Delaney was no genius, but it didn't take a smart man to know what Jinn meant. No matter what happened if he was victorious in this confrontation with Delaney he would not stop at his capture. No, nothing would satisfy Master Jinn except the death of Morrow.
After the salute-like movement with his saber and the assurance to Delaney that if he did not defeat the master, he would be dead, Qui-Gon released his electric charged hold on the former Jedi. It was like a beckoning to him to start their battle once again and that is what Delaney did.
The Jedi anticipated his first move. A very elementary move taught in the very basic of Jedi saber training class for senior padawans. In truth Jinn had invented, perfected, and taught the move at the temple. He knew it too well for Delaney to use it successfully. Qui-Gon was also an expert in countering his own move.
Delaney stepped forward, made a step to the side, did a half turn, and tried to edge his way to the back of Qui-Gon. Well that was his intent anyway; get to the back of his aggressor and plunge the saber hopefully, to the hilt, straight in Qui-Gon's back. His well-laid plan was just that, a "plan" and an unsuccessful one at that.
One would have thought the Jedi Master double jointed. He rotated his upper half of his body in a half turn, without not even shuffling his feet around. He met the blade of Morrow's saber as the crazed fool tried to stab the Jedi with it. Touché, it was the first direct hit Jinn made and it was a good one. Qui-Gon could even feel the vibrating jiggle as his saber disintegrated first the layer clothing, followed by the skin, and muscle. Finally he felt the solid thud when his saber slammed into the actual bone of Delaney's arm.
Had the bone not halted the blow, his arm would be laid out on the floor, disconnected from its owner. Delaney fell to his knees from the pain. He fought nausea from the smell of burning flesh. The only good thing about the hit, if there was such a thing as good thing, was the heated blade of the saber that cut through Delaney's flesh cauterized its own wound. It eased the bleeding that would normally have been present with such a gaping injury and might have brought almost instantaneous death.
Delaney staggered as he raised himself off the ground.
Jinn used the time during the halted battle to remove his Jedi robe, to make his movements more fluent and less cumbersome.
Delaney seemed to realize the battle would soon be over, if he didn't do something quickly. The Jedi master would be the victor and not him. His movements were severely impeded from the injury to his arm, but he made one last lame attempt of an attack on Qui-Gon. He charged full force directly in front of the Jedi. All Jinn did was side step his lunge, knock his saber out of his hand with his own saber, and use his boot to shove Delaney to the ground as he passed.
Still Delaney would not give up. He scurried to his feet weaponless and attacked with his bare hands, only to be knocked down by an immense blow from the fist of the powerful Jedi. Delaney sat on his knees on the floor and waited.. He only made his way up on his knees because the pain and weakness prevented him from going further
"Go ahead. Get it over with. Kill me. I have nothing to live for. You saw to that. Kaylin could never let go of what she thought she had with you, even when she found out you loved your precious Jedi more than her. Me, I loved her with all that I am and still she shunned me for only a theory of a love she "imagined" you both shared."
Qui-Gon looked down at the pathetic figure while he begged to be taken out of his life of misery. For a second he felt sorry for him. But that was all he felt and it soon left. With his saber drawn over his head Qui-Gon started to make the deadly plunge that would end Delaney Morrow's life. Jinn's mindset was the same, he wanted this man dead. He had not gotten a hold on his emotions that surged through him demanding nothing less than Delaney's life to ease his own misery and anger.
In the mean time, Obi-Wan had moved closer to his father. It was the first time he had ever seen his dad exhibit raw unfethered rage at someone, anyone. It scared the little boy. Deep down Obi-Wan had the same gentle soul that Qui-Gon normally was blessed with. He did not want his dad to be like Delaney Morrow. What hurt the child more was he did not want his dad to be capable of the things his mother did either.. His dad was a Jedi and that made him a good person. Obi-Wan did not want that to change no matter how much hate he harbored or had placed in him of the Jedi order.
Jinn halted his deadly assault on Morrow only when Obi-Wan shouted to him through hysterical tears.
"DAD DON'T!!!!!! You can't lower yourself to what he is, to what mom was. PLEASE, not you too!!!!!!
The realization of Kaylin's evilness hurt Jinn to the core but at least he knew the truth now. Obi-Wan and even Delaney was right. The possessed evil in her was the same dark side Qui-Gon battled against on a daily basis.
There was a part of him that wanted to kill Delaney not just for the kidnapping of his son,but for revenge he imagined he had because of Kaylin. With the fresh knowledge of her true self, he realized he had no veangance in him for Delaney because of her.
Qui-Gon kicked the fallen blade of Delaney's well past his grasp and continued to watch his son. A sobbing voice and tear-filled eyes pleaded with his master to follow his Jedi training. Qui-Gon could do no less than what his son willed him to do; Follow the Jedi code and not kill this man out his own maliciousness and revenge.
In the seconds Qui-Gon watched his son, Delaney slowly pulled a small concealed blaster gun from the waist band of his now blood-stained leggings. His blood had dripped down on his tunic and further down the side of his leg.
Obi-Wan saw the man on the floor had something in his hand, he was just not sure what.
He yelled a warning to his father.
"Dad look out, behind you."
Qui-Gon made sure his body was between Obi-Wan and Delaney before he pivoted around and used his saber as a spear. Delaney aimed the blaster at the Jedi master and started to pull the trigger. In an instance Jinn's green saber buried its self in the chest of the already downed man.
Delaney looked up at Jinn as he fell down from his kneeling position to laying prone on the floor. He grasped the saber to try to keep some of the pressure off his chest as blood gushed from the hole made by the light saber.
Jinn knelt down beside the man and understood he was breathing his last few breaths.
"Is there any family you would have me notify?"
One of Delaney's bloody hands grasped the front of Jinn's tunic, leaving red-stained hand prints on the master's clothing.
"No… Master.. Jinn. I.I.. have no family. K..Kaylin was all… I needed. Now maybe I will soon.. be with.. hher. I know I am not going to be one with the force. I will forever suffer the ddark."
Jinn had to agree but he wouldn't say that to the dying man, unsure of his celestial afterlife.
"I want you to know what I said.. It… wass.true. Kaylin's faather, a fallen Jedi, strongg..in the ppower of the force; Only now it is of the dark side and not the goodness of the.[ugh] force that controls his life."
""You should not speak any more of it. You are too weak."
"I..am nott.[Ohhhh] weak, Jinn. I am dying. Thiss.. is the… only..time .I… have.. to ttell you. As much as Kaylin did not want you have Obi, she didn't want her father to have him which he did at one time, jjust..after… his grandson's birth. She.... hated him, not for his corruptness… but for his forsaking… her. . I… will …tell you this, sshe.. wwould turn in.. her ggrave to know he got his hands on Obi-Wan.. Her… father was…You know him well…he was…a.. former Mm…master….[low long agonizing groan]"
Delaney seemed to grip the master's tunic tighter for a second, expelled another low guttural groan, and then just as quickly released his grip. His eyes rolled back in their sockets, as he breathed his last breath.
Delaney lay dead at the feet of Master Qui-Gon Jinn. His secret of Kaylin's father and Obi-Wan's grandfather went with him…………
Obi-Wan's head lulled back and forth on his father's shoulders as Qui-Gon made his way back to the ship. He already contacted the other ship and the men on it came and took the body of Delaney and the two handcuffed accomplices back to the king's planet in their ship. Jinn did not want the body or the men any where near Obi-Wan as they made their way back to the castle. He would wrap things up there and then return to the Coruscant temple, and finally home. The thought of home made Qui-Gon let out a sigh of relief, even though he had another mystery on his hands.
There was only one person who would know the truth about Kaylin, if there was any truth to Delaney's words at all, and that was Yoda. He knew everything private or other wise about the knights and masters under him. Sometimes they willingly told him and some times he was given wisdom and foresight from the force itself.
//He will know who Kaylin's father was and if he was a master. Was it a another fallen Jedi as Delaney was or did the man finally lose his mind from his lingering agony in his life.//
Obi-Wan lay on his master the entire trip home. He feigned sleep but actually kept his eyes closed and tried to remember all the things Delaney Morrow said about his mother and new to him, his grandfather. His mother had always told him he had no relatives but a father who didn't want him. Now he knew that most things she said about the Jedi, his father, and other relatives were lies too. Much to much comprehend for a little boy who loved and worshipped his mother. Now to know the person he loved wasn't even what she seemed to be, broke the spirit of Obi-Wan Kenobi; the break so finite, he might never return to his happy free caring self again.
Things seemed to be back to normal for the King and Queen. King Rozel took his queue from Jinn and welcomed his son as the future king. He succession to the monarch would stay as it was. Jinn made his farewells and headed back to the temple.
Obi-Wan and his father had not discussed what Delaney said. Jinn did not how to approach the subject and Obi-Wan just didn't want to be reminded of it at all. The child had suddenly become a little unruly and Qui-Gon reasoned it was because of all that he had been through.
//He will come back to his normal happy self once we get aback home. All will be well.//
More than once after they arrived on Coruscant, Qui-Gon had to gently correct the boy for his outbursts. One time it was something as simple as his milk being too warm when it was served in the commissary. The next time, he didn't want to meditate as his master had instructed him too. Yoda noticed the change in the child and it worried him. He finally relented to former padawan's request to discuss the mysterious Jedi who was supposedly Obi-Wan's grandfather.
Of course that led to another riff between father and son, master and apprentice. Obi-Wan didn't want to stay in their flat while Jinn visited Master Yoda. Qui-Gon did not reprimand the child because quite frankly he didn't have the heart too. He had him back and he certainly didn't want to do anything that would alienate Obi-Wan from him.
##########In Yoda's little apartment#####
"Unsettled the boy is again Qui-Gon?"
"What do you think Master Yoda? He was kidnapped, terrorized, and then told so many things about his mother, things he should not have known about until later in life."
"Know he does, abandon him you did not at the time of his birth?"
"Yes, in that I think he believes me. Of course in believing me, he had to except that a his mother lied to him about me and other things, evidently. I need to find out how much truth Delaney told and how much of it was a lie from a vindictive person who had lost everything in his life, as he saw it?"
"What need of me do you have my padawan?"
"Oh come on Yoda, you know why I asked to see you. If anyone knows of the truth about Kaylin it would be you."
"Some truths left to lie in the past they are. Better for those still living it is."
"Is that your way of saying that Delaney spoke the truth?"
"Some truth he did speak, but distorted, it was."
"Just what part was distorted?"
"Grandfather to Obi-Wan is not fallen Jedi. Fact it is, powerful Jedi, still with the order he is although taken permanent job elsewhere he has. Chooses to call it semi-retirement he does. Blame him for Kaylin you should not. Know of her, he never did, until grown she was. Know of you and Kaylin he did not. Much like you when it came to knowledge of being a parent. Truth kept from him also. "
"With the things you say you lead me to believe I know this Jedi and it is a knowledge of him not just in passing or shared orientation. Am I so wrong?"
"No, right you are. Know you the father of his grandson he still does not. Know his grandson at the temple, he is not aware of yet, either. Tell him we must I suppose. For satisfied you will not be until confronted he is."
"Of course I won't be satisfied. Obi-Wan needs to know his grandfather if he is not the scoundrel that Delaney Morrow portrayed him as. Why would he think he could get way with this? Didn't he know we would find out the truth; that you more than likely knew the entire sorted story, down to every little detail? "
"Kaylin told me maybe she did. Believed her mistruths just as you did. See now why question Obi-Wan son or not. Nothing from her lips the truth if lie about it she could. Contact Kaylin's father you will first thing in the morning. Have him visit you at your temple you will. Needed home you are. Run the temple and your guardian needs you he does. Not let Obi-Wan consume your life you should not."
"Why master? Why have you suddenly turned on Obi-Wan. What did he do?"
"Turn on the child I have not. Know he controls you I do. Bad thing this is. Even harder I think when grandfather you meet. Bull headed as you he is stubborn and controlling he may try to be. Remember this and well my former padawan. Obi-Wan Kenboi your son he is. No one and I mean No one else's job it is to raise him, no matter how you believe the man capable of doing so. Mistake I may make by all of this. Can of worms opened there will be just hope they stay contained I do."
"There you go again Master Yoda. Just what are you talking about? Are you ever going to tell me who I have to contact in the morning? Or you just going to let me keep guessing until day break. Who is it? Who is this all powerful Jedi that is Obi-Wan's grandfather?"
"Former first master to you he is."
Jinn almost fell from his chair.
" Master Dooku!!!" The name came from Qui-Gon's mouth barely audible. "Master Yoda you kept this from me?"
"Kept this from everyone concerned I did. Like I said trouble this may bring for those concerned. Now even more so. Rights on the boy he will want. Just as you I was. Not kno who the father was that caused the conception of Obi-Wan, but knew of birth I did. Concern you with it I did not. For what reason would there have been? No thought of he being yours I had. Could not even feel it through the force, I did not."
" I don't suppose I would have wanted to know she had a son unless I knew it was mine. Well he can't have him. He is rightfully my son. I mean, I hold Master Dooku in the highest regard and respect him insurmountably, but Obi-Wan's place is by my side."
"Yes, by rights your son he is. Beside you, belongs he does. Certain of that I am. Another blood test will confirm your fatherhood. Then no doubt and no question Dooku will have. Stop him we must, for attempt to take your son I fear he will."
"You don't believe Obi is my son? I mean you are just doing this to be absolutely sure? I have no doubts about Obi-Wan. If he is not my son by birth he is by the space he takes up within my heart."
"Believe him your son he is. Prove to his grandfather for sure we will. Want to know with certainty he will. Put his grandson above his former apprentice he also will. Treacherous he can be but tinted by the dark I am sure he is not. Maybe lie Kaylin told to Delaney for lies she was good at, sorry to say my former apprentice."
Qui-Gon nodded his head in agreement while he sat in the chair and rubbed his hands together as he thought through things.
"I suppose you are right. This may cause riff between my former master and myself.. Although he was only my master for a short time, I did come to respect him before he stepped down from his position as my master. That is when I got you as my master."
"Remind me, need too you do not. Remember it well I do. Best thing to happen to me it was in all time spent as a Jedi, iy was. Be warned my beloved padawan!! Dooku irrational he can be. Want the boy for himself he did at his birth. Renewed interest he will have with knowledge of Obi-Wan's father's identity and of his daughter's untimely death. Will want "your" little Obi, with even more tenacity, afraid of this I am…"
For maybe the fifth time today, Qui-Gon Jinn rubbed his forehead and tried to ward off or at least somewhat deadened the headache he had.
He had only been home a week and he couldn't remember a day of that week where he was stress-free, without the pounding in his head.
//Such an uproar over Master Dooku coming. My mother has met him. What is her problem? //
Even as he asked himself that in his thoughts he also thought the reason for it. Myra Jinn knew now that Dooku was Kaylin's father. To her that only strengthened her belief that Kaylin never cared a thing for Qui-Gon; That it was her desire to set her sights on the man that was her father's former padawan. Myra even believed the woman got pregnant intentionally. "Could the apple fall far from the tree", where Obi-Wan was concerned?
Qui-Gon thought in retrospect of the day he spoke with Obi-Wan's grandfather. He seemed to take the news of his daughter's death quite easily, too easily in fact, without even concern for how or when she died. He was more worried about his grandson. Before he knew of Qui-Gon's connection, he rambled on about getting Obi sent to him. When his former apprentice told him of he and Kaylin's affair that ultimately conceived Obi-Wan, the master seemed almost angry. However, he was able to quickly recover and keep his true thoughts to himself. Because of the once- shared a training bond, though weak, Jinn could feel the turmoil Dooku felt when he learned Obi-Wan had a custodial parent to take him. The idea that Obi-Wan had someone, his father, to care for him instead of Dooku, didn't set well with the white-haired aged master.
Master Dooku himself voiced almost the same sentiments as his mother's . Kaylin Kenboi was an opportunist and for some reason she wanted a Jedi child, though she hated the Jedi vehemently. Dooku thought she wanted to use Obi-Wan's power for less than honest endeavors. He stated the very thing to Jinn, who was a little surprised at how harshly he spoke of his only daughter, especially after having just heard of her violent death at such a young age..
###########
Qui-Gon was out in the stable with his horse Raven. He rubbed his head yet again while he thought of his other mounting problems. He had reprimanded both Damien and Bruck for their part in terrifying Obi-Wan into believing he wasn't wanted by his father. The only thing that did seem to fall into place was the workings of the temple and his standing with Obi-Wan. Their relationship had improved greatly. Obi trusted his dad more. He was still a little clingy to him, but Jinn attributed that to a defensive reaction to all the things bad he had gone through.
//It's natural to want to stay close to me considering the terrible experience he has been through. The irrational reaction of a insecure child and nothing more. What better way of defense than to have a six foot five Jedi master by your side twenty-four hours a day..//
He also was a sassy little fellow at times. Still when the corner of his mouth upturned into a smile he won his master over every time. Obi-Wan voiced his desire to try to be an apprentice and Jinn was not going to push him. He did take some of the padawan classes.
Right now, Obi-wan was burdened with anther more unsettling problem than his need to be with his father a lot and his curt little mouth.. Even the healers were unsure how to counteract his forgotten ability of lowering his shields. Very uncommon, the healers had stated but it had happened to a few young initiates. Time and trust is what was called for, as the only medicine to heal it. Also age would help but of course one could only wait on getting older. Without the shields down, the bond could not form naturally. It lay there dormant in both the apprentice and the master's mind. The healers had verified the training bond lay in wait to be activated. //With time,// thought Jinn, //With time!! //
The slamming sound of the stable door being slid back against the barn directed his attention away from his horse and to the door.
There in the middle of the doorway, with the sunlight beaming around him to paint an almost ominous picture, stood Master Dooku. His presence startled the Jedi master, for Dooku's arrival was not expected until later that evening.
"Master Dooku, you should have commed us. We would have sent transportation to town to get you."
Qui-Gon stepped toward his former master and extended his hand in greeting. Dooku seemed to hesitate before he extended his own hand to grip Qui's in a very firm almost painful handshake.
"Don't be ridiculous Jinn. I know how to procure a hover cab when I need one. I am not that old and feeble yet, not matter what you and the council think. Where is the boy?"
There were no hellos, no pleasantries between the two, just a curt verbal command to see his grandson immediately. That right there told Jinn he was more than likely in for a very long two weeks while Dooku visited with his grandson. He started to rub his forehead again and decided it was useless. He supposed he would have continue to suffer with the nagging stress-related pain, maybe as long as Dooku's stay was.
"Well I know he is around here somewhere. Maybe he is still out feeding the ducks in the pond."
"You mean the child has no structural training to be engaged in right now. Let me see. It is not even time for mid-meal and he is off "playing" somewhere?"
"Have you forgotten Master Dooku that this is Saturday. It is normal for the padawans and initiates to have Saturday and Sunday to do as they will."
Qui-Gon wanted to explain the worry and insecurities Obi-Wan had been under. However he thought better of it. Something told him this man would have no sympathy for what he more than likely thought was a weakness.
On the other hand Qui-Gon was glad Obi-Wan wasn't glued to his side. It meant Obi felt at least a little safe on the grounds of the temple, his home. Enough so to go alone to the pond a few yards away from the barn to feed "his friends", as he called them.
"That's what is wrong with the padawans today. They are coddled too much. Well can I see him or not Qui-Gon? It has only been his lifetime that I have waited to meet my grandson. I very much would like to see him, NOW!!"
Qui-Gon knew this was not going to work out for very long if Dooku did not curb his insolent attititude. Qui also knew this master to be a head strong man. Maybe when Dooku knew Qui-Gon, he was just a young man, unsure of his Jedi abilities, but he would soon learn that the Jedi master Qui-Gon could be as headstrong as he was, especially when it concerned the welfare of his son and padawan. Qui-Gon Jinn was not that insecure padawan any longer. Master Yoda had molded him into one of the most powerful Jedi in the galaxy.
Qui-Gon escorted Dooku down to the pond where he remembered seeing Obi-Wan earlier. There at the edge of the pond sat the little one right in the dirt, as he threw bit of grain and field corn to the ducks.
This was not the picture-perfect planned meeting Obi-Wan's master and father had hoped for. He knew how messy the child could get playing and doing chores at the temple and he intended to have him cleaned up before his grandfather arrived. Some of the best laid plans are waylaid and his certainly were. Obi-Wan was a complete mess.
His typical runny nose, dirt on his hands, and streaked on his face would not make a good impression on his grandfather, thought Qui-Gon. He was filthy.
Dooku seemed appalled at the disarray he found his only grandson in. Before Qui-Gon could call his son to come and meet Dooku , the older master did it for him in a much harsher no-nonsense tone.
"Obi-Wan Kenobi, get yourself up and over here. I want to see you."
Obi turned. He didn't have to be told who this man was. He knew it was his grandfather and he knew his dad was probably not too happy with the mess he was in.
//I didn't know he was suppose to be here so early! //
Obi-Wan was right. It was his grandfather and he was a "grouch" and in a very unpleasant mood. He let it be shown very clearly.
Obi wiped his dirty hand on the side of his leggings and extended it to Dooku to refused to shake the little muddy hand.
"Be serious boy. I can't hardly touch you with the dirt covering you. Adjust your tunic, tie its sash, and stand straighter. You are slouching."
The little Jedi, almost-apprentice thought he might like having a grandfather, but if this was him, then he would not like it at all.
//He's a man-version of Grandma Jinn. I sure don't need that.//
Jinn was extremely uncomfortable at this first meeting between son and grandson. It wasn't going well due clearly to Dooku's behavior and not Obi-Wan's, at least not yet, thought the master.
He nervously shifted his weight from one foot to the other, as he waited for one or the other to say something.
"Sorry sir I didn't know you were coming so early. I was gonna clean up for ya."
It was impossible to hide the quivering of his little dimpled chin. The stinging words and obvious criticism from his grandfather was more than the little boy could handle.
"Enunciate your words more clearly son. Jinn have you had that lisp looked into by the healers? Can it be corrected? Oh and Obi-Wan don't start threatening me with those tears. They may work with your father, but you will soon learn, they do nothing but disturb me. Now stop it immediately!!!!?"
"I don't have a lisp. I am missing my two front teeth. That's all!!. And for your information I was not gonna start crying!!"
Obi-Wan's tone was less than respectful. Jinn stepped between the two before a full fledged argument ensued. The child then did something that shocked his grandfather. He opened his mouth as if in a wide smile and showed Dooku the spot where his teeth should be, as if that explained everything!!!!
Now both Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan became uneasy over the mounting complaints the man had, after only having spent less than fifteen minutes with his grandson .
It was then that Qui-Gon Jinn lost all the stoic decorum he possessed. He blasted Dooku for his criticism of his son, but not before he dismissed his dejected looking little imp. To aid in reassuring comfort,he wrapped his arm the shuttering shoulders of Obi-Wan.
"Obi, why don't you go bath and put some clean clothes on. You can meet your grandfather and I in the dining hall for some tea later."
Obi looked up at his father and Jinn could see the relief in his face. Right now Obi-Wan Kenobi wanted nothing more than to be as far away from this new-found relative, as he could get.
Once Obi-Wan left Jinn turned on Dooku and attacked verbally with a vengeance.
"How dare you come here and start in on my son."
"Excuse me Master Jinn, you have only known him for a short while now. I have known of and wanted him since birth."
"Yes and I might not have been any different than you, had I known about him; had your daughter saw fit to tell me I was a father. She didn't though and I only found out upon her death. Had she lived, I still might not know of him. You came hear and assumed the posture of a sworn enemy instead of a concerned grandfather."
"Maybe I was little too stern, but if the boy plans to be trained under me he has to learn early how to care for himself. There will be no handling him with "kid gloves". Jedi life is hard and rough and that is how his training has to be, equally as hard and equally as rough"
While Dooku hesitated a moment to take a breath Jinn too had to take in a long breath to better get a grip on his anger. He stood in awe, unable to believe what his ears clearly heard. He was so dumbfounded, he let Dooku ramble on. Mainly just to see where exactly this conversation was going.
He was even more astounded when he heard the end result of what Dooku was leading up too. The younger Jedi master almost lost his balance when he was hit with Dooku's startling and surely unexceptable plan, his punch line!!!
"You can't baby him because he is related to you. I certainly won't in five years, when I take him as my apprentice. Until he becomes my apprentice, he can stay with me for proper advanced training to become my padawan……………"
PEACE ewen
After the salute-like movement with his saber and the assurance to Delaney that if he did not defeat the master, he would be dead, Qui-Gon released his electric charged hold on the former Jedi. It was like a beckoning to him to start their battle once again and that is what Delaney did.
The Jedi anticipated his first move. A very elementary move taught in the very basic of Jedi saber training class for senior padawans. In truth Jinn had invented, perfected, and taught the move at the temple. He knew it too well for Delaney to use it successfully. Qui-Gon was also an expert in countering his own move.
Delaney stepped forward, made a step to the side, did a half turn, and tried to edge his way to the back of Qui-Gon. Well that was his intent anyway; get to the back of his aggressor and plunge the saber hopefully, to the hilt, straight in Qui-Gon's back. His well-laid plan was just that, a "plan" and an unsuccessful one at that.
One would have thought the Jedi Master double jointed. He rotated his upper half of his body in a half turn, without not even shuffling his feet around. He met the blade of Morrow's saber as the crazed fool tried to stab the Jedi with it. Touché, it was the first direct hit Jinn made and it was a good one. Qui-Gon could even feel the vibrating jiggle as his saber disintegrated first the layer clothing, followed by the skin, and muscle. Finally he felt the solid thud when his saber slammed into the actual bone of Delaney's arm.
Had the bone not halted the blow, his arm would be laid out on the floor, disconnected from its owner. Delaney fell to his knees from the pain. He fought nausea from the smell of burning flesh. The only good thing about the hit, if there was such a thing as good thing, was the heated blade of the saber that cut through Delaney's flesh cauterized its own wound. It eased the bleeding that would normally have been present with such a gaping injury and might have brought almost instantaneous death.
Delaney staggered as he raised himself off the ground.
Jinn used the time during the halted battle to remove his Jedi robe, to make his movements more fluent and less cumbersome.
Delaney seemed to realize the battle would soon be over, if he didn't do something quickly. The Jedi master would be the victor and not him. His movements were severely impeded from the injury to his arm, but he made one last lame attempt of an attack on Qui-Gon. He charged full force directly in front of the Jedi. All Jinn did was side step his lunge, knock his saber out of his hand with his own saber, and use his boot to shove Delaney to the ground as he passed.
Still Delaney would not give up. He scurried to his feet weaponless and attacked with his bare hands, only to be knocked down by an immense blow from the fist of the powerful Jedi. Delaney sat on his knees on the floor and waited.. He only made his way up on his knees because the pain and weakness prevented him from going further
"Go ahead. Get it over with. Kill me. I have nothing to live for. You saw to that. Kaylin could never let go of what she thought she had with you, even when she found out you loved your precious Jedi more than her. Me, I loved her with all that I am and still she shunned me for only a theory of a love she "imagined" you both shared."
Qui-Gon looked down at the pathetic figure while he begged to be taken out of his life of misery. For a second he felt sorry for him. But that was all he felt and it soon left. With his saber drawn over his head Qui-Gon started to make the deadly plunge that would end Delaney Morrow's life. Jinn's mindset was the same, he wanted this man dead. He had not gotten a hold on his emotions that surged through him demanding nothing less than Delaney's life to ease his own misery and anger.
In the mean time, Obi-Wan had moved closer to his father. It was the first time he had ever seen his dad exhibit raw unfethered rage at someone, anyone. It scared the little boy. Deep down Obi-Wan had the same gentle soul that Qui-Gon normally was blessed with. He did not want his dad to be like Delaney Morrow. What hurt the child more was he did not want his dad to be capable of the things his mother did either.. His dad was a Jedi and that made him a good person. Obi-Wan did not want that to change no matter how much hate he harbored or had placed in him of the Jedi order.
Jinn halted his deadly assault on Morrow only when Obi-Wan shouted to him through hysterical tears.
"DAD DON'T!!!!!! You can't lower yourself to what he is, to what mom was. PLEASE, not you too!!!!!!
The realization of Kaylin's evilness hurt Jinn to the core but at least he knew the truth now. Obi-Wan and even Delaney was right. The possessed evil in her was the same dark side Qui-Gon battled against on a daily basis.
There was a part of him that wanted to kill Delaney not just for the kidnapping of his son,but for revenge he imagined he had because of Kaylin. With the fresh knowledge of her true self, he realized he had no veangance in him for Delaney because of her.
Qui-Gon kicked the fallen blade of Delaney's well past his grasp and continued to watch his son. A sobbing voice and tear-filled eyes pleaded with his master to follow his Jedi training. Qui-Gon could do no less than what his son willed him to do; Follow the Jedi code and not kill this man out his own maliciousness and revenge.
In the seconds Qui-Gon watched his son, Delaney slowly pulled a small concealed blaster gun from the waist band of his now blood-stained leggings. His blood had dripped down on his tunic and further down the side of his leg.
Obi-Wan saw the man on the floor had something in his hand, he was just not sure what.
He yelled a warning to his father.
"Dad look out, behind you."
Qui-Gon made sure his body was between Obi-Wan and Delaney before he pivoted around and used his saber as a spear. Delaney aimed the blaster at the Jedi master and started to pull the trigger. In an instance Jinn's green saber buried its self in the chest of the already downed man.
Delaney looked up at Jinn as he fell down from his kneeling position to laying prone on the floor. He grasped the saber to try to keep some of the pressure off his chest as blood gushed from the hole made by the light saber.
Jinn knelt down beside the man and understood he was breathing his last few breaths.
"Is there any family you would have me notify?"
One of Delaney's bloody hands grasped the front of Jinn's tunic, leaving red-stained hand prints on the master's clothing.
"No… Master.. Jinn. I.I.. have no family. K..Kaylin was all… I needed. Now maybe I will soon.. be with.. hher. I know I am not going to be one with the force. I will forever suffer the ddark."
Jinn had to agree but he wouldn't say that to the dying man, unsure of his celestial afterlife.
"I want you to know what I said.. It… wass.true. Kaylin's faather, a fallen Jedi, strongg..in the ppower of the force; Only now it is of the dark side and not the goodness of the.[ugh] force that controls his life."
""You should not speak any more of it. You are too weak."
"I..am nott.[Ohhhh] weak, Jinn. I am dying. Thiss.. is the… only..time .I… have.. to ttell you. As much as Kaylin did not want you have Obi, she didn't want her father to have him which he did at one time, jjust..after… his grandson's birth. She.... hated him, not for his corruptness… but for his forsaking… her. . I… will …tell you this, sshe.. wwould turn in.. her ggrave to know he got his hands on Obi-Wan.. Her… father was…You know him well…he was…a.. former Mm…master….[low long agonizing groan]"
Delaney seemed to grip the master's tunic tighter for a second, expelled another low guttural groan, and then just as quickly released his grip. His eyes rolled back in their sockets, as he breathed his last breath.
Delaney lay dead at the feet of Master Qui-Gon Jinn. His secret of Kaylin's father and Obi-Wan's grandfather went with him…………
Obi-Wan's head lulled back and forth on his father's shoulders as Qui-Gon made his way back to the ship. He already contacted the other ship and the men on it came and took the body of Delaney and the two handcuffed accomplices back to the king's planet in their ship. Jinn did not want the body or the men any where near Obi-Wan as they made their way back to the castle. He would wrap things up there and then return to the Coruscant temple, and finally home. The thought of home made Qui-Gon let out a sigh of relief, even though he had another mystery on his hands.
There was only one person who would know the truth about Kaylin, if there was any truth to Delaney's words at all, and that was Yoda. He knew everything private or other wise about the knights and masters under him. Sometimes they willingly told him and some times he was given wisdom and foresight from the force itself.
//He will know who Kaylin's father was and if he was a master. Was it a another fallen Jedi as Delaney was or did the man finally lose his mind from his lingering agony in his life.//
Obi-Wan lay on his master the entire trip home. He feigned sleep but actually kept his eyes closed and tried to remember all the things Delaney Morrow said about his mother and new to him, his grandfather. His mother had always told him he had no relatives but a father who didn't want him. Now he knew that most things she said about the Jedi, his father, and other relatives were lies too. Much to much comprehend for a little boy who loved and worshipped his mother. Now to know the person he loved wasn't even what she seemed to be, broke the spirit of Obi-Wan Kenobi; the break so finite, he might never return to his happy free caring self again.
Things seemed to be back to normal for the King and Queen. King Rozel took his queue from Jinn and welcomed his son as the future king. He succession to the monarch would stay as it was. Jinn made his farewells and headed back to the temple.
Obi-Wan and his father had not discussed what Delaney said. Jinn did not how to approach the subject and Obi-Wan just didn't want to be reminded of it at all. The child had suddenly become a little unruly and Qui-Gon reasoned it was because of all that he had been through.
//He will come back to his normal happy self once we get aback home. All will be well.//
More than once after they arrived on Coruscant, Qui-Gon had to gently correct the boy for his outbursts. One time it was something as simple as his milk being too warm when it was served in the commissary. The next time, he didn't want to meditate as his master had instructed him too. Yoda noticed the change in the child and it worried him. He finally relented to former padawan's request to discuss the mysterious Jedi who was supposedly Obi-Wan's grandfather.
Of course that led to another riff between father and son, master and apprentice. Obi-Wan didn't want to stay in their flat while Jinn visited Master Yoda. Qui-Gon did not reprimand the child because quite frankly he didn't have the heart too. He had him back and he certainly didn't want to do anything that would alienate Obi-Wan from him.
##########In Yoda's little apartment#####
"Unsettled the boy is again Qui-Gon?"
"What do you think Master Yoda? He was kidnapped, terrorized, and then told so many things about his mother, things he should not have known about until later in life."
"Know he does, abandon him you did not at the time of his birth?"
"Yes, in that I think he believes me. Of course in believing me, he had to except that a his mother lied to him about me and other things, evidently. I need to find out how much truth Delaney told and how much of it was a lie from a vindictive person who had lost everything in his life, as he saw it?"
"What need of me do you have my padawan?"
"Oh come on Yoda, you know why I asked to see you. If anyone knows of the truth about Kaylin it would be you."
"Some truths left to lie in the past they are. Better for those still living it is."
"Is that your way of saying that Delaney spoke the truth?"
"Some truth he did speak, but distorted, it was."
"Just what part was distorted?"
"Grandfather to Obi-Wan is not fallen Jedi. Fact it is, powerful Jedi, still with the order he is although taken permanent job elsewhere he has. Chooses to call it semi-retirement he does. Blame him for Kaylin you should not. Know of her, he never did, until grown she was. Know of you and Kaylin he did not. Much like you when it came to knowledge of being a parent. Truth kept from him also. "
"With the things you say you lead me to believe I know this Jedi and it is a knowledge of him not just in passing or shared orientation. Am I so wrong?"
"No, right you are. Know you the father of his grandson he still does not. Know his grandson at the temple, he is not aware of yet, either. Tell him we must I suppose. For satisfied you will not be until confronted he is."
"Of course I won't be satisfied. Obi-Wan needs to know his grandfather if he is not the scoundrel that Delaney Morrow portrayed him as. Why would he think he could get way with this? Didn't he know we would find out the truth; that you more than likely knew the entire sorted story, down to every little detail? "
"Kaylin told me maybe she did. Believed her mistruths just as you did. See now why question Obi-Wan son or not. Nothing from her lips the truth if lie about it she could. Contact Kaylin's father you will first thing in the morning. Have him visit you at your temple you will. Needed home you are. Run the temple and your guardian needs you he does. Not let Obi-Wan consume your life you should not."
"Why master? Why have you suddenly turned on Obi-Wan. What did he do?"
"Turn on the child I have not. Know he controls you I do. Bad thing this is. Even harder I think when grandfather you meet. Bull headed as you he is stubborn and controlling he may try to be. Remember this and well my former padawan. Obi-Wan Kenboi your son he is. No one and I mean No one else's job it is to raise him, no matter how you believe the man capable of doing so. Mistake I may make by all of this. Can of worms opened there will be just hope they stay contained I do."
"There you go again Master Yoda. Just what are you talking about? Are you ever going to tell me who I have to contact in the morning? Or you just going to let me keep guessing until day break. Who is it? Who is this all powerful Jedi that is Obi-Wan's grandfather?"
"Former first master to you he is."
Jinn almost fell from his chair.
" Master Dooku!!!" The name came from Qui-Gon's mouth barely audible. "Master Yoda you kept this from me?"
"Kept this from everyone concerned I did. Like I said trouble this may bring for those concerned. Now even more so. Rights on the boy he will want. Just as you I was. Not kno who the father was that caused the conception of Obi-Wan, but knew of birth I did. Concern you with it I did not. For what reason would there have been? No thought of he being yours I had. Could not even feel it through the force, I did not."
" I don't suppose I would have wanted to know she had a son unless I knew it was mine. Well he can't have him. He is rightfully my son. I mean, I hold Master Dooku in the highest regard and respect him insurmountably, but Obi-Wan's place is by my side."
"Yes, by rights your son he is. Beside you, belongs he does. Certain of that I am. Another blood test will confirm your fatherhood. Then no doubt and no question Dooku will have. Stop him we must, for attempt to take your son I fear he will."
"You don't believe Obi is my son? I mean you are just doing this to be absolutely sure? I have no doubts about Obi-Wan. If he is not my son by birth he is by the space he takes up within my heart."
"Believe him your son he is. Prove to his grandfather for sure we will. Want to know with certainty he will. Put his grandson above his former apprentice he also will. Treacherous he can be but tinted by the dark I am sure he is not. Maybe lie Kaylin told to Delaney for lies she was good at, sorry to say my former apprentice."
Qui-Gon nodded his head in agreement while he sat in the chair and rubbed his hands together as he thought through things.
"I suppose you are right. This may cause riff between my former master and myself.. Although he was only my master for a short time, I did come to respect him before he stepped down from his position as my master. That is when I got you as my master."
"Remind me, need too you do not. Remember it well I do. Best thing to happen to me it was in all time spent as a Jedi, iy was. Be warned my beloved padawan!! Dooku irrational he can be. Want the boy for himself he did at his birth. Renewed interest he will have with knowledge of Obi-Wan's father's identity and of his daughter's untimely death. Will want "your" little Obi, with even more tenacity, afraid of this I am…"
For maybe the fifth time today, Qui-Gon Jinn rubbed his forehead and tried to ward off or at least somewhat deadened the headache he had.
He had only been home a week and he couldn't remember a day of that week where he was stress-free, without the pounding in his head.
//Such an uproar over Master Dooku coming. My mother has met him. What is her problem? //
Even as he asked himself that in his thoughts he also thought the reason for it. Myra Jinn knew now that Dooku was Kaylin's father. To her that only strengthened her belief that Kaylin never cared a thing for Qui-Gon; That it was her desire to set her sights on the man that was her father's former padawan. Myra even believed the woman got pregnant intentionally. "Could the apple fall far from the tree", where Obi-Wan was concerned?
Qui-Gon thought in retrospect of the day he spoke with Obi-Wan's grandfather. He seemed to take the news of his daughter's death quite easily, too easily in fact, without even concern for how or when she died. He was more worried about his grandson. Before he knew of Qui-Gon's connection, he rambled on about getting Obi sent to him. When his former apprentice told him of he and Kaylin's affair that ultimately conceived Obi-Wan, the master seemed almost angry. However, he was able to quickly recover and keep his true thoughts to himself. Because of the once- shared a training bond, though weak, Jinn could feel the turmoil Dooku felt when he learned Obi-Wan had a custodial parent to take him. The idea that Obi-Wan had someone, his father, to care for him instead of Dooku, didn't set well with the white-haired aged master.
Master Dooku himself voiced almost the same sentiments as his mother's . Kaylin Kenboi was an opportunist and for some reason she wanted a Jedi child, though she hated the Jedi vehemently. Dooku thought she wanted to use Obi-Wan's power for less than honest endeavors. He stated the very thing to Jinn, who was a little surprised at how harshly he spoke of his only daughter, especially after having just heard of her violent death at such a young age..
###########
Qui-Gon was out in the stable with his horse Raven. He rubbed his head yet again while he thought of his other mounting problems. He had reprimanded both Damien and Bruck for their part in terrifying Obi-Wan into believing he wasn't wanted by his father. The only thing that did seem to fall into place was the workings of the temple and his standing with Obi-Wan. Their relationship had improved greatly. Obi trusted his dad more. He was still a little clingy to him, but Jinn attributed that to a defensive reaction to all the things bad he had gone through.
//It's natural to want to stay close to me considering the terrible experience he has been through. The irrational reaction of a insecure child and nothing more. What better way of defense than to have a six foot five Jedi master by your side twenty-four hours a day..//
He also was a sassy little fellow at times. Still when the corner of his mouth upturned into a smile he won his master over every time. Obi-Wan voiced his desire to try to be an apprentice and Jinn was not going to push him. He did take some of the padawan classes.
Right now, Obi-wan was burdened with anther more unsettling problem than his need to be with his father a lot and his curt little mouth.. Even the healers were unsure how to counteract his forgotten ability of lowering his shields. Very uncommon, the healers had stated but it had happened to a few young initiates. Time and trust is what was called for, as the only medicine to heal it. Also age would help but of course one could only wait on getting older. Without the shields down, the bond could not form naturally. It lay there dormant in both the apprentice and the master's mind. The healers had verified the training bond lay in wait to be activated. //With time,// thought Jinn, //With time!! //
The slamming sound of the stable door being slid back against the barn directed his attention away from his horse and to the door.
There in the middle of the doorway, with the sunlight beaming around him to paint an almost ominous picture, stood Master Dooku. His presence startled the Jedi master, for Dooku's arrival was not expected until later that evening.
"Master Dooku, you should have commed us. We would have sent transportation to town to get you."
Qui-Gon stepped toward his former master and extended his hand in greeting. Dooku seemed to hesitate before he extended his own hand to grip Qui's in a very firm almost painful handshake.
"Don't be ridiculous Jinn. I know how to procure a hover cab when I need one. I am not that old and feeble yet, not matter what you and the council think. Where is the boy?"
There were no hellos, no pleasantries between the two, just a curt verbal command to see his grandson immediately. That right there told Jinn he was more than likely in for a very long two weeks while Dooku visited with his grandson. He started to rub his forehead again and decided it was useless. He supposed he would have continue to suffer with the nagging stress-related pain, maybe as long as Dooku's stay was.
"Well I know he is around here somewhere. Maybe he is still out feeding the ducks in the pond."
"You mean the child has no structural training to be engaged in right now. Let me see. It is not even time for mid-meal and he is off "playing" somewhere?"
"Have you forgotten Master Dooku that this is Saturday. It is normal for the padawans and initiates to have Saturday and Sunday to do as they will."
Qui-Gon wanted to explain the worry and insecurities Obi-Wan had been under. However he thought better of it. Something told him this man would have no sympathy for what he more than likely thought was a weakness.
On the other hand Qui-Gon was glad Obi-Wan wasn't glued to his side. It meant Obi felt at least a little safe on the grounds of the temple, his home. Enough so to go alone to the pond a few yards away from the barn to feed "his friends", as he called them.
"That's what is wrong with the padawans today. They are coddled too much. Well can I see him or not Qui-Gon? It has only been his lifetime that I have waited to meet my grandson. I very much would like to see him, NOW!!"
Qui-Gon knew this was not going to work out for very long if Dooku did not curb his insolent attititude. Qui also knew this master to be a head strong man. Maybe when Dooku knew Qui-Gon, he was just a young man, unsure of his Jedi abilities, but he would soon learn that the Jedi master Qui-Gon could be as headstrong as he was, especially when it concerned the welfare of his son and padawan. Qui-Gon Jinn was not that insecure padawan any longer. Master Yoda had molded him into one of the most powerful Jedi in the galaxy.
Qui-Gon escorted Dooku down to the pond where he remembered seeing Obi-Wan earlier. There at the edge of the pond sat the little one right in the dirt, as he threw bit of grain and field corn to the ducks.
This was not the picture-perfect planned meeting Obi-Wan's master and father had hoped for. He knew how messy the child could get playing and doing chores at the temple and he intended to have him cleaned up before his grandfather arrived. Some of the best laid plans are waylaid and his certainly were. Obi-Wan was a complete mess.
His typical runny nose, dirt on his hands, and streaked on his face would not make a good impression on his grandfather, thought Qui-Gon. He was filthy.
Dooku seemed appalled at the disarray he found his only grandson in. Before Qui-Gon could call his son to come and meet Dooku , the older master did it for him in a much harsher no-nonsense tone.
"Obi-Wan Kenobi, get yourself up and over here. I want to see you."
Obi turned. He didn't have to be told who this man was. He knew it was his grandfather and he knew his dad was probably not too happy with the mess he was in.
//I didn't know he was suppose to be here so early! //
Obi-Wan was right. It was his grandfather and he was a "grouch" and in a very unpleasant mood. He let it be shown very clearly.
Obi wiped his dirty hand on the side of his leggings and extended it to Dooku to refused to shake the little muddy hand.
"Be serious boy. I can't hardly touch you with the dirt covering you. Adjust your tunic, tie its sash, and stand straighter. You are slouching."
The little Jedi, almost-apprentice thought he might like having a grandfather, but if this was him, then he would not like it at all.
//He's a man-version of Grandma Jinn. I sure don't need that.//
Jinn was extremely uncomfortable at this first meeting between son and grandson. It wasn't going well due clearly to Dooku's behavior and not Obi-Wan's, at least not yet, thought the master.
He nervously shifted his weight from one foot to the other, as he waited for one or the other to say something.
"Sorry sir I didn't know you were coming so early. I was gonna clean up for ya."
It was impossible to hide the quivering of his little dimpled chin. The stinging words and obvious criticism from his grandfather was more than the little boy could handle.
"Enunciate your words more clearly son. Jinn have you had that lisp looked into by the healers? Can it be corrected? Oh and Obi-Wan don't start threatening me with those tears. They may work with your father, but you will soon learn, they do nothing but disturb me. Now stop it immediately!!!!?"
"I don't have a lisp. I am missing my two front teeth. That's all!!. And for your information I was not gonna start crying!!"
Obi-Wan's tone was less than respectful. Jinn stepped between the two before a full fledged argument ensued. The child then did something that shocked his grandfather. He opened his mouth as if in a wide smile and showed Dooku the spot where his teeth should be, as if that explained everything!!!!
Now both Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan became uneasy over the mounting complaints the man had, after only having spent less than fifteen minutes with his grandson .
It was then that Qui-Gon Jinn lost all the stoic decorum he possessed. He blasted Dooku for his criticism of his son, but not before he dismissed his dejected looking little imp. To aid in reassuring comfort,he wrapped his arm the shuttering shoulders of Obi-Wan.
"Obi, why don't you go bath and put some clean clothes on. You can meet your grandfather and I in the dining hall for some tea later."
Obi looked up at his father and Jinn could see the relief in his face. Right now Obi-Wan Kenobi wanted nothing more than to be as far away from this new-found relative, as he could get.
Once Obi-Wan left Jinn turned on Dooku and attacked verbally with a vengeance.
"How dare you come here and start in on my son."
"Excuse me Master Jinn, you have only known him for a short while now. I have known of and wanted him since birth."
"Yes and I might not have been any different than you, had I known about him; had your daughter saw fit to tell me I was a father. She didn't though and I only found out upon her death. Had she lived, I still might not know of him. You came hear and assumed the posture of a sworn enemy instead of a concerned grandfather."
"Maybe I was little too stern, but if the boy plans to be trained under me he has to learn early how to care for himself. There will be no handling him with "kid gloves". Jedi life is hard and rough and that is how his training has to be, equally as hard and equally as rough"
While Dooku hesitated a moment to take a breath Jinn too had to take in a long breath to better get a grip on his anger. He stood in awe, unable to believe what his ears clearly heard. He was so dumbfounded, he let Dooku ramble on. Mainly just to see where exactly this conversation was going.
He was even more astounded when he heard the end result of what Dooku was leading up too. The younger Jedi master almost lost his balance when he was hit with Dooku's startling and surely unexceptable plan, his punch line!!!
"You can't baby him because he is related to you. I certainly won't in five years, when I take him as my apprentice. Until he becomes my apprentice, he can stay with me for proper advanced training to become my padawan……………"
PEACE ewen