Master Jinn paced the floor of Vos' small cabin, back and forth, back and forth. It had begun to make the owner of that cabin dizzy as he tried to keep up with the stubborn master. The knight assumed his former master was deep in thought with the pressing issue at hand of how to get him and Obi-Wan off the planet.
Yes, Master Jinn had thoughts of escape for Vos and Kenobi. However, that was not the only thing that raced through his mind. Tolan's last words to him made such an impact on Qui-Gon that he could not stop thinking about them.
//"So you see Master Jinn, you have almost the identical situation that got your apprentice removed from your care before. History does repeat itself and so soon."//
Jinn couldn't decide which irked him more, the words of the emperor, or the sinister laugh that followed them.
//Removed? What did Tolan mean removed? Who told him all this, did Vos? No, he wouldn't have would he, lie? //
From one end of the cabin's sitting room to another, turn and turn again, as Qui-Gon paced he would think first of what Emperor Tolan said about Obi and then what to do to get them off the planet with him when he went.
"Maybe *N.O.W.* is too late to decide you want the child, Master Jinn."//
If just part of his mind could shut down. The part of his mind that kept going over and over what the emperor had said.
To and for, with each turn he made in the small cabin his thoughts turned from Obi's detainment to Vos' "big mouth".
"Had you allowed me the opportunity to talk with the emperor first, this might not have happened. Oh no…not Master Jinn, head-of-the-mission Master Jinn. Now have you come up with something we can do?"
Jinn stopped and turned on his former apprentice.
"I thought I told the emperor you needed time to pack. "
"SO?"
"Then why don't you pack and have my apprentice, your temporary ward, do the same. I will think of a plan to get you out of here. Maybe if Emperor Tolan hadn't had so much ammunition to use against us, we might not be in such an explosive situation. He is trying to force me into the same thing Obi thought happened before; that I would choose Anakin's safety over Obi-Wan's."
"You are incredulous Jinn. You would accuse me of telling all our little "family" secrets. I am astounded just as you are that Tolan knows so much. It didn't come from me."
Even though he shot Quin an accusatory look, the big Jedi knew from past experience that Vos was not lying, //If there's one thing he doesn't do, it is lie.// Still the quagmire was there as to how the emperor knew so much…….
"As for packing, we aren't going anywhere, Obi-Wan and I. So packing would be a waste of time."
"I beg your pardon?"
Jinn found himself nervously fiddling with the ever-raveling piece of thread on the inside of his robe sleeve again. He made a mental note to have the seamstress back at the temple fix it.
//Before the entire sleeve just falls off. //
"I said you aren't going to get A.L.L. of us off this planet first trip. Obi-Wan and I will have to stay if you expect to keep the others alive and kicking."
There it was. Jinn had to make a choice between padawans again. That was Obi's take on it anyway and no one, had they known what he was thinking, would have been able to change his mind. Obi-Wan knew, just knew his master would finally relent, leave him with Quin. In Obi's mindset it would be solely because he needed to protect the 'Chosen One'.
"Look Quinlan, you have evidently been too wishy washy with this planet's leader. You allowed him to believe he controls you. That is not how it is to work. No, you will go to Ceris with me when I leave. I certainly don't plan to leave Obi-Wan here with a near war at hand."
Vos eyed his master in wonderment. He wondered how the man could be so bullheaded even now, now that *He* had caused so much trouble. That was the first time Master Jinn had really voiced true concern for his apprentice and Quinlan wasn't even sure then the concern was real or just put out there by the ever-right Jinn; waved like a banner; his way of saying "hey look at me I really can show concern for my apprentice.".
"Qui-Gon, there is no way you will be able to sneak Obi and I off this planet. I could however think of a means to help you get Obi-Wan away from here. A very innovative diversion is needed. Any suggestions anyone?"
Obi sat at the table and watched the two go back and forth.
Jinn's second apprentice, Xanatos Crion had to silently agree with Vos.
//Master Jinn did walk in and try to rule everyone.//
It was Knight Crion who first interrupted what had become a childlike display of a power play between Master Jinn and Knight Vos. He slammed his fist on the kitchen table and stood up.
"Enough! You two act like two children in the crèche arguing over a wookie doll. This is serious. The emperor wants hostages, two of them. I don't think he will allow us to take Vos or Kenobi away with us. We will have to just have to leave them here, go to Ceris, and await the council's orders as to what to do. It is hardly likely Tolan plans to do anything to two Jedi but detain them as he said; as a shield of protection against any battle plans the Zarmack people have."
"I think my master has an excellent idea. The other two will have to remain here if we are to stay safe."
Crion understood Ani's meaning to his words maybe more than the other two older Jedi. Xanatos sat back down and said nothing more. He assumed Jinn would correct his apprentice with at least a critical look but Qui-Gon did or said nothing to Anakin.
//AHHHH.. My precious padawan, your true colors are showing. I doubt that Dense Jinn will see them, but I do. You would like nothing better than to leave Kenobi here permanently. The council won't allow that so in that I have nothing to worry about.//
Instead of correcting Ani's for his misnomer, Qui-Gon directed his attention to Xanatos.
"Don't be absurd Xani. I can't allow two Jedi to remain here as some kind of protection against an attack we would never instigate. As for the Zarmacks, I can't interfere in what they want to do. I can suggest, prod them into thinking about their plans but a Jedi can't interfere."
"You had better be able too or the two Jedi you refer to, Obi-Wan and I might not be alive when you do come to retrieve us. If the Zarmacks of people decide to attack Tolan before he can them, I am afraid you might as well tell the temple to fire up our pyres. We will be safe as long as you can convince the Zarmacks that a more peaceful way to handle Tolan and his people can be found. What really concerns me is *WHO* Emperor Tolan has to back him."
Jinn swung his hands in the air like a crazed man.
"There you go again!!!!! I don't even think he spoke the truth. Maybe the emperor wanted us to do just what you are; wondering and worrying about who his financial and military benefactor is, instead of the real problems at hand. A ruse to throw us off, that is all it was."
"No Master Jinn, Tolan never bluffs. If he says he has someone to help launch a battle with the Zarmacks, then he does. I just wonder if it could be the Sith, Darth Sidious. Out here *HE* roams more freely than he does through the more civilized planets such as Coruscant. Sidious if far more likely to acquire more followers out here than on one of the federated planets."
Jinn had not admitted it to anyone but the idea that Sidious in some way was involved had crossed his mind. He stopped his pacing. He focused on his half empty cold cup of tea right beside Xanatos' elbow, that rested on the table. Qui looked up in time to see a sudden turn of Vos' head, until it was cocked to the side, combined with a look of realization on his face.
"Well what is it? I know that look Quinlan. What is on your mind?"
"Ever think that whoever he has backing him, Emperor Tolan did say he was ruthless, is the same person who knew and relayed him information about Obi's problems. Maybe it wasn't just the Bulenese people that had a hand in Obi-Wan's brainwashing. Could there have been another behind it all and that person is now the principle instigator in this mess out here?"
Only half of Crion's attention was focused on the argument between Vos and Jinn. The other half was steadfastly centered on his own apprentice. He noticed every little smirk, satisfied sigh, anything that told Crion what he already knew; Skywalker reveled over the situation Vos and Kenobi had been put in. Crion further suspected Anakin would like nothing better if the emperor not only kept them detained but possibly it would be good if the two prodigies of Master Jinn were permanently detained by way of their deaths.
Xanatos did take a moment to cast a look toward Obi-Wan, who sat across from him at the kitchen table. His head was down. Obi looked at neither his ward nor his master. His hands were clamped together in front of him, on the table. Had Vos or Jinn taken the time to even glance at the boy, they would have seen the nervousness in him by the way he weaved his fingers together and continually cracked his knuckles.
Crion watched with a little more interest when Obi looked up to see Anakin with a smile on his face. He glared right back at Kenobi. Xanatos almost felt sorry for the young apprentice, *almost*. No one had truly taken in consideration that while they discussed him, Padawan Kenobi listened and not only did he listen, his actions were scrutinized by Crion's apprentice, Anakin Skywalker.
Not that he really cared what happened to Obi-Wan, Xnai just didn't like Anakin thinking he had the upper hand with Qui-Gon. So much so that, he decided to do something about the two that continued their heated discussion as if the boy wasn't there.
Knight Crion sat up, put his hand to his mouth and cleared his throat, very loudly cleared his throat. He hoped to draw their attention. That didn't work. Vos and Jinn still remained locked in their discussion as to what was the best way to handle the predicament they were in. They were still oblivious to the padawan who sat nervously, took it all in, plus had to be continually eyed by Xanatos' vulture-like apprentice.
Xanatos got up out of his chair and began to clear this throat again. This time however he wedged himself between the two "loudmouths", as he thought of them.
"Yes, did you want something Xani?"
"I thought perhaps you and Quinlan would rather discuss all this in private. Private, as in you have upset Obi-Wan by your discussion of him and by your omission of him in that discussion."
Jinn ever the Jedi master expected a Jedi apprentice to take whatever a master said or did in his training. This to him was no different. Vos however, knew they were in the wrong. His thoughts instantly went to why Xani would be so concerned. //Not that Crion ever had any concern for another living creature, that I can recollect. //
"What is it? Did you suddenly start to feel compassion for others, Xanatos?"
"For Pete's sake Vos, don't you ever let it rest. Xanatos is concerned for the boy. That is all. I am as well. That is why I am trying to convince you that you are wrong."
"No he isn't."
Finally the silence by Kenobi was broken.
"What Padawan?"
"Knight Vos is right. You will have to abide by Tolan's command to leave without us. If you plan to take me and somehow leave Knight Quin, then it will I who objects."
"That is not my plan and if it were, you young man, would do as you are told."
"I am not officially your apprentice, not officially under your edict. Remember Master Jinn, you made that all too clear when you first arrived. Only today have you called me apprentice and somehow it doesn't matter now. It did though yesterday."
For the life of him, Obi-Wan's master couldn't make sense of the boy's words.
"You have no say in this."
"Maybe not, but I do and Obi-Wan as your guardian, if Master Jinn could find a way to take you without me going, you would go. I can't let you stay here and jeopardize your safety for some loyalty you think you owe me; none is warranted and none is wanted."
"Maybe not, but in away, I don't even feel "Jedi". So I suppose that means I don't have to listen to either one of you and I don't plan too."
Jinn could do nothing, but stand and stare.
"OH… Kenobi, now is not the time to lay on that sympathy ploy. Evidently it never worked with Jinn and you know it won't with me. Now sit down or go *play* outside."
It was not like Vos to be short with Obi, in such a manner, and in front of others. Jinn was indignant over the way the knight had just treated his apprentice. Qui-Gon didn't realize his actions toward him since he arrived had been far worse and mentally anguishing on the Jedi apprentice, than anything Quinlan Vos could say or do. However, Obi now felt betrayed by both, his master and his guardian.
Obi-Wan Kenobi didn't want to face any of this. He didn't want to face the idea of leaving Vos behind to be subjected to whatever Tolan had planned for him. He didn't want to stay and be separated yet again from his master. He just plan didn't want to do anything remotely Jedi. He wanted to cry. He wanted to throw the most massive temper tantrum ever by a young teen. He wanted to bury his head somewhere and never come out to face any of this.
//Why me? Can't they see I can not handle any of it any more. I don't even know that I want too.//
Obi darted for the door. Jinn stood and ordered him back. Obi-Wan never heard his command or if he did, the boy ignored it. All Jinn heard was the loud thud sound the door made as Obi-Wan slammed it behind him.
"A lot that did Master Jinn. Obi-Wan wouldn't come back with just a verbal command. Certainly not by *your* command. We have to follow him before he gets lost. Obi knows this area very well and getting lost for him won't be hard."
Anakin grabbed his stomach and began to laugh out loud. He literally folded over with laughter.
"I suppose he could do it with his eyes closed unintentionally or intentional, get lost you know….. Not too coordinated is he? We might all benefit if he doesn't come back, if he isn't found. Just think Master Jinn, you won't have to be bothered by Kenobi any more. Maybe Tolan will find him and keep him as some war prize."
Anakin spoke without thinking. In his zeal, Ani forgot that Master Jinn did not hold his sentiments about Obi-Wan being a burden. No matter how stubborn Qui was toward his decision to take his apprentice back, it had nothing to do with being free of him and certainly not so he could be manipulated by the 'Chosen One'.
It was the first time Jinn had ever heard the "wonder" apprentice say anything negative about his padawan. Vos' first inclination was to grab hold of the boy and shake him soundly until his teeth rattled. Xanatos stood between his apprentice and Vos. It was obvious Vos would like to do bodily harm to his apprentice and *THAT* he could not allow.
Things started to fall into place for Jinn. Flash backs of the day Obi-Wan and Anakin practiced together in the temple arena under Crion direction. //Anakin intended to injure Obi when he tossed him across the room, maybe he hoped to do more than injure him. Just maybe Anakin had been less than nice to Obi-Wan when I wasn't around. Just maybe Anakin had something to do with the dejected way Obi-Wan felt. His words alone just now showed no compassion for my apprentice. //
He didn't have time to piece together everything. His thoughts were with Obi-Wan and no one else.
Vos hesitated. He wanted to say something to the apprentice with the big mouth, he just didn't know what.
"Quin are you coming? You have to know some of the places my apprentice would go. Take me there or if you won't, then tell me where I should look."
Quin shook off the anger he had for Anakin Skywalker. He didn't release it into the force. He wanted to old it for later. Jinn was right. Now was not the time to confront Obi's nemesis but instead it was a time to find Obi-Wan and keep him safe.
"Yes Master Jinn, you are right. We have more important things to do than stand here and ogle the little *BUG* over there. I haven't finished with you Anakin and if Obi-Wan is harmed in some way, you too Xanatos. You both will have to deal with me."
Quin followed his master out the door with renewed respect. At least Qui-Gon had begun to see his mistakes.
//NOW IF IT ISN'T TOO LATE TO CORRECT THEM!!//
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One question for the experienced writer out there.
If a writer decides to have one of his characters' dialogues use a split infinitive, is it all right to write it that way???
Oh well later guys!!!!!!!!
PEACE ewen
Yes, Master Jinn had thoughts of escape for Vos and Kenobi. However, that was not the only thing that raced through his mind. Tolan's last words to him made such an impact on Qui-Gon that he could not stop thinking about them.
//"So you see Master Jinn, you have almost the identical situation that got your apprentice removed from your care before. History does repeat itself and so soon."//
Jinn couldn't decide which irked him more, the words of the emperor, or the sinister laugh that followed them.
//Removed? What did Tolan mean removed? Who told him all this, did Vos? No, he wouldn't have would he, lie? //
From one end of the cabin's sitting room to another, turn and turn again, as Qui-Gon paced he would think first of what Emperor Tolan said about Obi and then what to do to get them off the planet with him when he went.
"Maybe *N.O.W.* is too late to decide you want the child, Master Jinn."//
If just part of his mind could shut down. The part of his mind that kept going over and over what the emperor had said.
To and for, with each turn he made in the small cabin his thoughts turned from Obi's detainment to Vos' "big mouth".
"Had you allowed me the opportunity to talk with the emperor first, this might not have happened. Oh no…not Master Jinn, head-of-the-mission Master Jinn. Now have you come up with something we can do?"
Jinn stopped and turned on his former apprentice.
"I thought I told the emperor you needed time to pack. "
"SO?"
"Then why don't you pack and have my apprentice, your temporary ward, do the same. I will think of a plan to get you out of here. Maybe if Emperor Tolan hadn't had so much ammunition to use against us, we might not be in such an explosive situation. He is trying to force me into the same thing Obi thought happened before; that I would choose Anakin's safety over Obi-Wan's."
"You are incredulous Jinn. You would accuse me of telling all our little "family" secrets. I am astounded just as you are that Tolan knows so much. It didn't come from me."
Even though he shot Quin an accusatory look, the big Jedi knew from past experience that Vos was not lying, //If there's one thing he doesn't do, it is lie.// Still the quagmire was there as to how the emperor knew so much…….
"As for packing, we aren't going anywhere, Obi-Wan and I. So packing would be a waste of time."
"I beg your pardon?"
Jinn found himself nervously fiddling with the ever-raveling piece of thread on the inside of his robe sleeve again. He made a mental note to have the seamstress back at the temple fix it.
//Before the entire sleeve just falls off. //
"I said you aren't going to get A.L.L. of us off this planet first trip. Obi-Wan and I will have to stay if you expect to keep the others alive and kicking."
There it was. Jinn had to make a choice between padawans again. That was Obi's take on it anyway and no one, had they known what he was thinking, would have been able to change his mind. Obi-Wan knew, just knew his master would finally relent, leave him with Quin. In Obi's mindset it would be solely because he needed to protect the 'Chosen One'.
"Look Quinlan, you have evidently been too wishy washy with this planet's leader. You allowed him to believe he controls you. That is not how it is to work. No, you will go to Ceris with me when I leave. I certainly don't plan to leave Obi-Wan here with a near war at hand."
Vos eyed his master in wonderment. He wondered how the man could be so bullheaded even now, now that *He* had caused so much trouble. That was the first time Master Jinn had really voiced true concern for his apprentice and Quinlan wasn't even sure then the concern was real or just put out there by the ever-right Jinn; waved like a banner; his way of saying "hey look at me I really can show concern for my apprentice.".
"Qui-Gon, there is no way you will be able to sneak Obi and I off this planet. I could however think of a means to help you get Obi-Wan away from here. A very innovative diversion is needed. Any suggestions anyone?"
Obi sat at the table and watched the two go back and forth.
Jinn's second apprentice, Xanatos Crion had to silently agree with Vos.
//Master Jinn did walk in and try to rule everyone.//
It was Knight Crion who first interrupted what had become a childlike display of a power play between Master Jinn and Knight Vos. He slammed his fist on the kitchen table and stood up.
"Enough! You two act like two children in the crèche arguing over a wookie doll. This is serious. The emperor wants hostages, two of them. I don't think he will allow us to take Vos or Kenobi away with us. We will have to just have to leave them here, go to Ceris, and await the council's orders as to what to do. It is hardly likely Tolan plans to do anything to two Jedi but detain them as he said; as a shield of protection against any battle plans the Zarmack people have."
"I think my master has an excellent idea. The other two will have to remain here if we are to stay safe."
Crion understood Ani's meaning to his words maybe more than the other two older Jedi. Xanatos sat back down and said nothing more. He assumed Jinn would correct his apprentice with at least a critical look but Qui-Gon did or said nothing to Anakin.
//AHHHH.. My precious padawan, your true colors are showing. I doubt that Dense Jinn will see them, but I do. You would like nothing better than to leave Kenobi here permanently. The council won't allow that so in that I have nothing to worry about.//
Instead of correcting Ani's for his misnomer, Qui-Gon directed his attention to Xanatos.
"Don't be absurd Xani. I can't allow two Jedi to remain here as some kind of protection against an attack we would never instigate. As for the Zarmacks, I can't interfere in what they want to do. I can suggest, prod them into thinking about their plans but a Jedi can't interfere."
"You had better be able too or the two Jedi you refer to, Obi-Wan and I might not be alive when you do come to retrieve us. If the Zarmacks of people decide to attack Tolan before he can them, I am afraid you might as well tell the temple to fire up our pyres. We will be safe as long as you can convince the Zarmacks that a more peaceful way to handle Tolan and his people can be found. What really concerns me is *WHO* Emperor Tolan has to back him."
Jinn swung his hands in the air like a crazed man.
"There you go again!!!!! I don't even think he spoke the truth. Maybe the emperor wanted us to do just what you are; wondering and worrying about who his financial and military benefactor is, instead of the real problems at hand. A ruse to throw us off, that is all it was."
"No Master Jinn, Tolan never bluffs. If he says he has someone to help launch a battle with the Zarmacks, then he does. I just wonder if it could be the Sith, Darth Sidious. Out here *HE* roams more freely than he does through the more civilized planets such as Coruscant. Sidious if far more likely to acquire more followers out here than on one of the federated planets."
Jinn had not admitted it to anyone but the idea that Sidious in some way was involved had crossed his mind. He stopped his pacing. He focused on his half empty cold cup of tea right beside Xanatos' elbow, that rested on the table. Qui looked up in time to see a sudden turn of Vos' head, until it was cocked to the side, combined with a look of realization on his face.
"Well what is it? I know that look Quinlan. What is on your mind?"
"Ever think that whoever he has backing him, Emperor Tolan did say he was ruthless, is the same person who knew and relayed him information about Obi's problems. Maybe it wasn't just the Bulenese people that had a hand in Obi-Wan's brainwashing. Could there have been another behind it all and that person is now the principle instigator in this mess out here?"
Only half of Crion's attention was focused on the argument between Vos and Jinn. The other half was steadfastly centered on his own apprentice. He noticed every little smirk, satisfied sigh, anything that told Crion what he already knew; Skywalker reveled over the situation Vos and Kenobi had been put in. Crion further suspected Anakin would like nothing better if the emperor not only kept them detained but possibly it would be good if the two prodigies of Master Jinn were permanently detained by way of their deaths.
Xanatos did take a moment to cast a look toward Obi-Wan, who sat across from him at the kitchen table. His head was down. Obi looked at neither his ward nor his master. His hands were clamped together in front of him, on the table. Had Vos or Jinn taken the time to even glance at the boy, they would have seen the nervousness in him by the way he weaved his fingers together and continually cracked his knuckles.
Crion watched with a little more interest when Obi looked up to see Anakin with a smile on his face. He glared right back at Kenobi. Xanatos almost felt sorry for the young apprentice, *almost*. No one had truly taken in consideration that while they discussed him, Padawan Kenobi listened and not only did he listen, his actions were scrutinized by Crion's apprentice, Anakin Skywalker.
Not that he really cared what happened to Obi-Wan, Xnai just didn't like Anakin thinking he had the upper hand with Qui-Gon. So much so that, he decided to do something about the two that continued their heated discussion as if the boy wasn't there.
Knight Crion sat up, put his hand to his mouth and cleared his throat, very loudly cleared his throat. He hoped to draw their attention. That didn't work. Vos and Jinn still remained locked in their discussion as to what was the best way to handle the predicament they were in. They were still oblivious to the padawan who sat nervously, took it all in, plus had to be continually eyed by Xanatos' vulture-like apprentice.
Xanatos got up out of his chair and began to clear this throat again. This time however he wedged himself between the two "loudmouths", as he thought of them.
"Yes, did you want something Xani?"
"I thought perhaps you and Quinlan would rather discuss all this in private. Private, as in you have upset Obi-Wan by your discussion of him and by your omission of him in that discussion."
Jinn ever the Jedi master expected a Jedi apprentice to take whatever a master said or did in his training. This to him was no different. Vos however, knew they were in the wrong. His thoughts instantly went to why Xani would be so concerned. //Not that Crion ever had any concern for another living creature, that I can recollect. //
"What is it? Did you suddenly start to feel compassion for others, Xanatos?"
"For Pete's sake Vos, don't you ever let it rest. Xanatos is concerned for the boy. That is all. I am as well. That is why I am trying to convince you that you are wrong."
"No he isn't."
Finally the silence by Kenobi was broken.
"What Padawan?"
"Knight Vos is right. You will have to abide by Tolan's command to leave without us. If you plan to take me and somehow leave Knight Quin, then it will I who objects."
"That is not my plan and if it were, you young man, would do as you are told."
"I am not officially your apprentice, not officially under your edict. Remember Master Jinn, you made that all too clear when you first arrived. Only today have you called me apprentice and somehow it doesn't matter now. It did though yesterday."
For the life of him, Obi-Wan's master couldn't make sense of the boy's words.
"You have no say in this."
"Maybe not, but I do and Obi-Wan as your guardian, if Master Jinn could find a way to take you without me going, you would go. I can't let you stay here and jeopardize your safety for some loyalty you think you owe me; none is warranted and none is wanted."
"Maybe not, but in away, I don't even feel "Jedi". So I suppose that means I don't have to listen to either one of you and I don't plan too."
Jinn could do nothing, but stand and stare.
"OH… Kenobi, now is not the time to lay on that sympathy ploy. Evidently it never worked with Jinn and you know it won't with me. Now sit down or go *play* outside."
It was not like Vos to be short with Obi, in such a manner, and in front of others. Jinn was indignant over the way the knight had just treated his apprentice. Qui-Gon didn't realize his actions toward him since he arrived had been far worse and mentally anguishing on the Jedi apprentice, than anything Quinlan Vos could say or do. However, Obi now felt betrayed by both, his master and his guardian.
Obi-Wan Kenobi didn't want to face any of this. He didn't want to face the idea of leaving Vos behind to be subjected to whatever Tolan had planned for him. He didn't want to stay and be separated yet again from his master. He just plan didn't want to do anything remotely Jedi. He wanted to cry. He wanted to throw the most massive temper tantrum ever by a young teen. He wanted to bury his head somewhere and never come out to face any of this.
//Why me? Can't they see I can not handle any of it any more. I don't even know that I want too.//
Obi darted for the door. Jinn stood and ordered him back. Obi-Wan never heard his command or if he did, the boy ignored it. All Jinn heard was the loud thud sound the door made as Obi-Wan slammed it behind him.
"A lot that did Master Jinn. Obi-Wan wouldn't come back with just a verbal command. Certainly not by *your* command. We have to follow him before he gets lost. Obi knows this area very well and getting lost for him won't be hard."
Anakin grabbed his stomach and began to laugh out loud. He literally folded over with laughter.
"I suppose he could do it with his eyes closed unintentionally or intentional, get lost you know….. Not too coordinated is he? We might all benefit if he doesn't come back, if he isn't found. Just think Master Jinn, you won't have to be bothered by Kenobi any more. Maybe Tolan will find him and keep him as some war prize."
Anakin spoke without thinking. In his zeal, Ani forgot that Master Jinn did not hold his sentiments about Obi-Wan being a burden. No matter how stubborn Qui was toward his decision to take his apprentice back, it had nothing to do with being free of him and certainly not so he could be manipulated by the 'Chosen One'.
It was the first time Jinn had ever heard the "wonder" apprentice say anything negative about his padawan. Vos' first inclination was to grab hold of the boy and shake him soundly until his teeth rattled. Xanatos stood between his apprentice and Vos. It was obvious Vos would like to do bodily harm to his apprentice and *THAT* he could not allow.
Things started to fall into place for Jinn. Flash backs of the day Obi-Wan and Anakin practiced together in the temple arena under Crion direction. //Anakin intended to injure Obi when he tossed him across the room, maybe he hoped to do more than injure him. Just maybe Anakin had been less than nice to Obi-Wan when I wasn't around. Just maybe Anakin had something to do with the dejected way Obi-Wan felt. His words alone just now showed no compassion for my apprentice. //
He didn't have time to piece together everything. His thoughts were with Obi-Wan and no one else.
Vos hesitated. He wanted to say something to the apprentice with the big mouth, he just didn't know what.
"Quin are you coming? You have to know some of the places my apprentice would go. Take me there or if you won't, then tell me where I should look."
Quin shook off the anger he had for Anakin Skywalker. He didn't release it into the force. He wanted to old it for later. Jinn was right. Now was not the time to confront Obi's nemesis but instead it was a time to find Obi-Wan and keep him safe.
"Yes Master Jinn, you are right. We have more important things to do than stand here and ogle the little *BUG* over there. I haven't finished with you Anakin and if Obi-Wan is harmed in some way, you too Xanatos. You both will have to deal with me."
Quin followed his master out the door with renewed respect. At least Qui-Gon had begun to see his mistakes.
//NOW IF IT ISN'T TOO LATE TO CORRECT THEM!!//
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One question for the experienced writer out there.
If a writer decides to have one of his characters' dialogues use a split infinitive, is it all right to write it that way???
Oh well later guys!!!!!!!!
PEACE ewen