Chapter 3
They'd finished practising and the sound of happy children talking filled the room. Obi-Wan and Bruck went to the side to try to have a private conversation, They felt guilty about tricking the adults. And Obi-Wan had lied to his Master which is a big sin for a Jedi pupil.
Suddenly they both felt a surge in the Force and looked up in time to see Mace Windu, Qui-Gon, Xanatos, Master Yoda, Ki-Adi Mundi and Adi Gallia enter the room.
Before Obi-Wan could work out what was happening Qui-Gon had reached him, pulled him up, put a nametag on him and put a tight hand on his shoulder. He then muttered "come on!" and motioned for Bruck to follow him as he led Obi-Wan away.
He led them to Xanatos who basically done the same procedure of putting the nametag on to Bruck and then led him away. Obi-Wan shot a questioning glance to Qui-Gon and was answered with a glare from his elder.
"Okay Padawan," Qui-Gon said with faked calmness, "I need to find Harley, Ryan and Joli. Are you going to help me?"
"Of course Master," the words were off Obi-Wan's tongue before he could think.
Obi-Wan first pointed out Harley who was stood with Sam. Telling them both to come with him and Obi-Wan, Qui-Gon then handed Sam over to Mace. Qui-Gon put his other hand on Harley's shoulder and then asked where Ryan and Joli were while leading them over to a quieter corner.
Ryan and Joli, however, where already on their way over to them as they'd been told by Xanatos that they needed to be with Qui-Gon.
Obi-Wan desperately wanted to ask what was going on but with his Master in a mood like this he didn't dare.
At Mace's signal Qui-Gon lead his four out of the auditorium and to the quarters he was supposed to be sharing with Obi-Wan, but he knew the lad was going to ask if he could sleep in the dormitory with Owen, Ollie, Jamie, Ewan and Bruck.
Qui-Gon sat down in a chair and his Padawan sat down on the floor facing him. Harley and Ryan followed his lead and sat close to him and Joli sat in his lap.
"Okay," Qui-Gon began, "do I have to tell you what you've done or are you going to tell me?"
"We led you into a trap," Obi-Wan responded dully.
"True, that is what you all done but what about you Obi-Wan?" Qui-Gon asked him taking on the role of the Master once more. He didn't like the others watching him scolding Obi-Wan though.
Qui-Gon stood and Obi-Wan copied him. The others stayed sat on the floor. "Please excuse us for a moment," Qui-Gon said and led Obi-Wan out of the room. Once in the kitchen Qui-Gon shut the door and took a deep breath before turning and facing Obi-Wan.
He paused a moment before speaking. Obi-Wan was stood silently, his arms practically glued to his sides and his head bent down slightly, showing that he was in disgrace and he knew it. "Do you want to tell me what you've done?" Qui-Gon asked in what he hoped was a neutral tone.
"I lied to you, Master," Obi-Wan didn't move when he answered and Qui-Gon couldn't see his face.
Qui-Gon had been hoping that Obi-Wan would have looked up when he spoke but no such luck, the boy kept his head hung low. Qui-Gon didn't know what to make of this; he was glad that Obi-Wan knew he was in disgrace and was embarrassed by the fact but it would be easier to do this if Obi-Wan looked at him.
"Ok, head up," Qui-Gon ordered and Obi-Wan obeyed. "Why did you lie to me?"
"I knew you'd tell Master Windu and we'd agreed not to let him know so I didn't want to let all the others down," Obi-Wan found it hard to maintain eye contact with Qui-Gon whilst saying this but he managed it.
"Right. Are there any other reasons?"
"I didn't think."
"I hate to say this but that is obvious, Padawan."
"I'm sorry, Master."
"We will finish this discussion later, Obi-Wan. I have to talk to Harley, Ryan and Joli. Once we head back to meet with the others do not leave my side. Stay with me at all times so I can keep an eye on you." Qui-Gon hated doing this but Obi-Wan had given him no reason to trust him lately.
"Yes, Master," Obi-Wan responded bleakly. He saw his chances of sleeping in the dormitory fading quickly.
"If you're good I might consider letting you sleeping in the dormitory tomorrow night but only if you're good!" Qui-Gon felt hard-hearted until he said that and was happy when Obi-Wan's face lit up.
"Thanks, Master!"
"Only if you're good," Qui-Gon warned. He wanted to make Obi-Wan happy as well as obedient but he liked having Obi-Wan sleeping in the same room as him so he could keep an eye on him.
The two left the kitchen and found the other three talking quietly. The conversation abruptly stopped when Qui-Gon entered the room.
Qui-Gon sat back down in his chair and Obi-Wan on the floor. "Okay, according to your godfather you're not going to be punished but you have to see what you done was wrong. And apparently every group has a different story. Do you have any idea why the four of you were put in the same group?" Qui-Gon told them.
"That's a good question," Harley began. "Why are we in the same group?"
Obi-Wan looked to his Master for an answer.
"I was asking you because I don't know myself. Your godfather put you in these groups for a reason and if I know your godfather he will ask you about this," Qui-Gon informed them.
"Does anyone have any ideas?" Ryan asked.
"I think so. . ." Obi-Wan answered hesitantly. "Think about it, if we were asked to get into groups of four with two boys and two girls the groups would be completely different. Ryan, you would be with Oriel, Jessie and Natasha. Joli, you would be with Orion, David and Emily. Harley, you would be with Owen, Jamie and Sam. And I would be with Bruck, Siri and Kellie. I mean we all get along and can work together fine but we'd never even think about coming in a group like this. What Uncle Mace (boy, that sounds weird!) is doing is splitting us all up so we can't make any other plans. I mean let's face it, Harley if you were with Owen, Jamie and Sam something is bound to happen. Just the same as if Joli was with Orion, David and Emily and Ryan and company would be roped into whatever plan they cook up. And if I were with Bruck, Siri and Kellie we would probably try to think of a smart way to get out of this mess or get ourselves roped into Harley and companies plan. Which would not be a good idea!" Obi-Wan finished and the others were beginning to get the picture.
"Hey!" Harley protested. "This is one plan I had no part in!"
"I know," Obi-Wan told her. "We can just blame Owen and Jamie this time!"
"Just out of curiosity, Obi-Wan, but how many times has Owen got you into trouble?" Ryan asked.
"I've lost count!"
"Is he really that bad?" Qui-Gon asked sceptically.
"Owen himself isn't but his plans are, Master," Obi-Wan cockily replied which earned him a warning glance from Qui-Gon.
"Ok, so what are we gonna say to Uncle Mace when he asks?" asked Joli.
"Something along the lines that he done it for safety reasons so that none of us could trick them again," Harley said grinning.
"I've thought of another reason as well," Obi-Wan spoke up.
"Well tell us then," Ryan said eagerly.
"Think about my group. Bruck, Siri and Kellie. I think it's more then a coincidence that I'm in Qui-Gon's group. . ."
"Well, what do you mean?" Harley asked. Ryan and Joli were just as confused.
"I get what you're going at Obi-Wan," Qui-Gon told him, "And yes, Bruck is in Xanatos' group and Siri's in Adi's."
"Oh, so all the Jedi students are with their Master's so they can get a private lecture!" Harley cocked an eyebrow at Obi-Wan.
"Yes, and if I know Xanatos and Adi punishments as well," Qui-Gon told them.
Joli suddenly looked questionably at Obi-Wan. "Are you been punished?" she asked quietly looking worried.
Obi-Wan paused a moment before answering. "Kind of," he said simply.
"You don't make it sound like a big deal, Padawan," Qui-Gon noted aloud, sternly.
"The amount of times these lot have got me into trouble you get used to it," Obi-Wan shot a grin at Harley.
"Would it be wise to ask?" Qui-Gon asked, though he knew what answer he was going to get.
"No," Obi-Wan and Harley spoke at the same time.
"Hey, stop. . ." Ryan and Joli broke off.
"Oh, no," they all groaned together.
"What?" Qui-Gon asked
"We're speaking in unison," they complained.
"What's wrong with that?" Qui-Gon asked.
"It takes ages before we stop."
"Well lets try this," Qui-Gon suggested, "Harley, Ryan and Joli, go into the kitchen and plan what you are going to say to your godfather and Obi- Wan you stay in here for a while and then if we have time we can swap around." Harley, Ryan and Joli left the room.
"Stand up, Obi-Wan."
Obi-Wan obeyed and Qui-Gon rose with him. Qui-Gon reached out his hand and tilted Obi-Wan's head back on an angle so the he was staring at the ceiling.
"Less of the cheeky attitude please, Padawan," Qui-Gon told him while running his hand around Obi-Wan's ear. "After all you wouldn't want a painful punishment, would you?" he asked while pulling Obi-Wan's head back into its normal position by his ear.
"No, Master," Obi-Wan answered, hoping Qui-Gon would let go of his ear.
"Just remember I can do that and if you stray that is how I will get you back to me." Qui-Gon let loose of Obi-Wan's ear and noted it was very red, as he had tugged quite hard, and he knew that it must be sore for Obi-Wan.
"Yes, Master," Obi-Wan answered dutifully.
"Oh, and how many times has Owen got you into trouble?"
"I don't know. I've never really counted but there's been quite a few times."
"Okay, time to swap over!" Qui-Gon called through the door into the kitchen.
Obi-Wan could almost hear the silent argument going on in there as each one fought not to be the one talking with Qui-Gon.
"Come on, you three," Obi-Wan called. "He won't hurt you or anything!"
Still no one came out.
"Look if someone doesn't come out and trade with me right now I'm gonna come in and trade with the first person I see!"
The door opened slowly and Ryan walked out. "I'll trade,"
"Thanks Ryan! It'll be Harley's turn next, don't worry." Obi-Wan walked into the kitchen.
Ryan stood awkwardly in front of Qui-Gon. He didn't know what to say so he waited for Qui-Gon to speak.
They'd finished practising and the sound of happy children talking filled the room. Obi-Wan and Bruck went to the side to try to have a private conversation, They felt guilty about tricking the adults. And Obi-Wan had lied to his Master which is a big sin for a Jedi pupil.
Suddenly they both felt a surge in the Force and looked up in time to see Mace Windu, Qui-Gon, Xanatos, Master Yoda, Ki-Adi Mundi and Adi Gallia enter the room.
Before Obi-Wan could work out what was happening Qui-Gon had reached him, pulled him up, put a nametag on him and put a tight hand on his shoulder. He then muttered "come on!" and motioned for Bruck to follow him as he led Obi-Wan away.
He led them to Xanatos who basically done the same procedure of putting the nametag on to Bruck and then led him away. Obi-Wan shot a questioning glance to Qui-Gon and was answered with a glare from his elder.
"Okay Padawan," Qui-Gon said with faked calmness, "I need to find Harley, Ryan and Joli. Are you going to help me?"
"Of course Master," the words were off Obi-Wan's tongue before he could think.
Obi-Wan first pointed out Harley who was stood with Sam. Telling them both to come with him and Obi-Wan, Qui-Gon then handed Sam over to Mace. Qui-Gon put his other hand on Harley's shoulder and then asked where Ryan and Joli were while leading them over to a quieter corner.
Ryan and Joli, however, where already on their way over to them as they'd been told by Xanatos that they needed to be with Qui-Gon.
Obi-Wan desperately wanted to ask what was going on but with his Master in a mood like this he didn't dare.
At Mace's signal Qui-Gon lead his four out of the auditorium and to the quarters he was supposed to be sharing with Obi-Wan, but he knew the lad was going to ask if he could sleep in the dormitory with Owen, Ollie, Jamie, Ewan and Bruck.
Qui-Gon sat down in a chair and his Padawan sat down on the floor facing him. Harley and Ryan followed his lead and sat close to him and Joli sat in his lap.
"Okay," Qui-Gon began, "do I have to tell you what you've done or are you going to tell me?"
"We led you into a trap," Obi-Wan responded dully.
"True, that is what you all done but what about you Obi-Wan?" Qui-Gon asked him taking on the role of the Master once more. He didn't like the others watching him scolding Obi-Wan though.
Qui-Gon stood and Obi-Wan copied him. The others stayed sat on the floor. "Please excuse us for a moment," Qui-Gon said and led Obi-Wan out of the room. Once in the kitchen Qui-Gon shut the door and took a deep breath before turning and facing Obi-Wan.
He paused a moment before speaking. Obi-Wan was stood silently, his arms practically glued to his sides and his head bent down slightly, showing that he was in disgrace and he knew it. "Do you want to tell me what you've done?" Qui-Gon asked in what he hoped was a neutral tone.
"I lied to you, Master," Obi-Wan didn't move when he answered and Qui-Gon couldn't see his face.
Qui-Gon had been hoping that Obi-Wan would have looked up when he spoke but no such luck, the boy kept his head hung low. Qui-Gon didn't know what to make of this; he was glad that Obi-Wan knew he was in disgrace and was embarrassed by the fact but it would be easier to do this if Obi-Wan looked at him.
"Ok, head up," Qui-Gon ordered and Obi-Wan obeyed. "Why did you lie to me?"
"I knew you'd tell Master Windu and we'd agreed not to let him know so I didn't want to let all the others down," Obi-Wan found it hard to maintain eye contact with Qui-Gon whilst saying this but he managed it.
"Right. Are there any other reasons?"
"I didn't think."
"I hate to say this but that is obvious, Padawan."
"I'm sorry, Master."
"We will finish this discussion later, Obi-Wan. I have to talk to Harley, Ryan and Joli. Once we head back to meet with the others do not leave my side. Stay with me at all times so I can keep an eye on you." Qui-Gon hated doing this but Obi-Wan had given him no reason to trust him lately.
"Yes, Master," Obi-Wan responded bleakly. He saw his chances of sleeping in the dormitory fading quickly.
"If you're good I might consider letting you sleeping in the dormitory tomorrow night but only if you're good!" Qui-Gon felt hard-hearted until he said that and was happy when Obi-Wan's face lit up.
"Thanks, Master!"
"Only if you're good," Qui-Gon warned. He wanted to make Obi-Wan happy as well as obedient but he liked having Obi-Wan sleeping in the same room as him so he could keep an eye on him.
The two left the kitchen and found the other three talking quietly. The conversation abruptly stopped when Qui-Gon entered the room.
Qui-Gon sat back down in his chair and Obi-Wan on the floor. "Okay, according to your godfather you're not going to be punished but you have to see what you done was wrong. And apparently every group has a different story. Do you have any idea why the four of you were put in the same group?" Qui-Gon told them.
"That's a good question," Harley began. "Why are we in the same group?"
Obi-Wan looked to his Master for an answer.
"I was asking you because I don't know myself. Your godfather put you in these groups for a reason and if I know your godfather he will ask you about this," Qui-Gon informed them.
"Does anyone have any ideas?" Ryan asked.
"I think so. . ." Obi-Wan answered hesitantly. "Think about it, if we were asked to get into groups of four with two boys and two girls the groups would be completely different. Ryan, you would be with Oriel, Jessie and Natasha. Joli, you would be with Orion, David and Emily. Harley, you would be with Owen, Jamie and Sam. And I would be with Bruck, Siri and Kellie. I mean we all get along and can work together fine but we'd never even think about coming in a group like this. What Uncle Mace (boy, that sounds weird!) is doing is splitting us all up so we can't make any other plans. I mean let's face it, Harley if you were with Owen, Jamie and Sam something is bound to happen. Just the same as if Joli was with Orion, David and Emily and Ryan and company would be roped into whatever plan they cook up. And if I were with Bruck, Siri and Kellie we would probably try to think of a smart way to get out of this mess or get ourselves roped into Harley and companies plan. Which would not be a good idea!" Obi-Wan finished and the others were beginning to get the picture.
"Hey!" Harley protested. "This is one plan I had no part in!"
"I know," Obi-Wan told her. "We can just blame Owen and Jamie this time!"
"Just out of curiosity, Obi-Wan, but how many times has Owen got you into trouble?" Ryan asked.
"I've lost count!"
"Is he really that bad?" Qui-Gon asked sceptically.
"Owen himself isn't but his plans are, Master," Obi-Wan cockily replied which earned him a warning glance from Qui-Gon.
"Ok, so what are we gonna say to Uncle Mace when he asks?" asked Joli.
"Something along the lines that he done it for safety reasons so that none of us could trick them again," Harley said grinning.
"I've thought of another reason as well," Obi-Wan spoke up.
"Well tell us then," Ryan said eagerly.
"Think about my group. Bruck, Siri and Kellie. I think it's more then a coincidence that I'm in Qui-Gon's group. . ."
"Well, what do you mean?" Harley asked. Ryan and Joli were just as confused.
"I get what you're going at Obi-Wan," Qui-Gon told him, "And yes, Bruck is in Xanatos' group and Siri's in Adi's."
"Oh, so all the Jedi students are with their Master's so they can get a private lecture!" Harley cocked an eyebrow at Obi-Wan.
"Yes, and if I know Xanatos and Adi punishments as well," Qui-Gon told them.
Joli suddenly looked questionably at Obi-Wan. "Are you been punished?" she asked quietly looking worried.
Obi-Wan paused a moment before answering. "Kind of," he said simply.
"You don't make it sound like a big deal, Padawan," Qui-Gon noted aloud, sternly.
"The amount of times these lot have got me into trouble you get used to it," Obi-Wan shot a grin at Harley.
"Would it be wise to ask?" Qui-Gon asked, though he knew what answer he was going to get.
"No," Obi-Wan and Harley spoke at the same time.
"Hey, stop. . ." Ryan and Joli broke off.
"Oh, no," they all groaned together.
"What?" Qui-Gon asked
"We're speaking in unison," they complained.
"What's wrong with that?" Qui-Gon asked.
"It takes ages before we stop."
"Well lets try this," Qui-Gon suggested, "Harley, Ryan and Joli, go into the kitchen and plan what you are going to say to your godfather and Obi- Wan you stay in here for a while and then if we have time we can swap around." Harley, Ryan and Joli left the room.
"Stand up, Obi-Wan."
Obi-Wan obeyed and Qui-Gon rose with him. Qui-Gon reached out his hand and tilted Obi-Wan's head back on an angle so the he was staring at the ceiling.
"Less of the cheeky attitude please, Padawan," Qui-Gon told him while running his hand around Obi-Wan's ear. "After all you wouldn't want a painful punishment, would you?" he asked while pulling Obi-Wan's head back into its normal position by his ear.
"No, Master," Obi-Wan answered, hoping Qui-Gon would let go of his ear.
"Just remember I can do that and if you stray that is how I will get you back to me." Qui-Gon let loose of Obi-Wan's ear and noted it was very red, as he had tugged quite hard, and he knew that it must be sore for Obi-Wan.
"Yes, Master," Obi-Wan answered dutifully.
"Oh, and how many times has Owen got you into trouble?"
"I don't know. I've never really counted but there's been quite a few times."
"Okay, time to swap over!" Qui-Gon called through the door into the kitchen.
Obi-Wan could almost hear the silent argument going on in there as each one fought not to be the one talking with Qui-Gon.
"Come on, you three," Obi-Wan called. "He won't hurt you or anything!"
Still no one came out.
"Look if someone doesn't come out and trade with me right now I'm gonna come in and trade with the first person I see!"
The door opened slowly and Ryan walked out. "I'll trade,"
"Thanks Ryan! It'll be Harley's turn next, don't worry." Obi-Wan walked into the kitchen.
Ryan stood awkwardly in front of Qui-Gon. He didn't know what to say so he waited for Qui-Gon to speak.