Chapter Sixty-Five

Qui-Gon gazed down at Cian. They were in the hospital in the capital of Jalat. The Jalatan physicians had been unable to do anything about her mental state, but they had nursed her physical injuries. She was also hooked up to machinery which ensured her body was receiving enough fluids and nutrients.

Qui-Gon reached over and took her hand.

Cian, come back. You're safe now.

But her hand lay as before, still and unresponsive.

Qui-Gon slowly sat back in his chair.

I'm sorry, Cian. I'm sorry I didn't protect you. And I'm sorry I never told you how much I love you.

He heard footsteps. Turning around, he watched as Aalea entered the room. She walked over to him. He reached out to her and she slipped her arms around him.

"Oh, Master," she said as she hugged him. She gently touched the bacta bandage that was over his left eye.

"I know, Aalea."

When she pulled away, Qui-Gon reached over and touched her padawan braid.

"I was going to ask you about this earlier," he said, a soft smile on his face as he looked at the violet ribbon which was woven through her black hair.

Aalea blushed. "Obi-Wan gave it to me."

Qui-Gon's brows raised. "Really?"

"I wore it to Nadira and Ishan's wedding."

Qui-Gon eyed Aalea. He found it interesting that the wedding had happened days ago, yet she still wore the ribbon. When she noted he was staring at her, she quickly looked away, another blush stealing across her face.

"Where is Obi-Wan by the way?" he asked.

Aalea looked back at him.

"Arranging for our transport back to Coruscant, Master. We used up all the fuel in the skipship getting here and, since it's a prototype, the Jalatans don't have the fuel it needs."

Qui-Gon nodded, then turned back to Cian. He sighed deeply. Aalea reached over and cupped his chin, her fingers stroking his beard.

"Don't be sad, Master. It's going to be all right. She'll come back to us."

Qui-Gon reached up and held Aalea's hand.

"I know, little one. It's just that..."

"You're also worried about what happened with Rukal? How you almost turned?"

He stared at her in surprise. "How do you know about that? Did Obi-Wan tell you?"

Aalea shook her head. "He didn't have to, Master. I saw it. Through his eyes."

"The Force bond? You and Obi-Wan...?"

Aalea looked embarrassed, then she smiled slightly.

"It proved to be somewhat convenient while we were on the mission." Her eyes then sobered. "Don't blame yourself, Master. I would have killed Rukal myself if I'd had the chance."

"Don't say that, Aalea. You wouldn't have."

"For what he did to Cian, I would have killed him. And I'm glad General Neeshin killed him. Glad," she cried, her voice breaking.

Qui-Gon reached over and pulled her close. She laid her head on his shoulder and he could feel her tears as they fell onto his neck.

Then Qui-Gon heard someone walk quickly into the room. He turned his head and was not surprised to see it was Obi-Wan, his eyes filled with worry. He had, more than likely, sensed Aalea's distress through their bond.

Aalea lifted her head from Qui-Gon's shoulder. She wiped the tears from her eyes and looked over at Obi-Wan. She smiled to let him know she was all right. He smiled back at her. When he glanced over at Qui-Gon, there was a slightly embarrassed look on his boyish face.

"Have you finished arranging our transport back to Coruscant?" Qui-Gon asked him.

"Yes, Master," he said as he came over. "A ship should be here within the next few days."

"Good. What about the destruction of the citadel? Have you heard any more?"

Obi-Wan shook his head. "General Neeshin's men went over the remains of Rukal's citadel with a fine-toothed comb. Whatever type of explosion it was, it was quite thorough. Complete and total annihilation."

Qui-Gon nodded. He had not been surprised to hear of the destruction of the citadel. Whoever Rukal's dark and mysterious master had been, he had apparently feared that with the Chief Priest's death it wouldn't be long before someone discovered something in the citadel which would have identified him.

Qui-Gon frowned. Rukal had been a very adept user of the dark side; whoever this person was, he was extremely dangerous. He would make a full report of it to the Jedi Council once he returned to the Temple. Then, as he thought of the Council, he glanced over at Obi-Wan.

He and Obi-Wan had not discussed Qui-Gon's calling upon the dark side when he had tried to kill Rukal. Over the years he and his apprentice had established such a rapport words were not necessary to express what they felt. He knew Obi-Wan neither blamed nor condemned him.

Obi-Wan gazed back at Qui-Gon, then nodded at his master, letting him know everything was all right. They had survived this. They would go on. Obi-Wan then turned and looked over at Cian.

"Master, what will happen to Cian? There must be something we can do."

"She's gone very far way, Obi-Wan. What Rukal," and Qui-Gon's voice choked on the name, "did to her, she went as far she could to escape it."

Qui-Gon felt Aalea stir in his arms. She moved away from him and stood next to Obi-Wan. Obi-Wan looked down at her and moments passed as they gazed silently at each other. Qui-Gon then realized with a start that they were communicating through their Force bond.

Obi-Wan shook his head, but Aalea reached over and squeezed his arm, her violet eyes determined. Obi-Wan reluctantly nodded.

Aalea turned back to Qui-Gon. "I can find her, Master."

"The Force matrix," he said.

Aalea nodded.

"Aalea, you haven't traversed the matrix in ten years and the last time you did, you almost died."

"I know, Master, but I was only eight then. And I had to travel far to find you on Dyran. I won't have to go as far...." Her voice faded.

Qui-Gon nodded. "Maybe not as far physically, but terribly far along whatever path Cian's awareness has fled. No, I will go. But, if you and Obi-Wan will assist me...?"

"Of course, Master," Aalea said. She reached over and put her hand on his. "You'd have to use a herd of Tarkasian bulls to drag us out of here."

"That's right, Master," Obi-Wan said as he placed his hand over Aalea's. "Maybe even two herds."

Qui-Gon smiled, his heart overflowing.

"I am glad you are both here," he said. "Very well. Return to your quarters. Rest and meditate. You will need all your strength for what lies ahead. We'll meet here at 1800 hours."

They both bowed to him. As Qui-Gon watched them leave, he noted how close Aalea walked to Obi-Wan. Just to his left, half a step over, but near enough that, if she wanted to, she could quickly grab his hand.

Qui-Gon turned back to Cian and stroked her hair.

You were right about them, my love. And I am pleased to see it.

To be continued...