A/N Master Brauga Kodiak and his Padawan Élan Ryos belong to me. See chapter 1 for standard disclaimers.
Chapter 7 A Master Found
Dakota Rains had never been called speechless in her life but this time she couldn't seem to get her tongue unstuck from the roof of her mouth.
Taking the initiative, Qui-Gon said, "Hello, I'm Qui-Gon Jinn. It appears I've hitched a ride with you to your next destination."
"What are you…? How did you… Who are you?" she stammered fear tightening her throat and stomach. She was alone. There was no place to hide and Moondrifter would not land for another two days. In her mind the best way to protect herself was to divert his attention by talking while she considered what to do next. Qui-Gon watched the woman noting her look of panic and felt reasonably sure that he had never been her prisoner. "Well say something, why are you on my ship and how did you get here?" Before Qui-Gon could answer her, she asked, "When did you get aboard?"
"I'll tell you what I know of my arrival here but I believe it will contribute to our discussion if you'll please tell me your name."
"I'm Dakota Rains, this is my ship and I haul freight for Cargo Transport Inc," she replied.
"I'm a Jedi Knight and while on a mission I was abducted, held prisoner, and put aboard your ship. I recall the woman that held me prisoner also kept me drugged. I never saw anyone but her so I have no idea how many people were involved. I was on another ship but for how long I don't know and I have no recollection of how I got here or who brought me. As to when I got here, it must have been during your last stop.''
Dakota observed the huge shoulders and long arms of her unwelcome passenger, assessing her chances of retrieving the blaster hidden under the pilot's chair. He is a very tall man and without climbing over his legs, there is no possible way to defend either my ship or myself. I have neither the room nor the training to get away from him and no place to go if I were to succeed in attaining my freedom. I'm not sure if I believe him or not; if he is dangerous there is nothing I can do about it right now. Deciding cooperation would be her best defense for now she said, "My last stop was on a planet called Sevac II. Perhaps you were there."
"Did you say Sevac II?" The name seemed familiar and the Jedi wondered if he and Obi-Wan had been sent there on a mission? Sevac II thinking about the new information he had acquired. Suddenly, he remembered the taunts of his captor, the electric shocks, and the resulting pain coursing through his body. The words, "You were mine then, and now you belong to me again," reverberated through his mind. The answer came like a flash of light. I know. I have it now. Those words recall a long forgotten memory of my time as a prisoner of the scientist, Jenna Zan Arbor. After his escape, Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan had gone to Sevac II seeking information about her. Her home planet is Sevac II.
Qui-Gon decided to try to make the young woman feel a little less apprehensive about her unwanted passenger. Perhaps she might be willing to help if he could relieve her doubts and fears. So he opted to tell her about his and Obi-Wan's first experience with Jenna Zan Arbor and why she might want revenge.
"Jenna is a scientist who sought to control"…. a loud rumbling sound cut off his next words. The woman looked up startled and then she did the last thing Qui-Gon would expect; she burst out laughing. Very dangerous, she thought, this huge man silenced by a rumbling stomach.
The tall Jedi showed his amusement with a soft smile and a twinkle in his blue eyes. I'm supposed to be one of the most able diplomats and experienced negotiators in the temple. My hunger making itself obvious accomplished what all my conversation and about fifty years of Jedi training failed to do, put her at ease.
"Captain, as much as I would like to finish our conversation, I would appreciate some food first. I believe you can hear me better without the complaints of my stomach. I'm sure that I have eaten, I just don't remember the last time." His last words were punctuated by another growl and he wondered how Obi-Wan, being constantly hungry as he grew up, kept his stomach from being so noisy.
Dakota looked at the large man trying to decide how much food he could consume. She had planned meals for only one person for the four-day trip and she hoped there would be enough for the both of them.
Qui- Gon watched as the woman carried two small plates of food from the heating unit and placed them on the table. He saw the woman's hands tremble and opening the dialogue he said, "Thank you for sharing your food with me. He smiled gently and began to eat.
It was her turn to scrutinize him. Dakota didn't believe for a moment that the man was a Jedi Knight. One does not capture a Jedi; they are invincible with special mind powers and laser swords. Judging by the looks of him it's more likely that he's a runaway slave. The dirty frayed and worn garments, his long stringy hair and unkempt beard; no not a Jedi at all. She didn't agree with the idea of one person owning another. Maybe I can help him find his way to freedom and hey, it might make him less inclined to kill me later on.
Qui-Gon finishing the last bites of food on his plate and draining his cup of tea, let out a sigh of relief. His stomach was not full but it was no longer growling. He looked down at her plate and noticed that she had not eaten. Oh Force, I'm starving. I will never again give Obi-Wan a hard time about the amount of food he consumes, he thought smiling at her. "Aren't you going to eat," he asked pleasantly.
Startled by his question, she looked down at the food she had been toying with. "No, I guess I'm not hungry," she said pushing the plate toward Qui-Gon, "You have it." The Jedi felt appreciative since he was unable remember the last time he ate.
This time he paused between bites to talk. At first he tried to keep the conversation light, but he noticed she remained apprehensive. Finally with the second plate of food cleared he said, "I know it's difficult to trust me after the way we met, but I can prove what I say is true." Dakota did not know what to think. He was offering to prove that he was a Jedi.
Seeing the unspoken questions on her face, he held up his hand and said, "Does your ship have long range communication equipment?"
She nodded hesitantly and asked, "Are you familiar with voice only instruments?"
"Yes I am proficient in all forms of equipment it is required skills for every Jedi, with your permission, I'll place a message to the Jedi Temple on Coruscant. They will verify I'm Qui-Gon Jinn."
Entering the flight deck, Qui-Gon sat down and keyed in the Temple frequency, "Please transmit this message to the Council immediately. This is Qui-Gon Jinn. I am reporting to you from the Deral System. I am unable to continue the mission to Naboo. I have been held was attacked and held prisoner for three weeks. I will provide details later. I am without credits or transport. Please advise. Jinn out."
The message placed, Qui-Gon asked, "Until they respond may I use the fresher? I am afraid that it has been too long since I have cleaned up."
"The fresher is behind the bunks and I think there might even be an extra flight suit you can borrow until your clothes are clean. By the way, you might want to take off that strange necklace before it turns your neck any greener," she said pointing to the door.
Necklace? Qui-Gon thought, Yes, now I remember; during my self-appraisal I felt a metal ring around my neck. Discovering that he was no longer in chains caused him to forget that minor detail. "Would you describe it for me please? " he asked somewhat urgently.
Confused by his new manner, Dakota said, "It's a silver band about ¼ inch wide." Knowing that to describe it better, she had to see it more clearly and she would need to move closer. She stood up and walked over to him, nervously lifting his long hair out of the way. She thought, Ugh, he's right, he stinks. Clearing her throat she replied, "There are no visible markings or clasps," and she moved quickly away from him.
Qui-Gon could not stop the feeling of disappointment that showed on his face; now he understood why the Force was just out of reach. Remembering that Jenna Zan Arbor was the woman who had held him captive provided the knowledge that the band around his neck was a Force suppressor. The pieces now in place, he knew much of what had happened to him. Now all I have to do is figure out how to remove the collar without getting my head blown off.
Qui-Gon stood up and walked back to the droid closet where he had regained consciousness. Dakota followed behind him trying to comprehend his reason for coming to this part of the ship. Entering the room he asked, "Dakota where are the lights?" As Qui-Gon said "lights", the room became illuminated.
"What are you doing," she asked watching Qui-Gon search the floor.
"Looking for the devise that opens the collar. I'm hoping that whoever dumped me on your ship also left it behind."
The two of them spent the next five minutes searching the droid closet. He hid his frustration at not finding the device. Qui-Gon knew that once he got back to the temple they could remove the collar but he hated being without the Force for so long. "I will go and use your fresher now," he said fighting to regain his earlier calm.
Dakota, mutely aware of his disappointment, nodded and went to find the extra flight suit as she had promised. I'm glad Jax was a tall man thinking about her last co-pilot. Handing the garment to the Jedi, she returned to the flight area. Sitting down in the captain's chair and checking the panels, she verified their course and arrival time.
She reached for the blaster under the seat and found it gone. How long did he sit there, watching me sleep? she wondered. If he had wanted to harm me he could have done so while I was sleeping. I thought him a runaway slave. His garments would be well worn if he was a Jedi. His hair and beard would be unkempt if he was a prisoner like he said. Possibly he is a Jedi. She laughed, I guess you can't believe everything you hear about them.
It would take several hours for a communication to reach the planet of Coruscant and several more hours to receive one back. Dakota told herself to relax, the reply from Coruscant could be positive.
Qui-Gon stood in the fresher letting the hot water massage his aching muscles and trying not to think about how old he felt. Is Obi-Wan looking for me? What happened with the Queen of Naboo? What has become of Anakin? Knowing that he would have to wait until he received a communication from temple for answers to all his questions; he thought about the woman he had hitched a ride with. I will need to get credits from the temple to pay for her generosity. Stepping out of the steamy water he reached for his dirty clothes, he needed to wash them also.
The Celestial Gardens on Coruscant
The lone figure kneeled, head bowed low, under the purple leaves of the Jaffi tree in the center of the Celestial Gardens. Obi -Wan was unable to focus his mind with the total concentration needed for meditation. He needed to focus on something other than the grief engulfed him. He thought about his new responsibilities to his Padawan, to the Council, and to the Force. He felt the overwhelming need to be busy but except for training Anakin, time just dragged on.
Truth to tell, Obi-Wan missed Qui-Gon and nothing around him seemed normal. He was aware of being out of step with everyone and everything. Ready to end his efforts at meditation quits for the day, Obi raised his head and glanced across the garden to see Master Yoda watching him. Getting to his feet, he walked across the little bridge to stand next to the ancient Master. "Good morning Master Yoda, may I join you?"
"How feel you, Knight Kenobi?" asked the wizened little master.
The young Jedi answered, "I'm fine." He paused and said, "It's just that, I am finding it difficult to meditate for some reason."
The little green Master asserted, "Need to work, you do. Umm. Help the Council you can."
"How could I help the help the Council Master?" Obi-Wan asked.
"Received word we have, two children there are, possible initiates they are. Need to examine these younglings, we do. Go to Bakura, you will. Bring them, you must.
"But Master Yoda, why me?" Obi protested.
"Available, no one is. Leave tomorrow, you will. Your Padawan, with me, will stay."
The little Jedi slid off the bench and hobbled though the garden entrance leaving a perplexed Obi-Wan wondering how he had been roped into a mission.
Needing to pack a few items for travel, Obi-Wan walked though the halls toward his quarters making a todo list. He had to take Anakin to Master Yoda's, close the apartment, arrange transport, and … a fierce growl interrupted his thoughts. Tipping his head back, he looked up and saw the gigantic Jedi. "Master Barauga, How are you?"
"Where are you off to in such a big hurry?" Barauga growled.
"I'm getting ready for my first solo mission. I've been asked to escort two young ones back to the temple from Bakura and I have to leave in the morning." Obi-Wan answered.
"Well then bring your Padawan and share the evening meal with Élan and me. It'll be our first opportunity to talk and we're leaving tomorrow going the other way." Barauga said.
Obi, grateful he did not have to cook asked, "What time and what shall I bring?"
"Bring your Padawan of course; we can have him for dessert. He might be as tasty as Master Yoda. Dinner is at the sixth hour," said Barauga as he walked away laughing in the direction of his apartment.
Obi-Wan entered his quarters to see Anakin working on a new droid. He sat down on the couch and patted the seat beside him, "Come, and sit with me Anakin." Anakin looked at his Master questioningly and said, "Yes Master?"
In answer Obi-Wan said, "I'm leaving in the morning on a mission and you will be staying with Master Yoda until I return. I'm going to Bakura to bring two children back to the Temple and I'll be back in about a week."
Anakin nodded and changed the subject by asking, "Master, when are you going to open your present?"
"I'm not sure Padawan, but I'll know when the time is right," said Obi-Wan as he went to pack.
"By the way we're having dinner with Master Kodiak and his Padawan Élan. Put away your project now or we will be late," said his Master as he came out of his room.
Arriving at Master Kodiak's living quarters, Anakin pressed the buzzer and waited impatiently for the door to open. A beautiful young woman with silver hair and large brown eyes stood in the now open door causing Anakin's mouth to gape. Obi -Wan was amused with Anakin's reaction to the girl and he tried to hide his smile as he introduced them. "Élan, good evening, this is my Padawan Anakin Skywalker. Anakin meet Élan Ryos," he said entering the common room of the apartment.
Anakin watching Master Kodiak set the table was amazed at his ability to handle small items with his huge paws. "How long have you been a Jedi, Master Kodiak?" inquired Anakin.
"A very long time young man. You see, Qui-Gon and I are the same age. We met when we were but four winters old," replied Barauga sadly. Watching Obi-Wan's face, Master Kodiak noted with concern, the sadness reflected in the eyes of the young Jedi's.
Obi –Wan enjoyed the quiet dinner with old friends. He was grateful while they shared his sadness the held no pity for him. The meal was different for Anakin as he watched the interaction between Barauga and Élan. He noted how different it was from his own with Obi-Wan. With dinner completed Obi –Wan helped Élan clean up the table. The two said their farewells and walked back to their quarters. "Padawan put together a small pack to take with you to Master Yoda's while I finish the cleaning," Obi-Wan said leaving Anakin in his room.
Anakin sat down on his sleep couch, an idea forming in his mind for a way to surprise his Master. He waited until Obi-Wan left the apartment on an errand. Hurriedly he opened the dresser, took out Qui-Gon's gift to Obi-Wan, and placed it in the bottom of his Master's travel pack.
Picking up his lightsaber the following morning, Obi –Wan opened his flight bag to check it contents. Anakin held his breath waiting to see if his surprise would be discovered. Starting to close his bag, Obi stopped and turned to the table that stood next to his sleep couch. He opened a drawer and removed his Master's lightsaber. For some reason that he could not identify, he felt the need to take it with him. Tucking it carefully into his travel pack, he closed the bag and hung it from his left shoulder.
Moondrifter Hours from Tson
Dakota was in the pilots chair checking the navigation computer when the communication terminal beeped to indicate an incoming message. She debated whether she should wake Qui-Gon. It had been two days since they had sent the missive to the temple and she knew that this could be the message they were waiting for. "Qui-Gon, wake up" she called. She didn't have to wait long because the tall Jedi was awake and on his feet instantly. He looked at Dakota and sank down into the co-pilots chair as she hit the button to play the message.
"From The Jedi Temple to Jinn? In answer to you communiqué: We are unable to accept your identity as stated. Jedi Master Qui-Gon Jinn died on the planet of Naboo two weeks ago. You will have to seek other avenues of transport to your destination. Jedi Temple out."
Qui-Gon was silent for a few moments while he digested the information and then said, "Why do they not know I am alive? They have the Force and the ability to use it. How can they believe I am dead? Does my Padawan believe I'm dead?"
Dakota watched Qui-Gon's reaction to the news and saw the momentary look of anguish on his face before he quickly hid it. Is the look of pain because his plan failed or is this truly a case of mistaken identity? If she had been asked the same question three days ago when they first met she would have assumed that his scheme had backfired. She wondered if she knew the truth. "Qui-Gon, what is a Padawan and why he or she wouldn't believe you're dead if the rest of the Temple does?" she asked.
Qui-Gon pinched the bridge of his nose. He did not feel like answering questions right now. He was grateful that she wasn't standing there screaming that he had lied to her. Therefore, he could be gracious enough to answer her. "The term Padawan means 'chosen apprentice' or learner. They become a companion, a friend, and in some cases even close enough to be a son." Qui-Gon thought about his boy, if he believes that I'm dead, he will be heartbroken. I hope my Master and Barauga will take care of Obi until I get back to the Temple.
"Dakota I'm sorry. I told you I could prove my identity. Now I find that's impossible. I am a Jedi Knight, and much to the Council's opinions otherwise, quite alive. Therefore, I will make you this offer. I'm not opposed to work; I'm a capable pilot, and a skilled negotiator. I will work for my passage to Coruscant. When we get there, I will make sure you are paid in credits for your time and generosity. You will make a profit by helping me," Qui-Gon said.
Dakota thought for a minute, what he says is true. I can use the help and the extra credits will be nice. I can take a shipment going that way to offset any additional expenses in taking him home. Squeezing in some vacation time on the way back would be nice. I do not see keeping him on board will cause any problems as since I no longer consider him dangerous to me. Yes, this will work to my advantage. "Ok, I will take you back to Coruscant after we finish the two drops that I have already contracted to deliver. We will drop the machine parts on Tson today, then on to Rican with a load of perishable food. The stops will take three days at the most. Then I will take you home.
Fifteen hours after landing and unloading on the planet Tson, the freighter Moondrifter lifted off the surface with Qui-Gon at the controls. Breaking though the planet atmosphere, Qui-Gon entered the coordinates for the world Rican. He thought one more stop Padawan and then I am coming home.
tbc