Chapter Ten
Lana didn't know which Jedi she was the most concerned over. Both Obi-Wan and Qui-Gon's skin were tinted blue from the cold and neither had regained consciousness since their rescue. They were both in slightly cold bacta tanks at the Jedi Temple, cold in order to keep them from going into shock if introduced to too warm a temperature right away. Two padawan-master Healer teams were constantly watching the two Jedi every minute of the day. Neither Kyran nor Lana had moved from the bacta tanks.
Kyran paced in front of the bacta tank holding Qui-Gon. The red mark on his throat was still visible even after extended time in bacta. He wondered what had happened to him to get his throat in that condition. He shivered slightly and glanced over at his wife. "You should go rest. You're more tired than I am."
Lana tore her eyes from Obi-Wan's extremely pale face. "No," she said, shaking her head. "Even if I went, I would not be able to sleep....Not until we are told something more substantial." Her eyes pleaded with her husband to not force her to leave her two friends.
Kyran sighed a little. "Well, you should go eat something at least—and bring me something back from the dining hall."
Lana glanced at the two floating Jedi, hesitated, then gave in as she stood. "Anything in particular you want?"
"Not really—I won't be picky at the moment. A piece of bread and some type of salad at the very least."
Lana nodded and said, "Contact me on the comlink if anything changes? Or if we have more news?"
"Of course I will." He kissed her lightly. "Go eat."
Lana smiled wanly, then went to the dining hall. She had just loaded two sliced dewback sandwiches onto her plate for herself and Kyran when she heard Bant calling her name. She turned to see the Calamarian young woman striding toward her with the researcher, Sassi, behind her. They must have just gotten off their own ship from their rumpled clothing. Lana let Bant hug her. "How was the trip?"
Bant shrugged. "Long."
Sassi glanced at Lana taking in the plate piled with food. "How's Qui-Gon? And Obi-Wan," she asked, adding the apprentice's name almost as an afterthought.
Lana bristled at the other woman's attitude toward Obi-Wan, but refrained from commenting on it as she said, "They are both critical. Neither has woken, though there are two Jedi teams watching over them."
Sassi winced and her features softened slightly. "I'm sorry. Neither are awake?" She sighed a little at that. "I'd like to go back with you to the Healer's if you don't mind..."
Lana eyed her coolly. "None but Jedi or family are allowed to see critical patients, though you may wait in the outside waiting area."
Bant silently watched the two human women, observing their interaction.
Sassi's face fell. "Oh. I understand," she said biting her lip. "Then I'll camp out in the waiting area."
Lana turned to Bant. "You are welcome to visit Obi-Wan and Qui, anytime." Then she walked away, not giving Sassi another glance.
Sassi stared after Lana and sighed deeply. She hadn't meant to sound like she wasn't concerned for Obi-Wan. She was deeply concerned, but her wording had come out wrong. She could figure out numbers brilliantly but when it came to dealing with relationships she had more of a hard time. She quietly gathered her things and went to go camp out in the waiting area of the Healer's wing—determined to get some news, even if she wasn't allowed.
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"I just can't believe her!" Lana muttered angrily as she handed a sandwich to Kyran and plopping down on a self-conforming chair. "She still has an attitude against Obi-Wan for leaving her. He saved her life! But she's too blind to realize it, the gutka." She glanced at Kyran. "Sorry," she apologized for using Rodian profanity.
"She's just concerned that he risked himself when he was injured and should not have," Kyran said thickly through a bit of his sandwich. "Swear a Jedi should not," he added, grinning a little.
Lana grinned back, some of her anger fading away. The doors opened and Bant strode in. She walked immediately to Lana. "I need to speak with you please, Jedi Josel." She glanced at Kyran and amended, "Jedi Lana Josel."
Lana arched a brow and chewed some more on her sandwich. She finished it off and then stood back up. "Something the matter, Bant?"
Bant gestured to the side of the large room and only continued once they were alone. She gave a small bow. "I would like to speak to you about Sassi. She feels deeply for Qui-Gon and is truly concerned about him."
Lana frowned a little. "She should have some sliver of concern for Obi-Wan as well. Obi-Wan is like a son to Qui-Gon and he saved her life by leaving without her but she's too blind to see it."
Bant thought about her words, then responded, "She does not know him well. In time, she will come to know and be as concerned for his welfare as we are, but for now she is very afraid." The Calamarian's eyes focused on Lana's with brilliant intensity. "She is a loner here. I should think someone else would understand that feeling."
Lana's eyes softened a little at that. "I suppose you are right. I will talk to her."
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Sassi sighed as she curled up in an uncomfortable chair in the Healer's waiting area, still wondering what she could have done to not have sounded as if she had not cared an iota about Obi-Wan when the door opened and Lana walked through. The lithe woman's eyes were busily scanning the waiting room. When they lighted on Sassi, she came straight at her, determination in her eyes.
Sassi swallowed hard at the look in the Jedi woman's eyes as she watched her walk across the room. What was her name? Oh yes, Lana. That was it. She stood, stretching a little wincing at the cramps in her stiff muscles from sitting for so long on a ship and then in the waiting room.
"Sassi?" Lana inquired, making sure that the other woman was paying attention to her.
Sassi blinked. "Yes? How are Obi-Wan and Qui-Gon?" she asked in concern, feeling a knot form in the pit of her stomach. "Any change yet?"
Lana fought back a smile when the petite researcher asked about Obi-Wan. It was nice to know that even after marriage to a Jedi and on the way to becoming one herself that she hadn't lost her touch with others. "Obi-Wan and Qui-Gon both are still the same, though they are beginning to regain a little color. The healers are going to try to wake them later today to feed them something. But they are not the reason I am here." She paused.
Sassi frowned in confusion. "Then why are you here?" She paled a little at the idea that Qui-Gon hadn't even woken yet.
Lana gestured to a corner of the waiting area, away from a family that was slumbering. Once they had reached their goal, Lana surprised them both by laying a hand on Sassi's arm. "I wanted to apologize for being so rude earlier. We are all concerned about Qui and Obi-Wan, and I should not have taken my frustrations at not being able to help more out on you. I was once in your shoes a few years ago." She gave her an encouraging smile.
Sassi stared a little, then she smiled. "Thank you. I was just worried myself, but sometimes I have a hard time making wording come out the way I want it to."
Lana nodded and removed her hand. "It happens alot to me," she confided. "Before Kyran married me I was always unsure of myself and where I stood with others, especially the Jedi. I always felt like the outsider, but with his love all that changed."
Sassi frowned in confusion. "But I thought that Jedi took you as an infant or not at all if you were to become a Jedi."
Lana nodded. "Usually, that is true. It was found out that a Jedi Master hid my talents since my brother was more gifted than I. I would have been trained if not for her, and so after much deliberation the Council granted Kyran and Qui-Gon the provision that they could teach me to keep me from the dark side." Her eyes sparkled with mirth. "I can be quite a terror. I even hit a Jedi Master once." She laughed.
Sassi smirked a little. "I hit a coworker if that counts," she said referring to when she'd smacked Grekklen. This woman must be formidable indeed to have actually hit a Jedi Master! "Thank you for telling me about Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan." She made to move to go back to her chair in the waiting room. "I'll wait until he's well enough. I have the time off work, if I need it."
Lana caught at her sleeve, stopping her. "You can come in. Before I came out to see you, I had them give you clearance to come and go anytime you wished. Besides, it's about time for them to wake them. Qui-Gon would...like it if you were there. If you follow me, I'll show you the way." She turned and walked back into the critical ward.
Sassi eagerly went with her.
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Obi-Wan felt a prodding through the Force, urging him to waken. It concentrated itself in his stomach, drawing his attention to how empty it was. His stomach needed no further encouragement to wake up. It started growling, demanding food, immediately, which prompted Obi-Wan the rest of the way awake. He blinked his eyes, surprised to see that he was being lifted out of a bacta tank. "Wh...?" he asked, before his teeth began chattering so badly that he couldn't finish. He saw that his Master was slowly blinking himself awake above a bacta tank near him. He was shivering also.
Qui-Gon shivered at the top of the bacta tank. He was freezing and his throat felt raw and on fire with pain. He tried to open his mouth and reassure his padawan but no sound came out other than a weak moan. He blinked sleepily as he looked around the healer's room. He shook his head slightly seeing the petite researcher, Sassi, hovering anxiously nearby.
"How do you feel, Obi-Wan?" Jedi Healer Han'yaie asked him as he wrapped him in a thick robe. He carefully wrapped his long arms around the padawan and helped him walk down the stairs.
Obi-Wan took a brief stock of his condition. "My...blisters are healing, but are still tender. I'm...so cold..." He shivered so badly his own body shook.
Han'yaie tightened his grip on Obi-Wan as Lana walked up. "Lana is going to help you to a very warm recovery room so you can eat. You'll be in bacta again tonight, but for now I want you and your master to just relax with friends." He handed the padawan over to Lana, who led him to the recovery room as the healer climbed the steps to Qui-Gon. He asked the Jedi Master the same question, "How are you feeling?"
Qui-Gon opened his mouth to try to respond, but then winced at the sharp pain in his throat. Frustration quickly bubbled under the surface. If he couldn't convey how he felt, how was he to be able to heal? He had no answers for that: all he knew was that it pained him to even open his mouth, let alone talk.
Han'yaie focused into the Force. Talk to me this way, Qui-Gon. You are scheduled for surgery on your larynx in another day's time. Other than that, how do you feel?
Qui-Gon stared at the healer. The idea of surgery on his larynx didn't sound very appealing at all. Sore. Everywhere. My leg is throbbing. It's healing a little but I still don't think I can put my full weight on it to walk anywhere. My feet are doing better, not quite so cold...the burns are mostly healed.He paused a little. And I'm starving,he finished.
Han'yaie chuckled. Yes, Obi-Wan is as well.He summoned a hoverchair. Use this to help you get around for today. You and Obi-Wan will both go back in bacta later today, but for now you are to relax with friends and eat.He gave him a hard stare, then added, I'm concerned mostly about your larynx and Obi-Wan's burned chest. We'll see what another round in bacta can do.He handed Qui-Gon a thick robe to put around himself.
Qui-Gon paled at the idea of eating anything. He carefully took the robe from the Healer and wrapped himself up in it. He was so cold and the robe warmed his freezing skin. Thank you...He sat in the hoverchair, grateful that he wouldn't have to walk anywhere.
Han'yaie steered the chair down the stairs to the waiting Sassi and an anxious Kyran. "He's all yours, though don't force him to talk," the healer warned, his gaze focused solely on Sassi.
She nodded and knelt at Qui-Gon's feet, tears in her eyes. "I was so worried..." She whispered. "You disappeared..."
Qui-Gon hoped that his eyes could say what he could not: that he didn't mean to worry her and he was very glad that she was all right. It was easier with Kyran—they at least had their bond from childhood that they could use. What took you so long?he said teasingly through their link.
Kyran huffed as he took his chair from Han'yaie and began to steer him toward the recovery room set up for his and his padawan's use. You were hard to find, as always,Kyran scoffed. Next time, drop a postcard stating 'Hello, I'm on Hoth. Wonderful place to freeze to death. Come visit anytime.'He gave his friend a long look as they neared the door to the recovery room. What were you doing, unprotected, on Hoth's surface?
I'll be sure to remember to write next time, but I don't think the postman makes regularly scheduled visits to Hoth. I didn't go out there for fun, especially without my cold weather gear. You think I just wanted to play in the snow or something?
Kyran gave a small laugh, startling Sassi who had no idea that they were talking. She proceeded them into the room. With you, there's no telling,Kyran quipped. Then he pushed his friend into the room.
Obi-Wan made a move to jump up, but winced and settled back down. "Master!" His face colored, clearly wondering how his master would treat him after the many times he had disobeyed him over their trip.
Qui-Gon opened his mouth to say something in greeting but then changed his mind. Talking was pure instinct. Relying solely on the Force for communication was going to be a little difficult until he got more used to it. Obi-Wan...
Obi-Wan didn't meet his eyes. I'm glad to see you....he very visible skipped saying 'alive' and said instead doing well.
Qui-Gon gave his padawan a hard look. Yes. I am feeling better—I have you to thank for that, I believe. But we will be discussing things later. For now I think it best to relax and enjoy yourself as much as you are able in the Healer's Wing,he instructed, his voice dripping with sarcasm at the idea of being relaxed in the Healer's Ward.
Obi-Wan chuckled and raised his eyes to his master. They were filled with love and respect, though backed by an inner strength that Qui-Gon had just begun to glimpse through their recent trip to Hoth. I'm sure as long as you don't try to runaway this time you'll be able to relax,Obi-Wan informed him.
Qui-Gon raised a brow. I don't think I'm in the shape this time to "run" anywhere. All Han'yaie would have to do is disable my hoverchair.
Obi-Wan burst into laughter, electing amused looks from the Jedi and a surprised look from Sassi. He went back to happily eating his tender dewback ribs that were sliced off the bone for him.
Qui-Gon's stomach rumbled as he smelled the ribs that his padawan was eating. Surely he could have a small taste... He reached eagerly for a bite off his padawan's tray since no one had brought him anything yet.
Lana quickly reached out and smacked his hand. "You, sir, get soup so stay away from your growing padawan's food," she warned, a twinkle in her eye. Just then, a healer padawan stepped in, holding a tray with a large bowl of a flavorful soup and placed it in Qui-Gon's lap.
Qui-Gon sulked and wrinkled his nose in distaste at the soup. He'd had no food for several days and they were just going to give him flavored water? His eyes pleaded with Lana to give him something else but she was unmoved. Very grudgingly he picked up the spoon and began trying to eat small bites at a time, trying very hard to ignore the pain in his throat as he did so.
Obi-Wan noticed his master's discomfort and paused in his eating to focus into the Force to shunt some of his master's pain to himself so that Qui- Gon could get the nutrients his body so desperately needed.
Qui-Gon glanced over at his padawan as he continued to eat, noticing that it didn't hurt as much and figuring Obi-Wan was responsible. Thank you, padawan.
Obi-Wan grinned over at him. Anytime, Master. Anytime.He resumed eating himself. After a moment, a large piece of bread soaked in dewback juice floated to Qui-Gon and dropped into the remnants of his soup. Obi-Wan pretended to not notice.
What have I told you before about playing with your food, Padawan?Qui- Gon sent. His eyes were twinkling betraying the seriousness in his tone.
Obi-Wan almost choked on his own food, he was laughing so hard. Lana put her hands on her hips as Kyran laughed and even Sassi found the flying food funny. "Now, look, Obi-Wan....Qui isn't supposed to have too solid of food yet..."
Kyran laid a hand on his wife's arm, still laughing. "Let them be. They're hungry."
Qui-Gon smiled at his friend as he ate his soup. Yes, his padawan would make a fine young knight someday. Risking his life to help those around him and helping others without being asked. He glanced around the room. He truly was among family and he wouldn't rather be anywhere else—even in the Force.
Lana didn't know which Jedi she was the most concerned over. Both Obi-Wan and Qui-Gon's skin were tinted blue from the cold and neither had regained consciousness since their rescue. They were both in slightly cold bacta tanks at the Jedi Temple, cold in order to keep them from going into shock if introduced to too warm a temperature right away. Two padawan-master Healer teams were constantly watching the two Jedi every minute of the day. Neither Kyran nor Lana had moved from the bacta tanks.
Kyran paced in front of the bacta tank holding Qui-Gon. The red mark on his throat was still visible even after extended time in bacta. He wondered what had happened to him to get his throat in that condition. He shivered slightly and glanced over at his wife. "You should go rest. You're more tired than I am."
Lana tore her eyes from Obi-Wan's extremely pale face. "No," she said, shaking her head. "Even if I went, I would not be able to sleep....Not until we are told something more substantial." Her eyes pleaded with her husband to not force her to leave her two friends.
Kyran sighed a little. "Well, you should go eat something at least—and bring me something back from the dining hall."
Lana glanced at the two floating Jedi, hesitated, then gave in as she stood. "Anything in particular you want?"
"Not really—I won't be picky at the moment. A piece of bread and some type of salad at the very least."
Lana nodded and said, "Contact me on the comlink if anything changes? Or if we have more news?"
"Of course I will." He kissed her lightly. "Go eat."
Lana smiled wanly, then went to the dining hall. She had just loaded two sliced dewback sandwiches onto her plate for herself and Kyran when she heard Bant calling her name. She turned to see the Calamarian young woman striding toward her with the researcher, Sassi, behind her. They must have just gotten off their own ship from their rumpled clothing. Lana let Bant hug her. "How was the trip?"
Bant shrugged. "Long."
Sassi glanced at Lana taking in the plate piled with food. "How's Qui-Gon? And Obi-Wan," she asked, adding the apprentice's name almost as an afterthought.
Lana bristled at the other woman's attitude toward Obi-Wan, but refrained from commenting on it as she said, "They are both critical. Neither has woken, though there are two Jedi teams watching over them."
Sassi winced and her features softened slightly. "I'm sorry. Neither are awake?" She sighed a little at that. "I'd like to go back with you to the Healer's if you don't mind..."
Lana eyed her coolly. "None but Jedi or family are allowed to see critical patients, though you may wait in the outside waiting area."
Bant silently watched the two human women, observing their interaction.
Sassi's face fell. "Oh. I understand," she said biting her lip. "Then I'll camp out in the waiting area."
Lana turned to Bant. "You are welcome to visit Obi-Wan and Qui, anytime." Then she walked away, not giving Sassi another glance.
Sassi stared after Lana and sighed deeply. She hadn't meant to sound like she wasn't concerned for Obi-Wan. She was deeply concerned, but her wording had come out wrong. She could figure out numbers brilliantly but when it came to dealing with relationships she had more of a hard time. She quietly gathered her things and went to go camp out in the waiting area of the Healer's wing—determined to get some news, even if she wasn't allowed.
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"I just can't believe her!" Lana muttered angrily as she handed a sandwich to Kyran and plopping down on a self-conforming chair. "She still has an attitude against Obi-Wan for leaving her. He saved her life! But she's too blind to realize it, the gutka." She glanced at Kyran. "Sorry," she apologized for using Rodian profanity.
"She's just concerned that he risked himself when he was injured and should not have," Kyran said thickly through a bit of his sandwich. "Swear a Jedi should not," he added, grinning a little.
Lana grinned back, some of her anger fading away. The doors opened and Bant strode in. She walked immediately to Lana. "I need to speak with you please, Jedi Josel." She glanced at Kyran and amended, "Jedi Lana Josel."
Lana arched a brow and chewed some more on her sandwich. She finished it off and then stood back up. "Something the matter, Bant?"
Bant gestured to the side of the large room and only continued once they were alone. She gave a small bow. "I would like to speak to you about Sassi. She feels deeply for Qui-Gon and is truly concerned about him."
Lana frowned a little. "She should have some sliver of concern for Obi-Wan as well. Obi-Wan is like a son to Qui-Gon and he saved her life by leaving without her but she's too blind to see it."
Bant thought about her words, then responded, "She does not know him well. In time, she will come to know and be as concerned for his welfare as we are, but for now she is very afraid." The Calamarian's eyes focused on Lana's with brilliant intensity. "She is a loner here. I should think someone else would understand that feeling."
Lana's eyes softened a little at that. "I suppose you are right. I will talk to her."
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Sassi sighed as she curled up in an uncomfortable chair in the Healer's waiting area, still wondering what she could have done to not have sounded as if she had not cared an iota about Obi-Wan when the door opened and Lana walked through. The lithe woman's eyes were busily scanning the waiting room. When they lighted on Sassi, she came straight at her, determination in her eyes.
Sassi swallowed hard at the look in the Jedi woman's eyes as she watched her walk across the room. What was her name? Oh yes, Lana. That was it. She stood, stretching a little wincing at the cramps in her stiff muscles from sitting for so long on a ship and then in the waiting room.
"Sassi?" Lana inquired, making sure that the other woman was paying attention to her.
Sassi blinked. "Yes? How are Obi-Wan and Qui-Gon?" she asked in concern, feeling a knot form in the pit of her stomach. "Any change yet?"
Lana fought back a smile when the petite researcher asked about Obi-Wan. It was nice to know that even after marriage to a Jedi and on the way to becoming one herself that she hadn't lost her touch with others. "Obi-Wan and Qui-Gon both are still the same, though they are beginning to regain a little color. The healers are going to try to wake them later today to feed them something. But they are not the reason I am here." She paused.
Sassi frowned in confusion. "Then why are you here?" She paled a little at the idea that Qui-Gon hadn't even woken yet.
Lana gestured to a corner of the waiting area, away from a family that was slumbering. Once they had reached their goal, Lana surprised them both by laying a hand on Sassi's arm. "I wanted to apologize for being so rude earlier. We are all concerned about Qui and Obi-Wan, and I should not have taken my frustrations at not being able to help more out on you. I was once in your shoes a few years ago." She gave her an encouraging smile.
Sassi stared a little, then she smiled. "Thank you. I was just worried myself, but sometimes I have a hard time making wording come out the way I want it to."
Lana nodded and removed her hand. "It happens alot to me," she confided. "Before Kyran married me I was always unsure of myself and where I stood with others, especially the Jedi. I always felt like the outsider, but with his love all that changed."
Sassi frowned in confusion. "But I thought that Jedi took you as an infant or not at all if you were to become a Jedi."
Lana nodded. "Usually, that is true. It was found out that a Jedi Master hid my talents since my brother was more gifted than I. I would have been trained if not for her, and so after much deliberation the Council granted Kyran and Qui-Gon the provision that they could teach me to keep me from the dark side." Her eyes sparkled with mirth. "I can be quite a terror. I even hit a Jedi Master once." She laughed.
Sassi smirked a little. "I hit a coworker if that counts," she said referring to when she'd smacked Grekklen. This woman must be formidable indeed to have actually hit a Jedi Master! "Thank you for telling me about Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan." She made to move to go back to her chair in the waiting room. "I'll wait until he's well enough. I have the time off work, if I need it."
Lana caught at her sleeve, stopping her. "You can come in. Before I came out to see you, I had them give you clearance to come and go anytime you wished. Besides, it's about time for them to wake them. Qui-Gon would...like it if you were there. If you follow me, I'll show you the way." She turned and walked back into the critical ward.
Sassi eagerly went with her.
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Obi-Wan felt a prodding through the Force, urging him to waken. It concentrated itself in his stomach, drawing his attention to how empty it was. His stomach needed no further encouragement to wake up. It started growling, demanding food, immediately, which prompted Obi-Wan the rest of the way awake. He blinked his eyes, surprised to see that he was being lifted out of a bacta tank. "Wh...?" he asked, before his teeth began chattering so badly that he couldn't finish. He saw that his Master was slowly blinking himself awake above a bacta tank near him. He was shivering also.
Qui-Gon shivered at the top of the bacta tank. He was freezing and his throat felt raw and on fire with pain. He tried to open his mouth and reassure his padawan but no sound came out other than a weak moan. He blinked sleepily as he looked around the healer's room. He shook his head slightly seeing the petite researcher, Sassi, hovering anxiously nearby.
"How do you feel, Obi-Wan?" Jedi Healer Han'yaie asked him as he wrapped him in a thick robe. He carefully wrapped his long arms around the padawan and helped him walk down the stairs.
Obi-Wan took a brief stock of his condition. "My...blisters are healing, but are still tender. I'm...so cold..." He shivered so badly his own body shook.
Han'yaie tightened his grip on Obi-Wan as Lana walked up. "Lana is going to help you to a very warm recovery room so you can eat. You'll be in bacta again tonight, but for now I want you and your master to just relax with friends." He handed the padawan over to Lana, who led him to the recovery room as the healer climbed the steps to Qui-Gon. He asked the Jedi Master the same question, "How are you feeling?"
Qui-Gon opened his mouth to try to respond, but then winced at the sharp pain in his throat. Frustration quickly bubbled under the surface. If he couldn't convey how he felt, how was he to be able to heal? He had no answers for that: all he knew was that it pained him to even open his mouth, let alone talk.
Han'yaie focused into the Force. Talk to me this way, Qui-Gon. You are scheduled for surgery on your larynx in another day's time. Other than that, how do you feel?
Qui-Gon stared at the healer. The idea of surgery on his larynx didn't sound very appealing at all. Sore. Everywhere. My leg is throbbing. It's healing a little but I still don't think I can put my full weight on it to walk anywhere. My feet are doing better, not quite so cold...the burns are mostly healed.He paused a little. And I'm starving,he finished.
Han'yaie chuckled. Yes, Obi-Wan is as well.He summoned a hoverchair. Use this to help you get around for today. You and Obi-Wan will both go back in bacta later today, but for now you are to relax with friends and eat.He gave him a hard stare, then added, I'm concerned mostly about your larynx and Obi-Wan's burned chest. We'll see what another round in bacta can do.He handed Qui-Gon a thick robe to put around himself.
Qui-Gon paled at the idea of eating anything. He carefully took the robe from the Healer and wrapped himself up in it. He was so cold and the robe warmed his freezing skin. Thank you...He sat in the hoverchair, grateful that he wouldn't have to walk anywhere.
Han'yaie steered the chair down the stairs to the waiting Sassi and an anxious Kyran. "He's all yours, though don't force him to talk," the healer warned, his gaze focused solely on Sassi.
She nodded and knelt at Qui-Gon's feet, tears in her eyes. "I was so worried..." She whispered. "You disappeared..."
Qui-Gon hoped that his eyes could say what he could not: that he didn't mean to worry her and he was very glad that she was all right. It was easier with Kyran—they at least had their bond from childhood that they could use. What took you so long?he said teasingly through their link.
Kyran huffed as he took his chair from Han'yaie and began to steer him toward the recovery room set up for his and his padawan's use. You were hard to find, as always,Kyran scoffed. Next time, drop a postcard stating 'Hello, I'm on Hoth. Wonderful place to freeze to death. Come visit anytime.'He gave his friend a long look as they neared the door to the recovery room. What were you doing, unprotected, on Hoth's surface?
I'll be sure to remember to write next time, but I don't think the postman makes regularly scheduled visits to Hoth. I didn't go out there for fun, especially without my cold weather gear. You think I just wanted to play in the snow or something?
Kyran gave a small laugh, startling Sassi who had no idea that they were talking. She proceeded them into the room. With you, there's no telling,Kyran quipped. Then he pushed his friend into the room.
Obi-Wan made a move to jump up, but winced and settled back down. "Master!" His face colored, clearly wondering how his master would treat him after the many times he had disobeyed him over their trip.
Qui-Gon opened his mouth to say something in greeting but then changed his mind. Talking was pure instinct. Relying solely on the Force for communication was going to be a little difficult until he got more used to it. Obi-Wan...
Obi-Wan didn't meet his eyes. I'm glad to see you....he very visible skipped saying 'alive' and said instead doing well.
Qui-Gon gave his padawan a hard look. Yes. I am feeling better—I have you to thank for that, I believe. But we will be discussing things later. For now I think it best to relax and enjoy yourself as much as you are able in the Healer's Wing,he instructed, his voice dripping with sarcasm at the idea of being relaxed in the Healer's Ward.
Obi-Wan chuckled and raised his eyes to his master. They were filled with love and respect, though backed by an inner strength that Qui-Gon had just begun to glimpse through their recent trip to Hoth. I'm sure as long as you don't try to runaway this time you'll be able to relax,Obi-Wan informed him.
Qui-Gon raised a brow. I don't think I'm in the shape this time to "run" anywhere. All Han'yaie would have to do is disable my hoverchair.
Obi-Wan burst into laughter, electing amused looks from the Jedi and a surprised look from Sassi. He went back to happily eating his tender dewback ribs that were sliced off the bone for him.
Qui-Gon's stomach rumbled as he smelled the ribs that his padawan was eating. Surely he could have a small taste... He reached eagerly for a bite off his padawan's tray since no one had brought him anything yet.
Lana quickly reached out and smacked his hand. "You, sir, get soup so stay away from your growing padawan's food," she warned, a twinkle in her eye. Just then, a healer padawan stepped in, holding a tray with a large bowl of a flavorful soup and placed it in Qui-Gon's lap.
Qui-Gon sulked and wrinkled his nose in distaste at the soup. He'd had no food for several days and they were just going to give him flavored water? His eyes pleaded with Lana to give him something else but she was unmoved. Very grudgingly he picked up the spoon and began trying to eat small bites at a time, trying very hard to ignore the pain in his throat as he did so.
Obi-Wan noticed his master's discomfort and paused in his eating to focus into the Force to shunt some of his master's pain to himself so that Qui- Gon could get the nutrients his body so desperately needed.
Qui-Gon glanced over at his padawan as he continued to eat, noticing that it didn't hurt as much and figuring Obi-Wan was responsible. Thank you, padawan.
Obi-Wan grinned over at him. Anytime, Master. Anytime.He resumed eating himself. After a moment, a large piece of bread soaked in dewback juice floated to Qui-Gon and dropped into the remnants of his soup. Obi-Wan pretended to not notice.
What have I told you before about playing with your food, Padawan?Qui- Gon sent. His eyes were twinkling betraying the seriousness in his tone.
Obi-Wan almost choked on his own food, he was laughing so hard. Lana put her hands on her hips as Kyran laughed and even Sassi found the flying food funny. "Now, look, Obi-Wan....Qui isn't supposed to have too solid of food yet..."
Kyran laid a hand on his wife's arm, still laughing. "Let them be. They're hungry."
Qui-Gon smiled at his friend as he ate his soup. Yes, his padawan would make a fine young knight someday. Risking his life to help those around him and helping others without being asked. He glanced around the room. He truly was among family and he wouldn't rather be anywhere else—even in the Force.