It took a few days for the healers at the temple to evaluate Obi-Wan's condition. He had to stay in the med unit while the tests were being completed and because he was still recovering from the loss of blood. Healer Darue informed Master Jinn that Obi-Wan would be released in his care in a couple of days. He was also informed Obi-Wan's master that as of yet no definitive diagnosis of Jinn's padawan had been found.. In layman's terms that meant Obi-Wan might walk and then again he might not. Only time and rest would tell. The healer did tell Jinn that had Obi-Wan had his memory back and his control of the force his healing would be faster and more efficient.
Obi-Wan sat in the hospital bed and sulked endlessly. He tried very hard to put up a good front. However anyone that knew the young padawan before his memory loss and his tragic injury knew Obi-Wan was clearly not himself. Weight was just dropping from the boy. He had been reprimanded almost daily by one of the many healers as well as Master Jinn over his eating habits, that were atrocious.
In the meantime, to pass the time while he waited for the council to return, Xanatos kept busy doing "good deeds". He would teach the younglings in the use of the saber. He went so far as to help Master Plo Koon do some research in the dusty temple library in the basement.
Plo Koon enjoyed Xani's company as much as he disliked having the Kenobi child around. He had never cared for the boy, reasoning that it was because Master Yoda thought so highly of him. It did not help Obi-Wan to have Master Jinn as his master. Plo-Koon and Jinn had always had an unspoken disagreement between the two. They were at best somewhat cordial when they were around each other.
Xanatos was a different matter entirely. He would not be under Master Jinn's "thumb" very much longer now. He could be easily molded into the position Plo Koon had planned for him; his right hand man and his staunchest supporter.
Plo Koon has just about decided he would fight for Xanatos' knighthood just as fiercely as he would fight to keep Obi-Wan from staying a padawan or for that matter even living in the temple.
I'd like to thank you, Padawan Crion for helping me with my research. You have cut my work in half by doing so."
"It has been my pleasure Master Plo Koon. With my master overseeing everything the healers are doing with Obi-Wan, we have not had time to do much in line of practicing with my saber or my katas."
"Well maybe I can help you there. You and I will have to indulge ourselves in a mock duel to keep your saber techniques sharp. Another thing I might be able to help you with is the council and its decision on your pending knighthood. I think I can convince the council to drop their ridiculous search for your guilt or innocence concerning that nasty business with the prisoners. You have more than proven your worth when you led the resistance against the men who attempted to overthrow your father's government."
"I thought I would have proven my ability to be a knight but I guess they just want to be sure I am worthy before granting my knighthood."
Both had been looking over some old texts. Master Plo Koon stood up and whirled around on Padawan Crion almost in anger. His face was clearly a flamed with that anger, but not for Xanatos. It was anger and despise for Qui-Gon that had Plo Koon in such an uproar.
"Umph.. Look at this way, if Master Jinn had championed your cause as much as he argues with the council over his current padawan, you would already be a knight and on your first mission. We just sent three nearly knighted Jedi to Parlis to oversee their elections. You would have fit in very well with the group. Too bad, you were denied that experience. Maybe soon now you will be granted your knighthood. Had I ever had such a loyal astute padawan at my side such as you, I would never ignore him in favor of a young upstart whose knighthood is "wavering in the wind" with all the obstacles Padawan Kenobi is currently up against."
Xanatos was more than a little surprised that Plo Koon was even capable of showing so much emotion, especially where he and his master were concerned. Xani had been intently listening to Master Plo Koon. He was shocked by Plo Koon's reaction of pure anger, even hatred over Obi-Wan being put before Xanatos and that the padawan had been denied the opportunity to go on the mission with the other knights.. However, what stuck in his mind most, was what the master said about Jinn defending him as valiantly as he had been defending Obi-Wan.
Xanatos thought he was much more worthy of his master's attention when it came to him being a knight than Jinn's focus on his padawan who had no memory and might be handicapped for life. That sparked raw jealously in the older padawan. He planned to discuss that very issue with his master that evening.
That evening Xanatos ate last-meal alone, which had become a normal event. His master always stayed with Obi-Wan during last-meal to coax food down him.
//If he would quit babying him and ignore the child he would eventually eat. He is consuming all of our master's time. Time that could be used trying to get me in position to become a knight. I bet he hasn't talked with any of the council members about me since we returned to the temple.//
There was only one small light on in the apartment when Qui-Gon returned form being with Obi-Wan. Xanatos sat in the almost dark and looked out the large bay window they had in their common room.
"I kept your plate in the warmer master if you haven't eaten."
"Thank you Xani. The healers brought me a plate but I was so busy trying to convince Obi-Wan he should eat more, I didn't have time to eat."
The master went into the small kitchen and began setting out his food and a drink.
"Is Obi-Wan any better?"
"No, no improvement at all. Healer Darue did say he might be able to come to the apartment to stay if I would bring him for his therapy session daily."
"I might get to see you more if you have him home, but won't that be a lot of work for you?"
Jinn realized he had been ignoring his older padawan and for a moment felt like he had betrayed him in some way.
"I am sorry Xanatos I guess I have kinda ignored you lately. I hope to correct that when Obi-Wan returns to us. Master Windu and Master Tahl have agreed to help with him. I am pretty sure the council we see things my way about your knighthood."
"Just what is "your way"? I was not aware you had talked with anyone about me becoming a knight. You have been so focused on Obi-Wan that I thought you might have entirely forgotten about me becoming a knight"
Master Jinn's forehead wrinkled with the frown on his face. He instantly worried about his older padawan's own concern for himself.
"Oh Xanatos I have not forgotten. We went through so much on Naboo. I mean I know it was hard on you to have to kill those men. I had wanted to have time to see if you needed to speak to me about it. You seem to be handling it quite well though. I know it was not the first time you've had to kill anyone, but so many at one time. I thought that you might have let the unfortunate experience on Naboo dwell on your mind."
"No master I feel comfortable about what I had to do on Naboo. I honestly had no choice. It just seemed that you forgot about my knighthood."
"Indeed, I have not. I thought I would bring it up when I go before the council concerning Obi-Wan. Truthfully I think I will have more chance of getting them to forget about those trumped up charges against you than I will convincing them to allow me to keep Obi-Wan by my side. They will be wanting me to go on a mission fairly soon. We are short masters and knights as it is. They will not want me tied down here at the temple with a recovering padawan."
"Then if they are short masters and knights in the field, they should have no qualms about making me a knight."
"I am sure they won't. No, I think your knighthood is assured, once of the council members return from their various missions. I don't think however, it will be an easy job convincing them to let me keep Obi-Wan."
Xanatos relaxed, propped both his feet up on the footstool, and leaned back in his chair. He was satisfied with what his master had told him, even if he had been ignored lately. He was also pleased to learn that maybe Obi-Wan would have to go to some rehab center after all. He hoped that maybe his first mission as a Jedi knight would be with his master and then he could really show him how capable he was. Xanatos was always concerned with pleasing his master and winning his approval. Another thought crossed the older padawan's mind. Without a doubt he had Master Plo Koon on his side; one of the most disagreeable hated masters by all the young knights had put him almost on a pedestal. Xanatos was indeed feeling good about himself this night……….
########
Three floors up in the temple from Master Jinn's dwelling, Master Plo Koon sat in the solitude of his little apartment. His apartment was smaller than even Master Jinn's because he did not have a padawan. He raised one padawan to knighthood over twenty years ago and his dealings with children stopped with that padawan. He only took an apprentice to gain stasis of Master. He certainly wouldn't take another. The experience was an unpleasant undertaking for the "soured" master who preferred his privacy over the intrusion of a padawan.
He did think however, it would be very beneficial to have an up and coming young knight on his side. Master Jinn had already done the hard work of raising Xanatos to almost knighthood. Plo Koon thought it would be easy to assert himself into the auspicious position as mentor for "Knight" Crion.
//It never hurts to have an ally in your corner that is a field operative. I am not one of the favored masters on the council by masters or knights. Yes, the future Knight Crion might be very helpful in my bid for head temple master instead of Master Yoda. I will work to gain his loyalties. He will see that unlike Master Jinn, I am a master who will have his best interests in mind at all times…….//
The Jinn/Kenobi/Crion household turned into a mini med unit overnight. The chair Xani loved to sit in, right by the big bay window, was removed from the common room to make space for a hospital bed for Obi-Wan.
They had gotten very good news right before Obi-Wan left the med unit. He was beginning to move his toes. Now how much of his strength and ability to maneuver around would return was not known. It was a wait-and-see situation where his progress was concerned.
Xanatos longed for action. He thought it was boring at the temple.
//How much can one stand being around the younglings every day?//
Xanatos began to go out frequently with his friends to take in the nightlife. In the five days Obi-Wan had been home, Xanatos had not been home in the evening for any of them. It was not that Xanatos had done anything wrong. On the contrary he epitomized the phrase "perfect padawan."
Qui-Gon was up and waiting for Xanatos when he returned from his nightly excursion on the fifth night. He motioned for his oldest padawan to follow him into the kitchen for a private conversation.
"Have I done something to alienate you from our home Xani? You have found a reason to be gone and not have last-meal with us every night since Obi-Wan was released from the healers."
"No master, nothing has been done to offend me. I suppose I am getting bored here."
"There are many times it is required of a master or knight to remain at the temple. It is up to them to find something constructive to do to alleviate boredom."
"Teaching the crèche lings is not my idea of eliminating my boredom, it creates it."
"Maybe more meditation would help. There is little way I can go on a mission and leave Obi-Wan."
"That is another thing master. He does not even remember being your padawan let alone remember the relationship you and he shared. How could it be hard on him to be left with someone else. It would take him just a few days to know Master Tahl or Master Windu as well as he knows you."
Master Jinn was beginning to regret he had even started this conversation. He could see validity too Xani's point, concerning Obi-Wan, but he had no wish to abandon the boy right now. The truth be known, he craved another mission just as Xani did. He just could not figure out what he would do with Obi-Wan if he got one. He would have to settle for staying temporarily at the temple.
"Maybe we both need to meditate more on this padawan. I know it is hard to be stuck at the temple. I myself am suffering from "cabin fever"."
"You don't understand. I have been out on my own. I am not a child. This waiting to gain status of knighthood is ridiculous. I am qualified and have been for over two years to become a Jedi Knight. I am not bragging master, it is fact and you know it."
" I have no doubts about your qualifications for becoming a knight. It is the council we wait on. The decision to forestall your knighthood is solely the council's not mine. Nevertheless we will adhere to it. I will have no more discussion on the matter. You know very well you will more than likely be promoted to knighthood once all the council members return."
"That may be true. But what will you do if they return and order you to send Obi-Wan away. Do you plan to ignore them and not follow their wishes."
"I will meditate and search within the force for my decision. I can't say right now with certainty what I will do."
""You should not defy the council in this master. That is why you are not on the council now."
"Xani you sound a bit like Obi-Wan. I have never voiced a desire to be on the council so missing an opportunity to do so is not a hardship for me. There has been mention of a couple of disturbances on Coruscant in the lower levels. The council is deciding right now whether to send a master or some knights to investigate the problem. If they do in fact decide to involve the Jedi in this matter, I might be able to convince the council to let you and I take the mission while we are waiting for the council members to return."
Xani's eyes lit up with the idea of any kind of mission that would get them away from the temple if only for the daylight hours.
"That would be good master. I mean you would still be here for Kenobi in the evenings. Didn't you say most of his day is with the healers for therapy sessions anyway?"
Jinn thought he might have just struck an idea that would appease both him and his pada wan. A local mission would entail daily trips outside the temple, but then in the evening they would be home.
"Yes, that is very true. I will see to it tomorrow and quite possibly we might be able to tame your lust for action Padawan Crion."
Both shot the other a smile and Xanatos went to bed feeling a little bit better about being second padawan to Qui-Gon Jinn…………….
The next morning at break-fast, Jinn mentioned to Obi-Wan the idea that he and Xanatos might take a mission on the lower level of Corusant just to have something to keep Xanatos busy. Obi-Wan did not seem smitten by the idea of his master leaving him through the day.
"You mean like the mission you and I where on a year ago down in the lower levels, searching for the man who was robbing the poor? What was his name again?"
Qui-Gon almost dropped Obi-Wan's glass of milk, he was holding and stared incredulously at Obi-Wan.
Obi thought he had done something wrong and looked back at his master with just as much astonishment.
"Master what's wrong? Did I do…."
"Obi-Wan don't you realize what you just said?"
"Of course I do master. I was talking about a similar mission you and I went…."
Again, the words trailed from Obi-Wan's mouth, but he failed to complete the sentence. He was unable to finish because he too realized what had just happened.
Obi-Wan had just remembered a piece to his past. Not the entire past, but a piece. It was a beginning. The boy's smile stretched from ear to ear. Jinn let out a thunderous roar of laughter; absolutely delighted to know Obi-Wan was starting to remember.
"It's a step padawan. Look at it that way. We just have to keep making small steps allowing your memory to come back piece by piece and I predict that very soon, all knowledge of your past and Jedi training will return too you. You just have to be patient and allow it to happen naturally just as it did today."
"O.K. master. I wasn't really thinking of my past and there it was. I guess maybe I will remember and then I can continue my apprenticeship."
Instantly Obi-Wan appetite picked up. Things all away around were going good for the apprentice to Qui-Gon Jinn. He had some movement in this toes and feet and now, now he remembered a bit of his past. The scrambled eggs on his plate looked really good for once. Jinn hurried into the kitchen to tell Xanatos the good news.
Xani sat at the break-fast nook, listenig quite intently to every word being said in the common room between his master and Obi-Wan. He almost regretted Obi-Wan being able to remember. That meant he might get to stay at the temple after all.
//Isn't that just grand. The padawan might miraculously recover from both memory loss and paralysis. With my master having hope that the little one is going to recover even if he doesn't fully, he will be more determined than ever to keep him here at the apartment with us. That is unless Master Plo Koon convinces the council he must go to a rehab center.//
Now Xanatos had something to smile about as well.
Jinn came rushing into the kitchen.
"Did you hear what we were discussing Xani?"
"Can't say that I did master. I was reading the morning paper."
Xanatos denied hearing what went on in the other room even though he really had. He had no desire to discuss Obi-Wan's recovery or lack of it. He sat with his head buried in the local paper and spooning cooked grains and fruit in his mouth.
Xani finally laid the paper down that was totally covering his face and listened intently to what his master had to say, although he knew very well what the conversation would be about.
"Well let me tell you the good news. Obi-Wan remembered a bit of his past. He had a memory about a mission we were on."
"Well I am indeed pleased for you and Obi-Wan. But master please don't get your hopes up only too have them crushed. That might be the only thing he remembers right now or ever. Or maybe little pieces will come back over weeks instead of days which I am sure you hope for."
The smile and happiness that came with it, left Master Jinn. He knew Padawan Crion was right of course. It could just be a fleeting memory and Obi-Wan would never have another. Or if he did it could be weeks or months before another piece to his past immerged………...
PEACE ewen
Obi-Wan sat in the hospital bed and sulked endlessly. He tried very hard to put up a good front. However anyone that knew the young padawan before his memory loss and his tragic injury knew Obi-Wan was clearly not himself. Weight was just dropping from the boy. He had been reprimanded almost daily by one of the many healers as well as Master Jinn over his eating habits, that were atrocious.
In the meantime, to pass the time while he waited for the council to return, Xanatos kept busy doing "good deeds". He would teach the younglings in the use of the saber. He went so far as to help Master Plo Koon do some research in the dusty temple library in the basement.
Plo Koon enjoyed Xani's company as much as he disliked having the Kenobi child around. He had never cared for the boy, reasoning that it was because Master Yoda thought so highly of him. It did not help Obi-Wan to have Master Jinn as his master. Plo-Koon and Jinn had always had an unspoken disagreement between the two. They were at best somewhat cordial when they were around each other.
Xanatos was a different matter entirely. He would not be under Master Jinn's "thumb" very much longer now. He could be easily molded into the position Plo Koon had planned for him; his right hand man and his staunchest supporter.
Plo Koon has just about decided he would fight for Xanatos' knighthood just as fiercely as he would fight to keep Obi-Wan from staying a padawan or for that matter even living in the temple.
I'd like to thank you, Padawan Crion for helping me with my research. You have cut my work in half by doing so."
"It has been my pleasure Master Plo Koon. With my master overseeing everything the healers are doing with Obi-Wan, we have not had time to do much in line of practicing with my saber or my katas."
"Well maybe I can help you there. You and I will have to indulge ourselves in a mock duel to keep your saber techniques sharp. Another thing I might be able to help you with is the council and its decision on your pending knighthood. I think I can convince the council to drop their ridiculous search for your guilt or innocence concerning that nasty business with the prisoners. You have more than proven your worth when you led the resistance against the men who attempted to overthrow your father's government."
"I thought I would have proven my ability to be a knight but I guess they just want to be sure I am worthy before granting my knighthood."
Both had been looking over some old texts. Master Plo Koon stood up and whirled around on Padawan Crion almost in anger. His face was clearly a flamed with that anger, but not for Xanatos. It was anger and despise for Qui-Gon that had Plo Koon in such an uproar.
"Umph.. Look at this way, if Master Jinn had championed your cause as much as he argues with the council over his current padawan, you would already be a knight and on your first mission. We just sent three nearly knighted Jedi to Parlis to oversee their elections. You would have fit in very well with the group. Too bad, you were denied that experience. Maybe soon now you will be granted your knighthood. Had I ever had such a loyal astute padawan at my side such as you, I would never ignore him in favor of a young upstart whose knighthood is "wavering in the wind" with all the obstacles Padawan Kenobi is currently up against."
Xanatos was more than a little surprised that Plo Koon was even capable of showing so much emotion, especially where he and his master were concerned. Xani had been intently listening to Master Plo Koon. He was shocked by Plo Koon's reaction of pure anger, even hatred over Obi-Wan being put before Xanatos and that the padawan had been denied the opportunity to go on the mission with the other knights.. However, what stuck in his mind most, was what the master said about Jinn defending him as valiantly as he had been defending Obi-Wan.
Xanatos thought he was much more worthy of his master's attention when it came to him being a knight than Jinn's focus on his padawan who had no memory and might be handicapped for life. That sparked raw jealously in the older padawan. He planned to discuss that very issue with his master that evening.
That evening Xanatos ate last-meal alone, which had become a normal event. His master always stayed with Obi-Wan during last-meal to coax food down him.
//If he would quit babying him and ignore the child he would eventually eat. He is consuming all of our master's time. Time that could be used trying to get me in position to become a knight. I bet he hasn't talked with any of the council members about me since we returned to the temple.//
There was only one small light on in the apartment when Qui-Gon returned form being with Obi-Wan. Xanatos sat in the almost dark and looked out the large bay window they had in their common room.
"I kept your plate in the warmer master if you haven't eaten."
"Thank you Xani. The healers brought me a plate but I was so busy trying to convince Obi-Wan he should eat more, I didn't have time to eat."
The master went into the small kitchen and began setting out his food and a drink.
"Is Obi-Wan any better?"
"No, no improvement at all. Healer Darue did say he might be able to come to the apartment to stay if I would bring him for his therapy session daily."
"I might get to see you more if you have him home, but won't that be a lot of work for you?"
Jinn realized he had been ignoring his older padawan and for a moment felt like he had betrayed him in some way.
"I am sorry Xanatos I guess I have kinda ignored you lately. I hope to correct that when Obi-Wan returns to us. Master Windu and Master Tahl have agreed to help with him. I am pretty sure the council we see things my way about your knighthood."
"Just what is "your way"? I was not aware you had talked with anyone about me becoming a knight. You have been so focused on Obi-Wan that I thought you might have entirely forgotten about me becoming a knight"
Master Jinn's forehead wrinkled with the frown on his face. He instantly worried about his older padawan's own concern for himself.
"Oh Xanatos I have not forgotten. We went through so much on Naboo. I mean I know it was hard on you to have to kill those men. I had wanted to have time to see if you needed to speak to me about it. You seem to be handling it quite well though. I know it was not the first time you've had to kill anyone, but so many at one time. I thought that you might have let the unfortunate experience on Naboo dwell on your mind."
"No master I feel comfortable about what I had to do on Naboo. I honestly had no choice. It just seemed that you forgot about my knighthood."
"Indeed, I have not. I thought I would bring it up when I go before the council concerning Obi-Wan. Truthfully I think I will have more chance of getting them to forget about those trumped up charges against you than I will convincing them to allow me to keep Obi-Wan by my side. They will be wanting me to go on a mission fairly soon. We are short masters and knights as it is. They will not want me tied down here at the temple with a recovering padawan."
"Then if they are short masters and knights in the field, they should have no qualms about making me a knight."
"I am sure they won't. No, I think your knighthood is assured, once of the council members return from their various missions. I don't think however, it will be an easy job convincing them to let me keep Obi-Wan."
Xanatos relaxed, propped both his feet up on the footstool, and leaned back in his chair. He was satisfied with what his master had told him, even if he had been ignored lately. He was also pleased to learn that maybe Obi-Wan would have to go to some rehab center after all. He hoped that maybe his first mission as a Jedi knight would be with his master and then he could really show him how capable he was. Xanatos was always concerned with pleasing his master and winning his approval. Another thought crossed the older padawan's mind. Without a doubt he had Master Plo Koon on his side; one of the most disagreeable hated masters by all the young knights had put him almost on a pedestal. Xanatos was indeed feeling good about himself this night……….
########
Three floors up in the temple from Master Jinn's dwelling, Master Plo Koon sat in the solitude of his little apartment. His apartment was smaller than even Master Jinn's because he did not have a padawan. He raised one padawan to knighthood over twenty years ago and his dealings with children stopped with that padawan. He only took an apprentice to gain stasis of Master. He certainly wouldn't take another. The experience was an unpleasant undertaking for the "soured" master who preferred his privacy over the intrusion of a padawan.
He did think however, it would be very beneficial to have an up and coming young knight on his side. Master Jinn had already done the hard work of raising Xanatos to almost knighthood. Plo Koon thought it would be easy to assert himself into the auspicious position as mentor for "Knight" Crion.
//It never hurts to have an ally in your corner that is a field operative. I am not one of the favored masters on the council by masters or knights. Yes, the future Knight Crion might be very helpful in my bid for head temple master instead of Master Yoda. I will work to gain his loyalties. He will see that unlike Master Jinn, I am a master who will have his best interests in mind at all times…….//
The Jinn/Kenobi/Crion household turned into a mini med unit overnight. The chair Xani loved to sit in, right by the big bay window, was removed from the common room to make space for a hospital bed for Obi-Wan.
They had gotten very good news right before Obi-Wan left the med unit. He was beginning to move his toes. Now how much of his strength and ability to maneuver around would return was not known. It was a wait-and-see situation where his progress was concerned.
Xanatos longed for action. He thought it was boring at the temple.
//How much can one stand being around the younglings every day?//
Xanatos began to go out frequently with his friends to take in the nightlife. In the five days Obi-Wan had been home, Xanatos had not been home in the evening for any of them. It was not that Xanatos had done anything wrong. On the contrary he epitomized the phrase "perfect padawan."
Qui-Gon was up and waiting for Xanatos when he returned from his nightly excursion on the fifth night. He motioned for his oldest padawan to follow him into the kitchen for a private conversation.
"Have I done something to alienate you from our home Xani? You have found a reason to be gone and not have last-meal with us every night since Obi-Wan was released from the healers."
"No master, nothing has been done to offend me. I suppose I am getting bored here."
"There are many times it is required of a master or knight to remain at the temple. It is up to them to find something constructive to do to alleviate boredom."
"Teaching the crèche lings is not my idea of eliminating my boredom, it creates it."
"Maybe more meditation would help. There is little way I can go on a mission and leave Obi-Wan."
"That is another thing master. He does not even remember being your padawan let alone remember the relationship you and he shared. How could it be hard on him to be left with someone else. It would take him just a few days to know Master Tahl or Master Windu as well as he knows you."
Master Jinn was beginning to regret he had even started this conversation. He could see validity too Xani's point, concerning Obi-Wan, but he had no wish to abandon the boy right now. The truth be known, he craved another mission just as Xani did. He just could not figure out what he would do with Obi-Wan if he got one. He would have to settle for staying temporarily at the temple.
"Maybe we both need to meditate more on this padawan. I know it is hard to be stuck at the temple. I myself am suffering from "cabin fever"."
"You don't understand. I have been out on my own. I am not a child. This waiting to gain status of knighthood is ridiculous. I am qualified and have been for over two years to become a Jedi Knight. I am not bragging master, it is fact and you know it."
" I have no doubts about your qualifications for becoming a knight. It is the council we wait on. The decision to forestall your knighthood is solely the council's not mine. Nevertheless we will adhere to it. I will have no more discussion on the matter. You know very well you will more than likely be promoted to knighthood once all the council members return."
"That may be true. But what will you do if they return and order you to send Obi-Wan away. Do you plan to ignore them and not follow their wishes."
"I will meditate and search within the force for my decision. I can't say right now with certainty what I will do."
""You should not defy the council in this master. That is why you are not on the council now."
"Xani you sound a bit like Obi-Wan. I have never voiced a desire to be on the council so missing an opportunity to do so is not a hardship for me. There has been mention of a couple of disturbances on Coruscant in the lower levels. The council is deciding right now whether to send a master or some knights to investigate the problem. If they do in fact decide to involve the Jedi in this matter, I might be able to convince the council to let you and I take the mission while we are waiting for the council members to return."
Xani's eyes lit up with the idea of any kind of mission that would get them away from the temple if only for the daylight hours.
"That would be good master. I mean you would still be here for Kenobi in the evenings. Didn't you say most of his day is with the healers for therapy sessions anyway?"
Jinn thought he might have just struck an idea that would appease both him and his pada wan. A local mission would entail daily trips outside the temple, but then in the evening they would be home.
"Yes, that is very true. I will see to it tomorrow and quite possibly we might be able to tame your lust for action Padawan Crion."
Both shot the other a smile and Xanatos went to bed feeling a little bit better about being second padawan to Qui-Gon Jinn…………….
The next morning at break-fast, Jinn mentioned to Obi-Wan the idea that he and Xanatos might take a mission on the lower level of Corusant just to have something to keep Xanatos busy. Obi-Wan did not seem smitten by the idea of his master leaving him through the day.
"You mean like the mission you and I where on a year ago down in the lower levels, searching for the man who was robbing the poor? What was his name again?"
Qui-Gon almost dropped Obi-Wan's glass of milk, he was holding and stared incredulously at Obi-Wan.
Obi thought he had done something wrong and looked back at his master with just as much astonishment.
"Master what's wrong? Did I do…."
"Obi-Wan don't you realize what you just said?"
"Of course I do master. I was talking about a similar mission you and I went…."
Again, the words trailed from Obi-Wan's mouth, but he failed to complete the sentence. He was unable to finish because he too realized what had just happened.
Obi-Wan had just remembered a piece to his past. Not the entire past, but a piece. It was a beginning. The boy's smile stretched from ear to ear. Jinn let out a thunderous roar of laughter; absolutely delighted to know Obi-Wan was starting to remember.
"It's a step padawan. Look at it that way. We just have to keep making small steps allowing your memory to come back piece by piece and I predict that very soon, all knowledge of your past and Jedi training will return too you. You just have to be patient and allow it to happen naturally just as it did today."
"O.K. master. I wasn't really thinking of my past and there it was. I guess maybe I will remember and then I can continue my apprenticeship."
Instantly Obi-Wan appetite picked up. Things all away around were going good for the apprentice to Qui-Gon Jinn. He had some movement in this toes and feet and now, now he remembered a bit of his past. The scrambled eggs on his plate looked really good for once. Jinn hurried into the kitchen to tell Xanatos the good news.
Xani sat at the break-fast nook, listenig quite intently to every word being said in the common room between his master and Obi-Wan. He almost regretted Obi-Wan being able to remember. That meant he might get to stay at the temple after all.
//Isn't that just grand. The padawan might miraculously recover from both memory loss and paralysis. With my master having hope that the little one is going to recover even if he doesn't fully, he will be more determined than ever to keep him here at the apartment with us. That is unless Master Plo Koon convinces the council he must go to a rehab center.//
Now Xanatos had something to smile about as well.
Jinn came rushing into the kitchen.
"Did you hear what we were discussing Xani?"
"Can't say that I did master. I was reading the morning paper."
Xanatos denied hearing what went on in the other room even though he really had. He had no desire to discuss Obi-Wan's recovery or lack of it. He sat with his head buried in the local paper and spooning cooked grains and fruit in his mouth.
Xani finally laid the paper down that was totally covering his face and listened intently to what his master had to say, although he knew very well what the conversation would be about.
"Well let me tell you the good news. Obi-Wan remembered a bit of his past. He had a memory about a mission we were on."
"Well I am indeed pleased for you and Obi-Wan. But master please don't get your hopes up only too have them crushed. That might be the only thing he remembers right now or ever. Or maybe little pieces will come back over weeks instead of days which I am sure you hope for."
The smile and happiness that came with it, left Master Jinn. He knew Padawan Crion was right of course. It could just be a fleeting memory and Obi-Wan would never have another. Or if he did it could be weeks or months before another piece to his past immerged………...
PEACE ewen