Eisegesis

by B L Lindley Anderson

The Jedi are removed from investigating Yalla because their objectivity is in question. They are forced to wait at the temple for reassignment. Meanwhile Ariel Satay continues her relentless pursuit of the nefarious doctor.

Eisegesis

By B. L. Lindley-Anderson

Obi-Wan's mouth fell open and anger threatened to overwhelm him. "Satay! What are you doing here!"

"Me? What are you doing here?"

After the initial shock of seeing Obi-Wan walk in had died down, Satay's next reaction was one of feeling "caught". She slowly stood as her mind raced. But why should she feel like she had done anything wrong? Because she had listened to…and encouraged Bruck to tell about Obi-Wan's past. That was probably wrong she admitted to herself…but he knew nothing of it. So…why should she feel guilty? She was here to do a job.

"I'm conducting my investigation, that's what Jedi boy. And you? Are you here to question Bruck…after being removed from the case?"

"You do your job by harassing people? You're the one who got Bruck so upset yesterday, aren't you?"

"Hold on. I didn't know that was going to happen. I was just asking him questions."

He stepped closer. "What kind of questions?"

"I don't have to tell you about my investigation."

"Excuse me," Nurse Bola interrupted. "I think I should take Bruck back to his room while you two are…talking."

The two combatants stood in silence, not willing to look at each other, as the nurse removed Bruck. The former Jedi kept looking back to see what was going to happen. Obi-Wan made sure Bruck was completely out of the room. Then he faced Satay again. "If you know about Bruck then you must know about his…condition. Is it really necessary to subject him to this? Especially if you don't know if you might upset him again? They told me he had to be sedated."

"I have already done more interrogations than you probably will do in your life. I have talked to people in all sorts of conditions. Don't you think I considered that? Am I such a monster that you think I would come in here and blatantly abuse him? Even people who are one hundred percent get upset by my questions some times. It's not fun…but it has to be done. I have a job to do. If you were doing yours correctly…and you never did tell me why you are here after being removed from the investigation. If you were doing your job correctly, you may have been able to find out something from Bruck yourself. Or are you too blinded by your feelings in this? Yes, he does have diminished mental capacity but he's not brainless. He remembers and he can answer questions."

Obi-Wan paused for a moment…and a breath. He was letting his anger get to him. He had to control it. Why was he reacting so strongly? He would figure that out later. Right now he would deal with…her. "I think you should pursue other resources before you approach someone like Bruck. He should be a last resort. He may be able to answer your questions, but he doesn't understand all that's going on. He doesn't know why you are asking him…and he may tell you something that has nothing to do with what you are looking for."

She nodded her head. "Is that what's bothering you? That he might tell me something besides what I am asking him about? Well…don't flatter yourself so much. If you think I'm interested in you…I'm not." Satay didn't say more even though she had planned on it. She was suddenly uncomfortable. Why did she say that? The officer hoped Jedi boy didn't see through her statement. She actually had not been interested in him from the beginning. Bruck brought up Obi-Wan himself. Satay knew she wasn't a convincing liar. She wanted to get out of here before the Jedi started trying to pin her down. "I think you just want to keep him to yourself…not let anyone else find out what he knows. It's obvious to me that you have some personal issues here and that's clouding your judgement. When you collect yourself then maybe we can continue this…discussion if you want to. I've got things to do." She hurried out of the sunroom.

Satay's words stuck with Obi-Wan. And he was still trying to figure out why he had gotten so angry with her. The apprentice flopped into a chair to think.

Is that true? That I was more worried about what Bruck might have told her about he and I at the temple? It is very personal and something I've had much trouble putting to rest. Yes, it does make me angry that she may have found out about my past. It's not her business. She wouldn't understand the full implications anyway. But…is that all that's bothering me? Am I more worried about me than about Bruck? I said she had no right to upset him. It's true…but was that my main concern…or myself?

Obi-Wan sat forward in the chair and put his hands to his face.

I don't know the answer to that. Yes…I care about Bruck. But…I care about protecting my privacy too. I don't know which was more important to me. I really don't. Am I so selfish? She was using Bruck. It's true he might be able to give her information…but he doesn't understand…. He doesn't know what she might do with things he tells her. And he doesn't know what he shouldn't tell her. Bruck thinks she's a friend. What all did he tell her? What will Satay do with what she found out? She used him. In spite of all her defense…she used him…because he doesn't understand.

And the padawan realized there was something else that still was nipping at him.

Is Satay right about my judgement being clouded? Have I been so protective of Bruck…and underestimating him that I didn't realize he might have been able to help? I should have seen that Bruck might have had a connection to this. We had hypothesized that Yalla was using the AAM to attract other Force users to him. I remember how arrogant Bruck used to be about his abilities. If someone had approached him about that, he would have jumped at the chance to show off. Obi-Wan, how could you be so blind! That should have occurred to you! She's right. You are being affected by your feelings in this. I suppose that means she's right about the other part too. He drew in a deep breath and sighed. So, how do I balance my concern for Bruck and my wounded past with doing my job now? Will I ever learn? I know Master Qui-Gon says we are always learning…but sometimes it seems as if I have learned little.

The apprentice stood and forced his thoughts to the moment. The first thing he could do would be to check on Bruck and then to see if he could find out what he'd told Satay. That would satisfy his personal feelings…and his need to focus on his assignment. He walked out of the sunroom.

"Is it all right if I talk to Bruck?" he asked the nurse.

She looked him in the eye. "You've always been so kind to him since he first came here. I'm glad he has someone who cares and comes to visit. I don't know what is going on with you and Arana, but I can not allow this to affect Bruck. I will not tolerate these disturbances."

"I apologize for getting so upset in the sunroom. I hope we didn't distress Bruck too much. I was completely taken by surprise with Satay being here."

"Satay? You mean her name isn't Arana?"

"No. It isn't. That's someone from Bruck's past…and he thought it was she. That woman's name is Ariel Satay. She's from the security police force."

"Yes, I knew she said she was doing some kind of investigation." Then the nurse seemed angry. "She allowed me to think she was this Arana person. I've been calling her that and she never corrected me."

"Yes, she was using Bruck. That's why I was so angry. But I give you my word I won't react so strongly around Bruck again. I don't think we'll see her around here again…especially if I have anything to say about it."

"Well…I think her supervisor needs to know what she is doing. We cooperated with her and even allowed her to visit with Bruck after upsetting him. And she misled us. That's too much for me."

"I leave that decision up to you. I know you have to keep Bruck's welfare in mind. May I see him? I've calmed myself. I'm not going to go in there angry."

"All right. You may go in. I've no reason to mistrust you."

Obi-Wan paused at the door and took a breath…and checked what he was feeling. Any lingering anger was not directed at Bruck. He walked in.

"Hello Obi-Wan, where's Arana?"

The apprentice walked over and sat next to his former antagonist. "Bruck…can you remember what you and Arana talked about?"

"We talked about when we were at the temple. She remembers things we did there."

Obi-Wan felt ire rising in him again. She misled Bruck so he would talk. He was beginning to entertain thoughts of talking with Chief Harlo about Satay's abuse of position.

"She remembers you too."

"What did she say about me?"

Bruck thought hard about that. "She remembers how clumsy you were Oafy-Wan," Bruck laughed.

Obi-Wan's cheeks burned. He was sure Bruck had told her these things and she just went along and said she remembered. How could she know about…Oafy-Wan? He sighed. Not only was it embarrassing, he was sure she wouldn't let him live it down.

"Did you talk about anything besides the temple?"

"Umm…I told her about Baroon. You remember the speeder? That wasn't nice of me. You've been so nice to me here."

"It's all right Bruck. It's in the past. We just want to think about now, right? Can you remember what we used to hear at the temple? Concentrate on the moment."

"Yes, I remember that."

"So we don't have to feel bad about things that are over with." He hated to keep pressing…but the apprentice wanted to know just what Satay knew…and how she'd found out. "Did you tell her about…Coruscant?" He wondered if she'd found out about his kidnapping.

"I told her about teaching saber dueling and about…Nurala…." Bruck looked frightened.

"What's the matter," Obi-Wan was suddenly concerned. "Are you all right?"

"I told her about teaching and about…"

But the apprentice interrupted him, "Shh…it's all right. It doesn't matter that you told her anything. You don't have to worry that you told her. She won't be back to bother you."

Bruck was still upset. He couldn't tell Obi-Wan about…him, but he had to ask the padawan to protect him. Obi-Wan wouldn't let him speak though. He was trying very hard to soothe Bruck. The apprentice was afraid Bruck was about to get out of control. He had to calm him down.

Obi-Wan gently grasped Bruck's arms and tried to comfort him with the Force. "Shh…it's all right Bruck. I'm here. Arana's gone. She won't ask you any more questions. You don't have to worry about her coming back. It's all right." It seemed to help. Bruck was calming some, so the apprentice kept it up. "Think about when we were initiates Bruck. Remember the things you used to pull on me? Remember all the times we sparred?"

"I remember. I was good."

"Yes. You were good. Would you like to go for a walk and look at the flowers?"

"That would be fun Obi-Wan."

"Let's go then." He sure is upset about remembering Satay questioning him. I wonder what she asked him that was so awful. I think any further questioning should be supervised.

Satay hurried back to her office. At first she couldn't get her mind off the confrontation with Obi-Wan. Who did he think he was? So self-righteous about her questioning Bruck. It was obvious that he and Bruck weren't exactly best friends. So, what was his motivation for visiting? There must be an ulterior motive. He was there to question Bruck the same as she was doing. Yet, he had the nerve to accuse her of using Bruck! Jedi boy sure did have a condescending attitude toward her. Wanting to protect her, trying to shut down her investigation…and now this. The security officer just did keep from hitting another speeder that stopped suddenly.

Come on Satay! Mind on what you're doing. Don't let him get to you that much. But what a jerk! Just because he's a Jedi, he thinks he can go around controlling what everyone else is doing. I'm surprised he didn't just zap me with the Force and make me cooperate with him. But…I guess I'm not totally innocent. I really shouldn't have been encouraging Bruck to talk about Obi-Wan. Oafy-Wan…he he! Even if Bruck did tell me those things, I'm not going to do anything with it. So, it doesn't matter. Besides…I didn't know what he was going to tell me until he started talking. I haven't done anything wrong…not really.

Soothing the slight guilt she had over probing into personal things that she didn't really need to know about, Satay pushed all that from her mind. She had to concentrate on what she had learned and see how it fit into what she already had.

As soon as the security officer got to her cubicle, she fell into the chair and pulled a tablet to her. She began writing out what she knew. At the top, she wrote, "Why does Yalla want to kill Jedi?". First, Dr. Yalla was a Force user, but not a former Jedi. He was leader of AAM that appeared…and she underlined that word…to be set up to attract other Force users. He was also a medical researcher who specialized in brain-machine interfaces. He had rigged a building on Charon to be controlled by a computer to set off traps that had injured two Jedi. Also, he had hired/kidnapped Shonnel, the being with all the connections to be "plugged in" to a machine. Was there a connection between his work and his outside interest? Satay leaned back in the chair to think that over. There was no obvious connection. Jedi and brains. In certain cases that seemed to be mutually exclusive she smugly thought of Obi-Wan and his somewhat clumsy handling of some aspects of this case. Clumsy…perhaps Oafy-Wan was a good name for him. Then she reprimanded herself to get back to what was important. No connection…unless…. It wasn't just Jedi and brains he was interested in. The Force and brains…maybe that was it! Was Yalla looking for the key of how the brain used this power…or how to tap into a brain and access it? Is that why the brain-machine interest? She wrote that down as a speculation and noted it as such.

Next…Gera. Gera was an alias for Yalla…so everything about Yalla also applied to Gera. He was a Force user. Same interests, work, etc. But she had learned a little from Obi-Wan. He had some connection with a village on Jabbot. He seemed to be running it/using it. Gera had engineered the attack/torture of two Jedi there.

She sat back again. His interest in brains didn't have to do with Jedi. It must have to do with the Force. All he wanted with Jedi was to kill them. He wasn't very successful. All he had managed to do so far was injure them. But…she remembered that the attempts on the Jedi were not straightforward murder attempts. He didn't kill them outright. On Charon he kept setting off traps that injured…seriously yes, but not aggressive enough to directly kill. On Jabbot Qui-Gon was tortured slowly. What was that all about? He wanted to kill them slowly…. Was it an endurance test to see how much a Jedi could stand before he died? Why else would he slowly torment someone who could so easily take him out with the Force? This was a new wrinkle…a confusing one. Yalla was a medical researcher. Was this part of his research?

He had not killed any knights…yet. Although it sounded as if he had come close. The Jedi must be too smart or too much more powerful than Yalla/Gera. That's why he hadn't succeeded. Suddenly some of the conversation with Bruck came back to her. He had said that Nurala was not as strong in the Force as…but he never finished the sentence. And…Nurala was trying to destroy "them"…but she didn't find out who "them" was.

Now it was getting to be too jumbled. She leaned over the tablet again. Skipping down she wrote "Nurala". Then she noted, "less powerful than _" and "trying to destroy _". If Nurala was the same as Gera…could the word "Jedi" fill in both those blanks? He wanted to get rid of them…but was unable because they had more power? "Speculation" she wrote in big letters.

Hmm…Satay wished she could talk to a Jedi…about the Force and how they use it. And…how much did they think they could endure. It would be even better to interview one of the ones Yalla had tortured. Maybe she could better understand what Yalla was up to. She sighed and dismissed the thought. She didn't know a great deal about the Jedi, but she did know how secretive they seemed to be about their order and the Force and everything else related to that. She doubted that anyone but a Jedi would be able to answer her questions. But she also doubted that one would talk to her…at least not honestly. After all…look how arrogant Oafy-Wan was.

What else did she know of Nurala? He was a member of AAM. A Force user. He had actively recruited a former Jedi to join AAM to teach saber dueling. And…there was that mysterious "special group" of the best fighters that Bruck had mentioned. They were separated and their training taken up by…. Bruck had not finished that sentence, but she remembered that look on his face. And coming right after his outburst about Nurala…. It was still a guess, but her instincts were screaming at her. She wrote it down…but noted it as speculation. What else? That seemed to be all she had on him.

Satay sat back and studied her notes. It was too much of a coincidence. Nurala had to be the same as Yalla/Gera. So…which was his real name? She began a new list…things to find out. Background check on Gera, background check on Nurala, continue investigation of AAM members. The petite woman thought shortly about whether that ought to include Bruck or not. There probably was still something to be learned of Nurala from him. Yes, she decided. Obi-Wan or not, if she needed to talk with Bruck…she would.

She turned back to her list. Check with medical contact, if feasible set up search for equipment Yalla was using. Hmm…would it be better to talk to someone who was in medical research instead of a practicing professional? A researcher might be more informed about what was on the leading edge of research instead of a practitioner. She jotted down "find a medical researcher to interview".

Looking between her two lists, the investigator began to realize she had quite a job before her. She would need some help. Maybe she could get the computer jockeys to do these background checks…and get Loy set up on the medical supply search. She really wasn't sure how that would proceed, but after talking with the man and seeing what he produced, somehow she felt he would be able to do it. Satay was beginning to get a headache. Best to go ahead and start delegating what she could. That would give her less to think on for the moment…and maybe help her headache. This was one messy knot that she was going to have to untie.

"OW!" Obi-Wan yelped and jumped backward, not for the first time.

Qui-Gon stepped back and powered off his saber. "You're not very focused this afternoon Padawan. I think even some of the initiates could defeat you right now."

"I'm sorry Master. I know my mind isn't on what I'm doing. You're right, I'm not focused."

"Would you like to talk?"

The apprentice carefully considered the idea. Was he willing to admit…certain things to his master? That was part of what was occupying him. He was still questioning if he was more concerned about Bruck or himself. But he also knew how deeply this whole thing was affecting him. He needed some one to talk to, some reassurance and guidance.

"Can we go somewhere else to talk?"

The pair cleaned themselves up and went to sit in the garden to talk. Obi-Wan unfolded the story of Satay and her questioning of Bruck…and his reaction to it.

"So…I'm not sure of my motivations. I'm not sure I have done my job as well as I should have. I'm not sure of my center either. I'm very confused Master."

Qui-Gon had listened intently and without interruption. He sensed that his apprentice needed the release of talking this out, so he allowed him to pour out what he wanted and as much as he wanted. The master toyed with the strands of his beard for a moment as he thought.

"I can certainly see why you are confused. This is far reaching…your assignment, your past, your life. It touches many things. I know you question yourself, but I don't think you should worry about how you feel about Bruck. I think it's clear. You wouldn't put the time and effort into visiting, talking, and seeing to him that you do if you didn't care."

"But why do I care? Because I feel guilt? Do I only do this to make myself feel better?"

"You were genuinely concerned about how Satay's upsetting Bruck affected him, right?"

"Yes, of course."

"That is your answer. You may have thought of yourself also…but you were concerned about Bruck himself. Strongly it seems to me. You seem to be very protective of him. That doesn't sound like someone who is more concerned about himself."

Obi-Wan considered the words. He was glad, relieved…then confused…and disappointed.

"I still have a lot to learn don't I?"

But Qui-Gon only smiled and put a hand on his shoulder. "We all do. Some things we learn easier than others. As long as you still know you have things to learn…and are willing to learn, don't be so hard on yourself. Now…are you still so…embarrassed by things from the past that it bothers you for Satay to find out?"

Obi-Wan looked down and felt his face warm. Quietly he said, "Yes Master."

"You can't change the past Padawan. You can only learn from it. I'm sure there are things in Satay's past that she is equally embarrassed about. Perhaps you give her too little credit. She may realize the sensitivity of this. After all, she is an investigator. She handles sensitive and personal information all of the time. I'm sure she's mature enough and well trained enough not to throw these things around carelessly. And…one other thing…"

"Concentrate on the moment."

The Jedi smiled which made his eyes gleam. "Yes my Padawan. Don't center on your anxieties."

"That still leaves one more thing Master."

"Why you didn't realize that Bruck might have information that might help?"

"Yes."

"Obi-Wan, some times a person is so close to a situation that they can not see the obvious in it. Or…they can not be objective because of their feelings. That is why you and I…and Jareel and Daven…are not involved in the Yalla investigation. Not directly anyway. The four of us have been victimized by him. Even as Jedi, we have strong feelings about it. The Jedi council realizes this. They know that Yalla may know just the right thing to say or do that could trigger a strong memory. In that moment, one may react on emotion rather than weigh the situation or consider the consequences. You understand that, don't you?"

"Yes Master."

"It is the same with you and Bruck. Because the confrontations you had with him in the past have so strongly affected you, it is hard for you to be completely objective. And…even overcoming that was a very emotional thing for you. You are too close to the situation to see it clearly Padawan. Perhaps it was for the best that someone else questioned Bruck. I'm sure it would have been hard for you to dig into something that upset him so much he had to be sedated." Obi-Wan hung his head. "Don't feel badly about it. I would rather see that you have compassion for others and miss something like this rather than be so driven that you cared none for how you affected others." Qui-Gon's eyes turned dark with the memory of one who destroyed many people with absolutely no feeling at all.

Obi-Wan said nothing but just studied his master. Qui-Gon's brooding was short lived however. He pulled himself from it as he remembered his reason for sitting here in the garden like this.

"Do you feel less confused Obi-Wan?"

"Yes Master. Well…I guess I'm not totally over it yet. But I do feel better about it."

"Good. I suspect that if you think on it during your meditation time, it will become clearer to you. Do you want to talk further?"

"Not at the moment. I want to think about it first."

"Just let me know, all right?"

"Yes Master," the apprentice smiled a little.

"Now, do you think that you could be a little more attentive to your studies?" Qui-Gon smiled as they stood to leave.

"Ariel," Harlo said as he stepped into the cubicle.

The petite woman shuddered at the name…and the way he said it. "Yes Chief?"

"I'd like to talk to you."

"Sure. Have a seat."

"My office. Now."

Great. What now? Which ego have I sullied now? Or whose toes have I stomped? I didn't smile and say good morning to the guy who's in line for promotion. I'm sure it's something trivial. It always is.

She walked along behind Harlo so she wouldn't feel obligated to make small talk with him. He allowed her to precede him into the office and then shut the door.

"Sit."

"Chief…"

"Shh! Listen. And don't interrupt me until I'm finished. Do you copy?" He crossed his arms over his chest and paced for a minute. "I got a communication from a nurse at the rehabilitation facility."

What? Obi-Wan must have something to do with this! That…pile of bantha droppings!

"She says that you have been upsetting one of their patients…and misrepresenting yourself."

"What? I…"

"Shh! Listen…remember? Ariel, I know you're smart. Why do you do dumb things?" She opened her mouth to respond but Harlo held up a hand. "You can't use your badge as a license to do whatever you feel like. There is right and wrong. That's what we are here to enforce, not manipulate to our liking. I know you want to use all the advantages you have…and there's nothing wrong with that…as long as you use them properly. You and I have had these chats before. I know what you will tell me…that's why I don't want to hear it. You always say that you feel you are within your authority. And you always stretch everything you can to try to prove your point. Then you'll tell me that your success rate on cases is high. As long as you really aren't stepping way over your boundaries why should a little line walking matter if it gets the job done. You see I do listen to what you say…even though you don't think I do. Now…I'm not giving you the chance to tell your side." He held up his hand again. "Don't tell me how unfair that is. I have something important I am working on. I do not have time to referee whatever is going on here. I have to make a decision that will keep the complainant happy, my tail intact…and probably tick you off. But it's done. Stay away from Bruck Chan. If it turns out you need to talk with him again I will review what you are doing. If it is really necessary for you to talk to him again, you will be chaperoned." He walked over and opened the door. "Ariel, just this once, please stand up, walk out and don't say a word. It will save us both a lot of headache and time." Harlo kept talking so Satay wouldn't have a chance to reply. "Come on. Stand up. That's it. Now walk right out the door. One foot in front of the other. Good job. Knew you could do it. Thank you for your time. Back to work." Then he closed the door in her face.

The small woman stood staring at the door, clenching her teeth together. She was tempted to open the door and start talking nonstop until she spoke her piece…but she knew what that would probably lead to. With much effort, the security officer pulled herself away and stomped back to her cube.

"Hey Ariel! If you can keep from tearing the building down, I'd like to ask you a question." The voice came over a cubicle wall.

She stopped suddenly. The only thing that kept her from tearing the little pipsqueak's head off was that she recognized his voice…and she needed Loy's help right now. Satay took a breath and walked into his office.

"What is it?" She tried to keep her tone even.

"I talked with your doctor friend. He gave me a list of stuff that he said Yalla would probably be using…that no one else would use much. Is that the stuff you want me to track?"

"Yes. That's how I hope to find him. There shouldn't be much of that being shipped. So, I want to know where it's all going. Is that something you can do?"

"Easy. If there's one thing that the security police can easily do, it's track shipments. Many a baddie has been caught that way…picking up the package himself."

She smiled a tight smile. "I don't think you'll find this one picking up his own packages. It doesn't matter. I just want to know where they end up. At the end of that trail is the one that I'm after. How long you think it will take?"

"Depends. If your guy is the only one using this stuff, you may have to wait awhile until he needs it. Could be a long wait."

"Or it could happen today. You let me worry about that. Just find where this stuff is going."

"Sure Ariel." He leaned back in his chair, put his feet up and plopped a keyboard in his lap.

The officer smiled sweetly. Then she pushed his feet off the desk. His chair flopped forward, throwing the keyboard to the floor and almost dumping Loy in the floor. "Satay," she said and then walked out.

"Qui-Gon, how are you?"

"Fine Finis…what do you want?"

"I can't call and say hello to a friend without wanting something? I'm hurt."

"Well…I didn't mean it quite that way. But, Supreme Chancellor, you are such a busy man that you usually don't call unless there is something that you need."

"Yes, I know. And that's why I called…to make up for that. I had forgotten how much I enjoyed your company until you were gone from the senate building. And I couldn't think of another investigation to get you assigned to. So, I am calling to invite you to a reception…"

"No," the Jedi didn't allow the chancellor to finish. "I appreciate the invitation. Truly I do. However, I'm not sure I can endure another one of those political…feeding frenzies again so soon."

Valorum chuckled. "I understand why you feel the way you do. This is different though. It's not a political function. There may be a few senators there, but it is a charity thing."

"I don't know…"

"Come on Qui-Gon. Is there something in the Jedi code about not having fun? I thought it would be a chance for us to get together again and chat…without the interruptions I would get at the office. It's a friendly invitation."

The Jedi master considered for a moment. He had really wanted to spend his night reading or doing some other relaxing activity. Still, Finis was a good friend and he didn't get the chance to talk with him often…about non-work things anyway. "All right. I accept. However," he quickly added, "I am not undercover now. I will be coming in my Jedi clothes."

The chancellor couldn't hold back a laugh. "Well…I wish I could convince you otherwise. There's just no way you are going to believe that I had you dressed in the latest fashions…and they looked good on you. I think I'll consider myself lucky to have convinced you to come at all. I won't push by trying to dress you up."

"I appreciate that," Qui-Gon said somberly, which only made his friend laugh again.

"I'll see you later."

Qui-Gon checked his pocket for the invitation that a runner had brought to the temple. He extracted it as he watched the level numbers change. The lift doors opened and he stepped into the corridor. It wasn't necessary to search for the reception. People in the hallway, talking, laughing and music easily led him. The Jedi master handed his invitation to a gracefully attired woman at the door and she admitted him.

At once, the knight looked around for Chancellor Valorum. That was the primary reason he was here…and he doubted he would know many people here. The supreme chancellor was always easy to find wherever he went. People flocked about him as if he were food and they were starving. There would be no better chance to approach him. No time when he would not be surrounded. Qui-Gon drew in a breath and began to pick his way through the crowd.

As he closed in on the knot of people, the Jedi heard Valorum's familiar laugh. No doubt he was regaling the group with some clever anecdote. Finis was quite personable and could charm almost anyone. For him it was natural; it was not a political tool. However, it was handy in his arena and it seemed fitting for him to be in the government with such an ability.

"So, I told the ambassador that I never considered having only two hands a disability. Having more would just give me too much opportunity to have my fingers in too many pies." The group laughed appreciatively and seemed to be waiting for more. However, Valorum saw the Jedi master standing tall and patient at the edge of the audience. "Oh…please excuse me. I have something to tend to." There were a couple of protestations. "I'm not leaving yet. I'll be back later. Then I can tell you what he told me to do with my mere two hands." They laughed more loudly this time. Several people reached out to shake his hand or pat him on the back as he pressed through.

"Well, you really did come after all," Valorum took Qui-Gon's hand and shook it enthusiastically. "I'm glad. I appreciate it. Come on. Let's go over here out of the way. It's the most privacy we will get." The executive led the knight to a small nook near a cloakroom.

Qui-Gon was trying not to smile. "I see you have them charmed as usual."

The tall grey haired man laughed. "Charmed? They have you fooled as well I see. Just look at that group that was hanging onto me. That Malastarian…his three eyes are looking three different directions. He's only there to peruse the crowd and hear what their current interests are. And the Nemoidian. Those Trade Federation types. The only charity they are interested in is their own. They're such cowards. If I'd said 'boo' to him, he wouldn't stop running until he was back in the Viceroy's court. No, not charmed. That group was probably only laughing to patronize me, hoping I'd stop with the stories."

"For people who don't appreciate your tales, they certainly seem to stay close."

"Ha! Only because they want a favor from Supreme Chancellor Valorum. Hmm…I suppose you do look nice in the tunics also."

"If you like, I can have some made for you. It is the latest style at the temple," the Jedi responded with a straight face.

"No, thanks. I wouldn't want to upset Master Yoda by impersonating a Jedi. He might hit me in the knee with his stick."

Qui-Gon knew he shouldn't laugh at that remark, but he was unable to hold back a smile. "That's not very respectable toward an eight hundred year old Jedi master."

Valorum smiled wickedly. "Yes, but that is the beauty of being supreme chancellor. I can get away with much more than most people."

"Finis, if people knew you the way I do, you wouldn't be chancellor very long."

"Why do you think I pulled you off over here to talk? You think I want them talking to you? So…how goes things at the temple anyway? Are you about to be off on another mission?"

"I have not been assigned yet."

"But you have been returned to duty?"

"Yes. That is not the hold up. I am merely waiting to be assigned. Master Yoda must be too busy chasing disrespectful politicos to choose my mission." Qui-Gon's blue eyes twinkled.

"Hmm…perhaps I should put in a good word for you with Master Yoda. Maybe he could find some hot miserable planet on the edge of the Outer Rim to send you to."

"I rather doubt it. Nothing much ever happens out there."

"It's worth a try anyway. I think I owe you."

"Excuse me, Supreme Chancellor. I'm sorry to interrupt," a short orange skinned creature squeaked. "There is a communication for you. I was told it is urgent."

"Thank you, Slaom." He watched the being hobble away and sighed. "It's always urgent. Probably some senator calling to tell me he has a hangnail. I'll be back in just a minute. Why don't you have something to eat?"

Qui-Gon smiled as he watched Finis walk away. As much as he complained about his job, it was obvious he enjoyed it, in spite of all the things he grumbled about. Visiting the buffet sounded like a good idea. It probably would be more than a minute before the chancellor returned. He could satisfy his hunger and pass the time simultaneously.

The tall Jedi edged the room and came up to the festive table. He was just putting the finishing touches on his plate when he heard someone address him.

"Master Qui-Gon, what a pleasant surprise. I certainly didn't expect you of all people to be here."

He turned to see Allia Lyg'tren standing behind him. The lovely frail woman looked elegant, as always, dressed in a flowing pale green evening gown. The Jedi master set his plate down and bowed.

"Lady Lyg'tren, an honor as always to see you."

"You really mustn't tease me like that Master Qui-Gon. I know my reputation. You can hardly call it an honor to be seen with someone of such low esteem."

"I don't listen to others' gossip. I rely only on what I know of you."

"You are gallant indeed. Thank you. Please, don't let me keep you from your refreshment."

"May I get you something?"

"Thank you, but you go ahead and eat. I'll see to myself. I'm most curious. I know your dislike of these types of receptions. Yet, here you are."

"Supreme Chancellor Valorum is most convincing in his invitations."

"Yes, he is. I must say, I am happy with it this time."

"How is Fiora doing in her new…situation?"

"She sounds quite happy. I heard from her not so long ago."

"That is good news. She…ah, is safe then?"

"Oh yes. I assured you she would be. She's making quite a contribution as I understand. A very hard worker. And…." Allia's voice trailed off.

"Is something wrong Lady Lyg'tren?"

"Oh no. I apologize. I was just remembering something that Fiora had told me. I forgot to pass it along to the manager as I had intended. It was nothing really. You remember that I had asked you about the moon, Answar, and their indifference to the mining issue on Hora even though they were close neighbors?"

"Yes, I recall."

"It was just in relation to that. She said someone named Nurala had purchased Answar some years ago. There is now a private mining firm there. It is a small group and they are apparently unconcerned because of their size. They think they will be ignored since it is such a modest enterprise. I had intended to tell my employee who was looking into it and forgot. But…that is not of concern to you I'm sure. I assume Fiora provided everything you needed to wrap up your intrigue."

"Yes, she was more than helpful in that respect. She…and you have done a great service for the Republic. I thank you for helping me."

A small smile came to Allia's face. "There is a way you can thank me. Besides…I do believe you owe me, as you said."

Qui-Gon's face scrunched up in puzzlement. "I'm sorry. I don't follow you."

Lady Lyg'tren actually seemed embarrassed as she said, "You still owe me a dance."

The knight smiled. He remembered now. He bowed to her. "I will pay my debt, only if you make our conversation as interesting as it has been during our previous dances."

"You don't get enough sparring practice at the temple?" Her eyes twinkled. She had suffered at the hands of Elan Lyg'tren and Rothar Micah, who both professed to love her, yet both only wanted to use her. Allia had promised herself she would not fall so easily again. The elegant lady had to admit this playful, yet purely platonic friendship with the charming Jedi master was more enjoyable than any relationship she'd had with a man. There were no demands placed on her. No expectations to live up to. Allia never thought such an alliance was possible.

Qui-Gon, for his part, knew that he would never get involved with Allia Lyg'tren. He knew too much about her. And she had so harshly used him. It was true she had changed. That is why he didn't mind being on friendly terms with her. It was amusing to go to verbal battle with her. It was the one bright spot of the boring receptions he had been to.

The couple took to the floor knowing all that would transpire would be the dance and conversation. However, many eyes watched, and several of them knew this was becoming a pattern. The pair discussed the reception, the guests, current events. All the while practicing the impish repartee that had characterized their other talks.

The music died away much too soon for Allia. Yet, there was no reason she could think of to continue to accompany the Jedi around the reception room. She inclined her head. "Your debt is now settled Master Qui-Gon and you are released from your obligation. However…should you require a dance partner at other receptions…"

He bowed deeply. "I never considered it an obligation Lady Lyg'tren. An honor, I assure you. I will keep you in mind if Chancellor Valorum is able to influence me to attend again." Allia twisted the lace handkerchief in her hand and turned to go.

Qui-Gon watched her leave and found himself intrigued yet puzzled. Why would he find someone who had used him so…interesting? But…the events of her life had changed Allia Lyg'tren very much. He remembered his first encounter with her. She was strung out on drugs…totally under control of Elan. Now look at her…strong, independent, obviously intelligent. That was the interesting part. How she had changed and why. Even though he knew he was a pawn in the plans to kill Senator Elan Lyg'tren, it was hard to hold it against Allia. She was a pawn to Elan and merely wanted escape. The Jedi was surprised to find himself so intrigued by her. He pushed the thoughts away and looked around for Chancellor Valorum.

"Obi-Wan, Obi-Wan."

"Huh? What?" he mumbled without opening his eyes.

"Padawan," the voice was a little more firm.

The apprentice opened his eyes only a crack and looked up to see his master standing next to the bed, hands on his hips…and not looking happy. He quickly sat up. "Is something wrong Master?"

"Yes. Something is quite wrong. What time is it?"

Obi-Wan looked at the bedside chrono and his mouth fell open. It was an hour and a half later then when he normally got up…or tried to get up.

"I'm sorry Master. I don't remember hearing the alarm chime." He reached for the chrono and groaned. He hadn't set it.

"I wasn't sure if something was wrong or not, so I hope you don't mind that I came in on you."

"Oh…no. Of course not…thank you Master," he replied as he still sat on the bed looking up at Qui-Gon

"We are very late, Obi-Wan." The apprentice nodded sleepily. He still wasn't completely awake yet. "Hurry Obi-Wan."

"Oh…I'm sorry. I'll just take a quick shower."

"No time for that now. Come on. You can shower after we finish our work out."

Sheepishly and quietly Obi-Wan said, "I guess this means no breakfast either."

The Jedi master gave him a severe look and he got up and began dressing without another word.

"Focus Obi-Wan."

"I'm sorry Master. I'm still drowsy."

"Just what time did you get in bed last night?"

"I…um…I'm not sure."

Qui-Gon gave him a sidelong glance. "Really Obi-Wan. I go out one night and you start behaving like a new padawan. You knew what time you would have to get up this morning."

"Yes Master."

"Since you are having trouble keeping your attention on our sparring, I think maybe you should go run some laps. That might wake you."

"Yes Master," the apprentice said gloomily. He turned and wearily climbed the steps to the elevated track. Qui-Gon stood with his hands on his hips and shaking his head.

"Is there a problem?"

The Jedi turned to see a hulk of a man standing behind him, pale blue eyes gleaming and long silvery blonde hair pulled back in a tie.

"Hi Jareel." Qui-Gon considered a moment. "Was Daven out late last night?"

"Why, yes, he was. How did you know?"

"Because I know who was with him."

"Hmm…I should have known myself. Obi-Wan does seem to be moving slowly this morning. I suppose we should consider ourselves lucky that the security police…or an angry senator was not on the door step this morning," the big man's eyes twinkled.

Qui-Gon tried not to smile. "Where's Daven?"

Jareel grinned an evil grin. "Swimming in the lake."

"What? You're kidding? This time of the day that water must be very cold."

"I hope so. Maybe it will wake him up…and teach him a lesson. A lesson he apparently didn't learn last time he and Obi-Wan went on an adventure. Too bad Harld wasn't with them. Can you imagine Leish?" he laughed.

"Hmm…I believe you have a good idea with the swim. Obi-Wan!"

"Oh, you're an evil one."

"Me? You came up with the idea first."

"Yes, but Daven expects things like that out of me. You're usually easier on Obi-Wan."

"Yes…maybe that's part of the problem."

"Yes Master," the apprentice came slowly trotting up.

Qui-Gon whispered to his big friend, "How many laps?"

"Oh…I thought it would take at least ten to wake him up."

"Obi-Wan, I want you to swim ten laps of the temple lake."

"Master! But…but," he sputtered. "The water…it's probably…cold…"

"I hope so. Maybe it will wake you up."

"Master…"

Qui-Gon cut him off. "Obi-Wan."

"Yes Master." He turned and began to walk away.

The masters waited until Obi-Wan was well away and then they laughed.

"So…did Master Yoda ever do anything to you like that?" the blonde Jedi asked.

"I wish he had only been so easy on me. I know padawans are…still maturing. But don't you think they are old enough to be more responsible that that?"

"Of course they are. And they know it. But…you're not exactly without fault, are you?"

Qui-Gon's eyes twinkled. "No, I'm not. I also am not the one who continues to get called before Master Yoda for…certain actions."

"Aye," Jareel said somberly. "Let's just hope he doesn't come up with the idea about the lake."

"Cool you off a good swim would, hmm?"

The two masters whirled around to see a small green creature standing behind them

"Master Yoda," Jareel began. "Good morning. And a fine morning it is."

"Not fine for two padawans though."

"Well…they were out late and slow to rise, Master. We just thought that a little discipline…"

"Fitting it is Jareel. If responsible for themselves they can not be then responsible for their actions they must be."

The big Jedi tried not to show his relief too much. "That is what we were thinking Master Yoda."

"A good idea it is. Keep it in mind I will for the next time you need to cool down." The diminutive Jedi hobbled away chuckling to himself.

As soon as Yoda was out of the gym, Jareel said, "That's the problem with him being so small, he can sneak up too easily."

"But if you didn't say things you would be sorry for, you wouldn't have to worry about being overheard," Qui-Gon smiled.

Jareel stared at his friend for a moment. "I didn't realize how clever you had become while I was working on being more focused. But…you do realize things have changed, don't you?"

The elder Jedi was suddenly wary at the gleam in his friend's eye. He turned his head slightly. "What are you talking about?"

"I'm talking about how you can't play your clever games with me anymore…without expecting to be paid back." Before Qui-Gon could figure out what he meant, Jareel tackled him and was trying to pin him to the mat they fell on.

"Hey Loy," Satay burst into his cubicle. "Have you got anything for me yet?"

"Give someone a chance. I just started this tracking yesterday."

"That doesn't mean that something hasn't happened yet."

"Look, you are looking for some specialized equipment that only a handful of people in the galaxy use. They aren't going to make a call for it every day. I told you, it may be a long time."

"It's not just machinery, Loy. There's some supplies on there that they may need to refresh more often than the bigger items. Have you even checked today to see if there has been any activity?"

"No. I didn't think there was any reason to."

"Just for me," she smiled sweetly and tried not to sound too sarcastic.

The little man sighed. He knew he wouldn't get any peace from her until he looked. It was an interruption, but it would only take a moment…and get her out of his way. Loy started tapping the keyboard to save what he was working on and call up the tracking program he had set up. He watched the monitor in boredom as a window opened up. There was no way anything had happened in only a day. A look of surprise spread over his face and he sat forward.

"What?" Satay said. "What is it?"

"I'll be damned. There has been a little activity. Nothing world shattering though. A couple of small shipments."

"Details, Loy, details."

"Yeah, yeah. Give me a bit. This is just showing a shipment has been made. I've got to look further to track it. Don't worry. The information is there, I've just got to put it together. Go have a cup of coffee or something and I'll shoot a data disk your way when I get this."

"It's important Loy."

"I believe you said that…more than once. I'm going to work on it right now. I could do it faster if you'd quit harassing me."

"I'll go away. I just want to make sure you are doing this and not putting me off."

"I'll let you know," he said slowly and deliberately.

She walked out without another word. As the petite woman walked down the corridor, she was sifting and reshuffling things she had learned. Satay turned and walked into her cubicle. There were several messages for her. Quickly she sat down and began to sift through them.

The background check on Gera turned up nothing. It was like he didn't exist. Even narrowing the search to Charon or Jabbot turned up nothing. The only notations were other requests for information that Harlo had initiated after he'd heard about what happened to Qui-Gon there. And there was the information from Yalla's own files. But that was all the search had produced.

The security officer closed the file with a huff of frustration and called up the Nurala file. This was more interesting. Heirt Nurala's record began abruptly. There was the information about his birth, parents and so forth. Then there was nothing else until he had attended university on the planet of Prange, studying geology and engineering. Odd she thought and made the notation to inquire further. Missing data or non-existent data? He was bright, scholarships, outstanding academic record. Post graduate studies on Prange as well. Another short break in the record until he began working for a firm called Mineral Technology. Satay made a note of that name with the intention of checking into the company. It seemed as if Nurala was more of a management/executive type rather than an engineer from the small amount of project information in the file.

She looked away as she thought about this. Nurala was an engineer? Had gone to university and was working for this company? But…Yalla was a doctor and had gone to university halfway across the galaxy from Prange. She had nothing but assumption that the two were the same. Were they different? Another notation. Inquire about Yalla and Nurala from their universities and their work places. She needed something to photographically identify each one…to see for certain if this was the same being or not. If not…then she had to take a step backwards and re-evaluate. If they were the same…how did they manage this feat of occupancy and education on planets so far apart in overlapping time frames? But…there was the question of the incompleteness of Nurala's record. The area not covered, however, was his early life, not the time she was interested in. There could be a relationship though. It was something she would not ignore until she had looked further.

Satay had only taken a cursory look at the background checks. There was still much to be considered. However, she put it aside for the moment to see what else had been left for her. A message from the doctor that she had been working with on this. He had agreed that perhaps a researcher type might be of more help to her. To that end, he had provided names of those on Coruscant who the investigator could talk to. The security officer glanced over the list. The names meant little to her. She wasn't familiar with any of them. Perhaps the doctor could recommend who might be most likely to help…or she could just start at the top. Satay was pondering the issue when her comm unit buzzed.

"Satay."

"Loy. I've got it for you. Not much but what you wanted. It's coming your way now."

"Hey, thanks Loy. Sorry about giving you a hard time."

"It's all right. I know Harlo is on you right now."

"Yeah? How do you know so much about it?"

"You know talk travels fast around here."

So where did it start? Harlo out talking about me? "Whatever. Thanks…and keep an eye on that for me."

"Sure."

The petite woman sat and cursed the slow network. Then her machine beeped and the file had been transferred. She opened it. Two shipments…one was hardware, the other contained vials of some sort. The words describing what they contained meant nothing to her. She grumbled to herself over the situation…trying to track someone by the medical supplies they used, but she knew little about them. Satay knew she needed more help on this. Someone who could give her time on short notice. She couldn't sit around and wait on someone to decide to see her whenever he chose. What could she do to encourage a researcher? What goodie could she offer? What could a security officer possibly offer someone like that?

"So…are things better at the temple now?" Kura asked.

"Oh yes," Vita said enthusiastically. "Since I met Myla, everything has been better. Even if no one else here likes me, she does. She is helping me learn how to like myself…no matter what I look like. Well…she and Mi'al both are."

"I'm very glad to hear that. Are you still having problems with Donthan?"

"He tries to bother me, but after that last…problem everyone keeps a closer eye on both of us. His master watches him a lot. Both of our friends try to keep us apart. I'm trying to stay away if I can. I…don't want to be…thrown out of the temple. I'm trying to behave Kura, really."

"I believe you, Vita. It's all right. But you do need to be careful. If you want to keep up your learning…and working with Mi'al, you can't do anything to make the council angry with you." Remind him of what's at stake. Remind him of the subconscious suggestions you have given him.

"I know. I'm trying Kura. I'm trying hard." The expression on the clone's face was almost of desperation.

"I know you are. You're at a hard point of life. You're not quite grown, but you're not a child either. I know it's difficult at times to be able to control all that you feel, but you have to learn to. That's part of maturing. Tell me more about…Myla."

"Myla's great! I couldn't believe there was a Klastarian padawan at the temple. The other initiates were mean to her because she was the same species as Ruka. They said she was only there to betray the Jedi."

Interesting. I didn't know myself that there were any Klastarians there. Hmm…I wonder what my chances of…convincing her to "work" with me are? If she has worked so hard to overcome her sensitivities about being another Ruka, then I would have to be very careful how I approached her. Also, she doesn't know I'm a Klastarian, the same as she. However…there does seem to be a friendship between she and Vita…. This could be interesting.

"Is something wrong Kura?"

"Oh…no. Nothing at all. Just thinking. You have done well at the temple…even with the other things going on. I'm proud of you for how you are handling yourself." The clone beamed at the rare compliment from his guardian. "Um…has Mi'al told you much of what sort of research he is working on?"

"Not very much." Then Vita hurried to add, "He wants to…but with this other stuff going on…" his voice trailed off.

"It's all right Vita. I know you are not trying to start these fights. You don't have to feel badly. But you do need to be careful and try to learn to control yourself. If the council asks me to come for you…there's nothing I can do at that point to stop it."

That was an upsetting though to the replica. "I'll be careful. I promise I will. I'll pay more attention to Mi'al too."

"Just do your best Vita, that's all I can ask of you."

"So, how are things working out with Vita?" Qui-Gon said to Mi'al as he caught up with him in the corridor.

"I'm not entirely sure. Oh…it's better. We've managed to keep he and Donthan apart. But it's becoming more of a job than I suspected…or desired."

"Are you giving up on Vita?" Qui-Gon was surprised, knowing how fond Mi'al was of the clone…and how strongly he had defended him to all critics.

"I don't think it's that bad yet," the healer replied. "Besides, I found out that Neron and Donthan are going on mission soon. We'll all get a break…and a cooling down period. That should help things a bit."

"Good. Glad to hear that. It's a good thing that Donthan is only a padawan otherwise Master Yoda might want to send he and Vita on a mission together…to help their problem solving skills and encourage them to work together better." The Jedi master wasn't smiling, but his eyes twinkled.

Mi'al noted that too. "I could make a recommendation to Master Yoda that you need some more work on your diplomatic skills. Perhaps he could get you another assignment at the senate building."

"Touché. And you said you were no good at sparring."

"One learns quickly around you…and Jareel. That reminds me. You told me after my 'adventure' on Garin that you were going to give me some sparring lessons."

Qui-Gon tried not to smile. He really didn't think Mi'al would take him up on it, but then the healer had been in a dangerous situation…and found out the hard way that his saber skills were more than rusty. Even a healer was a Jedi. Perhaps this would be for the best after all. If a healer couldn't count on always being in the safety of the temple, then perhaps he should practice just as the other Jedi. "Very well. Just let me know when you are available."

"Today is my day off."

"Oh…all right. Come along. I was on my way to the gym to meet Obi-Wan."

"I assume you do at least get some exercise," Qui-Gon jibbed at the chief healer.

"Of course. I know that's important…even for a healer."

The Jedi smiled. Mi'al seemed quite sensitive on the subject. Perhaps it was just his perceived failure on Garin that made him that way. "Good. Obi-Wan and I usually warm up, take some laps and do strength training before we get to the sparring. Are you ready for all that?"

"Just lead the way," he replied confidently.

And…Qui-Gon had to admit he was surprised how well the healer kept up with he and the apprentice as they proceeded through their work out. Now he began to wonder just what Mi'al did for exercise. The Jedi healer always seemed so busy that Qui-Gon decided he must just do some quick and short routine. However, Mi'al ran alongside the master and padawan and chatted with them easily. So much for his endurance. How well would he do when they moved to the strength training?

Again, the Jedi master was surprised. Mi'al easily handled the weights and machines. Now Qui-Gon was more than just curious. When did the healer work out? He hadn't recalled seeing him in the gym, except when summoned to see to someone who had injured himself. He knew he hadn't seen him "after hours" either on the nights that Jareel brought the crèche children to the gym.

"Um…Mi'al, I was just curious. Do you come to the gym to exercise?"

"Why? Are you concerned now? Wondering how hard I'll be on you? Don't worry, I'll take it easy on you," he evaded the question…not that he had anything to hide. However, in his years of service at the temple, the healer had seen Jedi after Jedi give lip service to his instructions. Because they had control of the Force and could use it themselves to promote healing, many knights almost considered the healers dispensable…even a nuisance at times. Now he had a lead on Qui-Gon and he wasn't about to admit anything.

And Qui-Gon could easily see that Mi'al was toying with him. Even though it was tempting to teach him a lesson, the Jedi master wouldn't do it. He would conduct himself as a Jedi should and not give in to that immature urge. To make sure he wouldn't be tempted to give in, he said, "Come over here Obi-Wan. You spar with Mi'al so I can watch and study."

The healer grinned. "Are you that afraid of me, or trying to tell me I'm that bad?"

"Chief Healer, I try to be a man of restraint. I must admit however, you are tasking me. Now…do you want to spar or talk?"

Obi-Wan walked up. He bowed to Mi'al, who mimicked him and waited to see what would happen next. As cocky as he was acting, the tall grey haired man didn't want to do the wrong thing. The padawan stepped back and powered on his saber. Mi'al did the same. Now, he began to worry. The healer began thinking back to all he had learned about fighting with a light saber. Moves, defense, anticipating, letting the Force guide him. It almost seemed overwhelming. Then he pushed all that away and merely called on the Force. It would take more than that, but having the leading of the Force would be prerequisite.

Take it easy Obi-Wan. Remember this is not something he practices as often as you. Don't deliberately drive him into the ground.

Yes Master.

Obi-Wan began moving lightly on his feet, getting his balance and setting himself. Mi'al watched and began to do the same thing, remembering his lessons. Perhaps it would be a good thing for healers to have the same amount of training in this area as the other Jedi. Mi'al realized if he had to face down an opponent, he couldn't hope to win. He may not even be able to hold his own.

The padawan had sparred with opponents of all different skill levels from initiates, as a teacher, up to his master and Jareel, the two best swordsmen at the temple. He knew he could lower his level of intensity, yet not look as if he were. And he knew his master knew it as well. So, no matter how tempted he was to have a little fun with Mi'al, Obi-Wan decided that would not be a good idea.

Obi-Wan took an easy, slow thrust at the healer. Mi'al blocked it, clumsily, but he did block it. He realized himself however, that if the apprentice had been quicker, he would not have been able to turn the blow aside. That was all right with him. All smugness, even though it was playful, was gone now. He'd rather Obi-Wan have mercy on him and give him a chance to learn than to walk away nursing his wounds.

The padawan was holding back, so Mi'al decided to try an attack. He stepped forward and drove his blade toward Obi-Wan. To the apprentice, it seemed a move of desperation and he wasn't sure how much power was behind the blow, so he moved to counter it. Easily he parried the blow.

Mi'al was beginning to learn how little he remembered about this. Lack of practice told on him strongly. And…he was here to learn after all. Better his weaknesses show up here. Also, if he were going to allow Qui-Gon to teach him then the healer would allow all his deficiencies to make themselves known so the Jedi would know what to work on.

The healer stepped into another blow, which the padawan easily blocked. Before he could recover, Obi-Wan thrusted and landed a touch to Mi'al's right torso area. He yelped in pain and leaped backward. Obi-Wan tried not to smile…but a loud laugh sounded from behind them. The Jedi healer knew whom it was before he even turned around.

"Are you next Jareel?" he said humbly.

"Against you?" the big man said with a laugh.

"Go ahead and laugh. I may not be able to cut an Urianian apple with my saber, but the next time you come to the hospital, you are at my mercy," he said with an evil grin.

"Jareel, think about it," Qui-Gon offered. "If he does get in a lucky blow at you, then you'd be in his hands for treatment. Are you sure you want to make fun of him?"

The blonde Jedi tried to sound serious, but his pale blue eyes were gleaming, "I suppose you're right. I shouldn't be so hard on our chief healer. After all, he is more used to healing than attacking. Please, continue. I'd like to watch."

"So you can laugh?" Mi'al asked.

"No. I'm truly interested."

"Mi'al? Is that you? What are you doing here?" Everyone turned to see Leish crossing the gym, Harld in tow.

"Yes Leish, it is I. Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan are giving me lessons."

"Why? Should you need to know this? I hardly think that a healer would be called on to go on a mission."

"Mi'al was wounded on an assignment the council sent him on because his saber skills were out of practice," Qui-Gon defended.

"I see. That's easily rectified. Merely send a knight along with him."

"I am a knight," Mi'al declared.

"Oh yes. Of course you are. In title. We all understand it's an honorary title. You are not expected to operate on the same level as a master."

"I am a master," Mi'al said dryly.

Leish started to answer until he saw five pairs of eyes staring harshly at him. "Um…yes, you are. Very well. If this is the decision that you have made…for yourself. As long as it doesn't interfere in our training. Ah…that is, as long as it doesn't interfere with your duties…. As long as none of us are detained from our…. Harld? Where are you?"

"Right here Master," he answered from Leish's elbow.

"Well…what are you doing back there? Come on. We have work to do."

Jareel chuckled as he watched the green humanoid hurry away. "At least he is beginning to learn when he has said too much. Now…Mi'al. If you really want to learn…." The big man unclipped his saber from his belt.

"Uh…that's fine Jareel," Qui-Gon said. "We want our chief healer to stay in one piece through this. I'll…take care of his training."

"Oh…fine friend you are. You really think I want to hurt him?"

"No…but I know how…carried away you get sometimes. You and Daven run along. Obi-Wan and I will take care of this."

"Very well." He bowed to the group. "I do expect to taste your blade when you have had a few lessons, Master Mi'al." His eyes twinkled merrily.

As Qui-Gon watched his friend walk away, something occurred to him. "Mi'al, there's something you need to know about. Jareel has this…trick he likes to pull on padawans. But since you are unaware of it, he may try it on you. He says it's his way of teaching the padawans to be alert…"

Satay sighed. Then she began packing up her things to leave. It had been a busy, yet not very productive day. There were many things she had to track down, but she had learned little. That was the way of investigative work however. That's why they called it investigation. There was little choice but to track a piece of information and pick it apart to see where it led. Many times, it required much digging through meaningless bits and pieces of data to find the nuggets that really lead you somewhere. It was painstaking and tedious. But, that was the very reason Satay was good at it. Even though it was often frustrating, she had the patience and motivation to stay on track with something until she could go no further with it. Not all the operatives were as thorough. As soon as they tired or their "instincts" told them it was a dead end, some would give it up. But not this little ball of fire.

The security officer reassured herself with the knowledge that she had rooted out some things that were useless and could be eliminated. That was the way of investigative work also. Many times, it was not what one could learn about the case they worked, but what they could throw out of consideration as relevant to their search. Satay knew this and that's why she chose to remind herself that she had still learned much by eliminating some things.

Just as she stepped into the corridor, a short man came trotting toward her. "Hey, glad I caught you before you got out. Looks like you hit the jackpot today," he grinned.

"What are you talking about Loy?"

"I put it on this disk so you could take it home with you. Apparently, your mark is in the resupplying mode right now. Late this afternoon a couple of those medical supply houses I was watching sent out some big shipments each. The biggest part of what they sent out was nothing in particular. Supplies any hospital could use. Whatever your boy is up to it also seems as if he is outfitting his own sickbay. He has ordered bandages, bacta, basic first aid supplies. But," he grinned big, "hidden in the middle of all that innocuous medical stuff was some of that equipment you were looking for. Almost as if he hoped no one would read the entire list once they got past the first few ordinary items. All the information is on that disk."

As she listened, Satay's eyes grew bigger. At last, maybe she was about to have a breakthrough. She took the data disk. In the most civilized tone she had used with the computer jockey, the security officer said, "I owe you for this. Lunch tomorrow."

"Just doing my job."

"I know," she replied. "Don't question it Loy. We get so few bonuses around here. Thanks!" The petite woman hurried away.

Loy watched her go and laughed to himself. If just doing his job was all it took to get along with her, why did every one complain about her so much?

"Mr. Lyg'tren, I really don't like to bother you at home. You know I wouldn't if it wasn't important," the voice almost seemed to be pleading for understanding.

"I know that Dren. It's all right. If you've found something important, of course I want to know."

"You remember that assignment you gave me…to do the computer tracking for Kura?"

"Yes. Have you turned up something? Shouldn't you contact Kura about that?"

"Well, I turned up something none of us expected…and Kura isn't available right now."

Tylo sat down. This did sound important. "What is it?"

"This tracking I was doing for Kura…specialized medical supplies. Through my…computer studies, I found out that some security officer is duplicating our tracking."

"What?"

"A security officer is watching the same medical supply houses and tracking their shipments. I don't know what Kura is looking for, I know that's not my business, but I think someone is on to him."

"That's what it sounds like, Dren. Why else would they be duplicating what you are doing? Hmm…."

"Should I keep trying to reach Kura?"

"No…no. That's not necessary. I'll take care of this. You just watch them and let me know what else develops on this. Watch our backside, Dren. Don't let them get too close."

"Sure thing Mr. Lyg'tren. I'll stay here tonight and make sure we have everything covered."

"Good work, Dren. You take care of me and I'll take care of you." Tylo switched off the comm unit and stood to pace.

"What are you going to do?" Arno Donan asked from across the room.

"That's what I was just trying to decide. Someone is interested in what Kura was doing. That means it must be important. He may be close to something. Let's keep this from him. I don't want him scared off what he's doing by this. I can handle it. I want him to keep working. Dren can probably muddy the waters enough to keep us from being caught. But if not, then we abandon the tracking. Got that?"

"Of course."

"That takes care of our side. Now…this security officer. We don't know what that person knows about Kura…or whatever he's tracking. We can't afford to take chances. They may be getting ready to come down on us as soon as security finds out what we are up to. Perhaps our officer friend should have an…'accident'."

Donan looked worried. "Are you sure that's a good idea? Killing someone on the security force? They don't take kindly to their own being killed. If they know anything about us already, this will just make them more likely to come down on us…even harder."

"That's why it will be an accident," Tylo grinned. "Accidents don't encourage suspicion. They don't make police come looking for you. Find out from Dren who this security person is. Then assign someone good. What about the one who handled Rothar? What was his name? Pel? Get him to do it. I was impressed with his handling of that…and the Kar incident. He's a good man. This business we were going to discuss can wait. Go take care of this."

"As you say Tylo." Donan turned and hurried out the door. Pel was good; there was no question about that. He hoped the big man could come up with a convincing accident. He still didn't like the idea of killing a security officer…but he couldn't say that to Tylo.

"Qui-Gon! Hey, good to see you. I really am surprised. Even though you said you'd come, I didn't think I could get you to another one of these receptions so soon," Valorum said as he shook his friend's big hand.

"It's just your lucky day, Finis," the Jedi replied. "Since we will be at temple for a bit while Obi-Wan takes this class…I decided to get out a bit. It is a little confining being at the temple all the time."

"Well," Valorum's blue eyes opened wide. "I never thought I'd hear you say that!"

"Don't read too much into it. That doesn't mean I'd rather be socializing. I am used to being out on missions. This requisite class for the padawans has put that on hold. Believe me, I would be more comfortable facing down someone with a blaster than some of your…friends."

"I'm glad you said it that way. Just because they are here does not mean they are my friends. And…I wouldn't be surprised if one of them did have a blaster."

"If you are saying that to encourage me to come to more of your receptions, it won't work," Qui-Gon's eyes twinkled.

Valorum stared at his friend a moment. "I don't doubt it…but maybe some blackmail would work."

The Jedi turned his head slightly. "What do you mean?"

"Oh…I was just thinking of a time a few years ago that I'm sure many of your acquaintances at the temple would like to hear about. You remember the first time I was actually able to get you to come to one of these receptions?"

"How could I forget? It was an awful experience. If I didn't know better, I would say that you set me up…and I'm not sure I know better."

The chancellor laughed heartily. "If I could have, I would. But there's no way I could have orchestrated all those events…and the timing. It was all a beautiful coincidence."

"Beautiful? It left me with ripped and stained clothes…and a senator's girlfriend sitting in my lap in the middle of the dance floor. It was one of my greatest adventures in diplomacy to convince him it was all an accident. And you call that beautiful?"

Tears flowed out of Valorum's eyes with his laughter. "It was wonderful! It was the first time I'd truly seen you shaken out of your Jedi calm. That was the night I found out that Jedi or not, you were still human. Yes…it was beautiful."

"Hmm…the supreme chancellor's memory is impeccable. I'm sure he remembers there was more to that night than my…incident."

Valorum's laughter was renewed. "Oh yes…I remember. I had to talk as fast as you did…and it didn't work for me."

"I hope I am not interrupting," a soft voice said. "You two seem to be having a wonderful time." A small middle-aged woman dressed in pale pink stood before them.

"Allia," Valorum bowed. "You are never an interruption. You…ah, do remember Master Qui-Gon," he grinned mischievously.

The Jedi master bowed low. "Lady Lyg'tren."

"Of course I remember. It is good to see you again Master Qui-Gon." She offered her small hand to the Jedi. He took it between his large ones and gently pressed his lips to the back of it.

Valorum said, "We were just reminiscing over old times Allia. Did you ever hear about Qui-Gon's 'coming out' reception?" At her questioning look the tall thin man added, "It was the first political function he had attended."

"Oh, I see. His coming out into political society." Her eyes twinkled. "No, I haven't heard of it. You make it sound interesting Supreme Chancellor."

"Well, it all started when Senator Teeh arrived with his…companion…"

At that moment, the small orchestra in the corner began to play. Qui-Gon gently interrupted his friend. He bowed and said, "Lady Lyg'tren, I would be honored if you would attend me this dance."

"The honor is mine," she replied. "Oh…Finis, don't go away. I do want to hear this story."

"I'll be here all night," he assured her.

Allia took Qui-Gon's arm and the two walked out to the middle of the floor.

"Master Qui-Gon, if I didn't know better, I'd think you were blushing."

"It is a bit warm in here, don't you think?"

She smiled a little. "Yes, you're right. It is. Perhaps I was mistaken. That is not a blush."

The Jedi changed the subject. "I believe that this orchestra is one of the best I've heard recently…not that I have the pleasure often."

"That's too bad. One with your obvious appreciation for music should be exposed to it often."

"Oh, I am around music quite a bit. It's very different though. Many cultures produce many interesting instruments."

"And do your extensive travels become wearing on you?"

"At times. However, I do not tire of it. It is the life I have chosen."

"Is your choice so pure?"

"Excuse me?"

"Have you chosen to be a knight only to help others? Is there no…more selfish reason than that?"

"We all make choices based on our wants and desires. I do not try to pretend I am so perfect. I learned at an early age to open myself to the Force. I try most earnestly to follow its leading. However, I am human also."

"I was wondering. What about those Jedi who are not human?" she smiled.

Qui-Gon chuckled. "You have an interesting sense of humor. I have found that even those Jedi who are not human are not perfect either. Are you successful raising funds for your charities at these events?"

"Yes. Quite successful."

"I was curious. It seems to me that many of these people are…more comfortable with their money in their pocket."

It was Allia's turn to laugh. "I suppose living apart from the world as you do, I should understand that you don't have the proper appreciation for…motivation…'buying' influence and so forth."

"That makes me appreciate the temple even more."

"What does a knight do when he becomes too old to run through the galaxy, fighting evil and righting wrong?"

"A knight then becomes a teacher, sharing his years of experience. What does a philanthropist do when she becomes too old to endure these games and adventures of the receptions?"

"One never becomes too old for it. However, I expect to become a teacher also, sharing my experience of talking these people into parting with their first love…their money."

The music ended. After an appreciative applause, Qui-Gon escorted Allia back to where Chancellor Valorum stood watching.

"I'm ready to hear that story now, Finis," she smiled.

"It will be my great pleasure, Allia."

"Excuse me Lady Lyg'tren," an elderly lady came up behind Allia. "I must speak with you about…certain arrangements. We can't have the Malastarian senator and the senator for Warenga seated together. It would be a diplomatic disaster."

"Excuse me gentlemen. A hostess' work is never done…and is often as sensitive as yours Chancellor."

Valorum was grinning. "So…you and Allia are…interested in each other?"

Qui-Gon looked at him in surprise. "Don't be ridiculous. What gives you such an idea?"

"You do. Every time you show up, Allia is close by. I've never seen you dance like you do with her. Come on…you can tell me. I have to have a closed mouth. I have learned over the years what to keep to myself."

"Finis, you are reading entirely too much into this. I have no more interest in her than I do in you."

"I hope not. That you have no deeper interest in me, that is. No offense…but you're not exactly the same as a soft, curvaceous, sweet smelling female…like Allia," he grinned again.

"This is exactly why I usually don't come to receptions that you invite me to. Don't you have enough activity and quarreling in the senate to keep you busy? You have to invent other things to occupy you?"

"All right, all right. I'll back off. Just remember though…if it looks that way to me, it probably looks that way to everyone else also."

"That's ridiculous. A man and a woman can't have a simple friendship without everyone thinking they are…"

"You're not at the temple, my friend. This is the real world…full of gossip and innuendo, especially in the senate district."

Satay cursed as she rushed around her apartment. She had stayed up late into the night pouring over the information that Loy had given her. But, she had already had a long day of that same type of thing yesterday. The small woman fell asleep at her desk, head on the keyboard. Needless to say, she overslept. Now she was hurrying to get ready and out the door to work. This would be just the kind of thing Harlo would like to hold over her. Not really a big infraction. As long as she made up the time or took leave, it all worked out. Still, that was Harlo. He was a typical bureaucratic manager. By the book. If the book said she was supposed to be in by eight, then she had better be there straight up…no excuses, unless they were phoned in well in advance. How conveniently he would forget all those hours of overtime she had put in. Not always paid overtime either…but if Satay had a job to do, she would get it done. Only because she couldn't always get it done by their rulebook…and with all their little political requirements decorating it….

"Forget it Satay. It's not important. You know how Harlo and the other managers are. Right now, you just have to get to work. Damn!" she swore as she took another look at the chrono. She would be lucky if she got to work by nine-thirty. The security officer forced herself to come to a halt at the desk. It was important to make sure she had everything she would need at work. She couldn't afford to leave anything behind. That would only slow her down and cause her to lose needed time. Satay inventoried her briefcase and then she picked her pace back up.

The short woman hurried out, locked the door and ran to the lifts. Every morning the lifts received a piece of Satay's mind for their slowness. This particular morning, their mechanical "ears" must have burned especially due to the long string of expletives she rattled off, coupling some that she had never thought of coupling before. Finally, the doors to one of the cars slid open and the elderly lady Wookie inside looked shocked as she caught the end of the invective.

It's bad enough to wait so long to get a car. Living this high up, it takes forever to get down. How many levels are we going to have to stop at on the way down? Probably every one. If I didn't know better, I'd swear Harlo sends these people over here every morning to stand on floors at random and press the buttons…just to irritate me.

The investigator closed her eyes. It was better to shut out as much as she could so she wouldn't count. Now if that blasted bell didn't ring at every floor, she would have no idea how fast…or slowly…that they were descending. Too many minutes later, the doors opened on the parking garage level. The small woman resisted the urge to start pushing her way through. But when the exiting passengers seemed to stop moving, she began pushing on the back of the man in front of her who cursed at her.

Satay pulled her badge out. "I've got an emergency. I need to get out. NOW!"

The disturbance drew much attention and the sight of the silvery shield coupled with her husky demanding voice was enough to clear a path for her. I wonder who will call Harlo and complain of me abusing my position or misrepresenting myself. She pushed the thought away and ran for her speeder. It was at times like this that the officer longed for the authorization to use one of the official cruisers. She'd heard many stories of the front line officers using the warning lights and sirens to their personal advantage…to get through traffic before the bank closed for example. Chief Harlo would love that!

The vehicle's engine gave a little sputter that died away. A look of consternation came to Satay's face, which then dissolved into anger. "They just serviced this thing! What did they do to it?" She slammed her hand against the control panel. Then she tried to start the engine again. This time it caught the first time and roared to full power. The woman dismissed the incident as nothing major and the speeder screeched as she tried to go from zero to max speed in one second.

There was no such thing as non-rush hour traffic on the city-planet of Coruscant. There was always business of some type taking place somewhere on the globe. The traffic ran in shifts but never died down. It only went from impassable and unmovable to just below the speed limit. The best one could hope for was to hit a stretch where he or she could at least meet or slightly surpass the limit for three or four blocks before the next slow down came.

Satay could see the traffic beginning to thin so she thought one of those stretches was coming up for her. She got ready to shove the throttle forward should the opportunity present itself. Then she saw her break…and clear street ahead. The security officer made a hard right movement and pressed the throttle forward. But she could not see what was happening inside the engine compartment. Bare wires were sparking and sizzling. The increased current flow through them only increased their angry hiss and sputter. One of the wires was almost melted into two pieces.

Just as the wire was about to let go of its mate, Satay saw the stopped traffic. She began slowing. The speeder obeyed the command to slow, but not to steer in the direction that the officer was turning. The vehicle began to spin out of control. Satay held on and kept trying to stop the speeder. That was the only thing that saved her from slamming into the stopped traffic. Instead, she slid off the street and into the corner of a building.

The small woman sat still for a moment. First, she was taking stock of herself. She had been able to bring her speed down enough that the collision, though serious, was not deadly. Also, she had been wearing her seat restraint. With the crazy traffic of Coruscant, it was a death wish not to wear it. And now it seemed it had saved her life. She was shaken up mostly. Just bruised from being pulled against the restraint. A couple of cuts from shattered windshield. The front passenger side of the speeder took the brunt of the impact…another reason she was relatively uninjured.

Next, Satay replayed her actions and the reactions of the vehicle through her mind. What had gone wrong? The steering was not responding as she recalled. The speeder did slow. She made a mental note about that. The vehicle had just been serviced. Did they do any work on the steering mechanism? All that flashed through the security officer's mind in only seconds however. Soon there was a crowd gathered around and many people yelling questions at her.

"I'm fine. No, I don't need an ambulance. I'll call the security police." She flashed her badge. That convinced many that she could handle things and the crowd began to disperse. Satay reached for her comm unit and set it to Harlo's frequency.

"Chief Harlo."

"Chief, this is Satay. I know I'm late…but I have a real good reason this time."

"I'm fine," she insisted. "I don't need to go to the hospital."

"Ariel, when are you going to learn to cooperate instead of fighting everybody? We're not the bad guys," the chief said with more patience that he thought he had.

"Listen Chief, this speeder needs to be looked at. It was just serviced…"

"Yes," he cut her off. "You told me that. I'm waiting on a tow now. We're going to take it over to the yard and have it looked at. If your mechanic is irresponsible, we'll let you know. I want to know why you lost control too. Now…be a good girl and go with these nice paramedics." Satay started to reply. "Do it! You don't come back on duty with out a note from the hospital."

The petite woman gave her boss a sour look and followed the two men to the waiting ambulance.

The big blonde man walked up and sat down quietly at a table next to Qui-Gon Jinn. The somewhat startled Jedi master gave his friend a hard stare.

Quietly, Jareel spoke. "Not very attentive."

"On the contrary. I am quite attentive…to what I was doing. I don't generally expect to be surprised in the temple library. I assumed it was a place that was safe to let my guard down. What are you doing here?"

"The same as you, old friend. Studying."

"Really? You have changed."

"Aye. Now you believe me. What's that you're reading?"

"It's 'Philosophy and Discipline of the Force'."

"Ah…Master Yoda's book."

"Yes. I decided the only way to satisfy him is to finally read it."

"You sound as if it's a last resort."

"No, I don't mean it that way. It's just that I've learned all this already. Remember who had to listen to him for several years as padawan. However, he insists this is distilled to the essential truths and matured from what he taught me." Qui-Gon tried not to smile. "Would you like it when I am finished?"

Jareel's pale blue eyes gleamed. "I've already read it…and discussed it with Master Yoda. I believe you should read it. You could learn some things from it. Master Yoda suggested this book next." He laid the tome on the table for his friend to see.

The elder Jedi picked up the thick volume. "'Essential Elements of Force Focusing' by Master Fala Ga'hera."

"Master Yoda said that this was the book that was the most influential on him just after he was knighted. He said it paved his path for him."

Qui-Gon looked at his friend in genuine admiration. It was true that Jareel had found the balance between his boisterous, humorous personality and the intense focus he had learned after Charon. He found it hard to tease him about it, knowing how hard this had come to the big man.

"Would you like this one when I finish?" Jareel grinned.

"Yes, I should do it now while I have the time. The engineering class that Obi-Wan and Daven are in will last a couple more weeks yet. That's why I decided to do some studying of my own."

"Aye, I had the same thought. If Daven is being educated, why shouldn't I be? After all, as Master Yoda says, we are all still learning."

"Indeed you are," Qui-Gon smiled.

"Have you heard anything about the search for Yalla?" Jareel asked his friend.

"All I've heard is that nothing new has been learned," Qui-Gon replied. "There are no new clues from the investigation on Charon. He seems to have scrubbed his lab well before he left. For it to be that clean of any suggestion of where he may have gone, he must have planned for an exodus in advance. It's too neatly tied up."

"Hmm. That's odd. Why would he need to plan to disappear…unless he expected someone to come looking for him," the big man said with a knowing look.

"It just fits in with what we already suspect of him. Dr. Yalla was not simply some researcher pursuing his pure work in that lab."

"Aye. He was lying in wait for Daven and I. When we came to Charon, all he needed to know was that we were Jedi…and then he already had our fate planned out."

"Yes, which brings us back to the question we keep trying to answer…why?"

The big blonde man stood and looked into space for a moment. "What about Jabbot? Have the Jedi who went there found out anything helpful?"

"Not really. Just confirmed what we already knew. They interviewed the village leader, Zathar, who seemed hesitant to cooperate. The villagers have rejected him and exiled him from their village over the incident with Gera. They don't trust his leadership now. Anyway, they found out that some tall blue creature named Gera was working in conjunction with the settlement leader. All Zathar was able to tell them was that Gera convinced him that Jedi were taking their children to sell, not to train. The only thing that may be of interest or help is a body they found. A human male. Apparently, he was working with Gera. The body had been buried. It was exhumed and brought to the temple. That's all I know on that. I don't know the condition of the body. I haven't been able to get anything out of Mi'al. The council has muzzled him."

"They must fear what our healer may find out from the examination of the body. They are trying to contain knowledge they do not have yet," Jareel observed.

"It's probably for the best. Gera…Yalla is a known threat to the Jedi. The council probably wants a controlled release of information instead of unofficial gossip and speculations. It's harder to change minds after they have decided for themselves what is true."

"Aye. Jedi can be the biggest gossips at times…unfortunately. It probably is for the best. But, it can't hurt to…talk with Mi'al," the big man grinned.

Qui-Gon smirked. "Go ahead and try. I've already tried. You will get nothing out of him. If he won't tell me, he won't tell anyone."

"Oh…so when did you get such an endearing relationship with the chief healer? If he won't tell you…. I can get it out of him. Just give me some time in the gym with him. If he won't answer under duress, then you're right…he won't tell anyone."

"Is this what becoming more focused has done for you? If so, I think you should go back to the way you were before." There was a bare hint of a smile on Qui-Gon's face, but his eyes crinkled in humor.

"Space pirate. You're as obstinate a wompa as he is. So, at the end of all this, we know nothing more."

"Which is what I said to begin with."

"And meanwhile we are not allowed to take any action to help."

"I know it's frustrating. I've been there before," Qui-Gon reminded his friend.

"If the council would at least give me a mission then I would have something else to focus on. And I know what you are going to tell me…my focus should be on the Force. It is I assure you. However, it's hard not to think on this."

"Yes, I know. I asked Master Yoda if the council is discussing missions and he told me that the council is always discussing missions."

Jareel's brow creased in puzzlement. "What did that answer mean?"

Qui-Gon smiled. "I'm sure it was his way of telling me I must be patient." Then his smile faded. "But somehow I feel that the council has something else occupying it at the moment. It has been a long wait to be assigned."

"Yes…it has."

Satay walked into the security police station. She dreaded seeing Harlo because she knew what he would say. Just a small injury…but he would want to send her home. The investigator walked down the corridor, trying to keep her left arm to her side…but somewhat behind her. The last thing she wanted was to have to answer questions about the splint on her wrist. At Harlo's door she stopped and considered the best course of action. She peeked in and saw the chief at his desk, head down reading something. Satay hurried in.

"Here you go, Chief. Note from the doc at the hospital. I'm fine to return to duty. So…I'll just get to work." She was already on the way out.

"Ariel, come back here." Harlo was reading the note. "You hurt your wrist?"

"It's just a sprain. It's not a major injury. I'm fine. I can do my job. Even the doctor thinks so," she pointed to the paper in Harlo's hand as she edged to the door.

"Ariel, come back here," the chief repeated. "I know you are physically fit to return, but that had to have been upsetting. If you want to take off…it is late in the day. You wouldn't miss much."

"I've already missed too much Chief. I have a lot waiting on me. And besides, I wanted to pick up my briefcase. You did leave it in my cubicle, didn't you?" She turned to leave again.

"Ariel, damn it! Will you wait? Yes, I did leave it there. If you can slow yourself down enough, I thought you'd like to hear about your speeder."

Now Satay willingly approached her superior's desk. She sat down without invitation. "Yes?"

Harlo couldn't hold back a grin. He knew that would draw her attention. "This is only a preliminary look. The mechanics want to tear it down some more. However, they found some bare wiring in the steering mechanism."

"Bare wire?"

"Yes…and not as if it had worn away either. The insulation was cleanly cut away. Someone wanted those wires to short together."

The full implication was immediately obvious. "Someone purposely sabotaged my speeder."

"That seems to be the size of it. But…remember this is preliminary."

"My mechanic…"

"We've already talked to him. He showed us the servicing record. There was no work done on the steering. He and one of his men worked on your vehicle and their stories seem to match up. We aren't totally dismissing him…but we are considering other possibilities. Like…someone doesn't like what you are investigating."

"Hmm…this Yalla character seems pretty ruthless in his treatment of Jedi. You think he's found out I'm trying to track him down…and decided to put me away?"

"That's a definite possibility, yes."

Satay was quiet for a moment as she thought it over. That just made her more determined to find the scum.

"Ariel, I know what you are going to say…but humor me, all right? This is dangerous work we do. I can't warn you off just because someone is trying to harm you. I would have to lock up all my operatives if I called them off every time someone tried to scare them back. But…be careful. I know I'm not your mother or your father. But I am responsible for you…and well…damn it, in spite of our differences I am concerned. So humor me and act like you actually hear what I am saying, OK?"

The petite woman couldn't help but grin. Seeing the humanity in Harlo was a rare thing…especially for her. They did get along like a rancor and a wompa. "Yes Dad. I read you. I'll be careful." She stood. "Let me know what else you find out about my speeder."

The security chief watched her walk out and just shook his head. Even when he was just trying to be civil, she always found a way to jab at him. He briefly wondered what made her that way and then returned to his reading.

Satay hurried to her cubicle. She sat for a moment and pondered the situation. So…Dr. Yalla is sending his goons after me now. Well…that would make Jedi boy happy knowing he was right that I might be putting myself in danger to continue this investigation. The good news is I must be hitting close to home to get this kind of reaction. That's good. I must be pursuing the right course. But…I do need to be careful now. The chief is right about that. Yalla plays dirty. I have no idea when he may strike again or how. Well…it's not the first time I've been in a bad situation. I can take care of myself though. Just keep at it Satay. You've got them on the run now! She smiled to herself and then turned to look at her desk.

More information from Loy. Yalla must be stocking up. But why? And why such quantities of basic supplies? Was that to throw off anyone who may be doing the kind of tracking she was? Is that what tipped him to her? So…is he now trying to hide what he's doing? Or…was there a real reason for all that? Is Dr. Yalla setting up a hospital as Loy had joked yesterday? He had abandoned his lab facility, an impressive and sizable one, on Charon. Was he setting up something similar elsewhere?

But she also still had many questions about what kind of research was going on…wherever the lab was. It wouldn't do her much good to know about these shipments if she didn't know what this stuff was for. She couldn't narrow which shipments were going to the researcher if she couldn't narrow it more to his work. The security officer picked up the folder her medical contact had given her and opened it. Time to find some specialized help. Since she knew nothing about these researchers, she started at the top of the list.

Consolidated Research Group. Never heard of them. Satay set the frequency and put through the call. However, the doctor whose name was listed was not in. He was at some conference. She ended the call and moved to the next name. Again, a company she'd never heard of. A too pleasant receptionist answered and promised to find Dr. Gard. While the petite woman waited, she glanced over Loy's information again. She was making notations about specific items she wanted more information about when finally the researcher answered.

Satay explained who she was and what sort of help she needed. Dr. Gard was pleasant if brusque and said he could see her in a couple of days. No amount of prodding…even invoking her position and authority would budge him. Finally she agreed and cut off the call abruptly.

The investigator slumped in her chair as she thought of names for the doctor. Then she sat forward again. No point in just sitting around waiting. Just keep trying. There were other names here. Someone may be able to talk to her sooner. Satay tried the next company. Another wait for a researcher to be sought out to take the call. After several minutes however….

"This is Kura Sivru."

"Dr. Sivru, my name is Ariel Satay. I work with the security police force. I'm conducting an investigation. I have no medical education and I could use someone with a medical type background to answer some questions for me. I was wondering if I could convince you to help me."

"It's Mr. Sivru, not doctor. I would like to help you. However, I am quite busy with my projects and already have trouble getting all my work done."

"I can appreciate that. I know we are all busy. This is important. I need someone who is familiar with research that's on the edge of the state of the art and I understand your company deals with such research in an effort to market it. Do you know much about the work being done with brains…to interface them with machines?"

The question grabbed Kura's attention. That's what Yalla was doing. True, there were others in the field, but it was a very narrow field of endeavor. Why was she so interested? Now he decided it might be worth his time.

"It is ironic that you mention that," he said cautiously. "It is something I was recently investigating."

"That's perfect. Then you probably are very familiar with what the latest work is. Are you sure there is no way I can convince you to help me? You would be doing a great service to the Republic."

I might even be doing a great service to myself…depending on what is going on here. I should at least find out what she is doing. "Well…my superior will probably not be happy about it, but I'm most curious myself."

"I greatly appreciate it. And…I hate to press my luck…but how soon can we meet? Very soon I hope."

"Hmm…let's see. I think I can move things around. Why don't you come by tomorrow morning…say nine."

"I do appreciate your taking the time Mr. Sivru. This is a great service. If you would like for me to speak to your superior to explain…"

"Oh…that won't be necessary. I think I can hide the time from him. There's always overtime," he laughed. "Very well…tomorrow morning."

"Yes. Thank you." Satay sat back with a smirk and sense of self-satisfaction. She had been able to talk him into seeing her. And apparently, she was getting closer to Yalla. Things were beginning to work her way. If she stuck with this, she was beginning to feel as if she might be able to turn up something of value…if not crack the case open. The investigator allowed herself a luxury she usually didn't…smugness. The job was too intense, too dangerous at times, and too important to allow such things to enter into it. But…this one time…this once. She would have one of the biggest crooks. It would show Harlo…and Jedi boy. He thought she needed to be watched over and protected. Just wait Oafy-Wan she snickered.

Satay stopped in the lobby of the building to gather herself. She was flustered from the rush to get here. Actually, she still had plenty of time before her appointment. It was a good thing she thought to herself. Good that she had left quite early. It was as she feared. Now that she had to rely on mass transit because of her wrecked speeder she was even more irate than usual at the traffic. At least with her own vehicle, she had some control over the situation. Using public transportation put her at the mercy of the traffic, the slow loading and departing passengers, and the people who ran these things.

She had to calm herself. Imposing enough on Sivru to get him to see her was probably all he would endure from her. She couldn't afford to go in with a short fuse. Satay sat in the lobby and looked over her notes and other information she had brought with her. This helped get her attention off the unfairness of the world and onto what she was here for…and helped calm her.

After a short while, the security officer glanced at her wrist chrono and her eyes widened. She didn't realize how long she'd been at this. Quickly she stuffed everything into her briefcase and dashed to the lifts. She hoped there weren't many stops. After being so insistent, she didn't want to be late. Luckily for her, the car proceeded directly to the level she had selected.

Satay opened a door and saw a receptionist who seemed to be ready to pounce on anyone coming in.

"Are you Ariel Satay?" she said almost in a clipped tone.

"Ah…yes, I am."

"Mr. Sivru is expecting you. You may go back. The fourth door on the left."

"Thank you." The security officer followed and found herself before a door announcing, "Kura Sivru, Director of Research Marketing." She knocked.

The door opened and a metal man said, "Hello. Ms. Satay?"

She was caught off guard by this unexpected development and hesitated enough to make her uncomfortable. She finally blurted out. "Yes, I am Satay."

"Please come in. I hope I haven't upset you." He offered his hand.

Satay was surprised. She expected a hard grip from the metal hand. "Uh…no. I'm sorry. I…ah…I'm…" she stuttered.

"It's quite all right. Please have a seat. I'm sorry. Perhaps I should have warned you. It is a shock for most people meeting me for the first time. I am a bionic…not an android, just to clear things up."

"Oh…I see," she said as she sat down. "I hope I haven't made you uncomfortable…"

"Not at all. It was difficult in the beginning…but I am used to it. Let's speak no more of it. Now…you said you thought I could be of help to you?"

"Yes. You said you knew about Dr. Yalla's work."

"Well…actually you didn't mention him specifically. You said brain-machine interfaces. But…yes, in the course of my research, I did come across his work."

"What exactly do you know about what he's doing…and if you could put it in layman's terms for me. I'm not exactly up on brain physiology."

Kura chuckled his metallic chuckle. "Of course." He launched into a description of what he had learned careful to only tell what he knew was public knowledge, not allowing his private knowledge to emerge. He took his time explaining the details for Satay's benefit. "Now may I ask why you wish to know about this?"

She paused to consider how much to tell. She didn't want to give out too much knowledge, but she needed to let him know her angle so he would know how best to help her. "Actually, I am mostly interested in what Yalla himself is doing. He, ah, is under investigation and I am trying to locate him. He seems to have disappeared completely. There are other things I wish to know about him…but for the moment let's just focus on one thing. In trying to decide the best way to find him, it occurred to me that because his work is so specialized, that maybe trying to track his supplies might lead me to him."

Oh! You are a bright one. You thought of the same thing I did…and without benefit of knowing much about his work. I want Yalla for myself…but Ms. Satay, you fascinate me. I want to hear more. So, rather than comment, he allowed her to continue.

"I have found out a little bit from a doctor that I enlisted to help me. However, I thought…and he concurred that someone who was more familiar with the state of the research could help me more than he could. I have here some lists that a colleague put together for me. It lists some of the things that I believe the doctor may be buying. If you could confirm that I'm tracking the right thing…. There is something that confuses me and makes me wonder if I'm wandering off track. See this? It is a piece of equipment that my medical contact thought would be very necessary for what Yalla is doing…but it's buried in this long list of ordinary supplies…"

So…you discovered the same thing that I did…that our friend is either padding his purchases to hide them or is suddenly short of everything. That could be reasonable however. He did have to abandon his lab quickly.

"You are right on the mark, Ms. Satay. For what he is doing, this would be very necessary…and not likely to be used by many other researchers." He spread out all of her listings to get a better look. "You haven't been searching very long have you?"

"No. I just got started on it. It seems confusing too. The places that these shipments are being made to…doesn't seem to make sense."

"Oh?"

"Well…not to any type of medical or research facility."

Yes…I know that. You are bright…but haven't made the connection yet. Dr. Yalla is trying to throw you off. I wonder if you will figure that out. It's obvious. If these are going to ordinary businesses…don't you wonder why?

"It really makes me wonder why these are being delivered to places that have no apparent use for them. It must be a cover. That complicates things. Now I'll have to figure out who's coming to pick these up and have them followed. Hard to do that sort of thing from here."

"From here?"

"Yes. Enough investigators in the field. I have to stay on Coruscant, yet search for something half way across the galaxy," she grumbled.

"Um…excuse me for my curiosity…but were you in an accident?"

"Oh…yeah. Speeder crash. I must be getting close. The speeder was tampered with. Mangled the wires in the steering mechanism. Someone's trying to stop me from finding Yalla…at least that's my speculation."

"Oh, you must be careful then." That wasn't likely to be Yalla who set that up. It's not his style. He would have had you directly killed to assure no mistakes…or even taken you away to "experiment" on you. Who else would it have been?

"Something wrong?"

"Oh no. Just thinking over this. Tracking Yalla this way certainly seems like a good idea." Just what I was doing. Did Dren figure that out? Is that what your accident is about? Did he tell Tylo? He must have thought that you were after us because you were looking over our shoulder.

"It is. I just don't have enough to go on yet. And I still have to figure out the end result of this delivery system."

I have to redirect you. If Tylo goes after you again and succeeds…that will point squarely to us…especially if someone picks up the trail of our search. How can I give you what I have without revealing myself? "I can give you something else to track. It may give you more information. The electrical components he is using. Those wouldn't come from a medical supply house…and maybe they are going to the same place as his medical supplies. I realize that doesn't help you find out where it's all going to…but the more you have to track, the greater the chance of finding the link."

"That's great. I appreciate that. Somehow, I thought one more familiar with his work could be of more help."

"Um…I'm no investigator…and I know you don't have much to go on here…but do you know if the same people are picking up these shipments?"

"I hadn't thought of that actually. With so little to go on, I admit I haven't thought too deeply on it yet. And…I guess I was wanting some sort of confirmation on what I was doing." She paused as she thought. "You said the electrical components would not come from a medical supply."

"Well…some would, but some of these connectors are so specialized, I doubt that other medical types would use the same sort of thing."

"Really? Are they so specialized that they might have to be custom made?"

You are bright! And easily lead because of it. "I suppose. I'm really not familiar with what such companies stock. You could call and ask them. I can tell you exactly what he would be using. It is spelled out in some of his research."

"Is there a place where these two areas…medical supplies and electrical supplies cross? Is there someone who sells both…or even designs components for researchers with special needs?"

You don't cease to impress me. Yes…if I must give up Yalla to someone else, it will be a pleasure to give him over to someone who is not only wise, but courageous as well. Someone who is a shadow of me. A shadow. You are good…but not my equal. "As a matter of fact, there are such places. I'll wager they would be more likely to be the ones supplying Yalla than a mere electronics company. That's good thinking on your part."

Kura pulled out some reports that he had tracked down on Yalla's research and proceeded to try to explain the electrical part of the brain-machine interface. He patiently went over the details until Satay fully understood not only what the researcher was trying to accomplish, but how. She needed to understand the components so she would be on the right trail. And she caught on quickly too. The bionic creature knew he'd found the right person to put together all the hints he was giving her.

"I can't tell you how much I appreciate your time. I know I was here much longer than we both anticipated," Satay said. "I apologize for that, but this will help my research a great deal."

"Not at all. If I can help the security police in their work, that is my duty and my pleasure. If there is more that you need, don't hesitate to call me back. I mean that. I'll give you the time you need. This is obviously important and I'll help all I can."

"Thank you Mr. Sivru," she shook his metal hand before she left.

After the door closed behind her, Kura was at his comm unit at once. He waited not very patiently. After a couple of minutes of waiting, Tylo finally came on.

"Yes, what is it Kura?"

"Tylo, have you put someone on that security officer…Satay?"

"Yes. She knows what you're up to. She's tracking the same thing you are. I wanted to stop her before she found us out."

"But she's not after us at all. I just talked to her. She's after the same person I was. You should call off your man. If he does kill her, we will be found out. She has enough information…and her superiors know what she's doing. They will know she was looking at what we were. Then they will come after us, Tylo. She can't die by the hand of one of your men. If you leave her alone, she'll be free to pursue her chase of this other fellow and leave us alone. You have to call off your thug."

"Are you sure? You said you talked to her. Why? Did you contact her?"

"No, she contacted me. She wanted information on the work that this researcher was doing. That's how I know she's after him and not us. You need to call off your assassin, Tylo. I've seen what she's doing…and talked to her. She hasn't made the connection with that researcher yet. They will come looking for us.'

There was a short period of silence. "All right. I'll trust your judgement. I'll call him off." Then the frequency was silent. Immediately Kura placed another call.

"Dren here."

"Dren, Kura. I have a question. You know those shipments you were tracking for me? Is there a way you can get to the shipping records and amend them…to add additional information?"

"Sure. It's not a problem. The only problem would be if the company finds out what I did. But…if it is on something that has been delivered, they probably won't go back to look at the records unless there's a problem. On open records though…I don't know if that's a smart thing to do. It would key them to the fact that someone has been in their system."

"That's fine. Just work on the completed deliveries. What I want you to do is change them to show the actual point of final delivery. I don't want the intermediate place shown at all."

"Oh…you want to cut out the tracking we had to do to get from who picked it up to the final destination of the shipment?"

"Exactly. Can you do that?"

"Sure. It's easy enough."

"Good. As soon as you can please. It's important."

Satay hurried out of the building and down the street. She was anxious to get back to her office. This was good information she had and the security officer wanted to be able to sit down and try to fit this together…as well as prod Loy on his tracking…and add these new components to his list of items to track. The petite woman's mind was racing. She was so preoccupied that she didn't notice the very tall man following at a distance.

Herrin Pel had been waiting outside for the investigator. He was not happy that some how she had survived the speeder crash. He'd had a spotless record in his service to Tylo Lyg'tren. Every mark that he'd been assigned had been properly handled. Not all were killed. Some had been assigned to him only for roughing up or scaring away…such as Rothar Micah, Allia Lyg'tren's one time boy friend. The big brute smiled at the memory of Micah when he had introduced him to his friend, Mr. Vibroax. Now his perfect record was spotted and Pel was not happy about that. He was glad to have another chance. Ms. Security Agent Satay would not slip through his grasp again.

Satay disappeared down the stairs leading to the underground mass transport. The big man followed along, watching carefully. However, the small woman seemed oblivious to everything going on around her. She bumped into a couple of people and apologized. Something was distracting her. That would only make it easier Pel thought to himself. She wouldn't escape her destiny this time he grinned.

The investigator came and stood near the edge of the platform, looking down the tube and then at her wrist chrono. Her every action was only making his job simpler. It would hardly be a challenge. But he wouldn't be fussy. She had to die…whether it was a challenge or not was no longer an issue. Pel's record had a stain that needed to be removed. All that mattered to him was that the petite woman die…by whatever means presented itself.

The big man came to stand nearby. He hid his big face behind a small newsmagazine. It almost made him look conspicuous, but he didn't seem concerned…because no one else did either. The other waiting passengers were too busy with their own problems, complaints, schedules to pay him much mind. Now…all he had to do was wait. It wasn't long either. They could hear the approach of the cars and see the light on the walls of the tube further down.

In her impatience, Satay leaned further out to see just how far away the lead car was. Pel grinned and came up close behind. His hand was reaching out to push her off the platform, in front of the rail car when suddenly his communication device beeped. The big man cursed and moved back.

There was only one person who would be contacting him, so Pel knew not to keep his boss waiting. Yet, the timing of it…. And the irony of it was that Tylo was probably calling to ask him if the job were done…just as he was trying to finish it. Pel moved further back and flipped open his comm unit.

"Pel."

"Pel, this is Tylo. Where are you?"

"Just about to finish the job…until you called…sir."

"Good. Don't do it. Let her go."

"What?"

"You heard me. Do not dispatch her. Let her go and break off your pursuit."

"But…"

"No. No questions. Come back to my office. I have something else for you to do and I'll explain."

The big brute watched Satay's face through the glass as the cars pulled away from the platform. "Yes sir."

"Obi-Wan!"

The padawan stopped in the middle of the corridor and turned to see who called to him. Daven was running down the hallway, a grin on his face.

"What is it? It must be good, the way you are smiling."

He looked around. "Where's Master Qui-Gon?"

"I just left him upstairs. He's not around. Why?"

Daven grabbed his friend's arm and pulled him to an empty room. He closed the door and handed something to Obi-Wan. The apprentice looked at the newspaper. His mouth fell open. This was the society page and there was a picture of Master Qui-Gon and Allia Lyg'tren dancing. There were other photos from the same reception…but that's the only one that Obi-Wan was interested in.

"Where did you get this?"

"I found it in Master Jareel's quarters. And that's not all. I overheard him talking to someone…a friend of his in the senate. Master Qui-Gon has been to several charity receptions recently…and he keeps ending up in the company of Allia Lyg'tren."

"You're serious? You're not teasing me?"

"I give you my word I'm telling you the truth."

Obi-Wan looked into space for a moment. "I guess I shouldn't react this way. I mean I know that Master Qui-Gon is…human and has…needs."

Daven was grinning. It was funny to him that Obi-Wan didn't seem to think his master ever did…that. "Yes. He is…older, but he's still a living…functioning human male. Did you think because he was a Jedi…or your master that he didn't…"

"Don't be silly. I'm not that naïve. It's just that. Well…I never…. I mean…. He doesn't…."

"What is it? He told you he never?"

"No," he snapped in frustration at Daven's teasing. "I mean I just never thought…because I never saw him…. You know…be really friendly with a woman."

"You mean flirt? It's not a dirty word."

Obi-Wan gave his friend a hard look. "I guess…he's just always been…discreet. That's why I didn't think of…"

"Well, you don't expect him to sneak a woman into his room at the temple do you?"

"Daven! Quit being silly. It's just something I haven't thought much about. I mean…he never talked to me much about it. Even to tell me about…you know…"

"Sex?"

"Yes," he huffed in frustration. "Sex. We just haven't talked much about it…so, I just didn't think about him that way." He looked at the picture again. "But even if he was going to…. Allia Lyg'tren? She…she…used him. He was accused of being negligent…because of her! How could he even stand to want to be around her?"

"Maybe she's using him now?"

"Maybe she is. I wish I knew. I don't want to see her hurt him again. You said Master Jareel knows about this?"

"Yes…but he told his friend he didn't want to hear gossip. He said whatever Master Qui-Gon does with his personal life is just that…personal."

"But…he might be the one to talk to Master Qui-Gon. To get him to see that she's just using him."

"Hey…if you think I'm going to ask Master Jareel…"

"No, don't worry. I'll have to ask him. But I'll have to be careful. I don't want it to look like I'm being nosey. I have to make sure he understands I'm just concerned about Master Qui-Gon."

"When are you going to talk to him?"

"I don't know. I'll have to wait until the time seems right. This will be good training in diplomacy…"

Obi-Wan walked the short distance from the mass transit stop to the rehab facility. He had convinced his master that he needed a break from the intense study of the requisite engineering class that he was currently taking. Qui-Gon gladly granted it. He knew his apprentice had been working hard on his studies and individual research project. He, too, thought a break would be good for Obi-Wan. The padawan had done a little shopping and since he was in the area, decided that he would stop in to see Bruck.

"Hello Bruck," he smiled as he walked out onto the terrace where his former antagonist sat with his face uplifted and eyes closed.

"Hi Obi-Wan."

"Are you enjoying the sun?"

"It feels good. I like to smell the flowers and feel the sun on my face."

"I do too. This is your favorite place, isn't it?"

"Yes. I'd rather sit here than inside…even in the sunroom." He hesitated as if thinking. The sunroom reminded him. "Where is Arana? Why hasn't she come back to see me?"

Obi-Wan wasn't sure he could convince Bruck that the security officer was not Arana, so he thought another tack might be better. "Arana had to go away. She won't be back."

"I miss talking with her."

"I like to talk with you."

"She asked a lot of questions."

"What did she ask you?" Obi-Wan was suddenly interested.

"She wanted to know about you." He seemed confused. "She knows you. Why did she ask me so much about you?"

"I don't know Bruck." Just what is she up to? Is investigating me part of her job? Not likely. Just being nosey since she found someone who knew me from my earlier years. That thought angered him.

"She talked a lot about what I did after I left the temple."

"Do you remember much about that?"

"Yes. I told her about teaching light saber dueling. I did that. They said I was good and they asked me to teach. That's what I told Arana. I could be a Jedi again. I could."

"Yes, you could," Obi-Wan said sadly.

"That's what they wanted me to be. They wanted me to be a Jedi again."

The apprentice looked puzzled. "Who Bruck?"

"Yes, that's it," Qui-Gon said with a smile. "That's it. Do you think you can do it faster?"

"I'll try. That's all I can promise," Mi'al said. "Maybe I'm too old for this."

"Nonsense. You're in good shape…and we are never too old to learn. I think you are setting a good example for the other healers in wanting to learn more about saber fighting. As you said, a Jedi, any Jedi, never knows when he may be called on to defend himself or another. Now…try it."

The chief healer executed a move against an imaginary opponent. He carried it through, relying on the Force to guide him along with his memory of all that Qui-Gon had said.

"Very good. That's it. Now…are you ready to try it against me?"

"Let's find out."

Qui-Gon powered on his weapon and set himself. He executed the move exactly as he had tried to get Mi'al to imagine it. The healer stepped forward and swung his saber, meeting Qui-Gon's blow and pushing the blade away to his side.

"Perfect!" Qui-Gon called out…even though it was far from it. But it was important at this point to be encouraging. "Again." He went into his move without giving the healer a chance to say anything. Mi'al's move was more fluid this time. "Even better."

"How can it be better when it was perfect…" Mi'al started to ask. But Qui-Gon was already moving back into his attack as the healer spoke. The tall grey haired man reacted of instinct, knowing he should have been paying attention instead of talking. His instincts served him well however. He easily drove the blow away.

"More perfect than before," Qui-Gon said and began to hammer another blow at the healer. It was becoming easier to make the move. And Mi'al understood why Qui-Gon was doing what he was doing. So he kept quiet and just watched, sensed, and reacted. After a couple more times, finally Qui-Gon broke off and stepped back.

"Quite good, Chief Healer," Jareel called out as he walked across the gymnasium.

"Thank you. Qui-Gon tells me it was perfect," Mi'al said in seriousness.

"It was quite good," the big man repeated.

"That's what I thought."

"So…are you ready to take me on?"

"Yes, Jareel, I am."

Qui-Gon stepped forward. "I don't think…"

"No," Mi'al interrupted. "Please stay out of this Qui-Gon. The time has come. Since the beginning, Jareel has chosen to harass me about this. The only way I am going to shut him up is to defeat him."

Jareel laughed heartily. He didn't mean to laugh so about Mi'al, but he couldn't help it. The thought of the struggling learner taking on a master with many years experience…thinking to best him. It was too laughable. His ice blue eyes held a malicious glint as he unclipped his saber from his belt.

"By your leave, Chief Healer."

Mi'al powered on his saber and stood looking at the big Jedi with hard green eyes. Jareel decided not to make him look too bad. He would at least let him get in a few blows…just to make him feel good before he disarmed him. Better that the healer learn a hard lesson here at the safety of the temple rather than in a real battle situation.

The big blonde man waited to allow Mi'al to make the first move. He seemed to be studying Jareel, looking for an opening, then he thrusted. Easily the huge Jedi parried the move. He tried not to smile at the amateurish move. Still, Jareel held back, letting the healer set the pace of the battle. Mi'al took more time now, studying his big opponent. Even if the blonde man was so much more experienced, certainly the healer could hit such a big target.

The grey haired man tried to let the Force lead him as Qui-Gon had been teaching him. He thought it felt right and he lunged, but Jareel was instantly there and turned the blow aside again. Almost before Mi'al could withdraw the big man attacked and landed a touch to the healer's shoulder. The healer stepped back but was determined not to cry out.

Jareel had to admire him for holding his pain and for his persistence. Still, there was something taunting about the healer not crying out. The blonde man attacked and got past Mi'al's blade, landing another touch. This time he did let out a yelp.

Now Mi'al had a look of pure determination in his eyes. He would not walk away and was not going to give up so easily. He focused himself and reached out. The healer began his lunge and Jareel moved to block it. At once Mi'al recovered and redirected his momentum. He knocked Jareel's blade aside and landed a touch to the middle of his torso. The big man cried out.

The healer was unable to hold back his amusement. He stepped backward and powered off his saber. "It was just like you said Qui-Gon. He responded to that move just as you predicted. It was easy to react to what I knew was coming."

Jareel's mouth fell open. He stared at Mi'al in surprise…and at Qui-Gon in playful anger. "So…this is what you've been teaching our chief healer? Not how to defend himself, but how to get back at Jareel. You dirty space dogs."

"What about the way you were toying with him?" Qui-Gon responded. "You deserved what you got."

"Just like you deserve what you are about to get," the blonde Jedi grinned as he started to move toward his friend. Qui-Gon dodged and Jareel ignored him. Instead he moved toward his already intended target and took Mi'al down on the mat. "If you insist on behaving as Qui-Gon, you must also learn to take the punishments he takes for his behavior."

The healer had heard much about the antics of Jareel and Qui-Gon in the gym…but he was uncertain what was about to happen. He didn't expect the big Jedi to hurt him…but still he didn't know whether to be afraid or not. And the blonde man could see the doubt in the green eyes. It only made him smile bigger.

"Jareel, with Mi'al what are you doing?"

The big man looked up to see Master Yoda leaning on his gimmer stick and looking at him intently with those big green eyes.

"Ah…Qui-Gon and I were just teaching Mi'al about saber dueling."

"With a saber one usually duels. See I do not a weapon in your hands."

Jareel sat back on his heels and Mi'al sat up. "Well…we had just finished Master."

"Read did you the book by Master Fala Ga'hera?"

"Yes Master Yoda."

"Focused are you?"

"Yes Master Yoda."

He hesitated and closed his eyes for a moment as if sensing something. "Very well. Our chief healer do not hurt. Needed he is. Heal himself do not make him."

"Yes Master Yoda."

The small green councilor turned and walked away.

Qui-Gon watched in amazement. When Yoda exited he said, "I don't believe it. I thought Master Yoda was going to make you run laps or be confined to the meditation chamber for the night."

Jareel smiled. "I was focused. As long as I am, he doesn't worry about me." Qui-Gon's face wrinkled in confusion. "You know how Master Yoda can so easily read others. He knew I was focused. That was his biggest complaint about my…pranks before. They caused me to lose focus." He stood and offered a hand to Mi'al. The healer accepted it and Jareel easily pulled him up. "Now should we clean up and go have our evening meal?"

The three Jedi were leaving the gymnasium. There was a hissing noise. They all turned to see what it was. Peeking around a corner, they saw a green face and two golden eyes. Mi'al was puzzled. "Go ahead. I'll catch up." He walked to where Vita seemed to be hiding. "Is something wrong?" he asked in concern.

"Are you all right, Mi'al?"

"Yes," he said in confusion. "What makes you think I'm not?"

"I looked in the door and saw the big one sitting on you. I thought he was mad at you…and maybe because of me."

The healer tried not to smile. He put an arm around the clone. "Oh Vita, he wasn't mad. We were just kidding around."

"He looked mad."

"That's just because Qui-Gon and I played a joke on him. He was going to get back at me for the joke. It was in fun. Jareel wasn't mad…and he didn't mention you."

"So…he isn't mad that you like me?"

"Don't be silly. No one around here is angry with me for liking you. They may not understand yet. We've had that talk. But they aren't angry." The healer studied the Klastarian for a moment. "Have you been having problems with the padawans again?"

Vita slowly nodded his head. "And I walked away like you told me to…but they said I was afraid."

"I know it's hard Vita. You already know those people that say things like that don't like you. Do you really care what they think of you?"

"But…what about my friends?"

"Your friends are just that…friends. They know you. They know you aren't afraid. And…they did see that you didn't back down from Donthan at the dance. Just wait. I'll bet you find out that your real friends admire you for being able to walk away instead of starting something that would get you into trouble. The council will probably be proud of you too. They will see you can be trusted to control yourself. Come on. Are you hungry?"

"Yeah!" Vita replied enthusiastically.

Satay was in early the next morning…much to everyone's surprise. Usually early meant she got in just as the clock was chiming eight. This morning however, she was first in. The story had spread about her "accident" and several of her antagonists remarked that she must have hit her head also. That was the reason for the change…and they hoped it changed her personality as well. All this was lost on her though. Her attention was focused elsewhere this morning.

The information she had requested on Nurala and Yalla was beginning to come in late the previous day. However, Chief Harlo had come into her cubicle and made sure she left on time just as he had the day before.

"If you aren't going to look after yourself, I will Ariel."

"There's nothing to look after. I'm fine. I can look after myself Dad."

"I know you're a strong person, but you can't tell me that incident with your speeder didn't shake you up…even a little." He paused and studied her, waiting for an answer. However, the petite woman would admit nothing. "Well, I'll leave you alone now. After a couple of days, you should be doing better now. I know you don't like me 'taking care' of you…but you know me. I'd do the same for any of my people." He turned and started out.

Satay relented. "Thanks Chief. I know you would do the same for any of us, but I'm fine really."

"I thought so, but I just wanted to make sure. A little break never hurt anybody." Then he immediately became his usual gruff self. "Get out of here. What do you think this is, a day care center?" The chief walked out and Ariel couldn't help but smile. As much of a bureaucratic, by the book, pain in the neck manager Harlo was, he did care about the people that worked for him when it came down to it. It was a dangerous occupation. The security chief sometimes felt guilty about sending an operative into an especially perilous situation, knowing it could cost a life. So, the only way he had found to deal with his conflicting feelings was to over react when someone was injured on the job.

Satay dismissed it all with the thought that maybe Harlo wasn't completely bad after all. He was just stuck in the awkward position of being the funnel between the upper bureaucracy and the front line officers. The chief was just trying to do the best he could in a bad situation.

This morning Satay was ready to start digging into the information that had finished transmission after Harlo had driven her out yesterday. At least now, she could start with the entire files in front of her she consoled herself. The security officer already knew quite a bit about Yalla, so she began with the Nurala file first.

She had been anxious to see finally if Heirt Nurala and Dr. Yalla/Gera were the same. The file opened, bringing up the academic record from Prange University…along with an image of Nurala. At once Satay's heart fell. It was not the same person! She had been so sure. There were too many similarities…too many for it to be merely coincidence. How could it be? She pushed the question away and examined the file.

He was a brilliant student, outstanding academic record. Seemed to be a typical engineering type though. Not many extracurricular activities, as if he kept to himself. The only organizations he belonged to were honor societies. No blemishes. He seemed to have avoided the typical behavior that many students were caught up in early in college life when some were getting their first taste of freedom. In fact, Heirt Nurala sounded too good to be true, almost as if this were invented. His professors thought highly of him and predicted he would go far. Nurala had graduated at the top of his class each time. Perfect. But…Satay knew there was no such thing as perfection. Everyone had their shortcomings. So…where were Nurala's?

The investigator moved on to the other information. She was just getting an overview right now. A deeper reading would come later. Right out of his postgraduate work, Nurala was hired by Mineral Technologies on Prange. It was a mining company. The blue creature had been assigned to developing new mining technologies and was very successful at it. He had been innovative in his approaches and held patents for processes he had developed. Nurala advanced quickly through the company and was soon into management. Stellar career. Outstanding performance reviews, awards on top of awards. It seemed that Mr. Nurala could do no wrong. Everything he touched succeeded in a big way. Too good to be true…but here it was all documented.

Then she found something very interesting. Four years ago Nurala had taken a long vacation. Long for him. He seemed to be a workaholic. Usually he only took a day or two off at a time. Here was a request for a four-week leave. As the request was passed up the line, required for such a long period off, notations had been made on it by Nurala's supervisor. Apparently, the over achiever was experiencing burn out and wanted the time not only to rest but also to re-evaluate his goals and career plans. That re-evaluation must have been enlightening. After a couple of weeks away from his job, Nurala had sent a message back. It stated his intention to quit. He asked for the proper things to be set in motion so that he could collect his retirement. And there, his record with Mineral Technologies ended. Where he had gone after that, she was uncertain right now and made a notation to follow up on that.

Hmm…Yalla was considered a brilliant researcher. Nurala was brilliant. Another one of those similarities. Yet, she had the proof before her that Nurala was not the same creature as Yalla. They were the same species. Could there be some connection between them?

Satay called up the file on Egron Yalla. It was just more detail of what she already knew…for the most part. She didn't know much about his college career. He, too, was an outstanding student during about the same time frame that Nurala was studying engineering half a galaxy away. Dr. Yalla did have one difference. He was much more active outside the classroom. There was quite a list of organizations he belonged to: Students for Democratic Rule of the Galaxy; Freedom for All, a political activist group; Science Students for Autonomy from Research Restrictions. He seemed to be quite the revolutionary. But, she already knew that Yalla was extreme so to find it in his political persuasions as well did not surprise her. He also seemed to be involved in sporting activities. Not team sports. Individual achievement activities such as archery, biking, fencing. Fencing…there was another tie to his interest in AAM.

"Good morning Chief," Qui-Gon shook hands with the middle-aged man whom he had taken a liking to since they had begun working together so much.

"Master Qui-Gon, Obi-Wan." He shook their hands. "Have a seat. What brings you out so early?"

"Well, I have to get Obi-Wan back to the temple for a class. But we wanted to stop in to ask if you have anything new to tell us about the Yalla investigation."

"So, the Jedi aren't finding out much either? And you thought I would."

"Undercover work and intense investigation are not our forte. We usually get the information presented to us and then asked to go after someone. The Jedi just have a different area of responsibility. I know who has the best investigative team on Coruscant. That's where I come for answers."

"Flattery will get you everywhere," Harlo grinned. "However, I really don't have much to tell you. We continue our work but it seems to be turning up little. I still have some people on Charon…but I think we've about exhausted that resource and I think they will soon be recalled. We've left Yalla's buildings only shells of what they were before. All we can do now is continue going over what we've found. Obi-Wan, you worked with Ariel for a short while. I guess you haven't met her yet," he said to Qui-Gon. "She is the lead operative I have assigned to this. I'm beginning to think she may be close to finding out something that someone doesn't want her to find out."

"What do you mean?" Qui-Gon said in puzzlement.

"She was in a speeder accident a couple of days ago."

"What? Is she all right?" Obi-Wan asked.

"She's fine, just bruised and cut a little. It could have been much worse though. Thank goodness, she was going slow. Someone stripped the wiring in the steering mechanism so it would short. If she had been going faster when she lost control…. Well…I don't want to think about that. She's fine."

"I told her to back off that investigation," Obi-Wan huffed.

"Why?" Harlo said a little gruffly. "It's her job."

"I know that, but Yalla is a Force user. I tried to tell her how dangerous that could be…but she wouldn't listen to me."

The security chief sat back in his chair. "Really? You didn't think it was important to share that bit of information with me?" Obi-Wan's face turned red and he was at a loss for words. Harlo continued, "In my experience, stripping wires is the work of a common criminal…not a Force user. Seems kind of primitive to me, a Force user doing manual work when he could just use his power to cause her to steer wrong."

"But…" Obi-Wan defended. "He could have been trying to draw attention away from himself."

"Yes," Harlo admitted. "I haven't dismissed that it could be Yalla…or likely one of his flunkies. But you should learn not to jump to conclusions. That's my point. And…Ariel. She won't listen to anyone. She didn't mention to me about Yalla either. Probably because she knew I would tell her to take it easy also. An investigator can still do a dangerous job. She just needs to keep a lower profile. Thanks for the information though. I'll have a talk with her, knowing it means nothing to her."

"You are going to…make sure she's…safe, aren't you?" Obi-Wan hated to question the security chief…but he had to make sure they understood the risk.

"I believe I know how to do my job," Harlo said in an even tone.

"I don't meant to question you, Chief. I just don't want to see anyone hurt."

"I don't either. Don't worry. I take care of my people. I know how dangerous this can be sometimes. But the answer is that I don't have anything new to tell you. I'll talk with Ariel though and see what she can tell me."

"I would appreciate that," Qui-Gon replied. "You can understand our curiosity about what's going on."

The man grinned. "Yeah…especially since you've been removed from the investigation. I can see that you'd want to know what's going on. I'll let you know."

"Thanks Chief. We'd better get going. I don't want Obi-Wan to be late."

"Obi-Wan, do you want me to tell Ariel you said hello?" he grinned.

"Ah…no. I think she'd be happier if she didn't think I had been in here."

The petite security officer sat at a networked computer terminal. She had convinced Loy to give her access to it. She defended her request by pointing out that he didn't know exactly what she looking for, but she did. It was a lie. Satay really didn't know what she was looking for either. But she wanted the freedom to look at what was available. Something might tie together that had not occurred to her to even look at.

The computer expert was hesitant at first. He knew to be careful getting into other computer systems. There were ways to track computer access and who was getting into a system. Satay probably knew little about it and he feared she would plow into a private computer system with no regard for security issues. The two reached a compromise. Loy set up a window on his system so he could keep an eye on what Satay was into while he worked. And as system administrator, he could overrule any computer tied into his system. So, if the argumentative investigator seemed to be about to go too far, he would simply shut her down. It would slow his work to have to monitor her. But trying to stay atop her constant requests for information was slowing him anyway.

Satay was currently looking through Nurala's records at Mineral Technologies. As long as she stayed in the personnel area and didn't wander, Loy was certain he could keep her from being discovered…but he would have to put a time limit on her. It was the only way to mask their activity. The investigator was not happy, but there was little choice. So she was skimming information and making notes as quickly as she could.

She tried to skip over what she already knew…but found herself checking to make sure there were no details left out of what records she already had. It was more of the same. The engineer was a spectacular performer at his work and only had praise heaped on his many accomplishments. That was of little help to her however. She came over the leave request again. Satay started to ignore it…but the whole situation was too odd to ignore. She looked over it again. There were no surprises. It had all been processed and agreed to. None of the managers hesitated to give their golden boy the time off. He had more than earned it they all agreed. And they were concerned about his burnout. They didn't want to lose him. That was another reason to give him the time. There had been a frantic exchange of memos when Nurala's message arrived that he was quitting. More than one manager had tried to contact him with the hope of convincing him to return. However, no one had been able to locate him. They decided Nurala was deliberately staying away from them. The company had lost a very valuable employee…and there his employment record ended.

Satay sat back to think. It was peculiar, the way his career had suddenly ended. It's true that maybe he was just overworked…but why had he dropped out of circulation so quickly and completely? There was something else to it. What else would make someone like that want to quit his job? A health problem? She looked further and found some health insurance information in his record. The thing she expected to find was not there. Nurala didn't suffer from high blood pressure. However, he had been diagnosed with a hypothyroid condition, which was being treated by medication.

"Ariel…Satay, I'm going to have to cut you off."

"No, Loy, I've just found…"

"Sorry. No excuses. If you stay on too long, there's nothing I can do to mask what you are doing. I have to do this," he said firmly.

She started to protest but realized he was right. She couldn't risk his entire undercover network setup for her quest. "All right. Thanks for giving me the time you did. Uh…"

"If you are going to ask to come back, you need to wait a bit. Accessing that too often will alert them. I know some tricks…but I can't hide everything."

"I understand. I was just asking. Besides, I've got some things to keep me busy. Thanks Loy."

He watched in surprise as the petite woman walked out. He had been expecting a bigger argument than that. Perhaps she was more reasonable than people gave her credit for. Maybe she really did have some appreciation for what he was trying to do.

"Oh…you have anything for me on that shipment tracking?" she peeked back in.

"Working on it."

"Thanks."

The security officer hurried back to her cubicle. She checked the time. Past lunch. She had skipped breakfast to get in early so she decided to go out and grab a bite. Satay snatched up some of her notes and printouts to look over while she ate and hurried out. There was a nice little bistro a short distance down the street. Perfect for someone with no transportation. She started walking down the street, deciding what would be good. The petite woman was always alert to her surroundings. It was a natural reaction now, born out of being in a hazardous job. Satay watched the people around her and the vehicles hurrying along. Then she saw a familiar sight…a too familiar sight.

The investigator slowed her pace and tried to look without seeming to look. It was definitely a Jedi. Those clothes were unmistakable. And a braid. A padawan. It couldn't be. It wouldn't be…would it?

"Kenobi?"

Clumsy! I wasn't quick enough. She saw me. Time to play innocent. He turned. "Oh…hi Ariel. How are you?"

She crossed her arms over her chest when he said the name. "Fine Jedi boy. And you?"

"Great. Never better."

"What are you doing away from the temple…without your keeper?"

"If you are referring to my master, an apprentice is not always accompanied by his master."

"I see. So…what are you doing here?"

"Uh…some errands to run." Obi-Wan never was a good liar. It was so strongly discouraged at the temple that he'd not had much practice.

And the investigator was a good judge of people and reactions…part of the job. If he didn't want to tell her, that was fine. "OK. Well, an experience to see you again. Bye."

He started walking alongside her. "What happened to your wrist?"

"Nothing much. Just a sprain."

"Oh…arresting someone?"

"No. What's it to you anyway?"

"Just curious, that's all."

"Why? Are you still thinking I need someone to look after me like you offered to do when you told me about Yalla and his magic power?"

"You don't have a good attitude about the danger in your job."

Satay stopped and stared in disbelief at the padawan. "What? You're serious? I have been at this job for several years now. I think I understand it…better than you do."

"Yes, but there are things that you don't have the proper appreciation for."

"You mean Yalla and his magic tricks? Are we going to have this discussion again? You Jedi didn't do so great against him…and you can use the Force. Remember that talk?"

"Yes…and if a Jedi can get hurt going against Yalla, you can too."

She started walking again. "I can take care of myself."

"Like this?" He pointed to her wrist.

"Look, I'm busy. I have a lot to do. I don't have time for this. Why don't you run along and levitate some rocks or something."

Obi-Wan stopped and let her go…a little way and then began following her again. Satay made the turn into the eatery. He found a place to watch the door and settled himself to watch and wait. If she was too stubborn to be careful, he would just have to keep an eye on her.

Qui-Gon walked over to where Jareel and Daven were having lunch. "Daven, Obi-Wan did go to class today, didn't he?"

"Yes Master Qui-Gon. He was there, but he did leave in a hurry."

"Did he happen to mention where he was going?"

"No, he didn't. I didn't get a chance to even talk with him. As soon as we were dismissed he was out the door."

"Is something wrong?" Jareel asked.

"Well…I can't find him anywhere. He isn't in his quarters, the library, the gym, here. I thought for certain he wouldn't miss lunch." He looked to Daven again. "Do you two usually study together in the afternoon?"

"Yes Master Qui-Gon. We have individual study projects to do and we work in the same room. It's just not as bad as working alone. We can talk while we do our projects. We've been using one of the study rooms."

"All right. I'll just poke my head in this afternoon then."

"Worried?" the blonde Jedi asked.

"This is odd behavior for Obi-Wan. He just usually lets me know where he's going to be. Such a departure causes me to wonder if something is wrong. Was he upset this morning Daven?"

The apprentice thought about it. "Not really upset, but he did seem restless."

That renewed Qui-Gon's concern. Something was out of the ordinary.

"You shouldn't get yourself upset, old friend. It is different for Obi-Wan, but he's a responsible apprentice."

"Yes, I know. I'm not worried about that. But…something is not right. That's what I'm concerned about."

"Mr. Sivru? Thanks for taking the time to talk with me," Satay said into her portable comm unit.

"Not at all," Kura purred. He had to make sure the security officer found what she was looking for…what he wanted her to find. "How is your wrist?"

"Fine, thank you."

"How is your research going?"

"Well, the computer guy is working up the data for me. I should have it this afternoon. I'm anxious to see what else I can learn from it. I was wondering if you could answer a couple of questions for me?"

"Of course. Happy to help."

"Can you tell me about hypothyroid disease?" The question was so unexpected that Kura didn't answer immediately. "Excuse me, are you there?"

What does this have to do with Yalla? "Oh yes. Uh…hypothyroid disease? The thyroid gland is underactive. The production of the thyroid gland determines at what level your metabolism functions. Such a condition is normally controlled by medication."

"Hmm…so this would be a condition that is permanent. It wouldn't get better or worse…say with a lifestyle change?"

"No. It can only be controlled with the medication and a person would be required to stay on medication for the rest of his life for the condition. One may be able to neglect the medication for even a few weeks without feeling major effects…but it would be requisite to continue the medication for the duration. Um…may I ask why you want to know?"

"I'm sorry. I should explain myself if I intend to call you suddenly and demand information. I'm investigating someone in parallel with Dr. Yalla and he has a hypothyroid condition. I was just trying to get some more information on that. Do you mind? You seem to be easier to contact than my doctor friend."

"My schedule is probably not as rigid. I don't mind your asking at all. I was just curious. This seems quite different from what you have been asking me. You can see why I was confused. Someone in parallel with Yalla?"

"Yes. I thought that this person and Yalla were the same, but they are not."

"That's interesting. You think the doctor has an alias?"

"Well…I suppose I shouldn't tell too much of my investigation. Still…you are helping me. I don't know that it would hurt to admit that much. I think it's becoming a known fact that he has used an alias."

Oh…it wasn't well known to me. I suppose it doesn't matter very much now that I am turning him over to Ms. Satay. "That's clever of him. But you don't think it's the same as the person with the thyroid condition?"

"I know that…the other person has this condition. I have no reason to think that Yalla has it…but…no reason to think he doesn't."

"Yes. It's something you should look into. If Dr. Yalla has it as well…"

"I was only looking at it one way. How foolish of me. I don't usually miss details like that."

"But you didn't. You just hadn't thought of it until now. Perhaps our conversation stimulated it."

"True. I have had this information only a short time. Thank you for your help Mr. Sivru."

"Please, call me Kura and call any time."

"Thank you Kura."

Satay stashed her comm unit and gathered her scattered notes to stuff back in her briefcase. She had to hurry to get back to the office. The security officer threw enough credits on the table to pay and a hefty tip. She didn't have time to wait. Then the petite woman hurried out the door. Satay was thinking back over what she'd learned this morning…and where to go with this now. She didn't notice the figure following her at a distance.

Satay was so lost in thought that she almost stepped in front of a speeder. Just as the horn brought her attention to the impending doom, someone grabbed her from behind and pulled her out of the street. The small woman whirled around to see…

"Kenobi! What are you doing?"

"You almost walked out in front of that speeder. You could have been killed."

"I saw it in time. I could have gotten myself out of the way."

"Not in time. You were too preoccupied. I told you that you weren't aware enough."

"And you think you're playing protector? What are you doing here…still here? Not still running errands."

"Ah…no. That is…I was…looking for…"

"Yes?"

"I needed to get…something…for my master's birthday."

She rapidly asked, "Answer quick! What date is his birthday?" Obi-Wan was too slow in answering as he tried to remember today's date. "That's what I thought. Are you following me?"

"Don't be ridiculous. Just because I happened to be in the area and pulled your butt out of that speeder's path…"

"Look," she punctuated her sentence with stabs of her finger to his chest. "I don't need you…or anyone else to look after me. I'm a big girl now." She started to leave when a thought occurred to her. "Besides, I can always report you for stalking," she smiled sweetly and walked away.

Obi-Wan tried to hold back his anger and frustration. That woman certainly knew just what to say and do to upset him…almost as if she practiced it. He watched her and she looked back a couple of times. Still, he wasn't going to leave until he knew she was safely back to her office.

"What time do you usually meet to work together?" Qui-Gon asked Daven.

"I've been here almost an hour now Master Qui-Gon. Obi-Wan usually shows up the same time every day. We usually have lunch and come here."

"What are you thinking?" Jareel asked.

"I don't know what to think. I do know this. He'd better have a good explanation for…"

The door to the study room opened and Obi-Wan was speaking before he even entered. "Sorry Daven. Let's keep this to ourselves about…" his voice trailed off as he saw his master…stern look and arms folded across his chest.

"Keep what to ourselves?" Qui-Gon said in a quiet but firm voice.

"Ah…I'm sorry I'm late Master."

"Where have you been?"

"I had…an errand to run."

"I see. You don't care to elaborate on that."

"I left the temple and went down near the market area." He hoped his master wouldn't question him too severely.

"Nothing wrong with that. Why are you trying to hide it?"

"Well…I suppose…it's just that…I thought you wouldn't want me to go now. With the project I'm supposed to be working on."

"There is that. And the fact that I've been looking all over for you…concerned that something was wrong."

"I'm sorry Master."

"You've already lost an hour's work. Go ahead and get busy. We'll discuss this further later."

"Yes Master."

Qui-Gon and Jareel walked out. Obi-Wan collapsed into a chair.

"What were you doing Obi-Wan?" Daven asked.

"I'll tell you later. We'd better get busy."

"You'd better. I've been working."

Obi-Wan gave him a sour look. "Thanks friend."

"Hey…don't get upset with me. If you'd told me you were going to be late at least I might have been prepared to handle Master Qui-Gon. I didn't know what to tell him."

"What did you tell him?"

"That I didn't know where you were."

"That's the best answer. No point in both of us getting in to trouble."

"Obi-Wan, are you doing something you shouldn't be?"

"No. Just something no one would understand. Master Qui-Gon wouldn't either. He would tell it's not my job or responsibility. Forget it. I've got a lot of catching up to do."

Satay had spent the afternoon pestering Loy. She had some things to track down. Finally, in frustration, he had let loose with a long string of expletives.

"Do you want this tracking information or do you want to use the networked computer? Which? I can't do both."

"Have you got something for me?" she asked in anticipation.

"I've almost got it…if you'll leave me alone."

The security officer went back to her cubicle and tried to organize all she had gathered so far. She summarized what she had learned and was making a revised list of things to do. Satay became so engrossed in it that she managed to forget her impatience with waiting on Loy.

"Here it is…Ariel," he tossed a data disk on her desk and left.

"Thanks Loy!" she called after him. Popping the disk into the computer, the petite woman pulled herself up to the computer. Anxiously, she opened the database. Yes…those electronic components. He had located the company that made them. And…there were a couple more shipments from the medical supply house. Satay looked in the destination column and her mouth fell open.

On the other packages that Loy had tracked for her, there had been different delivery points for each. But…all of these were listed to be delivered to some mining company on the moon Answar. At once, she hit the button on the comm unit at her desk.

"Loy here."

"Loy, Satay. Are you sure this is correct?"

"Yes Ariel. I spent a lot of time finding those packages. The delivery information comes straight from the shipper's database. Is there a problem?"

"I don't know yet. Thanks."

She looked at it again. Yes…she'd seen it correctly. They were all delivered to Answar. At once, she called up information on the moon. There was little in their database however. The location. Yes, there was a mining firm there, but it was closed down after going bankrupt.

Closed. Not anymore…or someone's hiding behind that. There's someone there now who seems suspiciously like Yalla.

Without hesitation, she called on the computer expert again.

"Loy."

"I know you're busy Loy, but when you get time…"

"Ariel," he interrupted. "There are other people in this office besides you."

"I know Loy. Come on. I have an investigation, the same as everybody else. Tell Harlo about it if you're overworked."

"What is it?" he said with a sigh.

"What can you find out about a mining company on a moon called Answar?"

"Tomorrow, Ariel, tomorrow."

"OK, OK. I have other things to do. What about the network computer?"

"Tomorrow…"

"OK, OK." She cut off the communication before he could get any angrier with her.

Obi-Wan had worked hard on his project…and had made up some for the time he had lost. That was good…because he was going to have to slip out early to make sure Satay got home safely. He was determined she wouldn't see him this time…unless he had to show himself if anything went wrong. She didn't think she was in danger. Harlo didn't seem very concerned either. And he knew Master Qui-Gon would tell him to back off because it wasn't his responsibility. No one understood…but he had to do this. Yalla had apparently tried to kill her. He had heard about what the doctor had done to Jareel and Daven. And he had watched with his own eyes what Yalla/Gera had directed the people of Jabbot to do to his master. No…he couldn't stand by and watch another person be hurt. But…how long could he keep this up? He was already in trouble…and if Master Qui-Gon found out he was going to leave early and neglect his studies, it would be worse trouble. The apprentice told himself he would think about that later. Right now, he had to get out of the temple and to the security office.

"Where are you going Obi-Wan?"

"To the bathroom Daven." His friend gave him a sarcastic look. "Really. I am going to the bathroom."

"And then where?"

"I…need to do…some research."

"I don't doubt that…but what kind of research? Obi-Wan, I'm not your master. You don't have to hide things from me."

"I know, but if he asks you where I am, all you can tell him is what I told you." He hurried out the door before Daven could object further.

This time Obi-Wan brought a different cloak with him. Part of the problem was that his clothes were so recognizable. A different color and style cloak would help…and cover his tunics. Maybe it would work. He stood near the security office watching. Finally, the petite woman came out and began the walk to the underground rail station. The apprentice tried to stay back as much as he dared and was reaching out to see what he could sense. Mostly it was anger and confusion from all the beings fighting the crowd to get home or to their office.

Obi-Wan stopped to look in a storefront as he watched her descend the stairs. He hurried along and came down the stairs as he looked around for his charge. Satay was so short he was having problems seeing her. But he concentrated and saw her standing over near the edge of the platform. He was torn whether to stay back or to come closer in case someone decided to push her off. As the sound of the rail car sounded down the tube, a crowd gathered and he no longer had a choice. He had to come closer so he wouldn't lose sight of her.

The padawan waited until she boarded and found a seat. Then he knew where he should stand to stay out of her sight. It occurred to him that he didn't know where she lived. How many times would she transfer? Would he be able to follow and stay concealed if she had to change several times?

The train made two stops and Satay stayed in her seat looking over some papers. Several minutes later, the train stopped for the third time and the security officer stood. Obi-Wan turned away and went to the opposite end to get off the car. To his surprise…and relief, Satay started up the stairway. No transfers. Carefully he walked up the stairs. The padawan peeked out…and a blaster was placed to his temple.

"What do you want, creep?" Satay said.

Obi-Wan swallowed hard…not out of fear. A trained security officer would not be careless. It was out of frustration and embarrassment. Since he didn't answer right away, the small woman reached over and pulled his hood down.

"Kenobi! What are you doing? Didn't I tell you to leave me alone?"

"Look Ariel, it won't hurt to have an extra set of eyes looking out for you. I see you can take care of yourself, but a little help never hurt anyone."

"It's going to hurt you if you don't leave me alone. I'm through with your hero routine. I don't need you. I don't want you. Why are you so interested now? Where were you when I almost was kidnapped two years ago? I could have used help then. Where were you? Are you only interested now because Yalla is after the Jedi? That's all you care about? If he was after us ordinary people would you still be so interested?"

"Yes, I would."

"Yeah. I believe that. He hurts your master and your best friend and I'm supposed to believe you?"

"Yes…because I can be just as objective as you can be."

"That's why you and those other three Jedi were taken off the case."

"That was nothing personal against us. It's a matter of policy."

"Yes…for a reason. We have the same policy in our department."

"Really? Then why are you still working this if Yalla did this to you?" he pointed to her wrist.

"Hey, how did you find that out? I never told you that. Besides, I don't know that Yalla was the one behind this. Harlo…did he ask you to do this?"

"I heard it from him…but no, he didn't ask me. I decided on my own to do it."

"Because you think I'm either a helpless dolt or a helpless female."

"Not helpless…no. But if Yalla is after you, he has power that you can't fight alone."

"Yeah, yeah. I've heard it before. Look, this is my last warning. Stay away from me. I will report you."

"Humor me before you report me. I've come this far out of my way. Let me at least make sure you get home safe."

"You just stand right here and look stupid…like you always do when you think you've been so clever. See that building over there? That's where I live. When I get up to my room I'll flip the lights on and off. Will that make you feel better?" she said in the voice one would use with a little child.

"Satay, this is no joke…"

"I'm not joking. Stay away from me Jedi boy. Next time I might not ask questions before I start shooting." She turned and walked away.

Obi-Wan ran all the way from the station to temple. He ran almost every day in the gym still he was out of breath when he got there. The apprentice looked at his wrist chrono as he charged through the door. He went directly to the dining hall. That must be where Master Qui-Gon was by now.

The apprentice looked around in desperation. He knew his master had probably been looking for him and he wanted to make contact with him as soon as possible. There he was, sitting with Jareel and Daven. The padawan hurried over.

"Master Qui-Gon…" he huffed.

The elder Jedi looked up in surprise and at once the look on his face hardened. "I was wondering where you were. I don't suppose you'd care to share that information with me…or else you wouldn't have left without telling anyone where you were going."

"I told Daven I had some research…." He looked at his friend whose attention was entirely on his food.

"What sort of research…that you couldn't do at the temple? You weren't at the temple, were you?"

"Master…"

"Just answer the question."

"No Master. I was not at the temple."

"But you should have been…working on your engineering project, correct?"

"Yes Master."

The Jedi stood and stared at Obi-Wan for a moment, composing himself. "I think we need to have a talk." He turned and started out of the dining hall without another word. Obi-Wan began to follow.

Daven quietly called out, "Good luck." Jareel looked questioningly at his padawan who wouldn't meet his gaze.

Qui-Gon entered his quarters, followed by a dejected padawan. Obi-Wan walked over and started to sit on the sofa.

"Don't sit," the elder Jedi said quietly. "Stand. Here."

Obi-Wan came to stand before his master. Qui-Gon clasped his hands behind his back and paced a couple of times. "Obi-Wan, you are behaving like a young teenager. Sneaking away from the temple is not so terrible. You are old enough to make certain decisions for yourself. However, you are neglecting your studies. And…I think you are hiding something from me. I won't say you have lied to me…but I think you have come close. At least when you leave you could let someone know where you are going. I don't know if you are at the temple or not. If something happened, I wouldn't know where to look for you. I think you owe me an explanation…a complete one. Whatever you are hiding can not stay hidden any longer. I want to know what's going on." He stopped and stared at his apprentice.

Obi-Wan dropped his gaze. The time had come to admit all. He had caused enough trouble. Perhaps he could at least convince his master that someone should be looking after Satay if he would not be allowed to.

"I'm sorry Master for the problems I have caused you…and others at the temple. It was not my intention to upset anyone. I just wanted to help." He hazarded a glance at his master who stared back with cold dark eyes. Obi-Wan looked away again and cleared his throat. "I was sneaking away from the temple so I could…look after Ariel Satay. I was concerned for her safety. I just came back from seeing her home."

Qui-Gon was surprised…and then even more so when the full implication came to him. Home? Ariel Satay? But…I thought they got along like a rancor and a wompa. Shows you how much attention you've been paying! They must put on that act so others won't suspect. Well…after all…Obi-Wan is a healthy young man…. Working out in the gym and cold showers don't take care of all the…effects of…young malehood, as I well know! Do I keep him on too short a leash? Is that why he felt he had to sneak out for this? Or…have I talked to him enough about it? He has had all the requisite…health classes at the temple. He should know enough to…be careful….

That his master was taking so long to answer made Obi-Wan even more ill at ease. Master Qui-Gon must be too upset to speak. So…he decided more explanation was needed. "Master, I know it's not my responsibility…"

That caught the elder Jedi by surprise. "But Obi-Wan…it is your responsibility! I thought you understood that. Uh…I haven't talked with you very much…but I guess I supposed you had learned some things…on your own. After all, you didn't ask me very much about…this sort of thing…."

"You mean you don't mind if I…"

"Mind? Me? No…of course not! I mean…it's not really my place to be telling you how to…"

"But…I thought that you would think I was overstepping my bounds."

"Obi-Wan, the Jedi can't control every area of your life. Certainly not this. I didn't…realize that you thought that…you would be told who to…" his voice died off. The Jedi was trying to decide where he had gone wrong. Why would Obi-Wan think he would be told whom he could date? "Um…let's sit down. I think we need to talk about this." Qui-Gon pulled his apprentice to the sofa. He sat down and cleared his throat. This had never been easy for him with any of his padawans. "Obi-Wan…if you care about someone…"

"But…that's what being a Jedi is about, right? Being concerned about other people? And I was concerned about Satay."

"You mean Ariel. I think it would be all right at this point to call her that. I know you were concerned…but I didn't know…how much."

"Well, with everything that has happened, I was thinking about her…and it made me wonder if she needed someone to look after her."

"Oh…it's gone that far has it?" Look after her! He's already thinking of marriage. How could I have been so blind! I can't believe it. How did this happen so quickly?

"I'm sorry Master about sneaking out but…"

Qui-Gon cut him off. "Oh…don't worry about it. I understand now. Just next time…let someone know where you are going. And…you do need to think of your studies." He isn't planning to leave the order, is he? "Uh…you do need to think about your studies…don't you?"

"Oh…of course Master. I'll go work on my project now. I promise that I won't neglect this class. It's easier now that you understand," he grinned. "I was afraid you wouldn't and that you would make me stop."

"You have much to learn about the Jedi if you think I would stop you from…what you are doing."

"I'm sorry Master. I misjudged you."

"I'm sorry to make you think I was so…close minded. Well…. That's settled. Why don't you go work on your project?"

"Yes. I will. I'll make you proud of me Master." The apprentice stood and hurried out.

Qui-Gon still felt flustered. He fell back against the couch. Where did he get the idea that I would…have the authority to tell him who he could see? And…oh Force! He's thinking of marriage. I certainly hope they have learned…to get along better. Can this work? I have to tread easy here. I don't want him to rush into anything ill conceived, but he already thinks I have authority over him that I do not. How can I talk to him about it? Ariel is very…strong willed it sounds. I don't want either of them to be hurt. Oh Force! I'm too old for this. What do I do? I don't even know whom I can ask for advice. Master Yoda…no. He's so…strongly self disciplined. He would never understand what Obi-Wan must be going through.

The door chime sounded and Qui-Gon went to answer it. A big blonde man stood in the hallway.

"Is everything all right?" Jareel said in concern.

"Jareel, come in. Are you by yourself? Good. I need to talk."

A few minutes later the big Jedi said, "What? Daven told me about how this person treated Obi-Wan. Now…he loves her…and wants to marry her?"

"That's the situation. What do I do Jareel? I don't think it will work out…but Obi-Wan has a very distorted view of all this. He thinks I have the authority to tell him what he can do…in this area of his life."

Jareel tried not to grin, but it was amusing to see his usually calm and controlled friend so rattled. His smile faded as soon as he realized that he could soon be faced with the same situation with Daven. "What are you going to do?"

"I don't know. I guess…I just have to…talk to him but be clear and careful in what I say. He needs to understand my role…and his responsibilities. Do you know he said that he knew this wasn't his responsibility?"

"No! I thought that they tried to emphasize…caution and responsibility in those…classes. Just what has Mi'al been doing in there? Telling them to go have fun and not worry?"

"Don't get upset yet, old friend. Obi-Wan has misunderstood part of this. Perhaps he misunderstood that also. I have to talk to him."

"When will you?"

"I don't know. I suppose it should be as soon as possible though. Tomorrow."

"That's not as soon as possible."

"I know…but after all he is behind in his work."

"Qui-Gon Jinn, if I didn't know better I'd swear you were afraid to talk to him."

"Don't be ridiculous!" the elder Jedi whirled around to face his friend. "It's not fear. I just haven't had to…have exactly this kind of talk before. I never had a padawan consider marriage."

"Um…I know it would be wrong to eavesdrop…but could I listen in? I mean…if Daven gets in the same…situation, I…"

"No." Now Qui-Gon grinned. "You seem to be getting a lot of pleasure out of my misery. I won't help you. You have to figure it out for yourself."

"Obstinate wompa." Then the big Jedi remembered that Obi-Wan was not the only one with a romantic interest now…an equally inappropriate one. The photo of Qui-Gon and Lady Lyg'tren loomed large in his memory. He lightly cleared his throat as he tried to think of a way to gently bring this up without offending his friend. "You know…sometimes love can blind a person to…many things."

"Yes," Qui-Gon agreed as he thought of the sharp-tongued security officer and his still sensitive padawan.

"A person who is infatuated may not think very clearly. He may not see the…character of the other person plainly."

Qui-Gon nodded as he studied the floor. That was certainly true of Obi-Wan right now.

"If a person cares about a…friend…then he will tell that friend if he thinks he's making a mistake…because he cares."

"You're completely right Jareel." He is right. Obi-Wan is my apprentice…but he also is like a friend…and I do care.

The big man sighed. He was glad Qui-Gon understood. "So…if someone were to tell…you, for example. You wouldn't mind…would you?"

"Oh no. If you told me I was making a mistake with a woman I wouldn't mind at all. I'd be glad that you were concerned." I would certainly want someone to keep me from making the same mistake Obi-Wan is. He will see that I am only concerned, won't he? That's why Jareel is trying to get me to put myself in Obi-Wan's position…to try to see it his way.

"And you wouldn't think I was trying to…insult the woman if I said she was…of questionable repute?"

"As you said, love can blind one. I would certainly try to see your point…and remember you're only being a friend." But…she's not of questionable repute…just…different. He's only making a point though…to help me with Obi-Wan.

Jareel sighed in relief. "And…you might reconsider your…relationship?"

"I suppose if you came to me in friendship and tried to explain it to me instead of making it an attack, it would be easier to see." Finally he smiled. "Thanks Jareel. This has been a big help. I have something to think about." He pounded his friend's broad shoulder. "If you don't mind, I'd like some time alone…to think."

"Of course. I'm sure it's…hard to hear this and you do have things to consider. I'll go now. And…if you want to talk some more, please don't hesitate." Jareel exited. He stopped outside the door. Poor Qui-Gon. He took it well…but I know he's upset. He was just hiding his feelings as he always does. I hope he isn't too hurt. Hmm…. I'm certain he doesn't want to have to talk to Obi-Wan about romantic affairs at the moment. I could do it and help him out. The big Jedi congratulated himself on helping Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan both and turned to leave.

"Hello Obi-Wan," Jareel said with a big smile. "I know that you are busy, but I'll only take a couple of minutes. May I talk to you?"

"Of course Master Jareel," Obi-Wan pushed himself away from the computer he'd been using. It was odd for the big Jedi to want to talk to him. The apprentice was very curious about what he wanted.

"I…ah…I'm not sure exactly how to bring this up. I know that sometimes I can be quite abrupt. So…just bear with the big oaf." Jareel laughed hoping to lighten the atmosphere. Obi-Wan only smiled. The blonde Jedi cleared his throat. "Um…have you thought much about the implications of a Jedi…becoming romantically involved with someone?"

Obi-Wan's forehead wrinkled. "I guess I really haven't thought too much about it Master Jareel."

"Well, you should. Especially right now. You see there are many things to be considered. It's a hard life we lead. A…spouse may not understand a Jedi's duty or obligations. Believe me…I know. It may seem to be a workable situation in the beginning but one should be careful to think it through. In the longer term, it may be a burden on both. And…one's peers may consider the lady to be…unsuitable. Do you understand what I mean?"

The apprentice had been trying to figure this out. Why was Master Jareel telling him this? Did he need to talk about Daven? No…certainly not. If Daven were involved, he would have told his best friend. Obi-Wan knew he himself wasn't seeing anyone. Then he remembered…especially when Jareel said that the lady may be unsuitable. The photo and the gossip about Master Qui-Gon and Lady Lyg'tren. Of course! How could he have forgotten! And he had been the one to think of talking to Jareel about this. But…he was still wondering…why Jareel was telling this to him? Shouldn't he be talking with Master Qui-Gon?

The blonde Jedi saw the puzzled expression and understood he wasn't getting through. He didn't want to hurt Obi-Wan's feelings…or offend him. "What I'm trying to say is that…sometimes a romantic involvement…especially one that might lead to marriage is not always as…good…as it seems when one is fresh into a relationship. But…it is hard to get that person to see it sometimes. I mean…if you were going to tell…a friend that he was involved with someone who…didn't seem the right match for him…"

The light went off in Obi-Wan's head. Master Jareel is trying to tell me that I need to be careful in talking to Master Qui-Gon about this. That's it. I see. He doesn't want me to say anything…unseemly about Lady Lyg'tren because Master Qui-Gon wouldn't understand I was only thinking of him. He must have already tried to talk to him…that's why he's trying to warn me. I should have known Master Jareel wouldn't just sit back and watch this take place. Good…he's talking to Master Qui-Gon. I'll let him handle it…and I'll just keep my mouth shut.

"I understand now Master Jareel. I see your point. Thank you for telling me this. You can count on me to be discreet…and to think before acting. I might have made a huge mistake if you hadn't…pointed this out to me. Thanks so much. I'll consider what you've said…and I'll be careful."

"Please think carefully before you do anything…sudden, Obi-Wan."

"Oh…I will. I promise. I wouldn't want anyone hurt by this. I'll be careful. Thank you again Master Jareel."

The big Jedi grinned and patted the apprentice's shoulder. "I knew you'd take it well. I'll go away and let you get back to your studies. And…if you need to talk to anyone about this…situation, you know where I am."

"Yes. Thank you. I'll keep that in mind. I might need some more advice. It is a confusing situation."

Jareel walked out into the corridor. He was happy with himself. He had offered both Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan sound advice that they had taken well. And he had been worried about how they would react….

Satay pushed the door open with a huff of frustration.

"What's it Satay?" an uniformed officer asked in bemused tone. "Getting tired of the mass transit already?"

"Do me a favor, will you Hern? You see that guy standing over there at that kiosk? The one with the long braid hanging down? Go over there and give him a hard time about following me. Will you do that for me?"

"An unwanted admirer?" he grinned.

"No. An unwanted babysitter. Thinks he needs to take care of me because of that speeder incident. I warned him that if he didn't go away I'd report him for stalking. So…be a pal and go rough him up a little."

"Sure. Why not? Good way to start the day…and I do owe you."

"Yes, you do."

The officer went through the door. Satay was tempted to stay and watch, but she had too much to do. She'd just get Hern's report later…and probably Obi-Wan's too she smiled to herself.

"OK," Loy huffed in frustration. "I've got this set up for you. If you stay networked to the computer I've got you logged into, everything should be fine. Ariel…don't do anything clever. It has taken me a long time to get my operations set up. Don't jeopardize them."

"I haven't yet, have I? I always do what you tell me to. Am I that hard to deal with?"

"You're stubborn and headstrong. I know that." Then he shook a finger in her face wordlessly and turned to walk away.

This should help her search. In an effort to assist in controlling the illegal flow of drugs in the galaxy, legal prescriptions were tracked by a Republic agency. There was a huge database, which had been very expensive to set up and maintain. There was also the expense of a system that could handle such a large amount of information. It did appear to be helping however. So, it was strongly defended against its critics, who were often being paid to try to get rid of the system. At any rate, here is where Satay could look to see if there was the possibility of Yalla being treated for a hypothyroid condition. If his name and the medication were linked here…then, she would have important information. If there were no such correlation…it would still be important to know.

The security officer entered the name of Egron Yalla and did a search for any records with that name. It came back empty however. She huffed in frustration. Even if it turned up nothing on the thyroid condition, she had expected something…anything to come up. Had the creature never been sick? It must be the fact that he was a doctor. Self-diagnosis and self-treatment. Obviously, he'd never had anything serious enough to merit another doctor treating him. That made her wonder even more. Treating himself for a thyroid condition would be the perfect way to hide it.

She sat back in defeat. This had been a complete wash. Not a confirmation or denial…nothing. But then an idea occurred to her. Satay had been wondering where to start looking for Nurala. Maybe this is how she could find him. She did a search on Heirt Nurala. The fastest computer system in the galaxy took some minutes to search the huge database. The longer it took, the more encouraged Satay was. Yalla's empty record had come back sooner than this.

Finally, the information came up. Only recent records were kept because of the already large size of the database. Prescriptions of the last five years were listed. She'd just slid in under that limit. Nurala had quit Mineral Technologies four years ago. The security officer went to the top of the record. There it was…the medication for his thyroid condition. But…there was no address listing. She cursed. But…as long as she had it up, she would see if there were something else she could learn from it. Right away, there was something odd. The last time that Nurala had gotten it filled was just before he quit Mineral Technologies. To be sure, Satay consulted her notes. Yes…the date confirmed it. She remembered what Kura had told her. Nurala couldn't get rid of this condition. He would have to remain on the medication for life. Yet, he had apparently quit taking it.

As she examined his record, it did seem as if he were erratic in getting his medication refilled. Kura had told her that one could go for short periods off medication without feeling the effects. But…he had also told her that the effects would worsen the longer he was without the drug and would lead to his eventual death. It wasn't odd for him to be erratic…but he apparently had quit taking it completely.

She took another look to be certain. There was a short break between the last refill of his thyroid medication and then there were some prescriptions for antibiotics, pain medication, even a round of sleeping pills…but no more of the drug for hypothyroid disease. How could that be? If discontinuing the medication would eventually lead to Nurala's death…how could he still be alive…and having other prescriptions filled? Unless…it wasn't really Nurala….

Obi-Wan stormed into the temple mumbling to himself. He was looking at the floor, not where he was going. The apprentice got in a lift and went up to the residential level. As he hurried out still grumbling, he ran headlong into someone. At once, before he even knew who it was, he began apologizing.

"I'm very sorry. I wasn't watching…. Master Qui-Gon!"

"Obi-Wan, what are you doing here?"

"I was going to get my things for class."

"Yes…you're late already."

"I'm sorry. I was just coming back from seeing Satay to work. And she sent some security policeman out to threaten me for stalking her."

The elder Jedi looked confused. "Come on." He took Obi-Wan by the arm and started back to his quarters.

"What's wrong? I…"

"Just wait. This isn't the place. Wait until we get to my room."

Qui-Gon hurried, practically dragging the padawan with him. He keyed his door…still holding on to Obi-Wan's arm. Then he pulled his apprentice over to the sofa. "Sit down," he said as he pushed Obi-Wan down. The elder Jedi was still uncertain how to address this…but it had to be now. He stood and paced as he tried to think how to start.

"Master…"

"Please, Obi-Wan. Just listen for a minute. I shouldn't have waited so long to talk to you…not just about Ariel…but about…things in general."

"Things?" Obi-Wan repeated in confusion.

"Yes…things. Things…between a man and a woman."

Oh…he's finally going to tell me about he and Lady Lyg'tren. Good, I'm glad he brought it up. I won't be accused of being nosey and I can talk to him about it. "Yes Master?"

"Well…I know that you have had…classes about these things. And I assumed most of your questions would be answered there. So…I didn't speak to you much about it. That was wrong of me. I see that now and I'm sorry for it. There are some things that are on a more…personal level that have to be addressed from one person to another, not from an instructor to a group."

The apprentice was confused by the circuitous route his master was taking, but he held his silence and listened.

"You seem to think that I have some right to tell you who you can or can't see. I don't. I'm not certain where you got that idea…"

"But I don't think that at all Master."

"You don't?"

"No," Obi-Wan laughed. "I know better than that."

"But…you told me before that you thought I would tell you to quit seeing Ariel."

"Seeing Ariel? You mean seeing her to work and home?"

"I mean…seeing her home…and being late getting back." Obi-Wan just stared at his master in confusion. Qui-Gon rubbed his large hands over his face. "I mean…you know…seeing Ariel."

The apprentice kept staring…then suddenly his mouth fell open. "You mean…you mean…. You think that Satay and I are…. NO! I mean…not that I…it's not that…. I mean…not with her. Satay? She's as cordial as a draigon…and besides she hates me. And I…well…she's too hard to get along with. There's no way I would…not with her. No…no…"

Qui-Gon fell on the sofa next to his padawan. His head spun in confusion. "You aren't going to marry Ariel?"

"Marry her! No! Why did you think that?"

"But you told me you were!"

"Told you? Me? I never said that! Not her!"

The elder Jedi tried to recall…just what did Obi-Wan say? "But…you said…you said that she needed someone to take care of her."

"Yes, she does. I was worried after that incident with her speeder. I didn't know if Yalla was trying to kill her. I was making sure she wasn't being followed when she went out."

Qui-Gon rested his face in his hands as he tried to figure it all out. Then he began laughing. His hands fell away. "You were sneaking out to make sure no one was following her. That's what you meant about seeing her home?"

"Yes. That's all I meant by it…nothing more. I…I didn't even go into her building. I was trying to hide myself from her because she didn't want me watching over her…but she kept spotting me," he said in frustration. "I guess I'm not so good at tailing someone."

But Qui-Gon was laughing instead of commiserating with Obi-Wan over his failure. "So…when you said you wanted to take care of her…. You just meant you wanted to make sure she was all right?"

"Yes. Why did you think…? Marry her? Her?"

"I'm sorry Padawan. I'm sorry. I guess it really isn't funny. I'm just trying to figure out how we got our messages crossed. I guess it's because I misinterpreted your sneaking around. I was so convinced I knew what you were doing…I guess I wasn't listening. And…I was so uncomfortable talking about what I thought you were doing…that I couldn't make myself clear."

Finally Obi-Wan smiled. "I guess it is funny. I wondered why you couldn't complete a sentence. I thought you were that angry with me. I didn't know you were embarrassed."

"I wasn't embarrassed," Qui-Gon was quickly defensive. "I was just…uncomfortable delving into your private life, that's all."

"Yes Master," Obi-Wan smiled. As long as we are on the subject…and he is in a good mood…. "Master…speaking of delving into private lives…"

"Yes Obi-Wan. What is it?"

"Well…please don't think I'm being nosey…or trying to tell you what to do. But…well…"

"Yes?"

"Well…I mean I know you…'see' women…or at least I suppose you do. I don't really know anything. It's not like I've spied on you or anything," he added quickly.

"I understand what you mean…this time. Is there something you wanted to…ask me about? About women that is?"

"Well…about one woman in particular."

"Oh?" Now I'll find out whom he really is seeing. "Who is it? Anyone I know?"

"Well…yeah…I think you know her…quite well. Lady Lyg'tren."

The elder Jedi's mouth fell open. "Lady…Allia Lyg'tren?"

"I'm sorry Master…but you have to admit it is becoming common knowledge after that photograph."

"Common knowledge? Common knowledge? Lady Lyg'tren? What photograph? What have you been doing Obi-Wan?" Qui-Gon said severely.

"Me? You were the one in the photograph!"

"What photograph? What are you talking about?"

"Just a minute." He leaped up and ran next door to his quarters to retrieve the news item Daven had shown him. Obi-Wan seated himself next to his master and pushed the photo toward him.

Qui-Gon took it. "I had no idea that anyone had even taken our picture. I guess Chancellor Valorum was right about things not remaining quiet in the senate district."

"But Master…. If you were going to…. Why would you with…her?"

"What's wrong with dancing with her, Padawan?"

"Dancing? No…I don't mean the photo. I mean…you know…seeing her."

"Seeing her? Oh…you mean…. No! Don't be silly. I haven't…that is…I wouldn't…. Not with her anyway. I mean…not that I don't…." He put his hands over his face and took a deep breath. Then he tried again. "What I mean is that Lady Lyg'tren and I are not seeing each other."

"But I heard…"

"What have you heard?"

Obi-Wan sighed. "Rumors and gossip. I'm sorry Master."

Finally composed, the elder Jedi knew what he wanted to say. "Yes, I do have female friends…but not all female friends turn into intimate relationships. There is nothing between Lady Lyg'tren and I. At these boring receptions, the only people who seem to have their wits about them instead of playing games are Chancellor Valorum and Lady Lyg'tren. Yes, I have danced with her…several times…and enjoyed stimulating conversation…but that's all the stimulation she gave me. I would never be able to be involved with her…not after all that has happened."

"Whew!"

"Whew?"

"Yes. I thought there was something between you two and I was trying to think of how to ask you if it was a good thing to be…seeing a woman who had used you that way. But I was dreading asking you. I didn't know how."

"Well…whew for me too."

"Why?"

"I thought you wanted to marry a woman who seems to despise you and I wasn't sure how to tell you that without your thinking I was trying to run your life for you."

Obi-Wan laughed. "I think this is one of the most dangerous assignments I have ever been on."

"Obi-Wan…if you ever want to talk to me about anything…even it if it something that's uncomfortable to talk about, just please come and talk. Tell me it makes you uneasy and we'll just take it slow. Please…let's not have this kind of misunderstanding again."

"I agree Master. And if you ever want to talk to me about anything," he grinned.

"Well…there is this class and how you are going to make up the lost time…"

Satay was at her desk, shuffling notes around and trying to fit all her information together. There had to be some way of showing from all this that Nurala was Yalla. She thought she could at least prove that Nurala wasn't the real Nurala.

"Ariel?"

"Not now," she said without looking. "I'm really busy."

Loy leaned against the partition. "You mean you don't want this information about Answar after all?" he smirked.

The petite woman whirled around. "What? You got it? Let me see."

"No…now you have to beg for it."

Satay kicked his shin. "Give me the damned thing." He passed her the data and hurried out. She poked her head out and said in a sugary sweet voice, "Thank you Loy."

Answar…a small moon near…yeah, yeah. She knew that. A mining company that went bankrupt. Satay skimmed down. Here was something more recent. Purchased by Heirt Nurala! He was renovating the mining operation to reopen it.

She grabbed up her printout of deliveries to Answar…and the list of medical equipment that Yalla…or anyone else involved in his type of research…would be using. Here was her "proof". Not absolute…but it convinced her. But…before she went to Harlo, she wanted to be sure of her facts.

"What!" Obi-Wan cried out. "Stalking charges? You're kidding?"

"No, I'm not," Qui-Gon replied in a stern tone. "This says you were combative when the officer warned you off this morning."

"But I wasn't Master. I tried to explain to him what I was doing…but he wouldn't listen to me. I didn't do anything other than that."

"Well, you can tell it to Chief Harlo. I've already talked to him. He wants us to come to his office. I told him we would be over right away. I want to get this settled quickly and quietly before the council gets involved. Let's go."

"Chief," Qui-Gon shook Harlo's hand and sat down.

"Qui-Gon. Well…Obi-Wan, seems like you got yourself in deep this time."

"May I tell you my side of it, Chief Harlo?"

"That's why I wanted you to come."

"It's true that I've been following Satay around. But I was only trying to make sure she wasn't being followed. You said yourself that she might be getting too close…that Yalla might have been responsible for what happened to her vehicle."

"And I also told you I'd look after her."

"Yes sir. You did. I didn't think it would hurt anything to have one other person watching out for her. I did keep her from being hit by a speeder when she walked out in front of it."

"Really? I'll bet she said she saw it, didn't she?"

"Yes she did."

"Did Ariel ask you to quit following her?"

"Yes," Obi-Wan said quietly.

"But you continued. Why?"

"I was just looking after her. I know how dangerous Yalla is. I saw what he did to three Jedi. He's a Force user. Satay didn't think that made him any more dangerous than any other criminal she was after. That's why I was worried. She doesn't have an appreciation for what he can do."

Harlo rubbed his chin. "You're right about that. Ariel dismisses this Force of yours. She thinks she can out think a Force user. You didn't harm her…but you can't go around harassing people Obi-Wan. There are laws against it."

"But I didn't harass her. I was trying to stay hidden…except for when I pulled her out of the street." He blushed as he admitted, "She kept finding me. I guess I wasn't hidden too well. But I didn't approach her. I was just following."

Harlo grinned. "You aren't too good at tailing are you? Which proves several points. One, you shouldn't have been involved. Two, being a Force user doesn't make you all-powerful. We'll leave the other points alone for the moment. I think those two make my case the best." He sighed. "Well…I can see this is going to be a fine line. I hope that a good talking to will convince her to drop the charges. Oh…the officer who filed this said you were combative."

"I wasn't. He didn't like that I was trying to explain myself. He shoved me a couple of times…but I never touched him. I was just slow to leave…because I was trying to explain."

"All right. Let me get Ariel in here."

"Did I hear my name? Oh…sorry. I didn't know you were busy."

"Come in here Ariel," Harlo called. "I want to talk to you about this stalking charge against Obi-Wan."

"What stalking charge?"

"The one you told Hern to file."

"That dolt! I didn't tell him to file charges. I just told him to go talk to Obi-Wan…try to scare him off by making him think I would file charges if he didn't quit following me."

"I love the flow of communications in this department," Harlo said sarcastically. "I don't know whether to kick your butt for putting him up to it or kick his for doing something so stupid. Then you don't want to press this?"

"Not if he'll stay away from me."

"He will," Qui-Gon promised. Obi-Wan started to say something but his master repeated, "He will."

"But…Yalla," Obi-Wan muttered.

"Yes…Yalla," Satay said in triumph as she dropped her data packet on Harlo's desk. "I know where he is."

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