With the help of Qui-Gon, Mace was able to successfully complete the negotiations. The Hutts' responsible for the attack was gathered up. The ones still out on the run, were seen too after the battle. Mace and Qui spent one more night together then each went their own ways on missions .

Master Windu was not sure how long he and his apprentice would be out before allowed back to the temple for rest. However Jinn had no wish for rest if it meant returning to the temple, returning to Obi-Wan.

Mission after mission, no matter how long , no matter how dangerous, Master Jinn took it.

After three grueling months Jinn was literally forced back by the council. The need for down time outweighed their need for a good mediator. Jinn was given orders to immediately return to the temple. This time he would not escape. A class was already there and waiting, due to an illness of one of the knights teaching saber techniques.

Upon his return, Qui-Gon was surprised to find Master Windu had agreed to teach a class in saber training while Sierra completed a semester of Biology classes. Biology in the sense she had to learn the numerous of species in the galaxy. Jedi must know how to react to each one according to their customs, the elements around them that sustained their life, and even their eating habits. She would be encouraged or as Master Jinn said forced to eat a batch of leech worms, favored by Calamarians. The class was to help senior padawans become closer to the living force by learning how others lived that were different than themselves.

The Jedi were also around other species but there were some never even seen by the padawans until they are sent to a planet which was inhabited by the "strange ones", and some could be strange, very strange indeed.

Sierra was glad for the first time that she had to endure classes, which normally she hated. She was a *hands-on* apprentice who sometimes, much to Mace's chagrin craved excitement of a mission; the challenge it presented. She cared little of what they ate for breakfast or if the air that sustained them would sustain her. In that aspect and her diplomatic skills she lacked what was needed to complete her training. It disturbed her master because Sierra Kenobi had all potential to be a great Jedi knight, but in order to do that, she had to be good to great at everything including diplomacy.

Another thing that surprised Master Jinn was the way he felt when he found out Obi-Wan had found a master. Yoda, true to his words that he planned to his to it, the young one became a knight had managed to pull a master out of the air , Maybe not quite like that, though Jinn did remember clearly that there were no masters to be had for Obi at the time he left the temple. While Jinn had no animosity toward the boy, he had yet to see the Jedi knight potential in him and wondered what it was Master Yoda saw in him or what the knight that took Obi-Wan found so compelling about the child.

//No matter, he has a master and I should be glad. It's not as if I planned to take him as my apprentice when I returned. I mean I didn't feel the guiding force telling me to take him as my apprentice. One day after Obi-Wan has settled with his new master and everything is doing well, my old master will have to admit that possibly for first time in over eight hundred years he was wrong about what the foresaw. He read it wrong or didn't listen right. Whatever led to the mistake he will have thank me for correcting it. He will have to thank me for not taking Obi as my apprentice.//

Qui-Gon walked the last few steps to his class undeterred.

Only thing now that pressed his mind was a nagging feeling of loneliness. A feeling he could not reason because he had adjusted to the loneliness from Xanatos' departure. This ran as deep as the emptiness felt when Xani, left but there was absolutely no reason for it.

//It can't be the boy. Just as Obi-Wan has found the right master, I need to find an apprentice that is exactly as I want him and things will be fine. Maybe after my classes here I will go to the smaller temple which might have a couple of initiates, which are in need of a master. I will find an initiate that suits me, as well as I do him.//

Qui-Gon pushed the double opens with the use of the force and entered the auditorium

He hadn't seen Obi-Wan since his return and he didn't want too. However there in the front row stood the child.

"Padawan Kenobi, congratulations, Master Yoda told me you had found a master. He didn't mention who it was. But I am pleased. Not that I would not welcome you to my class but this is for the initiates, the ones who just like you before, are about ready for their own choosing day. I do not teach the padawans during this rotation."

Obi-Wan blushed and Master Jinn knew instantly he said something that embarrassed the boy, but what?

From the stadium seats a deep throaty voice spoke.

"Aye he's got the right class my old friend. You are teaching the worst of the worst. It is just that Master Yoda thinks it is demeaning to use those words, but truth they are. He fits because his saber techniques are as bad or worse than the other wet-behind the ears Jedi hopefuls. in here. None of them, handy with the saber and neither is my padawan. He fits in anyway; he's smaller than some of these nine and ten year olds. Just pretend he is another incompetent initiate instead of an equally incompetent apprentice."

Qui-Gon looked around the room. Yes, Obi was probably the smallest in the class or close to it. He was not in a hurry to look at the master who spoke, he easily knew him by the gruffness of his voice. His voice matched that of his personality. Nevertheless Master Jinn did look at Master Riley Ja'Reen to acknowledge him and nothing more.

There in the stadium was a crèche mate, not a friend of his, but an age mate anyway. He very similarly to Master Jinn suffered the same fate with a failed apprentice. His apprentice didn't bring as much dishonor to the knight because he left on his own accord and was not coerced into it by the dark side as Xani was. However that apprentice kept the knight from becoming a master and at forty years of age he waited for that step up in the Jedi order. He, to date had never taken another apprentice

//Why now and why Obi-Wan? //

Qui-Gon understood him all too well. He could even sympathize with Ja'Reen. From what he heard he vowed to take a much tighter rein on his next apprentice, if ever took one at all.

//Such a bad time to decide he wants to be a master, especially for Obi. //

"Knight Ja'Reen, if Obi-Wan is required to take this class for extra studies, I as well as the others will welcome him into it. His lack of abilities, do not need to be discussed before the others. If you would like to see me after class, we can discuss this further."

"Oh Jinn, you are always so proper. I have no need, desire, or time to meet you after class. The boy is here and he'll continue this class. Maybe you can train some accuracy with his saber inyo the clumsy little fellow. I certainly can't and not for the lack of trying. No, he will remain here. Another thing, please don't tell me what I can do with my apprentice. Master Yoda thought I would be what the child needed. I welcome the opportunity, the challenge as it were. If he feels humiliated from being placed here, he should have worked harder. Maybe now he will since he knows he is already the laughing stock of the temple."

Qui-Gon looked back over to see Obi-Wan shrink to the back of the class. Some of the initiates snickered behind hands that hid their mouths.

There was nothing else to say and Qui-Gon felt the less said right now the easier it would be on the apprentice whose master had just humiliated him in front of his class mates.

//What could Master Yoda have been thinking? This rough cut self made Jedi is definitely not what the child needs. Obi-Wan is too meek to survive Riley's training tactics. Padawan Kenobi is doomed to fail with Riley Ja'Reen as his master. //

By the end of the class Qui-Gon had to agree with Riley reluctantly, but he refused to let the knight know he did.. The initiates in his class and Padawan Kenobi were the worst of the bunch when it came to the saber.

By the time class was over Jinn head spun dizzily from watching the tangled legs of the children that caused them to fall, a saber lunge resulted in a trip to the floor because the child missed his target, and disagreements had to be broken up amongst the initiates.

Master Jinn noticed the only one who said not a word of complaint was Obi-Wan. His gaze would occasionally break away from the class to look over at his master who sat with a intimidating look on his face.

When the class was over Master Jinn sent everyone on their way. Riley walked up to Master Jinn and shook his hand.

"I have to hand it to ya Qui-Gon, you are certainly more patient with those kids than I would have been. I would have cuffed a couple of them soundly on the side of their heads for some of the antics they pulled today. And that little one, the one almost as small as Obi, well I thought I could have laughed my head off when he missed that lunge and fell to the floor. If you noticed I held my laugh in. I knew you wouldn't have approved. That is where you and I differ Jinn. I have learned you have to be tough on them while they are young. If not, you might wind up with one like Xani or my apprentice Gerrub. Two *good- for-nothings* and you and I had the misfortune of having them as our padawans. Master Yoda has made me see I can become a master, just need a the right apprentice. Said he knew this one had no dark in him and I will say he is a natural born submissive. Does everything I tell him down to the letter. Of course I have explained to him what will happen if he doesn't. Isn't that right little Obi?"

The man pulled Obi-Wan to him closer and Qui-Gon watched as Obi's muscles tensed up under the touch of his new master.

//I don't seem to feel a connection between the two. Usually when two bonded Jedi are together another Jedi knows they are bonded whether it is a love bond, a soul bond, or a training bond. No, there is no training bond between Riley and Obi not even a hint of one. //

"Well I am sure Obi-Wan will make you a fine apprentice. He is a studious boy."

"Is that your way of saying he didn't get picked the first go around on choosing day because he is so incompetent, say for instance in saber techniques. I can handle that. I just don't want one that will leave on me. I get the feeling Obi here wants to be a Jedi more than anything else in his life . I never felt that with Gerrub.. No Obi-Wan will remain in the Jedi, no matter what. I will see to that won't I, Obi-Wan?"

Obi still with his tenseness throughout his body, bowed slightly and reverently to his master.

"Yes master."

Qui-Gon noticed he didn't hear the ring of cheerfulness in Obi. He was more depressed sounding than even in the library after he was turned down as an apprentice The child seemed so much more melancholy now. He actually seemed sad, which was odd considering aquiring a master was the most important thing to him.

##########

As soon as Qui-Gon left his class he went to see Master Yoda in his office. When Jinn laid eyes on his former master he was met with the thrown up hand by his former master to stop his objections before they even started..

"Think you are only Jedi with problems. Solve all the ones I can I do."

"If you are referring to Obi-Wan being paired with Riley, I would take exception to that. Why destroy the child's life because of a Jedi. Take one's destiny to allow the other to fulfill theirs."

"Say this about you I would not allow anyone to do. Say it about Riley Ja'Reen you will not. No more troubled he is than you. Same reason your trouble stems from, failed apprentices. Obi-Wan possibly help one of you. If not Riley then who? Council on my back they were, to ship the child away. Promsied his sister I did stay in the temple he would. *Try* is not a word I use, so try I do not. Found him a master. Not the master I thought he should be paired with but one he has now anyway."

"Oh no you don't. Don't you dare try to pass this on me. I think Obi will do very poorly with his master. I didn't feel a bond, not even a trickle of one shared when they were together. The child seemed to stiffened up in fear just by the touch of his master."

"That did draw Master Yoda's attention. He did have some concerns about Riley Ja'Reen. Concerns he hoped would be proven wrong.

"Fear you sensed in the child you did. Fear of his master he was. Not good if that is the case."

Jinn squinted his eyes and gave his master a questioning look.

"You know or suspect something you are not telling me. What is it?"

"Voice this to you alone I will. Get back to no one else it should. Riley pulled from teaching at one time. To critical of the children he was."

"I witnessed that today. While he did not crictize them too much while in their presence, once all of them left, but Obi-Wan, I mean his apprentice, he let them have it. I suspect there is more than being critical isn't it Master Yoda? There are great many knights and masters who are too critical of their students and though it is frowned upon, sometimes it is ignored. Why are you concerned so much about Riley's sharp assessment of the children or Obi-Wan in particular."

"Cruel he might become. Suspect it I do, though no proof of it yet. Classes he had, reprimanded for his cruelty he was. Stopped he did but still…."

"But you still let him have Obi-Wan, one of the meekest of children I have ever seen come through the temple in a number of years That is why he was not chosen. He didn't have to fight in him his sister has. I have a feeling though he could get things done easily in negotiations because I feel he is close to the living force and those around it."

"Right you are, my padawan. See some of his worth you do, even now. Shame it is all of his worth you were not privy too. Then taken him yourself you might have. Late now to talk of the past. Look for the future we will and in Obi's case hope for the best. Since news you bring of Knight Ja'Reen's still critical opinion of all children, just not sure now made the right decision I did for Obi-Wan Kenobi......…."

################

Today as he entered the arena area to go to his office, Obi-Wan was there yet again an hour earlier than the rest, deep into what Jinn assumed was a samurai saber techniques only without the sabers.

Today was not the first day Master Jinn had stumbled on to Obi-Wan deep in an imaginary battle with himself. More than once Master Jinn entered the training arena where he taught his class only to find Obi-Wan there long before the others. He would be in the middle of what looked like a kata, but it was movements from his samurai warrior stories the ones Obi-Wan and Master Yoda shared an interest in .

His elegance in the samurai movements couldn't be matched by another apprentice his age when executing the Jedi katas and saber techniques.

//While the samurai warriors movements are quite exquisite in their own rights, they would not successfully fend an attack as definitively as the Jedi fighting techniques would. Maybe he could incorporate some of his samurai movements into his Jedi katas. His mobility would have to become more precise, more fluid. //

Master Jinn thought it admirable that the boy came to practice even if it was the samurai movements. And practicing those movements, which were similar to the Jedi's katas could only make the child more lithe and light on his feet., or so the master assumed.

//It can do nothing but strengthen his abilities to do his Jedi katas.//

Without being seen, the master turned and entered the small office where he kept his evaluations of his students on filed data pads.

He only just sat down and started to go over the first report when the thundering harsh voice of Riley Ja'Reen could be heard resonating throughout the training hall. It startled the Jedi master. He couldn't imagine how Obi-Wan felt because the voice was being directed entirely at him and it grew angrier with each word that came out of the knight's mouth.

"What in sith spawned hell are you doing. That is not any Jedi katas I have ever seen. You better have a very good excuse for this . I told you explicitly to come in here and practice and I find you doing…. Doing…. I don't know what you are doing. Is it some of the samurai crap you have been reading about after night after your homework?"

Obi-Wan, usually a meek and timid child took on a defiant pose against his master now. Samurai junk as he called it was real and honorable and unique thought Obi-Wan.

Master Yoda thinks so too. Obi only thought about Master Yoda.His master had already came very close to banning him from visiting with Yoda. Riley said Yoda pumped Obi-Wan's head full of mystical and magical days gone by things that had no use in the world today. i.e. Samarium warrior swordsmanship.

He refused to stand there and not defend his choice of reading or his choice of loosening his muscles. He really intended to do his Jedi katas, but….. After he worked and heated his muscles up with the samurai techniques. It was something he could do and do well. Obi took pride in it and he would not allow anyone, even his own master to take that away from him.

"Samurai traditions are not crap . They are not myth or legends They were very similar to the Jedi. I did plan to obey you. I only used these movements to loosen up because I am very familiar with them."

Riley glared down at the boy. Jinn could see the knight's annoyance at Obi rising. At first thought Jinn wanted to go out and stop this confrontation between the two. However he knew it was not up to him. Riley was not abusing the boy, he was correcting him Something Qui-Gon had done many times with a padawans although with thoughts of regret he remembered he did not do it nearly enough with Xanatos.

//That is why he sounds so much harsher. He has his own failed pad wan to gain direction with when teaching this one. Would I be any different if I now had a padawan and that said padawan disobeyed me.//

Jinn could see both sides of the disagreement, but he felt the most compassion for the smaller Jedi; the boy he had come to have a kinship with without even thinking of it..

Riley reached out with his right hand. Jinn suddenly sucked in a breath of air deeply and held it. As Riley's hand came down, Master Jinn physically flinched because he assumed Riley planned to land a blow to the boy's face. That was not the case. Only then did Jinn release the breath he unknowingly held and watched as Knight Ja'Reen grabbed the boy roughly by the shoulders and shook him very hard.

"Next time I find you not doing what I told you to do , you, young man will be very, very sorry. Is that understood. Now get this Samurai junk out of your head and concentrate on what is at hand, what you have to learn. No wonder no one wanted you first choosing. We are kind of like the misfits of the Jedi you and me maybe even Master Jinn. He, like me had a failed apprentice. That's why I'm glad he teaches you this class. He will be like me now when it comes to making you wee fellows tow the line."

That seemed to anger Obi-Wan even more. He shook himself from his master's grip

"Master Jinn is not like you at all. He is not mean, cruel, and carry his past in front of him, like a badge, like it mattered now.. He is a kind master and I only wish I had him as my master and not you."

Master Jinn winced at the words that came for Obi's mouth. The child didn't really know him or his master.

He doesn't know what we have been through. Then again do I really know what Obi is being subjected too by his new master behind closed doors?

He found himself holding his breath again because he felt sure the knight would strike the child now after the venomous words that spewed from his mouth."

Instead the knight started laughing; almost maniacal jeering at the boy. He crossed his arms and glared down at his new little padawan.

"Listen *little* Obi, you know nothing of Master Jinn. Maybe talked to him once, but truly nothing of his past with an apprentice marked by evil itself.. He holds the same animosity toward padawans as I do. I better see some improvement by you in this class. Is that understood or a more private meeting will be forthcoming between us in our quarters and I will come out the winner. As for how you feel about me, I could care less. My goal is to become a master. To become a master, I must train a padawan successfully through to knighthood. I am certainly old enough now, almost Qui's age. I don't plan to let some little snot nosed discarded initiate-made-padawan keep me from it. Oh and another thing…."

Master Jinn relaxed when he thought Knight Riley was leaving but watched him return just as quickly.

"When you return to our quarters you will find all those ridiculous reading materials. Books, pamphlets, and data pads on your samurai warriors locked safely in my closet. You need to focus on becoming a JedI, not "playing days of old " in an imaginary world."

Obi wanted to tell him he hated being called little. He also wanted to tell his master the Samurai warriors were not myth, but factual people who lived their lives like the Jedi, well in part. Hoewever he knew he pushed his master too far already and that was far enough for today. He already knew what Knight Ja'Reen was capable of.

Obi's mind wondered back to a few days before when Riley Ja'Reen had another outburst, violent and similar to this one. Obi-Wan did not come out the winner that time nor did he even think he would this time if he pushed the man too far. He knew well what Knight Riley Ja'Reen was capable of.

//I already suffered once, the consequences of getting my master angered to the point of no return. I have no desire to have the results of his disdain inflicted on me again…//

What followed the near catastrophic confrontation between Yoda and Obi-Wan's master brought on an uncomfortable silence through the rest of the evening. Riley just finally came out and said he did not appreciate the idol worship of myths and legends being encouraged to Obi-Wan as if it could in some way matter as far as becoming a Jedi. He felt the boy let his mind drift to the imaginary and did not focus on the hear and now.

The food prepared stuck in Riley Ja'Reen's throat. Leastways it seemed that way to Qui-Gon as the knight cleared his throat and swallow hard with each bite he took

//Maybe he fears Yoda poisoned him for being so vehemently opposed to his views about Obi-Wan //

The master smiled at his own humor only to be immediately rebuked by his former master who had been gripped with a case of a sour mood.

"Funny you find something Qui-Gon? Share it with us you should. For amusing evening I have not had."

"No Master Yoda, just a thought of something in retrospect."

"Lie well been able too you never have. Is no different now."

That about summed up the evening.

Jinn went away from Yoda's with thoughts of Obi-Wan being a failure as his master said.

//How could he not be. Ja'Reen has not even formed any kind of bond with the boy. Maybe I should talk to him in private. Maybe like I, he fears a repeat of what happened with his previous apprentice. That could be it. It might not have anything to do with him not adjusting to Obi. Maybe he has to adjust to having another padawan with the fears of him turning just like I have. //

Riley on the other hand, walked away with renewed determination to show both Yoda and Jinn, who seemed to share Yoda's views of what an outstanding padawan Obi-Wan was, just the opposite.

A dud, a mistake, and an anomaly with no Jedi traits other than possessing the force within him. Obi-Wan Kenobi should have not been brought into the Jedi fold.

Riley became so angry and worked up with his thoughts that he nearly knocked another knight down and did not even say he was sorry. He stomped angrily down the hall and continued his conversation with himself.

Yes, I will prove they are both wrong, no matter how high and mighty they think they are in the Jedi order.

Not exactly proper Jedi thoughts but Riley was not feeling particularly Jedi at the moment. Remembrance of his own failed padawan fueled his determination to prove Yoda and Qui-Gon both wrong!!!! Obi-Wan Kenobi would fail as his apprentice just as he told them he would.

############About a week later#############

Qui-Gon noticed the deterioration of Obi-Wan's bubbly personality over the last few days. He thought his announcement today to the class would greatly improve the little padawan's disposition. It did the opposite or worse. It created havoc in the boy's life.

A tournament was just around the corner for the initiates and some padawans to show their improvement in katas and in their saber training. Right before Qui-Gon dismissed his class, he informed them that he expected them to sign up for at least two of the events next week. He assured all of them as he looked Obi-Wan straight in the eye that they had all were much improved and deserved to show off those honed properties and talents.

Master Jinn busied himself putting practice sabers away as he watched his small group of children stand in line to read the list of activities and then sign the list for which they chose. He watched more intently when Obi-Wan attempted a swift exit from the room, bypassing the line of students and without choosing an event to participate in. Master Jinn quickly stored the training sabers and followed his littlest student out the door.

"Padawan Kenobi, it is usually a wise move to do as your instructor instructs you too. I did not see you sign up for the tournament next week. Is there a reason? Do you wish to think through which activity you want to perform in? Maybe you will allow me to make a suggestion or two as to what would be your best category in improvement?"

Obi-Wan stood in the middle of the hall which now seemed much smaller than it was. He wished he could have been further away from Master Jinn. He didn't want him to feel or see the hurt in him and most of all he didn't want his teacher to notice the tears that welled up and threatened to spill over.

"I don't think I should sign up for any events Master Jinn."

"Why is that young one? I thought I made it clear that *all* my students must choose two events they want to perform in. I am not making you commit a criminal act. It is so the council masters as well as others may see how much movement have been made by those who… well you know who…"

Jinn hesitated a second. He was not sure how to say his students were the worse at the temple, though they had made great strides in improving their saber techniques and kata movements.. Those improvements needed to e seen by others.

Just as Master Jinn was about to put a word in that would describe what he had come to fondly and privately think of as his "misfit cherubs", Obi-Wan reached into his robe pocket and pulled out a slip of paper. It shows signs of being crumpled up, followed by an unsuccessful attempt made to straightened it out. He slowly took the paper.

"What's this?"

Obi-Wan did not answer for there was no need. Jinn launched into reading it as soon as it was handed to him.

In a not-so-nice manner, Master Ja'Reen wrote Master Jinn that under no circumstance would Obi-Wan be permitted to participate in any of the activities during what Riley called their little show-and-tell day. Master Plo Koon, in a passing conversation mentioned it to Knight Ja'Reen. He had prior knowledge of the event and wrote his disapproval of it.

Padawan Kenobi's master also went on to say that he refused to be humiliated by his apprentice in front of the other masters, especially some of the visiting masters from other temples and the council masters themselves.

Qui-Gon's first instinct was to crumple the paper up as Obi-Wan had evidently done, but he stopped short of showing his growing displeasure at Riley Ja'Reen's words that humiliated and belittled his own apprentice.

//It would be unwise to let the child see how I really feel about his master's rude and hurtful comments. My blunt disapproval of Riley's ridiculous demands would be overstepping my boundaries as Obi's instructor. Riley Ja' Reen is his master and I have to believe what he does, he does for Obi-Wan's benefit and not his own selfish ideals. //

Master Jinn might not be able to voice his thoughts about the note but he could certainly think them to himself which is what he did. All his thoughts were negative about the knight.

"UMH…. This looks like this note went to the trash before it reached me. Is that true Padawan Kenobi?"

Obi's head never raised. He stared at Master Jinn's boots the entire time his saber instructor spoke to him. The last thing the little padawan wanted to do was raise his head to meet the eyes of Master Jinn. He had too though, when he felt a rough hand gently tuck itself under his chin and force his head up.

Jinn saw hurt and misery in the deep-set eyes of blue that was overwhelmed by his emotions. As he continued to look in the face of Obi-Wan Kenobi it was then he noticed the dark circles around his eyes, the crinkled little brow that indicated worry on it, something a small one should not be doing. And something more alarming. Qui-Gon could feel the quivering of the boy's chin that lay under his gentle touch.

//Why so unhappy and seemingly fearful? Especially now that he has been chosen an apprentice…. Unless things are not going as they should between master and apprentice./

The Jedi master still held the boy's chin in his hand as he waited for an answer. The touch between them was like small electrical charges. Before Obi could answer his instructor, Qui-Gon released his hold because the unusually strong connection startled him. Obi, on the other hand was to scared to notice what just transpired between them.

"No Master. I mean I didn't throw it away after I read it. I crumpled it up."

Jinn felt the fear that emanated for Obi-Wan, but he also saw the wrong Obi had committed. The note was addressed to Master Jinn and should have been delivered to him personally. It should not have been crumpled up because Obi should not have had the audacity to read it beforehand. Qui was just glad he admitted his error and did not lie about it.

Now the master regretted the position Obi-Wan had put him in with his honesty. There was no desire to see Obi-Wan get into trouble, quite the opposite. Had Jinn been the master to Obi-Wan when this issue was addressed, he would have been more proud that the boy admitted the truth and less worried about his error. He knew though that Master Ja'Reen would probably not share his views.

//I will just have to sit Riley down explain it to him. In order for him to help Obi with his mistakes he has to be told them first. I am sure he is more than capable of handling such an error made by his apprentice. Surely a bond has been formed between them now. That will only aid solving the quandary of this situation. They can be more open with each other if the training bond is in place. //

Even as he spoke the words, he knew he was lying to himself. He could feel no bond in Obi's mind because for some odd reason he was very perspective to this little particular padawan's force signature. Qui-Gon raised up from his bent position, back into an upright state and arched the kink out of his back.

He waited to see if Obi-Wan would say anything else but the boy just stood there. He dropped his head earlier to fix his stare on the floor as soon as the master released his grip and that is how he remained, like a statue.

"I have to speak to your master about this . You do understand don't you Obi-Wan?"

Obi scuffed the tiled floor of the hall with the toe of his boot and hesitated even longer before he answered. With a long sigh he finally managed to speak.

"I suppose Master Jinn."

"However I plan to speak to him as well about allowing you to perform in the events next week. As for reading a private note, I don't think that will create too much of a problem after you and your master discuss the wrongness of it."

A touch of anger clearly showed in Obi-Wan's face as he finally raised his head again.

"I wouldn't be too sure, but I do understand your need to tell him. I will accept what ever comes my way."

//Comes his way? Surely extra meditations and a long talk will be in order, nothing more. Why do I sense so much fear in this little one? //

Until now it hadn't entered Jinn's mind that possibly Riley was a master that took discipline to a higher degree than would Master Jinn ever think of doing. Some masters had a soft side when it came to their apprentices, some were as hard as rock; more unemotional than even the Jedi mantra dictated they should be.

Jinn's shook off his thoughts of less than easy going masters and tried to ease Obi's worries.

"I would think it won't be so hard when you tell your master what you did. As for me I will speak to him about the events."

Both the instructor and the student were so involved in their conversation, they didn't notice Riley Ja Reen turn the corner of the hall and ran right into the middle of their little *chat*. He heard enough of the conversation to know Obi-Wan had done something he shouldn't have.

Obi-Wan's new master stomped over to where they stood and reached for Obi-Wan. With one quick jerk he spun the boy around to face him. Both startled apprentice and Master were not sure what was going on. Things were happening so quickly.

"Just what kind of trouble have you caused now Kenobi? Remember my promise to you the last time you made a mistake? Must I follow through with it now?"

Master Jinn wanted to speak in defense of Obi's error, but even he couldn't grasp the words through the turmoil that consumed the space around him.. The fear that exuded from the boy was so obvious, one didn't need the force to feel it. The child's little body was suddenly gripped with trembling fear under his master's touch. His lower lip quivered even more, making Obi's attempt at forming words impossible. He tried to stammer out an explanation to his master but Obi-Wan was so overwhelmed with fear that not only was his speech an effort ,it was agonizingly impossible; a painful effort that could not be conquered just yet.. Jinn could only revel and watch in confused silence at Obi-Wan's failed and feeble attempt to do or say anything. Instead he remained frozen with unadulterated terror under his master's stare.

//How could a pair work as a master and padawan team when the apprentice is so clearly terrified of his master?…//

Knight Ja'Reen pulled Obi-Wan around and toward him with such force Jinn saw the young padawan grimace in pain.

"I thought I made myself clear at the last-meal I shared with you and Master Yoda. Must I ask the council to see that both of you are kept away from my apprentice?"

################################

"HUMPH Maybe watch his step Knight Riley JA'Reen should. Carry a big stick I do for nothing. Find out the reason I have it he will if comments like the one stated to you are not quelled. Think who he is does he? Maybe should go to his apartment myself and explain I am high master here. Dictate to me when concerned for an apprentice he should and can not."

Qui-Gon's passed along Riley's statement about asking the council to have Yoda and Jinn barred from seeing his apprentice on a private level, because of the Samurai warrior stories Qui assumed.

// I don't even know that much about them. I only suggested Knight Riley watch the boy do the aerial movements and swordsmanship that he mimicked and finely honed from the samurai tradition. Why is he so very angry over it?//

"I think you should just calm down Master Yoda. Maybe we could figure out why he is acting this way."

"Why indeed. Talk about the head council master that way he should not. Bar me from a visit with any student in this temple Master Ja'Reen most incapable of doing. See he is, brought down to *my* size I can do very well, along with the help of the rest of the council. Monopoly on viciousness he has not. Stir up a little hornet's nest over this I can."

Qui-Gon was familiar with Master Yoda's odd little sayings like the one he just quoted about the hornets, but he was not accustomed to his former master showing signs, blatant, obvious signs of being angry. Right now the nicest way to put Yoda's emotional state would have been a" tad riled" up but Master Jinn didn't even want to bring that observation to Master Yoda's attention.

The *much* older Jedi master clearly shared a close relationship to Obi to be so venomously upset over Riley's words. Of course Master Yoda would defend any padawan in the order just as vehemently if he felt their master was being in some way unfair.

Qui-Gon walked over to his beloved former master, knelt beside him, and rested his hand on Yoda's shoulder.

"I do agree we need to discuss this further Master. However I think maybe you should meditate on it first. You seem…...well you seem almost out of character for yourself."

Jinn did not want to tell the "ancient one", he seemed down-right angry.

Yoda nudged his gimer stick toward Master Jinn.

"On council do you sit Master Jinn? Old as me are you? Until both of these statements I make come true tell *ME* what to do you will not. Know what I must do and do it I will."

Yoda straightened his little tunic, proportioned and tailored just so for his diminutive size and walked to the other side of the room. Well he didn't really walk there, he began a pacing cycle over and over until Qui-Gon thought he would wear holes in the already too-thin carpet under their feet.

Jinn remained knelt on the floor and looked like he was meditating . In away he was. He asked the force to find a way to deal with his little former master; to gain control of a side of him Qui-Gon had never seen even when Yoda dealt with the most trying of times with Jinn as his apprentice.

The room was filled with silence. The only thing to cut through that silence was the left over aura of Yoda's brooding over the Knight's words. With nothing more said, Jinn left his former master, determined to stop this friction between Yoda and Riley before it went further. He took it upon himself to find a way to calm the little troll.

#####Day of the tournament.######.

Masters, knights, and padawans alike filed out of the practice arena with renewed appreciation for what had become affectionately known as Jinn's *Misfit Cherubs*. Everyone knew how poorly inept the young ones were in saber training and kata executions if they were placed in Jinn's *special* class. However the performances by his students revealed a much improved little bunch. All of his students had improved greatly and the masters took notice of that. They might well consider some of them as their apprentice the next choosing day.

Jinn still had three or four months to work with the young ones before they would experience that special day of a chance to be chosen by a master, several which witnessed their drastic improvement and congratulated Jinn for it . One could only speculate that the little misfits would have to shuck that name for another by the time the training period was up with Master Jinn.

All of Jinn's students could be very proud of themselves today. Well not all. Obi-Wan Kenobi had been held out of the tournament. To keep from escalating an actual war between Yoda and Knight Riley Ja'Reen Jinn relented and used Obi-Wan's already padawan status as a way to get him out of participating in the tournaments..

He told Riley since Obi-Wan had a master, he would not have to participate in the tournament but he expressed to Obi's master that he would like him too. Riley was not as congenial as Master Jinn. He refused Obi-Wan admittance in the tournament. The sullen little padawan sat off by himself as if shunned and watched the tournaments.

Jinn noticed him as he rested against the wall closest where he could call out commands to those in their mock battles. Qui-Gon had to make himself not look at Obi-Wan. He turned his stare away from the little padawan and back to his students where he stayed focused the rest of the afternoon until the mini tournaments were over. That day could be the pivotal turning point for tone of his children' destiny. He was sympathetic to Obi-Wan's plight, however, his other children who were as equally important. This day for them could help bend or break their future.

A small last-meal celebration had been planned at the request of the council. The children's improvement only landed to Yoda's claim that Master Jinn could do almost anything. Yes Master Yoda was one of those gullet of too much pride in their padawan. How could he not be when that said apprentice was Qui-Gon.

Qui-Gon spotted Riley Ja'Reen just about the same time Sierra Kenobi did. Both headed his direction.

Jinn made a conscious look down to the side of the knight to see if he brought Padawan Kenobi with him. He did not. Nevertheless, Jinn felt obligated to speak with him to more or less to keep him on his good side. Qui-Gon was not sure what pulled at him but he felt the desire to find out more about the apprentice and master team.

//Sith, I am beginning to think like Yoda. Sticking my nose where it doesn't belong.//

Master Jinn made his way across the room. By the time he was almost by the knight's side he had convinced himself he was not being nosey. Something drew him to Obi and Riley and he intended to find out what was behind Riley's drive to have an

apprentice, particularly Obi-Wan.

By the time Qui-Gon went the width of the room to reach Knight Riley he realized maybe he should have chosen another time . There beside Riley was Padawan Kenobi, Sierra Kenobi that is. The fire that lit her eyes up indicated a heated argument.

//Not likely!! //thought Jinn. //She, is a mere padawan. To speak disrespectfully to a knight or Master would mean swift and harsh reprimand.// Out of the corner of his eye, Master Jinn caught another familiar and pertinent part of the "picture", Sierra's master, Mace Windu. Jinn could see the side of Mace's robe billow out as he raced to pull his apprentice off of Riley Ja'Reen.

Qui-Gon happened to look over in another direction to see a perky smile, no more like an amused smirk on his former master's face. All knew of Sierra's temper, though she had always managed to control it in front of a knight or master. Her carefully worded and controlled statements could be sharp and meaningful, yet she never came out sounding disrespectful, but she sure as heck could make *her* point clear.

Jinn decided to be the helpful friend to Mace and sidetrack the conversation until Mace could get there and pull his apprentice away of her brother's master before a fist fight ensued. Sierra certainly had that kind of look on her face, "that looking for a fight and she had found it" look.

Knight Ja'Reen was already perturbed by Sierra's questions and she had barely started in on him.

"I would suggest, little lady, you run along to your master. I know he is a council member, but I won't hesitate to complain on your disrespectful attitude to me."

"I showed no attitude, disrespectful or otherwise. I asked you how come my little brother could not join in the tournament and why isn't he here this evening? This is the only meal planned at the temple for tonight. Don't you allow him three meals a day or is that why he looks so worn out and hollow?"

"That's enough Padawn. Your brother is not here because he took it upon himself not to obey me and attended that ridiculous tournament anyway. Although I don't know why I even bother to explain this to a child. I don't have to justify my actions taken toward my apprentice to anyone here, least of all a mere child."

Jinn stepped up.

"I am sorry. Did I hear you say the improvement of my children, was ridiculous?"

"No Master Jinn, I certainly did not mean that and besides you stepped into a conversation you know nothing about unless you have been eavesdropping as you walked over hear. I am trying to explain to this irate sister of my padawan's that the child disobeyed me. I am not the one who keeps him from eating. He very wisely decided not to join into tonight's festivities. I, myself will be returning to our flat just as soon as I can eat. So far I have not been able too."

Thankfully and to Jinn's relief, Mace finally reached them and nearly pulled his apprentice off her feet to get her away for Knight Ja'Reen.

"Well now that Padawan Sierra has been safely removed, maniacal acting that she was, I might be able to eat, unless of course you have more questions for me about my apprentice. There seems to be a great deal of interest for him this evening."

"Well I will not keep you from your meal, however I would like an explanation of your words describing my tournament ridiculous."

"I only meant that as a way to explain to Sierra that Obi had no need to participate in the tournament for younger Jedi initiates. It was a children's game and he is past being a child, he is a Jedi padawan, My Jedi padawan. With that comes responsibility for his every day actions. His inability to follow simple orders by his master falls on my head, if the council should take notice of it.. He *WILL NOT* do anything that will cause myself personally to be censured by the council. I will not go through that again.. Kenobi will face the consequences I deem appropriate for his disobedience. Now if you will excuse me."

Jinn bowed respectively but he had no respect for this man who seemed to ridicule every child in the temple, even his apprentice.

"Forgive me. Please get something to eat. Oh and when you leave, feel free to take Obi-Wan a plate if he won't be down."

Ja"Reen turned on the other Jedi and for a second Qui-Gon thought he would break out into an argument. Instead a sly venomous smile appeared. He turned to face Master Jinn because he explicitly wanted the master to see his devious smile.

"I think the last thing Obi-Wan has on his mind tonight is food. Oh and by the way Master Jinn, my apprentice won't be at class for a few days. I think he might be coming down with a bad case of SOMETHING."

Master Jinn didn't like the words that came from Knight Ja'Reen's mouth any more than he liked the sinister looking smile on it.

//What is the something Obi-Wan has come down with? Maybe it is a lie on his master's part. What am I saying? I should not be thinking like this. //

Before he criticized his own thought, his mind raced to another more unsavory thought of Knight Riley, only worse than just a lie. His thoughts lay along the lines of mistreatment of the padawan by his master.

//Could it be that the punishment was so harsh Padawan Kenobi is not able to come to my classes or possibly would his appearance betray his master. No I am being absurd. No Jedi master would beat a child until he couldn't walk, couldn't participate in his daily routines. Knight Riley insinuated that something was wrong with Obi-Wan to goad me into believing he has done something to him. That's it. He wanted to get a rise out of me. I am sure the child will be there in my class. Maybe a little sullen because he did not get to participate in the tournament, especially when that will be all the talk amongst the initiatives, but he will be there. //

Qui-Gon opted to let the questions that needed answers lay and smolder in his own thoughts rather than tell Yoda for him to agonize over all night.. He decided against telling Master Yoda anything until Riley's story of Obi's illness became fact and not just words.

//If Obi-Wan does not show up in class, that will soon enough to go to Yoda. I am sure the little padawan is fine..//

The often thought gruff and burly Master Jinn could easily envision Obi-Wan's little spiked-haired head, bronzed by sunlight and his expressive blue eyes that exuberated trust and care for everyone.. He could even imagine the way the child stood and played with the beads on that held his braid together at the end. That was usually his habit only when he got nervous just before reattempted a new and particularly difficult saber movement. He reached through the force and felt nothing overly disturbing going on in the temple.

//Had Obi suffered any injustice under the hand of his master, I tend to believe I would have felt something or Yoda certainly would have. He reasoned to himself. //

//I am not quite sure what it is, but I feel in some sense, connected to the little one. I would know if he lay in his room suffering in some way.,//

Finally, the following morning arrived.#######

The Jedi master was quick to reach for a cup of Cha to wake himself up. He no sooner managed to find the ever elusive sleep that he so valiantly fought for that night when his internal alarm clock alerted him it was time to get up and prepare for another day.

//Well my wait is almost over. //

Master Yoda noticed a difference in his former apprentice when he passed him in the hall. Yoda attributed his tired look and droopy eyes to the work he put in with the class and the tournament.

//Late night he kept also. Remind him, I will, teaching brings stress it does. Requires more sleep than a mission it also does.,//

###################

Master Jinn said good-bye to last of his students. He told each and everyone of them individually when they left how very proud he was of them.

As soon as the last student left. Jinn, walked out and locked the practice room up.. He would come back later to put the classes' things away. He knew where he was headed, straight to the apartment of Knight Ja'Reen and Padawan Kenobi.

//I will see for myself what is wrong with the boy. If he can't come to class then I will insist he be taken to the healers. That should stop this game that Riley's is playing. He will not use my…Obi-Wan as a pawn in whatever game it is. He's a child and I plan to see he is treated accordingly.,//

Obi' s master heard the quick hard rap to his door. Whoever wanted to visit, did not take the time to ring the quiet little buzzer. He had no doubt who it was. He expected Jinn to visit him.

Obi-Wan came out of his room to be met with the sternest look possible from his master. A pointed index finger in Obi bedroom's direction followed.

Padawan Kenobi in one quick fluid movement, turned on the heel of one foot and went straight back to his room and securely closed the door. .He would do as he was told and do it quickly. Last night proved to him he had the most evil of masters possible in the Jedi order. Obi-Wan's unschooled reality kept him from realizing that the dark could be harbored in anyone, even a Jedi. His unwavering trust in others never let him even imagine a master could be as cruel as his.

Riley opened the door to a Jedi master who was past trying to hide his own anger. Obi's master on the other hand, tried to maintain a lackluster look of serenity and tranquility. Nevertheless, Jinn saw through his façade .Although Ja'Reen expected a visit because of his intentional statements to lead Jinn to worry for Obi-Wan. He now felt maybe he had gone too far. Maybe he shouldn't have alluded to the *truth*.

//Oh well it doesn't matter. I left no remarks visible at least. Jinn would have to have the boy undress to see any remnants of my anger from last night. Everything will be fine. Obi-Wan will go along with my story. I think he knows what will happen if he doesn't . No, maybe I am being apprehensive about this after all. Jinn shouldn't have been so nosy. I might have overlooked some of the child's waywardness toward me had it not been for Master Yoda and Qui-Gon's interference. //

"I suspected I might get a visit from you, Master Jinn. Concerned for the boy are you? Or did Master Yoda send you here on his own private little investigative mission?"

Hard as he tried, Knight Riley could not keep the cynicism out of his voice. It oozed out of him as easily as blood from a cut finger.

"Rough night Riley? Are you always so cordial to your visitors? Or is it just to me you extend such a welcoming mat?"

Jinn wanted to let Ja'Reen know he could "give as good as he got".

"Get to the point Master Jinn. I don't care to exchange anymore sarcastic "pleasantries" right now. Did you come to check on my apprentice, no matter who the curious one is, you or Yoda?"

"I came on my own accord. I thought if Obi-Wan is ill enough to stay out of all his classes, maybe he should see a healer".

"What, did you not think I had enough common sense to take him to one if need be? Excuse me Master Jinn, when you have another pad wan you care for him as you see fit, but don't question the way I care for mine. The boy is fine. I know, I will even let you see him. I get the feeling you think I, in some way have harmed him. In order to keep you and your fellow cohorts, the council, off my back I will let you see him. Hell, visit with him if you wish."

########In Obi-Wan's room##########

Padawan Kenobi sat on the edge of his bed and nervously dangled his legs back and forth. He did not question who was at their door. He didn't have too. In some unexplained way he knew it would be his friend and saber instructor, Qui-Gon Jinn. He also knew that he had come to see about him. Obi got prickly goose bumps at the thought of Jinn questioning his master about his welfare.

//I hope I don't get into more trouble because Master Jinn wants to see how I am. I know my master won't let me speak to him.//

Obi's master had instructed the boy how to keep his shields tightly closed against anyone who might have a connection with him. He suspected that possibly Jinn or Yoda were close enough to the child by now to share some tendrils of a connection though it not be a bond. He hadn't been able to establish an inkling of one and found himself in no big hurry to do so. Knight Ja'Reen thought if he never shared a bond with Obi-Wan it would be all right as long as he could get him trained through to knighthood. Then he himself would be a master as Master Jinn was.

Obi-Wan suspected his master wanted his shield tightly in place because of Master Jinn and maybe Master Yoda, but he didn't understand that he could have a slight connection through the force with them because they valued his friendship and both shared concern for him.

Obi-Wan was surprised when his master instructed him to come out speak with Qui-Gon and assure the master he was all right. The look he got from Ja'Reen made Obi understand even more how important it was to keep his shields in place and recant the story he was to tell Master Jinn about why he was not in class. Obi thought his shields were impenetrable and that his story was down pat. Now came the test. It was the first time since their first meeting that the boy regretted seeing the giant master he had come to have such a fondness for.

As soon as his master turned and walked out of the room Obi-Wan scurried up and toward the door. With him went all the Jedi power he had been using to keep his shields in place. He understood more in principle than reality what he was suppose to do; keep the shields in place and convince Master Jinn he was ill and not injured but that was forgotten when he saw the master standing in the middle of *his* common room to see how *he* was.

When the door opened and Jinn saw Obi-Wan, a wave of sheer distress boiling over like hot cauldron of water. It tore through the master's mind with agonizing and almost unbearable waves of pain.. All the misery, pain, and unhappiness all rolled into one hit the master in his mind and for a second caused him to become dizzy.

##On the other side of the temple, three floors down###

Master Yoda sat at his desk, reviewing data for the next senate meeting which he would sit along Chancellor Valorum during it. When Obi-Wan let his shields drop, the little master simultaneously bent over in as overwhelming pain overtook his mind.

//Evil one with in this temple there is. Feel it I do. Harmed a child he did and pay for it he will. //

Obi-Wan became a human lightening bolt and only glanced slightly at his real master as he flung himself in Master Jinn's arms. Master Jinn was ahead of Obi-Wan though He already had his arms wide open for who he surprisingly and suddenly thought of as his "little imp*, before he even reached him….

PEACE ewen.