A sooner update thanI expected, but I'm getting very much into the story right now, and Xanatos is just so much fun to write. Happy reading!


How long Qui-Gon stood there, frozen, oblivious to everything around him except that malevolent vision of the past, he never exactly knew. The few other guests of the hotel had faded into the background, even Obi-Wan becoming no more than a shadow beside him, and all that remained was this fear turned valid. Eventually, though, Qui-Gon forced himself to return to the reality of the situation, however improbable it was. This sudden development required some lightning-fast thinking on his part, for he knew that within seconds the "vision" would make its move, and he needed to be adequately prepared for what was sure to be an unpleasant encounter. He was not looking forward to it.

"Obi-Wan, please return to our rooms," he instructed quietly, keeping his voice as steady as was humanly possible under such circumstances. "At once." Though his words were directed at the apprentice, his eyes never left the figure standing so insolently at the other side of the lobby.

Looking bewildered, Obi-Wan glanced up at his master's impassive features. There was a question imminent in his gaze, which he soon voiced. "Master? What's going on?"

At that moment, Qui-Gon almost regretted the closeness of the Force-bond between them that their relationship had slowly built up over the past few years. However hard he tried to put up a barrier, to guard the few emotions and thoughts that he did not wish his Padawan to sense, he rarely succeeded in the endeavor. Obi-Wan was just too perceptive to have missed the signs, and this case was no exception. He could see the boy's puzzlement and obvious concern, and knew that, in turn, Obi-Wan had noticed his master's sudden apprehension.

But there was no time for that now. "Just do it, Obi-Wan," the older Jedi said rather sharply. "I will explain later."

And so Obi-Wan, looking immensely worried, reluctantly recognized that this was not the time to argue and turned away. With a last glance at his mentor, he hurried back the way they had come and disappeared into the turbolift.

It was just as well the boy had not protested, for mere seconds later, the source of Qui-Gon's unease seemed to decide he had waited long enough (and caused enough expectant dread in the process) and strode across the room.

Qui-Gon noticed he seemed more elegantly garbed than when they had last known each other; his black cloak was of a very fine weave, clasped at the shoulder with some sort of silver ornament and falling in casual folds. The tunic and pants underneath were also black, the former with delicate embroidery in silver thread along the cuffs, hem, and high neckline. Dark boots, knee-high and with a just-polished sheen to them, completed the simple — but undoubtedly stylish — ensemble.

As he drew nearer, however, Qui-Gon discerned changes, especially in the face. His skin was as pale as ever, if not slightly more so. Framed, however, by the ebon-hued hair that had grown long enough to brush the shoulders, his pallor lent a kind of handsomeness to his countenance. There were a few additional lines around the eyes and mouth, perceived by a close observer, but they were barely visible and did not noticeably detract from the otherwise young visage. And the eyes… the icy blue Telosian eyes were so familiar and unchanged as to send a slight shiver of recollection through the Jedi Master.

Xanatos studied Qui-Gon curiously for a moment, with the air of someone who had not expected this visitor but would be delighted to have them stay for tea. There was something about the way his lips curved into a cold smile, though, that warned Qui-Gon this would not be the warm reunion of master and apprentice meeting again after years apart.

Finally, Xanatos spoke. "Why, Master," he exclaimed, "is this the only reaction I get after all these years? A cold look that would send a rock scrambling for cover? A simple 'hello' would be appropriate, wouldn't you say?"

A long silence followed this little speech as Qui-Gon tried to come to grips with what the other was saying. At the very least, it was out of character. At most… there could be a dozen possible motives. But the fact remained that Xanatos was being friendly — almost as though he had genuinely missed his master over the years and possessed a sincere regret at their less-than-amicable parting on Telos IV. No, Qui-Gon corrected himself, he was acting as though it had never happened!

"You come here," Qui-Gon began softly, "after all these years, after what you did that day, and you expect me to greet you like it never occurred?" There was a dangerous tone in his voice that indicated his feelings about the situation.

"Ah," said Xanatos thoughtfully, and the smile slipped from his face. "Ah, yes, I see. This does put a damper on things, doesn't it? I perceive that you still consider me the apprentice who betrayed you and turned to the dark side, leaving everything else behind. I suppose it could be considered true by some accounts, but really, that interpretation has very little validity now. You see, Qui-Gon, I've put all that behind me." Apparently he saw Qui-Gon's thoroughly suspicious glance, for he laughed softly. "Of course, you have very little reason to believe me. I know how difficult it is for you to get over these things."

Qui-Gon's stare was all steel. "Enlighten me."

"Well, to be bluntly truthful, you put me in a very opportunistic position when you killed my father. His death left me the sole heir of everything he had gained during the years I was training as a Jedi. And, I assure you, that was nothing to be sneezed at. After all, he had almost the entire world of Telos under his authority."

"And I suppose you took advantage of that opportunity."

"Naturally." Xanatos' expression was almost too sincere. "Even someone like you, Qui-Gon, incorruptible as your Jedi morals may be, would hesitate to turn down such a chance. Consequently, I am now one of the wealthiest, and most influential, individuals in the Kwymar Sector." He flicked a strand of hair out of his eyes.

"You cannot possibly expect that to impress me," Qui-Gon returned coldly.

"No," said Xanatos with a regretful sigh, "I suppose not. But I had hoped you would at least be happy that your old Padawan had gained some manner of success."

"Not when that success is made off of thousands of others."

Xanatos looked rather hurt at that. "No, no, you misunderstand! The people of Telos — they need me. They need someone who keeps order, who suppresses the rebellions that endanger so many lives… It all works out."

"I don't — Why am I standing here speaking civilly to you?" Qui-Gon said angrily. "Let me also be bluntly truthful: I would have been much happier had you never shown up here. You may have put everything behind you, but I have not, and quite honestly, nothing you have done or said has convinced me that I have any reason to trust you again."

There was a long pause. Then —

"You've changed," his former Padawan noted somberly.

Qui-Gon's reply was harsh. "Yes, I have. And your betrayal had no small part in it."

"Regrettable," the other murmured. "But," he added, and his tone lightened, "you have a companion. Who is the boy — your new apprentice, perhaps?"

"Yes," the master replied stiffly.

"Trying again?"

It was a cruel, subtle strike. Qui-Gon's eyes flashed furiously. "Get out," he ordered quietly. "I'm through talking with you. I don't know why I've even tolerated your presence this long. Now leave. I don't want to see your face again."

"Oh, Qui-Gon," Xanatos sighed. "I'm so very disappointed in you. But," he added with a strange, almost twisted smile, "you are wrong about one thing. This is not our last meeting. I have the oddest feeling we will be seeing each other again very soon." With a mocking bow, a warped reproduction of the respect he would have shown Qui-Gon had he still been a Jedi, Xanatos twirled his black cloak and sauntered away.

Qui-Gon hated to admit it, but a part of him knew Xanatos was right. The day of reckoning was not very far away.


(Waves hand again) You do want to review. And for the stronger-minded... please review! Constructive criticism appreciated.