The Marionette's Dance
CHAPTER FOUR
Disclaimer: As before, I don't own em and I'm just playing with em. Don't think about suing me, I don't have anything and what little I do have, you can't have. :P
Takes place 9 years before TPM (Obi is 16)
Special thanks to my sisterS/beta readerS Jane, Debbie and Jessica. Special thanks goes out to all my friends and family that encouraged me to keep writing and helped me with their feedback.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Qui-Gon awoke with a thundering headache, and lightly touched the left side of his head, feeling a large knot and something covered his hand in what he expected was blood. He made sure the slime wasn't on the wound and slowly rose up off the slippery ground. His hands struggled for leverage as he rose and slime oozed up between his fingers, making the Jedi wrinkle his nose at the situation. As he stood, he adjusted his disarrayed tunics and opened up his senses to detect anymore threats and see if the force could show him the way out.
For some reason the force eluded him. He could feel it around him, but just out of reach, taunting the tall Jedi. He continued down the tunnel stepping slowly in the gooey substance covering the floor, and eventually spied a few rays of light peeking through a small crevice.
His boots slipped and slid all over the place, not allowing him any descent amount of footing. After when seemed like an eternity of sliding and landing unevenly over the terrain, he found the small fissure and tried to activate his lightsaber to widen the escape.
The slime still covered his lightsaber and the crystals hadn't had enough time to re-energize, so the weapon was completely useless. Qui-Gon sighed and returned his weapon to his belt and focused on the force to aid him in removing the offending obstacles.
Though he could feel the force pulse around him, it slipped through his grasp, like loose sand in the wind. He paused and decided that no matter what, he was going to squeeze through and finally be out of the dark that secluded away the slime.
Through clenched teeth he eased his arm, shoulder, leg and hip out of the darkness. When it came time for the rest of him to follow suit, his chest and stomach lodged him in between the two sides of the crevice. "That's it, no more desert for me!" Qui-Gon smirked and pushed himself the rest of the way through. The jagged edges caught his clothes and tore them in a few places, some close to the skin and scratching him roughly. Qui-Gon tightened his tunics around him and adjusted them to cover his exposed body.
Since the force seemed to elude him, he decided on an alternative, "Well, when all else fails, go back to basics."
He calculated the direction he went while underground, guessing he went northwest. So, he started on a southeast trek, stopping occasionally to seek out the force to guide him, or waiting for Obi-Wan's response through their bond. But there was only silence and his thundering headache.
Obi-Wan was resting in a deep meditative state when he sensed a familiar presence nearby. He opened up to the force to scan for possible threats and found that the area was devoid of any possible attackers. In fact, there was no insects, animals, birds, not another living creature in the vicinity, except for one with a strong force impression.
Obi-Wan called out, "Master?! Master, over here."
Qui-Gon heard his padawan cry out and began to follow the sound of Obi-Wan's voice, feeling somewhat disoriented at new sensations flooding his senses. He rationalized that it was the concussion hampering him and passed it off without much more thought.
Qui-Gon came around a tree, smiling and holding his tunics tightly against his body, wincing slightly. "Okay Obi-Wan, you can stop yelling now. I'm standing right beside you."
"Master, you're hurt. Let me take a look and see if I can do anything." Obi-Wan insisted upon seeing the elders' blood soaked hair and bloodstained tunics.
"I'll be fine padawan. I just have a few scratches, but they are already taken care of. No need to worry." Qui-Gon assured Obi-Wan.
"What about your cracked ribs?" Obi-Wan asked, his concern showing.
Qui-Gon was becoming annoyed with his padawan's fussing and said a little louder than he intended, "I am fine! I think it was only a hairline fraction, and I was able to heal up the majority of the cuts, everything will heal with time."
Obi-Wan persisted, "But you need to have the open wounds cleaned so they won't get infected, and I can wrap your ribs to give you some support."
"I SAID I'LL BE FINE! Don't worry about it!" Qui-Gon snapped.
Obi-Wan jumped at his masters sharp tone, "Yes master. If you say that you are fine, I won't press further."
"Thank you! Now, we can we go? I would personally like to get away from this place and take a nice hot bath." Qui-Gon said, stalking past his shocked apprentice.
"Master, Zaru is that way." Obi-Wan said pointing.
"I knew that. Now, let's go, we're wasting precious daylight and I personally don't want to spend another night on this planet." Qui-Gon started walking in the correct direction.
Obi-Wan sighed and fell into step behind his mentor, seeking their bond to see if he can ascertain what was making his master act so irrational. He focused several times, only drawing upon a gray haze that filled his senses and seemingly blocked him out from entering his masters mind. Obi-Wan frowned, thinking that he must have done something wrong to cause Qui-Gon to shut him out totally.
Obi-Wan glanced around from time to time, feeling increasing uneasiness. He felt like he was being watched, and whispered, "Master, I sense something. Do you?"
Qui-Gon huffed, "I sense nothing. You're just tired. We're almost there and you can rest once we're safe on board a transport."
Obi-Wan drew his eyes down, trying to focus on things in the distance, "Master, I feel a strange disturbance in the force. Are you sure you don't sense it too?"
Qui-Gon spun around, eyeing Obi-Wan with his deep blue eyes. "I said you're just tired! Now, stop whining, you're getting on my nerves."
Obi-Wan's faced paled, "Yes master."
Qui-Gon had never snapped so harshly at Obi-Wan before, and the younger Jedi resumed walking quietly behind his master, with concern and suspicion. He tried several times to get through the haze that clouded his masters mind, but all he got was swirling gray mist and a headache. He couldn't sense his master, at least, not like he used to. He could feel his presence, but not the training bond they shared.
After an hour of tramping through the wilderness, the trees gaveway to an open field. Several surveillance droids hovered about, and people scurried about their work. Obi-Wan spotted one small and two large transports, preparing to disembark.
"Master, which transport should we go after?" Obi-Wan asked.
"The smaller one that is about to leave. Where ever it goes it fine with me, hopefully we can get another ride on the planet it's stopping at." Qui-Gon said, watching the bustle.
Obi-Wan nodded his understanding, and the two slipped behind several rows of crates and machinery, slowly making their way to the ship. When they got to the last stack of crates, there was still a wide enough gap to be spotted.
"Obi-Wan, when I say the word, run as fast as you can to the ship and find a hiding place." Qui-Gon instructed.
Obi-Wan watched as Qui-Gon peeked over top of the shortest stack and when Qui-Gon gave the signal, Obi-Wan was across the expanse within a few long strides. Obi-Wan waited until Qui-Gon was aboard and both made it to the back of the ship, nestling themselves down between the cargo.
Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan were hiding behind several crates of supplies. Qui-Gon sighed at his apprentice's side and leaned heavily against a wall. Both Jedi were bruised, exhausted, and were past the breaking point, physically and mentally.
A man entered the ship, "I told you to hurry up and take off. I want to get to I'Luim sometime this year!"
Another man spoke up, "Yes sir. Right away."
Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan heard fading footsteps and breathed a sigh of relief.
Qui-Gon leaned his head against the wall and closed his eyes for a few moments or rest. "We'll stay here until it's safe to depart on I'Luim, then grab a transport for Coruscant. We can rest during the trip."
Obi-Wan nodded and leaned against the crate beside of his master, his own reserves of energy long since gone. "No complaints here master. Thank the force these crates will provide us some cover while we rest. You should try to get some sleep, you don't look well."
Qui-Gon smirked, "I wonder why? I've only been starved, fell down a deep cavern, have a concussion, cracked ribs, and have been subjected to intense electrical shock."
"I only meant that you are exhausted and need rest. You sleep and I'll keep watch." Obi-Wan assured his master.
"Uhmmm mmm" Qui-Gon started, but drifted into an uneasy sleep, slouched against the wall.
Obi-Wan watched his master's face contort and twist with visions of pain. Obi-Wan willed the force to calm his masters distress, but something blocked him from reaching out to his mentor. Obi-Wan glared suspiciously at his master and tried once again to probe his mind. Several images flashed into his mind, but they weren't from Qui-Gon. Subtle dark ripples ebbed from the elder Jedi.
Obi-Wan broke what little connection he had to his master, making a mental note to keep a close eye on the slumbering Jedi next to him. Soon the exhausted apprentice followed his masters example, and drifted down into unconsciousness. A deep slumber only allowed the younger Jedi to replay all the torturous events mentally, causing him to flinch noticeably with phantom pain.
The transport landed with a jolt, awaking the sleeping padawan. Obi-Wan's eyes snapped open and quickly surveyed the area, allowing the force to see where he couldn't. He heard the transport doors open and heard several men talking about what containers go to what ship and their destinations. Obi-Wan keenly heard about the shipment going to Coruscant, and smiled broadly.
When the men had dispersed, Obi-Wan slightly shook his slumbering master into awareness. "Master? Master wake up."
"Yes Obi-Wan, what is it?" Qui-Gon focused his eyes to see the concern on his apprentice's face.
"Master, I overheard some people talking. There is a transport leaving shortly for Coruscant." Obi-Wan explained.
"Very well then, let's get off this ship and find the one that's going home." Qui-Gon said as he slowly stood and looked at his padawan.
Obi-Wan lead the way out, sensing where there was personnel and avoiding them. The Jedi quickly exited the ship and took refuge behind a fuel tank.
Obi-Wan peered over the edge of the tank, "No one seen us get off the ship, I think we're safe."
Qui-Gon straightened his tunics and motioned for Obi-Wan to straighten up the shirt the elderly assistant had put in him the day before. After making themselves look as decent as possible, they walked nonchalantly out from behind the fuel tank and asked the nearest technician the location of the transport bound for Coruscant. The technician pointed out the ship and the Jedi's nodded their thanks and made for the ship that would take them home.
They made it just in time as the ramp began to close up and the ship began to lift off the ground. The Jedi made their way to the cockpit and explained to the captain all about their situation. He offered whatever the ship held at their disposal and set a course to return the wayward travelers to their home.
When the ship jumped back into normal space, Obi-Wan sighed in relief. He has never been so happy to be home and his broad smile and jittering showed his excitement. The transport landed heavily on the docks at the Temple, and the travelers exited the craft. The gracious captain nodded goodbye and quickly left to take his cargo to their destination.
The battered Jedi bowed and entered the temple. Obi-Wan noticed that Qui-Gon wasn't heading towards the medbay, which was protocol when any Jedi returned back from a mission. "Master, we should report to the healers and be checked out."
"If you want to, fine. I just want to get home and soak in a tub of cleaning agents and scrub myself until raw." Qui-Gon said, entering the lift and watching as his apprentice nodded and then turned to head towards the healers.
"I'll see you later master. I won't be long." Obi-Wan said, just before the doors to the lift closed and his master disappeared.
The healers quickly converged on Obi-Wan as entered the medbay. They sensed multiple injuries and severe trauma, and lead him straight to a room to begin the healing process. After three hours of having several healers concentrating on Obi-Wan's battered form, he was released from the medcenter in full health.
He went directly to his quarters that he shared with his master and thumbed the door open. He sensed his master in the refresher and knocked on the door, "Master. Are you ok?"
A muffled voice came from side, "I'm fine. I'll be out soon."
"Yes master." Obi-Wan answered. He noticed the comm panel beeping and walked over to receive the message.
Master Yoda appeared on the screen, "Master Jinn, request your presence we do. Want a full report, very detailed."
Qui-Gon entered the room just in time to see the recorded transmission. He ran a brush through his hair and scoffed, "I'll go when I'm damn good and ready."
"Master?" Obi-Wan terminated the transmission and turned to see his master.
Qui-Gon tied his hair back and sighed, "I'll go when I'm more rested. We've had little sleep and nothing to eat. They can wait until WE are ready to stand give long boring details over the mission."
Obi-Wan nodded, though not agreeing with his master. Obi-Wan went to the kitchen and retrieved some snacks and brought his master his favorite tea and fruit. He noticed Qui-Gon restlessness, and was surprised when Qui-Gon finished off his fruit within a minute, seemingly inhaling his food.
Qui-Gon rose up off the couch, "I think we've wasted enough time. Let's go and get this over with."
Obi-Wan munched and followed Qui-Gon out the door. Between bites he asked, "Master, are you feeling ok? You seem distracted."
"I'm fine. Hurry up and eat or the council will yell at you for having your mouth full and give both of us grief." Qui-Gon said, entering the lift and designating the council level. He turned to Obi-Wan, "Just stay quiet and let me handle all the details to the council. Hopefully I'll bore them into dismissing us early."
Obi-Wan swallowed his bite and looked at his master concerned, "Master, I think you should see the healers when we're done. I think the fatigue is getting to you. You aren't acting like yourself."
"Oh is that so? Well, since you are playing healer, how about playing the young initiate and working out for a few hours when we're done with the council. You know better than to question me." Qui-Gon stared at his padawan sternly.
Obi-Wan felt a tingle in the force and once again tried to contact his master through their bond. There was only the gray haze and a thundering headache that echoed in his ears. He bowed his head, "I'm sorry master. Forgive my assumption. You are right, it's not my place to tell you what to do."
"That's why I'm the master, and you're the padawan. Now, let me do all the talking and hopefully we can get out of here soon." Qui-Gon said, knocking on the chamber doors
They heard a voice, "Enter."
Qui-Gon led the way, Obi-Wan followed watching his master intently. Both bowed to the masters in the room and assumed a relaxed posture in the middle of the room.
"Master Qui-Gon, fine you feel?" Yoda asked his former apprentice.
Qui-Gon rolled his eyes, "Yes I feel fine. I just want to hurry up and get this over with so I can go and sleep in my own bed and be left alone."
"We won't keep you any longer than we have to. We just need some details about what went on. We were told that you and Obi-Wan were killed during the treaty signing." Master Windu stated.
"We'll it's obvious we're not. Anything else?" Qui-Gon asked, shuffling around.
Yoda perked up his ears, looking hard at his former apprentice, "Something wrong I sense with you. Allow me to see into your mind, will you?"
Qui-Gon drew himself up to his full height, "NO! I'm just stressed and need some decent sleep and food."
Obi-Wan knew it was out of line, and inappropriate for padawans to speak in the council room unless spoken directly to, but he stepped forward, "Masters, I have tried to sense Master Qui-Gon through our bond and I can't reach him. I sense something is preventing me from communicating with him. Each time I attempt to enter his mind, I'm met with a gray haze and I get a bad headache."
"How dare you! Don't EVER overstep my authority again!" Qui-Gon snarled and force slammed Obi-Wan against the wall on the other side of the room, knocking the unprepared apprentice unconscious.
CHAPTER FOUR
Disclaimer: As before, I don't own em and I'm just playing with em. Don't think about suing me, I don't have anything and what little I do have, you can't have. :P
Takes place 9 years before TPM (Obi is 16)
Special thanks to my sisterS/beta readerS Jane, Debbie and Jessica. Special thanks goes out to all my friends and family that encouraged me to keep writing and helped me with their feedback.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Qui-Gon awoke with a thundering headache, and lightly touched the left side of his head, feeling a large knot and something covered his hand in what he expected was blood. He made sure the slime wasn't on the wound and slowly rose up off the slippery ground. His hands struggled for leverage as he rose and slime oozed up between his fingers, making the Jedi wrinkle his nose at the situation. As he stood, he adjusted his disarrayed tunics and opened up his senses to detect anymore threats and see if the force could show him the way out.
For some reason the force eluded him. He could feel it around him, but just out of reach, taunting the tall Jedi. He continued down the tunnel stepping slowly in the gooey substance covering the floor, and eventually spied a few rays of light peeking through a small crevice.
His boots slipped and slid all over the place, not allowing him any descent amount of footing. After when seemed like an eternity of sliding and landing unevenly over the terrain, he found the small fissure and tried to activate his lightsaber to widen the escape.
The slime still covered his lightsaber and the crystals hadn't had enough time to re-energize, so the weapon was completely useless. Qui-Gon sighed and returned his weapon to his belt and focused on the force to aid him in removing the offending obstacles.
Though he could feel the force pulse around him, it slipped through his grasp, like loose sand in the wind. He paused and decided that no matter what, he was going to squeeze through and finally be out of the dark that secluded away the slime.
Through clenched teeth he eased his arm, shoulder, leg and hip out of the darkness. When it came time for the rest of him to follow suit, his chest and stomach lodged him in between the two sides of the crevice. "That's it, no more desert for me!" Qui-Gon smirked and pushed himself the rest of the way through. The jagged edges caught his clothes and tore them in a few places, some close to the skin and scratching him roughly. Qui-Gon tightened his tunics around him and adjusted them to cover his exposed body.
Since the force seemed to elude him, he decided on an alternative, "Well, when all else fails, go back to basics."
He calculated the direction he went while underground, guessing he went northwest. So, he started on a southeast trek, stopping occasionally to seek out the force to guide him, or waiting for Obi-Wan's response through their bond. But there was only silence and his thundering headache.
Obi-Wan was resting in a deep meditative state when he sensed a familiar presence nearby. He opened up to the force to scan for possible threats and found that the area was devoid of any possible attackers. In fact, there was no insects, animals, birds, not another living creature in the vicinity, except for one with a strong force impression.
Obi-Wan called out, "Master?! Master, over here."
Qui-Gon heard his padawan cry out and began to follow the sound of Obi-Wan's voice, feeling somewhat disoriented at new sensations flooding his senses. He rationalized that it was the concussion hampering him and passed it off without much more thought.
Qui-Gon came around a tree, smiling and holding his tunics tightly against his body, wincing slightly. "Okay Obi-Wan, you can stop yelling now. I'm standing right beside you."
"Master, you're hurt. Let me take a look and see if I can do anything." Obi-Wan insisted upon seeing the elders' blood soaked hair and bloodstained tunics.
"I'll be fine padawan. I just have a few scratches, but they are already taken care of. No need to worry." Qui-Gon assured Obi-Wan.
"What about your cracked ribs?" Obi-Wan asked, his concern showing.
Qui-Gon was becoming annoyed with his padawan's fussing and said a little louder than he intended, "I am fine! I think it was only a hairline fraction, and I was able to heal up the majority of the cuts, everything will heal with time."
Obi-Wan persisted, "But you need to have the open wounds cleaned so they won't get infected, and I can wrap your ribs to give you some support."
"I SAID I'LL BE FINE! Don't worry about it!" Qui-Gon snapped.
Obi-Wan jumped at his masters sharp tone, "Yes master. If you say that you are fine, I won't press further."
"Thank you! Now, we can we go? I would personally like to get away from this place and take a nice hot bath." Qui-Gon said, stalking past his shocked apprentice.
"Master, Zaru is that way." Obi-Wan said pointing.
"I knew that. Now, let's go, we're wasting precious daylight and I personally don't want to spend another night on this planet." Qui-Gon started walking in the correct direction.
Obi-Wan sighed and fell into step behind his mentor, seeking their bond to see if he can ascertain what was making his master act so irrational. He focused several times, only drawing upon a gray haze that filled his senses and seemingly blocked him out from entering his masters mind. Obi-Wan frowned, thinking that he must have done something wrong to cause Qui-Gon to shut him out totally.
Obi-Wan glanced around from time to time, feeling increasing uneasiness. He felt like he was being watched, and whispered, "Master, I sense something. Do you?"
Qui-Gon huffed, "I sense nothing. You're just tired. We're almost there and you can rest once we're safe on board a transport."
Obi-Wan drew his eyes down, trying to focus on things in the distance, "Master, I feel a strange disturbance in the force. Are you sure you don't sense it too?"
Qui-Gon spun around, eyeing Obi-Wan with his deep blue eyes. "I said you're just tired! Now, stop whining, you're getting on my nerves."
Obi-Wan's faced paled, "Yes master."
Qui-Gon had never snapped so harshly at Obi-Wan before, and the younger Jedi resumed walking quietly behind his master, with concern and suspicion. He tried several times to get through the haze that clouded his masters mind, but all he got was swirling gray mist and a headache. He couldn't sense his master, at least, not like he used to. He could feel his presence, but not the training bond they shared.
After an hour of tramping through the wilderness, the trees gaveway to an open field. Several surveillance droids hovered about, and people scurried about their work. Obi-Wan spotted one small and two large transports, preparing to disembark.
"Master, which transport should we go after?" Obi-Wan asked.
"The smaller one that is about to leave. Where ever it goes it fine with me, hopefully we can get another ride on the planet it's stopping at." Qui-Gon said, watching the bustle.
Obi-Wan nodded his understanding, and the two slipped behind several rows of crates and machinery, slowly making their way to the ship. When they got to the last stack of crates, there was still a wide enough gap to be spotted.
"Obi-Wan, when I say the word, run as fast as you can to the ship and find a hiding place." Qui-Gon instructed.
Obi-Wan watched as Qui-Gon peeked over top of the shortest stack and when Qui-Gon gave the signal, Obi-Wan was across the expanse within a few long strides. Obi-Wan waited until Qui-Gon was aboard and both made it to the back of the ship, nestling themselves down between the cargo.
Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan were hiding behind several crates of supplies. Qui-Gon sighed at his apprentice's side and leaned heavily against a wall. Both Jedi were bruised, exhausted, and were past the breaking point, physically and mentally.
A man entered the ship, "I told you to hurry up and take off. I want to get to I'Luim sometime this year!"
Another man spoke up, "Yes sir. Right away."
Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan heard fading footsteps and breathed a sigh of relief.
Qui-Gon leaned his head against the wall and closed his eyes for a few moments or rest. "We'll stay here until it's safe to depart on I'Luim, then grab a transport for Coruscant. We can rest during the trip."
Obi-Wan nodded and leaned against the crate beside of his master, his own reserves of energy long since gone. "No complaints here master. Thank the force these crates will provide us some cover while we rest. You should try to get some sleep, you don't look well."
Qui-Gon smirked, "I wonder why? I've only been starved, fell down a deep cavern, have a concussion, cracked ribs, and have been subjected to intense electrical shock."
"I only meant that you are exhausted and need rest. You sleep and I'll keep watch." Obi-Wan assured his master.
"Uhmmm mmm" Qui-Gon started, but drifted into an uneasy sleep, slouched against the wall.
Obi-Wan watched his master's face contort and twist with visions of pain. Obi-Wan willed the force to calm his masters distress, but something blocked him from reaching out to his mentor. Obi-Wan glared suspiciously at his master and tried once again to probe his mind. Several images flashed into his mind, but they weren't from Qui-Gon. Subtle dark ripples ebbed from the elder Jedi.
Obi-Wan broke what little connection he had to his master, making a mental note to keep a close eye on the slumbering Jedi next to him. Soon the exhausted apprentice followed his masters example, and drifted down into unconsciousness. A deep slumber only allowed the younger Jedi to replay all the torturous events mentally, causing him to flinch noticeably with phantom pain.
The transport landed with a jolt, awaking the sleeping padawan. Obi-Wan's eyes snapped open and quickly surveyed the area, allowing the force to see where he couldn't. He heard the transport doors open and heard several men talking about what containers go to what ship and their destinations. Obi-Wan keenly heard about the shipment going to Coruscant, and smiled broadly.
When the men had dispersed, Obi-Wan slightly shook his slumbering master into awareness. "Master? Master wake up."
"Yes Obi-Wan, what is it?" Qui-Gon focused his eyes to see the concern on his apprentice's face.
"Master, I overheard some people talking. There is a transport leaving shortly for Coruscant." Obi-Wan explained.
"Very well then, let's get off this ship and find the one that's going home." Qui-Gon said as he slowly stood and looked at his padawan.
Obi-Wan lead the way out, sensing where there was personnel and avoiding them. The Jedi quickly exited the ship and took refuge behind a fuel tank.
Obi-Wan peered over the edge of the tank, "No one seen us get off the ship, I think we're safe."
Qui-Gon straightened his tunics and motioned for Obi-Wan to straighten up the shirt the elderly assistant had put in him the day before. After making themselves look as decent as possible, they walked nonchalantly out from behind the fuel tank and asked the nearest technician the location of the transport bound for Coruscant. The technician pointed out the ship and the Jedi's nodded their thanks and made for the ship that would take them home.
They made it just in time as the ramp began to close up and the ship began to lift off the ground. The Jedi made their way to the cockpit and explained to the captain all about their situation. He offered whatever the ship held at their disposal and set a course to return the wayward travelers to their home.
When the ship jumped back into normal space, Obi-Wan sighed in relief. He has never been so happy to be home and his broad smile and jittering showed his excitement. The transport landed heavily on the docks at the Temple, and the travelers exited the craft. The gracious captain nodded goodbye and quickly left to take his cargo to their destination.
The battered Jedi bowed and entered the temple. Obi-Wan noticed that Qui-Gon wasn't heading towards the medbay, which was protocol when any Jedi returned back from a mission. "Master, we should report to the healers and be checked out."
"If you want to, fine. I just want to get home and soak in a tub of cleaning agents and scrub myself until raw." Qui-Gon said, entering the lift and watching as his apprentice nodded and then turned to head towards the healers.
"I'll see you later master. I won't be long." Obi-Wan said, just before the doors to the lift closed and his master disappeared.
The healers quickly converged on Obi-Wan as entered the medbay. They sensed multiple injuries and severe trauma, and lead him straight to a room to begin the healing process. After three hours of having several healers concentrating on Obi-Wan's battered form, he was released from the medcenter in full health.
He went directly to his quarters that he shared with his master and thumbed the door open. He sensed his master in the refresher and knocked on the door, "Master. Are you ok?"
A muffled voice came from side, "I'm fine. I'll be out soon."
"Yes master." Obi-Wan answered. He noticed the comm panel beeping and walked over to receive the message.
Master Yoda appeared on the screen, "Master Jinn, request your presence we do. Want a full report, very detailed."
Qui-Gon entered the room just in time to see the recorded transmission. He ran a brush through his hair and scoffed, "I'll go when I'm damn good and ready."
"Master?" Obi-Wan terminated the transmission and turned to see his master.
Qui-Gon tied his hair back and sighed, "I'll go when I'm more rested. We've had little sleep and nothing to eat. They can wait until WE are ready to stand give long boring details over the mission."
Obi-Wan nodded, though not agreeing with his master. Obi-Wan went to the kitchen and retrieved some snacks and brought his master his favorite tea and fruit. He noticed Qui-Gon restlessness, and was surprised when Qui-Gon finished off his fruit within a minute, seemingly inhaling his food.
Qui-Gon rose up off the couch, "I think we've wasted enough time. Let's go and get this over with."
Obi-Wan munched and followed Qui-Gon out the door. Between bites he asked, "Master, are you feeling ok? You seem distracted."
"I'm fine. Hurry up and eat or the council will yell at you for having your mouth full and give both of us grief." Qui-Gon said, entering the lift and designating the council level. He turned to Obi-Wan, "Just stay quiet and let me handle all the details to the council. Hopefully I'll bore them into dismissing us early."
Obi-Wan swallowed his bite and looked at his master concerned, "Master, I think you should see the healers when we're done. I think the fatigue is getting to you. You aren't acting like yourself."
"Oh is that so? Well, since you are playing healer, how about playing the young initiate and working out for a few hours when we're done with the council. You know better than to question me." Qui-Gon stared at his padawan sternly.
Obi-Wan felt a tingle in the force and once again tried to contact his master through their bond. There was only the gray haze and a thundering headache that echoed in his ears. He bowed his head, "I'm sorry master. Forgive my assumption. You are right, it's not my place to tell you what to do."
"That's why I'm the master, and you're the padawan. Now, let me do all the talking and hopefully we can get out of here soon." Qui-Gon said, knocking on the chamber doors
They heard a voice, "Enter."
Qui-Gon led the way, Obi-Wan followed watching his master intently. Both bowed to the masters in the room and assumed a relaxed posture in the middle of the room.
"Master Qui-Gon, fine you feel?" Yoda asked his former apprentice.
Qui-Gon rolled his eyes, "Yes I feel fine. I just want to hurry up and get this over with so I can go and sleep in my own bed and be left alone."
"We won't keep you any longer than we have to. We just need some details about what went on. We were told that you and Obi-Wan were killed during the treaty signing." Master Windu stated.
"We'll it's obvious we're not. Anything else?" Qui-Gon asked, shuffling around.
Yoda perked up his ears, looking hard at his former apprentice, "Something wrong I sense with you. Allow me to see into your mind, will you?"
Qui-Gon drew himself up to his full height, "NO! I'm just stressed and need some decent sleep and food."
Obi-Wan knew it was out of line, and inappropriate for padawans to speak in the council room unless spoken directly to, but he stepped forward, "Masters, I have tried to sense Master Qui-Gon through our bond and I can't reach him. I sense something is preventing me from communicating with him. Each time I attempt to enter his mind, I'm met with a gray haze and I get a bad headache."
"How dare you! Don't EVER overstep my authority again!" Qui-Gon snarled and force slammed Obi-Wan against the wall on the other side of the room, knocking the unprepared apprentice unconscious.