Yoda was not hard to find. The learned Jedi Master could usually be found in the Room of a Thousand Fountains towards the late afternoon if his otherwise daunting schedule allowed it. Yoda was standing close to the water with his face turned upward and slightly to one side, his large eyes partially closed. The mist of the water surrounding him like an aura.
Qui-Gon hesitated to disturb him and had almost decided to leave when Yoda spoke without opening his eyes. "Your padawan Obi-Wan cannot be, if Jedi he is not."
Had he really hoped to escape before the Council learned of his transgression? Well, the disapproval of the Council was nothing new.
"Agreed to wait you did," Yoda said gruffly as he turned and shuffled toward Qui-Gon leaning heavily on his walking stick.
Qui-Gon suppressed a sigh. This seemed to be a subject they were constantly at odds with. Qui-Gon had initially refused to accept Obi-Wan as his padawan, despite Yoda's urging. Yoda had admonished him for his treatment of Obi-Wan when Obi-Wan had disobeyed Qui-Gon and remained on Melida/Daan. But when Qui-Gon had come to terms with that decision and hoped to rebuild his relationship with Obi-Wan, Master Yoda had asked him to wait.
Despite his reputation for defiance, Qui-Gon had the greatest respect for the wisdom of Yoda and the Council. Many times he had been guided by their counsel. He had deferred to their wishes, trusting in their knowledge and insight. He willingly let himself be led. Except when the Force told him otherwise.
The Force spoke a language to Qui-Gon that went beyond the reason and compassionate direction of the Council. It spoke directly to his heart and when the Force called, Qui-Gon followed, with or without the Council's approval. Over the years Qui-Gon had become famous for what was seen as his willful disobedience, for the times he had openly defied the orders of the Council. He hoped this would not be one of those times.
"Years ago I settled a trade dispute on the moons of Senali X," Qui-Gon began, knowing better than to try to argue with the Jedi master. "The governor of the largest moon has asked me to return and help with a domestic matter. He has not made an official request to the Council because of political protocol, but has contacted me directly to request Jedi presence in overseeing some security measures."
"I respect your opinion and the wisdom of the Council," Qui-Gon said, squatting to level himself with the tiny Jedi master and leaning back on his heals. "But there is much distraction here at the Temple. Some time away will help Obi-Wan to re-focus. I came to ask your permission to take Obi-Wan and travel to Senali X. "
Yoda gave a loud snort. "To do as you please in the past, thought our permission necessary you have not."
"I ask for Obi-Wan, as he is not mine to command," Qui-Gon replied mildly.
"Keep Obi-Wan from following you on your hunt for Xanatos, we could not," Yoda said, irritation showing in his large hooded eyes. "Much progress he has made, but wonder I do. Obey or follow will he, if withheld our consent is?"
Yoda gave Qui-Gon a penetrating look, but his tone softened. "Not an easy journey this," he said gently. "Succeed you will no doubt, if patient you are."
"Patience from you, we had hoped your young padawan would learn. Rashness you have learned instead I fear. Run from your problems you cannot. Follow you, they will."
He waived his stick at Qui-Gon in a dismissive gesture, "Go, and may the Force be with you. Stop you I will not, but more to this than meets the eye there is," Yoda warned. "Take care Qui-Gon, for ready you and Obi-Wan must be, and ready you are not." Yoda turned without waiting for a response and shuffled down the path shaking his head and grunting loudly as if the journey was an effort.
Qui-Gon bowed to the retreating master's back and smiling grimly to himself as he watched Yoda walk away. He knew the Jedi Master intentionally showed his age when he was displeased.
Qui-Gon suddenly became aware of the cool mist of the fountains and the faint sweet smell of tree blossoms. He felt a sudden lightness that he'd not felt for some time. As if he were a padawan again, escaping the scrutiny of the masters he thought with a snort of derision. Not very Jedi-like he chastised himself, but upon further consideration he decided to relish the moment instead.
Qui-Gon took a deep breath and gathered the Force around him. He let go of the past, his sorrow and his anger. He wrapped his unease and anxiety for the future around him like a blanket, he let it envelop him for a moment and then gently let it fall away. He reached out to the water, the plants, even the dirt and the rocks, each almost painfully beautiful in detail and purpose when lit by the Force. Qui-Gon surrendered himself to the peace of the Force. He would meditate on Yoda's warning later.
&
It took Obi-Wan only minutes to pack his things. His survival pack was already stocked with just about everything he would need. He started to leave a quick message for Bant, but realized he did not even know where they were going. Maybe he would have time from the landing platform.
As he left his quarters, Obi-Wan took a moment to still his emotions. He was overwhelmed by the depth of his feelings, primary among them was gratitude to his master. He was also ashamed of the doubt he had been harboring. Qui-Gon had given him no reason to doubt.
The path before him seemed a little clearer than it had recently. He would repay his master for his loyalty Obi-Wan vowed. He would not repeat the mistakes of the past he told himself as he hurried to the landing platform.