Qui-Gon pulled Obi-Wan too him as he immediately pressed the palm of his hand to the wound, stopping the massive bleeding. As his master checked the extinct of his injury, he realized the bleeding was the prime thing to be concerned with right now. Xanatos was already on his comm link summoning for help from an ambulance and a healer.
Jinn sent waves of healing power, supplied by the force, to his padawan that lay limp and lifeless in his arms. The blues eyes of Obi-Wan had yet to meet those of his master's. They remained sealed shut by the unconsciousness that had overtaken him. His stillness created an eerie silence that brought the master insurmountable pain.
The healers worked quickly when they arrived. An I. V. was set up, and oxygen was given too the boy. They informed Jinn that Obi-Wan had gone into shock from the loss of blood and that they would have everything waiting for him at the hospital. Once there he would be given life sustaining blood transfusion to supplement the loss of his own blood. Only when they went to put Obi-Wan in back of the ambulance did Master Jinn release the small hand that had been held by his large calloused ones. He followed them into the ambulance, yelling instructions to Xani as he left.
Xanatos was to take his prisoners to the authorities and relay what had happened . Simple job for a Jedi apprentice almost knight, especially since his prisoners were already contained and tied up securely. All Xanatos was really concerned about at that time, was dragging through the enormous amount of snowdrifts and the still falling snow to reach the police station in the city. It was by his estimation almost two miles away and the only transportation the Jedi apprentice had, was his own two feet. He stooped down to where his prisoners where to check and make sure the rope holding them was in place and tight enough.
The scar-faced captive looked into the almost black eyes of Xanatos'.
"Did I hear your master correctly? Did he call you Xanatos? You are not Xanatos Crion of Telos are you? Well of course you are. That is why you are searching for Norton Gilroy. If what he says is true then no wonder you and your master want him. Need too get rid of the proof do ya?"
"I don't know what you are talking about?"
Xanatos knew all too well.
"Sure you do lad. Norton Gilroy knows what you are guilty of. Guess you and your master don't want him to be spreading the rumors any further. Want to get rid of him do ya? I could help with that."
"How could you help me with anything? You don't know anything. You are just rambling to hear yourself talk."
"I know them Jedi at the temple would not like knowing that one of their own caused the death of twenty-five innocent men."
Xanatos slapped the man a crossed this face. The sound of flesh striking flesh rang out through the empty store.
"You know nothing of what you speak of. None of the prisoners were "innocent". They were all traitors against my father's regime. They deserved to pay with their lives."
"Thought you didn't kill them lad? You were responsible for seeing they paid with their very lives, now aren't ya?"
"I didn't say I did. It is just that they… they…."
Words faded away as Xani realized this man knew way too much.
"What would you do if I let you and the other two go?"
"Well I would hop on the nearest ship and take off for another planet. No, you would never hear a peep out of me. Your secret would be safe."
"Yes I am sure it would be."
Xani was sure of nothing except these prisoners would have to suffer the same fate as his last prisoners.
"I will set the other two free when you have been gone for fifteen minutes."
Xanatos cut the man lose as he still kept the man's own blaster leveled at him in case he tried something. The scar-faced man had no desire to do anything but run. After getting about fifty feet from where he had been held, a blaster shot cut through the snow-laden air. The man fell dead in the snow, shot in the back.
Xanatos turned the blaster on the two that still were in his custody and told them to run. One refused. Xani shot him point blank in his chest. The other, fearing he would be instantly shot, started running, although he doubted he would get away. He was right. A blaster shot left him lying in the snow, just as dead as his other two friends.
Xani thought he would have to tell his master they overtook him after one of them became untied. He had no choice but to shoot them or loose his own life. Jinn already knew how dangerous they were. They had tried to kill his master and Xani already. He would remind his master, it was one of their blaster shells that hit his "precious little Obi-Wan. "
Xanatos slithered into the hospital emergency room much like a snake going through tall blades of grass to find its prey. He was just that sneaky. He would have to put on the best charade ever too fool his master.
//It hasn't been too hard so far to fool my master. I just have to continue with my innocent act. I plan to be a Jedi Knight. Nothing is going to stop me from my goal. I will have plenty of time to "do good" and I will, once I have been given my rightful position. Killing those traitors did not diminish my ability to be a great knight one day. I don't see things as the Jedi council does. Things are not always black and white as the council sees them.//
Just like a food-starved snake in the grass, Xani sidled up beside Jinn before he even realized his other padawan was there. He had been in deep concentration over his worry for Obi-Wan. He had no news as of late and it was being to reap havoc on the cool, calm personna the big master had so far been able to display.
"Oh Xanatos I didn't even feel your presence."
"That's all right master. I know all your thoughts must be focused on Obi-Wan and his condition. I have something I wish to relay to you my master."
"Could it wait Xani? I really can't even think clearly. I have notified the council of Obi-Wan's injuries. The healers will be waiting for him as soon as he is stable enough to travel. I have more faith in the healers at the temple."
Xanatos let out a sigh of relief. They would very shortly be returning to Coruscant empty-handed from proof of his guilt or innocence. Now maybe they would give up and let him be a knight. He had hoped to find Gilroy then his job would have been complete and whole.. He could only hope Norton Gilroy took the hint with all the other deaths and would leave him alone otherwise…………
"Master I am afraid it really can't wait. One of my prisoners managed to free himself. I was jumped as I tried to gather them together to take them too the police."
A look of concerned appeared on the big master's face.
"You weren't harmed in any way?"
He quickly let his eyes roam over his older padawan to insure no injuries had occurred.
"No my master. I am well. But I regret in order to save myself I had to shoot the men as they tried to attack me. I was at first overpowered but I managed to overtake them. Regrettably I had to kill them to save my own life."
Regret for the lose of life appeared on Qui-Gon's face.
"None of them lived?"
"I am so sorry my master. I know you are disappointed in me. I am so ashamed."
"Jinn took Xanatos' face in his big hands and nestled it caressingly.
"Xani do not be ashamed for what you evidently had no choice but to do.. I know if you had been able to spare their lives you would have. Your safety is the utmost importance to me. There is nothing that could have been done. I am aware how furiously those men fought us when we had done nothing too them. They are one with the force now. I hope that they have found more peace where they are now than here. I'm not sure I could go on if I had both of you in one of these hospital rooms."
//Always a master with words of good even for the evil ones. Xani thought.//
Qui-Gon sat back down, rested his elbows on his thighs, and cradled his face in the cupped palms of his hands. He thought back on when he had to put the force band on his apprentice because he did not know how to control his own force. Jinn thought about removing the band when he could , but then realized it would do no good!!!!! His little apprentice would not remember how to control his force and it might cause more damage, but it certainly would not help. He would keep supporting his padawan with his own force signature.
Jinn arose from his seat when he saw the door open to the room Obi-Wan had been placed. All thoughts of the prisoners, the force band, and even Xanatos vanished as Master Jinn once again focused his concerns solely on Obi-Wan. He was all that mattered to the Jedi Master now.
"Master Jinn, your child is stable now. The blood transfusion was successful. Actually, the bullet hit no vital organs. His recovery should be quick except for one thing."
Jinn had been listening to what the healer said and a smile started to overtake the master but it faded as quickly when she said "except for one thing"."
"And exactly what is that?"
"The bullet traveled all the way out which was good, but in doing so, it nicked the spinal cord. Maybe your healers will know more but for now obi-Wan has no use of his legs. We are not sure if there is permanent damage or maybe just some swelling from the trauma."
Jinn's own legs grew weak with the news of his padawan's injury.
He reached for the wall to keep himself balanced as he edged himself down in the chair he had earlier been sitting in.
"He can't walk?"
"Like I said Master Jinn, Obi-Wan will survive. We just don't know the extent of his injuries. Once he is able to be checked out by the Jedi healers then you will know more. They are far more advanced than we are."
Jinn took in all the healer had to say with as much understanding as he could. His mind was a cloud of confusion.
" The most important thing is that he is alive and I thank you for that. Can I see him?"
"Yes, I know how important your link with him is for his well-being. I am going to allow you to stay by his side. He is in the bacta tank right now. You can stay with him there and later you can stay when we get him in a bed. Of course I think he will need a day or two before he can travel but then he can be released to go home to the temple healers. But again let me reiterate, maybe they will be able to help him more than we can."
Jinn looked at Xani, his face contorted with pain over the horrific news of his Obi-Wan's possible paralysis. He turned and walked into the room where the "other half of his very soul" lay injured and possibly paralyzed for life……………………
If the boy could look smaller or more innocent, Master Jinn did not know how. Obi-Wan floated in the bacta tank with an oxygen cup over his mouth and plugs in his ears. His eyes were swathed in gauge patches to keep them sealed against the bacta. Jinn whispered in the little speaker on the side of the tank.
"Obi-Wan I am here and here I will stay. I just can not touch you because you are in a bacta tank."
Qui-Gon was not sure if Obi-Wan was asleep because of the patches that covered his eyes. He watched as Obi-Wan very slowly moved his arm that did not have a tube stuck in it. He slowly slid his hand across the clear glass of the tank, signaling his master he had heard him. Had it not been for the glass of the bacta tank their hands would have touched. Qui-Gon imagined he could feel the warmth of his padawan's hand on the other side of the glass.
It was then that Master Qui-Gon tried to form a mental link with his padawan. He wanted Obi-Wan to feel him more closely along their bond. He came up against mental shields of his padawan. Jinn realized that because of the trauma sustained, Obi-Wan must have unknowingly raised his shields. While he was receiving the force energy being sent to him by his master, Obi-Wan could not feel the comfort of the mental connection as well with his shields so tightly in place. The shields also hindered the amount of healing force the master could successfully send to his padawan. That in itself could slow his healing. His master would have a harder time getting the healing force through to Obi-Wan. If the master could not instruct his padawan on how to lower his shields, his healing progress would be that of a normal teen and not of a Jedi apprentice being supported by his master.
Qui-Gon thought about the force bracelet again but realized even if Obi-Wan had his force abilities he could not use them, unless his memory returned.
//No, I will have to wait for him to be more stable to release his force. The only problem in that is he needs his force abilities to recover more quickly. //
Jinn stood beside the bacta tank for what seemed like hours, sending force healing to his padawan and talking randomly of their past, hoping that maybe something would click and Obi-Wan would remember his past. He hoped talking with his padawan would make him feel more secure while lying alone in the bacta tank, not being able to feel Jinn's physical touch.
The next morning Master Jinn was with his wounded padawan when they took him out of the bacta tank and placed him in his bed. No one had told Obi-Wan about his possible paralysis, they didn't have too. He could not feel his legs except for the occasional painful tingling that shot through them with no notice whatsoever the pain was coming. Obi-Wan had doubts, but the healer on Naboo said having the almost unbearable pain was a good thing. It meant he had some feeling, just not movement yet.
He looked over to his master and weakly plastered a smile on his face. In this he would try to be strong he thought. He had caused his master so much trouble already and things for the two were getting worse now that he might not ever walk again. That was his thinking; Qui-Gon did not share his point of view.
"Guess I kinda messed up uhn master?"
"Oh Obi-Wan you did nothing wrong. I should not have even dragged you there with us. This is all my fault."
Obi-Wan chuckled just about as weakly as he smiled.
"Are we going to go back and forth each trying to take the blame? You are always so fond of telling me we can't dwell on the past."
Qui-Gon smiled. It was not a sincere smile but he did it for Obi-Wan's benefit.
"I think you are finally listening to me and you are absolutely right. We might be able to go home tomorrow if you keep doing as well as you are today."
"You mean "doing well" from my actual wound, not my legs."
Obi-Wan hated to bring it up because his master seemed so down and he assumed it was because he could not move his legs.
Obi-Wan's master was at first at loss for words.
"Well, yes..well that is what I mean. We won't be able to know more about your spinal injury until the healers at temple get a look at you."
He managed to stammer the words out of his mouth and plant another fake smile on his face.
"I knew that. I am sorry if I have brought you more worry."
"Don't be sorry for anything Obi-Wan. Yes, I will admit you have put a few more gray hairs on my old head but I will survive and so will you. We just have to get through this and we can do it together."
"I am sorry again master but I don't see how that will work. I mean even if you decided not to take me to Master Tor El' to stay, I don't think the council will want an invalid at the temple. I don't think they were too happy to have me there when I couldn't control my force now…well now…I just think they will want me to live somewhere else."
Obi-Wan was almost pleased to be returning to the temple. But after speaking his thoughts to his master, he upset himself. He might have to leave the temple forever now, instead of just going to old master Tor El' until his memory returned. The padawan grew very sullen and quiet. Qui-Gon did not know what too say to make him feel better. He himself did not know how the council would react to Obi-Wan's injury.
Xanatos told his master that he would go back and ready their things but he had "other" things to do on the planet Naboo before he returned to the temple to except his knighthood. He had some loose strings that needed tied to insure his knighthood would never be in jeopardy.
While doing some investigating on his own Xani found out that Norton Gilroy had gone into hiding and might not even be on Naboo. Gilroy was wise enough to already be fleeing for his very life. Xani sent a threatening message to him by one of his friends and had to be contented with that. If he ever stepped foot on Coruscant Xanatos assured Norton's friend Norton Gilroy would not live to leave.
The three Jedi finally loaded themselves onto their ship to go home, the following day.
There was more between the master and the young apprentice that was left unsaid than said.
Obi-Wan had no memory of what his relationship had been like with this master, but he needed someone to lean on and Master Jinn was there and willing to be the support Obi-Wan so very much needed right now. The boy was willing and thankful to have Master Jinn to lend moral and physical support to him.
Xanatos flew the transport ship as Jinn stayed with Obi-Wan in the back of the ship most of the time.
A gurney waited on the landing port of the temple to transport Obi-Wan to the healers. Qui-Gon started to follow him but was immediately stopped by a council page who informed him he was to meet with the council members.
Obi-Wan bravely waved him off and Jinn and Xanatos followed the page to meet with the council. Jinn already had a mental speech prepared to chastise the council for taking him away from Obi-Wan.
Qui-Gon stood before the council expecting some dramatic statement over his failed mission or about the prisoners in Xani's care being killed, but all the council wanted was their mission report; the same old council rhetoric Qui-Gon heard each time he returned. What confused the master was why they would demand to see him for that now and not let him stay with Obi-Wan.
"If that is all masters, I would very much like to return to Obi-Wan while he is being examined."
"There is one other thing Master Jinn."
Plo Koon spoke and Jinn instantly did not like the tone of his voice.
"We have word from Master Tor El' that because of the circumstances with your former padawan being injured, he will not be able to take him into his home. The task would be too burdensome for an elder master such as himself."
"Good for I have changed my mind. Since his injury, I have decided my apprentice should stay with me."
His master stunned Xanatos with this declaration.
//He's going to try to keep him at the temple with us, No way!! //
"Well that is another thing. We have already found another place, a rehabilitation center that will take the boy."
Jinn's anger flared.
Firstly, he is not my former padawan, he is my present padawan. Secondly, I will not be sending him to a rehab center. He will remain with me. I will supervise his day-to-day rehabilitation. Whatever he needs, I will be the one to provide it for him."
Mace's eyes darted from Plo Koon to Master Jinn. He actually thought a fistfight might break out between the two. He knew how loyal Qui-Gon was to his padawan; to any pada wan under his tutelage.
"This is not up for debate. It has been decided."
"Moreover, just where is my old master, Yoda, Master Eeth Koth, and Master Adi Gallia. Was the council vote taken in their absence and just with all the council masters who loyally vote your way?"
"While I will admit that some of the council members are missing, it was a fair and just vote. It is not uncommon to vote with some of the members absent. We needed the decision right away."
" There was no immediate hurry to rush to judgment as to what should be done with my apprentice. Until Padawan Kenobi is healed or the healers say otherwise, he won't be going anywhere but back to our shared apartment when he has recovered enough to do so. If you do plan to go through with this absurd vote to take away his apprenticeship and knighthood, then I demand a full account of every vote from every single member of the Jedi council, not a handful of heartless masters who understand nothing of caring for a padawan. Now if you will excuse me I have to get back to my padawan."
Plo Koon sat and nervously tapped the arm of his chair with his fingers. He was determined not to let the rogue master have the last word. He planned to show Jinn just who was in charge in these council chambers.
"You misunderstand Jinn. The vote has been taken and tallied. There is no room for discussion on this matter."
Jinn walked right up to Master Plo Koon and shook his finger at him warningly.
" It is you who does not understand. I will not listen to a couple of the council members who are clearly on your side. We will discuss the council's decision when Master Yoda returns and a vote by the entire council is taken and not before. I have no time to argue this with you further. I will expect not to be bothered by the council until my old master, as well as the other council masters have returned."
Jinn started to walk away but abruptly turned back to the council masters assembled.
"May the force be with you, masters."
Qui-Gon, respectfully bowed to the masters, stepped slightly over to the left and cocked his head to the side so he could clearly see his friend, a smiling Master Windu and winked!! Jinn then walked out of the council chambers with Xanatos angrily following behind him..........
Jinn sent waves of healing power, supplied by the force, to his padawan that lay limp and lifeless in his arms. The blues eyes of Obi-Wan had yet to meet those of his master's. They remained sealed shut by the unconsciousness that had overtaken him. His stillness created an eerie silence that brought the master insurmountable pain.
The healers worked quickly when they arrived. An I. V. was set up, and oxygen was given too the boy. They informed Jinn that Obi-Wan had gone into shock from the loss of blood and that they would have everything waiting for him at the hospital. Once there he would be given life sustaining blood transfusion to supplement the loss of his own blood. Only when they went to put Obi-Wan in back of the ambulance did Master Jinn release the small hand that had been held by his large calloused ones. He followed them into the ambulance, yelling instructions to Xani as he left.
Xanatos was to take his prisoners to the authorities and relay what had happened . Simple job for a Jedi apprentice almost knight, especially since his prisoners were already contained and tied up securely. All Xanatos was really concerned about at that time, was dragging through the enormous amount of snowdrifts and the still falling snow to reach the police station in the city. It was by his estimation almost two miles away and the only transportation the Jedi apprentice had, was his own two feet. He stooped down to where his prisoners where to check and make sure the rope holding them was in place and tight enough.
The scar-faced captive looked into the almost black eyes of Xanatos'.
"Did I hear your master correctly? Did he call you Xanatos? You are not Xanatos Crion of Telos are you? Well of course you are. That is why you are searching for Norton Gilroy. If what he says is true then no wonder you and your master want him. Need too get rid of the proof do ya?"
"I don't know what you are talking about?"
Xanatos knew all too well.
"Sure you do lad. Norton Gilroy knows what you are guilty of. Guess you and your master don't want him to be spreading the rumors any further. Want to get rid of him do ya? I could help with that."
"How could you help me with anything? You don't know anything. You are just rambling to hear yourself talk."
"I know them Jedi at the temple would not like knowing that one of their own caused the death of twenty-five innocent men."
Xanatos slapped the man a crossed this face. The sound of flesh striking flesh rang out through the empty store.
"You know nothing of what you speak of. None of the prisoners were "innocent". They were all traitors against my father's regime. They deserved to pay with their lives."
"Thought you didn't kill them lad? You were responsible for seeing they paid with their very lives, now aren't ya?"
"I didn't say I did. It is just that they… they…."
Words faded away as Xani realized this man knew way too much.
"What would you do if I let you and the other two go?"
"Well I would hop on the nearest ship and take off for another planet. No, you would never hear a peep out of me. Your secret would be safe."
"Yes I am sure it would be."
Xani was sure of nothing except these prisoners would have to suffer the same fate as his last prisoners.
"I will set the other two free when you have been gone for fifteen minutes."
Xanatos cut the man lose as he still kept the man's own blaster leveled at him in case he tried something. The scar-faced man had no desire to do anything but run. After getting about fifty feet from where he had been held, a blaster shot cut through the snow-laden air. The man fell dead in the snow, shot in the back.
Xanatos turned the blaster on the two that still were in his custody and told them to run. One refused. Xani shot him point blank in his chest. The other, fearing he would be instantly shot, started running, although he doubted he would get away. He was right. A blaster shot left him lying in the snow, just as dead as his other two friends.
Xani thought he would have to tell his master they overtook him after one of them became untied. He had no choice but to shoot them or loose his own life. Jinn already knew how dangerous they were. They had tried to kill his master and Xani already. He would remind his master, it was one of their blaster shells that hit his "precious little Obi-Wan. "
Xanatos slithered into the hospital emergency room much like a snake going through tall blades of grass to find its prey. He was just that sneaky. He would have to put on the best charade ever too fool his master.
//It hasn't been too hard so far to fool my master. I just have to continue with my innocent act. I plan to be a Jedi Knight. Nothing is going to stop me from my goal. I will have plenty of time to "do good" and I will, once I have been given my rightful position. Killing those traitors did not diminish my ability to be a great knight one day. I don't see things as the Jedi council does. Things are not always black and white as the council sees them.//
Just like a food-starved snake in the grass, Xani sidled up beside Jinn before he even realized his other padawan was there. He had been in deep concentration over his worry for Obi-Wan. He had no news as of late and it was being to reap havoc on the cool, calm personna the big master had so far been able to display.
"Oh Xanatos I didn't even feel your presence."
"That's all right master. I know all your thoughts must be focused on Obi-Wan and his condition. I have something I wish to relay to you my master."
"Could it wait Xani? I really can't even think clearly. I have notified the council of Obi-Wan's injuries. The healers will be waiting for him as soon as he is stable enough to travel. I have more faith in the healers at the temple."
Xanatos let out a sigh of relief. They would very shortly be returning to Coruscant empty-handed from proof of his guilt or innocence. Now maybe they would give up and let him be a knight. He had hoped to find Gilroy then his job would have been complete and whole.. He could only hope Norton Gilroy took the hint with all the other deaths and would leave him alone otherwise…………
"Master I am afraid it really can't wait. One of my prisoners managed to free himself. I was jumped as I tried to gather them together to take them too the police."
A look of concerned appeared on the big master's face.
"You weren't harmed in any way?"
He quickly let his eyes roam over his older padawan to insure no injuries had occurred.
"No my master. I am well. But I regret in order to save myself I had to shoot the men as they tried to attack me. I was at first overpowered but I managed to overtake them. Regrettably I had to kill them to save my own life."
Regret for the lose of life appeared on Qui-Gon's face.
"None of them lived?"
"I am so sorry my master. I know you are disappointed in me. I am so ashamed."
"Jinn took Xanatos' face in his big hands and nestled it caressingly.
"Xani do not be ashamed for what you evidently had no choice but to do.. I know if you had been able to spare their lives you would have. Your safety is the utmost importance to me. There is nothing that could have been done. I am aware how furiously those men fought us when we had done nothing too them. They are one with the force now. I hope that they have found more peace where they are now than here. I'm not sure I could go on if I had both of you in one of these hospital rooms."
//Always a master with words of good even for the evil ones. Xani thought.//
Qui-Gon sat back down, rested his elbows on his thighs, and cradled his face in the cupped palms of his hands. He thought back on when he had to put the force band on his apprentice because he did not know how to control his own force. Jinn thought about removing the band when he could , but then realized it would do no good!!!!! His little apprentice would not remember how to control his force and it might cause more damage, but it certainly would not help. He would keep supporting his padawan with his own force signature.
Jinn arose from his seat when he saw the door open to the room Obi-Wan had been placed. All thoughts of the prisoners, the force band, and even Xanatos vanished as Master Jinn once again focused his concerns solely on Obi-Wan. He was all that mattered to the Jedi Master now.
"Master Jinn, your child is stable now. The blood transfusion was successful. Actually, the bullet hit no vital organs. His recovery should be quick except for one thing."
Jinn had been listening to what the healer said and a smile started to overtake the master but it faded as quickly when she said "except for one thing"."
"And exactly what is that?"
"The bullet traveled all the way out which was good, but in doing so, it nicked the spinal cord. Maybe your healers will know more but for now obi-Wan has no use of his legs. We are not sure if there is permanent damage or maybe just some swelling from the trauma."
Jinn's own legs grew weak with the news of his padawan's injury.
He reached for the wall to keep himself balanced as he edged himself down in the chair he had earlier been sitting in.
"He can't walk?"
"Like I said Master Jinn, Obi-Wan will survive. We just don't know the extent of his injuries. Once he is able to be checked out by the Jedi healers then you will know more. They are far more advanced than we are."
Jinn took in all the healer had to say with as much understanding as he could. His mind was a cloud of confusion.
" The most important thing is that he is alive and I thank you for that. Can I see him?"
"Yes, I know how important your link with him is for his well-being. I am going to allow you to stay by his side. He is in the bacta tank right now. You can stay with him there and later you can stay when we get him in a bed. Of course I think he will need a day or two before he can travel but then he can be released to go home to the temple healers. But again let me reiterate, maybe they will be able to help him more than we can."
Jinn looked at Xani, his face contorted with pain over the horrific news of his Obi-Wan's possible paralysis. He turned and walked into the room where the "other half of his very soul" lay injured and possibly paralyzed for life……………………
If the boy could look smaller or more innocent, Master Jinn did not know how. Obi-Wan floated in the bacta tank with an oxygen cup over his mouth and plugs in his ears. His eyes were swathed in gauge patches to keep them sealed against the bacta. Jinn whispered in the little speaker on the side of the tank.
"Obi-Wan I am here and here I will stay. I just can not touch you because you are in a bacta tank."
Qui-Gon was not sure if Obi-Wan was asleep because of the patches that covered his eyes. He watched as Obi-Wan very slowly moved his arm that did not have a tube stuck in it. He slowly slid his hand across the clear glass of the tank, signaling his master he had heard him. Had it not been for the glass of the bacta tank their hands would have touched. Qui-Gon imagined he could feel the warmth of his padawan's hand on the other side of the glass.
It was then that Master Qui-Gon tried to form a mental link with his padawan. He wanted Obi-Wan to feel him more closely along their bond. He came up against mental shields of his padawan. Jinn realized that because of the trauma sustained, Obi-Wan must have unknowingly raised his shields. While he was receiving the force energy being sent to him by his master, Obi-Wan could not feel the comfort of the mental connection as well with his shields so tightly in place. The shields also hindered the amount of healing force the master could successfully send to his padawan. That in itself could slow his healing. His master would have a harder time getting the healing force through to Obi-Wan. If the master could not instruct his padawan on how to lower his shields, his healing progress would be that of a normal teen and not of a Jedi apprentice being supported by his master.
Qui-Gon thought about the force bracelet again but realized even if Obi-Wan had his force abilities he could not use them, unless his memory returned.
//No, I will have to wait for him to be more stable to release his force. The only problem in that is he needs his force abilities to recover more quickly. //
Jinn stood beside the bacta tank for what seemed like hours, sending force healing to his padawan and talking randomly of their past, hoping that maybe something would click and Obi-Wan would remember his past. He hoped talking with his padawan would make him feel more secure while lying alone in the bacta tank, not being able to feel Jinn's physical touch.
The next morning Master Jinn was with his wounded padawan when they took him out of the bacta tank and placed him in his bed. No one had told Obi-Wan about his possible paralysis, they didn't have too. He could not feel his legs except for the occasional painful tingling that shot through them with no notice whatsoever the pain was coming. Obi-Wan had doubts, but the healer on Naboo said having the almost unbearable pain was a good thing. It meant he had some feeling, just not movement yet.
He looked over to his master and weakly plastered a smile on his face. In this he would try to be strong he thought. He had caused his master so much trouble already and things for the two were getting worse now that he might not ever walk again. That was his thinking; Qui-Gon did not share his point of view.
"Guess I kinda messed up uhn master?"
"Oh Obi-Wan you did nothing wrong. I should not have even dragged you there with us. This is all my fault."
Obi-Wan chuckled just about as weakly as he smiled.
"Are we going to go back and forth each trying to take the blame? You are always so fond of telling me we can't dwell on the past."
Qui-Gon smiled. It was not a sincere smile but he did it for Obi-Wan's benefit.
"I think you are finally listening to me and you are absolutely right. We might be able to go home tomorrow if you keep doing as well as you are today."
"You mean "doing well" from my actual wound, not my legs."
Obi-Wan hated to bring it up because his master seemed so down and he assumed it was because he could not move his legs.
Obi-Wan's master was at first at loss for words.
"Well, yes..well that is what I mean. We won't be able to know more about your spinal injury until the healers at temple get a look at you."
He managed to stammer the words out of his mouth and plant another fake smile on his face.
"I knew that. I am sorry if I have brought you more worry."
"Don't be sorry for anything Obi-Wan. Yes, I will admit you have put a few more gray hairs on my old head but I will survive and so will you. We just have to get through this and we can do it together."
"I am sorry again master but I don't see how that will work. I mean even if you decided not to take me to Master Tor El' to stay, I don't think the council will want an invalid at the temple. I don't think they were too happy to have me there when I couldn't control my force now…well now…I just think they will want me to live somewhere else."
Obi-Wan was almost pleased to be returning to the temple. But after speaking his thoughts to his master, he upset himself. He might have to leave the temple forever now, instead of just going to old master Tor El' until his memory returned. The padawan grew very sullen and quiet. Qui-Gon did not know what too say to make him feel better. He himself did not know how the council would react to Obi-Wan's injury.
Xanatos told his master that he would go back and ready their things but he had "other" things to do on the planet Naboo before he returned to the temple to except his knighthood. He had some loose strings that needed tied to insure his knighthood would never be in jeopardy.
While doing some investigating on his own Xani found out that Norton Gilroy had gone into hiding and might not even be on Naboo. Gilroy was wise enough to already be fleeing for his very life. Xani sent a threatening message to him by one of his friends and had to be contented with that. If he ever stepped foot on Coruscant Xanatos assured Norton's friend Norton Gilroy would not live to leave.
The three Jedi finally loaded themselves onto their ship to go home, the following day.
There was more between the master and the young apprentice that was left unsaid than said.
Obi-Wan had no memory of what his relationship had been like with this master, but he needed someone to lean on and Master Jinn was there and willing to be the support Obi-Wan so very much needed right now. The boy was willing and thankful to have Master Jinn to lend moral and physical support to him.
Xanatos flew the transport ship as Jinn stayed with Obi-Wan in the back of the ship most of the time.
A gurney waited on the landing port of the temple to transport Obi-Wan to the healers. Qui-Gon started to follow him but was immediately stopped by a council page who informed him he was to meet with the council members.
Obi-Wan bravely waved him off and Jinn and Xanatos followed the page to meet with the council. Jinn already had a mental speech prepared to chastise the council for taking him away from Obi-Wan.
Qui-Gon stood before the council expecting some dramatic statement over his failed mission or about the prisoners in Xani's care being killed, but all the council wanted was their mission report; the same old council rhetoric Qui-Gon heard each time he returned. What confused the master was why they would demand to see him for that now and not let him stay with Obi-Wan.
"If that is all masters, I would very much like to return to Obi-Wan while he is being examined."
"There is one other thing Master Jinn."
Plo Koon spoke and Jinn instantly did not like the tone of his voice.
"We have word from Master Tor El' that because of the circumstances with your former padawan being injured, he will not be able to take him into his home. The task would be too burdensome for an elder master such as himself."
"Good for I have changed my mind. Since his injury, I have decided my apprentice should stay with me."
His master stunned Xanatos with this declaration.
//He's going to try to keep him at the temple with us, No way!! //
"Well that is another thing. We have already found another place, a rehabilitation center that will take the boy."
Jinn's anger flared.
Firstly, he is not my former padawan, he is my present padawan. Secondly, I will not be sending him to a rehab center. He will remain with me. I will supervise his day-to-day rehabilitation. Whatever he needs, I will be the one to provide it for him."
Mace's eyes darted from Plo Koon to Master Jinn. He actually thought a fistfight might break out between the two. He knew how loyal Qui-Gon was to his padawan; to any pada wan under his tutelage.
"This is not up for debate. It has been decided."
"Moreover, just where is my old master, Yoda, Master Eeth Koth, and Master Adi Gallia. Was the council vote taken in their absence and just with all the council masters who loyally vote your way?"
"While I will admit that some of the council members are missing, it was a fair and just vote. It is not uncommon to vote with some of the members absent. We needed the decision right away."
" There was no immediate hurry to rush to judgment as to what should be done with my apprentice. Until Padawan Kenobi is healed or the healers say otherwise, he won't be going anywhere but back to our shared apartment when he has recovered enough to do so. If you do plan to go through with this absurd vote to take away his apprenticeship and knighthood, then I demand a full account of every vote from every single member of the Jedi council, not a handful of heartless masters who understand nothing of caring for a padawan. Now if you will excuse me I have to get back to my padawan."
Plo Koon sat and nervously tapped the arm of his chair with his fingers. He was determined not to let the rogue master have the last word. He planned to show Jinn just who was in charge in these council chambers.
"You misunderstand Jinn. The vote has been taken and tallied. There is no room for discussion on this matter."
Jinn walked right up to Master Plo Koon and shook his finger at him warningly.
" It is you who does not understand. I will not listen to a couple of the council members who are clearly on your side. We will discuss the council's decision when Master Yoda returns and a vote by the entire council is taken and not before. I have no time to argue this with you further. I will expect not to be bothered by the council until my old master, as well as the other council masters have returned."
Jinn started to walk away but abruptly turned back to the council masters assembled.
"May the force be with you, masters."
Qui-Gon, respectfully bowed to the masters, stepped slightly over to the left and cocked his head to the side so he could clearly see his friend, a smiling Master Windu and winked!! Jinn then walked out of the council chambers with Xanatos angrily following behind him..........