Chapter 7: Stumbling in the dark

Part 2

Over the next few hours, Obi-Wan had widened his search to five additional taverns ranging in status from elegant to downright dangerous, three restaurants and a couple of clubs. In each, he had been treated politely but firmly.

Told in no uncertain terms to leave Jinn alone by all and sundry, Kenobi was growing oddly indignant by absurdity of it all. It was just so blasted ironic because he did want to leave Jinn alone. But he couldn't, not yet.

He had gleaned quite a bit of information. It was definite that there were other force-sensitives in the area, more than just at the Jinn residence; certain whispers and veiled threats confirmed his earlier suspicions. It was clear that Qui-Gon was quite generous with his time, his abilities and his money in aiding the less fortunate. That came as no surprise; Obi-Wan had always known his Master to help when he could - when the Jedi had been allowed to help.

It also appeared that the rumors of the investigation had run like wildfire through the community. By the time he had entered the last establishment, he didn't even have to say anything. The owner had gone to him immediately and began berating him before telling him to get out.

Still, he was satisfied with the evening's work. Rumors could be very helpful. They would alert the more shady beings that Obi-Wan was here gathering information; some of those individuals might want to meet in less conspicuous surroundings. Kenobi would likely be approached fairly soon, probably tomorrow or the day after.

And now by the Screaming Mynock, he waited for his tall shadow to appear. It didn't take long.

"Hello, Anakin."

The young man bowed his head slightly, a frown settling on his troubled face. Voice clipped and anxious, he acknowledged that the chase was over. "Kenobi. Been waiting long?"

"No. Well, have you alerted the whole town or should I let you get a little further ahead?" Obi-Wan let a wry smile loose for just a moment before the stoic Jedi visage returned.

Anakin seemed to tire of the game. "Why are you asking questions about Master Qui-Gon? I thought you were his friend."

"I am. Believe me, Anakin, I am."

"But you are asking about his powers, about his money and how he got it. It sounds more like he is being accused of crimes against the Republic, or maybe against the Jedi and their little kingdom. Is that what a friend does?"

"I am a Jedi, required by the Council to investigate certain allegations..."

Skywalker interrupted him, his voice fierce and low, "Trumped up charges. Your blasted Council cannot control him so they are going to shut him up." He moved forward, growling. "You're going to take him back with you, aren't you? Imprison him because he is no longer one of yours."

"I hope not."

Sadness, regret seeped into those three words and Obi-Wan was suddenly very tired. He had meant to keep Anakin talking for duty's sake but now he just wanted to get away. He desperately needed to meditate, to see his way clear of this dilemma.

"Then don't. Please, just leave him alone. Please." The young man sounded urgent, almost pleading.

"I wish I could." Obi-Wan's regret grew deeper. He sighed and moved close to the young apprentice, murmuring quietly, rapidly, "But maybe, if you could help me, Anakin. Help me to prove that he is innocent, that he had done nothing wrong. I would soon be on my way and Qui-Gon could be left in peace. It's what we both want, for Qui-Gon to be happy and well. Help me make that a reality."

Anakin instantly drew back from him, his eyes wide,staring at Obi-Wan as if he were a ravening nexu or venomous adder. Mouth grimacing, he hissed back. "Stay away from me, Jedi. You are unbelievable." His voice rose in fury. "You expect me to betray my Master!! You obscene fraud." He looked as if he was going to throttle the Jedi, then he abruptly turned and stalked away, muttering.

"No, Anakin, that's not what I..." Obi-Wan called after him, sorrow thickening his throat, "meant."

He slumped back against the wall, shaking his head, muttering. "Kenobi, you are an idiot. A muck-brained inept idiot." Pulling himself up and slowly walking back towards his meager lodgings, he thought again of this last conversation.

He had been a negotiator and Republic representative for ten years now, more if the Padawan experiences were tallied in. When, in the last few minutes, had he completely lost all sense of reason, of tact?

He was a complete fool. Even when people were trying to blast him out of existence, he had kept a clear head, could parley his way out of war and disputes of all kinds - except this. This one had him stumped. Now, Anakin wrongly thought that betrayal was his goal and he would certainly tell Qui-Gon.

Damn. His old Master would think... damn.

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It was a very weary Obi-Wan who made his way back to their rooms. He hesitated outside his door, realizing that there was still the matter of Atel's dilemma to be handled. Sighing, he closed his eyes briefly, centering himself and made his way in. His Padawan was not waiting for him inside. Looking to see if she was still meditating in the adjoining room, he peered around the corner.

Atel was quietly snoring, sprawled as always across her bed. As much as he should have awakened her and cleared the air, he could not. He had had enough emotional entanglement in the last few hours to last him a lifetime.

He closed the door quietly. Tossing his cloak onto the single chair, he made his way back to his bed. Moving to pull his boots off, he stopped a moment, hunching down, the heels of his hands pressing into his eyes, trying to wipe away the roiling emotions that had stained his day in darkness. They kept clouding his thoughts, buzzing like quarrel gnats, distracting him. Meditation called him, beckoned him to find his calm center but he had one more task to do before he could relax into that quiet.

As promised, Atel had left her datapad on his pillow. After changing for bed, Obi-Wan leaned back and began to read. The revisions in the Standards in Jedi Behavior were extensive; some items were merely wording changes with subtle distinctions but others had been totally obliterated, remolded to mean something entirely different.

By the time he had scrolled to the section on mission directives and perused the files, he was fuming and indignant.

His Padawan had been quite correct. She was expected to divulge his error to the Council or their staff, as soon as he had made it. But it was more than that. The Standards had changed to such an extent that any slight error in judgment, deliberate or accidentally, was met with harsh discipline, punishment far more severe than the error would merit.

Obi-Wan leaned his head against the thin wall, frowning. When had the Order become so twisted? Compassion and justice were the pillars on which the Jedi Order was founded. Now it seemed that the members of the Temple were compelled to turn on their fellow Jedi at the first sign of trouble.

No, it was more than that. It was treachery that was expected, pure and simple. The Council wanted to foster a system where betrayal of trust was anticipated, condoned and for what? Expediency? Control? He wasn't sure but he didn't like it, not at all.

The door creaked opened and a very sleepy Atel peered into the tiny room. "Master, is there something wrong? I felt that you were upset."

"It's been a trying day. I'm in sore need of meditation and I need to think about a few things first. I'm sorry that I woke you." He gestured for her to sit but instead she walked over and knelt before him.

"That's all right." She bowed her head, looking away shyly. "I waited as long as I could."

"Padawan, it is late and I understand the need for sleep." He tried to make his voice light, to give her space to say what she must. "Have you decided what to do?"

"Yes, Master. I have." Atel hesitated, head bent. "I am still upset about your decisions regarding Master Jinn. However, I cannot destroy your life over this. It doesn't feel right."

She looked up, unsure, but then she seemed to gather courage and said steadfastly, "But I must warn you, Master Obi-Wan. I cannot continue to ignore any further infractions. I must obey the Code and the Standards. I'm sorry." Her eyes pleaded for understanding.

"Atel, you must do what you think is right. I must do that as well. Let's hope that the two rights are on the same path next time." She nodded, unhappy but obviously reconciled to her decision.

He glanced at her, kneeling so small and forlorn on the floor. He knew that it hurt her to ignore the rules but she had a kind heart. Someday soon, she would make a great Knight. Filled with a sudden sadness for his lonely future without her, he reached down and pulled her up to sit next to him. He looked for a moment at her disheveled appearance, then began to grin.

She leaned away, disconcerted. "What?"

"You need a haircut, Padawan. It's getting a bit...well, messy. And it's sticking straight up in the back."

She just glared at him and said slowly, distinctly, "I was asleep." She tried to push her hair into order but failed miserably. "Besides, you don't look so good yourself. You need to rest, my Master."

"Yes, I do." He nodded. "You know that, although we may not always agree, I will miss you very much when you become a knight, Atel."

"That's a long time from now, Master."

"Not so long. Some knights are nearly your age. Before you know it, you will be off on your own missions."

She just rolled her eyes at him, then snorted. "Okay, when you start getting this maudlin, I know it's time for you to sleep. We'll talk tomorrow." Shaking her head, she strode to the door, stepped into her room and, closing her door, said, "Good night".

Obi-Wan just stared after her, muttering. "I already miss the gangling knobby-kneed girl." Shrugging, he moved into the classic meditation position and began to search for calm in this cauldron of emotion. It was a very long time in coming.