Nobody can antisipate when they'll get their missions. So why did Qui-Gon have a pretty good idea that one would be coming his way soon? Just a hunch, he guessed. But as the week carried on, small clues came up to the surface that made his guess more and more true. Until he and Obi-Wan were finally called to the council chamber.
Before even bothering to head in that direction, he walked straight to Obi-Wan's quarters. Where he almost walked in on the younger while he was getting dressed. Almost. If he hadn't realized by a startled yelp from the fifthteen year old inside that he was taken off guard, then he wouldn't have been able to shut the door again before it was too late. But that moment of awkward passed away quickly after they were both on their way to the council.
"Did Master Windu say what the mission would be?" Obi-Wan asked curiously as he pulled his braid out of his tunic.
Qui-Gon shook his head, "Nothing. He said that he would explain in the meeting."
Obi-Wan sighed quietly as he slowed a moemnt. A chill had suddenly raced up his spine and the hair on the back of his neck stood on end. For a moment, his ears were burning as a high pitched ringing pierced them. He could see images, but they moved too fast for him to make any out. In a matter of seconds it was over with a shutter. His heart pounding for a short time after.
"What's wrong?" Qui-Gon asked as soon as Obi-Wan could actually hear him.
The padawan shook his head. "Nothing. I'm fine. Just a chill is all."
The older casted him a knowing look that said he knew he wasn't telling him to whole truth and continued walking. "Are you sure?"
"Yes, I'm fine." Obi-Wan assured. "I guess it's just because I didn't sleep well or something."
"If that's the case then I'll pilot the ship while you get some rest." Qui-Gon told him calmly before reaching out to access the door pad. They were given permission the enter and the door opened before they stepped inside. The door sliding closed behind them.
It tok another second before Mace Windu decided to start up the metting. "It's good that you could see us today. There is a strange matter that I feel you may be able to tend to."
For a second, Qui-Gon stared at Mace, something was off about him. He couldn't place what it was, but soemthing didn't seem right. With a glance to Yoda, the look he recieved assurance that he wasn't the only one to notice and not know what was wrong. Maybe he was just tired like Obi-Wan was all.
"Are you familiar with the planet Halie?" Windu continued, without noticing the exchange of glances.
Qui-Gon shook his head. "No. I have never heard of one by that name."
"It's a planet in the further reaches of the Outer Rim." Master Windu explained. "None of us knew of it's existance either, until we had received a message from them. They requested Obi-Wan's help."
Out of the corner of his eye, he could see the younger's eyes widen in disbeleif, surprised. "Me?"
"Oddly yes." Plo Koon responded with a curt nod in the padawan's direction. He pushed up his breathing mask first before he went on. "It was strange, the person who sent the message acted like she knew you. We thought that you might of heard of the planet or was aware that someone lived there."
Obi-Wan was simply shocked, his expression spoke it all. Eyebrows rised practically to his hairline and jaw slightly slag as he stared at them. It took a moment before he shook the face away and found a more serious one. "I never heard a word of anyone who lived on this mysterious planet."
With this Mace Windu took over the meeting again. "She wanted you to help her, as mysterious disappearences were occuring, on occassion bodies were found drained of their blood-"
Qui-Gon froze like he were made of stone, his skin paled. He encountered a scientist who did just this, found force sensitive people and drained them of blood so she could study the force. The year prior, she had captured him and attempted to use him as a test subject, but she almost killed him after he was proving too stubborn for her and not providing what she wanted. If Obi-Wan hadn't broken into the lab and freed him, then he would be dead now.
Obviously, his look of horror was clear because everyone took notice. "Seen this before, have you, Qui-Gon?" Yoda asked, dispite already knowing the answer.
"Yes I have." He answered. "A scientist, Jenna Zan Arbor, drained force-sensitive beings of blood so that she could study the force. But she was brought to justice." He tried to meet some of the council's stares. "It's very unlikely that she could have escaped without our knowing of it. And what business would she have on an unheard of planet? She made diseases and cures to them so she would be paid. As twisted and unnerving as she is, I don't she would be involved with this."
"Maybe you could be right." Master Windu agreed. "This killer could always be somene else. But you understand what you are looking for?"
"Yes. We must look for the source of the killings and make sure that the situation is dealt with." Qui-Gon answered.
"Good. Now it may be best if you gain as much information as possible about this planet, just so that you may be a little prepared for what you have to face."
"I will see Tahl before I leave." He assured.
"May the force be with you."
With this, Obi-Wan and Qui-Gon left the council chamber and went towards the most likely place where Tahl would be. But the silence that hung between them was more of both pondering. Evenually, Obi-Wan found himself the one to break it.
"Something is odd about Master Windu."
"I know." Qui-Gon replied shortly.
"Do you think it is something to be worried about?"
"Possibly."
Obi-Wan then looked up. "Do you think there might be a reason?"
"There usually is." Qui-Gon answered as the turbo-lift opened and they stepped into the hallway.
