Chapter Three

It was mid afternoon when the guard appeared, again. He had come first thing in the morning, escorting the droid that brought him several meal packs. Not particularly appetizing, but filling and nutritious. Now the two who had stood watch on his door flanked the guard. "Its time. The Council will see you now."

Qui-Gon's stomach churned as he put down the novel he'd been reading and smoothly stood. Somehow he knew this was going to turn out bad. Imagine that, he thought darkly as they walked. He tucked his arms into his robes and tried to maintain an air of graceful dignity even though it was obvious to everyone who saw him that he was under guard.

*******

His Padawan sleeping soundly in the care of the healers, Kyran headed back towards his rooms for a quick shower and change of clothes, the first time since returning with Jayla yesterday. He had refused to leave her side until the Healers had finally chased him out. He was almost there when he was passed by Qui-Gon, escorted by three guards. Kyran knew that the Council was displeased with Qui-Gon, but guards? His shock was quickly followed by the thought, perhaps now Qui-Gon will stay where he is supposed to be. Kyran ruthlessly suppressed the guilt that flared up at that thought. Qui-Gon was turning his head towards him, face serene, but eyes seemed to be begging for understanding. Kyran frowned. Whatever trouble Qui-Gon was in, it was because he refused to believe anyone else knew anything except him.

Qui-Gon felt his face warm slightly as Kyran turned away from him. His best friend had seen the kind of trouble he was in and he still didn't have any sympathy for him. Of course he doesn't, Qui-Gon thought bitterly. You let his padawan get kidnapped. Qui-Gon felt vaguely like he might be sick. He reflected that it was a good thing he hadn't eaten what the guard had brought him for lunch. He took a deep breath, centering himself as best he could, then stepped inside the Council chambers.

"Knight Qui-Gon Jinn. You are called before the Jedi Council to answer several very serious charges. " said Yarrel Poof.

"You are being accused of stealing a starship from the Temple Hangers. Disobeying orders to remain in the Healers' Ward. Unauthorized interference in another Jedi's mission, to the possible endangerment of both that Jedi and his Padawan. How do you respond to these charges?"

Qui-Gon flinched inwardly at the list. He knew all of the charges were correct and he had done every one of them. "I am guilty as charged, my masters. However, I do ask that you listen to the reasons behind my actions."

"Listen we will, then decide your fate." Yoda said.

Qui-Gon swallowed hard at the coldness in Yoda's tone. " As you know, I was responsible for Padawan Bro'ak's welfare while Master Josel left on his own mission. While we were walking she was forcefully taken from my care. Duty demanded that I go do everything I could to try to help. I could not in good conscience sit and wait knowing that there was something I could do to assist."

"I was aware of Aldeim's movements and location more so than Master Josel. I know her habits down to the last vice. Since she took Padawan Bro'ak in attempt to get revenge against me, I knew it was likely the padawan would be injured. I knew that with an injured apprentice it would be extremely difficult for Master Josel to rescue her on his own."

"And yet Master Josel was able to track her down. According to the report he submitted, he had already found her location when you joined him. While he does acknowledge your assistance in Padawan Bro'ak's rescue, he also stated that he had to leave her to retrieve you. There is no reason to believe that Master Josel would not have been able to rescue his own Padawan. Your presence was a distraction, creating further risk to both Master and Padawan. Your duty was to obey the orders you had been given. The Order is more than just you, Knight Jinn. You alone are not responsible for the well being of all of its members," said Ki-Adi Mundi.

"As to the matter of bringing Aldeim to justice for her crimes. She was killed by you, correct?" inquired Piell. "Was that justice or revenge?"

Qui-Gon frowned slightly. Revenge was the path to the Dark side. Did the Council truly think that he had acted from the Dark? "It was self defense, my Masters. She fired at me and I deflected it."

The Council members stared at him, studying him with both eyes and Force sense. After a long moment, they seemed to come to an accord. "The Council acknowledges that Aldeim was killed in self defense. However, the Council maintains that your presence was inappropriate and unwarranted. Do you have anything to say in regards to the other issues?"

Qui-Gon let out a slow breath of relief. At least he was spared the charge of using the Dark side of the Force. Did he have anything else to add? Yes there was something. He bowed his head slightly. "I did what I thought was right, my Masters. You may not agree or see my reasoning but that remains my sole motivation."

"You have stood before us more than once to be reprimanded for defiance of Council orders. This goes beyond any previous action. You are reckless, disobedient, stole Temple property, and endangered your fellow Jedi. It would be well within our rights to dismiss you from the Order. It is also acknowledge that despite your highly inappropriate behavior, you do seem to strive towards goals that are clearly of the Light. Therefore, the Council has decided on the following judgement."

Qui-Gon stood straight and his muscles were tense as he waited, feeling like he could be sick if he opened his mouth. His head spun. They could expel him. Of all the possible outcomes he had considered, including his own death during Jayla's rescue, it had never occurred to him that he would be dismissed from the Order. Within ten minutes his life here at the Temple could be over. Far better if he had been killed.

"You will be confined to quarters for two weeks. During that time you will receive no visitors and no contacts from anyone, except for a master who will guide you each day in meditation for three hours. The focus of your meditations will be on obedience, conformity to the Code, and the importance of considering all consequences of actions. You will then be placed on probation for one year. During that time you will not have the right to refuse any mission you are assigned. Any disciplinary violation will be viewed with the possibility of expulsion from the Order. Do you have any questions?"

Qui-Gon paled slightly at the idea of being a prisoner in his own room for two weeks. He was already going stir crazy and he'd only been there for a day. He took a breath knowing that he had to be careful during this next year. "No, Masters."

"You will return to your quarters. The guards will be dismissed once they have escorted you back to your rooms. Be aware, that if you do not obey the Disciplinary actions imposed here today, exactly and to the letter, it is very likely you will be expelled from the Order. Do you understand?"

Qui-Gon whispered very quietly his acknowledgement. He had known there would be repercussions from his decision, but had not expected house arrest and a year's probation. But, he quickly reminded himself, better that then expulsion from the Order.

"You may go. May the Force be with you and guide you."

Qui-Gon bowed with as much dignity as he could muster and turned to head out of the room. His face burned as he thought about the Council meeting. That had been the harshest punishment the Jedi Council had ever given him. Well Jinn, you deserved it, he thought bitterly. He clenched his teeth upset at the idea of being locked in his room. He wanted to know how Jayla was recovering. This effectively prevented him from finding out any information.

There wouldn't be any guards, Qui-Gon reminded himself. However if he were called before the Council again for disobedience they would expel him from the order. He couldn't imagine not being a Jedi. He resolved not to risk his standing any further than he already had. He would obey.

Well Kyran, you got your wish. He thought. He wanted Qui-Gon to stay put and do what he was told. Now he had no choice. What would Kyran say when he found out that Qui-Gon was locked in his room? Qui-Gon narrowed his gaze darkly. He'll probably just say that you deserved every bit of it. Deal with it Qui-Gon. Qui-Gon paused at the entrance to his apartment and looked around one last time at the corridors and hallways. He continued to memorize the hall, knowing that two weeks locked inside was a very long time. He only moved when the guard ushered him the rest of the way in.

****

Mace found Kyran sitting at the side of his Padawan's bed. The girl was practicing fine manipulation of the Force by threading several small beads onto a piece of wire.

"You are looking well, Padawan," he said in greeting, pleased to note that the unexpected sound did not cause her to loose control of the beads.

The young girl smiled as the Master entered the room. "Thank you Master Windu, I am feeling better."

"I'm glad to hear that. I understand that you will be released from the Healers' by the end of the week."

She used the Force to twist off the end of the wire and floated the newly made bracelet to her master. Grinning brightly at Kyran's pleased nod as he examined her work, she said. "Yes. Master Han'yaie said that I'll be all right in a few days. I'm glad too. It's really quite boring to sit in the healer's wing all day.'

Kyran grinned back at his Padawan, "Careful what you say, Jayla. If you are bored I am sure that I can find some more assignments for you to do. Its about time you began your coursework in applied astrophysics, isn't it?"

She wrinkled her nose. "On second thought, I'm not so bored."

"I didn't think so. Well, Master Windu, what brings you to our little corner of the Healers?"

"Just dropping by for a social visit. I thought I would check on Jayla and make sure she is recovering well. I have an appointment this afternoon and wanted to make sure I dropped by.

"She is doing very well, both physically and with the soul healers. I appreciate your concern." Mace detected the faintest hint of annoyance in Kyran's last sentence.

"I see. Is something wrong?" Mace arched a brow hearing the annoyance.

"Nothing that anyone need be concerned about," Kyran shrugged off the Councilor's comment.

"Kyran, can I see you privately for a few minutes?" Mace frowned at Kyran. Jayla's face was much easier to read than Kyran's. It was clear that whatever was upsetting Kyran had her worried as well.

"Of course. Jayla, continue with your exercises. I'll be right back." Kyran pulled the door to her room closed behind him, as he stepped into the hall.

Mace stared at his friend. "What's bothering you? This has to do with Qui-Gon doesn't it?"

"Are you asking as a Council member or my friend," demanded Kyran.

Mace sighed. "As a friend, Kyran. I'm sure you wonder why he hasn't been by to see you in several days."

"The thought had crossed my mind. He shoved his way into where he wasn't needed, now he's nowhere to be found. He can't even be bothered to comm about Jayla's well being. I know that he was under guard for the first two days we were back, but now what is his excuse? Most likely off somewhere sulking or wallowing in guilt."

Mace put a hand on Kyran's shoulder. "Kyran, Qui-Gon isn't here because of the Council's sentencing of his actions. He wanted very much to be here. He is confined to his quarters with no contact except for masters assigned to guide him in several hours of meditation a day. If he violates these orders he will be expelled from the Order."

"Expelled from the Order?" repeated Kyran in a shocked whisper. He knew that Qui-Gon was due some heavy penitents for his actions, but he never dreamed that Qui-Gon might be forced to leave the Order.

Mace sighed deeply. "There's more to his punishment. This next year will be spent on probation and he cannot refuse any assignment we give him."

Kyran shook his head in amazement. House arrest, the possibility of being expelled, and losing the right to refuse assignments. The last was going to be a very hard blow to the independent Qui-Gon. Although he had seldom invoked that right, the idea that he could not refuse any mission that seemed contrary to his sense of right and wrong. It was a way to emphasize the need for obedience, Kyran knew. He glanced towards the room where his injured Padawan lay. Perhaps it would be a good thing for Qui-Gon to learn some obedience, he thought, his heart growing hard again. Then maybe Qui-Gon wouldn't take foolish risks that put both him and others in harms way.

Mace looked at Kyran a trifle sadly. "He's not dealing with confinement very well, but he is trying. Don't be too upset about him not being here."

"I'm upset at Qui-Gon because he was there when he shouldn't have been."

Mace frowned a little but knew he couldn't argue with that. "I will tell him how Jayla is doing. He was very anxious to know. Is there anything you'd like me to tell him?"

"No. I have nothing to say to Qui-Gon Jinn. If you will excuse me, I need to get back to my Padawan."

Mace frowned as the door shut in his face. He sighed. Kyran's hurt feelings were even deeper than he thought.

*****