"I repeat. What are you doing here?"

"We are visiting former Master Jinn. I believe he owns the place?" She tried to make it sound light but he would have none of it.

"Yes, he does. We...? Who are you?"

She straightened, then bowed slightly. "I am Atel Sl'etah, Padawan Learner to Jedi Knight Obi-Wan Kenobi. And you are...?"

He seemed distracted suddenly. "Anakin Skywalker. I'm apprenticed to Master Jinn. Kenobi, you say..."

She nodded. "Yes, Obi-Wan Kenobi. Do you know him?"

He looked at her again, growling. "Kenobi, Kenobi...yes, I've heard of him."  He tried to push past her, rushing towards the side-door, but she stood firm.

"Where are you going in such a hurry?"

He snorted. "Back to the house. To make sure that Master Jinn is all right. Protect him from your blasted Kenobi if I need to."

"What are you talking about? Master Obi-Wan wouldn't hurt him." She was clearly concerned at his attitude. What could he have heard about Master Kenobi? Did he suspect that our mission is not just a visit but an investigation? That's not possible.

He looked at her with contempt. "You high and mighty Jedi. You think that I am a fool? You toss people out of the Order like so much garbage and then they get killed. Well, you won't do that to Master Jinn. I'll see the whole damn Temple come crashing down around your ears first. I swear it." He abruptly sidestepped her, then disappeared through the door, the backswing hitting the jamb with a loud crack.                

She just stood there stunned for an instant. What in the blazes was that all about? And then she moved hurriedly to catch up. She would protect her Master with her life, even against that brash idiot.

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Obi-Wan pushed the front door open and entered a large common room, beautiful in its quiet elegancy. Two comfortable couches skimmed the far walls, a scattering of fabric covered chairs, a low table near the sofas - all denoted that this was the outward facade, the meeting place for guests and business clientele. Done in cremes and beiges, there were also bright splashes of color here and there; the pillows strewn on the couches, artwork of people and places hung on the walls, a shawl cast over one chair. There were clusters of flowers everywhere, done in simple designs that spoke of wealth and style.

Beyond the far right doorway, a whoosh of running water and the soft undertones of voices beckoned him. But then the sounds turned strident and he paused, torn by the twin problems of letting Qui-Gon have the privacy he deserved and the mission-imperatives that Obi-Wan must follow. Duty won and he moved closer.

A feminine voice rang out, troubled and angry. "Kenobi's here!?" The sounds turned sarcastic. "Well, about damn time. Ten years of ignoring you and he just waltzes in here without a word."

"Le', please. Can't you just let it be, just for a little while? I've missed him. Now he's here. Let's at least pretend he's here to see me."

"So now it comes down to pretense. Qui, love, he's hurt you every day. I could see it in your eyes, hear it in your voice. I won't let him hurt you again." The sound of water stopped. "All right, all right, for your sake, I'll be civil." Soft noises and a heavy sigh. "Why is he here anyway? A mission?"

"Not a visit, not after all this time. Look, I've left him out there. Go and be polite while I change... Polite, mind."

He heard another sarcastic, "Yes, oh wise Master."

The sound of footsteps coming his way galvanized Obi-Wan to step back into the center of the common room. The woman who entered was about forty years old, tall, with braided waist-length red hair and piercing green eyes, relatively thin, although her waistline had begun to thicken with pregnancy. Le'orath Jinn was not beautiful, but striking in the classic sense, so much so that, after a moment's reflection, mere beauty would seem unimportant. She filled the space with her presence, her emerald eyes staring straight into the soul.

"Knight Kenobi, welcome to our home. Please sit down." Her voice was pleasant, seemingly congenial as she gestured to one of the far couches.

Obi-Wan bowed politely. "Thank you, Mistress Jinn." He sat quickly, his tattered brown robes pooling around him, and turned to his hostess. "You have a very lovely place here."

She settled next to him and, smiling, reached for his hand. Taking it in her own, she squeezed gently at first but with increasingly painful pressure. She leaned over, still smiling, her eyes stone cold, and spoke quietly, so that her voice would not carry.

"Listen to me, you miserable bastard. I don't know why you've come. I don't know why it took you ten years to get your worthless Jedi carcass here to visit him. And by the Gods, I certainly don't know why he still loves you like a son. But I swear to you, if you hurt him again, I don't care who you are - Jedi Knight, Republic representative, Supreme Chancellor, I don't care. I will hunt you down and destroy you. Do you understand me, Jedi?"

With that, she let his hand go and he shook it slightly to help circulation return. At first, her words had filled him with astonishment but the shame soon followed. Coward... Kenobi, you should have tried harder. It was clear that she loved Qui-Gon very much. To threaten a Jedi so was not to be taken lightly.

"I understand, Mistress Jinn. Perhaps more than you know."

He turned to say something else, maybe reassure her but at that moment, Qui-Gon returned. Dressed now in white shirt and dark-blue leggings, commanding and tall, he almost looked like a pirate or mercenary. Behind him stood a child, about four years old, red haired and blue-eyed, peering out from behind large legs.

"Le'orath, I seemed to have misplaced my son. Has anyone seen him? Oh, dear, oh, dear. Guess I'll just have to go get another one..."

The child giggled and looked up at his father. "Here I am, Daddy."

Qui-Gon turned and caught up the little one in his arms, a patently pretend growl escaping his lips. "What's this? Oh, here you are..."  Hoisting the child over his shoulder, the boy giggling as he is held upside down, Qui-Gon walked over to Obi-Wan and tapped his son on the bottom. "This is my son, Ben. Usually, he is right side up but it appears that today is an upside-down day."

There were more muffled giggles, some wiggling and then the boy said, "Put me down, Daddy."

With that, Ben was lifted and set down next to Le'orath. Putting her arm around his shoulder, cuddling him close as though for protection, she glared straight at Obi-Wan. The child looked at his mother and then at the stranger in their midst.

He had some experience in the initiate's crèche; all the knights must spend time there now that most of the staff had been dismissed. Outwardly, the child seemed quite ordinary as far as children go. This one, however, was strong, very strong, in the Force, powerful enough to have been sent to the Temple three years ago. Why he was here and not on Coruscant spoke volumes. Indeed there was something amiss.

Obi-Wan bowed slightly to the boy. "Hello, young Ben. I am Jedi Knight Obi-Wan Kenobi. I am very pleased to meet you."

The child's eyes grew wide with recognition as he buried himself deeper into his mother's arms. His voice trembled with fear. "Daddy, it's the Knight, the Jedi. Just like in my dream....it's Obi-Wan. Did you know that? Is he going to take you away now?"

Obi-Wan was dumbfounded. "Why would you think that, child?"

Ben drove himself behind Le'orath as though trying to disappear. 'Mommy, make him go. Please. He's going to take Daddy away."

Betrayal - Chapter 6

Connections and separations

Qui-Gon knelt beside his son, rubbing his back, trying to allay his fears. "Ben, it's all right, it's all right. Obi-Wan is here to visit, nothing more." He shot a sharp questioning glance at Kenobi as though to ask if that were true, but Obi-Wan pointedly avoided the blue eyes.

Drawing back from his mother's embrace, Ben leapt into his father's arms, crying softly, hiccuping a bit and held on fast, his tiny fists grabbing the long graying hair. Qui-Gon made quiet comforting noises and stood up, still enfolding his son in his arms, gently rocking.

Obi-Wan was about to say something to ease the child's fears, now flowing palpably through the Force, when Atel's frenzied thoughts invaded his own. //Be wary, Master. He's just ahead of me.//

And a young man catapulted through the front door, took one look at Obi-Wan and moved to stand over him, posture clearly threatening. Atel was only a second behind him. She moved in, ready to defend her Master.

The youth glared at Obi-Wan for a moment and then turned to Qui-Gon. His concern was obvious. "Are you okay? Has he hurt you?" Frowning, he glanced at the clinging child. "Why is Ben crying?"

Throwing a quelling glance at the young man, Jinn's frown clearly indicated that his menacing attitude was inappropriate. "I'm fine. Ben had a little scare but he will be better soon...right Ben?"

The child nodded into his father's shoulder, his quiet sighs hitching as he began to calm.

The teen relaxed a fraction and moved to stand next to Qui-Gon. Looking like he was unsure of the situation, he settled into ready stance, continuing to scowl at Obi-Wan. His young face was a shifting map of troubling thoughts but Obi-Wan could read his emotions clearly: confusion about the sudden appearance of the Jedi, disdain for the apparent coincidence, distrust that Qui-Gon might well be in danger. His glare morphed into an entrenched frown, mouth set and grim. Hovering near his Master, the young man's entire posture was clearly to guard Qui-Gon Jinn at all costs, with his life if necessary.

Looking at both men standing over him and reading the teen's glowering presence as one of potential threat, Obi-Wan realized that he was somewhat trapped by the couch and low table before him. Smiling to relieve the tension, he  nodded and stood up, moving discreetly to stand next to Atel.

Qui-Gon spoke first. "I believe that introductions are in order." Gesturing towards the Jedi, he nodded, "Anakin Skywalker, meet Obi-Wan Kenobi." Qui-Gon's eyes flicked from one to the other, a brief grin lighting his face. "He's my former Padawan, now a Jedi Knight, and by the looks of it, soon to be Master Kenobi."

Qui-Gon placed a large hand on Anakin's shoulder, squeezing slightly. The young man relaxed and sent him back a grateful smile. "Anakin is my apprentice."

"Apprentice?!" Obi-Wan was startled by that statement, eyes raking the two. This unexpected news was troubling.

Jinn frowned somewhat, then his face cleared as he looked again at Anakin. "Yes, he is learning the trade."

Standing quietly as the conversation flowed around her, still scowling at Anakin, she also looked puzzled, almost as if something was bothering her about the situation or someone in the room. Then her face cleared and she stared at Anakin with astonishment, "You're Anakin Skywalker....the Hero of Naboo?" The young man nodded, flustered. "But that would mean that you were very young at the Battle of Theed."

He glowered at her, exasperated. "I was nine years old. What about it?"

She pressed on, turning toward him. "I read in the histories that you made the shot that brought down the Trade Federation vessel. Impressive shooting for someone so young or... was it luck? "

Skywalker took a step forward, space narrowing between them. "It's none of your damn business, Jedi." His eyes gleamed dislike as he stared at her. "Besides, there's no such thing as luck."

Obi-Wan loudly cleared his throat. "And this brash young woman is my Padawan, Atel Sl'etah." He shot her a quieting, not-now look. "Atel, I don't believe you have met Mistress Le'orath Jinn, Qui-Gon's wife and his son, Ben."

Atel was speechless, her brown eyes widening. //Wife, Master!!! And a son. That was not in the briefing nor in the data they gave us.//

Le'orath rose gracefully and bowed, a mere nod of the head. "Welcome to our home, Padawan." Turning to her husband and gathering Ben gently into her arms, she looked over the scene, "Qui-Gon, I need to begin the evening meal. I assume that your guests will be staying."

At her husband's assent, she turned to the young man. "Anakin, could you help me, please?"

Moving past the Jedi, Obi-Wan's words stopped her for a moment. "I thank you for your generous offer, my lady. We would be glad to accept your hospitality. Atel, please go with them and lend any assistance." The group disappeared into the far doorway, his Padawan trailing behind and sending Obi-Wan an annoyed glare before moving out of his line of sight.

When they were alone once more, Obi-Wan turned to his old mentor. "You have a fine family, Master."

Qui-Gon smiled at that. "Le'orath must like you. She hates to cook and for her to volunteer... well, I'm astonished."

"Your son, Ben, seems to be an exceptional boy, strong in the Force. How long has he been having these visions?"

Qui-Gon's smile vanished and a stoic, shuttered look came over his face. His voice, too, was neutral, with just a touch of frost. "Visions, I'm sure that you are mistaken." His eyes tightened for just a moment, then said with some bemusement and not a little irony. "Or have you come to take me away?"

Obi-Wan moved close to Qui-Gon and gently grasped his arm. "I have no intention of taking you anywhere, Master. But it's clear that your son has been touched by the Force. How long?"

Qui-Gon looked down and Obi-Wan followed his gaze. His fingers were resting on Qui-Gon's arm, comfortably, so like the long-ago before the despair of dismissals and money and endless missions. Memories ghosting of other times and it felt right that it should be that way again.

But it was not then; it was now and duty came first. He let his hand drop away. He only hoped that they both felt the loss.

Something of his misery must have bled through because Qui-Gon swallowed hard and answered, conceding the point. "He's been having waking dreams for about six months; some come true, some have yet to come to pass, some do not."

"Master, it is clear that he is very Force-sensitive. He needs to be trained in the ways of the Jedi. And he's not too old. I could take him back with me."

Qui-Gon jerked back. His eyes narrowed, and he stood there, tall, arms folded, immovable. His voice was glacier-cold. "No, I forbid it."

"But surely he would be better off at the Temple. We would train him properly."

The voice was colder still, space-cold, eternity-cold. "I said no."

Obi-Wan had heard that tone only once in his life and he had forgotten neither the reason nor the result. He knew that pressing the point would not sway Qui-Gon, and indeed might further antagonize him. But duty was duty. And he was sworn to find and bring back any children worthy of the Order should the parents agree.

"Master, please listen. We need your son, desperately." Qui-Gon stiffened at the words. "You don't know what is going on at the Temple. Parents are refusing to give their children to the Jedi. We are told that the Order is no longer trustworthy." Obi-Wan shook his head in disbelief. "The number of young ones coming into the crèche has dwindled to almost nothing. Only orphans or unwanted babies, no one else. In the last year, there have been only nine given to the Jedi, not even enough for a single Clan. The Council does not know what to do."

Obi-Wan grasped his Master's arm again, warmth and strength seeping through his hands, trying to break the frost, to persuade Qui-Gon to see the critical imperative of allowing his son to go to the Jedi. But the sharp icy stare forced him to let go, his hands falling to his side, hope leaching away. One final try as he said, "At this rate, the Jedi will be extinct within a generation. Your son would do much to alleviate this, especially coming from a family of one so sorely mistreated. He would be an example of the trust you have in the Jedi. An example that others might follow."

"Trust?! I will not send my son to be trained and then discarded as so much trash. No!"

Sighing heavily, Obi-Wan gentled his voice. "So be it. I had to try." He leaned in close, almost whispering, "A warning, then, from a former Padawan to his old, much-esteemed Master."

Startled, Qui-Gon bent down to catch the words.

"The Senate is making noises about collecting data on all Force-sensitive children. From the lowest to the highest ranks of society. For their own government records, they say, not just for the Jedi's use. It doesn't make sense really since we are the only ones that would use that information. But vicious rumors are flying that the Republic government may mandate that the children be taken without consent, made wards of the state and given over to the Order. I don't agree with this course - it would be disastrous for the Jedi and for the families as well. It may just be rumors. They may want the information for other reasons, but I thought you should know. Qui-Gon," Obi-Wan said softly, "guard your son well."

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As dinner began, conversation seemed awkward, full of strange silences. It was clear to Obi-Wan that his Master was still upset about his comments and yet he did not want to end this with bitterness. He had hoped for one night, pure, with fond remembrances and a Padawan's love for his Master. Just one night. Tomorrow would be soon enough for investigation and damned duty.

Conversation ebbed and flowed around the passing of food and the small talk of child and parent, host and guests. Le'orath was a better cook than Qui-Gon has intimated and the smells and tastes of the many dishes were wonderful. To the Jedi, used to simple cheap meals, it was almost a banquet.

But to one individual, it was not a banquet. Young Ben, now secure within the warmth of his family, and, above all, bored with the adult conversation, had begun to display a four-year old's exuberance and skill at deception. Staring at the sweets just beyond his reach, the child waggled his fingers ever so slightly, his blue eyes intense, a sly smile on his face. One small brightly-colored treat began a stealthy slow dance across the table towards the boy.

Spying the movement and amused at the thought, Obi-Wan lent his talent to the task and a second sweet trailed the first. When Ben looked around to see who was helping him, he looked surprised to see the strange Jedi Kenobi smiling. The boy was startled at first, but when Obi-Wan winked at him, a small grin lit his young face and he giggled.

His father, suddenly aware of the scene, said sharply, "Ben, no."

Eyes abruptly huge, the boy's smile disappeared and he bent his head, clearly unsure of what he had done wrong.

Softening his voice, Qui-Gon gestured towards a small pile of blocks and other toys in the far corner of the room. "Ben, it's all right but you must be bored with all this grown-up talk. Why don't you go enjoy your games?" The child nodded and moved away, looked at the adults for a moment and then settled down to play.

"I see that Ben has many talents." Obi-Wan's voice was tinged with amusement and his eyes were dancing.

Qui-Gon said coldly, "Yes, he has. I meant what I said, Obi-Wan. You will get nothing of his talents."

He nodded, unhappy that this simple act of play had caused a further rift in their relationship. "Be at ease, Master. I was merely helping Ben with his logistical problem." With a sharp look, Qui-Gon returned to his meal and uneasy silence descended on the group.

The food lay leaden in Obi-Wan's gut, acid etching his troubled thoughts. Damn, this may be your last chance, you blasted fool. Try and fix this, Kenobi, before it's too late.

He sent Jinn a tentative smile. "Master, I often thought of you, hoping that you were well and happy. It is obvious that you have come far. Home, family, a good life. I'm glad." Qui-Gon must have recognized what Obi-Wan was trying to do, wishing to repair the damage of their bitter argument and he must have wanted to make amends as well.  

Qui-Gon returned the smile and nodded. "It was not an easy path. In fact, at first, it was very difficult. I did not want to impose on friends, afraid that some of the shame of dismissal would fall on them. I tried several occupations, none of which paid well and sometimes I was discharged without reason. Others would not hire me at all, obviously suspicious of a former Jedi. Who can really blame them? Such a Jedi must surely be rogue or tainted in some way."

"How could they think such a thing?"

Qui-Gon shrugged, "Dismissal from the Temple had always been for crimes or behavior unbecoming a Jedi, never for money reasons. They had no way of knowing."

His old master sighed slightly, "Finally, with my funds dwindling fast, I bowed to the inevitable and asked for help. Luckily, the entourage from Naboo needed someone familiar with Coruscant and security to run checks on locations and personnel at the capital. Captain Panaka was acquainted with my work and hired me. He did me a great service, Obi-Wan."

Smiling briefly, apparently warmed by the memories, Qui-Gon said, "They must have been pleased with my efforts because I was invited to join their security forces back on Naboo. I accepted with pleasure. Of course, no sooner had I arrived, then the Trade Federation invaded the planet. It was pretty rough for a while, but in my own small way, I was able to help the resistance and Queen Amidala. When the Queen escaped, I was among her guards. We had a few bumps on the road to Coruscant but finally made it all in one piece." He looked over at Anakin, grinning. "Along the twisted Force-driven path, I met with this young scamp. And together, we were able to help free Naboo."

"The Force was with you."

"It must have been. For my contribution, the Naboo people gifted me with some money. I was able to scrap together enough to buy this small farm."

"It's beautiful here. A fine place."

Qui-Gon smiled at that. "Not when I bought it. It was tumbling down, the field fallow, the equipment old and in disrepair. I had no idea what I was doing. How could I? Diplomacy and lightsaber duels do not help crops grow. I almost lost everything that first year. But then..." His hand closed over that of Le'orath, his eyes glowing with pride and affection. "I met this lovely woman. Le' is a landscape architect and an amazingly good one at that. She helped me with the rough spots. The next year, the profits were so great that I was able to finish the house and outbuildings. And then I asked her to marry me."

Le'orath smiled at that, squeezing his hand lightly. But her softness leached away as she looked across the table at Obi-Wan. "We were married at Midwinter Festival. I knew the moment I met Qui-Gon that I wanted to be with him always. How could I not? He was so gentle and yet there was a sorrow about him that I wanted to soothe. I didn't know then that the Jedi had tossed him aside."

She glanced at Atel and then back at Obi-Wan, her eyes frosty, lighting to summer warmth when she looked again at Qui-Gon. "We have built a good life here, Knight Kenobi. One, I hope, that will last a long time."

"That is my hope as well, my lady."

Atel spoke up, probing for information. "You have accomplished quite a bit in such a short time, Master Jinn. Are crops all you raise?"

Anakin glared at her but said nothing. Qui-Gon glanced first at his apprentice, then at Atel, a sharp measuring look. His voice was neutral. "Actually, no. Here, I raise exotic biologicals; they have quite a high return on the money invested. But I have interests in several companies as well. It is best to diversify in this time of unrest.  I have learned to adapt to the changing economic climate and now am part owner in mining, medical supplies, biotechnology, and transportation consortiums. A Jedi does not have to think about where their next meal is coming from but I do."

"You'd be surprised at what a Jedi has to think about these days, Master." Obi-Wan's sardonic irony was not lost on his Padawan. She suppressed a brief snort.

Qui-Gon nodded slowly, a sad smile on his leonine face. "I often think about the Temple and our time together, Obi-Wan. It was exhausting but very worthwhile, helping to maintain peace and justice in the Republic. But since I left, rumors have grown that all is not well within the Order. Some pretty alarming tales have reached even the wilds of Naboo."

Obi-Wan's apprentice stared at him, resolute. //Don't tell him anything, Master. Please don't.// But he ignored her warnings. He wanted, he needed to make this connection.

"Things have not been as they should. After you left, most of the Council were dismissed: Master Windu, Master Gallia and several others. When Master Yoda returned from his mission the following week, the Senate evoked some obscure statute and forced him to retire."

Obi-Wan shook his head. "The first wave of dismissals was disheartening to more than just those immediately affected, of course. Trust had been broken and the despair of it seemed to permeate the very air of the Temple for several months. But as the shock of such a move faded, life seemed to return to normal."

"And then?" Qui-Gon gently probed.

"The Senate tightened their grip again. Citing increased pressure to curb costs and disappointment in the resistant attitude of the Jedi to the Republic's wishes, there was a second round of dismissals and then a third. It seemed to almost spiral out of control. The few protestations from some of the Order's friends were silenced. The Jedi became entirely dependent on the good graces of the Senate. And they were not in the mood to be gracious." 

Obi-Wan pressed his hand against his eyes for a moment and then looked into the sad face of his old Master. "The competition for goods and services within the Order became fierce. Cooperation is a fine thing when there is plenty, but as the stranglehold tightened, everyone began to look for ways to strengthen their own positions. And still Jedi were turned out of the Temple. Fault-finding, hoarding, rigidity of thought were encouraged by such actions. The halls are monitored, behavior codified and more dismissals are coming." Obi-Wan gave an unhappy cough. "Now, it is difficult to even replace a cloak."

Anakin glanced at Qui-Gon and nodded. "Oh, so that is why you were wearing such shabby clothes. I thought you just didn't have time to change before coming here."

Obi-Wan shot him a measuring look. "Quite correct, Anakin. Shabby is an apt description."

"And now?" asked Qui-Gon, softly, prompting.

"Now they have turned most of the mediation chambers and gymnasiums into food production. There have been eight.. no, nine waves of terminations and still there are rumors of more to come. Yet we are expected to have successful missions with no complaints or errors. Too much to do and not nearly enough Jedi or resources to cope."

"I'm sorry, Obi-Wan."

He just shrugged again. "Qui-Gon, thank you. I know. But I am a Jedi and must do my duty. I can do no less."

Skywalker studied him, frowning dismissively. "So, that's it then. You're just going to keep coming back for more, even though they treat you like dirt."

"I will do what I must, Anakin."

The young man looked at Obi-Wan with bewilderment. "Can't you fight them? Turn things around?"

"How? The Senate has control of the money and the Jedi are sworn to uphold the laws and government of the Republic."

"Walk away from it, then."

"I cannot do that. I would be forsworn."

Anakin snorted at that. "Duty to a group that discards its own like week-old trash? You are a fool."

Qui-Gon's reply was brief and to the point. "Anakin, this is not the way you treat guests."

"No, Master" Anakin muttered, a fleeting glimpse of shame crossing his face.

"Obi-Wan, this is sad news indeed but not unexpected. We may be far from Coruscant but news of the Jedi travels fast, even in hyperspace." Jinn sighed and laid his hand on Obi-Wan's arm. "You are always welcome here."

Le'orath moved slightly, as though to protest, but said nothing. She looked at Anakin and shrugged, "Knight Kenobi, you spoke of dismissals. You must have lost a number of friends over the years. Have you kept in touch with any of them?"

That question brought a sharp, embarrassed look from Qui-Gon. "Le', you promised not to do this."

"I promised not to ask Kenobi about why he hasn't bothered to contact you in the last ten years. I'm merely inquiring about his friends."

Jinn moved to speak sharply to his wife but Obi-Wan gestured for attention. "Mistress Jinn is quite correct to ask. Master, you deserve an answer."

Atel shot him a disbelieving look //Master, Listen to me, please. Don't tell him anything. He is under investigation. Don't...// But again he ignored her warning.

"We are forbidden from contacting anyone dismissed from the Order, for whatever reason. Ignoring that directive entails...various types of punishment, depending on the level of defiance."

Le'orath did not back down. Pressing the point, she said tartly, "And you were afraid of a little punishment, a slap on the wrist, is that it, Kenobi? Couldn't break the rules even for Qui-Gon's sake, right?"

Qui-Gon radiated fury. "How could you?"

But his question was met with a brief shrug from his wife. It was clear that Le'orath wanted answers; she seemed  willing to cut past all the careful questions and get to the root of it. Perhaps she thought that Qui-Gon needed to know the answers. Perhaps she knew that he wouldn't ask and so she did the asking for him.

 It was said that a wound must be cut and cleaned before it could heal. This wound had festered in Obi-Wan for years. Knowing Qui-Gon, it was probably the same.

But it still hurt, abominably so. He sat there, quiet, still, unable to move or think for a moment. Avoiding Qui-Gon's gaze, he looked at Le'orath and murmured, "Excuse me."

Then, abruptly, unable to stay in that place for one more second, he stood and strode out the door. Atel was hard on his heels.

Shel found him there. He was standing on the porch, gazing out at the moon rising over the mountains, his hands busy shredding a white trumpet flower. He said nothing for a time, trying to find his center, hoping to calm his raging guilt.

Finally, he told Atel to bring the landspeeder around to the front. They would be leaving momentarily. When she scampered down the steps and around the corner of the house, the sounds of the night began to fill the silent spaces.

The scraping of a boot heel, the slight whine of the front door opening and the glow of a Force signature alerted him to another presence. Qui-Gon moved quietly to stand next to his former apprentice.

"Obi-Wan, I must apologize for Le'orath's remarks. She had no right to..." Jinn was quickly interrupted.

"No, Master, she was correct. You deserve to know the truth. It's just...hard to explain." Obi-Wan shrugged and seemed to shrink into himself, chilled by the memories. His hand opened and a shredded flower floated down, stained white and black as it moved from light to shadow to light again. Without thinking, he reached for another and began to slowly pull it apart.

"I'm sorry, Master. I'm a coward...such a coward." Obi-Wan's whispers were almost imperceptible but sharp with pain. "I tried, truly I did. Pulled every string I could to find out where you were. With no success. Then I got caught. Defied them as only you could, Master." An anguished grimace flitted over his face and then he looked down, unable to bear Qui-Gon's questions. "Defied them at first and then I got sneaky. But it didn't matter. They found out anyway and each time it happened, the....punishments got worse." He stopped to breathe, gasping for air as though some great weight was pressing down, down on him. He closed his eyes and tried to center, before the memories crowded out what he needed to say.

"Finally, I couldn't...couldn't face it again. I stopped looking. I'm sorry." He closed his eyes for a moment, grimacing with remembered anguish. The blossom in his hand, torn to unrecognizable pulp, floated down, light and dark, to join the others. He started to reach for the trumpet flower near his face when Qui-Gon grabbed Obi-Wan's shoulders with his own large hands and shook him gently.

"Obi-Wan, you were never a coward. Never." Jinn's voice was warm with certainty.

He just shook his head, refusing to meet his Master's eyes. "I should have been stronger but I couldn't fight the fear in that damnable cell any more."

"What cell?" Qui-Gon stepped back, hands dropping away. The wintry tone in his voice was cold, sharp, almost angry. Obi-Wan flinched at the sound.

"The cells at the Temple 's base." He was confused; surely his former Master knew about them.

"Yes, there are force-suppressed cells there for criminals, to inhibit escape. The worst that they face is loss of any connection with the Force - it is painful at first, but the strong-willed eventually get used to it. And you are very strong-willed." Qui-Gon probed insistently. "Was there a particular cell that they put you in?"

Obi-Wan shuddered. "It was always cell AA23."

Qui-Gon's retort was quick and expressive. "Those damnable, bloody rsshak slime. They promised me they would dismantle it. They promised."

"Master, you know of it?"

Jinn looked down at the mound of crushed blossoms. "I helped to test it. Obi-Wan, I'm so sorry."

He jerked his eyes up to meet Qui-Gon's own, anger growing out of the guilt and confusion. "Tested it? Helped them? How could you agree to such a thing? It's an obscenity, a twisted misuse of the Force. How could you?"

"I had no idea that they were using it in such a way. Obi-Wan, the Jedi did not invent it." Jinn's voice was gentle but Obi-Wan just shook his head. "Listen, please. One of the Knights in the Outer Rim stumbled across it in an investigation. As far as we know, there is only one, although it appeared that more were to be manufactured. They were going to use it as a weapon against the Jedi since it only works with force-sensitives.'' Qui-Gon moved closer. "The device is able to probe deep into the psyche to find the one thing the victim most fears and multiplies it. It is extremely effective."

"I know that," Obi-Wan growled.

"I agreed to help with the testing to see if there was any defense against it. At the time, the Jedi Council was afraid that more would be coming on the market and we needed to counteract its effects. I was put in the cell for up to two hours at a time, hoping that I could find a way to get around the device. They said my tendency towards stubbornness should serve me well." Qui-Gon gave a slight shiver. "It did not. We were never able to find a way around it. When the testing ended, I was promised, most solemnly, that the device would be destroyed. It seems that they lied."

"So it seems." Obi-Wan rubbed his eyes with the heels of his hands, pain beginning to flash behind the temples. He needed time to reflect on this, time to come to some understanding and deal with the lingering guilt and anger.

"Obi-Wan, come back in. Perhaps, we can start again. I've missed you very much, my old Padawan." Qui-Gon gripped his shoulder again, squeezing slightly. "I know that my family and I haven't made you very welcome but I want another chance."

But he shook his head and Qui-Gon stepped back, unsure of how to proceed. "I need to meditate on this, Master. And my mission begins tomorrow. I will be quite busy for some time." Qui-Gon looked at him, solemn and unhappy but nodded, accepting the Jedi's decision. "I promise that I will see you, at least once, before I leave and we can talk further. Perhaps, the Force has brought us together again for a reason, one that is not apparent in the moment. We will have to see."

The whine of the landspeeder brought them to silence as Atel drove up. She got out and stood, patiently waiting by the porch steps.

"Please make my apologies to your wife and Ben. Anakin as well. I'm sorry, Master."

Qui-Gon nodded and suddenly moved to give Obi-Wan an enveloping hug, whispering. "Never forget that you are the son of my heart, Obi-Wan. Always." He released him and stood back. "May the Force be with you."

Obi-Wan blinked back sudden tears. "And you are my much-loved Master. I will not forget." Turning to go, he replied, "And may the Force be with you, Qui-Gon."

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Qui-Gon Jinn watched as the speeder roared away and then the night settled into a peaceful calm, the lacywings humming quietly among the blossoms. The young shadow, waiting patiently by his side, moved closer. "Did he tell you about his mission?"

"Anakin, Jedi do not discuss missions with just anyone. It is unwise to do so and against the regulations as well. And no, he did not tell me."

"Do you think he is investigating the disappearance of all those dismissed Jedi? Does he know who killed them? Or is he the killer?"

Qui-Gon smiled briefly but the warmth did not reach his eyes. "So many questions, my young apprentice. No, contrary to your feelings about him, he is not the one killing the ex-Jedi. He could not, not my old Padawan. And he is not investigating the losses either or else he would have asked me about them. No, he's likely here to check up on me and our operations here."

"Master, are you sure?" Qui-Gon gave a swift, unhappy nod. "What now?"

"Anakin, it will take him a while to settle into his lodgings and then he will begin inquiries tonight. We have about an hour. Let's make the most of it. Go into town and alert our friends that a potential enemy is among us."

"Is he our enemy?" The voice was taut with some darker emotion, jealousy perhaps or an eagerness to begin the chase.

"Damn, I hope not." Qui-Gon closed his eyes for a moment, frowning, pain scrawling across his face. He shook himself free of it and turned toward his apprentice. "Have everyone treat him with the respect due a Jedi but tell him nothing."

"And if he finds out what is going on?"

The tall man shrugged helplessly. "It will be as the Force wills."

"Master, I'm sorry... about everything. It must be hard to see him again, like this." The young one stood with head bowed, penitent.

"Yes, it is. He is the son of my heart…" Qui-Gon put his arm around Anakin's shoulders for a swift, sharp hug and then let him go, "as are you, young one. We are wasting time. Get going, now."

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"Is he gone?" Mace Windu asked quietly from the shadowed corner.

"Yes, he's gone for now. And before you ask, yes, I think he does suspect that there is something more going on here than growing crops." Qui-Gon frowned darkly, his voice low, almost angry. "They deliberately chose him. To torment me or to punish him. Maybe both." Staring out into the night, he admitted, "It hurt to see him and not tell him the truth. I...I've missed him."

"I'm sorry, my friend." Mace put his hand on Qui-Gon's shoulder for a second, squeezing lightly, wordless comfort in the light of the struggles to come, and stepped back.

He shrugged, resigned. "No matter. I will deal with it as I must. Now, to business. I had hoped for more time to strengthen our position before discovery. Better start moving the equipment and personnel out. But not too much. He's not stupid, quite the reverse. We will have to hide what we can, obscure the training centers, if possible. He knows of mine. Let's make sure he doesn't find any others."

"And, if he does?" The murmur of disquiet wafted through the cool night air.

"They are looking for a scapegoat. If necessary, they will have one."

"And you're it..."

"Mace, we knew this was a possibility when we started. Yes, he may not know it yet but he's come for me." Qui-Gon turned and placed a hand on Windu's arm, holding him still for a moment, his voice thready with concern. "Promise that you will look after my family. And Anakin. He's very headstrong and may protest this course."

"I will. But aren't you forgetting that the future is always in motion?"

Jinn snorted at that. "I forget nothing." He turned and looked back to where the speeder had disappeared. "Damn that Council for bringing him into this. They are playing us for fools again, Mace, but I am no longer a fool."

To Chapter 7