***Chapter 20***
Obi-Wan watches over the medic droid as it works on Qui-Gon. The Jedi Master's injuries would have been fatal for a common man, but the medic tells Obi-Wan that Qui-Gon will heal with time. The medic sprays a disinfectant bandage over the gash created by Maul's saber. The wound cuts across Qui-Gon's shoulders down to the ribs. After applying the disinfectant the medic glues the wound closed and then works on bandaging Qui-Gon's left arm. Satisfied that his Master is in good hands, Obi-Wan quietly slips out of the room.
As he walks down the palace halls he plays the battle over and over in his mind. There had to be something I could have done differently…someway to have prevented this. I should not have allowed myself to be separated from Qui-Gon. If I had been closer…had moved quicker…
His thoughts are interrupted when the Queen and Anakin turn the corner and stop in front of him.
"We were just on our way to check on Master Jinn," Padmé says softly.
"He will be alright," Obi-Wan tells them, "but he is resting now."
"When can I see him?" Anakin asks.
"I think it would be best to wait until morning. The medic gave him a sedative so he would rest for the evening."
Anakin gives a frustrated sigh. Padmé takes the boy's hand, "Why don't you join the handmaidens and me for dinner, Annie. They all want to hear about your space adventure." The boy's face brightens instantly.
Padmé turns to Obi-Wan, "The soldiers are ready to move Master 'Oru's body to lie in state until the funeral preparations are made."
"I will need to contact the Jedi Council."
"You may use the communications system in the throne room."
"Thank you," Obi-Wan replies with a bow.
Lexi is sitting on the floor where her Master's body lay, cradling his head in her lap. "I'm sorry, Master," she whispers. "This is my fault. I am so sorry."
Obi-Wan enters the room quietly and walks over to Lexi. He kneels down and puts his hands on her shoulders, "If you are ready, they are here to take Master 'Oru."
She nods, but does not move. Obi-Wan signals the soldiers that they may enter. The move in the room quietly and then gently lift 'Oru's body and place him on a stretcher. Lexi watches silently as her Master's body is taken away. Obi-Wan helps her to her feet and then gathers her in his arms, holding her tightly. She closes her eyes and takes comfort in his embrace. They stand together in silence for several minutes. Finally, Obi-Wan kisses her softly on the top of her head and then leans back enough to look in her eyes.
"I can make the call to the Council."
"No," she replies softly. "It's my responsibility. I can do this. I'm ready."
He kisses her forehead, "Alright, Love."
Obi-Wan picks up Master 'Oru's lightsaber from the ground and hands it to Lexi. She clutches it to her chest and closes her eyes once more. Obi-Wan wraps his arm around her and she rests her head on his shoulder as they walk to the throne room.
Lexi wipes her eyes as she waits for the holocom to connect with the Jedi Temple. She bites at her lower lip and rehearses in her mind what she will say when it is time. Obi-Wan stands behind her and puts a hand on her shoulder. She looks back at him and gives him a slight smile.
She lays her hand on top of his. "I'm alright," she assures.
He gives her shoulder a gentle squeeze and then drops his hand, just before Mace Windu appears on the holo.
"Padawan Alexis? Why are you there?"
Wow, I didn't think it was possible, but he sounds more annoyed than he usually does. "Master Jinn is severely injured and Master 'Oru is…" she pauses to hold back the tears and calm her emotions. "Master 'Oru is de…he is one with the Force." She swallows hard hoping this will be all she needs to say.
Mace cocks an eyebrow as he takes in the information. "What I'm asking is, why are you on Naboo?"
Lexi glances back at Obi-Wan, who looks as confused as she feels. "I'm sorry, I'm afraid I don't understand. Master 'Oru and I were sent to help Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan."
"Sent, you were not." Master Yoda says.
"Dating Padawans are not permitted to be on missions together. You know that." Ki-Adi-Mundi adds sternly.
"Yes, I know that, but Master 'Oru said…"
"Master 'Oru's request was denied and he would never defy the Council," Mace interrupts.
"What are you insinuating?" Obi-Wan asks, stepping forward protectively. "Master 'Oru did say that he and Lexi were joining the mission."
"I admit I would have gone against the Council's decision when I found out that Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan were ordered back to Naboo…"
"Would have?" Mace interrupts.
Yes, by telling them my vision, Master Windu. I wouldn't have gone on their mission without permission. I wouldn't do that to 'Oru. I wouldn't have put Obi-Wan or Qui-Gon in a position where they'd have to cover for me either."
Obi-Wan's curiosity about the vision is peaked. What was it that she saw? And why would the Council not want her to share it if it involved their mission?
"But the fact is, you did go without permission," Jedi Master Saesee Tiin comments.
"Not intentionally!" Lexi protests.
"Do you really expect us to believe that a Master, who has never gone against the Council's ruling, suddenly decides to? And you have nothing to do with it?" Mace demands.
"Unlikely, it is," Yoda nods.
Lexi rubs her temples, her head was already spinning with everything they had gone through, and now she has no idea how to convince the Council that she is telling them the truth. If they don't believe her it puts not only her future with the Jedi in jeopardy, but also Obi-Wan's.
"It's actually quite likely," Adi Gallia tells them. All eyes quickly turn to her.
"I find that hard to believe, Master Gallia. Would you please explain why you think so?" Mace scowls.
"Masters, while Padawan Lexi has been known to occasionally go against the wishes of the Council, she has always been honest about it and accepted any consequences. She has never lied."
"Until now," Mace adds.
Adi ignores the comment and turns her attention to Lexi. "Padawan, did your Master disclose anything to you recently?"
"No…" Lexi answers, not quite sure where Adi is going with the question.
Adi sighs, "Well, have you noticed anything unusual about Master 'Oru recently…either in his actions or in his behavior?"
"Well, yes. He's been distant since our last mission. I mean, we've spent more time together, but he was keeping himself closed off…hiding something. Overall he was just acting, I don't know, odd."
"Did you question him about it?"
Lexi's deep brown eyes stare at Adi's image on the holocom, "Of course, but he would change the subject, or say that he was tired and send me on an errand. I know he was keeping something from me, but when I pressed the issue it just seemed to make him sad. I figured if it was important, he would tell me."
"What are you getting at, Master Gallia," Mace asks impatiently.
"I promised Master 'Oru that I would let him be the one to tell everyone, but since he can't do that now…he was dying."
"What?" They all reply in unison.
"Impossible," Mace adds. "We would have noticed when he was here."
Lexi doesn't speak. It feels as if someone has just knocked the wind out of her…again. How could her Master be sick and not tell her? How could she be so blind that she didn't even notice? She feels Obi-Wan's firm grip on her shoulders and realizes she must have backed up into him.
"Used the Force to hide the illness, Master 'Oru did," Yoda acknowledges.
"It was a genetic anomaly that runs in his family. Usually it strikes at a fairly young age. Since Master 'Oru was well past the typical age of onset we thought his connection with the Force had kept him from succumbing to it. But on his last mission he began to feel the symptoms."
"Why didn't he say anything?" Obi-Wan asks.
"Indeed," Ki-Adi nods. "Why would he keep this from the Council…and his Padawan?"
"Because there is no cure, and when the symptoms begin there isn't much time left. Master 'Oru did not want to spend his final days lying in the healing rooms, unable to move or speak. When his Padawan had a vision of one of his closest friends dying on a mission, I believe he decided that if he had to die, he would do so on his own terms. And what better way than trying to save a dear friends. He always thought of Master Jinn as a little brother."
Mace sighs heavily. "That does change things. We will be there in a few days for the funeral and to discuss things further. May the Force be with you." He signals the transmission to end.
Obi-Wan and Lexi stand together for a few moments, absorbing this latest revelation.
"I need to see Qui-Gon," Lexi finally whispers.
"Let's go."