Master Jinn felt it would have been better had Master Dalia not delayed her trip by almost a week. The tension between master and apprentice, if one could call him that, had grown to outrageous proportions. It would also not help matters that the Master had to stay at his apartment due to the crowded conditions of the temple and Obi-Wan had started to feel the effects of the medication being withheld.
Other than maybe being a little tired, Obi did not show any real clinical symptoms of missing the medicine, however you might call his irritability a clinical reaction to the drug's withdrawal. He wasn't sick, he was just in a really foul mood.
Master Yoda and Mace both agreed with Jinn it would be a trying week ahead for the master in his own home. Master Yoda even told him if solitude he sought to his apartment he should go at least for meditations.
It was on the second day of Master Dalia's visit that all hell broke lose. That was the day Obi, at his most irritable state thus far, had a run-in with Master Dalia. It turned into all out war between the little cranky boy and a crankier Master Dalia.
Qui-Gon and Da'Neel had gone to the training salles to practice saber techniques. Master Dalia retired to her former apprentice's room for some rest. She was still recovering from her illness. She immediately changed her mind about where she wanted to get some rest. She decided the best place to rest was in the common room sofa while no one was there.
When she entered the drape-darkened room, the sickly master almost sat on Obi-Wan's head. While she napped he took the sleep couch for his own little nap. He was not feeling all that well and the common room sofa had become *his* bed since Master Dalia's visit. She bunked in Da' Neel's room.
After fifteen minutes of rants and raves of how Obi-Wan scared her back into ill health, Obi-Wan felt he had heard enough. He launched into his own rants.
On their return Master Jinn and Da' Neel could here the argument all the way down the hall when they got off the lift. It was more or less a one-sided argument by then for Master Dalia was so taken aback by the little one 's hateful words that she was shocked into silence.
Well that was the way Master Yoda later explained it. He would also later explain that it was hard to get the woman to be quiet a minute but Obi-Wan had done what the council had failed to do down through all those years, silence Master Dalia. it.
Master Jinn followed by Padawan Da'Neel opened the door to his apartment just in time to hear Obi-Wan's last retort, to the now irate Master Dalia.
"I may not be much because I am *normal* as you say but I don't make up lies on Mr. Qui-Gon like your precious Da'Neel. I hope the council asks me what the truth is. Mr. Qui-Gon barely gives me the time of day, let alone ignores his padawan for me."
The words were harsh and revealing. Master Jinn had to admit though, they were true and he was stabbed with a sudden and an awful pain of guilt.
//The child said the truth as he sees it. I don't even speak to him some mornings.//
Two fast and long strides enabled him to reach his little ward before any other words of discord could be exchanged between the two. He knew Master Dalia very well. Well enough to know she could hold her own in a shouting match. He couldn't imagine what she said or did to provoke the boy in such a riled up manner.
//Of course in the mood he has been in, it wouldn't take too much to evoke his anger. //
With one swift jerk to the back of his tunic Qui-Gon managed to pull the child safely behind him as he watched as Master Dalia a made a failed attempt to charge him.
Her thoughts did not lay in striking the boy, just shaking some sense and respect into him.
"Master Jinn I know how to handle such an unruly child. Da' Neel is not my first Padawan you know."
"Yes I certainly do."
Jinn could feel Obi-Wan inch closer to him, even though he still had him secured by the back of the tunic. He supposed the boy didn't want her to *jump* him again.
"Obi-Wan however is not an apprentice. He has no link with the living force whatsoever."
"That's not the rumor that goes around the temple. It's been said that the child might well possess the force once the horrible medication is out of his system. Then where does that leave Padawan Da'Neel. Do you plan to dump him for the little one? Had you not come in when you did I am sure I could have shaken some sense into the child. Just blatant disrespect. That is what it is and it should be met properly head-on and not give into the boy."
"Why Master Dalia I thought you had lived here at this temple long enough to know not to listen stories through the grapevine started by gossip mongrels who never check the truth behind anything. They pass on.. ..so much untruth in a little of the truth. That's something an initiative would do, imbibe in idle gossip, but not a seasoned master as yourself."
The remark stung the elder master. She knew Jinn's words were meant in a negative way and took them as that.
"I plan to report this child's behavior when we go before the council. I don't know what the holdup is? I suppose Master Yoda thinks he can keep you from being censured for your actions toward my former padawan, but he is very wrong. I am sure they will want to hear how you handle the little one there as well." She motioned with a nod to her head toward Obi-Wan. "I am glad I have to stay here and get a first hand view of all the atrocities that goes on."
Obi-Wan stopped his squirming in Jinn's grip. He had no wish to get Mr. Qui-Gon in any more trouble. Not that they got along so well, but the child knew that Mr. Qui-Gon was being railroaded and lied on by Da' Neel.
//He doesn't need me to make more trouble just because I feel miserable and don't like the *old bag*. //
Qui-Gon immediately felt the resistance leave from Obi-Wan. The child quit his squirming and leaned very close to the Jedi master. Jinn dared to let go of his collar and nothing. The child stood in place with his head hung. From beside him he heard the little timid voice of his ward.
"I am sorry Master Dalia. I meant no disrespect. I just don't feel well today."
"Sure, and just how long do you plan to use that excuse to get away with whatever you want? You may fool your guardian young man, but not me. I am wise to the trickery of children."
Now Jinn let his displeasure for the woman ride on his own cuff.
"I am sure you have had quite a lot experience with unruly behavior if you have trained Padawan Da' Neel over the last few years."
"Yes well with your notoriety of apprenticing the most dark of dark, Xanatos, one might think you had learned how to handle an unruly child as well."
Insults traded equally with the same amount of venom from each master.
The words from the snake tongued Master Dalia hurt more than her saber would have. Although the council had agreed Xanatos' failing had not been Jinn's fault, the Jedi master hated to be reminded of past mistakes and undeniable regrets.
"I don't think standing here listing to each other faults serves any real purpose. Obi-Wan go to my room and finish your rest. I will call you for last-meal."
Jinn would have liked to have sent some kind of comfort to the child mentally not verbally but since Obi lacked in the force, he attempted it but knew instantly he had failed in reching the little boy. //Ridiculous of me to think I could//. His pity for Obi-Wan at that moment rolled through the air and any force sensitive could have caught it but not the little one it was meant for.
When Obi-Wan left the room, Da' Neel was also accused, but by his former master not his present one. The mental pleasure at Jinn and his former master's very vocal disagreement, was not visibly evident but Qui-Gon knew it was there all the same.
Master Jinn headed to the kitchen to make last-meal for everyone.
"You know Jinn, it would serve you well to get rid of the child now. I can tell there is some strange connection between you two. However I can look at him and tell you there is no force within him, so if that is what your and Master Yoda's hope is, then…."
"We hope for nothing where Obi-Wan is concerned. We are providing him a stable home and an education."
Did Master Jinn just lie to another master? Maybe, but he was not going to share his inner most intimate feelings with a woman who evidently saw so many flaws in little Obi, but saw nothing wrong with her own bumbling ward Da' Neel.
"We are only trying to assess his medical condition."
"Lie to yourself Jinn and I suppose you can lie to me, you just have, but don't expect me to believe any of those lies. Now I think I will put that sleep couch to some good use until last-meal is ready. Hope it is not bantha stew again."
It was a good thing Jinn's back was turned. It would have not gone well with Master Dalia had she seen Jinn's anger distorted face and the rolling of his eyes.
"No I think I can rummage through my pantry and find something more to your liking Master Dalia. //Rest, yes get some rest." and get out of business for a few minutes today.//
###########################
At best, the four tolerated each other at last-meal. The only words spoken at the table was to ask that something be passed to another. It was almost a relief to Master Jinn to hear his door bell ring.
When he opened the door he was surprised to see an angry Mace and an upset Yoda along with two of Coruscant finest from the police department.
"Masters is there a problem?"
"Let the officer explain this to you, my padawan. Understand it I don't yet myself."
"Master Jinn we have had a complaint filed of child abuse."
"That is ridiculous. What child, who filed it?"
One officer who seemed clearly to enjoy harassing a Jedi, stepped up and spoke next.
"Do you or do you not have a ward by the name of Obi-Wan Kenobi?"
"Well yes but…"
"Just answer the questions Master Jinn. You don't need to ask them. Is he or is not on medication?"
"Well yes, he was, but he isn't now."
"Care to explain why?"
"We took him off to see how he did without it."
"With a healers advice?"
The policemen was getting to something but what?
It was not done under the healers' direction. However, Master Yoda felt we should know with certainty why the child was on the medicine."
"Is the child ill from not receiving his medicine."
"I refuse to answer any more of your questions until you answer one of mine.
The other policemen seemed more rational.
"What would that be Master Jinn?"
"What is this about?"
"I have complaint of child neglect and endangering and from what you just admitted too I don't think it was understated. The child will have to come with us please."
All three from the kitchen had come to the common room. Obi lingered a few step behind and stayed hidden behind the door. He realized the *child* they meant was *him*.
Jinn ripped the documents out of the officer's hand in a not very polite way and read it.
"Selena… Selena Lars filed this complaint. We are Jedi. You can't take the accusations seriously."
Jinn knew now what the officers were there for; to take Obi-Wan away.
"Normally no. That is why we asked the questions. We know of the Jedi's impeccable creditability, but you have already admitted to the charges against you."
"Charges?… these are charges against me?"
Mace stepped in.
"We will straighten this out Qui-Gon, but for now let them take Obi-Wan."
"Take him….. Just where to they plan to take him? He is not feeling well enough to be taken and placed in an orphanage. He needs to be here so I can look after him."
The officer who seemed to have no patience with the Jedi whatsoever, jerked the papers out of Jinn's hand.
" Sounds like some sick perversion to me Master Jinn. You make the child sick so you can *care* for him?"
The officer clearly misunderstood Jinn's words and seemed unwilling to listen to the truth. The unreasonable officer continued with his lecture to Qui-Gon. He enjoyed every minute of his successful attempt to make a Jedi master as prominent as Master Jinn squirm.
"Well you should have been more concerned for his health earlier and he wouldn't be sick. Everything on this paper, according to your own admittance, is true. You have confirmed all the accusations made by the child's aunt. It will be an honor to testify at your hearing that you confessed to your abuse of the child. Now could you get his things ready? We really don't have all night."
He looked down at the paper to read the boy's name.
"Obi-Wan Kenobi will be going with us."………………….
Three days, it had been three long gut-wrenching days and no contact with Obi-Wan whatsoever. Master Yoda had encouraged Master Jinn to seek council outside the realm of the temple. He could not be seen by the attorney for another couple of days. Between his appointments and the attorney's appoinmtent it was difficult.
He still had to go through what had turned into the mundane motions of an acting master to a twit of an apprentice. That is the only way he could describe Da'Neel and his actions of late. He took advantage of the situation and tried to *rule the roost* at the Jinn household.
Master Dalia seemed totally oblivious to the misbehavior and all-out disrespect the padawan had begun to show to anyone around him. Knighthood would never be his, under Jinn's mentoring, if he did not change his ways. He was headed for a job in the Argricorps or a life out on the streets of Coruscant.
An air of cockiness replaced commonsense and forethought in the apprentice since Obi-Wan was taken and with his *other* master there to counteract any positive instructions Jinn tried to give him.
Master Jinn mentally asked for, but did not receive any kind of rationale as to why he felt so miserable about Obi-Wan's departure. The little boy was nothing to him and he had gone through every measure possible to see he was well cared for, hadn't he?
Self-doubt riddled the master now and he went over everything minor or major that passed between ward and guardian.
I//t is not as if he is out on the street. He is where they are equipped and trained to care for children like Obi.//
Qui-Gon held a mental conversation with himself for no one else seemed to be able to give him a viable answer to his uncommon feelings he experienced over Obi's departure.
//There are so many instances of orphanages that are cruel to the children. I have never stepped foot in ours here. Is it run correctly? Does the child have enough to eat. //
Qui-Gon knew he was being irrational.
//Of course proper food and a stable environment is provided to the little ones forced to live without family. That is what the orphanage provides. They should be good at it. Better than I could ever be. Now had he been force sensitive, it could have presented a problem, many in fact. The orphanage could have never been successful in the rearing of a force-sensitive. Their powers would be thwarted just by a lay person's instruction of them.//
Another three grueling and endless days passed. Master Jinn was just about to leave the council chambers where he had been called to speak with the council members on his handling of his ward, as well as the actions of Master Jinn as it pretained to Padawan Tia Da'Nel.
Most on the council knew of the stress Master Jinn was under but if they felt he was the least bit derelict in his duties as a master to is padawan, they would speak up. Maybe not with harshness, but with the point blank frankness the council was noted for.
Not one council member, even Master Plo Koon, could find a flaw in Master Jinn's teachings of either boy or of his equality of time given to each of them. They felt Qui-Gon fairly delegated equal care to both young men under his care. He would be allowed to welcome back Obi-Wan if he was permitted back by the court system and keep Da'Neel if the unruliness in him could be tamed.
Qui-Gon returned to his quarters only to make a hasty retreat from them when an irate Master Dalia started with her opinions. She felt slighted that she was not privy to the first audience before the council that dealt with her former padawan.
Qui-Gon tried to patiently explain that they would have go before the council again and the next time would include her and her former apprentice, but she didn't want to hear it. She felt the council favored Master Jinn over her.
Jinn left his quarters to find the sanctity and quiet of the temple gardens. He stood by the fountian with his right foot up on a step and his torso resting on his thigh propped up by his arm. He was deep in thought and was a little startled to see a frantic looking Mace rush up to him.
"Do you know why the council dispatches a comm link to their masters? Let me tell you. It is to be able to reach them when they are needed. I see you have yours clipped to your belt but I would wager you a night on the town that it is deactivated or the buzzer is switched off."
"Mace please don't tell me there is some kind of emergency and I am needed to go on a mission?" I had my com link off for fear of Master Dalia and her sharp tongue."
Mace had to smile over that comment before he explained to Qui-Gon why he was in need of him.
"Well if you plan to see that little ward of yours I think you better make haste and get there. I have wasted time just trying to find you. You are to be allowed a one hour supervised visit with the child this afternoon, upon your arrival to the orphanage. They said something about being proved guilty of the accusations before any visits with him will stop entirely."
Mace hesitated to give the last bit of news. While the first part of the news delivered by Mace pleased the master, the next part of his news did not.
"Seems Obi-Wan is a touch on the ill side and they are not sure why. They restarted his medication, but the clinicians at the orphanage could not find anything that would cause the child such misery. They suspected homesickness. We were informed that a great many children suffer from it even if they are taken out of the most deplorable home life possible."
"Obi's life was not deplorable. We had our spats but he was not mistreated."
"Qui I don't think I am the person to tell that too. I know you would never do anything to intentionally harm a child."
"Homesick…. uhn? They think Obi might miss being home here at the temple with me? Think he really considers it home here Mace?"
"Well one thing is for sure it is all he has. The orphanage also informed Master Yoda that if you are deemed not responsible enough to regain custody of the child, the Lars do not want him. If you lose custody of him he will be transportd back to the Lars' home planet and the orphanage there is to be given permanent custody of him. Now go!! You have to see him this afternoon or not for another week."
######
Master Jinn was as giddy as a father waiting the arrival of his first born. He sat in a small eight by eight room while he waited to see Obi-Wan. He noticed the mirror that was built squarely into the center of the wall and took up most of its length as well.
He knew it was an observation partition. Someone from the orphange sat behind that mirror and observed everything that went on, but for the comfort of the children they knew nothing of the meeting being constantly visually controlled.
Finally after several minutes that seemed like hours Obi-Wan was led in.
The clothing was completely different than what he wore at the temple. The sleeves were too big as well. Jinn noticed he could not even see the dimpled little hands of the child that stood before him. Obi was hesitant at first to say anything. Jinn himself was not quite sure how he would react to this first meeting. However, he hoped it boosted Obi's ailing physical condition as much as it did the master's tormented mental one. He instantly felt relieved to be in the same room with his *little spit fire*; the one he thought he could not live another day *with* when he first came to the temple was the little boy before him now. Obi was now the little boy he thought he could not live another day *without*.
Qui-Gon watched with growing interest as Obi-Wan nervously stood before him. He played with the tunic hem and grinded his toe into the plush carpet. Obi would shyly look up to the master only to drop his eyes subserviently or in a fearful reverence. Jinn was not sure which.
The time of silence grew. Jinn felt the tumulus turmoil released from the boy and he was allowed by the force to absorb it as if he were a sponge there to soak up all the hurtful feelings Obi had..
The turmoil soon disappated and Jinn could feel Obi's need to be comforted. Without another thought, the master held out both arms and waited.He offered the boy comfort and it would be up to him to take it. Only seconds passed but it felt longer and all of the sudden he found himself with a lap of gangily legs and arms as Obi-Wan wormed his way into the masters arms.
Obi nestled his face into his guardian's tunic. Just the smell of Master Jinn brought comfort to him. It was the aroma of familiarity of home. It provided more comfort than a Jedi master who controlled his emotions all the time, could even comprehend. Qui-Gon had just begun to realize how much the child needed a one on one relationship much like a growing padawan but more so because children like Obi had no living force to help cushion their fears and disappointments in life.
Nothing was said for quite awhile as they relished the closeness. Neither knew why it brought so much comfort when normally they were together they were at each other's throats. Maybe both had learned what the other provided them in their lives and had to admit it was not bad…. Not at all bad.
Talk between the two was sparse . Jinn tired to stay upbeat and not alarm Obi-Wan. Obi just hated for their time to end and it ended way too soon for the little boy. When they came for him tears, welled in his eyes.
Hard as he tried he could not be as stoic as his guradtian. However even Jinn found it hard to hold his emotions in when they came for the child but he knew he must for Obi-Wan's sake.
The kind matron of the orphange seemed to understand how hard it was on Master Jinn and Obi to be separated. With a weak smile she informed the master he could schedule another visit with Obi for next week, but now it was time for his mid-meal. She very gently took Obi by the hand to lead him out of the room. Obi didn't resist for fear he would not be allowed another visit with his guardian. He didn't undertstand it but he need that connection. He needed to have Qui-Gon there.
Just as the matron and Obi reached the door Qui-Gon called.
"Please Miss, may I have one moment with Obi?"
The kind older lady knew she would be asked this. Everyone who cared anything for their child asked the same thing and although she seldon granted the extra time, she felt compelled to do so in this situation.
She dropped Obi's hand as Jinn made his way to the door and knelt down on one knee.
From out of his pocket he handed Obi the rock, Owen's lucky rock, to him. He placed it in the child's hand and closed it for him
"Here this is the most vaulable thing I own now. That is all I have left of Owen, his lucky rock, and my memories of him. However I will entrust it too you because you will know that if you have it in your possession, I will be back for it. Maybe that will make you feel better."
Obi's eyes lit up even through the tears that only accented their glow .
"Thank you Mr. Qui-Gon." Obi turned to walk back to the matron and then turned to face his guardian, still bent down on his knees.
"Only one thing Mr. Qui-Gon that is the same thing Owen said to me when he gave me this rock, the day he died. He said I would know he had to come back because the rock was the most important possession *he* had. It was important to him because it was the first gift you ever gave him."
Jinn looked surprise.
//Was that really been how Obi got the rock? Owen entrusted it to him to assure his little cousin he would come home.// In that case Jinn may have done a horrible thing instead of something that would ease the child's worry until his return.
Tears now steamed down the boy's cheeks freely. The quivering chin almost prevented Obi from saying what he had to say….almost….
"The only thing is as you well know, Owen never came back for me, WILL YOU??……."
Other than maybe being a little tired, Obi did not show any real clinical symptoms of missing the medicine, however you might call his irritability a clinical reaction to the drug's withdrawal. He wasn't sick, he was just in a really foul mood.
Master Yoda and Mace both agreed with Jinn it would be a trying week ahead for the master in his own home. Master Yoda even told him if solitude he sought to his apartment he should go at least for meditations.
It was on the second day of Master Dalia's visit that all hell broke lose. That was the day Obi, at his most irritable state thus far, had a run-in with Master Dalia. It turned into all out war between the little cranky boy and a crankier Master Dalia.
Qui-Gon and Da'Neel had gone to the training salles to practice saber techniques. Master Dalia retired to her former apprentice's room for some rest. She was still recovering from her illness. She immediately changed her mind about where she wanted to get some rest. She decided the best place to rest was in the common room sofa while no one was there.
When she entered the drape-darkened room, the sickly master almost sat on Obi-Wan's head. While she napped he took the sleep couch for his own little nap. He was not feeling all that well and the common room sofa had become *his* bed since Master Dalia's visit. She bunked in Da' Neel's room.
After fifteen minutes of rants and raves of how Obi-Wan scared her back into ill health, Obi-Wan felt he had heard enough. He launched into his own rants.
On their return Master Jinn and Da' Neel could here the argument all the way down the hall when they got off the lift. It was more or less a one-sided argument by then for Master Dalia was so taken aback by the little one 's hateful words that she was shocked into silence.
Well that was the way Master Yoda later explained it. He would also later explain that it was hard to get the woman to be quiet a minute but Obi-Wan had done what the council had failed to do down through all those years, silence Master Dalia. it.
Master Jinn followed by Padawan Da'Neel opened the door to his apartment just in time to hear Obi-Wan's last retort, to the now irate Master Dalia.
"I may not be much because I am *normal* as you say but I don't make up lies on Mr. Qui-Gon like your precious Da'Neel. I hope the council asks me what the truth is. Mr. Qui-Gon barely gives me the time of day, let alone ignores his padawan for me."
The words were harsh and revealing. Master Jinn had to admit though, they were true and he was stabbed with a sudden and an awful pain of guilt.
//The child said the truth as he sees it. I don't even speak to him some mornings.//
Two fast and long strides enabled him to reach his little ward before any other words of discord could be exchanged between the two. He knew Master Dalia very well. Well enough to know she could hold her own in a shouting match. He couldn't imagine what she said or did to provoke the boy in such a riled up manner.
//Of course in the mood he has been in, it wouldn't take too much to evoke his anger. //
With one swift jerk to the back of his tunic Qui-Gon managed to pull the child safely behind him as he watched as Master Dalia a made a failed attempt to charge him.
Her thoughts did not lay in striking the boy, just shaking some sense and respect into him.
"Master Jinn I know how to handle such an unruly child. Da' Neel is not my first Padawan you know."
"Yes I certainly do."
Jinn could feel Obi-Wan inch closer to him, even though he still had him secured by the back of the tunic. He supposed the boy didn't want her to *jump* him again.
"Obi-Wan however is not an apprentice. He has no link with the living force whatsoever."
"That's not the rumor that goes around the temple. It's been said that the child might well possess the force once the horrible medication is out of his system. Then where does that leave Padawan Da'Neel. Do you plan to dump him for the little one? Had you not come in when you did I am sure I could have shaken some sense into the child. Just blatant disrespect. That is what it is and it should be met properly head-on and not give into the boy."
"Why Master Dalia I thought you had lived here at this temple long enough to know not to listen stories through the grapevine started by gossip mongrels who never check the truth behind anything. They pass on.. ..so much untruth in a little of the truth. That's something an initiative would do, imbibe in idle gossip, but not a seasoned master as yourself."
The remark stung the elder master. She knew Jinn's words were meant in a negative way and took them as that.
"I plan to report this child's behavior when we go before the council. I don't know what the holdup is? I suppose Master Yoda thinks he can keep you from being censured for your actions toward my former padawan, but he is very wrong. I am sure they will want to hear how you handle the little one there as well." She motioned with a nod to her head toward Obi-Wan. "I am glad I have to stay here and get a first hand view of all the atrocities that goes on."
Obi-Wan stopped his squirming in Jinn's grip. He had no wish to get Mr. Qui-Gon in any more trouble. Not that they got along so well, but the child knew that Mr. Qui-Gon was being railroaded and lied on by Da' Neel.
//He doesn't need me to make more trouble just because I feel miserable and don't like the *old bag*. //
Qui-Gon immediately felt the resistance leave from Obi-Wan. The child quit his squirming and leaned very close to the Jedi master. Jinn dared to let go of his collar and nothing. The child stood in place with his head hung. From beside him he heard the little timid voice of his ward.
"I am sorry Master Dalia. I meant no disrespect. I just don't feel well today."
"Sure, and just how long do you plan to use that excuse to get away with whatever you want? You may fool your guardian young man, but not me. I am wise to the trickery of children."
Now Jinn let his displeasure for the woman ride on his own cuff.
"I am sure you have had quite a lot experience with unruly behavior if you have trained Padawan Da' Neel over the last few years."
"Yes well with your notoriety of apprenticing the most dark of dark, Xanatos, one might think you had learned how to handle an unruly child as well."
Insults traded equally with the same amount of venom from each master.
The words from the snake tongued Master Dalia hurt more than her saber would have. Although the council had agreed Xanatos' failing had not been Jinn's fault, the Jedi master hated to be reminded of past mistakes and undeniable regrets.
"I don't think standing here listing to each other faults serves any real purpose. Obi-Wan go to my room and finish your rest. I will call you for last-meal."
Jinn would have liked to have sent some kind of comfort to the child mentally not verbally but since Obi lacked in the force, he attempted it but knew instantly he had failed in reching the little boy. //Ridiculous of me to think I could//. His pity for Obi-Wan at that moment rolled through the air and any force sensitive could have caught it but not the little one it was meant for.
When Obi-Wan left the room, Da' Neel was also accused, but by his former master not his present one. The mental pleasure at Jinn and his former master's very vocal disagreement, was not visibly evident but Qui-Gon knew it was there all the same.
Master Jinn headed to the kitchen to make last-meal for everyone.
"You know Jinn, it would serve you well to get rid of the child now. I can tell there is some strange connection between you two. However I can look at him and tell you there is no force within him, so if that is what your and Master Yoda's hope is, then…."
"We hope for nothing where Obi-Wan is concerned. We are providing him a stable home and an education."
Did Master Jinn just lie to another master? Maybe, but he was not going to share his inner most intimate feelings with a woman who evidently saw so many flaws in little Obi, but saw nothing wrong with her own bumbling ward Da' Neel.
"We are only trying to assess his medical condition."
"Lie to yourself Jinn and I suppose you can lie to me, you just have, but don't expect me to believe any of those lies. Now I think I will put that sleep couch to some good use until last-meal is ready. Hope it is not bantha stew again."
It was a good thing Jinn's back was turned. It would have not gone well with Master Dalia had she seen Jinn's anger distorted face and the rolling of his eyes.
"No I think I can rummage through my pantry and find something more to your liking Master Dalia. //Rest, yes get some rest." and get out of business for a few minutes today.//
###########################
At best, the four tolerated each other at last-meal. The only words spoken at the table was to ask that something be passed to another. It was almost a relief to Master Jinn to hear his door bell ring.
When he opened the door he was surprised to see an angry Mace and an upset Yoda along with two of Coruscant finest from the police department.
"Masters is there a problem?"
"Let the officer explain this to you, my padawan. Understand it I don't yet myself."
"Master Jinn we have had a complaint filed of child abuse."
"That is ridiculous. What child, who filed it?"
One officer who seemed clearly to enjoy harassing a Jedi, stepped up and spoke next.
"Do you or do you not have a ward by the name of Obi-Wan Kenobi?"
"Well yes but…"
"Just answer the questions Master Jinn. You don't need to ask them. Is he or is not on medication?"
"Well yes, he was, but he isn't now."
"Care to explain why?"
"We took him off to see how he did without it."
"With a healers advice?"
The policemen was getting to something but what?
It was not done under the healers' direction. However, Master Yoda felt we should know with certainty why the child was on the medicine."
"Is the child ill from not receiving his medicine."
"I refuse to answer any more of your questions until you answer one of mine.
The other policemen seemed more rational.
"What would that be Master Jinn?"
"What is this about?"
"I have complaint of child neglect and endangering and from what you just admitted too I don't think it was understated. The child will have to come with us please."
All three from the kitchen had come to the common room. Obi lingered a few step behind and stayed hidden behind the door. He realized the *child* they meant was *him*.
Jinn ripped the documents out of the officer's hand in a not very polite way and read it.
"Selena… Selena Lars filed this complaint. We are Jedi. You can't take the accusations seriously."
Jinn knew now what the officers were there for; to take Obi-Wan away.
"Normally no. That is why we asked the questions. We know of the Jedi's impeccable creditability, but you have already admitted to the charges against you."
"Charges?… these are charges against me?"
Mace stepped in.
"We will straighten this out Qui-Gon, but for now let them take Obi-Wan."
"Take him….. Just where to they plan to take him? He is not feeling well enough to be taken and placed in an orphanage. He needs to be here so I can look after him."
The officer who seemed to have no patience with the Jedi whatsoever, jerked the papers out of Jinn's hand.
" Sounds like some sick perversion to me Master Jinn. You make the child sick so you can *care* for him?"
The officer clearly misunderstood Jinn's words and seemed unwilling to listen to the truth. The unreasonable officer continued with his lecture to Qui-Gon. He enjoyed every minute of his successful attempt to make a Jedi master as prominent as Master Jinn squirm.
"Well you should have been more concerned for his health earlier and he wouldn't be sick. Everything on this paper, according to your own admittance, is true. You have confirmed all the accusations made by the child's aunt. It will be an honor to testify at your hearing that you confessed to your abuse of the child. Now could you get his things ready? We really don't have all night."
He looked down at the paper to read the boy's name.
"Obi-Wan Kenobi will be going with us."………………….
Three days, it had been three long gut-wrenching days and no contact with Obi-Wan whatsoever. Master Yoda had encouraged Master Jinn to seek council outside the realm of the temple. He could not be seen by the attorney for another couple of days. Between his appointments and the attorney's appoinmtent it was difficult.
He still had to go through what had turned into the mundane motions of an acting master to a twit of an apprentice. That is the only way he could describe Da'Neel and his actions of late. He took advantage of the situation and tried to *rule the roost* at the Jinn household.
Master Dalia seemed totally oblivious to the misbehavior and all-out disrespect the padawan had begun to show to anyone around him. Knighthood would never be his, under Jinn's mentoring, if he did not change his ways. He was headed for a job in the Argricorps or a life out on the streets of Coruscant.
An air of cockiness replaced commonsense and forethought in the apprentice since Obi-Wan was taken and with his *other* master there to counteract any positive instructions Jinn tried to give him.
Master Jinn mentally asked for, but did not receive any kind of rationale as to why he felt so miserable about Obi-Wan's departure. The little boy was nothing to him and he had gone through every measure possible to see he was well cared for, hadn't he?
Self-doubt riddled the master now and he went over everything minor or major that passed between ward and guardian.
I//t is not as if he is out on the street. He is where they are equipped and trained to care for children like Obi.//
Qui-Gon held a mental conversation with himself for no one else seemed to be able to give him a viable answer to his uncommon feelings he experienced over Obi's departure.
//There are so many instances of orphanages that are cruel to the children. I have never stepped foot in ours here. Is it run correctly? Does the child have enough to eat. //
Qui-Gon knew he was being irrational.
//Of course proper food and a stable environment is provided to the little ones forced to live without family. That is what the orphanage provides. They should be good at it. Better than I could ever be. Now had he been force sensitive, it could have presented a problem, many in fact. The orphanage could have never been successful in the rearing of a force-sensitive. Their powers would be thwarted just by a lay person's instruction of them.//
Another three grueling and endless days passed. Master Jinn was just about to leave the council chambers where he had been called to speak with the council members on his handling of his ward, as well as the actions of Master Jinn as it pretained to Padawan Tia Da'Nel.
Most on the council knew of the stress Master Jinn was under but if they felt he was the least bit derelict in his duties as a master to is padawan, they would speak up. Maybe not with harshness, but with the point blank frankness the council was noted for.
Not one council member, even Master Plo Koon, could find a flaw in Master Jinn's teachings of either boy or of his equality of time given to each of them. They felt Qui-Gon fairly delegated equal care to both young men under his care. He would be allowed to welcome back Obi-Wan if he was permitted back by the court system and keep Da'Neel if the unruliness in him could be tamed.
Qui-Gon returned to his quarters only to make a hasty retreat from them when an irate Master Dalia started with her opinions. She felt slighted that she was not privy to the first audience before the council that dealt with her former padawan.
Qui-Gon tried to patiently explain that they would have go before the council again and the next time would include her and her former apprentice, but she didn't want to hear it. She felt the council favored Master Jinn over her.
Jinn left his quarters to find the sanctity and quiet of the temple gardens. He stood by the fountian with his right foot up on a step and his torso resting on his thigh propped up by his arm. He was deep in thought and was a little startled to see a frantic looking Mace rush up to him.
"Do you know why the council dispatches a comm link to their masters? Let me tell you. It is to be able to reach them when they are needed. I see you have yours clipped to your belt but I would wager you a night on the town that it is deactivated or the buzzer is switched off."
"Mace please don't tell me there is some kind of emergency and I am needed to go on a mission?" I had my com link off for fear of Master Dalia and her sharp tongue."
Mace had to smile over that comment before he explained to Qui-Gon why he was in need of him.
"Well if you plan to see that little ward of yours I think you better make haste and get there. I have wasted time just trying to find you. You are to be allowed a one hour supervised visit with the child this afternoon, upon your arrival to the orphanage. They said something about being proved guilty of the accusations before any visits with him will stop entirely."
Mace hesitated to give the last bit of news. While the first part of the news delivered by Mace pleased the master, the next part of his news did not.
"Seems Obi-Wan is a touch on the ill side and they are not sure why. They restarted his medication, but the clinicians at the orphanage could not find anything that would cause the child such misery. They suspected homesickness. We were informed that a great many children suffer from it even if they are taken out of the most deplorable home life possible."
"Obi's life was not deplorable. We had our spats but he was not mistreated."
"Qui I don't think I am the person to tell that too. I know you would never do anything to intentionally harm a child."
"Homesick…. uhn? They think Obi might miss being home here at the temple with me? Think he really considers it home here Mace?"
"Well one thing is for sure it is all he has. The orphanage also informed Master Yoda that if you are deemed not responsible enough to regain custody of the child, the Lars do not want him. If you lose custody of him he will be transportd back to the Lars' home planet and the orphanage there is to be given permanent custody of him. Now go!! You have to see him this afternoon or not for another week."
######
Master Jinn was as giddy as a father waiting the arrival of his first born. He sat in a small eight by eight room while he waited to see Obi-Wan. He noticed the mirror that was built squarely into the center of the wall and took up most of its length as well.
He knew it was an observation partition. Someone from the orphange sat behind that mirror and observed everything that went on, but for the comfort of the children they knew nothing of the meeting being constantly visually controlled.
Finally after several minutes that seemed like hours Obi-Wan was led in.
The clothing was completely different than what he wore at the temple. The sleeves were too big as well. Jinn noticed he could not even see the dimpled little hands of the child that stood before him. Obi was hesitant at first to say anything. Jinn himself was not quite sure how he would react to this first meeting. However, he hoped it boosted Obi's ailing physical condition as much as it did the master's tormented mental one. He instantly felt relieved to be in the same room with his *little spit fire*; the one he thought he could not live another day *with* when he first came to the temple was the little boy before him now. Obi was now the little boy he thought he could not live another day *without*.
Qui-Gon watched with growing interest as Obi-Wan nervously stood before him. He played with the tunic hem and grinded his toe into the plush carpet. Obi would shyly look up to the master only to drop his eyes subserviently or in a fearful reverence. Jinn was not sure which.
The time of silence grew. Jinn felt the tumulus turmoil released from the boy and he was allowed by the force to absorb it as if he were a sponge there to soak up all the hurtful feelings Obi had..
The turmoil soon disappated and Jinn could feel Obi's need to be comforted. Without another thought, the master held out both arms and waited.He offered the boy comfort and it would be up to him to take it. Only seconds passed but it felt longer and all of the sudden he found himself with a lap of gangily legs and arms as Obi-Wan wormed his way into the masters arms.
Obi nestled his face into his guardian's tunic. Just the smell of Master Jinn brought comfort to him. It was the aroma of familiarity of home. It provided more comfort than a Jedi master who controlled his emotions all the time, could even comprehend. Qui-Gon had just begun to realize how much the child needed a one on one relationship much like a growing padawan but more so because children like Obi had no living force to help cushion their fears and disappointments in life.
Nothing was said for quite awhile as they relished the closeness. Neither knew why it brought so much comfort when normally they were together they were at each other's throats. Maybe both had learned what the other provided them in their lives and had to admit it was not bad…. Not at all bad.
Talk between the two was sparse . Jinn tired to stay upbeat and not alarm Obi-Wan. Obi just hated for their time to end and it ended way too soon for the little boy. When they came for him tears, welled in his eyes.
Hard as he tried he could not be as stoic as his guradtian. However even Jinn found it hard to hold his emotions in when they came for the child but he knew he must for Obi-Wan's sake.
The kind matron of the orphange seemed to understand how hard it was on Master Jinn and Obi to be separated. With a weak smile she informed the master he could schedule another visit with Obi for next week, but now it was time for his mid-meal. She very gently took Obi by the hand to lead him out of the room. Obi didn't resist for fear he would not be allowed another visit with his guardian. He didn't undertstand it but he need that connection. He needed to have Qui-Gon there.
Just as the matron and Obi reached the door Qui-Gon called.
"Please Miss, may I have one moment with Obi?"
The kind older lady knew she would be asked this. Everyone who cared anything for their child asked the same thing and although she seldon granted the extra time, she felt compelled to do so in this situation.
She dropped Obi's hand as Jinn made his way to the door and knelt down on one knee.
From out of his pocket he handed Obi the rock, Owen's lucky rock, to him. He placed it in the child's hand and closed it for him
"Here this is the most vaulable thing I own now. That is all I have left of Owen, his lucky rock, and my memories of him. However I will entrust it too you because you will know that if you have it in your possession, I will be back for it. Maybe that will make you feel better."
Obi's eyes lit up even through the tears that only accented their glow .
"Thank you Mr. Qui-Gon." Obi turned to walk back to the matron and then turned to face his guardian, still bent down on his knees.
"Only one thing Mr. Qui-Gon that is the same thing Owen said to me when he gave me this rock, the day he died. He said I would know he had to come back because the rock was the most important possession *he* had. It was important to him because it was the first gift you ever gave him."
Jinn looked surprise.
//Was that really been how Obi got the rock? Owen entrusted it to him to assure his little cousin he would come home.// In that case Jinn may have done a horrible thing instead of something that would ease the child's worry until his return.
Tears now steamed down the boy's cheeks freely. The quivering chin almost prevented Obi from saying what he had to say….almost….
"The only thing is as you well know, Owen never came back for me, WILL YOU??……."