Chapter 4

Obi-Wan was just finishing his qualla berries and toasted brea when the door to his quarters chimed. Using the force, he released the locking mechanism as he made his way to the cleaning unit, placing the morning's dishes inside. He turned as Bant and Garen entered the small dining area, astrophysics books in tow. As always, he noted Bant's quick scan of the room before her gaze settled on him, offering a smile.

Obi-Wan looked to Garen, who merely rolled his eyes. Ignoring Bant he spoke directly to Obi-Wan. "Well?" He asked. "Are you ready?"

"As ready as I'll ever be, I guess." Answered Obi-Wan.

"Oh, please." Bant interjected. "You've passed everything that sith has thrown at us. Why would this one be any different?" She said in reference to Master B'Cia, the astrophysics instructor who was rumored to be almost as old as Master Yoda.

Tossing her data pad on the table, Bant dramatically dropped herself into a nearby chair. "Honestly, Obi. You make the rest of us look like . . . . . ."

Both Garen and Obi-Wan turned to her as she trailed off. They followed her gaze as she uttered a final, "Oh my."

Oblivious to his young audience, Xanatos stood just outside the fresher, towel drying his hair. The towel about his waist slipping dangerously low as he leaned forward in an effort to reach all of his shoulder length locks.

Taking in Bant's gaping expression, Obi-Wan softly cleared his throat before speaking. "Master. We have company."

Xanatos continued drying his hair as he straightened and turned to face them. "So it appears." He said, draping the damp towel over one shoulder and sauntering into the dining area with a slight smile, completely at ease with his state of undress.

"Good morning, Bant." The corner of his mouth twitched slightly as she continued to stare at him open mouthed. He turned to Garen, allowing a bit of frost to creep into his tone as he formally addressed the other. "Padawan Muln."

Garen straightened his spine noticeably before acknowledging with, "Master Chiyari."

Xanatos noticed that his padawan seemed both simultaneously amused at Garen's reaction and absolutely horrified at Bant's. He watched as the young man nudged her with his hip, as he reached for the last of his muju juice.

For her part, Bant snapped her mouth shut at Obi-Wan's prodding, only to stare transfixed as a single drop of water fell from damp raven ends to trace it's way slowly down the nicely sculpted chest and abdomen, disappearing beneath the towel tied about the master's waist.

Finishing his juice, Xanatos set the cup back on the table, giving Bant a quick wink before exiting to get dressed. Finally, having the grace to blush at her rather overt admiration of the knight, her embarrassment did not hinder her from watching the retreating form as he made his exit.

Slightly annoyed, but used to Bant's infatuation by now, Obi-Wan ignored her as he picked up the empty cup and placed it in the cleaning unit. He turned, noticing that Garen had visibly relaxed his stance once again. Letting out a somewhat frustrated sigh, the young man spoke so that only Bant and Obi-Wan could hear him.

"Force. It's been two months, Obi. Is he ever going to let me off the hook?"

Obi-Wan smiled reassuringly at his friend's distress. "He already has, Garen. He's just having fun with you."

"Fun, huh? You know, it's not like I kidnapped you and forced you to drink that whole bottle of Bacari."

"Maybe not." Bant interjected, seemingly recovered from her hormonal daze, and smiling as she continued. "But you were the one who'd just had his 18th naming day and purchased us each a rather cheap bottle of our choice." The us' she referred to including Reeft, who was on planet at the time. "And then," she laughed as the memory reasserted itself. "You two geniuses, after sneaking through the entire temple AND making it past Master Windu - - end up having to ring the buzzer to get in."

Neither Garen nor Obi-Wan saw the humor here, both having been so thoroughly out of it that they'd forgotten their entry codes, well - to be more accurate, they'd forgotten Obi-Wan's entry code.

"Well, as I recall, things didn't turn out much better for you." Garen said dryly.

"That's only because you two lightweights got caught." Bant said, sobering some. "Reeft and I at least managed to sneak in undetected, just before curfew."

Listening to his friends argue over the specifics of where things went wrong, Obi-Wan realized he could only very vaguely remember making it back to his quarters that night. Someone, Garen it had turned out, had supported him rather unsteadily to his quarters. He did remember leaning against the door as he watched Garen frustratingly enter random codes into the keypad, before finally giving up and just ringing the buzzer.

Forgetting, and not really caring that he was leaning against the door, he'd felt the world drop out from under him as the door slid open and he fell backwards - - and into strong familiar arms. He had begun to feel quite miserable by that point, his head spinning, his stomach churning. On some level he knew he was home and safe and allowed himself to relax a little as he was lifted and placed somewhere comfortable, he had been entirely too intoxicated to worry about whether he was in trouble or not at that point.

There were many things he'd not remember from that night, and many things that he would - - not the least of which was his very first, and only, he solemnly swore that very next morning - hangover. He couldn't imagine feeling worse if he'd drank hyperdrive coolant, and he'd done this to himself.

Voluntarily!

What he would always remember and cherish however, was the constant and steady presence of his master throughout that long and horrible night. Xanatos, placing one cool compress after another on his forehead, soothing him with small comforting circles to his back as he retched out all his stomach had to offer, and more. Not laughing at him or scolding him when he quite seriously and miserably informed the man that he must surely be dying.

A small smile tugged at his lips at the silliness of that thought, though it had most certainly felt a reality on the night in question. He was so lost in his thoughts that he was unaware that his friends had moved on to another topic. He caught the end of what Garen was saying, just as his master re-entered the room.

". . . . . . new co-instructor for level 6 saber techniques . . . . . ." Garen trailed off as he noticed Xanatos.

Xanatos smirked to himself, enjoying the padawan's discomfort. He'd obviously been on planet too long, to be taking any type of amusement from such a thing. True, he'd been livid with the young man for getting his padawan drunk, but it had only taken a few well meaning friends to point out some of his own youthful escapades for him to cool down. If it had been anyone else, he'd have taken himself a piece of padawan hyde, but Garen and Obi-Wan had been best friends since their days in the crèche. He knew the young man would never do anything to intentionally harm his padawan. He'd also been acutely aware that on the night in question that Padawan Muln in all probability could have made his way home undetected.

"By all means, don't let me interrupt." Xanatos said to Garen as he approached his padawan, hooking a finger under the youth's chin, lifting his face in an effort to gauge the youth's stamina. Obi-Wan eyed him curiously, then subsided, knowing what his master was looking for. Satisfied with the bright gaze and well-rested appearance, Xanatos released the cleft chin. Of course, that well rested appearance had come at his own personal cost, but it was a trade off he could live with.

For the past week he'd had his own trouble sleeping. He, of course, refused to relate it to the return of a certain Jedi master at just about that same time. Never the less, he'd been able to give his padawan some much-needed rest. Yes, Well worth the trade.

"Um, well, ah . . . . . . ." Garen was floundering, obviously not sure if he wanted to continue with what he'd been about to say.

"Well? Spit it out, Muln." Bant said, rather untactful. "Who's the new instructor?"

Xanatos had just turned away from the group when Garen finally, hesitantly uttered, "It's ah, Master Jinn."

The silence that followed that statement rang with tension, and Obi- Wan noticed the tensing and stiffening of muscles in his master's neck and shoulders. The tension was not in the least bit eased when Xanatos finally slammed his fist down on the table.

"Damn that troll!"

The visiting padawan's faces easily registered their shock at such a statement; eye brows raised, mouth's forming surprised little O's. They looked to Obi-Wan, who was only surprised by the vehemence behind his master's words. The silently tense little tableau held for awkward seconds only, broken by the sound of the common room door sliding open and the familiar tap of a small gimer stick.

"Burning, my ears are. Talking about me, someone must be, hmmm?"

The only sound to follow that statement was the scrabbling of three padawans grabbing for data pads, sabers, and cloaks as they made as hasty an exit as possible while trying not to run over the damn troll' in the process.

XIXI

His steps slowed as he exited the lift. He hadn't been here in years, but it was as familiar as stepping into yesterday. This level of the temple had been his home for almost 12 years. The Master's level, where those master's who were actively training padawans resided.

Unconsciously, he paused outside those quarters that were once his own. His no longer, as the nameplate could attest. Lightly, his fingers traced the lettering, not seeing the name currently engraved, but that of Jinn/Chiyari. Abruptly snapping himself out of his fugue state, he continued on down the corridor towards his destination.

Stopping just shy of the next corridor, he cautiously rang the buzzer to Tahl's quarters, suddenly feeling a bit guilty about all the time that had passed without contacting her. Seconds passed and he turned to leave, thinking he'd missed her. He was pleasantly surprised when the door slid open to reveal her smiling face and slightly breathless countenance.

"Qui-Gon Jinn," She said, still smiling. "Give a girl a minute to finish getting dressed will you?" She stepped aside allowing him to enter. "I sensed it was you. You have a very distinct force signature."

He entered, feeling a bit awkward when she pulled him into an embrace. If Tahl noticed, she gave no indication. She pulled back slightly, but did not release him. "It's been far too long, my friend."

His smile was genuine as he gazed into her face, a face far more beautiful than he remembered. Her dark honey skin seemed to glow with health and happiness. "Yes. Yes it has." He did not say more, nor did he need to. The emotion in his voice was clear. He had missed her, never realizing just how much until this very moment.

Her smile widened in understanding, reaching her golden eyes; the beauty of which was not the least bit diminished by the one sightless eye and the faded scar that ran through it from just above her right brow, ending about 2 inches below.

"Well, come. Come in, sit down." She finally released him and urged him towards the sofa. "Would you like some tea?"

He had barely nodded his acknowledgement before she had turned to the dining area to prepare it. "Is jara root still your favorite?" She called from the kitchen.

He smiled, pleased that she had remembered. "Anything you have will do fine." He was beginning to relax a little. Tahl sensed this as well, as she let the silence that followed stretch comfortably, no longer feeling the need to fill it. Moments later, she entered carrying a small tray. "I was beginning to wonder if I were going to have to seek you out, my friend."

He lowered his head slightly, a small apology on his part. He'd not visited anyone in the week since he'd returned. "If it makes you feel any better, you are my first social call." He said genuinely, eyes twinkling.

"Am I?" She said in a slightly teasing tone as she poured them both a cup of tea. "What an honor indeed."

Aware that her friendly flirting may make him uncomfortable once again, she moved on to other pleasantries. "So tell me old friend, what have you been up to?"

Qui-Gon spent the next hour or so condensing and summarizing his most momentous missions from the past 8 years. It did not go unnoticed that he never mentioned Telos. Tahl sat quietly, listening attentively, asking questions when appropriate and paling every so slightly when Qui-Gon offhandedly told her of some narrow escape or rescue mission.

Thinking he had gone on long enough, Qui-Gon finally turned the attention back to Tahl. "And you? How have you been, my friend?"

It was obvious in the quiet way he asked that he was referring to the loss of her right eye and the events surrounding it. She had come to terms with that long ago, and may speak about that with him at some point, but not now.

"Never better, my friend." She said, and he sensed the truth behind the words. "My life is full, and I am as happy as I could ever hope to be." She paused for a moment before continuing, hoping her next words would not sting him. "You were right all those years ago, Qui. Taking a padawan learner is as rewarding as you said it would be."

She saw something shift in his eyes, and the sparkle dimmed a bit. Quite obviously suppressing his own reaction, he pressed on, focusing on her. "Yes, I'd heard you'd taken a padawan. I was hoping to meet him or her."

"Her name is Bant. I would love for you to meet her. She's quite an exceptional young lady." Tahl beamed, then reined in her enthusiasm a bit, not sure how her friend was truly feeling about the subject.

"You'll have to attend late meal sometime soon. It's her padawan rotation, so her days are full of back to back classes."

Qui-Gon nodded, completely understanding from his days as a master. For one full quarter, each annual cycle, padawans were required to spend on planet furthering their studies. It kept their studies current and allowed for a stability and routine that was often lacking in the field.

"Of course. I look forward to meeting young Bant."

"So," Tahl said, easing into another subject. "How are you spending your days, Qui? Has Yoda roped you into teaching any classes yet?"

"Actually, he didn't have to." Qui-Gon said. "I volunteered to co-instruct the level 6 saber technique class." He obviously left out that this was in part to get a closer look at a certain ex-padawan's padawan.

"Oh, how wonderful." Tahl said quite delighted. "You'll have the opportunity to meet my Bant much sooner than expected."

"Really?" Qui-Gon said somewhat surprised. "I hadn't realized. How old is your padawan?"

"She's in her 18th cycle," Tahl noted his surprised tone. Her response was quietly admonishing, easily camouflaged by the sadness of her tone. "You've been gone a long time, my friend."

"She's a bit young for level 6 isn't she?" Qui-Gon asked, sidestepping his prolonged absence. Level 6 was mainly for those preparing to enter into the senior years of their apprenticeship, usually at or about the standard age of 19 to 21, depending on the individual.

"A bit, I suppose. But she's not the youngest by far. Obi-Wan is the baby of the group at 17." She noticed how his eyes snapped to meet hers. So he knows who the boy is. "The younger padawans of the group, 6 total, all have rather intense mission experience. To place them any lower wouldn't be much of a challenge I'm afraid."

"Sounds like a talented young group." Qui-Gon said genuinely, though he was preparing to fish for more information. "So, are Bant and this Obi-Wan friends?"

Tahl was not in the least bit fooled, but took it as a good sign that Qui-Gon was interested in Xanatos' padawan. Perhaps the man was ready to come to terms with the past. "Yes, they are. They've been so since their earliest days in the crèche." She decided to make it easy on him and offer what information she could.

"Of course you can't mention Bant or Obi-Wan without including Garen and Reeft. It's almost like one long singular name." She laughed as she continued. "Those four are nearly inseparable. You can pretty much guarantee that where there's one, there's another not too far." She smiled and the fondness she felt for the little ragtag group was obvious.

Qui-Gon was edging towards more probing questions, sensing that Tahl and Xanatos at least had some minimal contact with their padawans being so close. Still, he felt the need to ease into the topic. "And will I have the pleasure of meeting all 4 this afternoon?"

"Unfortunately, no. We did our best to coordinate our rotations so that all 4 could be on planet at the same time, but young Reeft and his master are in the middle of a rather nasty dispute on Yogana. No telling when that will be settled." Her voice reflected the slight sadness and disappointment that Bant, Obi-Wan, and Garen had all felt upon hearing the news.

When Qui-Gon remained quiet, Tahl decided there had been enough beating around the bush. "Now, my friend. I sense you have questions. Lets get to them shall we?" Her look was knowing and patient, and she almost smiled when the corner of his mouth quirked slightly upwards. Had he really thought he could get one over on her? Continuing, she asked, "What is your interest in Obi-Wan?"

"You mean besides the obvious?" He asked enigmatically.

"Qui?" She asked somewhat hesitantly, knowing she was moving into touchy territory. "What exactly happened between you and Xanatos?"

He was silent for several seconds, a look of shock registering on his face. "You mean you don't know?" He asked quietly, though it was obvious he knew the answer from her demeanor.

"No. He would never speak of it. No one, with the exception of council of course, has any idea what really transpired on Telos."

She was surprised at his reaction. When he remained quiet, seemingly still in shock, she continued. "I must admit to being a bit of a snoop," she said somewhat embarrassed. "When I realized that something had happened and you hadn't returned to the temple together - - I was curious."

He nodded slightly, encouraging her to continue.

"Well, I went to the archives, to see what I could find out about the Telos mission," she trailed off here, not sure of how to tell him this. From his reaction, he had already assumed that she would know what happened.

"And?" He said, quite obviously waiting.

"And nothing." Was her reply. "It was classified, I couldn't access it."

"What do you mean you couldn't access it?" He asked, knowing that she had the same level of clearance he did. A master of his rank and experience, that similar to Tahl's, would have at least a level 13 clearance.

"Just what I said. It's cleared only for level 16 access." She knew that he would know what that meant - - Council access only.

He was quiet at that statement, but it was clear by the thinning of his lips and the narrowing of his eyes that he was more than just a little angry. He was containing it quite well she thought, until he finally spoke in a very measured and even tone.

"We'll just see about that."

He rose abruptly, obviously preparing to leave. "Qui," She stopped, not really sure what she wanted to say, but wanting to smooth things over. "Have you spoken with him yet?" She may not be privy to all the details but it didn't take a genius to figure out that something went wrong on that mission - - something very wrong between master and apprentice.

Qui-Gon paused before turning away and answering with, "briefly."

"And?" She cautiously probed.

"And nothing." He echoed her earlier words, just shy of being harsh. "There is nothing to say."

She sighed; he obviously wasn't ready to talk about this. Going to him, she placed her hands on his shoulders and felt him tense. Leaning forward slightly, she let her chin rest on his left shoulder. "Someday, when you are ready," she said softly. "Come to me. I'll be here."

He was facing away from her, so she couldn't really see his expression. She did however feel him relax slightly as he reached for her hand where it still rested on his shoulder. He covered it with his own, giving it a brief squeeze - - and then he was gone.

XIXI

Qui-Gon had only just left Tahl's quarters, intent on going straight to the archives when he heard what could only be described as a sultry chuckle, obviously feminine. It was coming from the adjacent corridor, just past Tahl's quarters and in the opposite direction from where he exited the lift earlier.

The laugh wasn't familiar by any means, but it did cause him to pause. "Oh, come on." The low voice said, taking on a seductive edge. "You know how cramped and uncomfortable the temp quarters are."

Ah, yes, the temp housing. Obviously the young lady was a new knight on high rotation or perhaps a visiting knight from another temple. Qui-Gon remembered those cramped and uncomfortable quarters well from his days as a new knight. It wasn't until he'd taken a padawan that he'd been assigned more permanent and spacious quarters. He'd have to thank Master Yoda for the nice set of rooms he'd acquired this time around. Turning, he headed back towards the lifts.

"Sorry, N'ieve." Qui-Gon stopped mid stride, eyes widening at the familiar voice. "You have no idea just how sorry I am," purred the silky voice. "But I'm afraid nights are just out of the question."

"Why?" Qui-Gon could almost hear the pout that accompanied the question. "Doesn't that adorable little apprentice of yours have an equally adorable little friend he can spend a night or two with?" The last was said quite hopefully.

"I'm sure he does," answered Xanatos. Qui-Gon recognized the diplomatic, albeit still purring tone. He knew the knight wasn't going to budge on his decision even before the man answered with, "however, it's not an option right now."

Qui-Gon heard a slightly forlorn sigh. "Alright Xan, can't blame a girl for trying. I can take a hint."

Risking a glance around the corner, Qui-Gon saw a flash of cascading amber hair and the swirl of a cloak as the young knight turned to leave and was swept back as a quick arm wrapped about her waist. She was pulled tight against a broad chest, looking pleasantly shocked and a bit breathless.

"I said I couldn't do nights," the voice now bordering on predatory. "Days however, are a different story."

"Are they?" Yes, definitely breathless. Qui-Gon, feeling very much like the voyeur he was being, ducked back around the corner as the young lady rose slowly up on to her tiptoes to meet the lips that sought her own.

He could have left then, but his feet seemed glued to that very spot. He listened as the kiss came to an end, hearing the young lady speak once again. "So, just how long do you have between classes?"

"Three hours. Is that enough?" Qui-Gon would recognize that mischievous tone anywhere.

"It'll do - - for a start." There was one more kiss in the corridor before the two disappeared behind a sliding door.

Still unable to move, Qui-Gon stood in the corridor for several moments after the two knights departed. He was unsure how he felt about the encounter he'd just eavesdropped on, until he remembered Tahl's proclamation about the archives. His forgotten anger returned with a vengeance. Taking a determined stride, he set off towards the lifts. Classified his arse! He knew what happened on Telos, so did the council -- and so would everyone else if he had anything to say about it.

XIXI

Obi-Wan finished up his stretching and moved into the opening stages of the 5th kata. He was relaxed and focused, feeling better than he had in weeks. He noticed Bant and Garen on either side of him, mirroring his movements. A non-intrusive nudge to the training bond alerted him thaT his master was near, though nowhere in his immediate site. He relaxedeven more into the kata, inexplicably relieved. It had not escaped his notice that his master had not been in the dining hall for noon meal, sitting with Master Windu, as was the norm.

The class finished it's warm up, 16 students in all, as Master C'ehpt prepared to address them. They were using the community salle today as they would be sparring. It was the final class of the afternoon, and many of the students, including Obi-Wan, were bouncing on the balls of their feet in anticipation. This was by far his favorite class. He had almost forgotten about the new co-instructor until the large man fairly stalked into the salle.

Not sure why, he felt a tiny thread of trepidation work it's way through him. He quickly released it into the force, unwilling to lose the focus he'd attained. He watched as Master Jinn approached Master C'ehpt, but leveled a piercing gaze at him as the two men conversed. It was hard not to be intimidated by that stare, but he did his best, giving a slight smile and nod of acknowledgment to the elder. Jinn's expression did not change, nor did he return the gesture.

Garen and Bant were at his side. Bant, as always, couldn't resist commenting. "Wow, what's his problem?"

"Issues. That man has obviously got issues." Was Garen's dry comment knowing from Obi-Wan what had transpired when the two first met.

Any further conversation was halted as Master C'ehpt introduced Master Jinn to the class, and still that penetrating gaze never left Obi-Wan. Either not noticing, or trying to be tactful, Master C'ehpt went about normal class business and began announcing the pairings for sparring.

"First match, Kenobi - Chun, you're up."

To Be Continued. . . . . . .