AN: Ooops I forgot to update FF.net when I finished this chapter Here is the last bit of part one and the first chapter of part two should be done soon. please R&R.
Part One
Chapter 3 - Jedi
Qui-Gon sat alone in a large cell. He had been told his training would begin the next morning and until then he would wait in the cell. The other Jedi were outside training; the General could hear the sounds of fighting that filtered through the elaborate maze of corridors and cells. The cell itself wasn't unpleasant; it was dry and had a high barred window, so it was light and well aired. There were wide benches to sit or sleep on and straw to make it a little more comfortable.
Qui-Gon knelt in the centre of the room and began to meditate. He slipped easily into a trance, a habit he had developed over years. In the relative safety of his cell, Qui-Gon began to examine the place he found himself in. The Jedi were forced to fight however despite this some enjoyed the battles yet there was something about the place. Something uneasy.
A loud murmur of voices brought Qui-Gon suddenly back to himself. He stood and went to one of the benches and waited. The sounds of fighting had stopped because the Jedi Warriors were returning to their cells.
"Heads up, we've got a new one." Five men came into the cell. "What's your name?"
"Qui-Gon." The men weren't threatening as they entered and sat on the other benches. Around them the other cells were also filling up. The cell Qui-Gon was in was on the end, so two of its walls were stone. The other two were barred; one had a door that entered the corridor and the other divided them from the next cell. Each cell could be seen into from the other; everyone could see everyone else.
"You must be the replacement of old Oppo. Been a Jedi long?"
"This is my first day." The other occupants stared at him with a little confusion.
"Someone must expect a lot from you then, friend. Only the more experienced and best fighters are in this block."
"More experienced translating to, not dead after a few weeks," someone said from a neighbouring cell. There was a chorus of soft chuckles. In the same cell as the speaker, a dark skinned man's head looked up. The new one's voice was familiar. With measured ease he walked to the barred partition.
"Qui-Gon, it is good to see you again."
"Mace?" Qui-Gon stood and walked over to his friend. Both men smiled as they shook hands through the bars. "How long have you been here?"
"Since we parted. What happened to you?" The younger Jedi enquired, sweeping his eyes over the other man searching for any signs of injury.
"I was at a Lady Adi's house until Master Palpatine brought me."
"Brought by the Master himself."
"You sound as if you do not like the man," Qui-Gon said, although he sympathised with Mace's dislike. There was something about the slave owner, something dark.
"Watch out for him Qui-Gon, he will pretend to be your friend but he is not to be trusted."
"I will remember." A loud banging noise and shouting interrupted their conversation. All the imprisoned Jedi became very still and quiet.
"What's going on?" Qui-Gon whispered.
"The Champion is returning."
"Who?"
"We call him the Jedi because we do not know his name. He is from Coruscant, surely you have heard of him." Buried in the back of the General's mind was a memory of his soldiers talking about the legendary fighter. His fame had even reached the northern battlefields.
"Only in passing. Is he any good?"
"He is better than his reputation." From the far end of the corridor a door opened and three men entered. Two were obviously guards while the one who walked in the lead was certainly not. Every pair of eyes watched the man as he was escorted to his cell. Qui-Gon watched the way he moved; deliberate and with ease, very like a predatory cat. The eyes were sharp and his sense keen. Green eyed settled on Qui-Gon briefly but the General had no doubt that they had taken in every detail about him; the new face in the failure crowd.
Qui-Gon watched with interest as the three men stopped in front of the cell opposite Qui-Gon's. One guard grabbed the Champion's arm and went to shove him in, however, the Champion was ready for him. Quicker than the General thought possible the Jedi fighter had the guard pressed up against the wall, a knife at his throat. The other guard watched but did nothing to help his companion.
Everyone seemed to hold their breaths as they watched the Champion. He didn't move, neither to kill nor release the guard. He merely stared at him. With a snarl the Champion tore himself away and walked into his cell, the weapon disappearing, once again concealed within his clothes. The cell door was slammed shut with a loud clang and locked. The two guards locked all the other cell doors before leaving. After their departure, conversation began again.
"What was that?" Qui-Gon asked Mace.
"No one is allowed to touch him without Palpatine's permission."
"And he's allowed to carry weapons?"
Mace smiled and his eyes dance. "Yes. I don't think any one dare take them off him."
"Then why does he not try and escape? It seems to me he could."
"Many Jedi grow to love fighting," Mace answered half shrugging. "They do not wish to leave."
"Is he like that?" Qui-Gon looked back towards the cell where the Jedi they discussed sat. He did not appear to like his position.
"No. There is something else holding him here. What it is only he and Palpatine know?"
The General continued to stare at the Jedi's cell but he could not see the mysterious man. The other occupants of the cells were in the way.
"You said that you call him the Jedi. Why is it that you do not know his name?"
"He refuses to tell anyone. Palpatine calls him Ben, sometimes we do too."
*****
Morning came quickly for the Jedi fighters of Tatooine's capital. Qui-Gon awoke as the sun ascended into the sky. At this time of day it was not yet unbearably hot and there was a cool breeze from the east.
The Jedi fighters stood waiting in a large courtyard in groups of their skill, just as they were divided when put in their cellblocks. Qui-Gon stood with Mace. The Champion stood alone. Before the gathered Jedi were their instructors, who went over the rules of sparring for the benefit of the new arrivals. The groups broke up and went to their training areas.
"You new?" a senior Jedi who was also an instructor, asked.
"Yes."
"Do you have any fighting experience?"
"Not Jedi fighting, no. I was a soldier in the Nabooan army." There was no point in lying and being a soldier meant he was trained.
"Jedi fighting skills are different to the common soldiery. Palpatine is expecting a lot of you, which is why you're in the advanced group. You do, however, need to learn the basics, not of combat, but of the Jedi power."
"Power?" Qui-Gon arched an eyebrow as he spoke, half mocking the older man.
"Jedi are what they are for a reason. The Force." The Force was known to Qui-Gon as it was to everyone else within the Empire. It was the natural flow of things. Most people could sense it a little and some could even bend it to their will. "Jedi Warriors are seen as slaves but the reason we end up here instead of some lord's home is because we have the ability to use the Force."
"I don't," the General shrugged. "I've never used it in my life."
"You may not realise it but you have the gift to be a great Jedi."
"How can you tell?"
The instructor gave Qui-Gon a critical look.
"I can feel the Force within you, you are exceptionally strong. It is buried deep and you must be taught how to reach it." The Senior Jedi turned to Mace. "Windu?"
"Yes, sir?"
"Find Qui-Gon some suitable clothes and a weapon and then begin teaching him the first exercises and forms of Jedi battle." The Jedi teacher strode off to his next pupil, leaving Mace and Qui-Gon alone to begin.
"This should be fairly easy for you to pick up, Qui-Gon."
"Let us begin then." To fight physically as a Jedi was little different to that which Qui-Gon was use to. It was, however, the dependence on feeling and instinct that struck the Jedi as dangerous and unnecessary.
"The Jedi are trained to observe that which is not allowed to be used by the common people and is only ever talked about in whispers and as hearsay. There are those out there who know of it and use it, some good, some bad, healers, and warlocks and like Palpatine, slavers. I am talking about the Force." Mace waited for Qui-Gon to respond or at least voice the question that Mace could see in his eyes.
"What is the Force?" the General asked.
"You have not heard rumours of unnatural occurrences? The reading of minds, the movement of inanimate objects, premonition?"
"Yes."
"That is the Force. We, as a people have been distracted by war and the supposed development of science. We have forgotten the skills of our ancestors and what is remembered is only thought of as folklore. Sorcery, witchcraft; legends in themselves and laughed at by us but real as it ever was." Mace paused and half smiled. "Why are you looking at me as if I am mad?"
"I'm sorry." Qui-Gon smiled too. "But magic? I find placing it along side battle a little... odd."
"It's not magic really. It is natural and as common as breathing. We have merely disregarded it. Jedi fighting is a sacred art, taught to the few who still possess the echo of a power we no longer remember."
"You are saying I have this skill?"
"Yes. Palpatine is a legend among the Jedi slavers as a man who knows a Force sensitive when he sees one. He was never a Jedi but it is rumoured he has use of the Force."
"I've watched Jedi fight before," Qui-Gon said thoughtfully. "Often with amazing abilities. Still I never saw anything unusual."
"First Rule: You use the Force to fight, though it is never to be obvious to the spectators."
"Then why use it at all?"
"Have you ever seen the Champion fight?"
Qui-Gon shook his head.
Mace Windu didn't say anything else; he simply lifted up his weapon and began teaching Qui-Gon how to duel like a Jedi. This time, however, he was grinning. It soon became clear to the more experienced Jedi that Qui-Gon would soon overtake him in skill. In fact it seemed to him that the General already used the Force instinctively when he fought. If he could be made aware of what he was doing and learn to do it consciously, he could be a formidable Jedi Warrior, perhaps almost as great as the Champion.
Mace turned to look at the legendary fighter and saw him watching Qui-Gon. The Champion's eyes were dead and his poise was of living death. Mace turned back to his friend and hoped for Qui-Gon's sake he never would be as good as the Nameless Jedi; the price it seemed, was too high.
*****
Jedi Warrior, Champion fighter and Legend of the sands watched the new arrival. He had the body of a fighter and the experienced Jedi suspected that wherever he had come from he had been no stranger to battle. He was paired with the dark Jedi, Mace, he vaguely remembered the name. The Nameless Jedi didn't try to be friends with the others; what was the point? His purpose was to fight, he had spent what felt like a lifetime secretly waiting and now he only lived to one-day die. Any of them could die in their next fight; why become friends only to lose each other?
Even from a distance, the new acquisition of Palpatine's was captivating. He moved with the ease and grace that few found. He was confident in his surroundings and in his body, despite being little more than a slave. He even smiled now and again. The Jedi he was with smiled back. The new Jedi inspired friendship and hope; such things in this place were dangerous. They could be used against you; they could get you killed. Regardless, the Champion found it difficult not to watch the new Jedi, very difficult indeed.
"See any thing you like, Ben?" the Jedi cursed himself for allowing his owner to sneak up on him and catch him watching the others. It often amazed him how Palpatine managed such things. From past experience he knew the rumours about him were true.
"My Lord. They seem able." He bowed low to his master keeping his eyes averted, not in submission but because he did not wish to see the face of his owner, the evil liar that pretended to care and be his friend.
"Yes, I see you have seen my new purchase. What do you think?"
The Champion casually looked back over to the two sparring men. "He looks strong, Lord."
"Of course. Now I will not keep you, I know you must be anxious to train."
"Thank you, Lord." The Champion didn't need to train, at least not in the way Palpatine insinuated. Whenever new slaves were brought in, one of the weaker, less apt Jedi was put in the ring with the Nameless Jedi who was instructed to kill.
It was a warning to the others to work hard and do as they were told, to go for the killing blow, because if they did not, they would find death via another route.
New and old Jedi gathered around the largest of the practice rings. The ones who had been there long enough to see the last duel knew what was to come. Qui-Gon and Mace did not. With ease, the Champion strode into the centre of the ring, sword in hand, waiting for Palpatine's apprentice to pick an opponent. Opposite the Champion, a nervous man stepped forward. Earlier that week he had voiced his complaints about the punishing training and the work they did. He was not a bad fighter but for his ill chosen words he was being punished.
"Begin," the Apprentice called.
For a moment both fighters in the ring were still, watching the other, waiting for a first move. The Champion knew patience and the other did not and so he was the first to break.
He thrust his sword at the Champion, who easily deflected it. The challenger was shaking with fear while his opponent was still in mind and body. With each slash the challenger wielded, the Champion dodged, barely seeming to care or even try. The other Jedi was not unskilled, nevertheless he was no match for the Jedi legend who stood before him.
*****
Qui-Gon watched the one-sided battle with Mace, fearing what the conclusion would be. The Champion stood still, lifting his sword to meet the other only when needed. From somewhere to his right, the unmistakable voice of Palpatine was heard.
"Ben."
It was a warning and a threat. The General focused his eyes on the two fighting men before him. The Jedi Champion grimaced and let out a low growl in warning. His opponent was about to meet his match. The change was subtle but Qui-Gon felt it. Up until Palpatine's warning, only one of the men in the ring had been using the Force. Now both of them did.
The Champion could hold his own against a Jedi with out using the Force. He was indeed an outstanding fighter with the Force he was truly a Jedi. However, there was something wrong.
Qui-Gon narrowed his attention to the Champion and looked beyond the physical being to see his aura. He fought within the light, yet there was a taint, a deep purple that polluted his natural exuberant glow. Qui-Gon was not shocked to see such a taint, the boy had been mistreated and, it seemed, forced to fight. The General felt sympathy for him and a desire to protect.
The battle was coming to a close; the Champion would end it soon. For no reason the General ever learnt, the Champion looked up, straight into his eyes. Qui-Gon grimaced in pain to see the emptiness in those eyes. However, as the boy once again turned away, it seemed there was a spark of life there after all.
*****
The Nameless Jedi continued to spar with his challenger for a few moments more. He could still see the tall, new slave out of the corner of his eye. The man was staring at him. With no difficulty the Jedi brought his opponent to his knees and held his sword to his exposed throat. The Champion looked down at him, he looked at Qui-Gon and then he looked at his owner and smiled. He walked away from his opponent. The Nameless Jedi stared and Palpatine, defiance burned deep within his eyes.
"Ben. Do as I have ordered." The spectators watched in compete silence. Never before had the Champion disobeyed the slaver so publicly. Ben, the boy who had become the Jedi, looked at his master. He bowed low, mocking the other man's authority and then he threw his sword down.
"Apprentice," Palpatine called. Palpatine rarely bothered with names, even for his apprentice. Upon his command, the young man jumped into the ring and with his own sword he slaughtered the kneeling man. Without mercy he turned his attentions on the Champion and forced him to kneel. He allowed it. Before all the others he allowed himself to be shackled and whipped for his disobedience. He could see the man in the crowd who had said nothing but had changed something within him. The pain was nothing because once again he felt alive.
*****
Qui-Gon watched the Champion Jedi as he was beaten. The kneeling man did not flinch as the whip was brought down upon his back. The General studied him and was sure, that for the briefest of heartbeats, the light within the boy exploded like a nova and the darkness receded. For a moment the boy was free of his chains, even though he was still shackled. Qui-Gon watched him and knew there was hope again.
As the spectators walked away, back to their own training, Qui-Gon lingered and looked at the Champion, who in turn stared back at him. The General guessed the boy could barely be over twenty; he was only of average height and weight but it was all muscle. His arms, legs and chest were well defined after years of fighting. His face was young and his skin smooth; the colour of his hair was copper. His appearance was of a youth but his stormy, green eyes told a different story; they bore into Qui-Gon, seeing, knowing. Yes, he was champion for many different reasons; he was skilled, strong in the Force and as he studied his opponents, nothing was missed by is penetrative stare.
The General felt someone pulling at his arm and he turned to find Mace at his side.
"Come, my friend. If we do not get back to work, Ben will not be the only one on his knees." Qui-Gon allowed himself to be led away but he had questions still.
"I wish to understand about his name."
"What's to understand? He refuses to tell us, so Palpatine gave him a name. We call him Jedi I suppose, as a mark of respect for his skill."
"But we are all Jedi," Qui-Gon reminded his friend sadly.
"Yes, but he is the first among us. He is as Jedi should be."
"He hates to fight."
Mace paused before continuing. He didn't know much about the Nameless Jedi; much of what he did know was speculation. "Many Jedi come to love fighting. We all dream of being presented with a Lightsaber from the Emperor. I have spoken to other Warriors who come here to compete, and they are all happy in their work, many were born warriors. Palpatine abuses the power he has been given as a Trainer and because of this he never takes his Jedi to compete at Theed. He doesn't want his other activities to be discovered by anyone who might care. The Champion will never get his Lightsaber, for Palpatine will never allow it."
"I think you are wrong. He is waiting for something, but it is not a Lightsaber."
*****
The Champion remained on his knees as the other Jedi departed. He saw the man from within the crowd stay behind. It was the man he had watched earlier sparring with Mace.
Qui-Gon.
He had looked impressive when he fought but now just standing there, seemingly no threat, the Champion was struck by the strength his being seemed to emit. He looked at the tall fighter and saw a quiet dignity and beauty. A body use to fighting but behind his cerulean eyes there was a sharp mind at work.
The Jedi watched as Mace led Qui-Gon away. The dark skinned Jedi was also gifted with a sword and made an excellent Jedi Warrior, however, he was not Qui-Gon. He did not move with the same self-assured ease, nor did he inspire the soul as Qui-Gon did.
"Will you obey me now?" The Jedi looked up at his owner and in answer touched his forehead to the sand in submission. For now he would be the Champion, for now it was his only option. Yet somehow Qui-Gon had made the possibilities of choices in the future ones the Champion would look out for.
He waited patiently as he was untied and stood on shaking legs, though he did not show his pain or weakness to Him.
"Get those wounds seen to," he spoke to the Jedi, who bowed and headed inside to the healer without looking at the Slaver.
*****
Jammed into the tunnel that led into the Arena, Qui-Gon and six others waited together until the gates opened and sunlight was again seen. Outside, the crowd roared as the current match was fought. The waiting Jedi could not see the fight from within the tunnel but they could hear the grunts as blows were struck and they could smell the blood from past kills.
Qui-Gon waited in silence. It was his first time to enter onto the sands. Mace was not slated to fight that day so he was not with him. Before he had left, Mace had wished him luck.
The crowed abruptly became louder and the General knew that the deathblow had been dealt. Minutes passed as the body was taken and the winner left the stadium. Then with no warning, the gates opened and the seven waiting Jedi were pushed forward to meet seven others similarly clad in armour and wielding various kinds of weaponry. To help identify the two teams, they wore coloured arm bands.
Qui-Gon didn't hesitate. The threat was there and he instantly fell into his fighting trance. He lifted his sword and parried the blows aimed at him. Qui-Gon was not only a trained soldier and Jedi but he had also been an officer with remarkable leadership abilities. He ordered his team to fan out. He shouted instructions to the other men who immediately obeyed the authoritative voice. One man fell on Qui-Gon's team, and with him went two of the opposition. It was now six on five in Qui-Gon favour and he had yet to exert himself.
Up in the owner's box, Palpatine smiled. He turned to his Apprentice.
"He is a true leader; a commanding presence. We have the Champion and now we have The General."
As the opposition pulled back to regroup, Qui-Gon, with the eye of experience, picked out the leader and most experienced warrior. With a curt order, he and his Jedi pushed forward again. The General leapt into the battle confronting the opponents' commander.
Splitting his attention, Qui-Gon kept an eye on the other fighting Jedi and on his own advisory.
*****
The Champion watched as Qui-Gon took control of the battle; dictating its direction and intensity. Already the tall Jedi was winning and he had scarcely begun. The Champion had not realised quite how tall Qui-Gon was until he fought. He seemed to tower over all the others and had by far the strongest presence in the Force. His silken, silver hair was pulled back out of his face with a piece of twine and it cascaded down his back. The sharp, blue eyes saw all and seemed to know everything.
Qui-Gon's body bespoke of past fights and victories. The Nameless Jedi could see scars on the man's exposed arms; his nose was crooked as if it had been broken. Despite all this, there was no fear of further injuries, only the beauty of a deadly dance.
The Champion turned his gaze to the spectators. They were shouting and cheering, as ever, however it was clear that Qui-Gon had attracted their interest. He fought with the regal nature of a king and the dignity of an Emperor. He was a hero of the sands already, perhaps a rival at last; someone who could beat the Champion and let him leave the Arena. Someone, at last who could end his life and plunge a sword deep into his chest.
As one, the watchers leaped to their feet and the Champion turned to see Qui-Gon standing victorious. He and three others of his team were the only ones to survive. The two other Jedi stood smiling, waving at the crowd. Qui-Gon stood sombrely, slightly apart from them, a grim look on his face.
The Champion smiled. Yes, perhaps an equal, and a warrior at heart with a keen understanding of what it was he had just done. The Champion had never played to the crowed and he knew neither would this man.
*****
"Congratulations, you lived. I'm not surprised though. You are a great fighter."
"Thank you Mace. I did it to live."
"Of course you did, don't we all?"
"I'm not so sure of that."
Mace looked at Qui-Gon, a little surprised the man did not appear at all happy at his victory. He didn't know if it would cheer him up but Mace said it any way.
"Come, if we wish to see the Champion fight, we must hurry."
Together the two Jedi made their way to the watching posts where other fighters could watch what was happening on the sands. Almost everyone was there; the place was packed, as it always was when the Champion fought.
Mace and Qui-Gon managed to find a good place to watch just as the Champion walked out into the centre of the Arena. He stood, his sword held loosely in his hand. He did not look at his many admirers instead he kept his head down and his eyes closed.
Movement caught Qui-Gon's gaze and he realised that there were three other Jedi in the Arena with the Champion. They were silent as they crept up behind him. The one within arm's reach lifted his sword. Qui-Gon watched as the weapon was raised and saw no movement from the Champion. The sword came dawn in a deadly arc. There was a blur, a movement so quick even Qui-Gon missed it, however the sword aimed at the Champion's neck did not find flesh, instead it connected with metal.
*****
The Nameless Jedi awaited the coming battle. He could sense his challengers creeping toward him. He could feel the excitement of the crowed as they got closer and he seemed not to notice. At the very last second he spun around and met the man who was ready to kill him face to face. Blazing green eyes met surprised brown ones.
Fool, did he really think it would be that easy?
The Champion smiled at him and then he truly began to fight.
*****
Qui-Gon watched in amazement as the other two Jedi converged on the Champion. It was three on one, yet the Champion showed no signs of weakening or losing. With a move the General was hard pressed to describe, the Champion killed one of his attackers.
Qui-Gon allowed his focus to change and he saw the Jedi though the Force. The General had always been able to see people's aura however now equipped with Mace's teachings he understood what it was that he could do so naturally. The Champion was an inferno of power while the others were only distant stars. The Force surrounded the Jedi and with sudden understanding, Qui-Gon saw its darkness. There was a deep blood red in the Champion's aura. Ordinarily, Qui-Gon would not have probed deeper but this time he did.
He looked closer and saw something truly astonishing.
Between the Champion's light and the infiltrating darkness was a barrier. When the Champion killed the Darkness flared but it was not actually part of him, it had yet to corrupt him. Qui-Gon could see that the Jedi Warrior fought two battles: one of the body and the other of the soul.
The light beneath the barrier was obscured, however, it still shone brightly. Qui-Gon looked at the Champion and saw the lean fighter who could leap into the air at a moment's notice and cut down an opponent without seeming to move. He saw the short, spiky hair and the fierce, green eyes nevertheless through all this, he also saw a soul strong in the light that needed help to fight off the invading darkness.
Qui-Gon watched as the Jedi defeated his other two opponents. The General sighed. The dark would win if the Champion stayed in the Arena forever fighting. He needed help. Qui-Gon would get to Theed somehow and with a clarity that surprised him, the General knew that he would be taking the Nameless Jedi with him.
*****
"Ben, come in."
The Nameless Jedi walked into the cell Palpatine called from. He looked at the Apprentice who had escorted him from his private cell where he did his night's work with the highest bidder. The Apprentice shrugged and turned away. The Champion entered the cell. It was bigger than the one he had just left and smaller than the ones he shared with the other Jedi. Its walls were also made out of stone instead of bars. It was lighter though, as it had more windows. The Champion took all this in without looking around, his eyes were firmly on his owner.
"I have decided to team you up with another Jedi." The Champion was hard pushed to conceal his surprise. "I have been watching you for a while, Ben. You want a way out don't you? You want an equal? Well I have found you one, but instead of fighting him, you'll fight alongside him."
The Champion knew whom Palpatine was talking about. He had not realised his owner knew his dream of escape through a worthy challenger.
"You fight together tomorrow. You have the night to become acquainted." The Jedi slaver left and not a minute later Qui-Gon walked into the cell. Behind him the door was closed and bolted from the outside.
The two men looked at each other, measuring and judging the other. They had not been as close to each other as they were now and had not felt the ripple in the Force up until that moment.
"My name is Qui-Gon. It is an honour to greet you." Qui-Gon bowed to the other Jedi, who watched him suspiciously. Qui-Gon straightened and waited for the younger man to speak, and when he didn't, he prompted him. "What shall I call you?"
"Whatever you like." The Champion's voice was low and rough and it was clear he did not use it often. Qui-Gon could hear an accent and he remembered the Nameless Jedi was from the north. "He's told you why we are here?"
"Yes."
The Champion nodded in return. The young Warrior turned from the other Jedi and sat on the floor. He closed his eyes and began deep meditation. He had seen, He had known what he desired and to stop him He had done the only thing possible to stop the two men from meeting in combat. He'd partnered them up.
"Ben?" the Nameless Jedi cringed at the use of the name given to him by his owner, but oddly enough, spoken by his companion he felt none of the bitterness and pain that usual accompanied its use. "May I call you Ben?"
No one had ever asked before and for once in his life the Champion was unable to keep his emotions from showing. He turned to Qui-Gon and looked him in the eye and in them he saw only compassion. Finally he said,
"Yes."
Part One
Chapter 3 - Jedi
Qui-Gon sat alone in a large cell. He had been told his training would begin the next morning and until then he would wait in the cell. The other Jedi were outside training; the General could hear the sounds of fighting that filtered through the elaborate maze of corridors and cells. The cell itself wasn't unpleasant; it was dry and had a high barred window, so it was light and well aired. There were wide benches to sit or sleep on and straw to make it a little more comfortable.
Qui-Gon knelt in the centre of the room and began to meditate. He slipped easily into a trance, a habit he had developed over years. In the relative safety of his cell, Qui-Gon began to examine the place he found himself in. The Jedi were forced to fight however despite this some enjoyed the battles yet there was something about the place. Something uneasy.
A loud murmur of voices brought Qui-Gon suddenly back to himself. He stood and went to one of the benches and waited. The sounds of fighting had stopped because the Jedi Warriors were returning to their cells.
"Heads up, we've got a new one." Five men came into the cell. "What's your name?"
"Qui-Gon." The men weren't threatening as they entered and sat on the other benches. Around them the other cells were also filling up. The cell Qui-Gon was in was on the end, so two of its walls were stone. The other two were barred; one had a door that entered the corridor and the other divided them from the next cell. Each cell could be seen into from the other; everyone could see everyone else.
"You must be the replacement of old Oppo. Been a Jedi long?"
"This is my first day." The other occupants stared at him with a little confusion.
"Someone must expect a lot from you then, friend. Only the more experienced and best fighters are in this block."
"More experienced translating to, not dead after a few weeks," someone said from a neighbouring cell. There was a chorus of soft chuckles. In the same cell as the speaker, a dark skinned man's head looked up. The new one's voice was familiar. With measured ease he walked to the barred partition.
"Qui-Gon, it is good to see you again."
"Mace?" Qui-Gon stood and walked over to his friend. Both men smiled as they shook hands through the bars. "How long have you been here?"
"Since we parted. What happened to you?" The younger Jedi enquired, sweeping his eyes over the other man searching for any signs of injury.
"I was at a Lady Adi's house until Master Palpatine brought me."
"Brought by the Master himself."
"You sound as if you do not like the man," Qui-Gon said, although he sympathised with Mace's dislike. There was something about the slave owner, something dark.
"Watch out for him Qui-Gon, he will pretend to be your friend but he is not to be trusted."
"I will remember." A loud banging noise and shouting interrupted their conversation. All the imprisoned Jedi became very still and quiet.
"What's going on?" Qui-Gon whispered.
"The Champion is returning."
"Who?"
"We call him the Jedi because we do not know his name. He is from Coruscant, surely you have heard of him." Buried in the back of the General's mind was a memory of his soldiers talking about the legendary fighter. His fame had even reached the northern battlefields.
"Only in passing. Is he any good?"
"He is better than his reputation." From the far end of the corridor a door opened and three men entered. Two were obviously guards while the one who walked in the lead was certainly not. Every pair of eyes watched the man as he was escorted to his cell. Qui-Gon watched the way he moved; deliberate and with ease, very like a predatory cat. The eyes were sharp and his sense keen. Green eyed settled on Qui-Gon briefly but the General had no doubt that they had taken in every detail about him; the new face in the failure crowd.
Qui-Gon watched with interest as the three men stopped in front of the cell opposite Qui-Gon's. One guard grabbed the Champion's arm and went to shove him in, however, the Champion was ready for him. Quicker than the General thought possible the Jedi fighter had the guard pressed up against the wall, a knife at his throat. The other guard watched but did nothing to help his companion.
Everyone seemed to hold their breaths as they watched the Champion. He didn't move, neither to kill nor release the guard. He merely stared at him. With a snarl the Champion tore himself away and walked into his cell, the weapon disappearing, once again concealed within his clothes. The cell door was slammed shut with a loud clang and locked. The two guards locked all the other cell doors before leaving. After their departure, conversation began again.
"What was that?" Qui-Gon asked Mace.
"No one is allowed to touch him without Palpatine's permission."
"And he's allowed to carry weapons?"
Mace smiled and his eyes dance. "Yes. I don't think any one dare take them off him."
"Then why does he not try and escape? It seems to me he could."
"Many Jedi grow to love fighting," Mace answered half shrugging. "They do not wish to leave."
"Is he like that?" Qui-Gon looked back towards the cell where the Jedi they discussed sat. He did not appear to like his position.
"No. There is something else holding him here. What it is only he and Palpatine know?"
The General continued to stare at the Jedi's cell but he could not see the mysterious man. The other occupants of the cells were in the way.
"You said that you call him the Jedi. Why is it that you do not know his name?"
"He refuses to tell anyone. Palpatine calls him Ben, sometimes we do too."
*****
Morning came quickly for the Jedi fighters of Tatooine's capital. Qui-Gon awoke as the sun ascended into the sky. At this time of day it was not yet unbearably hot and there was a cool breeze from the east.
The Jedi fighters stood waiting in a large courtyard in groups of their skill, just as they were divided when put in their cellblocks. Qui-Gon stood with Mace. The Champion stood alone. Before the gathered Jedi were their instructors, who went over the rules of sparring for the benefit of the new arrivals. The groups broke up and went to their training areas.
"You new?" a senior Jedi who was also an instructor, asked.
"Yes."
"Do you have any fighting experience?"
"Not Jedi fighting, no. I was a soldier in the Nabooan army." There was no point in lying and being a soldier meant he was trained.
"Jedi fighting skills are different to the common soldiery. Palpatine is expecting a lot of you, which is why you're in the advanced group. You do, however, need to learn the basics, not of combat, but of the Jedi power."
"Power?" Qui-Gon arched an eyebrow as he spoke, half mocking the older man.
"Jedi are what they are for a reason. The Force." The Force was known to Qui-Gon as it was to everyone else within the Empire. It was the natural flow of things. Most people could sense it a little and some could even bend it to their will. "Jedi Warriors are seen as slaves but the reason we end up here instead of some lord's home is because we have the ability to use the Force."
"I don't," the General shrugged. "I've never used it in my life."
"You may not realise it but you have the gift to be a great Jedi."
"How can you tell?"
The instructor gave Qui-Gon a critical look.
"I can feel the Force within you, you are exceptionally strong. It is buried deep and you must be taught how to reach it." The Senior Jedi turned to Mace. "Windu?"
"Yes, sir?"
"Find Qui-Gon some suitable clothes and a weapon and then begin teaching him the first exercises and forms of Jedi battle." The Jedi teacher strode off to his next pupil, leaving Mace and Qui-Gon alone to begin.
"This should be fairly easy for you to pick up, Qui-Gon."
"Let us begin then." To fight physically as a Jedi was little different to that which Qui-Gon was use to. It was, however, the dependence on feeling and instinct that struck the Jedi as dangerous and unnecessary.
"The Jedi are trained to observe that which is not allowed to be used by the common people and is only ever talked about in whispers and as hearsay. There are those out there who know of it and use it, some good, some bad, healers, and warlocks and like Palpatine, slavers. I am talking about the Force." Mace waited for Qui-Gon to respond or at least voice the question that Mace could see in his eyes.
"What is the Force?" the General asked.
"You have not heard rumours of unnatural occurrences? The reading of minds, the movement of inanimate objects, premonition?"
"Yes."
"That is the Force. We, as a people have been distracted by war and the supposed development of science. We have forgotten the skills of our ancestors and what is remembered is only thought of as folklore. Sorcery, witchcraft; legends in themselves and laughed at by us but real as it ever was." Mace paused and half smiled. "Why are you looking at me as if I am mad?"
"I'm sorry." Qui-Gon smiled too. "But magic? I find placing it along side battle a little... odd."
"It's not magic really. It is natural and as common as breathing. We have merely disregarded it. Jedi fighting is a sacred art, taught to the few who still possess the echo of a power we no longer remember."
"You are saying I have this skill?"
"Yes. Palpatine is a legend among the Jedi slavers as a man who knows a Force sensitive when he sees one. He was never a Jedi but it is rumoured he has use of the Force."
"I've watched Jedi fight before," Qui-Gon said thoughtfully. "Often with amazing abilities. Still I never saw anything unusual."
"First Rule: You use the Force to fight, though it is never to be obvious to the spectators."
"Then why use it at all?"
"Have you ever seen the Champion fight?"
Qui-Gon shook his head.
Mace Windu didn't say anything else; he simply lifted up his weapon and began teaching Qui-Gon how to duel like a Jedi. This time, however, he was grinning. It soon became clear to the more experienced Jedi that Qui-Gon would soon overtake him in skill. In fact it seemed to him that the General already used the Force instinctively when he fought. If he could be made aware of what he was doing and learn to do it consciously, he could be a formidable Jedi Warrior, perhaps almost as great as the Champion.
Mace turned to look at the legendary fighter and saw him watching Qui-Gon. The Champion's eyes were dead and his poise was of living death. Mace turned back to his friend and hoped for Qui-Gon's sake he never would be as good as the Nameless Jedi; the price it seemed, was too high.
*****
Jedi Warrior, Champion fighter and Legend of the sands watched the new arrival. He had the body of a fighter and the experienced Jedi suspected that wherever he had come from he had been no stranger to battle. He was paired with the dark Jedi, Mace, he vaguely remembered the name. The Nameless Jedi didn't try to be friends with the others; what was the point? His purpose was to fight, he had spent what felt like a lifetime secretly waiting and now he only lived to one-day die. Any of them could die in their next fight; why become friends only to lose each other?
Even from a distance, the new acquisition of Palpatine's was captivating. He moved with the ease and grace that few found. He was confident in his surroundings and in his body, despite being little more than a slave. He even smiled now and again. The Jedi he was with smiled back. The new Jedi inspired friendship and hope; such things in this place were dangerous. They could be used against you; they could get you killed. Regardless, the Champion found it difficult not to watch the new Jedi, very difficult indeed.
"See any thing you like, Ben?" the Jedi cursed himself for allowing his owner to sneak up on him and catch him watching the others. It often amazed him how Palpatine managed such things. From past experience he knew the rumours about him were true.
"My Lord. They seem able." He bowed low to his master keeping his eyes averted, not in submission but because he did not wish to see the face of his owner, the evil liar that pretended to care and be his friend.
"Yes, I see you have seen my new purchase. What do you think?"
The Champion casually looked back over to the two sparring men. "He looks strong, Lord."
"Of course. Now I will not keep you, I know you must be anxious to train."
"Thank you, Lord." The Champion didn't need to train, at least not in the way Palpatine insinuated. Whenever new slaves were brought in, one of the weaker, less apt Jedi was put in the ring with the Nameless Jedi who was instructed to kill.
It was a warning to the others to work hard and do as they were told, to go for the killing blow, because if they did not, they would find death via another route.
New and old Jedi gathered around the largest of the practice rings. The ones who had been there long enough to see the last duel knew what was to come. Qui-Gon and Mace did not. With ease, the Champion strode into the centre of the ring, sword in hand, waiting for Palpatine's apprentice to pick an opponent. Opposite the Champion, a nervous man stepped forward. Earlier that week he had voiced his complaints about the punishing training and the work they did. He was not a bad fighter but for his ill chosen words he was being punished.
"Begin," the Apprentice called.
For a moment both fighters in the ring were still, watching the other, waiting for a first move. The Champion knew patience and the other did not and so he was the first to break.
He thrust his sword at the Champion, who easily deflected it. The challenger was shaking with fear while his opponent was still in mind and body. With each slash the challenger wielded, the Champion dodged, barely seeming to care or even try. The other Jedi was not unskilled, nevertheless he was no match for the Jedi legend who stood before him.
*****
Qui-Gon watched the one-sided battle with Mace, fearing what the conclusion would be. The Champion stood still, lifting his sword to meet the other only when needed. From somewhere to his right, the unmistakable voice of Palpatine was heard.
"Ben."
It was a warning and a threat. The General focused his eyes on the two fighting men before him. The Jedi Champion grimaced and let out a low growl in warning. His opponent was about to meet his match. The change was subtle but Qui-Gon felt it. Up until Palpatine's warning, only one of the men in the ring had been using the Force. Now both of them did.
The Champion could hold his own against a Jedi with out using the Force. He was indeed an outstanding fighter with the Force he was truly a Jedi. However, there was something wrong.
Qui-Gon narrowed his attention to the Champion and looked beyond the physical being to see his aura. He fought within the light, yet there was a taint, a deep purple that polluted his natural exuberant glow. Qui-Gon was not shocked to see such a taint, the boy had been mistreated and, it seemed, forced to fight. The General felt sympathy for him and a desire to protect.
The battle was coming to a close; the Champion would end it soon. For no reason the General ever learnt, the Champion looked up, straight into his eyes. Qui-Gon grimaced in pain to see the emptiness in those eyes. However, as the boy once again turned away, it seemed there was a spark of life there after all.
*****
The Nameless Jedi continued to spar with his challenger for a few moments more. He could still see the tall, new slave out of the corner of his eye. The man was staring at him. With no difficulty the Jedi brought his opponent to his knees and held his sword to his exposed throat. The Champion looked down at him, he looked at Qui-Gon and then he looked at his owner and smiled. He walked away from his opponent. The Nameless Jedi stared and Palpatine, defiance burned deep within his eyes.
"Ben. Do as I have ordered." The spectators watched in compete silence. Never before had the Champion disobeyed the slaver so publicly. Ben, the boy who had become the Jedi, looked at his master. He bowed low, mocking the other man's authority and then he threw his sword down.
"Apprentice," Palpatine called. Palpatine rarely bothered with names, even for his apprentice. Upon his command, the young man jumped into the ring and with his own sword he slaughtered the kneeling man. Without mercy he turned his attentions on the Champion and forced him to kneel. He allowed it. Before all the others he allowed himself to be shackled and whipped for his disobedience. He could see the man in the crowd who had said nothing but had changed something within him. The pain was nothing because once again he felt alive.
*****
Qui-Gon watched the Champion Jedi as he was beaten. The kneeling man did not flinch as the whip was brought down upon his back. The General studied him and was sure, that for the briefest of heartbeats, the light within the boy exploded like a nova and the darkness receded. For a moment the boy was free of his chains, even though he was still shackled. Qui-Gon watched him and knew there was hope again.
As the spectators walked away, back to their own training, Qui-Gon lingered and looked at the Champion, who in turn stared back at him. The General guessed the boy could barely be over twenty; he was only of average height and weight but it was all muscle. His arms, legs and chest were well defined after years of fighting. His face was young and his skin smooth; the colour of his hair was copper. His appearance was of a youth but his stormy, green eyes told a different story; they bore into Qui-Gon, seeing, knowing. Yes, he was champion for many different reasons; he was skilled, strong in the Force and as he studied his opponents, nothing was missed by is penetrative stare.
The General felt someone pulling at his arm and he turned to find Mace at his side.
"Come, my friend. If we do not get back to work, Ben will not be the only one on his knees." Qui-Gon allowed himself to be led away but he had questions still.
"I wish to understand about his name."
"What's to understand? He refuses to tell us, so Palpatine gave him a name. We call him Jedi I suppose, as a mark of respect for his skill."
"But we are all Jedi," Qui-Gon reminded his friend sadly.
"Yes, but he is the first among us. He is as Jedi should be."
"He hates to fight."
Mace paused before continuing. He didn't know much about the Nameless Jedi; much of what he did know was speculation. "Many Jedi come to love fighting. We all dream of being presented with a Lightsaber from the Emperor. I have spoken to other Warriors who come here to compete, and they are all happy in their work, many were born warriors. Palpatine abuses the power he has been given as a Trainer and because of this he never takes his Jedi to compete at Theed. He doesn't want his other activities to be discovered by anyone who might care. The Champion will never get his Lightsaber, for Palpatine will never allow it."
"I think you are wrong. He is waiting for something, but it is not a Lightsaber."
*****
The Champion remained on his knees as the other Jedi departed. He saw the man from within the crowd stay behind. It was the man he had watched earlier sparring with Mace.
Qui-Gon.
He had looked impressive when he fought but now just standing there, seemingly no threat, the Champion was struck by the strength his being seemed to emit. He looked at the tall fighter and saw a quiet dignity and beauty. A body use to fighting but behind his cerulean eyes there was a sharp mind at work.
The Jedi watched as Mace led Qui-Gon away. The dark skinned Jedi was also gifted with a sword and made an excellent Jedi Warrior, however, he was not Qui-Gon. He did not move with the same self-assured ease, nor did he inspire the soul as Qui-Gon did.
"Will you obey me now?" The Jedi looked up at his owner and in answer touched his forehead to the sand in submission. For now he would be the Champion, for now it was his only option. Yet somehow Qui-Gon had made the possibilities of choices in the future ones the Champion would look out for.
He waited patiently as he was untied and stood on shaking legs, though he did not show his pain or weakness to Him.
"Get those wounds seen to," he spoke to the Jedi, who bowed and headed inside to the healer without looking at the Slaver.
*****
Jammed into the tunnel that led into the Arena, Qui-Gon and six others waited together until the gates opened and sunlight was again seen. Outside, the crowd roared as the current match was fought. The waiting Jedi could not see the fight from within the tunnel but they could hear the grunts as blows were struck and they could smell the blood from past kills.
Qui-Gon waited in silence. It was his first time to enter onto the sands. Mace was not slated to fight that day so he was not with him. Before he had left, Mace had wished him luck.
The crowed abruptly became louder and the General knew that the deathblow had been dealt. Minutes passed as the body was taken and the winner left the stadium. Then with no warning, the gates opened and the seven waiting Jedi were pushed forward to meet seven others similarly clad in armour and wielding various kinds of weaponry. To help identify the two teams, they wore coloured arm bands.
Qui-Gon didn't hesitate. The threat was there and he instantly fell into his fighting trance. He lifted his sword and parried the blows aimed at him. Qui-Gon was not only a trained soldier and Jedi but he had also been an officer with remarkable leadership abilities. He ordered his team to fan out. He shouted instructions to the other men who immediately obeyed the authoritative voice. One man fell on Qui-Gon's team, and with him went two of the opposition. It was now six on five in Qui-Gon favour and he had yet to exert himself.
Up in the owner's box, Palpatine smiled. He turned to his Apprentice.
"He is a true leader; a commanding presence. We have the Champion and now we have The General."
As the opposition pulled back to regroup, Qui-Gon, with the eye of experience, picked out the leader and most experienced warrior. With a curt order, he and his Jedi pushed forward again. The General leapt into the battle confronting the opponents' commander.
Splitting his attention, Qui-Gon kept an eye on the other fighting Jedi and on his own advisory.
*****
The Champion watched as Qui-Gon took control of the battle; dictating its direction and intensity. Already the tall Jedi was winning and he had scarcely begun. The Champion had not realised quite how tall Qui-Gon was until he fought. He seemed to tower over all the others and had by far the strongest presence in the Force. His silken, silver hair was pulled back out of his face with a piece of twine and it cascaded down his back. The sharp, blue eyes saw all and seemed to know everything.
Qui-Gon's body bespoke of past fights and victories. The Nameless Jedi could see scars on the man's exposed arms; his nose was crooked as if it had been broken. Despite all this, there was no fear of further injuries, only the beauty of a deadly dance.
The Champion turned his gaze to the spectators. They were shouting and cheering, as ever, however it was clear that Qui-Gon had attracted their interest. He fought with the regal nature of a king and the dignity of an Emperor. He was a hero of the sands already, perhaps a rival at last; someone who could beat the Champion and let him leave the Arena. Someone, at last who could end his life and plunge a sword deep into his chest.
As one, the watchers leaped to their feet and the Champion turned to see Qui-Gon standing victorious. He and three others of his team were the only ones to survive. The two other Jedi stood smiling, waving at the crowd. Qui-Gon stood sombrely, slightly apart from them, a grim look on his face.
The Champion smiled. Yes, perhaps an equal, and a warrior at heart with a keen understanding of what it was he had just done. The Champion had never played to the crowed and he knew neither would this man.
*****
"Congratulations, you lived. I'm not surprised though. You are a great fighter."
"Thank you Mace. I did it to live."
"Of course you did, don't we all?"
"I'm not so sure of that."
Mace looked at Qui-Gon, a little surprised the man did not appear at all happy at his victory. He didn't know if it would cheer him up but Mace said it any way.
"Come, if we wish to see the Champion fight, we must hurry."
Together the two Jedi made their way to the watching posts where other fighters could watch what was happening on the sands. Almost everyone was there; the place was packed, as it always was when the Champion fought.
Mace and Qui-Gon managed to find a good place to watch just as the Champion walked out into the centre of the Arena. He stood, his sword held loosely in his hand. He did not look at his many admirers instead he kept his head down and his eyes closed.
Movement caught Qui-Gon's gaze and he realised that there were three other Jedi in the Arena with the Champion. They were silent as they crept up behind him. The one within arm's reach lifted his sword. Qui-Gon watched as the weapon was raised and saw no movement from the Champion. The sword came dawn in a deadly arc. There was a blur, a movement so quick even Qui-Gon missed it, however the sword aimed at the Champion's neck did not find flesh, instead it connected with metal.
*****
The Nameless Jedi awaited the coming battle. He could sense his challengers creeping toward him. He could feel the excitement of the crowed as they got closer and he seemed not to notice. At the very last second he spun around and met the man who was ready to kill him face to face. Blazing green eyes met surprised brown ones.
Fool, did he really think it would be that easy?
The Champion smiled at him and then he truly began to fight.
*****
Qui-Gon watched in amazement as the other two Jedi converged on the Champion. It was three on one, yet the Champion showed no signs of weakening or losing. With a move the General was hard pressed to describe, the Champion killed one of his attackers.
Qui-Gon allowed his focus to change and he saw the Jedi though the Force. The General had always been able to see people's aura however now equipped with Mace's teachings he understood what it was that he could do so naturally. The Champion was an inferno of power while the others were only distant stars. The Force surrounded the Jedi and with sudden understanding, Qui-Gon saw its darkness. There was a deep blood red in the Champion's aura. Ordinarily, Qui-Gon would not have probed deeper but this time he did.
He looked closer and saw something truly astonishing.
Between the Champion's light and the infiltrating darkness was a barrier. When the Champion killed the Darkness flared but it was not actually part of him, it had yet to corrupt him. Qui-Gon could see that the Jedi Warrior fought two battles: one of the body and the other of the soul.
The light beneath the barrier was obscured, however, it still shone brightly. Qui-Gon looked at the Champion and saw the lean fighter who could leap into the air at a moment's notice and cut down an opponent without seeming to move. He saw the short, spiky hair and the fierce, green eyes nevertheless through all this, he also saw a soul strong in the light that needed help to fight off the invading darkness.
Qui-Gon watched as the Jedi defeated his other two opponents. The General sighed. The dark would win if the Champion stayed in the Arena forever fighting. He needed help. Qui-Gon would get to Theed somehow and with a clarity that surprised him, the General knew that he would be taking the Nameless Jedi with him.
*****
"Ben, come in."
The Nameless Jedi walked into the cell Palpatine called from. He looked at the Apprentice who had escorted him from his private cell where he did his night's work with the highest bidder. The Apprentice shrugged and turned away. The Champion entered the cell. It was bigger than the one he had just left and smaller than the ones he shared with the other Jedi. Its walls were also made out of stone instead of bars. It was lighter though, as it had more windows. The Champion took all this in without looking around, his eyes were firmly on his owner.
"I have decided to team you up with another Jedi." The Champion was hard pushed to conceal his surprise. "I have been watching you for a while, Ben. You want a way out don't you? You want an equal? Well I have found you one, but instead of fighting him, you'll fight alongside him."
The Champion knew whom Palpatine was talking about. He had not realised his owner knew his dream of escape through a worthy challenger.
"You fight together tomorrow. You have the night to become acquainted." The Jedi slaver left and not a minute later Qui-Gon walked into the cell. Behind him the door was closed and bolted from the outside.
The two men looked at each other, measuring and judging the other. They had not been as close to each other as they were now and had not felt the ripple in the Force up until that moment.
"My name is Qui-Gon. It is an honour to greet you." Qui-Gon bowed to the other Jedi, who watched him suspiciously. Qui-Gon straightened and waited for the younger man to speak, and when he didn't, he prompted him. "What shall I call you?"
"Whatever you like." The Champion's voice was low and rough and it was clear he did not use it often. Qui-Gon could hear an accent and he remembered the Nameless Jedi was from the north. "He's told you why we are here?"
"Yes."
The Champion nodded in return. The young Warrior turned from the other Jedi and sat on the floor. He closed his eyes and began deep meditation. He had seen, He had known what he desired and to stop him He had done the only thing possible to stop the two men from meeting in combat. He'd partnered them up.
"Ben?" the Nameless Jedi cringed at the use of the name given to him by his owner, but oddly enough, spoken by his companion he felt none of the bitterness and pain that usual accompanied its use. "May I call you Ben?"
No one had ever asked before and for once in his life the Champion was unable to keep his emotions from showing. He turned to Qui-Gon and looked him in the eye and in them he saw only compassion. Finally he said,
"Yes."