First chapter = disclaimers
{telepathy}
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Luke repressed a disgusted sigh as he wound his way through the underbelly of Coruscant. Mara was in front of him intently watching the tracking monitor. Jaina and Tahiri were flying a speeder around the Coruscant blocks to get an aerial view and swoop in when they located Ben. Chewie and Han trailed behind Luke and Mara. Anakin had stayed with Leia and Jacen ready to be called for assistance.
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At the same moment, Qui-Gon was discussing the options with his padawan.
"As much as I loathe saying it, we are going to have to reinstate contact with these people. They obviously brought us here, whatever their motives. We will certainly be stuck here for a very long time without their help."
Obi-Wan moaned and rubbed his face, "You want me to pretend to believe them don't you?"
"Ah, no. You don't lie well. You do, however, shade your beliefs well. They are technically what passes for Jedi in this time. Use that fact to your advantage while dealing with them."
"And how am I supposed to deal with you? I'll not leave you alone Master, and they'll want an explanation for my most amazing escape."
Qui-Gon smiled, "Tell them that I am your mentor. I found you and raised you. My study of several different forms of meditation allowed me to assist you in your Force abilities."
Obi-Wan shook his head, "You are amazing. No wonder the council can't get rid of you."
A frown crossed Obi-Wan's face as he caught hold of his braid that swung from the motions of his head.
"Master, I think we'd best be prepared for those visitors to appear rather soon."
"Why?"
"Because my braid is bugged."
"What?"
"Well, not bugged, exactly, more like I've got a homing beacon woven into it."
"Obi-Wan, how could you not have noticed a tracking device being planted in your braid of all places?"
"Well…umm…" Obi-Wan stuttered. It would not be a good thing for his Master to find out that he had had a nightmare and been comforted. Qui-Gon would no doubt mercilessly demand what the dream had been about. This would lead to a massive guilt party between them and finally end up in endless teasing from Qui-Gon once the guilt was over with.
Qui-Gon sighed, "It matters little at the moment. I suggest that we hide our lightsabers from their view. They would be difficult to explain."
Qui-Gon suited his words with action as he tucked his own saber into a special pocket in his robe. Obi-Wan lacked his own Jedi robe, naturally, so he slipped his 'saber into the small luggage bag he had taken with him.
Qui-Gon's eyebrow quirked upwards, "You ran away yet took the travel bag they gave you?"
Obi-Wan grinned, "I thought it was the least they could do after kidnapping me. Oh, Master, you'd better call me Ben."
Qui-Gon nodded, "I suppose that you should call me something else. They obviously only thought that they were calling one Jedi from the past. It does not benefit our situation to tell them my real name."
Obi-Wan grinned, "Qui-Jon Windu."
"Sith, you are a nasty Padawan."
Obi-Wan grinned again then let his grin falter, "It is so silly isn't it? They call a Jedi, yet we pretend that we aren't so that they don't know that we know what they are generally up to."
"Ah, Obi-Wan, you just described the inner workings of the Senate."
The sound of aggravation sounded in the bar that Qui-Gon's room was situated over.
"I've got to go, Master, I think my mother is calling."
Qui-Gon covered his amusement with a small frown, "Let them find us, Padawan, it will appear more natural that way."
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As Chewie intimidated the bartender and Han paid off all of the potential witnesses, Luke and Mara ascended the stair case to the room that Ben was in. Their son was in there with another man that the bartender said was 'really private like.'
Mara had not been happy with that revelation. As a result, she simply took out her blaster and blew open the door lock the instant they reached the room. Two pairs of eyes looked at her as she strode into the room.
Ben was sitting on the edge of a bed. The other man was sitting on what appeared to be an old crate.
Ben frowned at her and Luke as they entered, but said nothing. The older man simple looked at them, "You made excellent time tracking him down."
Mara growled at him, "Who are you? His pimp?"
The man's eyes darkened threateningly. Against her will, Mara felt her throat bob with the action of swallowing. That was definitely not the right thing to say to the guy.
"I am his guardian. Who are you to take him from me?"
"Someone who cares more about his well being than you obviously do," Mara shot back.
"Indeed? Then why was he so willing to come to me instead of staying with you?"
"Familiarity, brain washing, sense of obligation: to name a few."
"Mara," Luke stepped into the conversation. Provocation was not going to help at this point. "Perhaps you would like to explain this Ben?"
Obi-Wan struggled not to roll his eyes, "This is Qui-Jon Windu. He raised me."
"You knew he was on Coruscant?" Luke queried.
At Ben's nod Mara growled, "I knew he was being too complacent about coming here."
Qui-Gon's mouth twitched, "He has exerted his stubbornness I take it?"
Mara glared lasers at Qui-Gon. A look that clearly said "I-Don't-Like-You-And-I-Trust-You-Even-Less," complete with capital letters.
Luke shifted. Ben's body language spoke volumes. He was sitting straight up on the bed, his eyes constantly watched Luke and Mara waiting for them to move. It was plain that Ben had no intention of going anywhere with his family. It was also clear that he was completely loyal to this Windu person. Luke hid a smile. He hadn't excelled at rebuilding the Order without some diplomatic skills. No-one in their right mind would want to stay in this rat hole.
"Why don't you come with us Mr. Windu? I assume this is your current residence. Perhaps if we discuss matters in a more hospitable environment, we can reach an amicable agreement."
{I thought you said your "aunt" was the diplomat.} Qui-Gon mused towards his apprentice.
{I obviously underestimated my "father."}
"As wonderfully hospitable as your offer sounds, I must decline. Ben is not a piece of equipment to be bartered. Hence, I cannot enter into any 'agreement' concerning him."
{Oooh, good one, Master.}
Luke shook his head, "I did not mean to insinuate that he was. I only meant that we could reach a non-hostile understanding."
Qui-Gon pretended to think. His eyes glided over towards Mara.
{I do not think you "mother" wants a "non-hostile understanding," Obi-Wan.}
{I must agree with you one that point, Master. Might I suggest that you take up the offer before she decides to gut you?}
"In that case, I will accept your generous offer. Ben, of course, may choose to stay here if he so wishes."
Obi-Wan frowned, "I'll not leave you unprotected. Of course I'll go with."
Luke sighed at the temporary truce. The larger man unfolded himself from the crate he was sitting one. One glance at him standing up, and Luke was glad that he had the Force to rely upon.
"Shall we go then?" Qui-Gon's voice buzzed pleasantly.
Luke nodded and led the way down the stairs. Qui-Gon followed with Obi-Wan on his heels. Mara descended after them. Han greeted them as they came down.
"Pick up another one, Kid?"
Luke gestured to Qui-Gon, "Han, this is Qui-Jon Windu. He'll be staying with us for a little while."
Qui-Gon bowed in acknowledgement.
Han eyed the newcomer speculatively, "Pleased to meet you."
{Oh, that was sincere.} Obi-Wan's sarcasm showed on his face.
{Hush, Padawan, and be civil.}
Obi-Wan sighed. This was not going to be easy.