Chapter 3

Summary: Obi-Wan and Qui-Gon meet again. The conflict of Melida/Daan is resolved

Obi-Wan had been instructed to meet Qui-Gon outside the gates of the city. He saw his figure approach and braced himself for the rush of emotions to come.

Rough features once so open to him had now a guarded edge reminiscent of their first encounter - when Obi-Wan was an impatient initiate desperate for the opportunity to become a padawan, this man's padawan - no longer shadowed by age. The steel that so marked his personality only tempered by his immense capacity for kindness still shined through his blue eyes and that lustrous mane of hair dancing at the wind's whim.

Obi-Wan felt a rush of pleasure as he saw Qui-Gon's figure stride toward him. He did not expect the grief to hit him so strongly.

Force! How come he hadn't realized how his master had changed? The man he remembered, the one fallen on Naboo, had nothing on this tall and strong man. Not that Qui-Gon would disregard his physical condition in the years to come, but eleven years made a difference - the Order had long discouraged its masters from preserving their youth with Force techniques and the knowledge had been lost in the archives. But there was more to getting old than the physical - Qui-Gon at the time of his death had become wary and tired soul-deep, even if not many could see, disillusioned with the senate and distancing himself from the council, ever more contrary. His compassion for others never wavering, but rarely connecting as strongly as he had once been willing to.

Obi-Wan tried a smile. One that slowly faded as he saw no answering expression. Of course there was no smile on his Master's face. His former Master's face. He'd forgotten for a moment they were at odds, he'd forgotten they didn't yet have a strong relationship to help breach the distance. Knowing his master he was probably both angry and regretful at seeing him, relieved as well for certain and definitely hurt – Qui-Gon had a bad tendency to create walls when hurt. Obi-Wan would know for he had inherited many bad habits from Qui-Gon, they just went about it differently; his master tended towards mild anger hidden by a thin veil of indifference and he went mainly for self-blame. Being aware of this didn't much help.

Obi-Wan could see a flash of that hurt before Qui-Gon's expression smoothed and became neutral. They nodded in greeting. No words passing their lips. No inquiry into how they each were. It just made the grief worse. Obi-Wan hadn't seen his master in years, not truly heard him except as a disembodied voice, not truly felt his presence.

It's okay Kenobi, you can handle it. He had asked for help, not comfort.

The two began to walk together into the city.

He waited for Qui-Gon to speak. Why didn't he? It was starting to make him nervous; he hadn't felt quite this mixture of anxiety, hope, regret and impatience since his days as a padawan… and this difficulty to ground.

Oh! Now that he thought on it, it did explain somethings... damned the hormones of a teenager. Obi-Wan was a Jedi Master certainly he could overcome something as simple as chemistry. He took a deep breath and centered himself, his feelings flowing through him and into the force, regaining some of the equilibrium he had achieved as a Jedi Master.

He took a look at his shield, making sure there were no weak points in the mental web he'd weave, a mental tapestry that mimicked the presence of a 14 year old. He was somewhat worried about his ability to keep the shields, for since his return his connection to the Force had become unstable. And some traits of his older self would still come through, he could only connect them to and hope they'd be blurred by the construct he'd devise.

Now Obi-Wan just needed to get them talking about what had happened, to be given a chance to heal the rift between them. He knew his opportunity would come, but couldn't stop hoping that this time it would come sooner. He wanted his life back.

Qui-Gon had expected the awkwardness. He hadn't expected the pain.

He knew he shouldn't but their bond had been strong from the beginning and even with the rift between them he brushed instinctively against the boy's metal landscape. Obi-Wan had not changed as much as he'd feared, there was still passion and impatience in him, but now there was a measure of restraint and so much pain and grief – it was palpable, even through the shields.

And yet the sight of Obi-Wan's young, hopeful smile caused him to feel angry all over again. Qui-Gon struggled against the feeling. He knew he was being harsh. Especially after all indications of how his former padawan had grown.

He couldn't speak. He didn't want Obi-Wan to hear the anger in his voice. His first words needed to be calm. So instead he merely nodded his greeting. He saw that his coolness had hurt the boy. And Obi-Wan had suffered so much hurt already emotionally... and by the way the boy was moving that arm, he was also wounded. Slowly, as they walked, Qui-Gon's anger trickled away into the Force and compassion took its place.

"I was grieved to hear about Cerasi," he said quietly. "I am truly sorry for your loss, Obi-Wan."

"Thank you," Obi-Wan said in a constricted voice. Force, if it was only her loss that grieved me.

Obi-Wan had long learned to live with the loss of his friend and he had tried so hard to change it, but it was not to be – he'd failed her again. This loss again fresh... and yet it paled so completely in comparison to all the rest, it shamed him to think this, but he could feel no other way. His master's voice broke the viscous cycle his mind was entering.

"There are many things to talk about," Qui-Gon continued. "But I think such would be a distraction right now. Any problems we have with each other mean nothing in the face of a planet close to war. We should focus on the problems here."

Blunt as ever. Somethings never changed.

Obi-Wan cleared his throat. "I agree."

"What are the latest news on Nield and Wehutti?"

"Nield is amassing his forces. He has the support of Mawat and the Scavenger Young now. He is trying to get the Middle Generation to be allies again. There is a rumor that a battle will start very soon at the site where Cerasi was killed. I know that Wehutti's followers are also arming themselves. Wehutti himself is in seclusion. However, all is not lost" he looked at Qui-Gon, who indicated for him to continue "With the investment other planets have put here, the possibility of a treaty and your presence, Master Jinn, they have agreed to wait for your investigations... Before taking action."

"But? Something his worrying you."

"Temperaments are running high, I fear the wrong word will start battle again."

Qui-Gon nodded thoughtfully, it was a justifiable concern. "Is Wehutti directing his followers, or are they acting on their own?"

"Wehutti is in contact with them, but his loss was great. He had started to make peace with Cerasi. I don't think that he is making any of the decisions..." Obi-Wan let the sentence trail off "He'll see no one, but you."

"I understand, take us there" Qui-Gon said firmly.

Wehutti's door was locked and bolted. Qui-Gon knocked loudly. There was no answer.

"We know he doesn't want visitors," Qui-Gon said. He withdrew his lightsaber from his belt. "But I don't think we need an invitation."

"Wait" Obi-Wan put up his and to stop his next movement. "Just let me try"

Qui-Gon somewhat surprised, conceded and made some space.

"Wehutti I know you don't want to see me." the boy called out "But you promised you'd see Qui-Gon, Master Jinn. He has come to investigate your daughter's death. Just let us in to talk with you."

Qui-Gon chose to ignore, Obi-Wan's lapse, but could not but wonder when the boy had started thinking of him in such familiar way. Despite his temperament, the insecurity – Qui-Gon knew still existed in him in no small part due to their first interactions - had made him quite formal in disposition.

The door was suddenly opened. And Qui-Gon replaced his lightsaber in his belt.

"Well you just won't quit will you, boy? Invading my home with not a care, bringing food I don't need, badgering me to talk. What is it now, uh?"

Obi-Wan just looked on, waiting out the man's anger.

Wehutti was not a tall man, but where before he'd had presence now he seemed shrunken, with red rimmed eyes, disheveled clothes and a few days' bearded taking over his face. Food trays littered the floor of the hallway behind him, uneaten. Thick blankets hung over the windows, cutting out all light in the next room.

Qui-Gon walked into Wehutti's field of vision, taking his attention away from Obi-Wan.

"Wehutti, we need to speak with you."

For a moment he seemed to be considering just closing the door in their faces. Then his expression hardened with some kind of decision, he turned and started walking away, leaving the door opened for them.

They followed him to a room at the end of the corridor. Wehutti sat in a chair pulled up to a window, even though he could not see out of it. He did not turn as they walked into the room.

They waited in silence. Slowly, Wehutti turned to Qui-Gon and started talking as if they'd been in the middle of a conversation.

"There was so much confusion. I was prepared to shoot, of course. But I don't think I did."

Qui-Gon glanced at Obi-Wan. Wehutti was reliving the day of Cerasi's death.

"I know it was supposed to be a ceremony to sign the treaty. But until that thing was done we just weren't trusting each other. That takes time and there were rumors..."Wehutti continued "No matter how good a job the boy did to disarm all of us, there are weapons plenty on this damned planet. We didn't think we'd actually have to use our weapons, it was just a precaution. We didn't think they'd be armed, but apparently they also took precautions. Only my Cerasi, she didn't carry a weapon, did you know that?"

"Yes," Qui-Gon responded.

"I had been seeing her. She'd come to see me first, we were mending fences. You didn't know that."

"No, I didn't," Qui-Gon said gently as tears began to fall down Wehutti's cheeks.

"And I started remembering it all suddenly. I hadn't thought about it in so long. I remembered her mother. I remembered my son. Cerasi was our youngest. She was afraid of the dark. I used to watch over her as she fell asleep." Wehutti whispered. "She was so beautiful. And then your boy there" Qui-Gon choose not to correct him "came up with all these ideas, made us all face the past, face the reality that we were fighting and hurting our children... children! Just children, you know? We hadn't thought of them like that in a long time..." Suddenly, he bent over in the chair, his forehead hitting his knees. Great sobs came from his body.

"There was so much confusion," he said in a choked voice. "I didn't see her at first. I was looking at Nield, trying to understand who'd shot."

"Wehutti, it's all right," Qui-Gon said. "You did what you had to. So did Cerasi."

Wehutti raised his head. "So you say. So you all say," he repeated tonelessly.

"And now your supporters are arming to fight another war," Qui-Gon said. "Only you can stop them. Can you do that, for Cerasi's sake?"

Wehutti turned to Qui-Gon. There was no expression in his eyes, and his face seemed bleached of all color. It glistened with his tears.

"And how will that help Cerasi? I have nothing left, I don't care about wars or battles."

"But Cerasi would want you to help," Obi-Wan said.

Wehutti turned toward the window that had no view. "There was so much confusion," he said numbly. "I was ready to shoot. Perhaps I did. Perhaps I killed her. Perhaps I did not. Prove to me I didn't, find the one who did and I will help realize her dream, if I'm not the one who killed it."

And the man refused to say anymore.

They left, Qui-Gon walking thoughtfully by his side. Obi-Wan had no idea what he was thinking, now that so much time separated them. He might know his master, but he did not know this master – he could make an educated guess, but only time would tell how things changed with his presence.

They turned a corner and almost ran into Nield. Startled, the boy quickly skirted them. He did not look at Obi-Wan so much as look through him, as though he were invisible.

Obi-Wan's step faltered. Damn it! He was tired of wars, tired of losing and losing. There were days he woke up and felt utterly useless, helpless.

"You said that Nield accused you of being an outsider," Qui-Gon remarked. "Was this after Cerasi's death?"

Obi-Wan nodded. "He ... he said that her death was my fault. That I should have been watching out for her instead of trying to stop the fighting. He said that because of me, she rushed to middle of the scene that day."

Qui-Gon looked at him thoughtfully. "And what do you think?"

Obi-Wan wondered if he should act as his 14 year old self had.

"I think Nield has accused me of what he fears he himself did." he ended up answering. Obi-Wan might not want anyone to discover who he became, but he intended to behave as himself, as much as was believable.

"If he hadn't brought the weapons to the ceremony, Cerasi might still be alive." Qui-Gon agreed "He's also afraid that he killed Cerasi, just as Wehutti is. They are both afraid they fired the fatal shot."

Obi-Wan nodded. He didn't trust himself to speak, he had known Cerasi's death was a possibility and still he hadn't done enough to prevent it. Qui-Gon stopped.

"Cerasi's death was not your fault, Obi-Wan. You cannot prevent what you cannot see coming."

But he had seen it. He'd lived it once before.

"You can only do what you think is right at each moment as you live it. We can plan, hope, and dread the future. What we cannot do is know it."

You can only do what you think is right at each moment as you live it. Maybe Qui-Gon was right. The future was already changing; it had been changing from the moment Obi-Wan had woken up in this time. How was he to know that she would die, when things were so different?

Qui-Gon began to walk again. "Here we have two grieving people who are secretly afraid they've killed the person they loved most in the world. You were right in calling for an investigation; the key to peace might be as simple as the answer to the question of who killed Cerasi. Sometimes whole wars can turn on one tragic loss."

They stopped. Obi-Wan saw with no surprise that Qui-Gon had brought him to the plaza where Cerasi was shot.

"Now Obi-Wan, tell me what you saw that day." Qui-Gon instructed, gentling his voice. "I know this is hard, but you must remember without guilt and sorrow. Tell me as a Jedi would. Tell me what your mind saw, leave your feelings aside for the moment."

Obi-Wan closed his eyes. It took him a few moments to center as he searched for a clear space to let the memory come. He calmed his mind and slowed his breathing.

"The ceremony had yet to begin," Obi-Wan started "as a precaution I and my squad were checking that no one was bringing weapons, we confiscated a few... but I suspect more had been stashed in the plaza, where I did not know to look. Cerasi, Nield and Wehutti were inside, making preparations with their groups. The representatives of the other planets were just approaching when I heard a fight break out." he took a breath "I got there just as they were pulling out their weapons. Cerasi, she saw that everything would fall apart, she started to run from the edge of the plaza, I ran myself. We came to the center at the same time. I saw the sunlight glint on the roof of the building across the square. I remember hoping the reflection wouldn't get in my eyes. I needed to see everything. I heard blaster fire, I kept moving and it caught me in the arm."

He paused taking a moment to think through the memory at his hesitation.

"Something is not right...?" the master prompted.

"The day was gray, overcast. The sunlight could not have glinted on the roof."

"Did you see someone on the roof? Could that glint you saw have been the fire from the barrel of a blaster rifle?" Qui-Gon asked softly trying not disrupting the boy's concentration.

"Yes, it's possible."

"What happened next?"

"Chaos. More shots were fired, this time from the crowd. She was right by my side, trying to stop the fight... and we were doing it, we were calming them down. I don't think anyone actually wanted to fight – most shots were going wild and those that hit weren't fatal. Nield was surprised. I saw Wehutti out of the corner of my eye, he lowered his blaster, as did Nield. And then I saw the glint again, one moment she's right there and then she fell."

"Open your eyes, Obi-Wan. I have a question for you." Obediently, Obi-Wan opened his eyes. Qui-Gon continued. "You and Cerasi were being targeted. You say the Elders had weapons that day. But that was before they imported them from the countryside. Where did they get them? In your reports to Yoda you claimed to have confiscated most weapons in the city. If you had done so and kept them in your warehouse, how did the Elders manage to rearm?"

"I don't know," Obi-Wan said and before Qui-Gon could interrupt, he continued "I was not allowed to investigate. All I could do after Cerasi fell, was convince them to wait for the arrival of a Jedi, and only with help of the representatives of the other planets. After that, I couldn't do much without worsening the situation. "

Qui-Gon gave Obi-Wan a thoughtful look. He was hard pressed not to feel pride, despite his hurt and still lingering anger – he must do something about that. Obi-Wan had just demonstrated what kind of Jedi he could be. He had been thoughtful and concise in his words. He had not lost the discipline of mind that was the goal of every Jedi. So why had he left with so little thought back then?

Now was not the time for this talk. He had a mission to complete, first.

"Will your former squad help?"

"I'm sure they're willing."

The obvious start point was the warehouse where the Security Squad had stored the confiscated weapons. Nield must have raided it. Could the Elders have done the same?

The walk to the warehouse was conducted in silence. There was so much silence between them now, Qui-Gon realized. And it was not the easy silence of companions. Yet it was not strained either, more awkward.

He noticed Obi-Wan had learned to center with more ease. Had he continued to train despite leaving? He saw the emotions that Obi-Wan struggled to hide, fighting to let them go into the Force. Chief among them was hope of reconciliation.

Could Qui-Gon meet him in the middle? By now Qui-Gon had forgiven him. He was not sure when – perhaps as he heard Obi-Wan's voice in his reports to Yoda or when his former Padawan had greeted him at the gate with hope in his face. It had been gradual, but it was there, in his heart, and he knew it. Qui-Gon did not think of himself as a hard man. Obi-Wan had made an impulsive choice in the heat of a charged moment. It was a choice that he had come to regret. That was part of growing up and by all appearances, grow up he had. Forgiveness was not the point. Qui-Gon had already passed to the next step.

They really must talk.

Would he take Obi-Wan back if he asked? He did not think so. But that feeling might change, Qui-Gon struggled to be honest. It had before. So it was better to wait, to say nothing. Obi-Wan must deal with the consequences of his decision. Trust had to be rebuilt. Until then, uncertainty would remain.

The warehouse was deserted, bolted on the outside with a strong lock. Qui-Gon sliced through it with his lightsaber and pushed open the door. A boy and a girl were sitting on the floor of the empty space, talking. They looked up, startled, when Qui-Gon strode in. He recognized the girl as Deila, one of the Young, but did not recognize the stout, round-faced younger boy.

The girl scrambled to her feet when she saw Obi-Wan. She appeared confused, by his presence in the warehouse, but still gave him respect. The boy followed her example. These two had obviously been part of his Squad once, they were his friends. Even amidst renewed tensions and probably being told to ignore Obi-Wan, they remained loyal to their friendship if nothing else.

"Master Jinn, you remember Deila and that is Joli" Obi-Wan introduced them.

"Hello, Deila," Qui-Gon said in friendly tone. "I'm glad to find you well."

Deila looked at Obi-Wan for a moment and then nodded coolly at Qui-Gon. "I am surprised to see you back on Melida/Daan."

For the first time, he wondered what Obi-Wan had said to the Young, when he'd come back alone. Evidently Obi-Wan meant a great deal to her and Qui-Gon could not fault one who stood by her friends.

"Certain factions on Melida/Daan have called for Jedi assistance," Qui-Gon answered. "I'm here to help."

Deila glanced again at Obi-Wan, with a small smile. "I think I know which faction has called for help."

"There are many who still hope for peace," Obi-Wan said. "You said you'd help."

"Peace is always our ultimate objective. You did say he'd come."

"Will you answer some questions?" Qui-Gon said.

"I have no answers to give."

"I have yet to ask you for any."

"We're trying to find out how and when the Elders and the Young rearmed themselves," Obi-Wan said. "Did someone take the weapons? Obviously the warehouse has been emptied out." He turned to the boy. "Do you know, Joli?"

"Don't say anything, Joli!" Deila said sharply. "Don't bring him into this, Obi-Wan."

He sensed uneasiness in her, despite her respect for Obi-Wan.

"Your brother will not come to arm, if we resolve this situation." Ah. That explained it. The girl was trying to protect family. She was willing to help Obi-Wan, but was afraid for her brother.

"The best way to keep Joli safe is by helping us end this war." Qui-Gon said, his blue eyes intent on the girl "You know that Obi-Wan fought hard for Melida/Daan. He shot down every deflection tower in Zehava for you, at great personal risk. He, Nield, and Cerasi devised the strategy that won the war. He fought side by side with you in that war. After peace came, he again risked his life to work for disarmament. Now he continues to risk his life by remaining because he thinks he can help. He is trying hard to protect all of you."

Deila glanced at Obi-Wan. She bit her lip and then Deila crumpled under Qui-Gon's gaze and became a mumbling girl.

"I don't know. Of course I want to help the cause of peace. I have been trying. I'll answer your questions."

Qui-Gon signaled to Obi-Wan. It would be best a friendly voice to start on what need to be asked.

"Where are the weapons?" Obi-Wan asked.

"Mawat took most of them," Deila said. "He moved them to a safer location, he said. I don't know where."

"Did he rearm Nield and the Young?" Obi-Wan asked.

Qui-Gon saw Deila's eyes slide to Joli before she nodded. "He heard that the Elders had arms. He said Nield gave him permission. What could I do? Nield is governor."

So Mawat had just taken what he wanted. He'd probably known that Obi-Wan would refuse to open the warehouse. But how had the Elders gotten their weapons? Joli's round face was red. He looked at Deila nervously.

"I think we should tell them," he said.

"Be quiet, Joli!" Deila snapped.

"I don't want to fight in a war again!" Joli cried. "You said you didn't either! That's why we're hiding here, remember?"

"What do you want to tell us, Joli?" Qui-Gon asked gently.

In short time the events that preceded Cerasi's death became clear. Mawat had spread the rumors that left all wary to trust, encouraging conflict between factions. He had armed the Elders and wanting a confrontation the boy had positioned sharpshooters on the roof to start the battle if Nield or Wehutti backed down. It became clear one of the sharpshooters had killed Cerasi. They fell silent pondering the information.

"The important thing is neither Nield nor Wehutti killed Cerasi." Qui-Gon commented "They need to know that." He then turned to Deila and Joli "You want to help stop this war?" continuing at their emphatic nods "Then you must go to Wehutti's place and explain what really happened. It won't be easy, but it must be done."

"It's the least we can do." Deila said with new strength in her voice after a pause and grabbing her brother and hurried away.

"And Nield needs to know of Mawat's betrayal. Do you know where he could be?"

"Any one of a dozen places," Obi-Wan said, thinking. "The tunnels. The park... He might be with Cerasi, in the Hall of Evidence. I feel he'll probably be there."

"Then let's go." Qui-Gon started in that direction, but noticed Obi-Wan was not following. "Is something wrong?"

The boy hesitated for a moment and then looked at him, with a firm look in his eyes. "I have something I must do first."

"We're running out of time." Qui-Gon said grimly, considering that look, whatever it was, seem to be important. He sighed. "Very well, let's split up."

He reached into his cloak and brought out Obi-Wan's lightsaber. He tossed it to Obi-Wan. "Here. I have a feeling you might need this."

Obi-Wan's hand curled over the hilt of the lightsaber, hesitant and almost reverent. As he hefted it, the Force suddenly surged through him. As he slung it into his belt, it felt right. This was the path he chose. It didn't matter what Qui-Gon or anyone else might think. He was Jedi.

Obi-Wan hoped that Qui-Gon had success in locating Nield for he suspected that they would soon be in trouble. The tunnels were deserted. Most of the Young had found quarters above ground by this time.

He lingered in the vault where the Young had based their headquarters before the war, then moved to the small adjoining room where Cerasi had slept with the youngest members. He was sure the message Qui-Gon had found last time was around, somewhere. No one had removed her personal effects, but someone had left flowers on her sleeping area with its neatly folded blanket and rolled-up mattress.

Obi-Wan smoothed the blanket, where Cerasi had tidied up on the last morning of her life, hoping. He felt relief at finding the small bulge in the blanket. He slipped his hand between the folds and discovered the holographic message disk.

It was time to end this.

He'd thought to make changes and he had accomplished more this time around. But he kept forgetting, more intentions were involved then just his own... and he was just 14, no matter how old his mind. This whole situation was a lesson in itself.

His enemies had been carving their path for years, it would take patience, cunning and help to destroy their plans. He couldn't do this by himself... and even with help there were no guaranties.

Qui-Gon Jinn found himself in a rather strange situation. Just minutes prior he had struggle to make an angry Nield understand that he had not killed his friend and the fighting had to end. Now here he was with the impatient boy at his side throwing himself into the battle. They were outnumbered but thankfully surprise was in their favor. Their first objective was to prevent Mawat's crew from rigging more explosive devices on the Hall of Evidence.

Qui-Gon moved gracefully, balance perfect, lightsaber a blur of motion. Nield attacked with his vibroblade, slashing at the equipment boxes and rendering them into piles of scrap. The Scavenger Young dropped the rest of the timing devices and ran. They beat back the Scavenger Young to a position on the plaza, where Mawat had already organized the rest of his forces.

Qui-Gon and Nield took cover behind the dry fountain. Its curving stone wall hid them from the blaster counterattack but they would not be able to hold out for long.

"What are we going to do?" Nield asked Qui-Gon, now apparently willing to take advice from an adult, ducking his head as blaster fire pinged into the stone, sending chips flying. "I don't have a blaster, just my vibroblade."

Qui-Gon quickly raised his head and immediately ducked down again. "We're outnumbered and Mawat has probably called for reinforcements."

"Aren't you cheery? At least they can't blow up the Hall," Nield said worriedly.

"Have patience, help is coming" Qui-Gon assured him.

He hesitated to try and take on Mawat's forces. It wouldn't do to underestimate these children, who'd grown up in the middle of war. And he did not wish to hurt them. He would have to trust whatever Obi-Wan was up to would work.

Suddenly, blaster fire erupted behind them. Qui-Gon and Nield turned, reinforcements in the form of Deila, Joli, a girl he thought went by the name of Roenni were heading toward them.

Just as the tree finished informing them of their efforts, they saw more of the Young spill into the plaza, surrounding Mawat. The boy seeing this, whistled, and a squad of Scavenger Young suddenly materialized around a corner. They, too, joined the battle.

The odds were even. And that seem to bring everyone short, when an unarmed crowd, a mixture of young and old, led by Wehutti, approached.

"Let's go!" Qui-Gon suggested and moved to stand between groups.

There was a pause as everyone sized each other. A member of the Scavenger Young took aim at Nield with his blaster, and Qui-Gon called on the Force to disarm him. Witch made sure no one else would be trying that.

As he went to speak, Cerasi's voice filled the air. "I made my decision after the war ended," she said in a strong, clear voice. "I will no longer carry a weapon. I will fight no more in the name of peace. But today I might die for it. For I suspect someone will try to stop the treaty from being signed."

Everyone froze.

Qui-Gon looked around and saw Obi-Wan standing on the wall of the fountain holding an amplifying device similar to the one used by the Young had in their early battles to fool the Elders into thinking they had a greater number of weapons than were actually in their possession.

Cerasi shimmered in hologram form in the well of the dry fountain. Qui-Gon heard the gasps around him as he looked at the faces and he saw shock and sadness, he knew the impact Cerasi had made on so many lives. The Young had fought side by side with her, experienced loss and victory, happiness and sadness with her, had been inspired by her. Now, only she had the power to make them pause and listen.

"Do me a favor, friends... Don't build any monuments for me. Don't destroy any, either. History isn't in our favor, but that doesn't mean we should annihilate it. Don't let our dream of peace die, by holding on to the past. Move forward. Work for it. Don't kill for it. We fought one war for peace. We always said that one war had to be enough." Cerasi said her goodbyes and her image disappeared.

The echo of her message could be heard as beside Qui-Gon, Nield dropped his vibroblade, as those that had just against one another moved to breach the distance. One by one, all present in the plaza dropped their weapons. They all turned to Mawat. The defiance draining out of his face, he followed. It would take some time and goodwill on everyone's part to reach lasting peace, however the last battle of Zehava was over.