"It's nice to see you again, Obi-Wan," said Qui-Gon ass they exited the chamber, " Five years is a long time."
Not long enough, thought the younger man but he calmly replied, "We've been very busy, Master Ji- I mean, Qui-Gon. You know saving the galaxy, preserving peace, serving for justice."
Qui-Gon laughed.
"You have not changed much, my friend," he said. Only then did he seem to notice Derin, who stood, almost hiding, behind Obi-Wan, "And this is your padawan?"
"Yes," replied Obi-Wan glad to throw the focus on someone else as he stepped out of the way, "Qui-Gon, I'd like you to meet Derin Natella. Derin, this is Master Qui-Gon Jinn."
"A pleasure to meet you," said Qui-Gon, offering a kind smile.
He could sense a cautious distrust in the girl. She hasn't learned how to hide her emotions well. Something Obi-Wan will teach her how to do over time. He could hardly feel anything coming off of Obi-Wan, his shields were so strong.
"The pleasure is mine, Master Jinn," replied Derin, bowing.
I like him, she thought, For once someone isn't looking at me sympathetically. Qui-Gon felt the distrust fall away to be replaced by a friendly innocence. Afamiliar innocence.
"And may I introduce my padawan, Anakin Skywalker."
Derin glanced at the blond haired boy in front of her. He, too, was taller then her but no where near as tall as Master Jinn. His face was narrow, and held formally. However, she could see his blue eyes twinkle with some kind of mischievious amusement. He looked about her age, maybe a year or soyounger.
"Nice to meet you," he said, grinning at Derin. A grin that sent the girl nearly weak at the knees.
"Likewise," she replied, embarrassed as hell for the slip. She prayed neither of the masters had sensed it. Unfortunately her own voice seemed higher in pitch to her own ears.
"So you'e Skywalker?" she said, trying to cover.
"One and only," the boy replied cockily.
"Anakin," Qui-Gon's tone was warning.
"Sorry, Master," the boy replied.
He shot Derin a pleased look. She barely stopped from rolling her eyes.
"I'm correct in guessing you've already read the council's file on the particulars for our arrival," said Obi-Wan rushing to the point of this 'team' effort.
"Yes, we did," replied Qui-Gon equally serious.
"Good," said Obi-Wan, "Then there is nothing we can really do until the transporter arrives."
"Yes," agreed Qui-Gon, "Anakin and I will take a quick mediation to prepare. I suppose we'll meet ou at the landing pad."
"Yes, I suppose so," replied Obi-Wan, "Derin and I need to practices some more tactics before we leave."
As he said this, both Anakin and Derin shared a disgusted look, thinking the other had gotten the better end of the bargain in making up time.
"Very well, then we will meet at seven," said Qui-Gon.
"Agreed," replied Obi-Wan, starting to walk away.
"Goodbye," said Derin, "It was nice meeting you."
"And you," replied Qui-Gon.
"See ya," replied Anakin as Derin took off, running to catch up with Obi-Wan's heightened pace.
"I sense a lot of sadness coming from them," said Anakin as the two disappeared down the hallway. He looked up at Qui-Gon, "Especially from Derin."
"As did I," replied Qui-Gon thoughtfully, "Come along, Anakin, we should go as well."
