All of you are so gracious with your feedback,I just wanted to say thanks.
Also I thought I would let you know things are not always as they seem.What looks like sugar and spice might just turn to vinegar and salt. So that will give you a hint as to what is coming on in the next two or three posts.
###########
Qui-Gon sat in a chair beside Obi-Wan and drank his break-fast tea. Obi-wan heartily chomped down on the last piece of toast on his plate.
"You know Master Windu was certainly in a mischievous mood last night when I returned home. You wouldn't happen to know why he was being so jovial do you?"
Jinn looked suspiciously at Obi-Wan. He wondered if he had anything to do with Mace's "giddy" mood.
"No master I know nothing. He was the same old Master Windu when I last saw him during last-meal. It was a hard day at therapy and I went to sleep right after I ate. Anything else?"
"No just curious that's all. Although he is noted for his pranks he didn't play one on me. He was just…... I don't know, was in an awfully pleasant mood."
Qui-Gon let the matter drop. He had to get ready to go back into the lower levels with Master Plo Koon. It was something he was not looking forward too but knew he must put up with the man yet another day.
This day was much like the day before. The Jedi searched the lower levels for clues as too who was killing the less fortunate. Master Plo Koon had informed Qui-Gon and Xanatos that there had been another murder. That is where they started their search, at the scene of the crime the night before. The man's name that was killed was not known. Jinn noted that the police were not really taking much of an active part in acquiring information about the nameless man or about his death. They had taken the body and talked to one lone person before they wrapped up their "investigation". They did not search for clues or even attempt to get a fingerprint.
Surely more would be done had he lived above ground or at least had a known name or family, thought Master Jinn.
Everyone left and the Jedi resumed their search. They went even deeper down in the lower levels. The passageways to the sewer systems were as dark as night. Xanatos activated one little glo light to guide the way for the three. Just up ahead of them a scream was heard. Jinn had Xani douse the light and it left them in the dark and unseen. As quiet as butterflies in flight the Jedi continued to walk toward the scream they had heard.
They came on what looked like a homeless woman who was being attacked by a very large man.
Jinn and Xanatos activated their sabers. It took a few seconds longer for Plo Koon to follow suit. He had to fumble with his to get it unsheathed from its place on his utility belt. The master was indeed rusty with his saber skills.
The sabers provided the light needed to take them into battle. The man whirled around to see he was surrounded by Jedi light sabers being twirled around. They made an impressive display of lights and sounds in the darkened pathway.
The man did the only thing he could to protect himself from three Jedi, he grabbed the woman he had been attacking and pulled her to him as a body shield to protect himself. He had a long dagger-like knife pointed at her with his other hand secured her around her neck, in a choke hold.
"Listen you ruffian you don't have a chance against three Jedi. You might as well surrender to us now and face your fate."
Leave it to Plo Koon to offer up absolutely no incentive whatsoever for the man to surrender.
Jinn decided it was time for him to step in.
"Look you haven't harmed the woman. Release her now and things will go easier on you."
Jinn assumed the man might be the one killing the other helpless ones, but he did not want the man to know that was the reason they were down there.
"The only way I am going let go of this here woman is if you let me go too. I will walk out of here and then I will let her go."
"How can we be sure you will release her?"
"You have my word."
"Humph…" was all Plo Koon could get out of his mouth.
"You have my word as a Jedi; I will let you walk out of here if you just release the poor little lady."
"Jinn you can't do that."
Plo Koon was in a rage over Qui-Gon offer of freedom for the scoundrel, in return for the woman.
"He must stand trial"
Qui-Gon shot a threatening look to Master Plo Koon which instantly silenced the council master.
"Don't seem like your companion there is as agreeable as you Mr. Jedi. I think I will just keep my hostage here and take my chances. I don't think you could ever convince that one there to let me go."
The man nodded toward Plo Koon.
The older woman who was held captive, decided to take matters into her own hands. She balled up her right hand into a tight fist and with all her might swung her hand forward then back to hit the man soundly where it hurts a man most to be hit.
Her assailant let out a howl of pain and without thinking released his grip on the woman. She took off running through the darkened halls. She did not even bother to look back.
The man regained his composure, jumped up and started to run the other way because the Jedi were startled by the woman when she ran between them.
Master Plo Koon raised his saber, took deadly aim and started to use his saber as a javelin stick and throw it at the man's back. His death would have been swift, but Jinn knocked Plo Koon's hand just in time to cause the saber to stray and miss its intended mark.
"Master Jinn what in "siths hell" are you doing? We could have had him."
"Yes, All we would have had was a dead person we would have gotten no information from. We were not sure he was the one doing the killing. Besides we can't kill for killing's sake. We are not here to judge a person's quilt or innocence, we are here to protect and defend."
"He would surely have killed that woman had we not come along when we did. "
"That might have been, but she was safe when he escaped. No one was in any real danger."
Plo Koon just shook his head.
"That is what is wrong with the JedI Knights today. They follow the code word for word. Most probably we have lost several young knights doing what you and the council dictates, "protect and defend"."
Xanatos realized Master Plo Koon thought about justice in the same way he did. It was not black ad white as the Jedi mantra taught, there was a shade of gray. Plo Koon alluded to that fact. But the padawan remained silent. He would not get between Master Plo Koon and his master in yet another disagreement.
"I guess there is nothing we can do now. Master Jinn seems to have scared off our man. We might as well go back to the temple and file our report. I still think matters would have not been any worse had we just killed the man and be done with it, but as you say we must adhere to the Jedi code as it were. I will not file a complaint against you Master Jinn."
Sure you won't. If the council knew how rushed you were to kill a man, they might not even allow you to stay on the council. Of course you won't complain about me stopping you from making a bad mistake that could have led to your removal from the council.
#######Back at the temple#########
Obi-Wan invited Master Windu to stay and watch him in therapy session if he didn't have anything pressing to do. Mace was more than pleased to be invited to stay and he did just that.
Obi-wan's progress had doubled by the end of the session. Although he was worn to the core tired, the child still pushed himself until Healer Darue actually had to reprimand him for working too hard and too much.
"But Healer Darue, I just want to be able to make Master Jinn proud of me."
"That is well and good young man, but you have worked yourself to exhaustion. In the last two days you have worked enough for a week. Now slow up."
"Master Darue you sound just like my master when I tried to master the fourth kata. He told me I was overdoing it, to slow up. He used the same words you did."
Mace looked at the Healer, who in turn looked at Obi-Wan. It did not take the boy as long this time to realize he had put a piece of his past together. He remembered when he and Master Jinn practiced the fourth kata. The vision of the past was a clear as day in the padawan's mind.
"There is something else to tell your master. Only in this you will not wait Padawan Kenobi. Is that understood? You can call it a healers order, but you must tell you master about it. I will let you be the one too give him the good news though."
Mace knew how anxious Obi-Wan was to tell his master about walking but now he could tell him that a piece of his memory had come back. Doctor's orders.
Master Windu walked over and ruffled the spikey sweaty head of Qui-Gon's padawan.
"He's right you know Obi-Wan. We will keep your secret about taking steps, but I better here Qui-Gon mention that you told him some of your memory returned. Is that understood? Ready to go home?"
"Very well master. I thought I could take just a few more steps before I call it quits.."
Obi-Wan looked up with pleading cloud-blue eyes.
"No, No padawan. I am not going against what Master Darue says and neither are you. He might report both of us to Master Jinn and then your secret would be out."
"I glad to have more of my memory return. I only wish it was all of it.""
"I am sure it will return in time Obi-Wan. Patience child. You have pushed yourself too hard already today. Now up with you."
Mace helped Obi-Wan in his hover chair. By the time they reached the apartment Obi-Wan was fast asleep. Just as Mace started in the door he looked up to see Qui-Gon and Xanatos as they walked down the hall.
Jinn almost ran to Obi-Wan when he saw the frown on Obi's face. Anyone could tell by just looking at Obi-Wan that he was exhausted. Jinn very quietly stooped down beside the hover chair and pushed back the sleeping boy's hair very gently.
"What did you do to him Mace?"
"Qui-Gon get away from him if you are going to accuse me of harming him.. He just finished his workout and is very tired."
"Well if he is going to look like that every time he returns from therapy, then Master Healer Darue has worked him too hard. I think I might just have a word with him."
"Here take your padawan and quit complaining. I think before you chew Master Healer Darue out you should talk with Obi-Wan."
"Just what does that mean?"
"I said take your child and quit whining will you? Just ask Obi-Wan and I think he can clear things up as to why he is so tired. I think he has something else he wanted to tell you. Ask him about it in the morning when he awakens. Have a good night Qui-Gon, you too Xani."
Mace left a sleeping apprentice and a confused master in their doorway…………….
I am like a kid at Christmas.
Here's the post I wanted you too read!!!
########
Qui-Gon managed to get his apprentice in bed, removed his shoes, and stripped him of his outer tunic before he woke up.
"Oh hi master. How did I get here?"
I put you there. You must be worn out. I plan to discuss that very issue with you but not tonight. Are you hungry?"
"No just sleepy."
"Qui-Gon turned around to lay Obi-Wan's tunic on a nearby chair. then turned back.
"Well just go to slee…"
He looked down at his padawan to find his head already nestled in his pillow and eyes closed.
The command of sleep was not one that had to be given twice.
Qui-Gon bent down and brushed a kiss ever so likely on his padawan's forehead.
He probably would not have done it while he was awake because Obi-Wan would have thought he was too old for such a "mushy"show of affection.
Master Jinn and Xanatos decided they would stay at the temple today. Xani prepared break-fast as Master Jinn helped Obi-Wan attend too his morning hygiene. Obi-Wan wanted to sit at the table with them to eat so when Qui-Gon wheeled him out of the fresher they went to eat.
Obi-wan also wanted to be with only his master when he told him the good news about his memories. He thought he would wait until they walked to the healers without Xani around and he would tell him.
Xani was extremely uncomfortable around Obi-Wan. He had never had to deal with a Jedi; a person with such great power, with a handicap, a weakness. Although it might be temporary, Xani did not like the show of weakness and he was cross with Obi-Wan.
"Wouldn't you have been more comfortable eating in your bed."
"My legs don't work Xanatos not my entire body."
"Well I just thought maybe you needed your rest that's all."
Jinn could feel Xani's uneasiness around Obi, but he could not understand it.
He only hoped Obi-Wan did not recognize true reason Xani wanted him to eat in his bed; however, Master Jinn knew very well why his older padawan wanted Obi-Wan out of there. The other padawan had no wish to be around him in his less-than-perfect condition.
"I think it is good for Obi-Wan to eat with us Xani and I think he will have to do it more often."
"As you say master. I just wouldn't want him to get overly tired."
Jinn's patience with Xani was wearing thin.
"I think he will be fine. Now could we just eat?" Jinn thought he would wait to confront Obi-Wan about the reason he became so tired with his sessions with the healers. He did not want to do it in front of Xanatoss., especially with him already cross about what he saw as an inept Jedi apprentice..
Right before Jinn took Obi to his therapy, Obi-Wan excused himself to go to his room and get something. He went to get his lucky rock that Qui-Gon gave him for his thirteenth birthday.
Qui-Gon waited by the door for his youngest padawan as Xani came out of the kitchen.
"Xani just what was that about at the table this morning. I know very well what you were thinking. You have always detested weakness of any kind. Even when you got hurt, you refused to cry. Nevertheless, if you see weakness in Obi-Wan then you are blind. He wears himself to exhaustion with his therapy, that is not weakness, that is stamina, determination, and strength. It is something that quite possibly neither you or I possess, because we have not faced such a situation as Obi-Wan has."
Xani was in a foul mood this morning. He was tired of not voicing his opinion about Obi-Wan and he decided he was time he did so..
"You see it your way master. I see it my way. I have to agree with Master Plo Koon, a Jedi temple is not the place for a handicapped person to be. Obi-Wan might never have the strength it takes to be a Jedi, no matter if he regains his ability to walk or not. I think you you might have filled his head with pipe dreams."
Obi sat on the other side of his bedroom door with his hand on the doorknob. He listened to what was said. Too bad he didn't listen to the entire conversation; the part where his master praised the boy. He only heard the critical parts; parts in bits and pieces so he let his imagination fill in the rest.
"That may well be true, but we can't dash his hopes. He has to have something to hold on to."
"So you are basically saying that you feel the same way as I do, but you let him keep his false hopes so he will work harder. Isn't that a little cruel master?"
"I didn't say that exactly. I said that…."
Qui-Gon forgot Obi-Wan was in the next room. He was so busy as he tried to defend the boy, that neither Master or apprentice heard Obi-Wan come in and positioned himself behind them.
Obi-Wan never looked up when he spoke to his master. He just hung his head and fumbled with his fingers.
"Just what do you mean master? You think, as Xanatos does, that I won't able be a Jedi because of my handicap and my memory loss. You just encouraged me so I could get well enough that I won't be so hard to care for."
There was a hitch in Obi-Wan's voice when he spoke, his gaze still remained fixed on his lap.
Qui-Gon realized he had made a most egregious error when he discussed Obi-Wan with Xani, with the child in such close proximity.
"Xanatos I think you had something to do this morning."
Xanatos understood clearly, his master wanted him out of there and now.
"Yes, yes I do. I will see you both later."
Xani did not particularly care that he had hurt Obi-Wan's feelings. He truly believed it was better for Obi-Wan to know the truth and now he did.
Qui-Gon bent down and put one hand on each side of the hover chair. He knew Obi-Wan was crying. He tried to tilt the boy's head up for him to see his face, but Obi-Wan only turned his head and refused to look at his master.
"Listen Obi-Wan you misunderstood what I said."
"I think I understood very well my master."
A gulp and the cracking of Obi-Wan's voice left no doubt in Qui-Gon's mind that the boy was in tears.
"You must listen."
Qui-Gon tried to take the boy's shoulders to get him to turn around and face him. Obi-Wan just shook his master's hands away and started to go to his room then stopped.
"You got it wrong master. I don't have to understand. I haven't understood anything clearly since I returned to Cirrus with no memory. I can just be the babbling fool of apprentice to the Great Qui-Gon Jinn. You never believed I could get all my faculties back . You lied to me just so I could improve enough so as not to be such a burden on you, as I am now."
"Look Obi-wan we are late for your session with the healers. We can straighten all this out when we return from your therapy this afternoon."
Obi-Wan sat in his hover chair with his head still hung shamefully down. He was ashamed to face his master because he knew what Qui-Gon thought of him. He fumbled with the hand controls of the hover chair so he could avoid the sight of disappointment in his master's eyes.
"No I'll tell you master. You want to get to the healers so badly for the therapy session, then go right ahead. I on the other hand have no intentions of going today or any day. Maybe you should just see about that rehab center. At least they would be honest with me about my progress or lack of it. They wouldn't put false hopes in my head."
Obi-Wan wheeled himself back in his old room. He had not used the room because he needed a hospital bed, but he didn't go there to sleep. He went to have privacy and get away from his master.
Qui-Gon knew the boy had it all wrong. He had heard bits and pieces of a conversation and had jumped to the wrong conclusion. What Obi-Wan certainly didn't know was what was in his master's heart……………………………….
Also I thought I would let you know things are not always as they seem.What looks like sugar and spice might just turn to vinegar and salt. So that will give you a hint as to what is coming on in the next two or three posts.
###########
Qui-Gon sat in a chair beside Obi-Wan and drank his break-fast tea. Obi-wan heartily chomped down on the last piece of toast on his plate.
"You know Master Windu was certainly in a mischievous mood last night when I returned home. You wouldn't happen to know why he was being so jovial do you?"
Jinn looked suspiciously at Obi-Wan. He wondered if he had anything to do with Mace's "giddy" mood.
"No master I know nothing. He was the same old Master Windu when I last saw him during last-meal. It was a hard day at therapy and I went to sleep right after I ate. Anything else?"
"No just curious that's all. Although he is noted for his pranks he didn't play one on me. He was just…... I don't know, was in an awfully pleasant mood."
Qui-Gon let the matter drop. He had to get ready to go back into the lower levels with Master Plo Koon. It was something he was not looking forward too but knew he must put up with the man yet another day.
This day was much like the day before. The Jedi searched the lower levels for clues as too who was killing the less fortunate. Master Plo Koon had informed Qui-Gon and Xanatos that there had been another murder. That is where they started their search, at the scene of the crime the night before. The man's name that was killed was not known. Jinn noted that the police were not really taking much of an active part in acquiring information about the nameless man or about his death. They had taken the body and talked to one lone person before they wrapped up their "investigation". They did not search for clues or even attempt to get a fingerprint.
Surely more would be done had he lived above ground or at least had a known name or family, thought Master Jinn.
Everyone left and the Jedi resumed their search. They went even deeper down in the lower levels. The passageways to the sewer systems were as dark as night. Xanatos activated one little glo light to guide the way for the three. Just up ahead of them a scream was heard. Jinn had Xani douse the light and it left them in the dark and unseen. As quiet as butterflies in flight the Jedi continued to walk toward the scream they had heard.
They came on what looked like a homeless woman who was being attacked by a very large man.
Jinn and Xanatos activated their sabers. It took a few seconds longer for Plo Koon to follow suit. He had to fumble with his to get it unsheathed from its place on his utility belt. The master was indeed rusty with his saber skills.
The sabers provided the light needed to take them into battle. The man whirled around to see he was surrounded by Jedi light sabers being twirled around. They made an impressive display of lights and sounds in the darkened pathway.
The man did the only thing he could to protect himself from three Jedi, he grabbed the woman he had been attacking and pulled her to him as a body shield to protect himself. He had a long dagger-like knife pointed at her with his other hand secured her around her neck, in a choke hold.
"Listen you ruffian you don't have a chance against three Jedi. You might as well surrender to us now and face your fate."
Leave it to Plo Koon to offer up absolutely no incentive whatsoever for the man to surrender.
Jinn decided it was time for him to step in.
"Look you haven't harmed the woman. Release her now and things will go easier on you."
Jinn assumed the man might be the one killing the other helpless ones, but he did not want the man to know that was the reason they were down there.
"The only way I am going let go of this here woman is if you let me go too. I will walk out of here and then I will let her go."
"How can we be sure you will release her?"
"You have my word."
"Humph…" was all Plo Koon could get out of his mouth.
"You have my word as a Jedi; I will let you walk out of here if you just release the poor little lady."
"Jinn you can't do that."
Plo Koon was in a rage over Qui-Gon offer of freedom for the scoundrel, in return for the woman.
"He must stand trial"
Qui-Gon shot a threatening look to Master Plo Koon which instantly silenced the council master.
"Don't seem like your companion there is as agreeable as you Mr. Jedi. I think I will just keep my hostage here and take my chances. I don't think you could ever convince that one there to let me go."
The man nodded toward Plo Koon.
The older woman who was held captive, decided to take matters into her own hands. She balled up her right hand into a tight fist and with all her might swung her hand forward then back to hit the man soundly where it hurts a man most to be hit.
Her assailant let out a howl of pain and without thinking released his grip on the woman. She took off running through the darkened halls. She did not even bother to look back.
The man regained his composure, jumped up and started to run the other way because the Jedi were startled by the woman when she ran between them.
Master Plo Koon raised his saber, took deadly aim and started to use his saber as a javelin stick and throw it at the man's back. His death would have been swift, but Jinn knocked Plo Koon's hand just in time to cause the saber to stray and miss its intended mark.
"Master Jinn what in "siths hell" are you doing? We could have had him."
"Yes, All we would have had was a dead person we would have gotten no information from. We were not sure he was the one doing the killing. Besides we can't kill for killing's sake. We are not here to judge a person's quilt or innocence, we are here to protect and defend."
"He would surely have killed that woman had we not come along when we did. "
"That might have been, but she was safe when he escaped. No one was in any real danger."
Plo Koon just shook his head.
"That is what is wrong with the JedI Knights today. They follow the code word for word. Most probably we have lost several young knights doing what you and the council dictates, "protect and defend"."
Xanatos realized Master Plo Koon thought about justice in the same way he did. It was not black ad white as the Jedi mantra taught, there was a shade of gray. Plo Koon alluded to that fact. But the padawan remained silent. He would not get between Master Plo Koon and his master in yet another disagreement.
"I guess there is nothing we can do now. Master Jinn seems to have scared off our man. We might as well go back to the temple and file our report. I still think matters would have not been any worse had we just killed the man and be done with it, but as you say we must adhere to the Jedi code as it were. I will not file a complaint against you Master Jinn."
Sure you won't. If the council knew how rushed you were to kill a man, they might not even allow you to stay on the council. Of course you won't complain about me stopping you from making a bad mistake that could have led to your removal from the council.
#######Back at the temple#########
Obi-Wan invited Master Windu to stay and watch him in therapy session if he didn't have anything pressing to do. Mace was more than pleased to be invited to stay and he did just that.
Obi-wan's progress had doubled by the end of the session. Although he was worn to the core tired, the child still pushed himself until Healer Darue actually had to reprimand him for working too hard and too much.
"But Healer Darue, I just want to be able to make Master Jinn proud of me."
"That is well and good young man, but you have worked yourself to exhaustion. In the last two days you have worked enough for a week. Now slow up."
"Master Darue you sound just like my master when I tried to master the fourth kata. He told me I was overdoing it, to slow up. He used the same words you did."
Mace looked at the Healer, who in turn looked at Obi-Wan. It did not take the boy as long this time to realize he had put a piece of his past together. He remembered when he and Master Jinn practiced the fourth kata. The vision of the past was a clear as day in the padawan's mind.
"There is something else to tell your master. Only in this you will not wait Padawan Kenobi. Is that understood? You can call it a healers order, but you must tell you master about it. I will let you be the one too give him the good news though."
Mace knew how anxious Obi-Wan was to tell his master about walking but now he could tell him that a piece of his memory had come back. Doctor's orders.
Master Windu walked over and ruffled the spikey sweaty head of Qui-Gon's padawan.
"He's right you know Obi-Wan. We will keep your secret about taking steps, but I better here Qui-Gon mention that you told him some of your memory returned. Is that understood? Ready to go home?"
"Very well master. I thought I could take just a few more steps before I call it quits.."
Obi-Wan looked up with pleading cloud-blue eyes.
"No, No padawan. I am not going against what Master Darue says and neither are you. He might report both of us to Master Jinn and then your secret would be out."
"I glad to have more of my memory return. I only wish it was all of it.""
"I am sure it will return in time Obi-Wan. Patience child. You have pushed yourself too hard already today. Now up with you."
Mace helped Obi-Wan in his hover chair. By the time they reached the apartment Obi-Wan was fast asleep. Just as Mace started in the door he looked up to see Qui-Gon and Xanatos as they walked down the hall.
Jinn almost ran to Obi-Wan when he saw the frown on Obi's face. Anyone could tell by just looking at Obi-Wan that he was exhausted. Jinn very quietly stooped down beside the hover chair and pushed back the sleeping boy's hair very gently.
"What did you do to him Mace?"
"Qui-Gon get away from him if you are going to accuse me of harming him.. He just finished his workout and is very tired."
"Well if he is going to look like that every time he returns from therapy, then Master Healer Darue has worked him too hard. I think I might just have a word with him."
"Here take your padawan and quit complaining. I think before you chew Master Healer Darue out you should talk with Obi-Wan."
"Just what does that mean?"
"I said take your child and quit whining will you? Just ask Obi-Wan and I think he can clear things up as to why he is so tired. I think he has something else he wanted to tell you. Ask him about it in the morning when he awakens. Have a good night Qui-Gon, you too Xani."
Mace left a sleeping apprentice and a confused master in their doorway…………….
I am like a kid at Christmas.
Here's the post I wanted you too read!!!
########
Qui-Gon managed to get his apprentice in bed, removed his shoes, and stripped him of his outer tunic before he woke up.
"Oh hi master. How did I get here?"
I put you there. You must be worn out. I plan to discuss that very issue with you but not tonight. Are you hungry?"
"No just sleepy."
"Qui-Gon turned around to lay Obi-Wan's tunic on a nearby chair. then turned back.
"Well just go to slee…"
He looked down at his padawan to find his head already nestled in his pillow and eyes closed.
The command of sleep was not one that had to be given twice.
Qui-Gon bent down and brushed a kiss ever so likely on his padawan's forehead.
He probably would not have done it while he was awake because Obi-Wan would have thought he was too old for such a "mushy"show of affection.
Master Jinn and Xanatos decided they would stay at the temple today. Xani prepared break-fast as Master Jinn helped Obi-Wan attend too his morning hygiene. Obi-Wan wanted to sit at the table with them to eat so when Qui-Gon wheeled him out of the fresher they went to eat.
Obi-wan also wanted to be with only his master when he told him the good news about his memories. He thought he would wait until they walked to the healers without Xani around and he would tell him.
Xani was extremely uncomfortable around Obi-Wan. He had never had to deal with a Jedi; a person with such great power, with a handicap, a weakness. Although it might be temporary, Xani did not like the show of weakness and he was cross with Obi-Wan.
"Wouldn't you have been more comfortable eating in your bed."
"My legs don't work Xanatos not my entire body."
"Well I just thought maybe you needed your rest that's all."
Jinn could feel Xani's uneasiness around Obi, but he could not understand it.
He only hoped Obi-Wan did not recognize true reason Xani wanted him to eat in his bed; however, Master Jinn knew very well why his older padawan wanted Obi-Wan out of there. The other padawan had no wish to be around him in his less-than-perfect condition.
"I think it is good for Obi-Wan to eat with us Xani and I think he will have to do it more often."
"As you say master. I just wouldn't want him to get overly tired."
Jinn's patience with Xani was wearing thin.
"I think he will be fine. Now could we just eat?" Jinn thought he would wait to confront Obi-Wan about the reason he became so tired with his sessions with the healers. He did not want to do it in front of Xanatoss., especially with him already cross about what he saw as an inept Jedi apprentice..
Right before Jinn took Obi to his therapy, Obi-Wan excused himself to go to his room and get something. He went to get his lucky rock that Qui-Gon gave him for his thirteenth birthday.
Qui-Gon waited by the door for his youngest padawan as Xani came out of the kitchen.
"Xani just what was that about at the table this morning. I know very well what you were thinking. You have always detested weakness of any kind. Even when you got hurt, you refused to cry. Nevertheless, if you see weakness in Obi-Wan then you are blind. He wears himself to exhaustion with his therapy, that is not weakness, that is stamina, determination, and strength. It is something that quite possibly neither you or I possess, because we have not faced such a situation as Obi-Wan has."
Xani was in a foul mood this morning. He was tired of not voicing his opinion about Obi-Wan and he decided he was time he did so..
"You see it your way master. I see it my way. I have to agree with Master Plo Koon, a Jedi temple is not the place for a handicapped person to be. Obi-Wan might never have the strength it takes to be a Jedi, no matter if he regains his ability to walk or not. I think you you might have filled his head with pipe dreams."
Obi sat on the other side of his bedroom door with his hand on the doorknob. He listened to what was said. Too bad he didn't listen to the entire conversation; the part where his master praised the boy. He only heard the critical parts; parts in bits and pieces so he let his imagination fill in the rest.
"That may well be true, but we can't dash his hopes. He has to have something to hold on to."
"So you are basically saying that you feel the same way as I do, but you let him keep his false hopes so he will work harder. Isn't that a little cruel master?"
"I didn't say that exactly. I said that…."
Qui-Gon forgot Obi-Wan was in the next room. He was so busy as he tried to defend the boy, that neither Master or apprentice heard Obi-Wan come in and positioned himself behind them.
Obi-Wan never looked up when he spoke to his master. He just hung his head and fumbled with his fingers.
"Just what do you mean master? You think, as Xanatos does, that I won't able be a Jedi because of my handicap and my memory loss. You just encouraged me so I could get well enough that I won't be so hard to care for."
There was a hitch in Obi-Wan's voice when he spoke, his gaze still remained fixed on his lap.
Qui-Gon realized he had made a most egregious error when he discussed Obi-Wan with Xani, with the child in such close proximity.
"Xanatos I think you had something to do this morning."
Xanatos understood clearly, his master wanted him out of there and now.
"Yes, yes I do. I will see you both later."
Xani did not particularly care that he had hurt Obi-Wan's feelings. He truly believed it was better for Obi-Wan to know the truth and now he did.
Qui-Gon bent down and put one hand on each side of the hover chair. He knew Obi-Wan was crying. He tried to tilt the boy's head up for him to see his face, but Obi-Wan only turned his head and refused to look at his master.
"Listen Obi-Wan you misunderstood what I said."
"I think I understood very well my master."
A gulp and the cracking of Obi-Wan's voice left no doubt in Qui-Gon's mind that the boy was in tears.
"You must listen."
Qui-Gon tried to take the boy's shoulders to get him to turn around and face him. Obi-Wan just shook his master's hands away and started to go to his room then stopped.
"You got it wrong master. I don't have to understand. I haven't understood anything clearly since I returned to Cirrus with no memory. I can just be the babbling fool of apprentice to the Great Qui-Gon Jinn. You never believed I could get all my faculties back . You lied to me just so I could improve enough so as not to be such a burden on you, as I am now."
"Look Obi-wan we are late for your session with the healers. We can straighten all this out when we return from your therapy this afternoon."
Obi-Wan sat in his hover chair with his head still hung shamefully down. He was ashamed to face his master because he knew what Qui-Gon thought of him. He fumbled with the hand controls of the hover chair so he could avoid the sight of disappointment in his master's eyes.
"No I'll tell you master. You want to get to the healers so badly for the therapy session, then go right ahead. I on the other hand have no intentions of going today or any day. Maybe you should just see about that rehab center. At least they would be honest with me about my progress or lack of it. They wouldn't put false hopes in my head."
Obi-Wan wheeled himself back in his old room. He had not used the room because he needed a hospital bed, but he didn't go there to sleep. He went to have privacy and get away from his master.
Qui-Gon knew the boy had it all wrong. He had heard bits and pieces of a conversation and had jumped to the wrong conclusion. What Obi-Wan certainly didn't know was what was in his master's heart……………………………….