With a little help of the force, it took nothing for Jinn to get the lock on the door to release. He walked in just in time to grab his padawan's hand to stop him from throwing the third data pad a crossed the room in to a backpack he had laid open. It would not have been too bad, but Obi-Wan had missed getting the data pads in the backpack and they landed in a pile on the floor. That's what had been making all the noise.
"That is just about enough out of you, Obi-Wan Kenobi. You are going to settle down now."
"Leave me alone. I am just packing master so I will be ready to go to my new home. That should please you."
"Grow up Obi-Wan. I am sick and tired of you liking so immature."
"You are so good at tearing me down with your little innuendoes. Does it make you happy to belittle me, master?"
"I am not belittling you. If you want to be treated with more respect then show some respect to me."
"I don't have to show you anything. You are tossing me to aside so I guess you will have your precious Xani."
"Obi-Wan, maybe you don't remember, but Xani will only be with me for a few months until he reaches his knighthood. You will be with me for almost ten years. I am not trying to toss you to the side. I am trying to help you get your memory back so we can continue on with your Jedi training. You have fought me every step of the way when I have tried to help you. I don't know what else too do. Living with the retired master will put less pressure on you. You won't feel like you have to be a Jedi. I am only doing this to try to get you well enough to continue your apprenticeship."
"Just how does that work Master? I mean I will not be at the temple to learn any of the Jedi training. You will go missions, leaving me with sith knows who so you can be rid of me. How can I learn to be a Jedi if you are not training me?"
Qui-Gon had never broached the subject with Obi-Wan but now he felt obligated to tell him the absolute truth.
"Obi-Wan you are almost sixteen years old. If you do not get your memory back there is no way you can remain a Jedi apprentice"
Obi-Wan was shocked into silence. He thought he still could be a Jedi even without his memory. He reasoned he would just have to be retrained.
"What do you mean?"
"I mean you are too old. It is absolutely imperative that you regain your memory or you will be sent away from me and the temple itself; somewhere to work maybe in the Agricorps or with a healer, but the council will not allow you to finish your apprenticeship without your memory back. There is just too much to teach you and you would be too old to start over."
The words sunk in as Obi-Wan stopped packing dead in his tracks.
I might not ever be able to be a Jedi?
Although Obi-Wan had no true memory of his past, the one sustaining thing that kept him going since he realized he did possess Jedi powers was that it just felt right to think of becoming a knight. He felt it must have been his ultimate goal because thinking of not being one brought an ache to his heart.
"So you are saying I have to get my memory back before I can continue with any of my training?"
Qui-Gon's legs went weak when the boy asked the question. He sat down on Obi-Wan's bed and stared at the little apprentice before him. Obi-Wan had not gotten his growth spurt yet and stood shorter than most boys his age.
"Yes Obi-Wan that is exactly what I am telling you. You have not been very helpful in trying to get you memory back or act in a Jedi manner. The council would never put up with this childish attitude you have recently adapted. I have no choice. You will go to Master Tor El' when we return. I do not do this as punishment. I truly believe it might help you. Now I will have no more discussion about it. You may put your things away that you have thrown all over the floor and then I want you too meditate. My mind is made up. You don't need to be in such rush about packing. We will be probably be here at least another week."
Jinn got up and left Obi-Wan staring out the window. Padawan Kenobi did not want to turn around from that window because he did not want his master see him cry again. No, this time he would not allow his master see how disappointed and hurt he was.
//Master Jinn is right I have been acting alike a spoiled child. I guess it is too late to correct the errors of my ways. He is determined to send me away. Xanatos will get everything he ever wanted and I will probably end up pulling weeds from the old master's garden the rest of my life and that's if I am lucky.//
Xanatos remained where he was as he tried to strain his ears to listen to what was being said. He looked up when he heard the bedroom door open and saw his master come out.
"Did you get things straighten out master?"
"I don't think things will ever be straightened out."
"It will be alright master. He just needs some time to realize you truly have his best interests in mind."
"Do I Xani? Or is it an easy way out for me to give up on him and send him away. Maybe he is right. I am just trying to get rid of him."
"Master I thought you said it would be for the best for his to go to old Master Tor El'?"
"Look Xani I don't want to discuss it right now. I'm going to your father's gardens to meditate and focus on the force right now. Would you mind staying here and listen for Obi-Wan to come out. He is very upset and I wouldn't want him to get into his head to runaway or something. He is really not thinking clearly right now."
"Right now. ?!? He hasn't had a coherent thought since we returned from Cirrus."
Jinn did not say anything but if looks could kill, Xanatos would be dead right now. Qui-Gon did not take kindly to anyone talking about Obi-Wan in such a manner.
When Qui-Gon returned he found Xani efficiently preparing last-meal. The table was set and the food was on the table. All the things Obi-Wan would do for his master when he was his padawan was now being done by Xanatos.
"Master, I took the liberty of choosing something I thought you and Obi-Wan would like for last-meal. Should I go tell him our food is ready?"
"No, I think you and I are the last people he wants to be around let alone share last-meal and chit-chat with, but I will go ask him."
Jinn opened the door to the bedroom to find his padawan lying on the bed. He was not asleep just more or less in a blank stare. There was certain calm over the boy that Obi-Wan had not been exhibiting as of late. It startled the master not to have to deal with the rolling emotions he usually felt through their shared bond, pouring from the boy.
"Last-meal is ready. Would you like to come out and eat with us or I could bring you a plate of food."
The hitch in Obi-Wan's voice left no doubt that he must have finished a crying spell but Jinn ignored it not wanting to embarrass the boy.
"No master I will come out and eat. Please give me a few minutes to freshen up."
"Take all the time you need. We will wait on you."
Obi-Wan sat down at the table. His eyes were rimmed red from crying and his face flushed, but he stoically tried to act like everything was all right.
"I hope you like what I made Obi-Wan. I thought it was one of your favorite foods."
It really was one of Obi-Wan's favorite dishes. Jinn thought it very thoughtful of Xani to have gone too so much trouble to make the soufflé he had, just for Obi-Wan. Jinn also thought Xanatos must be almost as concerned for Obi-Wan as he was for the other padawan's well being.
"Thank You Xani."
Obi-Wan was indeed trying to be more cordial to Xani.
"Master could I turn on the news. I like to keep up on what's going on with the government while my father is gone."
"Yes Xanatos, that is fine. Don't turn it up too loud though."
Obi-Wan toyed with his food. Each bite seemed to stick in his throat as he valiantly tried to act "normal"; whatever that meant to his master. He was determined if he must go away then he would act more adult about it from now on and not like the two year old his master always liked to remind him he was emulating.
Jinn tried to draw his attentions away from Obi-Wan. He felt the boy did not need him staring at him as he wanted too. He wanted to gage Obi-Wan's reactions to what he said earlier. To keep from looking at Obi-Wan he turned his attentions to the news. That is when he heard the bulletin about one of the liberalist fighters, who fought along side Xanatos. The man had been murdered in a downtown alley. Jinn was surprised to find out the man's name. It was the same man they were to meet earlier. It was Darrow……
Qui-Gon got up from eating and went into the common room to hear what was said on the news. Xanatos soon followed and didn't interrupt his master, who seemed in deep thought.
"I can't imagine who is killing everyone I need to talk with. Maybe Norton Gilroy, the one who passed the information about you to the council, is in some way involved. I mean if he wants to see you destroyed then he might not hesitate to keep me from finding the truth out about you. Yes, that has to be it. He thinks I am about to stumble onto the truth of your innocence and he has resorted to killing anyone who can supply me that proof. Wasn't Darrow headed for Naboo, right after we were to speak with him?"
"Yes I believe so, why?"
"Well as I understand it, Gilroy is working from Naboo right now. Of course that would not stop him from hiring someone to do his dirty work for him here. I think maybe we could find out more on Naboo. I mean everyone has migrated there and even the prisoners are there. I know the prison papers were lost with all the names of the prisoners. But you said you sent twenty-five of them there. We could even go to the prison and interview every prisoner if we have too, until we find some that were involved in the attempted overthrow of your father's government."
"Master I don't know if that is such a good idea I mean…"
"Of course it is a good idea. No it's an excellent idea. I should have thought of this sooner. I will make the necessary arrangements for our journey to Naboo. Your father will understand our hasty departure."
"I just remembered master we can't. We have to get Obi-Wan back to the temple. It will be hard to visit the prison and keep a close eye on that one."
Xani nodded to where Obi-Wan was sitting. The boy looked up to see both of them staring at him. He blushed under the scrutiny of both master and apprentice.
"If it will help you master, I promise to be on my best behavior. I know now I am not a true Jedi, but I can at least act as you want me too. I promise not too give you any more trouble. If you have to go to Naboo then let me assure you, you will not have to worry about me giving you unwanted problems."
Jinn's heart swelled with his pride for his youngest padawan. It had to have taken a lot for the padawan to say he was not a Jedi but yet would lend his support by acting more mature as they finished their search to clear the other padawan. Jinn also knew that a trip to Naboo would mean prolonging their return to the temple and handing Obi-Wan over to the retired master. Jinn secretly welcomed the temporary postponement of losing Obi-Wan.
"Thank you Obi-Wan. I think I will take you up on your offer for your best behavior. Padawans, we will leave for Naboo first thing in the morning. I think after we have cleaned up from last-meal we should all go pack………….."
Two days into the trip and there had been no outbursts from Obi-Wan. That in its self was a feat mastered. Normally a day had not gone by without there being some kind of confrontation between Obi-Wan and his master, Qui-Gon.
Although there had been no arguing and disagreements, there had been no liveliness that usually went along with master and little apprentice when they traveled. Life did seem more boring without his old Obi-Wan to ask a silly question or tell a sillier joke. Qui-Gon missed his outgoing, fun loving padawan, Obi-Wan Kenobi. The boy that sat to his left side now was reserved, sullen, and almost zombie like.
Xanatos came from the back of the ship and flopped down on the other side of his master.
"Well Obi-Wan certainly has been true to his word, hey master."
"What do you mean Xanatos?"
"He said he would be a "good little boy" and so far he has been."
"I don't think your assessment of him saying "good little boy" is accurate or polite Xani. He is sitting right here to hear every word you are saying about him."
Obi-Wan hung his head in shame over being called a "good little boy", but he promised he wouldn't start and he was going to keep that promise. Much as he would have like to tell Xanatos what he thought of him for inferring he was a mere child, he would refrain from any negative reply. He promised his master as much.
"Oh very well, I am sorry Obi-Wan if I offended you. It was not my intentions. I was just trying to lighten the atmosphere around here. Everyone seems so sullen and dull lately."
"I don't think we should lighten the atmosphere by using Obi-Wan as the brunt of your jokes."
Xanatos could tell Jinn was more than just being cross with him. He knew too stop right now. The older padawan got up and wandered into back of the ship. He didn't care to be around either one of them just at that moment.
"Don't pay any attention to Xani, Obi-Wan. His sense of humor and timing is pretty off base."
"It's alright Master Jinn. I was not offended".
//I don't think Jedi are supposed to lie, but what could I say? "I'd like to ring your other padawan's neck". No, couldn't very well say that. That probably isn't very Jedi-like either.//
Jinn watched as a small smile etched its self a crossed his padawan's face. That was something he had not seen in a while and the master was pleased to see Obi-Wan found something too smile about.
"That is the first time I have seen you smile in quite a while padawan. Care to let me in on what is so funny?
//Oh how I would like to be able to tell you I was thinking of ringing Xani's scrawny little neck, but of course I can't tell you the truth!!!! //
"Nothing really master. I was just thinking about Xani, that is all."
Had Master Jinn bothered to check along their bond, with the erratic shields of Obi-Wan, he would have probably known what his apprentice was thinking. Bad move on Qui-Gon's part, not too occasionally check on Obi-Wan's thoughts.
"Well it must have been pretty funny to bring a smile to your face like that."
"Oh it was master, very funny indeed."
Jinn was glad to see his youngest padawan could at least still smile, even if it was at Xanatos' expense.
#############
Once on Naboo the only housing the Jedi could procure on what credits they had was a two room rundown apartment in the worst part of the main city.
Qui-Gon insisted it be cleaned and sanitized before anything else was done. He said he could imagine them getting all kinds of creepy crawly things on them if the place was not bleached down thoroughly. Much to Xanatos' dislike, he was required to work right along side Obi-Wan in cleaning their temporary home. He thought Obi-Wan, being the youngest and certainly not a Jedi should have too do all the work. That of course was not Jinn's thoughts. The three did their equal part of the work.
Their cleaning completed, the Jedi settled in for the evening. Jinn informed Xanatos that they would take the trip to the prison first in the morning and see if they could get permission to visit some of the prisoners.
Xanatos paced the small apartment all evening long. He fidgeted with his hands and was almost pulling his braid out because of his evident nervousness.
"I do hope we have cleaned this place sufficiently and haven't let a pack of fleas continue to live in here."
He was talking to Xanatos.
"Why do you say that master?"
"Because you act as if hundreds of fleas have embedded themselves in your robe. I have never seen you so antsy or worked up. What ever is your problem?"
"Oh nothing really master. I guess I am just anxious to be cleared of all these lies and accusations placed on me by Gilroy. Hopefully we can confront him and get this over with."
"I don't know about confronting him. If he is as treacherous as I predict he is, he wouldn't hesitate to kill us to see his mission accomplished."
"I don't think he could take on two Jedi, master. After all, you said so yourself, I am almost equal to you in the use of my light saber."
"Yes, but Jedi do not set out to kill another being, Padawan Xanatos. I don't think at your stage in your Jedi training, I should have to remind you of that."
Jinn was a little more than put off by Xani's suggestion that to deal with Norton Gilroy, they should just kill him and be done with him. That comment would go on to worry the master later on that evening as he meditated.
That evening as Master Jinn meditated, a cloud hung over the master's thoughts. He had noticed of late that he and Xanatos' bond was not nearly as sound as it normally was. Xanatos stayed shielded all the time from his master. At first Qui-Gon reasoned it was because he was older and needed his adult privacy, but something in the back of the Jedi master's mind played havoc with his reasoning.
He succeeded in pushing the questioning thoughts about Padawan Crion out of his mind as he directed his thoughts to his true padawan, Obi-Wan Kenobi. The master focused on what would happen to the boy if he did indeed hand him over to retired Master Tor El'.
The master's words spoken to Xanatos came back to haunt him. He had told Xani down in the prison mines on Cirrus that if Obi-Wan's mind did not return to him, Jinn would still be obligated to raise him to adulthood if he could not see him through too knighthood. He realized how quickly he changed his own mind when he thought of actually having to leave the Jedi in order to keep Obi-Wan by his side.
Jinn knew he must search for the answer to one question, which he had been pondering all day. Once the one lone question was answered he would know with certainty what direction to take in his life, after everything was settled with Xanatos and his troubles.
//I haven't the courage of my convictions. When it comes down to leaving the Jedi or Obi-Wan I have hesitations about choosing one or the other. I would hate to lose either. The one question I must answer is; Which would I hate to lose more, Obi-Wan Kenobi or the Jedi?//………………….
PEACE [b]ewen[/b]
"That is just about enough out of you, Obi-Wan Kenobi. You are going to settle down now."
"Leave me alone. I am just packing master so I will be ready to go to my new home. That should please you."
"Grow up Obi-Wan. I am sick and tired of you liking so immature."
"You are so good at tearing me down with your little innuendoes. Does it make you happy to belittle me, master?"
"I am not belittling you. If you want to be treated with more respect then show some respect to me."
"I don't have to show you anything. You are tossing me to aside so I guess you will have your precious Xani."
"Obi-Wan, maybe you don't remember, but Xani will only be with me for a few months until he reaches his knighthood. You will be with me for almost ten years. I am not trying to toss you to the side. I am trying to help you get your memory back so we can continue on with your Jedi training. You have fought me every step of the way when I have tried to help you. I don't know what else too do. Living with the retired master will put less pressure on you. You won't feel like you have to be a Jedi. I am only doing this to try to get you well enough to continue your apprenticeship."
"Just how does that work Master? I mean I will not be at the temple to learn any of the Jedi training. You will go missions, leaving me with sith knows who so you can be rid of me. How can I learn to be a Jedi if you are not training me?"
Qui-Gon had never broached the subject with Obi-Wan but now he felt obligated to tell him the absolute truth.
"Obi-Wan you are almost sixteen years old. If you do not get your memory back there is no way you can remain a Jedi apprentice"
Obi-Wan was shocked into silence. He thought he still could be a Jedi even without his memory. He reasoned he would just have to be retrained.
"What do you mean?"
"I mean you are too old. It is absolutely imperative that you regain your memory or you will be sent away from me and the temple itself; somewhere to work maybe in the Agricorps or with a healer, but the council will not allow you to finish your apprenticeship without your memory back. There is just too much to teach you and you would be too old to start over."
The words sunk in as Obi-Wan stopped packing dead in his tracks.
I might not ever be able to be a Jedi?
Although Obi-Wan had no true memory of his past, the one sustaining thing that kept him going since he realized he did possess Jedi powers was that it just felt right to think of becoming a knight. He felt it must have been his ultimate goal because thinking of not being one brought an ache to his heart.
"So you are saying I have to get my memory back before I can continue with any of my training?"
Qui-Gon's legs went weak when the boy asked the question. He sat down on Obi-Wan's bed and stared at the little apprentice before him. Obi-Wan had not gotten his growth spurt yet and stood shorter than most boys his age.
"Yes Obi-Wan that is exactly what I am telling you. You have not been very helpful in trying to get you memory back or act in a Jedi manner. The council would never put up with this childish attitude you have recently adapted. I have no choice. You will go to Master Tor El' when we return. I do not do this as punishment. I truly believe it might help you. Now I will have no more discussion about it. You may put your things away that you have thrown all over the floor and then I want you too meditate. My mind is made up. You don't need to be in such rush about packing. We will be probably be here at least another week."
Jinn got up and left Obi-Wan staring out the window. Padawan Kenobi did not want to turn around from that window because he did not want his master see him cry again. No, this time he would not allow his master see how disappointed and hurt he was.
//Master Jinn is right I have been acting alike a spoiled child. I guess it is too late to correct the errors of my ways. He is determined to send me away. Xanatos will get everything he ever wanted and I will probably end up pulling weeds from the old master's garden the rest of my life and that's if I am lucky.//
Xanatos remained where he was as he tried to strain his ears to listen to what was being said. He looked up when he heard the bedroom door open and saw his master come out.
"Did you get things straighten out master?"
"I don't think things will ever be straightened out."
"It will be alright master. He just needs some time to realize you truly have his best interests in mind."
"Do I Xani? Or is it an easy way out for me to give up on him and send him away. Maybe he is right. I am just trying to get rid of him."
"Master I thought you said it would be for the best for his to go to old Master Tor El'?"
"Look Xani I don't want to discuss it right now. I'm going to your father's gardens to meditate and focus on the force right now. Would you mind staying here and listen for Obi-Wan to come out. He is very upset and I wouldn't want him to get into his head to runaway or something. He is really not thinking clearly right now."
"Right now. ?!? He hasn't had a coherent thought since we returned from Cirrus."
Jinn did not say anything but if looks could kill, Xanatos would be dead right now. Qui-Gon did not take kindly to anyone talking about Obi-Wan in such a manner.
When Qui-Gon returned he found Xani efficiently preparing last-meal. The table was set and the food was on the table. All the things Obi-Wan would do for his master when he was his padawan was now being done by Xanatos.
"Master, I took the liberty of choosing something I thought you and Obi-Wan would like for last-meal. Should I go tell him our food is ready?"
"No, I think you and I are the last people he wants to be around let alone share last-meal and chit-chat with, but I will go ask him."
Jinn opened the door to the bedroom to find his padawan lying on the bed. He was not asleep just more or less in a blank stare. There was certain calm over the boy that Obi-Wan had not been exhibiting as of late. It startled the master not to have to deal with the rolling emotions he usually felt through their shared bond, pouring from the boy.
"Last-meal is ready. Would you like to come out and eat with us or I could bring you a plate of food."
The hitch in Obi-Wan's voice left no doubt that he must have finished a crying spell but Jinn ignored it not wanting to embarrass the boy.
"No master I will come out and eat. Please give me a few minutes to freshen up."
"Take all the time you need. We will wait on you."
Obi-Wan sat down at the table. His eyes were rimmed red from crying and his face flushed, but he stoically tried to act like everything was all right.
"I hope you like what I made Obi-Wan. I thought it was one of your favorite foods."
It really was one of Obi-Wan's favorite dishes. Jinn thought it very thoughtful of Xani to have gone too so much trouble to make the soufflé he had, just for Obi-Wan. Jinn also thought Xanatos must be almost as concerned for Obi-Wan as he was for the other padawan's well being.
"Thank You Xani."
Obi-Wan was indeed trying to be more cordial to Xani.
"Master could I turn on the news. I like to keep up on what's going on with the government while my father is gone."
"Yes Xanatos, that is fine. Don't turn it up too loud though."
Obi-Wan toyed with his food. Each bite seemed to stick in his throat as he valiantly tried to act "normal"; whatever that meant to his master. He was determined if he must go away then he would act more adult about it from now on and not like the two year old his master always liked to remind him he was emulating.
Jinn tried to draw his attentions away from Obi-Wan. He felt the boy did not need him staring at him as he wanted too. He wanted to gage Obi-Wan's reactions to what he said earlier. To keep from looking at Obi-Wan he turned his attentions to the news. That is when he heard the bulletin about one of the liberalist fighters, who fought along side Xanatos. The man had been murdered in a downtown alley. Jinn was surprised to find out the man's name. It was the same man they were to meet earlier. It was Darrow……
Qui-Gon got up from eating and went into the common room to hear what was said on the news. Xanatos soon followed and didn't interrupt his master, who seemed in deep thought.
"I can't imagine who is killing everyone I need to talk with. Maybe Norton Gilroy, the one who passed the information about you to the council, is in some way involved. I mean if he wants to see you destroyed then he might not hesitate to keep me from finding the truth out about you. Yes, that has to be it. He thinks I am about to stumble onto the truth of your innocence and he has resorted to killing anyone who can supply me that proof. Wasn't Darrow headed for Naboo, right after we were to speak with him?"
"Yes I believe so, why?"
"Well as I understand it, Gilroy is working from Naboo right now. Of course that would not stop him from hiring someone to do his dirty work for him here. I think maybe we could find out more on Naboo. I mean everyone has migrated there and even the prisoners are there. I know the prison papers were lost with all the names of the prisoners. But you said you sent twenty-five of them there. We could even go to the prison and interview every prisoner if we have too, until we find some that were involved in the attempted overthrow of your father's government."
"Master I don't know if that is such a good idea I mean…"
"Of course it is a good idea. No it's an excellent idea. I should have thought of this sooner. I will make the necessary arrangements for our journey to Naboo. Your father will understand our hasty departure."
"I just remembered master we can't. We have to get Obi-Wan back to the temple. It will be hard to visit the prison and keep a close eye on that one."
Xani nodded to where Obi-Wan was sitting. The boy looked up to see both of them staring at him. He blushed under the scrutiny of both master and apprentice.
"If it will help you master, I promise to be on my best behavior. I know now I am not a true Jedi, but I can at least act as you want me too. I promise not too give you any more trouble. If you have to go to Naboo then let me assure you, you will not have to worry about me giving you unwanted problems."
Jinn's heart swelled with his pride for his youngest padawan. It had to have taken a lot for the padawan to say he was not a Jedi but yet would lend his support by acting more mature as they finished their search to clear the other padawan. Jinn also knew that a trip to Naboo would mean prolonging their return to the temple and handing Obi-Wan over to the retired master. Jinn secretly welcomed the temporary postponement of losing Obi-Wan.
"Thank you Obi-Wan. I think I will take you up on your offer for your best behavior. Padawans, we will leave for Naboo first thing in the morning. I think after we have cleaned up from last-meal we should all go pack………….."
Two days into the trip and there had been no outbursts from Obi-Wan. That in its self was a feat mastered. Normally a day had not gone by without there being some kind of confrontation between Obi-Wan and his master, Qui-Gon.
Although there had been no arguing and disagreements, there had been no liveliness that usually went along with master and little apprentice when they traveled. Life did seem more boring without his old Obi-Wan to ask a silly question or tell a sillier joke. Qui-Gon missed his outgoing, fun loving padawan, Obi-Wan Kenobi. The boy that sat to his left side now was reserved, sullen, and almost zombie like.
Xanatos came from the back of the ship and flopped down on the other side of his master.
"Well Obi-Wan certainly has been true to his word, hey master."
"What do you mean Xanatos?"
"He said he would be a "good little boy" and so far he has been."
"I don't think your assessment of him saying "good little boy" is accurate or polite Xani. He is sitting right here to hear every word you are saying about him."
Obi-Wan hung his head in shame over being called a "good little boy", but he promised he wouldn't start and he was going to keep that promise. Much as he would have like to tell Xanatos what he thought of him for inferring he was a mere child, he would refrain from any negative reply. He promised his master as much.
"Oh very well, I am sorry Obi-Wan if I offended you. It was not my intentions. I was just trying to lighten the atmosphere around here. Everyone seems so sullen and dull lately."
"I don't think we should lighten the atmosphere by using Obi-Wan as the brunt of your jokes."
Xanatos could tell Jinn was more than just being cross with him. He knew too stop right now. The older padawan got up and wandered into back of the ship. He didn't care to be around either one of them just at that moment.
"Don't pay any attention to Xani, Obi-Wan. His sense of humor and timing is pretty off base."
"It's alright Master Jinn. I was not offended".
//I don't think Jedi are supposed to lie, but what could I say? "I'd like to ring your other padawan's neck". No, couldn't very well say that. That probably isn't very Jedi-like either.//
Jinn watched as a small smile etched its self a crossed his padawan's face. That was something he had not seen in a while and the master was pleased to see Obi-Wan found something too smile about.
"That is the first time I have seen you smile in quite a while padawan. Care to let me in on what is so funny?
//Oh how I would like to be able to tell you I was thinking of ringing Xani's scrawny little neck, but of course I can't tell you the truth!!!! //
"Nothing really master. I was just thinking about Xani, that is all."
Had Master Jinn bothered to check along their bond, with the erratic shields of Obi-Wan, he would have probably known what his apprentice was thinking. Bad move on Qui-Gon's part, not too occasionally check on Obi-Wan's thoughts.
"Well it must have been pretty funny to bring a smile to your face like that."
"Oh it was master, very funny indeed."
Jinn was glad to see his youngest padawan could at least still smile, even if it was at Xanatos' expense.
#############
Once on Naboo the only housing the Jedi could procure on what credits they had was a two room rundown apartment in the worst part of the main city.
Qui-Gon insisted it be cleaned and sanitized before anything else was done. He said he could imagine them getting all kinds of creepy crawly things on them if the place was not bleached down thoroughly. Much to Xanatos' dislike, he was required to work right along side Obi-Wan in cleaning their temporary home. He thought Obi-Wan, being the youngest and certainly not a Jedi should have too do all the work. That of course was not Jinn's thoughts. The three did their equal part of the work.
Their cleaning completed, the Jedi settled in for the evening. Jinn informed Xanatos that they would take the trip to the prison first in the morning and see if they could get permission to visit some of the prisoners.
Xanatos paced the small apartment all evening long. He fidgeted with his hands and was almost pulling his braid out because of his evident nervousness.
"I do hope we have cleaned this place sufficiently and haven't let a pack of fleas continue to live in here."
He was talking to Xanatos.
"Why do you say that master?"
"Because you act as if hundreds of fleas have embedded themselves in your robe. I have never seen you so antsy or worked up. What ever is your problem?"
"Oh nothing really master. I guess I am just anxious to be cleared of all these lies and accusations placed on me by Gilroy. Hopefully we can confront him and get this over with."
"I don't know about confronting him. If he is as treacherous as I predict he is, he wouldn't hesitate to kill us to see his mission accomplished."
"I don't think he could take on two Jedi, master. After all, you said so yourself, I am almost equal to you in the use of my light saber."
"Yes, but Jedi do not set out to kill another being, Padawan Xanatos. I don't think at your stage in your Jedi training, I should have to remind you of that."
Jinn was a little more than put off by Xani's suggestion that to deal with Norton Gilroy, they should just kill him and be done with him. That comment would go on to worry the master later on that evening as he meditated.
That evening as Master Jinn meditated, a cloud hung over the master's thoughts. He had noticed of late that he and Xanatos' bond was not nearly as sound as it normally was. Xanatos stayed shielded all the time from his master. At first Qui-Gon reasoned it was because he was older and needed his adult privacy, but something in the back of the Jedi master's mind played havoc with his reasoning.
He succeeded in pushing the questioning thoughts about Padawan Crion out of his mind as he directed his thoughts to his true padawan, Obi-Wan Kenobi. The master focused on what would happen to the boy if he did indeed hand him over to retired Master Tor El'.
The master's words spoken to Xanatos came back to haunt him. He had told Xani down in the prison mines on Cirrus that if Obi-Wan's mind did not return to him, Jinn would still be obligated to raise him to adulthood if he could not see him through too knighthood. He realized how quickly he changed his own mind when he thought of actually having to leave the Jedi in order to keep Obi-Wan by his side.
Jinn knew he must search for the answer to one question, which he had been pondering all day. Once the one lone question was answered he would know with certainty what direction to take in his life, after everything was settled with Xanatos and his troubles.
//I haven't the courage of my convictions. When it comes down to leaving the Jedi or Obi-Wan I have hesitations about choosing one or the other. I would hate to lose either. The one question I must answer is; Which would I hate to lose more, Obi-Wan Kenobi or the Jedi?//………………….
PEACE [b]ewen[/b]