Finding Freedom-Part 5

By Shai Ryder

Thank you to EVERYONE who has reviewed!! These people are: shan, MoonDancer, rialin2032, Strider125, Lanna, Emerald, Rivenelf, Jedi Cosmos, Jelp, Pergens, risi, Sheleigh Adliene (KATIE!), ewen, LittleDove, Megan, Darth Angel, and Sara.  Thanks for the inspiration *wink*

Obi walked behind his Master, keeping in step three paces back, as was custom and respectful.  "Obi, up beside me now.  I cannot possibly have a productive conversation with you out of hears shot."

"Yes, Master," Obi said, running to catch up with his Master.  He must be growing, for he was nearly up to his Master's shoulder now, and everyone knew Master Jinn was famous for his abnormal height.  Obi kept his head bowed, waiting for Qui-Gon to start the conversation.

"Come now, we will stop at the diner for a brunch.  There it will be easier to talk." Obi followed as Qui-Gon walked into a modest, but modern looking building. 

"Master, is this place befitting of your rank?" Obi couldn't help but whisper.

"My rank! Bah, that's hardly important.  Look where the town house is located, court is held on the other side of the city," Master Jinn said, sitting down at a table.  "No, my days as nobleman with all the pride and vanity that comes with it are over, and I'm glad."

"What about your sword, Master?  I saw you with it…" Obi asked, very surprised at his boldness.  Was this conversation really happening?

"Yes, boy, I miss my sword and fellow warriors."

"What happened to them, Master?"

"Dead, boy.  While I became a diplomat, they continued fighting.  They've all died of wounds from battle.  I do have a few scattered friends from my fighting days, and they are who I stay with when I go away.  None live close, however."

"Why not move, Master?"

"For Xanatos's sake.  He has many friends here."

"Oh." Obi looked down at his plate that had just been served.  He looked back up at his Master, silently asking permission to eat.

"In all my…EAT, boy, eat!  I would hope by now you know I would not keep you from doing something your body naturally demands!  Foolish that is, to ask me if you can eat!" Obi jerked back, once again surprised at his Master's complaint. 

"Yes, Master!" Obi squeaked.  "Master…?"

"Yes?" Master Jinn responded, once again reserved.  He took a bite of food.

"Can you not let Master Xanatos keep the house and you move elsewhere, Master?"

"It would be frowned upon, Obi," Qui-Gon said, clearly not wanting talk about that certain subject any longer.  Obi thought that he had set himself up though.

"Will you go away again, when Master Xanatos returns?"

"Aye, I will.  If I stay nothing but heated words from the past will come up.  I will avoid that confrontation at all possible, especially in my own home in front of my servants."

"I understand, Master." Obi looked down at his now empty plate.  He had only eaten at a diner like this one other time.

"I would take you with me, Obi, but there is no room, no need of you.  That will also be frowned upon.  My friend's have slaves to take care of my basic needs.  I will not be thought of the type who keeps young boys as…sex toys."

"Nikos," Obi whispered.

"We WILL not talk about that now."

"Yes, Master," Obi murmured, once again thinking that his Master set himself up for that.

"Oh, and anyways my boy, you would not like to travel.  Cookie has told me before that you have a weak stomach, hm? Xanatos will not touch you, we've established that."

Obi nodded, feeling sick to his stomach indeed, now.  "I need to get back now to check on my brother.  Obi I want you to make sure his little slave boy stays out of trouble.  Keep him OUT of Cookie's and my brother's hair."

"And Nikos, Master?"

"Of course."

"Yes, Master.  May I take him and the puppies outside? It is not chilly out."

"Yes, do that."

Qui-Gon stood up, paid the bill, and Maser and slave walked the short distance home in silence.