Qui-Gon breathed in the fresh air of Wefhuk. It was all done. Their mission for the New Republic officially concluded and the whereabouts of Dr Rivea Colash officially declared unknown. For the first time in a long time - possibly for the first time in his life - Qui-Gon was a free agent, answerable to no Senate or Jedi Council. They could go where they wanted and do what they wished. The prospect of spending months, or even years, on a fertile planet like Wefhuk relaxed muscles Qui-Gon hadn't even realised were tense. He was pleased to see that it was having a similar effect on Ben. Ben's shoulders were loose and his step was light. The two of them strolled side by side down a road of compacted stones in Cahbun City's outer suburbs, heading for one of the many agricultural centres.
"It will be good to be on-planet for a while," said Qui-Gon.
Ben nodded, the edges of his eyes wrinkling into a smile.
"I know the two planets are very different," said Ben. "But Wefhuk reminds me of Ragoon 6."
"I see what you mean," agreed Qui-Gon. "Though the local wildlife we've seen so far seems less likely to eat us."
Ben grinned, "Oh, I don't know. I think Tylip would if he could."
Qui-Gon laughed and it felt good rumbling through his chest.
"I'd expected to have more trouble from him," said Qui-Gon. "But with Ranun, the Investigative Service's new hero speaking in our favour..."
"Ranun certainly seems quite taken with the Padawans," agreed Ben. "I hope it doesn't go to their heads."
"Hmm," agreed Qui-Gon, sobering slightly. "I admit you have done a lot with Anakin. You're a good Master to him."
Ben stopped in his tracks, slowly turning red and stuttering. Qui-Gon stopped and frowned. What had he said?
"I thought...," tried Ben. "It sounded... I was under the impression, that you were unhappy with Anakin's training. That you thought it could have been done better."
For a moment, all Qui-Gon could see was Obi-Wan at thirteen; lanky, awkward and crest-fallen when Qui-Gon initially refused to take him as a student. Qui-Gon found he had to cough to clear his throat.
"If Anakin still has progress to make," said Qui-Gon gruffly, unable to maintain eye contact. "I never meant it as a criticism of you as a teacher. And... nothing I say of Emalda is intended as a criticism, either. It's them I worry about - not you."
Qui-Gon chanced a look at Ben's face and it reminded him of Obi-Wan's bright joy when Qui-Gon finally took him as a student.
"Thank you," said Ben, simple but genuine.
Ben couldn't seem to stop smiling.
"Well, shall we obtain ourselves some respectable employment?" asked Ben brightly, turning from the road into the main driveway of an agricultural centre.
"By all means," said Qui-Gon, pleased and wearing a similar smile.
The door to the agricultural centre opened before they reached it. A woman in blue stood there, leaning against the open door and watching them approach. Her gaze was evaluating and calculating. She was medium height with thick sandy hair that had been braided into a dozen little top-knots across the back of her head. They almost stood face to face before Qui-Gon realised that her eyes weren't human - they had the vertical irises of the Ekash. Beside him, Ben slowed as he noticed as well. Qui-Gon and Ben exchanged slightly disbelieving looks, hardly daring to believe what their eyes were telling them.
"Forgive me," said Qui-Gon. "But are you Dr Rivea Colash? Mother of Emalda Colash?"
The woman hunched her shoulders and narrowed her eyes at them.
"Depends on who's doing the asking, grandpa."
"Do you have a moment? I think you'll find we have quite the tale to tell..."
THE END