Chapter Sixty-Six

***indicates telepathic communication***

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***Aalea***

Aalea opened her eyes. She was sitting on the floor of her quarters, her legs folded under her, hands resting on her knees. As Qui-Gon had instructed she had been meditating, preparing herself to aid him in his journey to bring Cian back. She looked down at her wrist chrono. It was nearly 1800 hours.

***Yes, Obi-Wan?***

***Are you ready?***

***Yes, I'll be right there***

Aalea rose quickly. She ran into the lavatory and dashed cold water on her face. Then, putting on her robe, she left her quarters in the Residence Hall. As she walked down the hallway leading to the outside, she saw First Minister Shiro, Tydre and an older Jalatan woman coming towards her.

"Ah, Mistress Ve'Red," Shiro called out.

Aalea stopped and bowed to them.

"First Minister Shiro, Salu Tydre." She looked over at the elderly woman who leaned heavily on Shiro's arm.

"My wife, Sala Vati," Shiro said.

Aalea bowed again. "Sala Vati."

Vati tilted her head as she looked up at Aalea.

"You were right, my husband. She does have the most beautiful eyes."

Aalea smiled. "I was on my way to the hospital."

"Yes, that is why we have come," Shiro said. "We have heard what you, Master Jinn and Master Kenobi are preparing to do. My wife and I, along with Salu Tydre, would like to be there to help in any way we can. If it is permitted, of course," he added quickly.

"Of course, First Minister Shiro. I'm sure Master Qui-Gon will be very happy to see you."

"I have arranged transport for us to the hospital," Shiro said.

"Thank you. Obi-Wan should be here any moment."

"I'm here, Aalea," Obi-Wan said as he walked around the corner. Shiro quickly introduced Obi-Wan to his wife. They then left the Residence Hall and took a shuttle to the hospital.

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Qui-Gon rose from the chair he'd been sitting in as Tydre, Vati and Shiro, along with Obi-Wan and Aalea, entered Cian's hospital room.

"Sala Vati, I am honored by your presence," Qui-Gon said warmly as he bowed to her. "And grateful you would come so far from your home to be here."

Vati looked up at Qui-Gon as Shiro helped her into a chair.

"She is in trouble, Master Jinn. All the demons of hell could not keep me from her side."

Qui-Gon nodded. He glanced over to where Tydre stood.

"Thank you for coming also, Salu Tydre."

"If there is anything I can do, Master Jinn, to undo what I did to her---"

Qui-Gon reached over and put his hand on Tydre's shoulder and squeezed it.

"You helped us save her."

Tydre smiled. Then Qui-Gon glanced about the room.

"However, if you could find some more chairs."

"Of course, Master Jinn," Tydre said quickly. He ran out the door.

"He'll need help," Obi-Wan said as he followed Tydre.

Soon they were both back with chairs. Qui-Gon instructed them as to how he wanted them placed.

He then took a deep breath and looked around at them.

"Cian's awareness has fled," he began, "and only by traversing the Force matrix can I hope to bring her back. She does not realize she is no longer in danger. Aalea and Obi-Wan will assist me but, what I will need from you," and he looked over at Shiro, Vati and Tydre, "are your thoughts, focused as much as possible on Cian. And when you think of her form strong feelings of safety and protection. This will help me."

"We understand, Master Jinn," Vati said softly. Shiro and Tydre nodded.

Qui-Gon looked over at Obi-Wan and Aalea. "Are you ready?"

"Yes, Master," they both said as they removed their robes.

Qui-Gon turned back to Cian. He moved a chair closer to her bed, sat in it, then gently took her hand in his.

Obi-Wan and Aalea moved to the other side of the bed. Obi-Wan pulled out a chair for Aalea. She sat, then took Cian's other hand in hers.

"Aalea," Qui-Gon said to her, "I will traverse the matrix, but I want you to establish a Force tether with me to help me find my way back. If I should need you, I will call you. But do not come unless I call."

"Yes, Master."

Qui-Gon raised his finger to her.

"I mean it, Aalea. Not unless I call."

Aalea nodded but, still not convinced she would obey him, Qui-Gon glanced over her head at Obi-Wan. Obi-Wan nodded to let Qui-Gon know he would make sure she did as she was told.

Qui-Gon closed his eyes. Breathing deeper, he slowly formed the Force matrix in his mind. It appeared in his awareness as a pulsating nexus of golden light.

Then, turning to where he saw Aalea's awareness sparkling like a silver globe along the nexus, Qui-Gon watched as she sent him a tether of light. He caught it and held it. Aalea would be his lifeline, helping to guide him back. Then, focusing his awareness on Cian, Qui-Gon sent his consciousness into the shimmering lattice of the matrix in search of her.

To be continued...