Chapter One:

Qui-Gon blinked against the bright lights. He tried to sit up, but discovered that he barely had the strength to raise his head. Forcing his eyes to focus on his surroundings, he realized he was in the Healers ward. But where was his friend's padawan? In a raspy voice, he called out, "Jayla?"

Kyran looked up from where he'd been pacing. Qui-Gon was finally coming around and it was about time. He had several questions that needed answering. His padawan was missing and Qui-Gon was the only one who would know what had happened to the girl. He peered over his friend. "No. It's me. "

"Where's Jayla?"

Kyran tried hard not to sigh but failed. "Perhaps you can answer that for me. What happened Qui-Gon?"

"We were returning from an art exhibit at the Karhneige Gallery. I was hit from behind and then something stabbed me in the arm. There was a voice, and I passed out. Jayla, what happened to Jayla?" Qui-Gon struggled to sit up.

Kyran gently pushed his friend back and bit his lip, worry evident on his face. "I don't know. She's missing. Did you recognize who took her? The voice? Anything at all? If you can figure out who took her then I can go after her." Kyran replied earnestly

Qui-Gon concentrated on his memory of the encounter, replaying the voice's brief taunt over and over. "I think I know who it was. A woman named Aldeim. She was the leader of a ring of smugglers and slavers I helped break up about a year ago. Most of them were captured, but she escaped."

Kyran swore quietly. Slavers. That was just what he needed. His next question had a hard quality to it that he'd never directed at his friend before. "Do you remember if they said what they planned to do with Jayla when they took her?"

"Revenge," Qui-Gon whispered, horrified as the full realization hit him. He had let his best friend's Padawan fall into the hands of a ruthless criminal. "She must have seen us together and assumed Jayla was my Padawan."

Kyran's stomach twisted. His padawan was missing because some two-credit pirate wanted to get back at the Jedi. "I'm going to find her." He announced tersely.

"I'm going with you. I know Aldeim, I found her once, I can find her again." Qui-Gon drew on all of his strength, managing to sit up.

Kyran pushed his friend back. "No. You're not coming. I don't need your help. You were poisoned Qui-Gon. If not for a passerby you would've died. She commed for Emergency Medical Services after she found you passed out in the middle of the street. You're in no shape to be doing anything but keeping the staff here busy."

Qui-Gon tried to resist the steady pressure of Kyran's hands, but was unable to find the strength to do so. "It's my fault that she was taken. I should help to get her back."

Kyran frowned deeply at that. "Not entirely. However..." His voice took on a hard tone. "You took her out of the safety of the Temple and she was kidnapped within walking distance. You know how dangerous Coruscant can be for young Jedi. Why weren't you more careful?"

Qui-Gon flinched as if he'd been slapped. "Kyran . . . I-I-I'm sorry. I should have been more aware of my surroundings."

"Sorry won't change the past, Qui-Gon. If you tell me everything you can about Aldeim, I'll start looking." Kyran tried hard to curb his frustration and anger, but with the worry for his apprentice he wasn't very successful.

Qui-Gon had been friends with Kyran since he was a child in the crèche and Kyran a young initiate. In all that time, even in their worst arguments, Kyran had never directed such cold anger towards him. But then, Qui-Gon thought bitterly, he had never done something so unforgivable as allow his friend's Padawan to come to harm, either. With a deep breath to help keep his voice steady, he began listing everything he knew about Aldeim's habits, known associates, and weaknesses.

Kyran knew he had to get hold of his anger or that would be his undoing. He took several deep breaths and tried to calm himself. He knew it wasn't entirely Qui-Gon's fault and that his friend would have died rather than allow Jayla to come to harm. He nearly had died, Kyran shuddered to think, most of the anger at his friend fading. He listened intently to what Qui-Gon was telling him. "Alright. I think I know where to start looking. You need your rest." Kyran stood after his friend finished almost an hour later.

He'd done nothing but talk, yet Qui-Gon was exhausted. Pure stubbornness had kept him from slipping back into sleep. He had failed his friend once, he would not do so again. "I should be out of the healers soon. I'll join you as soon as possible."

Kyran frowned at his friend's stubbornness and his eyes hardened. "No. I forbid it. You don't need to be doing anything but recovering. Don't you understand Qui-Gon? You nearly died."

"I understand that I let Jayla and you down. I can't undo that, but I can rectify what I did."

"How? By getting hurt again? You need to rest Qui-Gon. If you get up and try to walk out, the chief healer will probably try to sedate you and then me for allowing it."

"Jayla needs help. I can help her."

"She does need help. But you can't help her by passing out on the way. I'll be fine. May the Force be with you," Kyran replied as he headed out of his friend's room knowing that if he stayed Qui-Gon would try even harder to talk him into letting him come.

There was truth to Kyran's words, Qui-Gon admitted to himself. At the moment he could barely keep himself awake and it had taken all his strength to just sit up. He did need to focus all of his energy on healing. Then, he would be able to help Kyran, with or without the Healers' permission.

***

It hadn't been that difficult to track Aldeim, especially after the ransom note had appeared a few days after Jayla's disappearance.

Aldeim's desires for revenge was outweighed by greed, thank the Force. Otherwise . . . Kyran forced the possibilities of what otherwise might have been out of his mind. He'd tracked Aldeim to a sleazy cantina on a mid-rim world. He could sense his Padawan inside, frightened and hurt, but alive. Suddenly he sensed another presence behind him.

He whirled around. Qui-Gon was standing behind him looking somewhat sheepish but determined. His gaze narrowed in anger. "What are you doing here?

"I'm your backup," Qui-Gon stated.

He was still too pale and haggard, Kyran noted. Too few days had passed for Qui-Gon to have fully recovered. Kyran ground out highly irritated that his friend hadn't listened and had run headlong into danger. "How did you get here? Did the healers release you?"

"With two of us we increase the odds of getting Jayla back," replied Qui-Gon, ignoring the questions.

"They didn't release you did they."

"There was no reason to keep me, you know the Healers are always over cautious. I was needed here, not lounging in the Healers' Ward."

Kyran nearly exploded in anger at those words. "Qui-Gon Jinn, I told you I didn't need your help. Your place was recovering from the poison that nearly killed you. So how did you get here? Please tell me the Council at least knows about this."

"My place is by your side, getting Jayla back." said Qui-Gon, defensively.

"No. Your place is back at the Temple. Go home, Qui-Gon. The Council will have our hides for this."

"I will make sure the Council knows that you had nothing to do with any of my actions, I will take full responsibility. I'm not going back until Jayla is safe. You're wasting time arguing with me."

Kyran gritted his teeth at that and grabbed his friend by the back of his robes. "Then I'll do this the hard way. You are going to stay on the ship."

Qui-Gon twisted, the voluminous robes allowing him to turn enough in them that he could reach Kyran's wrists with his own hands. Planting his feet, he said, "Think, Kyran. The only way you'll get me back on the ship is with a fight. One that will attract lots of attention that you don't want. Jayla could be gone by then. After we get her back, you can explain to me at length my shortcomings. For now, we concentrate on the rescue."

Kyran glared at his friend but knew that he couldn't attract the undo attention their fight would bring. He let go of his friend knowing that he couldn't afford to expand any energy on arguing right now. He could soundly best Qui-Gon in hand fighting even when his friend was in good health, but right now his padawan was in trouble. "Fine," he said sourly. "What do you suggest we do then?"

"Can you sense where in the building Jayla is?"

"Yes," Kyran gritted out. "She's not exactly shielding her pain very well."

Qui-Gon flushed slightly at the harsh reminder of what his moment of carelessness had caused. "You sneak in the back and get her. Take her to your ship and take off. I'll go in the front, be the distraction that will let you get in and out."

"Absolutely not. You're liable to get killed if you go in the front."

"Have a little faith. I don't intend to stick around there any longer than I have to. Once you have Jayla clear, signal me over our bond. I'll retreat, lose the pursuit and take off in my ship."

"I don't like this. It's too risky. They might move her the second they see you."

"Do you have a better plan? If they try to move her, you can track them through your bond with Jayla. And that would increase your chances, anyway. Moving her means leaving whatever secure position they have. I'm betting you've already scouted out all the possible exits of the building."

Kyran frowned at his friend. He hadn't wanted to agree to his plan but like it or not Qui-Gon's idea was logical and should work. If he was a distraction then the slavers might focus their attention on him. Kyran shook his head as he mentally debated. His friend had nearly died only a few days ago. He would not ask that of him. He could not in good conscience let him go through with this foolhardy plan.

Qui-Gon could feel Kyran wavering. It was time to act, to trust in the moment. "I'm going in. Better get into position." Qui-Gon began to stride towards the entrance of the cantina.

"Qui-Gon! Wait!" Kyran hissed but it was too late. Sith, he cursed as he ran around towards the back of the cantina.

Qui-Gon slowed his pace slightly, allowing Kyran the time to head to the back of the cantina. When he reached the front of the cantina, two thugs ran at him from either side. A Force push threw them back against the building with a loud crunch. Drawing his lightsaber, he threw open the door to the cantina, proclaiming loudly, "I have come for the Padawan."

Aldeim arched a brow at the Jedi and tossed her long black hair behind one shoulder. She blew out a long stream of smoke from the deathstick she was puffing on. "Is that so? What makes you think we'll give her to you?"

"I'm not asking. Tell me where she is and you may survive this," Qui-Gon glared at the woman, his saber raised in an attack position.

She chuckled lightly. She had taken out this Jedi less than a week before, she was certain she could manage it again. She peered at him contemptuously "I might survive? I thought that Jedi did not deliver threats."

"We don't. I give you my word that if you have done her any lasting harm, you will die," growled Qui-Gon.

"Oh I haven't done any lasting harm to her. Not yet." She ground out the rest of her deathstick and pulled out a deck of sabacc cards. "I grow tired of waiting Jedi. If you don't have the ransom money, I'll have to have security show you out. I have a game to play. If you'll excuse me."

Qui-Gon leapt over the heads of the two Gamorrean boars advancing on him. This put him closer to Aldeim, but still half a room away. He ran towards her, grim faced.

Aldeim pulled out a sleek high-powered blaster. "Perhaps we'll have a second Jedi to ransom. Get him! I want him alive, but do any damage you have to."

Qui-Gon spun on his heel, bringing his lightsaber down on the axe of the first Gamorrean boar. He lashed out with his foot, catching the second in the gut. Not enough to disable the thick-skinned male, but enough to slow it down for a moment. Ducking down low, he dodged a club aimed at his head. His return swing sliced off the club at the owner's elbow.

Qui-Gon put his back against the bar, hoping to limit the attacks to at least three fronts. The bar tender put an end to that hope by aiming a stun rifle at him. Jumping onto the bar counter, the shot went into the crowd, taking out one of his opponents. Racing down the top of the bar counter, he continued to dodge bottles, clubs and grabbing hands.

Qui-Gon could have easily made it to the door, but he hadn't yet heard from Kyran. He would give Kyran all the time he needed, regardless of the cost to himself. Another leap put him in front of Aldeim, who had been working her way towards the back door.

"Going somewhere?" growled Qui-Gon.

Aldeim looked at him with narrowed eyes. "As a matter of fact, I was. Jedi are far too much trouble to keep around." Without further warning she fired her blaster at him, aiming for his gut.

The lightsaber flashed, reflecting the deadly bolt back towards its source. Aldeim fell backwards, a smoking black hole in her chest.

"He killed Aldeim! Kill him!" Someone in the mob cried out. Vibroblades and blasters appeared. Back to the wall, Qui-Gon fought for his life. Only the fact that the mob didn't act together, each getting in the way of the others in their rush to attack him, gave him a chance to defend himself.

Just then he felt a slight tugging on the link he had with Kyran //I've got her. Time to get out of there. //

Once more he leapt to the bar counter, using it as a bridge over the mob. The Klatooinian who blocked the exit was quickly beheaded. Qui-Gon ran out into the street, the mob hot on his heels. He could feel himself tiring. Despite his words to Kyran, he knew he was not fully recovered from the poisoning. If he didn't loose his pursuit quickly, he would most likely go down under the next attack.

***

Kyran cradled his unconscious padawan in his arms as he ran for the ship. If he could get Jayla aboard then he could check on Qui-Gon and go to his aid. He gritted his teeth. When would Qui-Gon listen to him?

Kyran cursed as he felt his friend rapidly tiring under whatever onslaught he was facing. He glanced down at the girl in his arms. She was cut and bruised all over. The only thing that had saved her life was that the slavers had wanted to ransom her. He knew Jayla couldn't last by herself but neither could Qui-Gon. Curse it.

He secured Jayla aboard the ship he had not far away from the cantina. As soon as he made sure that she was secured in her cabin, he headed down the ramp, locked the ship up tight and headed back to the cantina. He winced as he felt a sharp burst of pain over the link he felt with Qui-Gon.

Qui-Gon stumbled over an uneven hole in the road, going down hard on one knee. He was up and running again almost instantly, but it was enough to allow the mob to catch up with him.

This was as far as he going to make, he realized. Might as well turn and face the crowd. Even if he went down here, at least he'd given Kyran enough time to free Jayla.

Blaster fire rained down on him, taking every ounce of skill to deflect. In blocking a shot aimed high at his head, a bolt got through low, glancing off the side of his leg. He managed to stay on his feet, but he felt off balance. It wasn't going to take much more.

Kyran ran heading back for the cantina and his blood ran cold at what he saw in the middle of the street. Qui-Gon was in the center of a mob deflecting one bolt after another but by the looks of his trousers, he'd missed a bolt. Igniting his saber, he charged in after him, knowing that he had no choice, lopping arms off and blasters as he went. Surprised by the ferocious attack from their rear, the mob scattered. The few parting shots were easily deflected.

"What are you doing here? You were supposed to get Jayla out of here." Qui-Gon gasped out between heaving breaths.

Kyran's gaze darkened. "What are you doing here? You're supposed to be in the Healers." He countered. He stomped over to him and knelt on the ground at Qui-Gon's right leg, trying to examine the wound. "You'll need bacta on that."

"Later. We need to get out of here before they regroup. My ship's not far from here. I should be able to make it okay. You head back to your ship and Jayla." Qui-Gon began limping in the direction he had indicated.

Kyran grabbed him by the back of his robe. "I think not. You're coming with me on my ship. We'll tow yours back with us. And I won't have any arguments about this."

"Towing the ship will slow us down too much. So no arguments, just go."

Kyran tightened his grip on his friend and began forcefully dragging him towards the ship. "I don't think you're much in position to be arguing with me, Qui-Gon."

Qui-Gon tried to plant his feet against Kyran, but felt his injured leg give. Stumbling along, he said "Kyran, stop it. Towing the ship will mean you lose speed and maneuverability. Something you can't afford."

Kyran glowered at him. "Why can't you just abandon the ship? We can send someone for it later."

"Because . . . because I took it without permission from the Temple hanger. If I return with the ship that will hopefully reduce the charges against me."

"You did what? You stole it?"

"From a certain point of view." Qui-Gon used his friend's shock to pull out of his grip.

"Qui-Gon Jinn, I can't believe you would do such a thing! You're telling me that you sneaked out of the healer's wing, stole a ship and came after me disregarding totally the fact that I asked you to stay behind to heal?" Kyran was angry but at the same time he was also a little touched that his friend put himself in such risk for him. He shook himself. It was those thoughts that would get Qui-Gon killed someday, recklessly running into danger.

"That does sum up the situation. We can talk later. Go." Qui-Gon began to jog back towards his ship, limping slightly. "Get Jayla to the Temple."

Kyran shook his head at his friend's stubbornness as he headed off to the ship. Yes the most certainly would talk later if the Council didn't first arrest his friend for stealing a ship. Gritting his teeth he punched in the code and let down the ramp at his ship.

********